A heartwarming, well written historical and contemporary romance in a beautiful setting. Its touches on sadness, joy, love and grief. The descriptions of the apple orchard was so vivid, and the romance was such a heart warming one. This had everything that I love in a story. I would definitely recommend this book too my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author.

So sweet!

Maddie hires Dylan to help get the orchard at her grandfather’s estate up and running again after finding her grandmother’s diary that exposes a secret relationship she had with a woman could Lorah. Together Maddie and Dylan find they make a great team but also have a connection with one another beyond work. As they grow closer and share stories, they realise it might just be fate that’s brought them together.

Such a lovely heartfelt story! I loved that it was in two parts, exploring the diary of Isabel and Lorah, then how life brought Maddie and Dylan together bonding over the same shared love of the orchard that Maddie’s Grandmother Isabel, and Lorah had. The sentiment running through this story was just beautiful. Both Maddie and Dylan were so different, yet they had insecurities that helped them to find common ground and a friendship.

The parallels between Maddie and her grandmother were amazing, and the same could be said for Dylan too when it was revealed how she connected in this greater love story. It was lovely to watch their friendship grow and develop into more, even though Maddie was unsure of her feelings and what acting on them might mean, especially after her grandfather died. Both her and Dylan lost a loved one and it was that shared experience that really gave them further chance to bond. Dylan was so good for Maddie as she encouraged her to dare and dream, and Maddie returned the favour by having faith in Dylan and trusting her with the success of the orchard and her visions.

A truly beautiful and very heartfelt romance, with characters that shared wonderful connections and such heart.

This has never happened to me before, but this is the first Gerri Hill book that I haven’t finished. I think it had to do with how the dual timelines were set up, by the time I got to the present timeline I just wasn’t invested in Madilyn and Dylan’s story because I knew nothing about them and what I did know about Madilyn I didn’t really like. I’m still a Gerri Hill fan for life, but this book wasn’t for me.

This was such a great read. I thoroughly enjoy Gerri Hill as an author, and this book was no different.

The Apple Diaries is a unique story that follows Madilyn Marak, an heiress staying with her grandfather who discovers an old diary from about her great-grandmother Isabel’s affair with another woman called Lorah. From the journal, she’s excited to bring the apple orchard back to life for Isabel. It’s here she meets Dylan Hayes, who she hires to help with the orchard.

Like all of Hill’s books, this story is well written with such good communication between the characters, even with both suffering with grief, it never weighed the story down. I even enjoyed reading about the side characters as much as I did with the main two.

Highly recommended sapphic romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I do love Gerri Hill. She’s one of my go-to lesfic writers when I need a bit of escapism. This is well written and an enjoyable way to pass a few hours. But I’m still mourning the end of Ms Hill’s Hunter series and this doesn’t fill the void.

Madelyn is from a very wealthy buttoned up dysfunctional family and when home at the estate for her grandmother’s funeral, she finds her great grandmother’s diary detailing a summer when she met a saleswoman called Loren. Because of the diary, Madelyn determines to rebuild the apple orchard and hires Dylan to help her. They connect and Madelyn figures out what is important in life, and it isn’t her boyfriend Palmer.

There’s a lot of good stuff in this story and a few minor irritations. But it’s overall a nice easy read and has some lovely moments.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley

Gerri Hill is an excellent storyteller, across many genres, this book is no exception. The Apple Diary is a lovely slow, deep, thoughtful exploration of Madilyn, an heiress, trying to find her identity in the face of family expectations. She is helped by the discovery of Isabel, her great, great grandmother's diary detailing her love for Lorah a woman that she met. I really enjoyed the way the two stories weave together, especially through the nurturing and revitalising of the Apple Orchard, with the assistance of Dylan, a woman dealing with her own changes and family issues. A wonderful gentle story of two women figuring out their lives, in acres of glorious countryside and with access to endless resources.

With thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Madilyn Marak inherits her family estate after the death of her grandparents. In the home, she finds a diary of her great-grandmother Isabel, where she discovers a surprising love story and is inspired to bring her apple orchard on the estate back to life. When she sets out to hire someone to help her take on this monumental task, she’s surprised in more ways than one in the woman she hires. Dylan, while inexperienced, has the love for the land so cherished by Madilyn’s great-grandmother and inspires love in Madilyn as well.

I adored the way the past and the present story was woven together. The backdrop and the rich description of it created a beautiful immersive experience. Madilyn was a relatable character, in spite of the wealth and privilege, she was grounded and lovely so that anyone could connect and empathize. The connection between past and present, the land and the trees and the people who love and care for it all and each other, was a powerful love story. I loved every moment of the story and as always look forward to more by Gerri Hill.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This was a great read. The story is long but worth it. Madilyn found her great grandmother diary. And found out that her great grandmother had a romantic relationship with another woman. I also think Madilyn found her independent while read the diary. And have the strength to go outside her norm. Plus, she fell in love with Dylan who Madilyn hire to help her with the orchard. Even though Dylan is a woman Madilyn fell in love at first site like her great grandmother with Lorah.

Aww, I didn't want this book to end. It was a gentle, sweet love story, which, instead of following the usual romance structure of breaking them up only to bring them back together, injected emotion via a dual-time storyline. It wasn't a busy story; it was peaceful, and the writing was superb, transporting me to a rural setting and teaching me just enough about apple trees and orchards to be relevant to the story rather than overloading me with irrelevant details which slowed it down.

The characters well interesting and all different enough for me to want to know more about them. I liked the way the author gave insight into how the people who work for the uber-rich live, for example, rarely going on holiday or having their own lives. The main characters were likeable and kind, I liked that. There are enough stories out there about the bad people of this world; I enjoyed seeing Maddie find herself and make lives better for people and how Dylan helped her feel safe enough to do it.

This book gets a giant thumbs up from me.

The Apple Diary is yet another gem from Gerri Hill, weaving a tender romance between Madilyn Marak, a woman from a wealthy background seeking purpose, and Dylan Hayes, who is at a crossroads after the loss of her last known relative. Hill's talent for creating relatable, multidimensional characters shines, making it impossible not to invest emotionally in Maddie and Dylan's journey.

Gerri Hill's narrative is a blend of meticulous detail and captivating storytelling. The diary at the heart of the story acts as a catalyst for Madilyn, prompting profound reflections and life changes. Hill's approach to unveiling the past is elegant, and I was completely captivated by the way the letters unfolded.

As with all her works, Hill delivers a narrative that's both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Her ability to intertwine the lives of her characters, both past and present, without losing the reader's engagement, is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. This book is a must-read for those who cherish a well-crafted romance with depth and sincerity.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

This was a nice read, weaving parallels between past and present. The characters were likable and relatable even though one was extremely wealthy. It was fun to watch her discover herself slowly along the story.

I also liked how the author, intentionally or not, romanticized running an apple orchard. The whole story drew me in.

In 'The Apple Diary,' Gerri Hill deftly weaves a captivating tapestry of romance, subtly blending the allure of the paranormal with two sweet and heartwarming love stories. Although the plot may follow familiar paths, Hill's prowess shines through as she immerses me in the intricacies of her characters' emotions, keeping me hooked on the unfolding romance. Also, subtle incorporation of the concept of soul mates adds a delightful layer to the narrative, leaving me with a genuinely satisfying experience.

A must-read for Gerri Hill enthusiasts, 'The Apple Diary' not only delivers on the promise of a full-blown romance but also serves as a beautiful introduction to the author's compelling writing.

***My sincerest thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

Aww... this had a sort of Uber Xena feel to it. Not because of the characters at all. But, because it all starts when Maddie finds her great grandmother's diary, and finds out that she had a summer love affair with a very surprising person. That connects a bit to Dylan who Maddie hires to revitalize the small Apple Orchard on the massive property.

The characters were awesome. Especially Maddie and Dylan, and although we only met them through stories and the diary, Lorah and Isabel, were awesome too. The secondary characters were also interesting too. Although I was a little disappointed by how the Mom's story ended (I may be a bad person, oops). It was just such a classic lesfic romance, and such a fun read.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this lovely book

Madilyn Marak had agreed to spend the summer with her grandfather after the death of her beloved grandmother, it wasnt a hard decision to spend time with him

whilst there she found a diary written by her great grandmother from 1933, and discovered some surprising things one being that her great grandmother isobel had a love affair with lorah

and while reading the diary she discovered that the apple orchard had a special meaning to isobel and lorah, and so it spured her on to sort the orchard out again

dylan hayes needed a job badly and she had some experience with orchards but nothing on paper so when madilyn took her on to say she was surprised is an understatement but she was willing to put her whole soul into it

could the apple orchard do its magic again and bring these two together ....

lovely read, and i would highly recommend this book

Thanks to Bella Books and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for my review.

The Apple Diary follows Madilyn Marak who returns to her family's estate after the passing of her grandmother. While there she agrees to stay on with her grandfather for a time. After a chance find with a secret diary her world changes. She falls in love with the story of her great grandmother Isabel and her love affair with a woman named Lorah and feels a connection with them even after all these years. In honor of them she decides to revitalize her great grandmother's beloved orchard, which sets her on a path to meet Dylan Hayes. Their bond is instant, but both dance around it, unsure if they will be able to cross the number of challenges before them.

This was a bittersweet story that I loved. Seeing the story play out in two different times lines, I was rooting for Isabel and Lorah, though I knew already their outcome. I was also rooting for Maddie and Dylan, two women who suffered a lot of tragedy and loneliness in their lives. They take one hit after another and this made their love story all the more investing for me because I just wanted them to be happy. Hill did a very good job of writing the dance, not making them give in right away due to their own issues, but never stretching it out so it became frustrating. This is an overall small cast of characters, many of whom are either only in a for a few scenes, but this just allowed us more time with Maddie and Dylan, learning who they are as people, their own backstories and feelings.

I adore Gerri Hill's books. This was another heartwarming romance. I enjoyed the two love stories. The characters was well formed and the story moved at a good pace. Highly recommended.

"The Apple Diary" is a sweet and heartwarming romance. This isn’t one of Hill’s scary or thriller reads, it’s pure romance from beginning to end. There are actually two romances featured.

Madilyn is at her grandfather’s estate after the death of her grandmother. She’s asked to stay a while and in the process of moving, finds an old diary. It turns out to be her great-grandmother’s diary. It details Isabel’s, Madilyn’s great-grandmother, affair with a woman in 1933 and changes her life.

After reading the diary she decides to replant and open the apple orchard that used to cover the acres around the home. She hires Dylan to be in charge of getting the orchard back up again. Dylan is the opposite of Madilyn. Whereas Madilyn is lonely and just living her life, she isn’t very happy. Dylan, on the other hand, is more outgoing and carefree and sees the positive side to things.

There were many similarities between Isabel’s story and Madilyn’s. Both suffer from loneliness and boredom. They find friendship in unexpected places that leads to more. I was heart broken for Isabel and really connected with her story. The loneliness and her grief really come through in the pages of the diary. I could see how that would touch and effect Madilyn the way it did.

This is a slow burn and Hill really takes her time with establishing the characters and the romance. You really get to know both Madilyn and Dylan as people and as friends before things start to morph into the romantic. This is also a toaster-oven romance, which is in line with Hill. I have to say I liked the fact that Madilyn didn’t get caught up in her sexuality. She accepts things as they are once she realizes her feelings for Dylan. It’s nice to see Hill change things up a bit.

The reason I’m not giving it five stars is that I did feel it was a little repetitive in places. A more me thing is that it leaned in a little too heavy on the sappy fated love vibe for me.

Overall, this was a hit for me and I recommend it for fans of romance, especially nature-loving romance fans.

I received an ARC from Bella Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge fan of Gerri Hill.

Any chance I get, I snap up one of her novels and tuck myself in for a good read.

The Apple Diary is a change from her previous work. In this the audience gets two love stories. One set in the past and the other in the present. The first half of this story focuses on the love of Isabel and Lorah. Told through diary entries and the inner musing of Madilyn (Isabel’s great grandmother).

The second half features Madilyn’s burgeoning relationship with Dylan. That has significant ties to her family orchard and the old diary entries.

This was a beautiful story about family, tradition, and self discovery.

Highly recommended.

The book's main characters are Madilyn and Dylan.
Madilyn is staying with her grandfather at the estate for the summer per his request. She feels a pull to look in the attic and in a trunk she finds a diary. It is her great grandmother's and she writes of her love for another woman, Lorah. Her grandmother loved the apple orchards when she was alive, however, they have now fallen into disrepair. Madilyn wants the apple orchards to be what they once were. She needs someone who can help her replant and tend to the orchard. She hires Dylan, even though Dylan has never tended to an orchard of the size she has envisioned. She feels a draw toward Dylan and even begins to help her with planting the 300 trees.
The two women start spending a lot of time together and find out that Lorah is Dylan's great aunt. That is possibly why the two women feel drawn towards each other.
I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When Madilyn Marak came home for the funeral for her beloved Grandmother Belle. Seeing as she had nothing on her plate, beside working for the Marak Foundation where she helped select where the grants go every year. Her mother and older brother barely made it home for the funeral, leaving immediately after.
Her mother was spoiled and only cared about partying, traveling and she fully expected to live her life the same way. Maddie’s brother was made of the same cloth as their mother making him waste his time doing nothing.
Maddie decides to stay for a while at the family estate so she could spend some time with her elderly grandfather. It also gave her a chance to find out more about the family tree. When she finds the diary of her great-grandmother, Isabel. What she found was a whole lot of history that she didn’t know.
Dylan Hayes was hired when Maddie decided to bring the apple orchard back to life. Dylan loved her own apple orchard but that was going to come to and end now that her uncle has died. Selling her uncle's farm in order to pay the medical bills compiled when her uncle was sick. Luckily it was at this time Maddie advertised for a person to help her bring her Great-grandmother's orchard back to its previous condition.
M s Hill has yet to write a book that I didn’t love. Everything about this book was different. Yes we know how this will probably end but she instead made this book by writing about the two couples, past and present to life. What a wonderful romance.
Arc via NetGalley, Bella Books