Cover Image: Starting Over at Primrose Woods

Starting Over at Primrose Woods

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Member Reviews

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

This book was wonderful and heartwarming and a lovely romance featuring friendships and second chances.
Abbey, Lizzie and Rhi are three friends who are all trying their best to start over. They are all wonderful, real characters and they made me feel for them all the way through and I just wanted them to have the best outcome possible - they deserved it!
I also fell in love with the setting of Primrose Woods. The descriptions had me wanting to go and visit there.
Starting Over At Primrose Woods was a wonderful, uplifting book that left me with a warm and happy feeling…..

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What a gorgeous read this story proved to be,
With not one romance but at least one, two, three!
There's betrayal, friendship, fresh starts and more
And Primrose Woods is there to explore.

Three women, their families and their friends
May not know each other at the start but will before the end!
This is a contemporary story of folks and fates
Friendships, romance and very different dates.

Get ready for a pub quiz team doing their best
Beautiful scenery with a bench to sit down and rest.
Lady, a dog who knows who she adores
And growing friendships, dreams and more.

I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful read
It really was just what I did need!
So moving and definitely feel-good, too,
A beautiful read to escape into.

If you're looking for a heartwarming romance
Where folks are starting over, taking a new chance
I highly recommend you delve into this book, too,
And discover how delightful it is all the way through.

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

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I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

While there was nothing about this book that really set it apart from a lot of other books in this genre, it was still a very enjoyable book to read.

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This is a sweet and charming book, full of beautiful descriptions and details about a lovely setting, Primrose Woods. The characters are mostly wonderful and I loved the variety of ages. The one unexpected part was that I didn’t anticipate the infidelity which was a large part of the beginning of the story. That was triggering for me and I hadn’t known to expect it. Beyond that, it was a pleasant and hopeful story.
My personal preference is to not read books about infidelity, so it wasn’t a favorite, but if that doesn’t bother you, this will surely be an enjoyable read.

Thank you to Boldwood Books for the ebook.

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If you’re looking for a feel good romance story with new friends of various ages helping each other and also finding love and with a cute dog in the story… look no further!

What to expect:

✅ feel good, uplifting romance

✅ a picture perfect setting in Primrose Woods… I could completely picture how gorgeous it was and with the Treetop Cafe it sounded heavenly… I would love to spend my afternoons and weekends in a place like that!

✅ lovable characters, I had a soft spot for Bill and Lizzie, the eldest members of these new group of friends.

✅ a cute, but at times naughty Springer Spaniel named Lady

✅ new friendships and budding romances

✅ writing that just flows.

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My first book by Jill Steeples and I'm so charmed know it won't be the last. Sweet, cozy, relaxing, this book is full of lovely countryside views and decent people (with one very notable exception) on the brink of getting a second chance at love.
The three main female characters couldn't have been more different. Abbey with her sweet and caring personality also carries a touch of vulnerability and sadness, perhaps due to missing her late mother. Deep down she knows her relationship with her fiance Jayson has seen more downs than ups recently. They are heading to the altar in just three weeks time, so should she even be listening to her heart which is telling that not everything is right? all of this despite having been together with Jason for twelve years! Confident and decisive Rhianna is so consumed with her whirlwind romance with Jay to have not time or energy to make friends in the place she moved to after graduating. There are warning bells ringing in her head too... Fifty-nine-year-old Lizzy would love nothing more than to see her her daughter Katie who live in Australia. All three characters were charming and realistic, flawed and decent at the same time. They are a kind of people you would like to have as neighbours or even friends.
As you have already guessed the three stories are interwoven and are connected with each other through a lovely place- The Primrose Woods Park. I loved the descriptions of nature and fabulous walks..I can't help thinking that the author had a particular place in mind she based these vigniettes on.
I really enjoy second chance romances and can often see myself at a crossroads moment of my life going through similar emotions or my friends second-guessing whether they are ever going to find an honest, reliable partner who is going to love and appreciate them. I also like the inclusion of two widowed protagonists who have a different kind of challenges.
If you like books with a small-town setting, but are a bit apprehensive of their way too coomon focus on gossip, rest assured Starting Over at Primrose Woods is nothing like that. What you get instead is healing nature, a sweet and playful dog, a traditional country pub, and lots of thoughtful, kind people, genuinely caring about each others' feelings.
I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys low-angst books with clean romance in a lovely setting.

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What a sweet and gentle story. On many of the pages there was reason to smile as new friendships and romances were forged. It was lovely to read about female characters being so supportive of each other. I also liked the fact that there was romance for characters of all different age ranges. Each character voice came across clearly and enabled me to paint a clear picture of them in my mind. The setting was very charming too - the kind of town you could imagine yourself doing some shopping in and having a drink at the pub.


Overall, I thought it was a perfect afternoon reading, the sort of book to curl up with and forget about the world for a while. With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

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I am fairly certain this was my first Jill Steeples book, and now I want to read everything! I adored the small town of Primrose Woods, the wonderful residents, and exploring the various relationships (both familial and romantic). This is a book that surrounds you with warm, happy feelings and leaves you wanting more in the best possible way. I cannot wait to read more from Steeples this year!

5/5 Stars!

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I really enjoyed this book, the characters are well written and seeing their happy ending is what it’s all about, new author to me so will check out her other books

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After a few weeks of reading mysteries and thrillers, I'm really glad I agreed to read Starting Over at Primrose Woods. Romance isn't really my genre, but this book strikes just the right note between a traditional women's lit romance and a slice of life piece that I couldn't help but be completely won over! I'll be adding the author, Jill Steeples to my list of comfort reads from now on!


Starting Over at Primrose Woods focuses on 3 women at different stages in their lives, and how the circumstances of their lives has brought them together and they've supported each other as each of them sets out on a new path. Lizzie is a widow in her late fifties who is terrified of flying but desperate to see her daughter and granddaughter in Australia. She works at the local cafe, one of the social centers in their small town. Abbey is in her thirties, and after dating the same man for 12 years, is only weeks away from the wedding she's dreamed of for years. Except her mind is full of doubts and stress, and the groom-to-be is never around. Rhianna is a young twenty-something, absolutely gone for her suave boyfriend but growing irritated by being his hidden secret as he extricates himself from his ex.


I'm absolutely tickled to be able to start what promises to be a great series from the beginning. I found this book to have all the great elements of a cozy series with likeable/relatable characters and rich descriptions of the scenery, fun dialogue and even a spunky canine! The romance is a theme throughout, but it is more mellow, less frenetic and more sweet without tipping into the saccharine. There is a solid theme of friendship/companionship that touches and shapes the story, especially the friendship of women who society would normally have at each other's throats. There is even the wonderful depiction of Abbey's relationship with her dad, Bill; where there is genuine care and love and support shown.


Starting Over at Primrose Woods isn't the type of romance that will set your panties on fire, but instead will warm the cockles of your heart and make you smile.

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I loved this sweet and romantic book. A start of a new series which I always love. Good friends and lots of happiness a warm, friendly book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

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What a promising start to a new series! First of all, I loved the setting with all the nature that the Primrose Woods brings to the story. You absolutely know why Abbey loves it so much. There is a healing quality to the setting and the chance to escape from everyday troubles.You do have an inkling fairly early on how the story will pan out for Abbey but in a way that is much of its appeal.

There are several characters to follow as well as Abbey. All of them are starting anew in their own ways and looking to the future with optimism. Friendships span the generations. I am sure they will all feature in subsequent stories, especially a certain couple whose story has a long way to go, I suspect. If you are looking for a heart-warming and escapist read, you will love this one. An added bonus is Lady, Sam's dog who adds some humour and strikes a chord with any dog lovers.

In short: Family and friends, starting over
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

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This story features three women, drawn together in friendship living in the idyllic Primrose Woods. The importance of friendship, second chances and finding the courage to overcome your fears are themes explored in this emotional story. I like the three women, and their friendship dynamic is believable. The characterisation is relatable, as are the conflicts the women face. Its vibrant characters and good use of vivid sensory imagery make this an engaging read.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Loved loved this romantic storyline and the characters were lovely, lovely story really didn't want to put it down, brilliant author

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5☆ A Feel-good, Uplifting Romance

Starting Over at Primrose Woods is a Heart-warming Romance about Second Chances, Starting Over, Friendships and Nature.

Abbey, Lizzie and Rhi are all very different, but one thing they have in common is their beautiful Friendship.
But can they find love, mend broken hearts, get over their fears and start again!

Although I found the story a little predicable to start with, once I warmed to the characters I couldn't careless what I thought I may or may not of known as I just completely fell in love with the story, and in particular Primrose Woods.
I too adore nature, it's my happy place and helps when I'm feeling low. So learning all about Primrose Woods just made me want to visit so badly! There's something quiet magical about redwood trees.

There wasn't one character I didn't like...Well except for James...I could of quiet easily slapped him! But I'll let you see if you agree with me there!!
But I have to say Lizzie is one special character, she melted my heart and I was rooting for her to find happiness the whole way through!

I'm not going to go into too much detail as I really don't want to spoil it for you.
But one thing is for sure...if you are after a Heart-warming and Uplifting Story, with a couple of side orders of Romance, Enchanting Backdrops, Loveable Characters, The most adorable, yet cheeky Fur Baby, plenty of smiles and a few giggles along the way....Then I HIGHLY Recommend reading....Starting Over at Primrose Woods by Jill Steeples

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Starting over at primrose woods by Jill Steeples.
Abbey Carter should be feeling on top of the world. She has the home of her dreams – a picturesque cottage just walking distance from her beloved Primrose Woods. She has a job she adores, great friends, and most exciting of all – a wedding dress hanging in her wardrobe ready to be worn.  So why does she feel so lonely… 
Lizzie Baker loves her job at the Treetops café in Primrose Woods, and she loves being a grandmother even more. If only she could face her fear of flying and see her granddaughter in person rather than on a screen. Rhianna West is head over heels for her boyfriend Jay. She just wishes he could see her more regularly. His excuses are starting to wear thin, and Rhi’s dreams for the future are beginning to fade. Can the fun and friendships, the picture-perfect scenery and rolling seasons in Primrose Woods help the women find the happy endings they deserve? After all anything is possible if you dare to dream…
This was a lovely feel good read. Great story and characters. I loved the cover. 4*.

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I really enjoyed reading The Dog and Duck series of books by Jill Steeples, so I was delighted to see that she has written a new series of books. I was excited to receive an early preview copy of the first book in the new series set in Primrose Woods.
I enjoyed reading this book, it is a cosy and gentle start to the series. It is easy to read, and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
I liked the friendship that developed between the 3 main characters. Lady the Dog is definitely my favourite character though. Primrose Woods sounds like an idyllic location and a perfect setting for a book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

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It’s going to be difficult to review this gorgeous book without including any spoilers, but I’m always up for a challenge, so here goes…
As the synopsis tells us, this story centres around 3 women who are bound together by their relationship with Primrose Woods. Abbey finds peace there; she loves to exercise and to meet her widowed Dad for walks and chats. Lizzie works at the Treetops Café which gets her out of the house now that she’s home alone. Rhianna meets her boyfriend in the Woods as they manage to snatch time together, sneaking about as they keep their office romance a secret.
As the story expands, the three women become forever entwined in each other’s lives. As they discover that they have more in common than they originally thought, their friendships flourish in ways that are difficult to imagine.
As I said, this is my first book from Jill Steeples, but it certainly won’t be my last. She steered this story with a skilled hand, not giving away too much, but shaping deepening connections for the trio who find themselves relying on each other.
I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Abbey and Rhianna. Their interconnected pasts should have made their friendship impossible, but their development and story arc had them destined to become firm friends.
There’s a lightness to the storytelling which makes even the hardest of topics easy to follow. I certainly found myself immersed in their worlds and eager to be on their quiz team!
I read this book in a single sitting and am now looking forward to discovering more from Jill Steeples. I loved escaping to Primrose Woods and would highly recommend a visit.

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Starting Over at Primrose Woods by Jill Steeples is a pleasant little book in which not much happens to perfectly lovely people who live in the English countryside. I did not know there was such a thing as a cozy romance but this would seem to be it. Filled with description (some of the detail about nature is quite nice), the reader will feel as if they’re right there. There is a dog, Lady, who needs more than a supporting role. Probably a great novel for readers looking for cozy romance but not my cup of tea.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This is the first book I have read by this author and Jill certainly doesn't disappoint. The start of a new series and will be looking out for more.

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