Cover Image: Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall

Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Yet another wonderful book by Jill Steeples. With loveable characters and beautiful narratives making it a heart warming spring read.

Was this review helpful?

The Primrose Woods series is one I can always get into. I've read all in the series and always eagerly look forward to more additions to it.
The beautiful setting of Primrose Hall is front and center in this charming and uplifting book. Sophie has struggled through a bad relationship and finally she's out of it and ready to start anew. Primrose Hall has weekend craft fairs and it's the perfect opportunity for Sophie. She finds the customers warm and welcoming and the others at Primrose Hall just what she needs.
Tom newly found brother of Jacks, Lord of the Manor has to earn the trust of those around him and he'll do whatever it takes. As Sophie and Tom spend more time together, they just click, too bad Sophie isn't interested in a new romance yet.
I enjoyed catching up with the characters in the past book in the series. When Jackson is in an accident Tom is able to prove his worth and earn the trust of others as he spends a lot of time helping out. Full of love, laughter, tender moments, friendships and a slow burn romance. Life doesn't always turn out the way you expect, sometimes it's better. Fabulous relaxation read that has me wanting to visit Primrose Hall now and have tea with its occupants.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Fantastic characters, a book full,of friendship and romance and success and struggles. I loved it and I’ll be recommending it everywhere.

Was this review helpful?

The main focus for the latest book in this lovely series is Jackson’s recently found brother Tom – he needs to prove that he’s trustworthy and hardworking, and does well when he takes over the running of the Sunday craft sales in the stables at Primrose Hall. And that’s where Sophie sells her jewellery – her controlling marriage thankfully behind her, she’s hopeful that she can make her enterprise successful enough to do it full time. Neither of them is looking for love, but their friendship shows real signs of becoming something rather more – but when they’ve both been so damaged by previous relationships, they need to take things slowly.

When tragedy strikes (as the synopsis tells us), Jackson’s fiancée Pia really needs Tom’s support with a major event in the offing – and he certainly steps up to the plate, improving his relationship with his brother in the process. But that’s not the only bit of drama that occurs – there are other significant challenges, involving the wider cast of characters we’ve got to know so well through the earlier books, where Tom’s help proves invaluable too. And while a happy ending for everyone is never seriously in doubt, it proves to be quite an emotional journey – and so very well handled – before life settles down once more and we can look to the future.

Because of its focus, this book would be entirely readable – and very enjoyable – as a standalone, but even more so as part of the series with more familiarity around the friendships and family relationships that underpin the story and continue to play out in the background. The author’s storytelling is as accomplished as always – the narrative perfectly paced, the setting beautifully described, full of warmth and with touches of well-judged humour, with the perfect romantic touches and very real characters. I’m not sure if this is the last book in the series – it felt like it just might be – but I’ll be very much looking forward to seeing what Jill Steeples does next. This series has been a complete joy to read – and one I’d very much recommend to others.

Was this review helpful?

In the last instalment, we met a couple of new characters, Tom Moody, and Sophie Wright. This book sees the focus shift to their stories, and it made for a thoroughly heartwarming experience. As the synopsis explains, Tom is the newly discovered elder brother to Jackson Moody, who owns Primrose Hall. Sophie is a new maker exhibiting at the Stables craft sales each Sunday.
Tom’s relationship with Jackson has slowly improved and he’s taken on the responsibility for the organisation of the craft events in the stables. It was a pleasure to see their relationship blossom in the last book, so I was delighted to read that there was now an even greater level of trust between them both.
Sophie escaped to the area, fleeing her relationship with a controlling heavy drinker. Whilst his abuse of her was never physical, she is still damaged by the effects of a life lived on eggshells. It’s no wonder that she has sworn off relationships and is only looking for friendship.
This is a slow burn romance that sees the healing power of friendship and how love can form in even the most damaged hearts. It’s certainly not a spoiler to say that they provide each other with the support that they both need. Jackson and Pia’s relationship remains at the heart of the story, but life isn’t without challenges for them or their extended family.
Despite the challenges that are woven into this book, there is never a feeling of desperation, and I instinctively knew that whilst the ending may not be as straightforward as imagined, there was no danger of not finding the happy ending for those in and around Primrose Hall.
Jill Steeples has created a community that I would love to be part of. Each character brings something quite special to the mix. It’s even a pleasure to revisit those that we met in the earlier books and find out how they are doing. This special series can be enjoyed as standalone stories, but they each contribute to the bigger theme, and it would be a shame not to follow this across all the instalments. I cannot recommend the Primrose Woods and Hall series enough as they will easily reassure you of the joys of life.

Was this review helpful?

enjoyed the craft fair. Some parts of the story seemed too perfect, like everything just fit together.The pace felt OK, but it sometimes lagged. I preferred The Dog and Duck series overall.

Thanks to Jill Steeples and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

3 stars

Was this review helpful?

This is the fifth book in the Primrose series, although it can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend starting at the beginning (something I'm ashamed to say I haven't done yet, although the books are in my TBR list) . This time the story concentrates on Tom, Lord of the Manor Jackson’s newly-discovered older brother, and Sophie, who is starting again after the end of a stormy relationship. Don't worry though, all the previous characters are still there and their story continues.
For me this is an ideal setting for a series, a glorious location, a small community, which enables individuals stories to be interwoven without becoming stale. There are highs and lows, with some characters being in trouble, but it was great to see Tom and Sophie's relationship develop despite both their previous troublesome pasts. A great book to read and lose yourself in and dream of happier times.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Netgalley & Boldwood Books for the E-ARC! This was cute! Loved the characters and the setting. Will definitely continue the series.

Was this review helpful?

Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall is a sweet and charming romance and another delightful installment in the Primrose Woods series.

Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall is the latest installment in the Primrose series. I would highly recommend reading books three and four in the series before diving into this book because if you don't, you might feel a little lost when reading this book. In book three, we are introduced to Pia and Jackson's characters, and in book four, we are introduced to Tom and, briefly, to Sophie's characters. If you read books three and four, you better understand the character's back stories and what has happened up to this point. I enjoyed this story. It's a sweet and easy read with a lot of heart. Jill really knows how to create a story that will tug at those heartstrings and also have those butterflies fluttering in your stomach. This story is told from Pia, Tom, Sophie, and Katy's POV. I'm not always a fan of a book that changes POVs a lot, but I didn't mind it in this case. The changing of the POVs made it feel like you were watching your favourite TV soap opera without all the unbelievable drama. The characters' stories interact with each other cohesively and entertainingly. Everything flowed nicely, and it made for a pleasant read.

The characters in this book and series are all so wonderful. I loved getting to know Sophie; she is a great addition to the series and a perfect fit for Tom's character. It's also great getting to spend more time with Tom and see how things have been for him after all the events from the previous book. The romance between Sophie and Tom is sweet and delightful. I loved watching these two characters get to know each other and watch those feelings of friendship develop into something more. Pia and Jackson are my favourite characters/couple, and I just want good things for them. My heart broke for them in this book, but it was still wonderful seeing them work together to get through those tougher moments that happen in life. All the characters in this book feel real and relatable. Even though this is a charming romance story, the character's lives are not perfect. They all have problems/struggles they are trying to work through. And most importantly, their struggles are relatable. Sophie is trying to find herself after leaving a toxic relationship, Katy is struggling to find that work/home/personal life balance, and Tom is trying to find his place in this newfound family. I loved just being with these characters and watching their journeys unfold on the pages.

If you are looking for a charming English small-town romance than you should definitely give this book a try.

Was this review helpful?

This is book five book in the Primrose Woods series. After reading this I am going to start at the beginning to get connected more with the characters.
This story centers on Sophie. She has set her sights on starting over and she is getting help from Tom. They seem to fit together in ways neither thought about and each of them is helping the other.
This is a great beach read book and I am so glad I read it. The author has a knack for making the reader care about the people in her books.
Thank you NetGalley, Jill Steeples and Boldwood Books. This is my personal review.

Was this review helpful?

If ever there was a literary embodiment of a gentle soul, Jill Steeples's Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall would fit the bill. In this fifth book in the Primrose Woods series, a weekly craft fair provides a cute backdrop for Sophie Wright who, after a recent breakup, finds herself needing a fresh start. Thankfully, selling jewelry on the weekends at her friends Pia and Jackson's stables provides the perfect distraction. And as much as she isn't interested in a new romance, getting to talk with Tom, the utterly charming and new manager of the craft shows, is an added bonus.

Steeples writes with a genuine kindness for her subjects. In the early sections, as Sophie navigates putting together her wares and figuring out what she wants to do with her life, she's painted with such wounded sweetness it's almost impossible not to form an affection for her. It's a skill Steeples deepens throughout the book, painting the stables themselves as a rollicking, idyllic community with a ragtag group of lovable denizens around it. Sunny is fittingly right there in the title—with Steeples at the helm, there's a heartening warmth pouring out of these pages.

However, that's not to suggest everything's always so rosy. Steeples knows how to add drama, which is often employed with Pia and Jackson. After a nasty accident, Jackson finds himself in hospital—a place he'll do nearly anything to leave. In these moments, the action shifts over to Pia, whose worries (and later, frustrations) over her husband are practically palpable. Some of this action might play better for readers with previous knowledge of the series, although this does work entirely as a standalone. Sophie, too, has her own worries, and some of the most compelling action comes from confrontations she's forced into with her ex.

But it's the moments between Sophie and Tom where Sunny Sundays really shines. While to most readers the chemistry between the two might seem immediately apparent, Steeples is careful to start them as tentative friends. They can't even get through a meal together without bashful awkwardness. But this slow approach has its charms and, ultimately, after side glances, timid jokes, and plenty of blushing, the payoff works.

It's this type of gentleness that permeates all of Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall, and, by its close, you feel as though you've just been told a story by an old friend. A delightfully sweet one at that.

Was this review helpful?

If you are looking for a fairly fast paced, cute, heartwarming, feel good romance, then this certainly fits the bill. This is part of a series but I think if you haven't read any others you aren't disadvantaged by it. A delightful book that I heartily recommend. Thanks netgalley for an advanced copy.

Was this review helpful?

Sophie Wright has left everything behind to start again. The part of her new life she enjoys the most is the Sunday craft markets held at Primrose Hall.
Sophie enjoys selling her hand made jewellery and chatting with customers and the other vendors.
When Tom Moody takes over the running of the craft fairs there is an instant spark between him and Sophie, but both of them have been burned before, and it will take something special to move them forward.
This is a lovely story of family, love and second chances.

Was this review helpful?

"Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall" by Jill Steeples is a delightful addition to her uplifting and romantic series. Set against the backdrop of the charming Primrose Woods, the story follows Sophie Wright as she embarks on a journey to start anew after leaving behind a turbulent past. The Sunday craft fairs at Primrose Hall provide the perfect setting for Sophie to pursue her dreams of building a new business and finding herself.

Tom Moody, Lord of the Manor Jackson's newfound older brother, adds an unexpected twist to the tale, bringing his charm and charisma to the Primrose Hall community. As tragedy strikes and bonds are tested, Sophie and Tom find themselves drawn together in unexpected ways, despite Sophie's reluctance to embrace romance.

Steeples crafts a beautiful narrative filled with heartwarming moments and engaging characters. "Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall" is a perfect read for a leisurely afternoon, with its picturesque setting and captivating storyline. Whether enjoyed during a picnic or a relaxing day with a glass of red wine, this book promises to whisk readers away on a delightful journey of love, friendship, and new beginnings.

Was this review helpful?

Loved catching up with characters at primrose hall, loved the storyline bringing new main characters to the fore can’t wait to read the next in the series

Was this review helpful?

This was another good book in this series. It centers around Sophie, Tom, Pia and Jackson.
It’s a nice feel good book. It’s a perfect beach read
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy

Was this review helpful?

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

I have enjoyed every book in this series.

The story was not only about Pia and Jackson, we also get to know about Tom, Sophia who also joins the gang in the stables and Katie, who have their own stories.

The story will keep you hooked, with the events that happen in their lives.

I highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

I loved catching up with the Primrose Hall cast of characters.
Another sweet, heartwarming book from Jill Steeples.

Was this review helpful?

This cover grabbed me right away! This was such a beautifully written story with such a picturesque setting.

Was this review helpful?

As the sun bathes the charming village, readers step into a world where community, love, and second chances intertwine. In the latest novel, "Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall" by Jill Steeples, the pages weave a delightful tapestry of laughter, tears, and romance that will leave you craving more.

At the heart of this enchanting tale lies Primrose Hall. This place is more than just a stately manor. It's the pulse of the community, a beacon of warmth, and the stage for Sunday craft fairs held in the renovated stables. Locals and tourists alike flock to these events, drawn not only by the irresistible goodies on display but also by the breathtaking surroundings of Primrose Woods.

Meet Sophie Wright. She is a spirited woman seeking solace after leaving behind a turbulent relationship. For Sophie, the craft fairs are more than a chance to sell her wares; they're an opportunity to forge a new life and a new business. Romance? Not on her radar. But life has a way of surprising us, especially when a drop-dead gorgeous stranger enters the scene.

Meet Tom Moody. He is Jackson Moody's newly-discovered older brother, and revels in being part of the Primrose Hall community. His contentment lies in mucking in wherever he can be helpful. But when tragedy strikes, Tom's role takes an unexpected turn. Pia, Jackson's fiancée, needs him more than ever. And when Tom himself needs comfort, Sophie might just be the perfect shoulder to cry on. She does have a no-romance policy, after all.

Steeples paints Primrose Hall with vivid strokes, making it a place readers will yearn to visit. The lush greenery, the scent of blooming flowers, and the cozy corners where secrets are shared, all come alive. It's truly the characters who steal the show. From quirky villagers to steadfast friends, each person adds depth and charm to the narrative.

Readers have fallen head over heels for the adventures at Primrose Hall, and I am no exception. “Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall” is a delightful, warm, and cozy read. Steeples never fails to deliver heartwarming books that resonate long after the final page. As you curl up with this novel, prepare for laughter, tears, and a sense of belonging. Primrose Hall awaits, and its magic will wrap around you like a cherished quilt.

Thank-you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?