I loved how this story was broken up into acts like a show - it felt like the whole story was an interlude for Lily to help her decide what was next on her path.
The relationship between Lily and Violet was so special- the memories they shared between them so special.
This story is full of love, family and community and I really enjoy seeing Lily flourish at Appleton Green.

Lily Baxter is lacking confidence when her latest audition goes horribly wrong. She decides to head back to Appleton Green to spend some time with her grandmother, and where she spent many happy summers. At 97, Grandma Violet is still feisty, but she is also showing signs of her age. When Nurse Nick comes by to visit Violet, Lily is drawn to his kindness and caring nature. She is also talked into auditioning for the local amateur drama society production of My Fair Lady, and this gives her an opportunity to discover what she really wants for her life.

Lily's dream of the West End stage falters when her voice fails her, and she runs to the village where her grandmother lives and where she spent happy holidays as a child. Violet is feeling her years and is glad to have her beloved granddaughter's care and company. Lily heals, and Violet finds acceptance. Will Lily pursue her dream of fame, or is there something she wants more? The relationship between Lily and Violet is lovely, and both find solace in the other. It's a poignant story, especially Violet's letters to her granddaughter, Lily. There is friendship, community and a few characters who are less likeable, but all are integral to this complex story of love and learning to follow your true path.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This is a first time read by this author for me and I wasn't disappointed. Well thought out and well written. Another author on my list to look out for.

Not my favourite book by this author but it was a quick, easy read. The ending was sad but expected.

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

I loved this book.

For Lily, her life is her dream at the moment, she’s attending auditions for the roles she wishes to play.

During one audition, her voice goes and she’s so upset and it really impacts her confidence.

Not wanting to talk about what happened. She wants to be alone and find time to work through what’s happened. When she hears from her mother that her grandmother is unwell, she decides to go and stay with Violet in Appleton Green.

Since she was young they’ve both had a good understanding between them and have a strong bond. Lily has to decide what she wants her future to look like. The people in the village love her and Violet and when Nick, who is the local nurse Nick visits to see her grandmother after she’s home from hospital, she finds his encouragement to do what she wants, not what others expect her too.

She joins the local amateur dramatics society and is given the lead role, but even here others are jealous of her. Is this what Lily wants, to be on stage or is something else in her mind?

I loved the relationship between Lily and Violet. But her relationship with her mother isn’t as good.

I recommend this book.

I loved this book! Setting a small village and with a sideline of musical theatre, sign me right up! Heartfelt, funny and romantic I loved this book from the very first page.

when Lily thinks he dreams have come at last she cant wait. but then the big audition for the West End calls she cant do it. or should i say her voice cant because it completely deserts her. and so shes flattened right to her core. she needs time and healing and runs to the only place she wants to be right now and thats with her Grandmother Violet.
its in this little village where she finds her safety, her sense of self again. and even a bit of am dram with help of the local lovely, Nurse Nick. Nick is patient, kind and she finds herself feeling, feeling a whole lot more than she dared hope for. than she dared dream for.
so its time for Lily to decide which scenes she wants to play out next and for her future.
this book was just gorgeous and it warms the heart the whole way through.
Kate has a most beautiful style of writing and it feels like she is treating every reader of her to their own unique hug from this book. its envelopes you and brings all the good feelings you want from a book like this. she has a way to write stories with heart and depth. stories with laughter and love. stories with moments you cherish alongside the characters. and of course the usual strife's of life but never too much.
i loved this book and once again Kate proves to me why she is one of my best authors. those authors you have on a list in your brain somewhere and you know every single time you can go to them and choose any book, any time, and its going to be wonderful.

Lily is a gifted singer, striving for West End success. When her voice fails at an audition, she goes to stay with her Gran in Appleton Green, her place of comfort and safety.
Lily becomes involved with the local am dram production and also meets dishy local nurse, Nick. There are the usual misunderstandings, and a cast of diverse characters. Ultimately a predictable read, but very enjoyable.

Second Act at Appleton Green is a warm enough read, but ultimately too predictable and clichéd to leave much of an impression. The strongest part of the story is the touching relationship between Lily and her grandmother Violet, which provides the only real emotional depth and authenticity in the book. Unfortunately, the rest feels formulaic: Lily is an almost-perfect heroine whose setbacks are overcome too easily, and the supporting characters are painted in extreme, one-dimensional ways, leaving little nuance or surprise. The plot hits all the expected beats of a “city girl returns home” romance, but the ups and downs come too quickly and are resolved just as fast, without letting the drama or tension properly build. While it’s a light, cozy story with some charm, it doesn’t offer anything fresh or memorable beyond the sweet grandmother-granddaughter bond.

Lily seems to be living her dream, getting call backs to audition for roles she wants. When her voice deserts her ,so does her confidence. She needs comfort and sanctuary and finds it with her perceptive grandmother Violet in Appleton Green. The two have always shared a deep bond of understanding.
It’s time for Lily to decide what her future holds, what she wants. The village has ( mostly) taken her to their heart. And there is local nurse Nick, who supports and encourages her. Yet, even in the village there is rivalry and jealousy. Does Lily want a lead role on stage, or something different in her life? Time to choose.
I enjoyed this book for the lovely relationship between Lily and her grandmother, Violet. Her relationship with her mother struck a chord and of course, I felt just a little bit in love with Nick!

Lily is an aspiring actress, but when she auditions for the lead role in Les Mis, her voice fails her.
Not sure what is going on, she heads to Pippin Cottage to look after her grandmother Violet. This is where Lily spent her summer holidays growing up.
Lily meets Nick, Violet's nurse, and he persuades her to audition for the local am dram.
Lily has a lot to think about. As well as a rival for the lead in the new village show, there is also romance on the cards.
A delightful read and one to race through easily.
Thanks to Aria and Aries for the invitation to read this in return for an honest review.

A cozy tale of romance, village life and amateur dramatics. Lily has escaped to London where her flat mate has left her alone for a bit and where her singing career has stalled. Living with her Gran brings back memories of spending time with her and being supported by her. Lily remembers the things she used to enjoy doing and what gave her pleasure and somehow it isn’t quite the life she’s leading now. There is romance on the horizon too if Lily can be brave and also if Nick‘s nasty ex-girlfriend doesn’t sabotage their potential. This is a proper cute read that is perfect for reading curled up on the sofa with a cup of tea.

A great read but it brought tears . A rare book makes me cry. It is a story about finding the confidence to be yourself . There are letters that appear during the story and they are lovely . The grandmother is an amazing character. A beautful story . The story is told in acts. There are some moving moments. Pushy parents are terrible . Read it

After losing her voice at an important audition Lily goes back to Appleton Green where her grandmother Violet lives. Violet has a fall lives and when she gets home District Nurse Nick comes to change her dressings. He persuades Lily to join the amdram society in the village. She comes across Jessica who once went out with Nick and wanted the lead part in the musical