The Blurb :
Caroline Hemingway can't help but feel a little strange watching her ex sister-in-law marrying the owner of Carter's Cider Farm, but she's delighted Anna's found happiness after the death of her late husband, and Caroline's brother, James. If only Caroline could find her own love story...
Desperate to escape the rat race, Caroline decides to take the plunge and move to the idyllic village of Little Somerby, where she is given the task of opening and running a restaurant in one of the forgotten barns on the Cider Farm.
Opening and running The Cider Kitchen is no easy task, and there are many challenges on the way, but slowly Caroline feels she's being accepted into the local community, and starts to believe she may have found her forever home. But secrets from her past seem destined to haunt her, and not even the attentions of the very dishy Jonathan Carter can distract her from all she's left behind...

My Thoughts :
This is the second book in the Little Somerby Series. You dont need to of read book one to follow the storyline but its better as you are in tune with a lot of the charactors that appear in the second one.
Caroline Hemingway, attends the wedding of her ex-sister in law, Anna. As awkward as it may seem, Caroline is delighted that Anna has found happiness again after James died, James was the brother of Caroline. At the wedding Caroline ends up having a one night stand with Jonathan Carter, who just also happens to be Anna’s new Brother in law.
Learning that the family own a cider farm, Jonathan persuades Caroline to stay on in the village and become the manager of the restaurant they are due to open.
Caroline’s agrees to stay on amd make some changes in her life and as she settles in to her new life, will the past come back to haunt her?.
We focus on parts of Caroline and Jonathan’s will they, wont they relationship. And at times its frustrating with secrets being held back and them not getting far but it was lovely to be back with familiar charactors and the beautiful setting that is Little Somerby.
I must admit I was more invested in book one and the story of Anna and Matthew but still a great second book in the series from Fay Keenan.

Caroline Hemingway is glad to get away from her past by moving to Little Somerby where she will be near her niece and her sister-in-law. She has been offered the chance to bring to life the idea of a restaurant, which will showcase local ingredients and particularly cider from Carters farm. Its hard work and she is trying not to be distracted by her boss, Jonathan Carter. There was a lot of detail about day to day life and I could tell that I was missing out as I hadn’t read the first book. However, I didn’t particularly like the personality of the main character and the way the plot unfolded hence the reduced rating.

My Rating:
3.5
Favorite Quotes:

You really don’t read anything except women’s phone numbers, do you?

…I stopped being a child, and started realising that not everyone is a hero and not everyone is a bad guy. We’re all shades of both and everything in between.

I’ve never liked having my space invaded, and you’re like wood smoke; I can smell you even when you’re not there, I’m aware of your presence hours after you’ve left.

My Review:

While it was not necessary to read the first book in the series prior to picking this one up, it would most likely endear you more toward the additional characters. The main characters of this book were struggling with their identities and careers and combative with each other, hence, book two definitely had a heavier emotional tone and a much higher level of tension and angst than the previous book, which left me feeling less engaged as angst is not among my favorite things. The plot was slow to develop and the characters were difficult for me to embrace and/or appreciate, as many of their difficulties and issues were generally self-inflicted, although I was far more sympathetic towards them as I neared the book’s conclusion. I greatly enjoyed and looked forward to the chapters including or featuring the ongoing story threads of Anna and Matthew which carried over from the first book, as I adored them both.

Caroline had a prickly and difficult personality, she was a redhead with the temper to match and the cocky Jonathan appeared to spark it all too easily. Jonathan won me over with the touching and thoughtful eulogy he presented at his father’s funeral, it squeezed my cold heart. I happily gleaned some additions for my Brit Word List with the new entries of twee – which Mr. Google told me meant excessively or affectedly quaint or pretty; and kitted out – which Americans would probably say as outfitted with. It is always a pleasing thought to be able to say I've learned something new for the day, even when reading fiction.

I really enjoyed this book, the story is not overly complicated and after some of the books I have read lately it was exactly what I needed to start off 2018 with!

I liked the characters and the writing style used for their different personalities in the book as great, I really did feel like I was there with them at times.

A really pleasant read that I have already recommended to my mum for her upcoming holiday – 4 stars from me for this one – definitely a book I’d recommend!

Opening with the wedding of Anna and Matthew, Caroline is in tumult. Her brother’s widow is remarrying, making the day painful and emotionally trying. She’s happy for Anna, and thrilled to have time with her niece Emma, but the juxtaposition of Anna’s ability to move forward in her life contrasted with her own uncertainty about her future have her in a knot of mixed emotions. Matthew’s best man and brother Jonathan is instantly in-tune to her – and while well-informed about his past and player history, she’s intrigued. Even more intriguing as she’s looking for a new direction to use her skills as an events organizer is the possibility of the Cider Kitchen. A new offering from the Carters, the restaurant is shortly to open and in need of a manager.

Jonathan is finally back in Little Somersby, living in his father’s house as a sort of roommate / caretaker as Jack isn’t in the best of health. The tumult in the family because of his own bad behaviors is settling – and he’s working (or trying to) side by side with Matthew to run the business. He’s always been one with a list of women on speed dial – with dates, flirting and more than a few conquests: yet none have stuck. He can’t quite figure out Caroline or why he can’t forget her after their night together – and he’s using his position as a family member and her boss to consistently insinuate himself into her presence.

Oh with the back and forth here! Caroline is drawn to Jonathan despite her determination (and hedgehog-like prickles) to keep herself removed. With the restaurant to focus on, and her growing friendship with Matthew’s daughter Meredith, more time with her niece Emma, and then her past resurfacing – there are plenty of elements playing into this story and keep it moving forward. With more twists, a few moments of utter uncertainty, loss and joys – the story is engaging and easy to connect to with characters that stick in your mind.

What Keenan has done here is crafted a family story that is also one of love, life and possibility. Full of challenges, forgiveness, anger and a few moments of outright small-village fun, games and camaraderie; Little Somersby is a place that welcomes visitors – even if residents have to work a bit to find their place.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9zs/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I am a huge fan of this series so I was extremely thrilled to read this next book and it did not disappoint!

The cover caught my eye straight away, it is so beautiful. The colours and everything is just perfect!

It was so good to start the book where the first one left off so we haven't missed much and it made it so easy to read as I was already familiar with the characters.

Caroline is the main character this time, and she is welcomed to the village by all the characters and she was given the opportunity to run the new restaurant that the carters are opening and start a fresh new life. Though its clear shes hiding something especially when a stranger turns up.

I loved the sexual chemistry between Jonathan and Caroline and I was begging them to get together as they are so perfect together!

I enjoyed seeing Anna and Matthews life progress and them welcoming their little baby.

Absolutely loved this book, so so enjoyable and really makes you feel happy!

Don't be fooled by the rocks that I got.....

Oops, sorry...wrong thing.

Do not be fooled by the colourful and refreshing book cover. If you're looking at it now thinking that the storyline is just going to be 'yet another love story' or 'predictable', then you will be one hundred percent wrong. Well, I think you would be anyway.

I did something I don't usually do before reading a new book, and that was read some of the reviews on Goodreads. At first it wasn't intentional, but, seeing as I was on there anyway to put the book as my 'currently reading', I couldn't help but notice what the average rating was sitting at. Before anyone says anything, I know - everyone is entitled to their opinion, but, thinking about some of those reviews AFTER I had finished read it, I couldn't help but wonder if I had actually read the same book as them because I certainly  didn't think it was low!

There is a lot more to 'Springtime at the Cider Kitchen' that meets the eye! The storyline isn't all fluffy and predictable. It's more intense, addictive and unbelievably heart-warming. I used to think that 'knights in shining armour' were for fairy tales, especially as I have always expected mine to turn up in Tesco basics tinfoil! However, after the whole 'knight' situation was brought to my attention in this book, I had to cross my fingers that knights were as amazing as the one which Fay Keenan crafted. Only time will tell!

As I'm sure you have worked it out by now, there is a cider theme throughout the book. If you know (or are a fan of) cider, you'll love the attention to detail which comes with the cider territory in this book. If, like me, you can't stand cider and think that the only thing apples should be made into is a pie, do not fret - you don't have to be a cider connoisseur to appreciate the characters and their lifestyles. Hell, Caroline has enough of her own dramas to steer you away from thinking about cider!

I really enjoyed the rollercoaster ride which the author took me on from start to finish. The levels of emotion pouring out multiple characters were incredibly well thought out, raw, and very, very intense. It was those moments during the book where I felt the storyline come alive. I don't think I will be forgetting Caroline or her situation in a hurry, that's for sure.

A gritty, heart-warming, and memorable book from the delightful, Fay Keenan. 'Springtime at the Cider Kitchen' left me with a smile on my face and hope in my heart - you can't really ask for more than that from a book, now can you? A truly wonderful addition to the 'Little Somerby' series.

This was a lovely follow up book that could also stand alone. Nice to meet the same characters again in different circumstances, showing how people change for the better inspite of difficult odds.

Don't be fooled by the cute cover; this story is not a feel-good romantic romp in the countryside or a heartwarming romance. The main characters are edgy and self-indulgent. Realistic but not easy to empathise with.
This was my first excursion into Little Somerby, and I didn't need to read the first book in the series to understand the setting and characters of this one. Although, Anna and Matthew are easier to like than Caroline and Jonathan.
The first couple of chapters peaked my interest, and I found I wanted to see what happened to Caroline and Jonathan after their initial encounter. However, they are both such self-absorbed, spiky characters that I can't honestly say I cared whether they got their happy ever or not.
Even though I didn't like the main characters, I still found the story interesting, it was for the most part well-paced, and the plot held my interest.
An original take on village life and new beginnings with a good cast of supporting characters.
I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Springtime At The Cider Kitchen, the a story of second chances, family, and dark secrets.

We start the book meeting Caroline Hemingway, and she is in the unusual position of being at her late brother's wife wedding! But little did she know that being there would lead to a who change in her life, when she is offered the job of running the new restaurant for her ex sister-in-law's new family! Or that she would end up in bed with Jonathan Carter, the man who later would become her boss.

So after escaping the rat race, Caroline is happy to settle in to life in Little Somerby, and working for the Carter's of Cider Farm. But just when everything is going so well for her, someone comes back into her life, and tries to destroy her!

When I settled down to read Springtime in the Cider Kitchen I was excited, being a British ex-pat, I love to read books from British authors, I think it's because they relate better to the locations their books are set in, the intricate mannerisms the only people who live in that country will fully understand. And I will say that the author Fay Keenan definitely has that. And for most of the book, everything flowed nicely...then Bam! A sort of crazy plotline, when nothing is really explained in detail, and goes just a little haywire! And for me that spoiled the book a little; as I was working my way through one emotionally charged situation, another 2 get shoved on top all at once, and it all got a little confusing.

Overall they book was good, but it didn't need all of that drama! I give Springtime At The Cider Kitchen 4 stars

I wasn't a fan of this story. The pace was dragged out and the story seemed to be forced out of the characters.

This is a really lovely read with plenty going on .. family happenings, an established business and a fledgling one, a new career with a shadow from the past in the background and two people trying to ignore their magnetic attraction.

Beginning with a wedding, this story lulls you into a false sense of security but there is plenty of drama to follow! Getting a new business off the ground creates stress at the best of times .. add in a professional but determined new manager and an owner who can't keep his nose out and you get plenty of fireworks. I love the characters, especially the children, all beautifully and realistically created. I didn't realise this was a sequel until I was near the end but this is a solid stand-alone story, and a very heart-warming and entertaining one at that!

I certainly regret not reading the first in series, but should there be any more - and I hope there are - I will make sure I don't miss out! The only niggle I have - as a Scot - is the spelling of whiskey with an 'e', but that's just a personal preference.

My thanks to publishers Aria for approving my copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

I was looking forward to reading this book it didn't disappoint I liked all the characters there was a lot more discription in this one the story just flowed I would of liked a bit more of the story to be about the main characters.

This was a very superficial read, I felt that the characters were friends with benefits at best.I never saw a proposal l coming because there was no romance. And this is a romantic book. This truly lost me. the secrets that Caroline was keeping led to her almost ending up in jail. Where she would have been if this was actual reality. So now she's engaged and all her crimes just poof and disappear.

I had read the first book in the series and had high hopes for the second one. 

Caroline is invited to her former sister-in-law's wedding. Caroline has mixed feelings about it but for Anna and her niece, she comes. Having no intention of staying.

But when an opportunity to use her skills as an event planner pops up, she makes a year commitment to stay and run the new Cider Kitchen.

I found neither Caroline or Jonathan sympathetic characters. There was no romance between them and it seemed to me it was just a few rolls in the hay. And the secrets that Caroline was keeping led to her almost ending up in jail. Where she would have been if this was reality. 

However, instead, Jonathan proposes. Where did that come from? And Caroline gets her crime swept under the rug and says yes. 

It was very superficial.

Thank you Netgalley/Atria

What a great feel good, squishy feeling book to read. Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher. Loved it

The second book in this series set on a cider farm in Somerset. A story about trust and family, but also facing up to the past.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the Publishers, Aria for this review copy, given in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Melanie from Aria for organising the blog tour.

This is book #2 of the Little Somerby Series. I didn’t realise when I started to read it that it was part of a series, but to be honest you could read this as a standalone novel.

It begins with Caroline attending the wedding of her ex-sister in law, Anna. Awkward you may think, but Caroline is happy that Anna found happiness following the death of Caroline’s brother James. Whilst at the wedding, she meets (and ends up having a one-night stand with) Anna’s new brother in law, Jonathan Carter. The Carter family have a well-established business of a cider farm, and Jonathan persuades Caroline to stay in the village and become their new manager of a restaurant they are opening.

The setting of the book was wonderful. You couldn’t help but get drawn into the village life, particularly with a glass of cider thrown in. Obviously the story line for this book focusses around Caroline and Jonathan and there is a lot of “will they-won’t they” with regards to their relationship. I also liked the characters of Anna and her new husband Matthew, and will definitely have to go back to the first book of the series to read their story from the beginning.

The story isn’t your typical ‘chick-lit’ type of book. It was quite emotional at times, and I did feel for some of the characters at times such as Caroline and Anna, particularly for their loss of James, Caroline’s brother and Anna’s husband. The cover of the book was particularly enticing with a fresh springtime feel, and whilst it was definitely unseasonal reading this book whilst there was snow on the ground, it is definitely a book that could be read at any time.

My first Fay Keenan book, and definitely won’t be my last!

As soon as I started reading this book I realised it was set around my old stomping ground, I recognised so many places from the descriptions so it made the book all the more enjoyable as I could imagine the places. A real feel good read, with a happy ending.

This was a strange story.
The situations the characters find themselves in were far from realistic and there was very little romance between the two main characters.
It was well written but overall just lacked depth.