I haven’t read the previous books in the series however I don’t feel this was a problem and found this easy to read as a a standalone book. Matilda has just split up with her boyfriend and goes to stay in Padcock with her friend Rosie whose family lives there. Matilda isn’t sure where she wants her career to go but is enjoying being in Padcock especially spending time with Rosie’s Brother Jay. This book takes us on a journey on the relationships that develop during her stay, her career and decisions she makes, along with her part in the community of Padcock where the villagers have made her feel so welcome.
A warm, easy to read story and I will certainly be reading the other books in the series in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Choc Lit/Joffe books for an advance copy with the opinions all my own.

This was a fun, light, enjoyable read. It had a very obvious British feel and reminded me a bit of Bridget Jones. Not a whole lot of drama, but nicely-paced with original characters. Basically a romance, but mostly clean and wholesome. Expected ending, but it's that type of book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy for review.

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

This was such a cozy, heartwarming book. I really enjoyed it!

Matilda lives with her best friend Rosie in a London Flat. She is an aspiring artist who doesn't seem to be able to get ahead. Meanwhile, her life-long friend Adrien has an opportunity to exhibit his art work in a new gallery. After hearing this news along with being dumped by her boyfriend, Matilda needs a change of scenery. She goes to Padcock with Rosie to celebrate her brother's birthday. Jay is turning 30 years old and a big party is planned for him. Matilda has known Jay for years and years, but she is now admitting to herself that she has feelings for him. Does he feel the same about her? Does Padcock offer her an opportunity for a new life? She loves the people and the quaintness of the town and of course Jay lives and works there. I liked this novel so much, that I will now read the first three novels in the Padcock series. I am sure I will get to know some of the other characters who appeared in this book much better. I am anxious to do just that.

Enjoyable cozy story, plenty of emotions all in a lovely setting. I didn't realise it was part of a series and can be read as a stand-alone. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

I just couldn't get into this book and since I would have marked it as less than three stars, I didn't post about it on my socials.

Anyone who dedicates a book to their family and dog is *chef's kiss*.

I read this as a standalone (since I didn't realize this was part of a series) and was able to jump in.

This is a cozy read, uplifting, second chance vibe.

Slow burn, small town feel good book. Great for a book club.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for my E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely LOVE small town cozy romances and Matilda’s Summer of New Beginnings delivered!

Matilda was dumped in the worst way possible, by text message.. This story follows her as she makes decisions about the trajectory of her life now.

This is technically a part of a series, but I read it as a stand alone and enjoyed it all the same.

I thoroughly enjoyed this advance reader copy and would recommend it to anyone who loves cozy romance and second chances.

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

This is the story of Matilda who is an artist, and has dreams that she wants to fulfill, her friend Damien who she’s known since childhood is also an artist and they have always tried to prove to each other that they can do better.

But after Damien, in his bid to do better than her, takes it too far, Matilda decides to go away from London.

She travels to Padcock, the place where Jay lives the village where her flatmate and best friends brother Jay lives.

Will being in the village and taking part in their events help Matilda to make her dreams come true and whether a life in London is what she really wants?

I loved the characters and I loved the village of Padcock.

I recommend this book.

This is book four in this series, it could be read alone but you will enjoy the other books as well. There are good characters and a lovely setting it is worth 5 stars.


Thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC

"Matilda's Summer of New Beginnings" by Kirsty Ferry is a heartwarming tale set in the tranquil village of Padcock, where dreams take flight and love blossoms unexpectedly. Matilda Matthews, facing setbacks in her artistic career and love life, finds solace in Padcock's idyllic charm. As she embraces the village's quiet way of life, she discovers newfound friendships and a budding romance with Jay, the charming barman. Kirsty Ferry's evocative writing transports readers to the enchanting world of Padcock, where resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness take center stage. With its blend of romance, humor, and poignant moments, "Matilda's Summer of New Beginnings" is a delightful read that celebrates the power of new beginnings and the courage to follow one's heart.

In this charming novel, Ferry beautifully explores themes of self-discovery and the idea that happiness may be found in unexpected places. Through Matilda's journey, readers are reminded that sometimes, amidst life's uncertainties, our true happy ending may have been within reach all along. With warmth, humor, and a touch of whimsy, "Matilda's Summer of New Beginnings" is a captivating story that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who ventures into the enchanting world of Padcock.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this as a Read Now choice.

This was a lot better than I had anticipated. What a pleasant, charming, cozy and unassuming read! Works well as a quick palate cleanser after something heavier. I just can't find it in me to criticise much, although it's of course quite predictable from the start. Basically, Matilda has new beginnings in Padcock with a job and a guy, and fits right into the community, where she is troubleshooting and helping out left, right and centre, and her talents are appreciated.

This is book 4 of 4 but from experience these can be read as standalones. I'll be reading the other summer one next, which is book 2. The other two are Christmas books so I'll have something to look forward to in winter, as they are on Kindle Unlimited.

I read this as a stand-alone story without knowledge of the previous three books in the series and thoroughly enjoyed it!

It is a cosy and uplifting story about young love getting a second chance, and about reevaluating life.

Matilda has just been dumped (via text message!!) and her old time rival has got his art accepted at a gallery in London (although a dubious one...). She escapes to the sleepy village of Padcock to attend a birthday party for her best friend's brother Jay - and to connect with to local very successful artists.

Working through her emotions and taking hold the opportunities that come along, Matilda soon finds herself in a happier place and she's getting more confident.

This was a captivating and inspiring slow-burn, small town, feel-good story.

Unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me. I hadn’t read anything by this author before so was looking forward to reading something new but I’m afraid I just couldn’t gel with the characters, nor the storyline. Such a shame as I was really hoping to enjoy this one

I did enjoy this book, i didn't realise it was part of a series of Padcock but it can be read as standalone. Great read and i read in a few days.

A sweet stories about Matilda and the changes that start to happen to her as she makes decisions about the direction she wants her life to take. Best friend Rosie and Damien as well as Rosie's brother Jay are also central characters. A nice overall story.

I wish I could give ♾️ stars!!!

There haven’t been many books that I’ve finished, loved, AND known that I would easily pick back up and read again in a heartbeat… but I already miss Matilda and all the charming residents of Padcock 🥺

Kirsty Ferry is a new author to me, yet stole my heart with this story and is definitely a new auto-buy author. While Matilda’s Summer of New Beginnings is book #4 in the Padcock Series, it can be easily read as a standalone! (I actually didn’t realize it was part of a series when I received the ARC but hey! That means more adventures in Padcock for me!!)

Oh, Matilda… ‘Tilds as everyone calls you… how I adore you!! With your quirky outfits, your creative genius, your artsy-fartsy-ness, and love of sewing and costuming, you stole me away to join you as you adventured between London and Padcock finding yourself. You’ve shown me that it’s okay to move from one career goal to the next and feel peace with it. It’s okay to make hard choices even when it feels scary! I loved watching you find strength in your vulnerability and only hope I can do the same throughout my life.

Dear Padcock… with your close-knit community, Summer Fayre festivities, quirky history, and the adventures you brought to ‘Tilds, I love you! If only you were real so I could escape to walk your country paths — I suppose I have to read this book again and again to appease my sadness.

Matilda’s Summer of New Beginnings is the perfect read for Spring or Summer…. Or Fall or Winter…. It’s perfect always!

Thank you @joffebooks, @netgalley, and Kirsty Ferry for the ARC. All opinions are my own and honest.

I cannot express how delighted I am to have discovered author Kirsty Ferry! With Spring around the corner, “Matilda’s Summer of New Beginnings,” appeared just on time to coincide with this blossoming season.

My opinion: I enjoyed this advanced reader copy immensely! The author has a lovely way of giving life to her characters as I was vested in following the storyline to the very end. It was a cosy read that had me laughing out loud at times (hint: art gallery). The fact that I couldn’t put the book down after reading the first few pages affirmed that this author is a natural when it comes to writing and engaging her reading audience. Definitely an author worth your attention if you enjoy reading cosy romances.

Another notable: the setting/scenery was well-written… so much so that Padcock has my heart! I did not want the book to end so I could stay immersed in this village- that’s another great sign that the writer is skilled at creating a realistic world where her readers are delighted.

I recommend this book for your reading pleasure, and hope that if you read it, that you enjoy it too.

Anticipated release date: April 9, 2024

(Kindly note this review was posted on my Goodreads & Twitter arrount.)

5/5

This is book four in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. It is a sweet story, you will want to go back and read the other books. Lovely setting.

This book was totally different from what I was expecting but it did not disappoint. It's fantastic.
I loved every page I couldn't stop reading it.....
I urge everyone who is feeling a bit down to read it as it will make you happy.