I loved this. I could so relate to Maxine at times. It was a brilliant story. Famillies are just great. You just have to read it

Wow, absolutely brilliant!! So different!! Not only was my blood pressure up, but my blood was boiling too!!
I'm sure we've all been there in one way or another!!
Fabulous story, of everyone's hope of a dream retirement, in beautiful surroundings, doing your favourite hobby!! Everything is going to plan!! Then........??!!
I was laughing to myself aswell, as place/places mentioned, is exactly where I live!! So that caught me by surprise!! & many instances became very recognisable!!!
Wonderful!!!!
Thoroughly enjoyable!!!!

Thanks to Netgallery for providing a free e-book in return for an honest review.

This was a good easy read. I'd not read any books by Catherine Jones before, so I had no expectations.

I found the story engaging, and I really appreciated that it was women's fiction, but it was about family not just a 'love story'. I also liked that it was focused on an older couple. Often in the genre the older characters are portrayed as very old, often female and either very wise or psychic. Nothing wrong with that in itself, but I appreciated that this booked presented an older couple who were active, still in love (mostly) and not half way to death's door.

I think my favourite character was Judith, and I would have quite happily have pushed Abi off a cliff. She had zero redeeming qualities. Gordon I thought was too easily forgiven, but I am sure others will disagree with me.

3.5 out of 5 that I rounded up. It's not going to win any prizes, but it was a pleasant afternoon read that I enjoyed.

This is the first book I've read in the Little Woodford series. It's a good light read and seems to stand on it's own without having read others in the series. Little Woodford is a quintessential English country town and this book concentrates on the trials and tribulations of one family addressing newly retired couple Gordon and Maxine who suddenly find themselves in the middle of family upheaval. Within a few days their peaceful life is shattered by the younger generation moving back home whilst doing up a house and Gordon's mother having to also move in thanks to health issues. It's a situation a lot of us can relate to as the tensions grow against the backdrop of a sleepy picturesque English town with plenty going on behind the scenes. A little slow to start but picked up despite some objectionable characters and a little predictable in places but but a good cosy read with some humour on the way.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Lovely easy read that makes you feel all warm and cosy inside. Great characters and a good storyline.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

A quiet retirement of gardening, pub lunches and quiet retirement are ruined for Maxine and her husband when three very demanding members of their family come home.

First, is daughter Abi and her unassuming partner Marcus. Abi, whose determined to move back to Little Woodford and only the perfect house(with ALL the essentials) will do.
Knowing that she’s got Mum and Dad, to stay while she drives local estate agents and builders mad, what could be better??

Then, there’s Judith, Maxine's high-flying sister.
Who, after her own crisis comes sobbing, again expecting Gordon and Maxine have room for her to stay while she sorts things out???

To end with, the mother-in-law from hell, Anthea, whose had a fall in her rambling old house. Now, after staying in hospital, there’s only one place for her to go.

The bliss and peacefulness goes out the window. But can Gordon and Maxine find a way to restore harmony in their home???

Can’t wait for the second book.