Cover Image: Hattie's Home for Broken Hearts

Hattie's Home for Broken Hearts

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Hattie was once thrilled to call the beautiful city of Paris her home. But when her heart is broken by her boyfriend and she loses her dream job, she bids farewell to the city of love and hurries home to Gillypuddle, a sleepy village on the Dorset coast. But as she returns home she finds her parents struggling to cope with a terrible family tragedy.

In a desperate search for a new start, Hattie takes a job at the donkey sanctuary nearby on Sweet Briar Farm where Jo, the taciturn owner, certainly loves her animals far more than humans. Hattie can’t help but fall in love with the donkeys (and the opportunity to get close to dreamy Canadian vet Seth) but Jo is harder to get to know and when she finds her boss sobbing in her sleep one stormy night, she knows that her new friend is hiding a dark secret.

And when handsome newspaper reporter Owen does some digging into Jo’s past he finds something that connects her to Hattie on a whole new level. Can Hattie trust what Owen says, especially when he seems intent on standing in the way of her blossoming romance with Seth? And can Hattie help Jo to start healing and the donkeys of Sweet Briar Farm?

This was a sweet and beautiful story!

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I thought this was going to be typical British rom com/chick lit - and I was looking forward to it - but this book had more substance than I expected. Hattie doesn’t have a clear direction in life and so comes “home” to move in with mum and dad until she figures out next steps. I loved that her next steps were connected with the new lady up on the hill - the lady that keeps to herself and no one likes. And it wasn’t unexpected, because Hattie is that kind of gal who treats people well.... even when they don’t deserve it (ahem, reporter boy). Hattie’s immaturity at some points did annoy me, but her big heart redeemed her. This book showed that connections with others are the key to making the world go round.
NetGalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I'm a sucker for a donkey story and these gorgeous animals were the stars of the show, in my opinion - so much so, that I actually cried at one point (warning - you might want to have some tissues ready).

To be honest, my sympathies for most of the book lay with Hattie's parents. Hattie seemed to lurch from one job opportunity to another, not seeming to settle on anything. I can see why they despaired of her. I can also see where Hattie was coming from, too, as she tried to find her way in the world. It's not often someone discovers what they want to do with their life straight off the bat. Hattie, however, does seem rather more fickle and flighty than most. I did like her, though, and was glad she found her calling.

There were two love interests in Hattie's life, and I felt that one of them (the wrong one) was focussed on to the detriment of the other, which made the final get-together with Seth (hey, that's hardly a spoiler, now is it?) rather rushed. The story goes from a crisis which has nothing to do with the relationship between the pair, to a kind of epilogue where they are suddenly together and everything is rosy. I felt as though someone had fast-forwarded it to the last scene, and I'd missed a few vital ones along the way.

Nevertheless, it's a gentle, heartwarming read with a suitable ahhh at the end.

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Hattie lived in Paris but had her heart broken and decides to return to Dorset. She ends up working in a donkey sanctuary.

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Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this Arc.
I love Tilly Tennant. I have read every one of her books and she never fails to deliver.
This is a really feel good and sweet story. But it also deals with grief and the effects of loss. I would highly recommend it.

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Lovely feel good story. It was well written and flowed well. Easy to read and hard to put down. Perfect on these summer nights

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Hattie is in her mid twenties and still hasn’t found a career or partner to settle down with. After her sister’s death over 10 years ago she feels she is a let down to her parents. Moving from one disaster job to another, her latest job working on a donkey sanctuary doesn’t seem much better. Throw into the mix an abrupt boss, an interesting vet and a smooth talking journalist and it makes for an entertaining read. Tilly Tennant always manages to write plenty of depth into her characters and stories. There is a great mix of easy reading, emotional scenes and a few laugh out loud moments.
Thanks to Tilly Tennant and Netgalley for the e book copy.

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The story begins with Hattie, who is living in Paris, but everything in her life is just not going to plan after the loss of her dream job compiled with a broken heart.. After constantly thinking about her home, Hattie decides it’s time to leave Paris and books a flight to get back to her parents’ home in Gillypuddle.

When Hattie returns home, her father was a less than inviting (the result of a tragedy that has left her relationship with her parents strained), which definitely dampened the mood of her homecoming. Nevertheless, in desperate search of a job, Hattie learns that the local donkey sanctuary Sweet Briar Farm has an opening. Even though Hattie is inexperienced and Jo is essentially a hermit, she takes on the position aware that she’s definitely got her work cut out for her.

Prior to reading this book, I never ever considered the idea of wanting a donkey, but I have to admit that it is definitely on my mind. I loved the donkeys in this book! Each one of them had their own relationship with Hattie as well as personality. It was pretty incredible to see.

I really enjoyed watching Hattie take on life at Sweet Briar Farm even though everyone (including myself at times) didn’t think that it would be worth the stress. I definitely admired Hattie for rising to the task when no one else would, especially when it came to getting Jo to finally come out of her shell.

Overall, this is a wonderful story that really focuses on the hardships that people endure in life and the necessary (even if they are painful) steps to take in order to strive for a life of growth afterwards.

Thank you to Bookouture for the tour invitation and providing an eARC via NetGalley. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

Link to blog post: https://thereadingchemist.com/2019/07/14/book-review-blog-tour-hatties-home-for-broke-hearts-by-tilly-tennant/

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A cute story of opposites attracting and all of the fun people who come into our lives. Fun story, fun characters.

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Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Hattie returns from Paris after ruining her dream job.
She returns home to her parents and lives in the shadows of her sisters memory convinced that her parents think she is a disappointment.
Hattie stumbles upon a donkey sanctuary whilst out for a walk, she accepts a job with Jo Flint the owner who keeps herself to herself.
She finds out both her and Jo are suffering from broken hearts, how can Hattie help them both.

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A truly and gorgeous fun read that left me smiling. I fell in love with this book instantly and loved my visit to Gillypuddle.....I mean even the name warmed my heart and the story did not disappoint.

Hattie is a loveable character who hasn't travelled the easiest of roads that life could bring. I felt she was an instant success as far as leading ladies go and I was immersed in the journey we were travelling on. This journey took in donkeys, a rat bag boyfriend, a smouldering Canadian vet, a cantankerous sanctuary owner and a heartbreaking history and I loved every minute of it.

The writing was warm and inviting as I have come to expect from a Tilly Tennant book. The narrative ebbed and flowed with writing filled with heart and love and I was hooked from start to finish. Hattie's Home for Broken Hearts is an entertaining and heart warming mix that is not to be missed.

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A big thank you to Noelle at Bookouture and NetGalley for issuing me with my review copy of the book and for inviting me to take part on the blog tour.

Ohhh how I love a new Tilly Tennant book. I am always guaranteed to love it and become so swept up in the storyline that I forget about anything I am supposed to be doing! Set in the absolutely delightful sounding village of Gillypuddle on the Dorset coast, I was immediately hooked!

We follow Hattie who after returning home from her ‘perfect’ job in Paris, tries to get used to the more sedate life in her sleepy village following her busy and stressful fashion job. With jobs quite thin on the ground, she eventually finds work at the newly converted donkey sanctuary run and owned by the formidable Jo and moves into the farm. We slowly learn that things weren’t perfect in Paris or at home for Hattie following the death of her younger sister some years ago. Almost living in the shadow of her perfect sister, Hattie is determined to become her own person whilst also finding her way in the world. She tends to flit from job to job whilst trying to show her parents that she isn’t her sister despite them trying to mould her that way.

Leaving home is definitely the best thing for Hattie and we slowly watch her transform into a confident woman who becomes attached the donkey sanctuary and comes up with a brilliant idea of how to keep it open. Despite Jo being quite a prickly character, Hattie is determined to show the village that Jo is well meaning despite them thinking she is aloof and rude (she is!)

Tilly has written another 5 star read for me, the characters are well written with some gripping back stories. I quickly become attached to the donkeys especially Norbert and loved the little touches that the author came up with so we could see the donkeys different personalities!

Highly recommended from me!

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The synopsis of this book was so inviting for me … a Dorset coastal village, a donkey sanctuary, and a hunky vet,.. possibly all of my fantasies in one book! I dived in expecting a damn good read but I got far, far more.

Hattie returns to Gillypuddle under a cloud. Her job in Paris hasn’t worked out so she must return to the disapproving sighs of her high achieving parents, with just a couple of suitcases to her name. The only job available to her isn’t exactly appealing, it is working long hours in a donkey sanctuary with a disgruntled boss on minimum wage. However, Hattie can’t pick and choose so she embraces the job offer and sets her heart on putting Sweet Briar Farm Donkey Sanctuary firmly on the map.

The remote farm houses a handful of rescued and retired donkeys, all with individual characters. The owner Jo is aloof and uncommunicative. She has gained a bad reputation with the villagers, but Hattie sees a softer side, especially when she is around her beloved donkeys. Hattie knows that the farm would attract visitors if opened to the public but Jo is totally against the idea. However, with vet bills mounting something has to be done.

I loved Hatties ‘can-do’ attitude and how she refused to listen to village gossip. Her happy, unjudgmental personality was so refreshing, especially as she hid a heartbreak too inconceivable to contemplate.

If donkeys alone aren’t enchanting enough there are loads of adorable children too, namely Sunshine, Rain, Ocean and Daffodil who belong to Hattie’s best friend Melinda. There’s also a Canadian vet called Seth who is not only handsome but has a really big heart.

I loved everything about this book, it put a huge tick in all my boxes. Just one criticism…… it had to come to an end!

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** spoiler alert ** Never thought I'd say love and donkeys in one sentence but this is what this book is all about. Hattie finds herself in a donkey sanctuary working with a cranky boss after a disastrous stint in Paris. But she finds her niche in Sweet Briar. I was honestly wondering if this was an LBTG story with Hattie and Jo, but no, it's not about that with them.

Hattie is sweet and lucky to have parents (though it doesn't seem that way at the start, though really, when does it ever seem that way) who supported and love her. Despite them trying to control her, though you can't really blame them. Hmm, and I was kinda suspicious about Owen. The signs were there!! And of course there was more to Jo than just her less than charming personality. At the end, however, there should've been another chapter or even a few paragraphs about how Jo is doing and what Hattie (and maybe Seth) are doing to help her. And another few paragraphs on Seth and Hattie too.

I'm not fond of the title as it seems that only Jo and Hattie were nursing broken hearts and Sweet Briar isn't Hattie's. Have the word donkeys in the title won't work either... Hahaha. Oh well.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the copy of the book!

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Hattie’s always flown by the seat of her pants. She left for Paris on a whim, at the suggestion of a flaky boyfriend. Now, she’s left Paris and headed back to Gillypuddle, England leaving a tiny trail of destruction in her wake. It always seems a little easier to run from her problems than to stick around and fix them.

So, when she shows up at her parent’s doorstep, they’re equal parts surprised and not. They think she’s ready to listen to reason, go back and finish her education, and find a real job. So when Hattie takes a job at the local curmudgeon’s donkey rescue sanctuary, Sweet Briar Farm, they’re disappointed once again.

But Hattie is ready to prove everyone wrong. She thinks there is more to Sweet Briar Farm’s owner, Jo Flint, than being antisocial and gruff. Surely anyone who cares enough about unwanted donkeys and chickens has a heart. Plus, the handsome new veterinarian that’s always checking on the animals is quite a perk.

Even through the routine of farm life, Hattie’s managed to mix everything up again. Will she meet everyone’s expectations of failure or surpass them?

This was a cute story that will resonate with animal lovers. I never knew donkeys could be so sweet and likable! Its characters are complex and relatable and will have you cheering for their success and happiness. It’s not a fast-paced or action-packed read, but it’s perfect for a vacation read (or a weekend in).

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Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via netgalley. I am a big fan of Tilly's work and I was very excited to start this one.

Hattie Rose has just returned home from Paris. Her parents seem less than happy to have her home and want to push their own agenda on her almost immediately. I felt sorry for Hattie I really did. The constant comparison to her sister and her parents being so academic it must have been so hard for her. Hattie is a good person, she is instantly likeable and you really root for her.

Hattie goes to work for Jo, The owner of Sweet Briar Farm. Jo is running what starts as a donkey sanctuary but really its a sanctuary for all, humans and animals alike.

I really loved this book. I fell in love with the donkeys as quickly as Hattie did! They are amazing creatures and I fell for them hook line and sinker. I loved their different personalities, their different quirks.

This book is about so much more than romance and I think that is why I loved it so much. Don't get me wrong I love a romance book but I also love a book about real life and the issues that come with it. This book deals with grief, loss, loneliness and family. On top of all that Tilly sneaks in a romance too. There are some really heart-wrenching moments in this book but there are also some really heartwarming moments too.

I have followed Tilly's writing since her first adult book but this book has to be her best yet. I struggled to put it down. I was so invested in the characters and the story. I would love to carry on with Jo's story in a sequel.

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A contemporary novel with a serious subject
In Tilly Tennants's "Hattie's Home for Broken Hearts", published by Bookouture, Hattie Rose has left her job in Paris and returned to her sleepy and small home village of Gillypuddle at the Dorset coast. She is urgently needing a job. Her parents, especially her father, putting pressure on her to finish her training in education. But Hattie knows that is not for her. She is convinced, "there has to be something out there for me, something that I'm meant for and I just need to find out what it is." The seemingly only job in the local coffee shop got taken just before she arrives there to inquire. There is the job at the donkey sanctuary for abused and abandoned donkeys on Sweet Briar Cliffs which includes board and meals, but the reclusive owner Jo flint has not a good reputation.
For some times it seems to work, but Jo does not take it kindly that Hattie tries to solve her financial issues. Owen's interference does no help either. There is a far more serious problem. Will Hattie and Seth Bryson who has become more that a friend be in time to solve it?
This is the first book by Tilly Tennant which I read. I appreciated it very much since it has great believable characters. It is a clean and wholesome second chance story which offers some surprises and I highly recommend it for those who love to read a little more than just a "plain romance story."
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#HattiesHomeForBrokenHearts #NetGalley

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If the stunning and colourful cover for Tilly Tennant's new book Hattie's Home for Broken Hearts doesn't instantly draw you in and make you want to read this book then the brilliant story inside the covers will make you do that. I mean that cute little donkey alone against the backdrop of the sea just made me want to read this book as soon as possible. What a marvellous read this was infused with warmth, humour, emotion and genuine human understanding for the situation that the characters find themselves facing and all written so well that this was just the most glorious of books and definitely one that should be on your reading radar.

I loved every minute of my time spent with Hattie in Gillypuddle (isn't that just the cutest name for a fictional village) so much so that I raced through the story finishing it in an afternoon. But it was certainly an afternoon well spent in the company of wonderful characters, not without their faults admittedly, but over the course of the book they undergo worthwhile and necessary changes to make life better for themselves and those around them. This was an uplifting read with a picturesque setting following those who sought guidance, redemption, forgiveness and understanding in order to move forward. I loved every minute of this beautiful read filled with depth and honesty and without doubt this is Tilly Tennant writing at her very best and long may it continue.

Hattie Rose has spent two years living in Paris but her time in the city of light has come to an end due to unforeseen circumstances that really she had no control over as things took on a life of their own. She is reluctant to have to return home to the small village of Gillypuddle given she left under a cloud as she wanted to follow her own heart but she knows the time has come to go back. Her parents weren't best pleased when she left on a whim as she believed love beckoned and they didn't fully back her choice but will they support her now that she is returning home? Hattie had left many troubles behind but there were good people and memories waiting there for her too.

As she arrives back home there is a sense of sadness surrounding her and reminders of what was lost and what could have been. We are told fairly on what had had happened in the past to bring such feelings about and how in turn it deeply affected Hattie's relationship with her parents and I was glad this was the case. I didn't think there was a need for any secrecy and as there wasn't any I thought it allowed the reader to really understand Hattie and comprehend why she said certain things or why she felt the way she did. It also showed how events in our childhood, traumatic or not, can have a deep and lasting affect on our lives but it is up to us as to how we overcome them and move forward. That is exactly what Hattie has come home to do. To stop and take a moment, to consider her next move, to take a breather. She is seeking direction to find out exactly who she should be and not be the person who conforms to a mould of her parents creation.

As Hattie embarks upon finding yourself you would be forgiven for thinking this is another story where a woman goes on a journey, there is a splash or romance and all is well with world. OK there are some elements of truth to this but really Tilly Tennant has written a story with so much more to it. There is real depth to all the characters and plot lines and everything is given plenty of time to develop. Important issues and feelings are not skirted over and I thought the reader was given a real chance to get to know the inner workings of the characters, their pain and their joy. Yes there is a very small dash of romance thrown in but in way is it the central focus of the story and I was glad this was the case. It was almost like an afterthought and I mean that in a good way and really if it had literally occurred on the very last page that wouldn't have bothered me in the slightest.

No instead the spotlight is on Hattie and how she finds a job at Sweet Briar Farm perched high on the cliff-tops over the village. It's a job people have warned her off because Jo the owner has not really enshrined herself into the community and subsequently she has earned a bad reputation. But Hattie is not one to heed the comments of others unless they are offering sound advice. She doesn’t judge people on first sight or at face value she likes to dig that little bit deeper and get to know people better before forming rash and hasty opinions.Initially I thought Hattie was a bit mad to accept a live in job with Jo with very little pay. She knew nothing about running a farm or specifically caring for donkeys and people told her she was crazy to go for it. But Hattie really wanted people to stop interfering in her life and although her decision may have been impulsive she wanted to be the one who controlled her life decisions and therefore she would deal with the consequences or fall out of what she judged to be a good choice. I admired her for taking a brave step into the unknown especially as Jo was so standoffish. I thought good for you. You are showing maturity and a willingness to try something different and that is what life is all about.

I loved all the scenes set on the farm as Hattie gets used to the ways of life in an area she has no experience of. Of course the donkeys and in particular Norbert stole the show and I think anyone reading this book will have a new found appreciation/devotion to these unique animals. But it's the emotional atmosphere created at the farm that was a real stand out point. It was almost like at times Hattie and Jo where isolated up there away from the outside world, even though the village wasn't that far away, and that there was something special and unique about the place. That caring for the animals and living in close proximity to each to her meant at some stage both Hattie and Jo might confide in each other. There is no doubt that Hattie really did feel drawn to the farm, that there was a reason she had to be there apart from getting funding to make it viable so the good work of the sanctuary could continue. But would Hattie crumble as she faces her ultimate test as opposition seems to block her every idea and solution?

Jo was a very closed book and even now having finished the story I'm not sure I fully understand her although I know the reasons for her demeanour. Ever since she bought Sweet Briar Farm several years ago she has kept to herself avoiding community involvement and in the process coming across as horrible, rude and obnoxious. This is all in stark contrast to the way she offers such tender loving care, attention and affection to the donkeys. She is a major contradiction shying away from human contact becoming gruff, distant and uncommunicative and really she is an enigma. But there had to have been a reason behind this exterior and the strong walls she had built up around herself. I wondered would Hattie be the one to crack her tough outer shell but I knew she was facing a battle. Jo was written in a way that I thought she was much older than Hattie and at one point Hattie does mention that too but I think the personality she had established for herself made her seem that way. There was also an air of melancholy and vulnerability about her and I was sure there had to have been a very significant reason for isolating herself from everybody. I did have a slight suspicion as to what it could be but I never quite put my finger on the actual reason.

The tentative friendship/work relationship that developed between Hattie and Jo felt natural given their circumstances and I am glad that Hattie kept pushing and pushing to help Jo and the farm out but also to delve that little bit deeper in order to understand Jo more and hopefully bring happiness to her life. Nothing Hattie did felt fake or contrived or just thrown in to add drama to the story. The book didn't need unnecessary dramatics just to fill the pages. Instead the wonderfully crafted characters and the storylines spoke for themselves. I am so glad this wasn't your normal run of the mill boy meets girl story I have so read so so many of them and I think it was excellent that Tilly Tennant focused on two women who don't really realise that they share a common bond and a connection. That if they take the time to stop and focus and scratch beneath the surface that they really have a lot to offer each other in order to come to terms with the challenges and heartache they face in their lives.

Hattie's Home for Broken Hearts is easily Tilly Tennant's best book to date and I have really loved her Honeybourne series and her Unforgettable Christmas books so that is saying something. If there was any way she could perhaps write more about Hattie and Jo that would make me one very happy reader indeed.

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Hattie is back from Paris, to live in her childhood home. She has never felt she lived up to her parent's expectations, not perfect like her older sister was.
To escape from her parents house, she takes a job at the local donkey sanctuary. She tries to help out, not just with the donkey's, but helping the owner Jo, who has closed herself off from the world.
Will Jo let her help, and who will Hattie choose, Owen or local vet Seth?

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a volundary and honest review.

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First, thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-galley of this book.

Hattie has lost herself. She had followed a boyfriend to Paris and landed a dream job, then boyfriend left and she ruined her dream job, so she went back home to her small town.

She moved back in with her parents, who are still mourning the death of her sister many years ago. Her dad wants to say, "I told you so" about the boyfriend and the job, but he doesn't.

One day, Hattie goes for a walk and comes across some donkeys. Come to find out, it is a donkey sanctuary. Jo has been running it for 2 years, but has not immersed herself into the small community. She has not made friends and keeps everyone away.

Hattie forces herself upon the donkey sanctuary and into Jo's world.

Come to this sweet town and see how it all turns out.
#NetGalley #Hattie'sHomeforBrokenHearts

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