Heartcross Castle is just the perfect, feelgood read, full of lovely characters, such a heartwarming story!

Loved the book! Perfect holiday read! Once I started it didn’t want to put it down! Had me craving lots of cakeee!

I really loved this feel-good women's fiction/romance book.

The story is about Grace Power and her journey from being with an abusive partner, to living in an inherited castle with her three sons, and living a better life. It is full of so many twists and turns, little secrets being revealed, family life, friendship and romance. Andrew, who also lives in the castle, becomes Grace's friend. Will she let him become more than that?

If you love sweet family books with an adventurous side, then you will love this book. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. A heartwarming, relaxing read. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

I loved this story from the first page to the last and read it in one day. From the depths of despair to the heights of success. A wonderful cast of characters and a lovely village atmosphere. I couldn't put it down.

I loved this book from the beginning, with its beautiful cover and the handy Heartcross map, but then I was anticipating loving it, having enjoyed the previous instalments in the lives of the Heartcross folk.

I had mixed feelings about Grace going back to Heartcross; it felt like the right thing to do, but I couldn’t help but feel sad at the combination of circumstances that led to her returning, especially with three young children in tow. I was however left in no doubt, as to her love for her children. I just hoped with all my might, that their Father would stay away.

I loved Grace from the very start and had the utmost respect for the love she had for her children; she seemed to have a knack for making the best out of a trying situation. It was heartwarming, the way that her old friends welcomed her home and rallied around her.

I loved Grace’s honesty and I thought she brought out the very best in Andrew.

I adored this visit to Heartcross; it was the very best antidote to a miserable January. It filled my heart with a special kind of unbridled joy. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

Lovely feel good book to read. It was a joy to read. Lovely characters. Great plot. The book was charming. Very well written. I’d definitely recommend this book

This was an absolute gem of contrasts - beginning with where Grace and her children live, and the treatment she receives from her husband, to where she ends up.

This is a rags to riches story with the addition of a lovely sense of community spirit and the renewal of old friendships. As well as a hefty dose of romance, of course.

I was, however, left with a feeling that this story still has some way to go, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Grace will appear in another book further down the line.

Trigger Warnings
This book contains:
• Domestic violence (depicted, talked about, describes lasting impacts on the victims and their loved ones)
• Death of a loved one.
Characters
Grace is a domestic violence survivor who hasn’t been home to her family in over a decade. She has three sons and they’re her whole life. Everything she does is to give them the best chance at the best life possible.
Andrew is a Michelin Star chef who’s moved to Heartcross to start up Starcross Manor and continue his career as a famous chef. He’s never experienced life in the same way most people have. He’s lived a privileged life and everything he does and how he reacts to the situations he finds himself in show just how privileged his life has been.
Storyline
Grace returns to Heartcross after more than a decade to a home that’s not the home she remembered. So much has changed but at the same time, some things haven’t. Even though she’s been given the best gift possible in that moment, there’s so much work she needs to do and she’s not sure she’s ready or able to do it. Even for her sons.
Overall Thoughts
I’m loving the Love Heart Lane series so much!
In previous books we’d heard about the old man in the castle and the rumours of ghosts. I’d always wondered what his story is, it felt like there was more to tell. But I didn’t know what.
So having the opportunity to find out exactly what was going on, why, how etc. That was amazing.
Of course, the chickens provided a comedic relief you didn’t realise you needed until they popped up again right as you were wondering when they were about to make an appearance. (I promise that chicken comment will make total sense once you read it.)
After finishing this one, I was immediately looking up the next book. Even though they each follow different characters, it’s such a great ride following different issues and how they work through them that I really want the next one already!

I was very eager to read this book, being a huge Christie Barlow fan and honestly this book did not disappoint.

I have loved reading the Love Heart Lane series and was looking forward to reading the next instalment.

Heartcross Castle was the perfect mix of everything I have come to expect in a Christie Barlow Book. I loved reading about Grace and her 3 boys.

Christie Barlow writes with such ease and her writing flows so easily.

I loved everything about this book and highly recommend it to others!

I would just like to say a big thank you to NetGalley who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.

Heartcross Castle is another book from the Love Heart Lane series but could very easily be read as a stand alone with no problems.
I loved the descriptions of everything and it really made me want to go and live there and be surrounded by all these wonderful characters.
This book was an easy read, full of sweet romance, humour, some drama and heartwarming moments and I loved it.
I really enjoyed this book, the author’s writing style was wonderful and I am really looking forward to reading more from the series…..

First, whilst I have read and enjoyed a number of Christie Barlow’s books, I have to confess that I have not yet read any in the Love Heart Lane series. Although, after reading the wonderful Heartcross Castle, I fully intend to.

So, my first thoughts about Heartcross Castle – what an utterly charming book!

Being a single mum to three mischievous boys (Joey, Freddy and Billy) can’t be an easy job at the best of times, yet Grace has no family to support her, merely an ex-husband whom she is keen to escape. When she receives a letter advising her of the death of her estranged grandfather and an unanticipated inheritance, this could be the fresh start that Grace needs for herself and the boys.

Grace packs their bags and heads back to her childhood home and to the local community that she unceremoniously ran away from all those years earlier. Will her former friends be willing to forgive and forget?

And, what exactly is penniless Grace going to do with the run-down castle? Will she be forced to sell to her neighbour, TV chef Andrew Glossop? Can Grace bring herself to give up the place that holds so many memories for a second time?

The author has created a wonderful setting for the story and the characters are immensely likeable, from the lovely Grace and her boisterous sons, to the imperious Andrew and the supportive and loyal Felicity and her mother Rona. It really does seem to be an idyllic village life.

There are a few secrets that are gradually revealed as the story progresses and a few surprises to pique the readers’ curiosity. This book really is quite a page turner!

Ultimately, Heartcross Castle is a wonderful, heart-warming story of family, friendship and community. It is a lovely, entertaining read and one I would be happy to recommend.

Whilst this is number 7 in the series, the book can certainly be read as a standalone novel, as I have done. Although, I enjoyed it very much and fully intend to read the earlier books in the series now.

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the book for review purposes.

A really great story, charming, atmospheric, great characters. Filled me with warmth and spirit. Well written and flowed nicely, was romantic and funny, charming and full of fun. A great read, i really enjoyed it.

I didn't realise this was book seven in a series. Will need to locate copies of the rest and read first before I return to this

Grace Power has 3 boys and is in a violent relationship that she seems to be stuck in. She is contacted by her grandfather’s solicitor who lets her know that he has unfortunately died and has left Heartcross Castle to Grace. Grace decides to up sticks, escape her violent relationship and move to Heartcross Castle. She hasn’t visited since she ran away 10 years ago, will her friends welcome her back with open arms, will the castle be as she remembers it or will it all end in disaster. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Barlow's books are always a reliably good read with characters that I want to know more about, and this one was no exception. Growing up in Heartcross Castle with just her Grandad and mum was a great childhood for Grace but that all ended when her mum passed away and she ended up running away from home. Ten years later and Grace is a mum of three boys and trying to escape an abusive relationship when she gets some life changing news. Moving back to the Castle, she realises it is not the only thing in dire need of some TLC and her handsome neighbor Andrew seems almost too good to be true. After finding out a few family secrets, will Grace find happiness with her boys back in Heartcross or will it all crumble?
Loved this one and was disappointed when it ended.

If Hallmark style movies are your thing, then you will love Heartcross Castle. This sweet story, the seventh in the series although the first I read, has drama and heartbreak. Grace Power goes home to the place she ran away from ten years ago at the age of 16. Fleeing an abusive relationship with her three children and with only the clothing on their backs, she returns home to the castle in Scotland she inherits when her estranged grandfather dies. Throughout the story of her return, we watch Grace gain confidence and battle with her grief and sadness. I really enjoyed watching Grace go from a defeated, abused woman to a fierce mother of three who was willing to do anything to ensure their happiness. I liked watching Grace reconnect with her friends at Heartcross (whose stories are told in previous books, although I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by beginning at book 7) and find her own path.

The romance between her and a tenant on her property, the handsome Andrew Glossop, a millionaire chef, was a slow burn. I have to be honest: I did NOT like Andrew when I first met him. I was very unconvinced that Christie would be able to make him likable and worthy of Grace’s interest. But somehow, Andrew’s layers were slowly peeled back. I don’t know if he’d ever be in the running for my favourite book boyfriend, but he does redeem himself. The romance itself is very much in the Hallmark style: there is nothing more than a few sweet, chaste kisses and a lot of longing. It suited the book and the characters.

For me, Grace’s relationship with herself was the standout relationship in the book. We see a lot of her private anguish and regrets from how she ran away from home and what she missed out on. For myself, the most fruitful part of the book was watching Grace become more open to her own strengths and her own learnings. While there are many warm and caring secondary characters from earlier books, I really enjoyed seeing Grace’s three boys interact on the pages. They brought a lot of life and laughter to the story (and have me now wanting my own Selkie hens).

All in all, I enjoyed the sweet storyline and the fabulous setting of a small, but large-hearted, Scottish village. I will be returning back to Heartcross for sure.

Grace is on the run, running from a life of misery to a life she previously ran away from – confused? Don’t be! Grace left Heartcross for freedom and independence which gradually was taken away from her.

Returning to Heartcross isn’t easy for Grace but it’s something she needs to do… and as I fully well know “once Heartcross gets its claws into you, you don’t go anywhere.” That’s true for this reader as well as the characters! Barlow has the knack of painting a beautiful idyllic backdrop for my journeys to Heartcross. I wish it was somewhere I could visit (and live)!

This is another emotional rollercoaster from Barlow. The reunions between the friends after so long was heartwarming. My heart really wanted Grace to make Heartcross her home, her happy place but with parties interested in the castle, limited funds and a family to look after, I feared she would have her head turned.

I devoured Heartcross Castle in two sittings, only breaking to make lunch for my boys. I was sucked into this return-to-your-roots tale with limited argument. It was just the tonic I needed to escape the stresses of the crazy real world we’re in.

I thought that this was a great book – it had a brilliant storyline!

The characters in the book were superb and so well developed, I loved getting to know their personalities and the interaction between them all was wonderful.

This was a book that had me cheering for the little people.

It was a heartfelt story that was full of feelings and a slow burn budding romance – it was a lovely way to pass a few hours

It is 5 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended!

Heartcross Castle is the latest book in the Love Heart Lane series by Christie Barlow. Having read all of the books in the series, I’m happy to report that this latest installment does not disappoint.

The book centers around Grace and her three boys, returning to the small town she once called home. Is the saying true? Can one always return home?

I think part of why I like this series so much is the focus on one character. Sometimes they’re new to the area and if we’re lucky, we catch a glimpse of them from a previous book. Whichever it may be, we are able to witness the growth, happiness, and sometimes heartache from a personal level. It is evident that the author writes the stories from the heart, putting depth into the characters I’ve grown to love.

For those that love a feel good story, Heartcross Castle is not to be missed. While I recommend reading the other books first, you could read this one as a stand-alone. Either way, you will sure be left smiling.