I do love this author’s books and I was delighted to see that she had a new book being released and I jumped at the chance to get my hands on a copy!

I loved this story, it is heart-warming, uplifting and left me with a smile on my face. It was a book I was able to dip in and out of over a couple of days and it was a fantastic way for me to pass a few hours. The writing style was elegant and it flowed so well.

I loved the characters and going back and catching up with people from the previous books was lovely, this is a great addition to the series!

5 stars from me – I adored this book and it has the most gorgeous cover too! Very highly recommended – treat yourself to a copy today!!

This is a continuation of the story of The Cottage on the Hill. You do not need to have read the first book but it helps to have had the backstory of how Seth and Maddie have been renovating the cottages for a retreat. This story is about Megan, an up and coming blacksmith who has entered a competition and is staying in one of the renovated cottages. She apprenticed under her father, as did, Julian. Megan is very talented at her craft and Julian is very jealous of her skills. Meanwhile, while the competition is being held on the grounds of the main house, the staff of Joy’s Acre Farm are the subjects of a documentary being filmed about “farm to table” in an original format. Declan wants to film Clara working in the garden, cleaning and harvesting her produce and then switch to Trixie in the kitchen preparing her masterpieces from those same fruits and vegetables. The book, as its subtitle, “An absolutely gorgeous, feel-good romance novel”, suggests is wonderful. You can just picture the gardens and the cottages. Each of the characters is eccentric in their own way but they are closer than most families. A quote from Agatha, the matriarch of the manor, that I especially liked – “Memories were not things that should be treated like precious ornaments, rarely touched and allowed to gather dust.” I look forward to more from Emma Davies.

4 Feel Good Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Loved returning to the little cottage on the hill! This is such a fun lighthearted series filled with amazing characters... not to mention a beautiful setting, that I would absolutely love to visit one day!

I was really hoping for Trixie to get her HEA in this book... but what I got instead was a lot of fun... Trixie and Clara are starring in a documentary about Joy’s Acre focusing on their contributions of gardening and cooking.... I really love these ladies and the friendship that they have... i’d really love to see these gardens and taste this food....

Megan is the latest visitor to Joy’s Acre... she has come home to see Liam as well as participate in a blacksmith competition... The competition is to create entry gates, I have never given any thought to gate design or blacksmithing before... truly had no idea so much went into it, you learn something new every day! There also was an element of mystery and suspense to this part of the story that was a lovely addition to the book...

This might be my favorite book in the series so far, but I’m still waiting for Trixie to fall in love! A fun heartwarming escape of a read.... this book left me with a smile on my face and a desire to visit... cannot wait for the next book in the series!

Absolutely recommend if you like friendship, romance, a splash of mystery, fabulous food, beautiful gardens, blacksmithing competitions, or just a good book!

*** thank you so much to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***

I absolutely love this series. It's a whole community of friends running a wonderful complex where they are opening beautiful holiday lets and want a community for crafts people. I love the whole friendship and romance themes running through and the feeling that we could sit down and chat to everyone or walk through the grounds and see all the gardens.

There is a blacksmith competition going on and I'd love to watch that going on. I can't wait to see if we return to Joy's acre again!

This is the third book in the Little Cottage series which revolves around the cottage, garden and business at Joy’s Acre. This does work as a stand alone so you can enjoy this book ithout having read the previous two.

I really enjoyed this story. Although it’s meant to be about Megan trying to make a name for herself in the world of blacksmithing I felt she wasn’t in the story a much as the occupants of Joy’s Acre were. I also would have liked more detail about the blacksmithing, perhaps more of the process that Megan was using, to give more of a sense that she was actually creating something made of metal and the amount of effort and skill that requires.

Having said that, as stated previously, I did enjoy the story. There was a real sense of support and warmth in the group of people at Joy’s Acre. They worked together really well and when they had troubles, as everyone does at some point, they felt real and genuine. This story has a bit of everything in it, romance, fame, prejudice, betrayal, theft, reminiscence, bereavement and aging. It’s such an unusual mixture that you could easily think that it won’t work but it does. The main over-riding aspects are friendship and romance and they hold everything together.

There is a sense of place and peacefullness that pervades the whole story despite all the goings-on that take place. It’s a story that you can read fairly quickly but can still remember weeks later, and the strongest memory from it is of that peace and calm that oozed from the pages. If Joy’s Acre was a real place it would be fully booked for years in advance with the number of people who would want to go simply to relax. Unfortunately, however, it doesn’t exist but you can gain the same sense of calm, and escapism, by reading the book instead.

If you want something that will transport you from all of your troubles and cares and wrap you in a warm, comforting hug then this book is exactly what you’re looking for.

This is the third book in the 'Little Cottage' series and the first one I have read. It is standalone and like me, you can start with the last story since the numerous references to the character's back stories will help you get along fabulously. I do have a problem with the cover blurb though. From the abstract, you will get the impression that this is Megan's story, but half of the book revolves around Clara, the cottage's gardener. Megan does have a voice in the beginning, but soon enough Clara takes over that part of the narration too.
One of the major reasons I chose this book is because it features a female blacksmith. I have never seen women in this profession and was surely rooting for Megan throughout the competition. Having no background knowledge of the cottage and its amazing hosts, I was a bit peeved at Clara at the beginning for taking the major chunk of the story . . . but not for long.
Clara is a beautiful character, both inside and out. She is patient and caring which obviously creates a minor disadvantage as with all good-natured people. But the lucky girl has a steadfast protector in Maddie and a great friendship with Trixie. The problems between Clara and Trixie makes it all the more realistic. That shouting scene in the kitchen which shows that Clara can't be bullied is by far my favourite scene. As I have often witnessed and experienced, any problem with our close friends can be solved with a heart to heart talk even if it involves some shrieking and yelling and calling names (No need to panic, Clara didn't rely on the last one). And I haven't forgotten Declan who was an added bonus. But I will wait for you to find out more about him from the book itself.
All in all, this is a delightful read with delicately balanced plot lines that will take you to the beauty and sunshine of the countryside and also to a heart throbbing competition where talents are revealed and unmade.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Bookouture for my unbiased opinion of the book. This is the third book for the Little Cottage on the Hill series. Its a story about local girl Maddie coming home to compete in a large blacksmithing competition, where she is the only women among men. She is also deciding if she and her current boyfriend Liam can make it work now is the same place at the same time. She's clearly the most talented blacksmith there but there is a male rival who tries to undermine her and belittle her. She is the bigger person throughout the competition and learns to stand up for what is right. What I love in the story is the one between the original characters this time focusing on Clara and Trixie. How Joy's Acre is getting popular and now there is a possible cooking garden show in the works featuring them both! When the workload shifts unevenly around to pick up the slack to feature each of them in this new tv show the sparks start to fly between Trixie and Clara. Even stranger is that Agatha over at Summersmeade Hall is being nice to all of them as well as giving Clara a grand tour! Clara may have an admirer to boot! I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next book in the series!!! Emma keep up the great work!!!

In the first two books of the series, we read of how Joy's Acre Farm is growing and how wonderful couples have found love. Here we have Megan Forrester's story. She is a young blacksmith and is visiting the farm in order to compete in a local craft competition. She is taking a risk, because, in so doing, she has to live in a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend Liam. But she can't think of Liam right now, or even the competition. What her initial focus is the sheer fact that she is pretty much starting over.

She couldn't have picked a better place, however. As Megan will soon learn, Joy's Acre is a place of strong friends and a powerful connection. Meanwhile, there is a film crew at the farm producing a documentary. The purpose of the documentary is to show how rural businesses are impacting the small community. This could be a real boon to Joy's Acre. Or it could cause great headaches.

Some of the people we happily remember from previous stories are Clara, Tom, Maddie, Seth and Trixie. They are a fine team that are working together to make Joy's Acre a resounding success, a place where individuals and families alike can take respite. One of the new people on scene is Declan, the head of the production company, and he and Clara take an interest in each other. The problem is timing. How will the two make a go of it? What of Megan and Liam? Will their long-distance relationship survive, especially when the competition that Megan is involved in becomes wrought with problems?

This is the third book that I have read of Emma Davies and each one keeps getting better and better. There is so much warmth and connectivity that it makes me want to spend some time at Joy's Acre. I love the characters, the ongoing storylines and the angst that occurs in the story. There was even a shake-up with a couple of friendships in this book, bringing an extra sense of realism. Yet another reason to enjoy this story.

For an engaging read that brings real warmth, then definitely pick up this book. There is one final book in the series that I am looking forward to, but I know that I will be sad to see it draw to a close. These are books that I'd love to have as paperbacks so I can easily grab them off of the shelf and re-read them.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

'Return to the Little Cottage on the Hill' is book number three in the 'Little Cottage' series, and to be perfectly honest with you all, I don't think I will ever get bored with this series. Selfishly, I wish it would continue as there is just something uber special about all of the characters in this series. This time round however, newcomer, Megan, is the star of the show as she attempts to fulfil her lifelong dream whilst also being faced with a very green competitor. To others, winning the competition would be a lovely thing, but to Megan, winning the competition will set her up for the rest of her life - especially as it will enable her to halt her long distance relationship by turning it into a regular distance one.

Megan may be the star of the show, but as ever, Clara and the rest of the gang make their presence known in a way that made my toes curl with warmth. Don't get me wrong, this book is filled with drama, shattered relationships, newfound irregular heartbeats, and copious amounts of calorific treats, yet all of that makes 'Return to the Little Cottage on the Hill', my most favourite book of the series so far.

It became clear to me early on in the book that the author had written this book from her heart. I mean, you can't just google emotions like the ones conveyed in this book and expect them to come across relatable if you don't truly believe in them. Emma Davies clearly did and that meant that I was also able to believe in the heartache, the raw emotion, the loving relationships as well. Having read the series from the very first book, my opinion of Agatha wasn't very positive. In fact I'd go as far to say that it was highly negative. However, without giving too much away, I will hold my hands up and say that my opinion has completely changed. Funny how things change, isn't it?

This might sound daft, but it made a nice change to see relationships at Joy's Acre turn upside down a little bit. Obviously I don't wish sadness upon anyone, but I couldn't quite help feeling as though the relationships between Maddie, Trixie and co, were too good to be true. Perhaps that's even jealously on my part having never had such a close-knit bond like that before. Either way, the fact that several of the characters ended up being at loggerheads made their bond a lot more realistic and very relatable.

Like I said above, 'Return to the Little Cottage on the Hill' is my most favourite book of the series. I felt the warmth from the authors words. I felt the hugs being transferred between the words. But, most importantly, I felt the peace fall down over Joy's Acre. None of that would have been possible if Emma Davies hadn't believed in her characters, her storyline, or her words.

Full of warmth, love and a constant bought of hunger, 'Return to the Little Cottage on the Hill' is beautifully written, compassionate, and a book that can hug you from the inside out. Perfection.

This is the first book I have read by Emma Davies and I can confirm that she will be an author I look out for in the future, I realise that I am rather late to the party because this is the third in The Little Cottage Series, but if the other books are anything like this little gem I will be catching up soon.

It was the stunning cover which attracted my attention, the beautiful chocolate box cottage with it's glorious thatched roof and the garden overflowing with pretty flowers. When I saw that it was a 'feel good' novel I just couldn't wait to see what there was in store.

The main characters are Maddie, Seth, Trixie, Tom, and Clara the crew who make the magic happen at Joy's Acre. They are all incredibly warm and good-hearted souls. I just wish the holiday cottages were real because I would love to stay there, walk around the garden and sample Trixie's delicious home cooking.

We are introduced to Megan who returns home to Shropshire to take part in a craft competition. She has worked tirelessly for her blacksmith apprenticeship, possibly to the detriment of her relationship with boyfriend, Liam. Meanwhile, a television series is being filmed at Joy's Acre and the arrival of the handsome Declan turns one of the girl's heads!

This was an easy read but the characters, location and storyline make it a book which is hard to put down. Emma Davies writing flows beautifully and she knows just how to put the right amount of secrets and suspense into the story. I can't wait to visit the cottages and residents of Joy Acres again.

Don’t you just love that warm, cosy feeling that you get when you arrive home after a long day? This is exactly how I felt upon returning to Joy Acres with the most wonderful set of characters that I’ve had the pleasure of reading about, I was home. I absolutely love this series by Emma, just everything about it is brilliant and it gives me the warm fuzzy feeling whilst reading.

This is the third book in the series but they can be read as standalones. I’d recommend starting from the beginning though as they are utterly fantastic. This book focuses on not only Megan which is mentioned in the blurb but also Clara has more of a leading role. I loved getting to know Clara more and of course follow her in romance which was very heart-warming. Megan was an interesting character, I was fascinated over the blacksmithing contest she was competing in as it was something I knew nothing about.

Emma’s writing is as wonderful as ever, right from the first page I knew I was back in comforting arms. I gave a big sigh, made a hot chocolate and settled down for the afternoon.

As the series progresses I just love getting to know the characters more and also seeing how far Joy Acres has come since the beginning. The way Emma writes about Joy Acres it makes it seem like a real place, I would definitely come and stay especially with all that yummy food on offer!

Return to the Little Cottage on the Hill is the perfect addition to this series, it’s heart-warming, enjoyable and is all written in Emma’s brilliant writing style. So grab yourself a drink, put your feet up and escape into the wonderful world at Joy Acres.

We return to the little cottage on the hill with Megan, Seth, Trixie, Liam, Maddie and Clara . A tv crew, a blacksmithing competition, paying guests and a house and garden as well as food to prepare daily. What could possibly go wrong? A story of life with its ups and downs, of friendships which also have their moments and of bonds that hold the world together. A book that takes you into the heart of things from the word go. This is the second in the series and to know the characters and background it is best having read the first one. Why miss out on another wonderful read? As with the first book this is an uplifting read to make you smile along the way. A wonderful easy, holiday read.
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This book follows the trials and of the characters that live and work at Joys Acre, focussing on Megan who has returned home to compete in a local craft competition.

Before reading this, I had a look on Amazon and saw there were two other books set at the Little Cottage on the Hill. I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy this book as much as I would’ve if I’d read the previous two books but that wasn’t the case. Through the authors beautiful, descriptive writing, I was totally drawn into life at Joys Acre and it left me wanting to read more. The characters are all so different yet all so endearing (apart from Julian!). This book is an absolute delight and is very engaging - I couldn’t put it down! I will definitely be reading more by this author.

It’s a pleasure to return to Joy’s Acre and find out what they’re all getting up to – one thing’s for sure, life there is never dull . . .

As we catch up with Sean, Maddie, Clara, Tom and Trixie we meet the latest guests to arrive in the two completed cottages. With work continuing and autumn closing in, there is so much going on! One of the cottage occupants, Megan, is a local who is there to compete in a craft competition and soon finds herself with plenty of support. But is there something underhand going on?

Emma Davies’ writing is glorious; smooth flowing, intertwining several storylines and growing her characters with each book. Everyone has their own thing going on, and work is as busy as ever but it’s only a matter of time until something upsets the rhythm of life. How will they deal with that? Will their harmony be lost forever? This group work well as a team and always look out for each other, but how can they overcome the latest problems thrown in their path, and will their easy friendships ever resume?

This author writes so well, it’s such a pleasure to have her novels on my reading list. The characters really do come alive on the page and this series always leaves me with fabulous images of the area it is set in as it moves through the season with plenty of food for thought whilst answering all the questions arising, leaving Joy’s Acre ripe for another instalment. Can’t wait! A special mention has to go to the wonderful covers for this series .. I can feel them drawing me in. A well-earned five stars from me.

My thanks to publisher Bookouture for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

Another wonderful addition to the series, with a host of new characters and relationships to enjoy. There was a lot going on in this story and I found the storyline of this one didn't quite grab me as much as the previous two, but a very enjoyable read, nevertheless!

Joy's Acre is coming together with another cottage nearly complete when Megan comes to stay to take part in the blacksmiths championship at the Manor. Not all goes well with the competition though as her odious rival Julian is keen to put her down at ever opportunity........ but what lengths will he go to to actually win? Meanwhile a film crew arrive at Joy's Acre to make a documentary with Clara and Trixie but will it be plain sailing or will Clara be more interested in Declan than the filming!

Great to be back with the crew for another story and with some new characters to add to the mix. I love this series and hope there will be more to follow

A sweet tale weaving all the familiar characters with that of blacksmith Megan - a local girl who’s come back to take part in a prestigious competition

Cue the usual mishaps and misunderstandings combined with a flavour of friendship and building something special. It all combines into a lovely summery read that warms the heart

Whilst this could be read as a standalone, it’s probably best to read as part of the series so that you get the full insight into the back stories of Seth, Mandie, Cara, Trixie and Tom.

A really lovely tale 4.5* which also provided a good insight into the skills of blacksmiths

Picking up a book in this series is a little like coming home. Well, for me Shropshire is home, so there is that, but the characters are so familiar and the feeling you get from reading is one so warm and cosy that it is like being with close friends. The fact that you're allowed into their inner circle, even as a voyeur of sorts, makes it all the more special. Each book has detailed the story of one or more of the characters, let you know that little bit more about each of them, and this time around it is Clara we get to spend more time with, and what a wonderful time it is too.

It is time for the local Blacksmith's competition, and one of the guests at Joy's Acre is a former local woman, determined to make her mark in a male dominated field. Now, having come from a Logistics background, there is something faintly familiar for me in that tale, but that's an entirely different story. It did mean that I was able to identify with Megan quite quickly, although thankfully have never faced the level of prejudice that she finds from certain factors around the competition. Add in the personal confusion she is feeling over her long distance relationship with Liam, an unhealthy dose of cheating and sabotage and hers seems and almost impossible dream. But then she didn't count of the magic of Joy's Acre where nothing is impossible.

It's not all plain sailing over at the cottage though. A film crew wants to make a documentary series around the garden and kitchens of Joy's Acre with Clara and Trixie as the stars. Trixie is delighted, Clara less so. But this could be the making of Joy's Acre, allowing them to finish the renovations which are so needed and Clara has a knack for putting others before herself. There may be one small plus for her though as Producer Declan seems to have his eye on more than just the perfect TV show.

I love the characters that Emma Davies has created throughout this series. Each of them is unique and in some cases, like Trixie, quite quirky, but together they make a formidable whole. It is the kind of friendship circle you would love to be apart of. People who just understand each other and would do anything to help. Clara is an especially wonderful character and I loved getting to know her more, her strength and her vulnerabilities. There were times when I wished she would speak up more but she is just so giving and the story was so true to her character that it made the time just fly by.

Megan is another great character. Strong and resilient, she is still full of self doubt too, but supported by the folk of Joy's Acre she has all that she needs to succeed. There are some lovely and romantic moments in the story, both for Megan and Clara, as well as those times of misunderstanding where all could so easily be lost. We even see another side to Seth's Grandmother-In-Law Agatha too, a surprising one that shows every one has a story.

Emma Davies achieves the perfect balance between things being too easy or being so hard that the obstacles cannot be overcome. But most of all she creates and absorbing story full of engaging and wonderful characters that takes you away from the everyday. I'm lucky enough to have the Shropshire Hills practically on my doorstep and I can say that she has captured the tranquility of the setting perfectly. I only wish Joy's Acre was real - I'd be highly tempted to book myself in for a secluded break away. Might have to step away from Trixie's cakes though. It would take more than a simple walk/jog/run up a hill to counteract all that much sugary goodness.

By the way - where's that cook book?

*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

It’s a return to a wonderful series and some great characters. This time we follow Megan’s and Liam’s story, but for me Clara was the main character. It’s her turn to find love and happiness.

Of course Megan plays a very important role in the storyline too and a lot of drama is added through that.

A TV producer comes to town and wants to turn part of his cooking and gardening show there. Well, let’s just say that he was very interesting.

Some chapters focused on Clara and some on Megan and some kind of on both. I found that a bit confusing and it made the storyline a little choppy.

It was lovely being back with these characters and in this gorgeous setting.

The setting of the book is beautiful, it came to life through Emma Davies' writing. Her writing is engaging, sweet, funny, fresh and lively.

The story is about love, secrets, passion, strength, firendship and romance.

Return to the Little Cottage on the Hill is the third book in Emma Davies’ Little Cottage on the Hill series. It is late summer/early fall. Two of the cottages are completed and new visitors are arriving. In one Cottage is a young family that is there to rest and regroup. The story sees little of them.

In the other cottage is local girl Megan Forrester who has returned to her hometown to participate in a local blacksmithing competition, the only woman in the field of competitors. As such, she is accepted, even encouraged, by most except for Julian Bamford, who also apprenticed with her father. Julian does all he can to unnerve Megan and to subvert her efforts.

While the Joy’s Acre crew is instrumental in running the competition at neighboring Summersmeade Hall, they are also in a precarious position as documentary producer Declan Connolly approaches them to participate in a direct garden to table show which would showcase Clara’s garden and Trixie’s cuisine.

Between the two simultaneous occurrences there are hardships amongst the folks of Joy’s Acre, but there is also burgeoning romance and surprising turns of events.

As with the first two novels, this is a well plotted tale with rich characters and lush landscapes. The personal stories are complex and heartwarming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have all in this series.