Find Me at Willoughby Close

Willoughby Close, Book 3

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Pub Date 14 Mar 2017 | Archive Date 18 May 2017

Description

Welcome to Willoughby Close… a charming cluster of cozy cottages, each with a story to tell and a happy ending to deliver…

Harriet Lang had the perfect life, so she’s left reeling when everything is taken from her in one fell swoop. Suddenly, Harriet learns her beautiful farmhouse in the Cotswolds is double-mortgaged, her husband Richard’s been unceremoniously fired—and he’s become a little too close to his young, sexy assistant.

Harriet moves into Willoughby Close with her three children, trying to hold her head up high. With the help of her neighbor and newfound friend Ellie Matthews, Harriet starts to rebuild her life–but dipping a toe in the dating pool feels strange and meanwhile her children are struggling in different ways. She wonders if starting over is really possible…

Then Willoughby Close begins to weave its healing magic on both her and her children, and Harriet begins to see a way forward. She even starts to date sexy local vet Tom Roberts–but when Richard reappears in her life, wanting to make amends, Harriet must make the painful decision about how much of the past can be forgiven—and what kind of future she is fighting for.

 

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT WILLOUGHBY CLOSE:

‘Utterly charming…’

‘When you find a book that gives you a feel good snuggly I-want-to-know-what happens-next story feeling…One you don’t want to put down, and one you think you’d love to be a fly on the wall in, you know it’s a winner. This is one of those books.’

‘Loved it… I didn’t want their story to end.’

‘I devoured it in one sitting.’

‘A sweet story that left me with a smile.’

‘Cheery and heartwarming.’

Welcome to Willoughby Close… a charming cluster of cozy cottages, each with a story to tell and a happy ending to deliver…

Harriet Lang had the perfect life, so she’s left reeling when everything is...


A Note From the Publisher

Kate Hewitt wrote her first story at the age of five, simply because her older brother had written one and she thought she could do it too. That story was one sentence long—fortunately, they have become a bit more detailed as she’s grown older.

She studied drama in college and shortly after graduation moved to New York City to pursue a career in theatre. This was derailed by something far better—meeting the man of her dreams who happened also to be her older brother’s childhood friend.

Ten days after their wedding they moved to England, where Kate worked a variety of different jobs—drama teacher, editorial assistant, church youth worker, secretary, and finally mother.

When her oldest daughter was one year old, she sold her first short story to a British magazine, The People’s Friend. Since then she has written many stories and serials as well as novels. In 2007 she received ‘The Call’ from Mills & Boon for her first Harlequin Presents novel, The Italian’s Chosen Wife. Since then she has written over 25 books for Harlequin, and also writes women’s fiction for Carina UK and Lion Hudson Press. She loves writing stories that both tackle tough issues and celebrate the redeeming power of love.

Besides writing, she enjoys reading, traveling, and learning to knit—it’s an ongoing process and she’s made a lot of scarves.

Kate lives in a tiny village on the northwest coast of England with her husband, five young children, and an overly affectionate Golden Retriever.

Kate Hewitt wrote her first story at the age of five, simply because her older brother had written one and she thought she could do it too. That story was one sentence long—fortunately, they have...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781945879746
PRICE $3.99 (USD)

Average rating from 45 members


Featured Reviews

3.5 stars.

This book is all about Harriet. Even though the events are happening to her whole family, Harriet remains the main focus. Which is understandable, because she is hit hard – especially at the start – and she has a lot of adjustments to make. This whole book is a growth exercise for her, really, starting with a lot of pruning before she can finally try to grow again in a different – and hopefully better – direction.

Which is fine, because I do have a lot of sympathy for her, but my goodness, sometimes it is hard to like her. She might appear upbeat to people, but inside she’s so negative a lot of the time. Her thoughts of the children, even her memories, are usually something awful or annoying or just petty and not very nice. She remembers good things about Richard, but with the children it’s always a grind. Children are difficult and exhausting and doing it alone is a mammoth task, but there were times when I wanted to shake Harriet and demand she find something, anything, good about her life and her children, because surely there must good parts sometimes.

I felt rather bad for her children, mostly because this book is so focused on Harriet that they don’t have much personality. Particularly William. I wanted to get to know William. He’s just a bundle of energy running around in the background. I don’t think Harriet has a conversation with him once. Little Chloe has a few moments, as does surly Mallory, but William gets nothing. He doesn’t seem to mind, but that’s because we don’t ever get to know him.

As for Richard… I definitely wanted to shake him several times, but at the same time I could sort of see how the dissolution of their marriage happened. It’s not easy and it’s not nice, but it is more than one event that led to it all. The betrayal of trust is a big thing, and I’m glad that Harriet didn’t simply get over it, but at the same time, she does bury her head in the sand at times and I was occasionally frustrated at her lack of practicality.

But then again, she has a lot to learn in this book, and it is a definite struggle for her. Personally, I found the blurb a little misleading, because the sexy vet is barely a footnote, and it’s clear from the start that this book is a personal journey rather than a romantic one. Even Harriet’s friendship with next door neighbour Ellie isn’t that important. Instead it’s more of an age-old quest for happiness and an exploration of whether or not money is truly the key.

So it wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but it’s still a good read. Harriet isn’t always likeable, but she is believable and real. Her life is far from perfect and she has a lot of adjustments to make, but her story was an interesting one. If you like your books about real life, with women figuring out how best to muddle through and hopefully find a way to happiness, then you will probably enjoy this. If you’re looking more for a fluffy, romantic escape, this isn’t it. Nevertheless, there’s still plenty of charm to be found in Willoughby Close and I look forward to finding out more about the mysterious new resident in the next book.

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This is one of those books that you just feel pure pleasure and joy when reading it. It's also likely that many readers like me will remember this sweet and heartfelt read long after they are finished reading it. Kate Hewitt does an amazing job with this story and, much like the previous books in the series, I have come to love her characters immensely.

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Another winner from the Willoughby Close series! I love the characters, the village, everything about this heartwarming series. I'm already looking forward to the next installment!

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Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. This is the third book in the Willoughby Close series.

Harriet Lang is a yummy mummy. She has come a long way from her lower middle class upbringing in Birmingham, as a couple, she and Richard have come a long way from the broke young university students starting out in a crumby flat with make do furniture. They live in a show place in a small village in the Cotswolds with a population swollen by wealthy London commuters. Richard is one of those commuters, spending long hours in his job as a hedge fund manager playing with millions of dollars of other peoples money and bringing home a hefty swag of filthy lucre to fund their lifestyle.

Only one day, Harriet finds it's all a lie. Richard has lost his job, the perfect house is double mortgaged and the bank is about to foreclose. Worse than that at the long phone calls late at night Richard has been making to his attractive and much younger, former secretary.

With this, begins a journey for Harriet to find out exactly who she is, stripped of money, status and husband of fourteen years. The first step is the move to number two Willoughby Close, the small three bedroom rental a big comedown from one of the elite homes of the village.

Harriet has to make new friends, deal with a much reduced income and grieve for all she and her three children have lost. It is a hard journey and we have to travel with her all the way. Throughout the journey is the problem of Richard and his betrayal of trust. This is a marriage that has lost it's way and whether it can be saved is a major focus of the story.

Like the others in the series, this is a very real story about ordinary people leading ordinary lives and struggling with challenges that are recognizable to us all. I found Richard difficult to like at times, though he is a likeable person. The weakness he displayed was hard to excuse and the challenge of ensuring a happy ending in those circumstances was well done.

I received a copy from Netgalley for an independent review

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Another Fabulous book in the Willoughby close series. I'm loving that each book has been from a different point of view so we see that perhaps what one character thinks is going on can be completely wrong and people have their own struggles going on. Harriett wasn't my favourite character in the previous books and i must say I haven't really changed my mind but I do understand her a bit better now!

I can't wait for another installment because this is such a fun series!

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It is a credit to Kate Hewitt’s writing that I liked Harriet Lang in Find Me at Willoughby Close. This is because I have been reading this series from the start so I did not particularly like her or her daughter, Mallory in the book concerning Ellie. Thanks to Kate Hewitt, I gave this character a second chance. Harriett grew on me as she dealt with the fallout from her husband’s transgressions. Perhaps she had been too smug but boy, does she change as she rebuilds herself. Maybe admire is too strong of a word to use but I did really start to like her.

This is a well-developed story of a family in crisis. It has some surprising twists especially at the end that I did not expect but found to be perfectly satisfactory. In fact, it has a reaffirming kind of ending. Find Me at Willoughby Close may well be my favorite of the series. Also, it reads well as a stand-alone.


4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

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I say it every time but I love Kate Hewitt. Find me at Willoughby Close is another winner. This series is becoming a favorite of mine. I love that Inight every book we learn more about Lady Stokely. I really like how all the characters from Willoughby Close interact together.

Harriet grows so much as a person throughout her book. Her children also grow. I like how the book flowed and how everyone comes together in the end.

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I loved returning to Willoughby Close to read Harriet's story from its beginning, when she makes a shocking discovery that shakes the foundation of the life she leads. Drastic changes are coming and the new life she must build with her children take her on a journey from self-absorption to self-discovery. I enjoyed watching Harriet figure out what was truly important to herself and her family.
This is book 3 in series, but so far each book is a self-contained but overlapping story, so no worries if you haven't read the previous books, although I recommend you read those, too.
I requested and read an advanced reader copy of this book. I offer my honest opinion in return.

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Another great installment in the Willoughby Close series. Where the first two books seemed a bit more lighthearted and romantic, this one touches on deeper subjects. It didn’t have the romantic feel like the previous books did. It is more of a women’s fiction story about starting over after you lose everything.

It all started with a discovery on the phone bill. Harriet Lang found out her husband Richard had been making many middle of the night phone calls to his secretary. When she confronts Richard about the discovery and finds out he lost his job six months ago and has been confiding in his former secretary, Harriet’s world falls apart. Piece by piece, everything Harriet loved, from her prized home, to her car, the children’s after school activities, and even their horse, is stripped away. Harriet is forced to move into a three bedroom apartment at Willoughby Close which even means not every child gets their own bedroom as they were accustomed to. Richard doesn’t move with them, he gets a place in London where he can continue his job search.

While Harriet and her three children adjust to their new life, Harriet realizes her friends really weren’t the best of friends as she thought they were. They turned on her when they found out she didn’t have any money and she split up with her husband. She becomes friends with a couple of unlikely characters, one is her neighbor (from the previous book) who she didn’t think much of when she first met her and another is the eccentric elderly lady who owns Willoughby Manor. Harriet also comes to terms on what is going on in her marriage and does a lot of soul searching trying to figure out her next move. She doesn’t want to lose what she and Richard had and doesn’t want to break up the family, but she has trouble moving past what Richard has done. It was interesting to watch the story unfold. The book ended up in a way I didn’t predict.

If you read the previous book in this series, Harriet is mentioned many times and the author didn’t paint a pretty picture of her. I honestly didn’t like Harriet. But in this book she redeems herself and I learned why she acted the way she did. I was glad to read Harriet’s story. It all made sense then. The book is well written and kept me interested throughout.

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Harriet Lang seems to have it all. Suddenly her life implodes. She finds that her husband, Richard, is involved with his twenty-six year old assistant. The hits keep on coming. Next she finds out that he lost his job six months ago, that they're broke and are losing their dream house. What else could go wrong? Harriet is crushed when she has to move to a rental house in Willoughby Close. All her possessions are gone. Her children are angry and afraid. I understood Harriet's emotional reactions. She has trouble coping with her new reality. Her "friends" turn against her and enjoy her loss. I admire Harriet's ability to move forward and adapt to the changes in her life. She realizes that she needs to change her priorities and face her new realities. My heart broke for her. She still cares for her husband and can't cope when she realizes that he doesn't like the woman that she's become. The changes she makes are amazing. I liked how she becomes a stronger person. As she and Richard adapt, they grow closer. Will they get a second chance? This is an emotional drama that broke my heart and then healed it. I care for all the characters and wanted them to be happy. I was drawn to Lady Stokeley. She is a grand dame with unbelievable courage. Kate Hewitt wrote a beautiful story that kept me reading. I love the residents of Willoughby Close.
I received a copy of this book. I voluntarily read it. My comments are my honest opinion.

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Welcome to Willoughby Close… a charming cluster of cozy cottages found in Wychwood-on-Lea… a not-too-quaint village each with a story to tell and a happy ending to deliver…

Find Me at Willougby Close is the second full length book in the Willoughby Close series by Kate Hewitt. Its more a second chance at life rather than just a romance with Harriet Lang's turn for her own happy ending. Readers were first introduced to Harriet in the first book, Meet Me at Willoughby Close. She was part of the posh mommies set, the elite in the village of Wychwood-on-Lea, who by the latter part was now living at No.2 Cottage of Willoughby Close.

When Find Me opens, we get an idea of how Harriet has fallen from the social elites grace and the story revolves around how she manages to cope with her new life. She basically starts over again and at the same time realizes whats really important and that sometimes happiness is found in the simplest of situations.

I adored how everything was tackled in this story, its matter of fact description of becoming a single mom, of finding yourselves unemployable after several years of not being in the workplace, of juggling kids, home, marriage without the basics at your fingertips was every day people life. And it worked to pushing the plot forward with its simplicity. You as a reader starts cheering Harriet on, you feel the same things she feels, the decisions she makes and everything in between. It's life! Now looking forward to the next book!

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This book is part of a series of books, but definitely can be read as a stand alone book.
I haven't had the pleasure of reading the other books but after reading this one I am most definitely going to read them!
Not reading the previous books did not hinder my enjoyment of reading this book at all!

Find me at the Willoughby close is about new beginnings, family and friendship.

I really enjoyed reading this book.
It tackled real life situations of the daily struggles of losing your job, home and getting into large amounts of debt and as a result, nearly losing your family because of it, and tackling the strains of infidelity.

Harriet had it all, beautiful family, amazing home,a Great Husband, good friends and no money worries she could do and spend what ever she liked.
However all that was about to change forever!

Harriet comes across Richards (her husband) mobile phone bill.
It seems he has been making very long phone calls to he's Sexy Secretary Meghan.
But the thing that stood out was the times, early hours of the morning!
He was hardly ever home, always working late in London. Well so she thought!

Harriet confronts Richard who doesn't deny the affair however he's been hiding an even bigger secret!......

He lost he's job several months ago and they are broke! They have used practically all their savings and are about to lose the family home they love so much.

Harriet is absolutely devastated.
She soon moves into Willoughby Close with her 3 children, leaving Richard to find he's own accommodation. With the potential outcome to find a job.
 What will happen to them and can she ever forgive Richard for the lies and secrets!

I could see both sides of the story where it comes to Richard not telling Harriet he was broke, as he was scared. she was changing and enjoyed the high life, the social aspect of money with no regard to expense he felt a failure.
But I can also see Harriets side as he should of told her. Why confide in he's secretary!

Word soon gets around that they have moved out and have stared renting Willoughby cottage.
People start to look at Harriet differently, her so called friends no longer wish to socialise with someone who has no money or status.

Her oldest Daughter Mallory is also struggling to adapt as her friends are talking and she picks up on the fact her Mum is unhappy and her Dad no longer lives with them.

Harriet finds herself in a very lonely position.  Her marriage is on the brink of divorce, she has no money, no friends, no job, and now she has to start giving up things the children love. Such as the pony, downgrading her car etc..

I had a love/ hate relationship with Harriet.
On one hand I truly felt sorry for her, she had absolutely no idea that her husband lost he's job. But on the other hand I was annoyed with her attitude towards money and lifestyle.

However her journey was warming to watch as she went through a huge character change learning so much about herself and about life.

Harriet's children were a breath of fresh air they kept her grounded and never complained. Well apart from Mallory but she was older and see things, but even she learnt the value of friendship

All of the characters were really well thought about and each one went on a personal journey throughout the story.

Kate was clearly portraying a strong message that you don't need money and materialistic things to buy happiness and love.

I loved that strong feel to the book Kate made her point in so many ways throughout the book.
It was so nice to see each character learn that message in their own personal way!

I highly recommend this book, it was so charming to read and Kate made the story come to life whilst tackling real life issues.

I am really really hoping that there will be another book as I am so intrigued by Lady Stokeley that a book could be written just on her story alone!
This isn't the end for Harriet and her family, plus there is still one empty cottage and a new intriguing  neighbour to learn about. I can't wait!!!

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This is the perfect story to show that you don’t always know what is going on in someone else’s life.
Harriet Lange had everything, or so it seemed. Then one day, it’s all gone. Her husband’s job is gone…and has been for quite a while, and the second mortgage on the house is way behind. There is no money, and to top it off, her husband’s younger assistant is his new confidant.With everything gone, Harriet finds her way to Willoughby Close, renting acottage for herself and the kids while her husband looks for, a job that will get them into another “dream home.” After this, she starts to realize that somewhere along the way, she became a person she didn’t like.
It takes time, but Harriet starts to find the person she was and wants to be. She also rediscovers her family and finds true friends that like her for herself and learns how to be a true friend.
Kate Hewitt again writes a story with characters that could not only be your friend, but a story that could happen to any one of us. The connections and emotion pull you in and keep you hooked until the last page. This story is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. I honestly cannot wait to see what happens next at Willoughby Close.

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I am enjoying this series, but particularly liked this book. I was rather emotional at times as I read this book. Something about how we try so hard to leave our past behind only to find it matters and may even bring us comfort. Major events (job loss, marriage breakup, illness, etc. ) in our lives can do that...and clarify for us what really matters.

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Thanks Netgalley. Loved Harriet - loved Willoughby Close, the family and the friendships. Read it

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Kate Hewitt has penned a truly delightful story in Find Me At Willoughby Close. This one definitely requires a tissue box, but it will also make you smile at times and laugh out loud at others.
In the world of romance novels, this one is unusual in that it is the story of Harriet and Richard, a married couple with three children, who had the perfect life on the surface but who were falling apart underneath.
Losing everything and coming very close to divorce shakes these two up and has them re-evaluating their lives and lifestyle, along the way learning to love each other once again.
This is the third story in Kate Hewitt's Willoughby Close series and I love them all. Each loosely relates to the others but can be read very comfortable as stand-alone novels.
I loved this story. I loved the setting in England's gorgeous Cotswolds. I loved the wry humour and the tender moments and I can't wait for Kate Hewitt's next offering.

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This is book three of a super cool series by Kate Hewitt. Even though you can read them as standalones, they’re each so good that I think you should read them all!

I thought I wouldn’t like cool, haughty, richy-rich Harriet with the snotty daughter, but I did! Harriet fit herself right in to Willoughby Close, despite her own discomfort, for the good of her children. She made some missteps, screwed up a few things marriage-wise, and was more materialistic than I could stomach … but Harriet redeemed herself by showing heart and diving in to a journey of self-discovery and development.

I so enjoyed Harriet’s adventures with her children, the elderly neighbor, and the family next door. I also appreciated Harriet’s time spent alone – where Hewitt showed the reader quite clearly Harriet’s struggles and growth. Who knew I would come to love Harriet so much? And that after she changed she would be loved just as dearly by her family and new friends.

I can’t say enough about Hewitt’s masterful development of characters. Applause from me for writing light stories with meaningful messages and big heart.

https://randombookmuses.com/2017/04/02/review-find-me-at-willoughby-close-by-kate-hewitt/


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1960188460

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When Harriet checks her husband's mobile phone bill and finds that he has been phoning his sexy young PA for hours at a time in the middle of the night she is devastated - it can only mean one thing - he must be having an affair! Thinking that it is the end of her world things get dramatically worse - he lost his job 6 months ago and they are broke - the building society are foreclosing on her beautiful Cotswold farmhouse and she has to sell all of the contents to be able to afford the rent of a small house in Willoughby Close.

Shunned by the yummy mummies at school and having to cram her three children into the small house she gets a legal separation from Richard, but gradually as she starts to get used her different circumstances and makes friends with Ellie Matthews next door she begins to appreciate things in life again.... maybe the Stepford Wife ritual wasn't as good as she thought it was and life at Willoughby Close is not so bad!

A lovely story with great characters and it is great to be back in Willoughby Close again - definitely looking forward to the next one

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Harriet sat on a wall , Harriet had a great fall, Harriet is finding out she can be happy with less - There is that old saying that less is more and Harriet found that out, but not without a lot of angst, anger and change. She had risen to the level of the cream of the village - dressed how they did, snubbed those who were skim milk and thought her life was perfect, until.............her husband told her they were stone broke and would be losing the house and moving to smaller quarters. While she and Richard were living apart due to a dalliance she learned that there is a world where people help each other out in many ways. , . I was a bit perplexed that she didn't seek employment immediately as her husband had lost his job. However, all worked out in the end and the ly family was whole again, and on the path to recovering from their loss, but not to the extent they wre going to go back to their old way.s. A fun read.

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A free copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Find Me at Willoughby Close is the story of Harriet, who finds out one day that her husband Richard has run out of money, lost his job six months ago, had a 'moment' with his sexy secretary and run up a ton of debts against their mortgage, and all the while Harriet has been living it up as a Yummy Mummy in the town where they live. After separating, Harriet is then forced to start from scratch at Willoughby Close with her three children and no money.
I came to this story having not read any of the previous books in the series and was pleasantly surprised. Harriet was surprisingly sympathetic and while it's never fun reading about a character's misfortune, I was glad to see that she didn't just start from scratch in her new life without making a few mistakes to start off with. It was also a pleasant surprise to see that while there was some romance in this story, most of the focus was on Harriet's struggles and her relationships with her children.
A fast-paced read that makes you want to read the rest of the series. 4 stars.

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This is the third in the Willoughby Close series and in my opinion is my favourite so far. This story veers away from the classic romantic boy meets girl approach with the obligatory hunk and swooning female. Instead it concentrates on Harriet and Richard’s marriage and the effect his actions have on the entire family.

It explores what the lure of money and ‘oneupmanship’ has and the qualities missing in human nature when that occurs. At first Harriet is a yummy mummy, three children who she rushes from one after school activity to another after she has been to the gym, hairdresser, shopping etc .. the kids are spoilt brats quite frankly, each has an electronic device never mind how young they are and the eldest Mallory has a pony who she is rather bored with!

Richard works away in London, Harriet floats around in the huge country house .. life is ‘good’ until one day for some unknown reason she checks the phone bill and her world collapses around her.

The lies, deceit, extravagances all mount up and it results in Harriet and the children arriving at Willoughby Close.

I really like the way this story unfolds and demonstrates how important family values are. There are certain things money can’t buy and it takes them all a long journey to re-discover life and what they want.

It pays to read the books in order because characters from the previous ones do appear and it’s lovely to catch up with them.

This story really struck a few chords and I think it was superbly written. I went through a whole range of emotions while they all try to settle down and realise what it is they actually want/need from life or each other. Daisy was a particular favourite of mine.

I’m looking forward to meeting the mysterious Ava in the next book of the series. Brilliant entertainment, thanks to Kate, Netgalley, publishers and Neverland Blog Tours for the opportunity to read and review voluntarily.

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"Find Me at Willoughby Close" is the third and - in my opinion - the best yet part in the Willoughby Close series. Each part introduces us to new characters, so of course you can read the books as stand - alones, however all of the characters were usually already mentioned, and it was also the case with our Harriet Lang. The picture of Harriet that the author has painted was not so optimistic though, she was this kind of yummy - mummy driving a four by four, belonging to those who usually blank you out at the school gates, spoiling her three children with electric devices and ponies. You could think she has the perfect life, right? Well, as it turns out, sort of.

The author, in a very accessible and interesting way, showed in her story how it is to fall, put yourself together and start again. How to learn that money - even if important in our lives - are not everything. I found it really interesting to watch how Harriet's family was starting to learn actually from the beginning, was given a chance to see that they're going to survive, that down - sizing doesn't mean the end of the world, even though it was not the most easier thing for them. I could imagine - you're used to living in luxury and comfort and then suddenly you had to take a pass on literally all of the things that you took for granted, and it was especially difficult for the children.

Kate Hewitt's writing style is lovely - it's engaging, and this time the story was flowing effortlessly. She has written the characters in a brilliant way and I quickly warmed to them all and even though in the previous parts Harriet could appear inaccessible and arrogant, in this novel it was explained why she was like this and I think it was because she so quickly rearranged her train of thoughts and behaviour that made me keep everything crossed for her. It was not easy for her, there were some ups and downs, putting emphasis on downs here, and even when she had her weaker moments, she wasn't afraid to roll up her sleeves. Yes, there were moments that I wanted to shake her very hard, as well, the way to finding what she really wants was rather bumpy, and she was mostly so negative, but nevertheless, she was a likeable character. The other characters fade a little in Harriet's shadow, as the book was really centred around her, and I had a feeling we weren't given a huge chance to get to know them properly. There are Harriet's children and I think it's Mallory that gets the most mentions, and the picture painted of her was not the most optimistic one and I can only hope that she's smart enough. I was not sure what to think about Richard, to be honest. I could for sure see why he didn't tell Harriet that they're in troubles. He seemed backboneless to me, and I was happy that in the end Harriet showed him that they can be happy in a different way.

This story is about learning a lesson or two. It took Harriet some time but she eventually realized that money changed everything in her life, and also that it changed her. She stopped seeing what's important in her life - she thought it's popularity, pony club, yummy mummies meetings but then she realized that it's something very different. A lovely novel about finding yourself again, about adjusting, about finding answers. There are lies, deceits, money and troubles in this novel, a read that I really enjoyed. The sexy vet may be misleading, as there is not a lot of romance in this story, as it is more of a personal development, but it worked for me. Already looking forward to the next part in the series!

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When I picked up Find Me at Willoughby Close, I thought it looked like a quick summer read, perfect for those times when you want to escape into a book. However, I found that there was more to it than the happy ever after read which the blurb promised. The characters, and in particular Harriet, had a real story to tell as she struggled to come to terms with the changes in her life. You could see her character develop and change as the story progressed.

This is part of a series of books all set in Willoughby Close but that didn't stop it being able to be read as a standalone book. Anyone who has ever stood at the school gates could identify with the feelings of those mothers who were on the outside, not part of the smug set. There is actually a lot of observation of how social groups operate, both with the adults and the school children and how some people can become materialistic and superficial. The children offer wry, uncomplicated humour.

You can also see how Harriet's wider family are affected by the upheaval in her life. I thought that the episode where she went back to her childhood home added to her character as you could see where she came from and why the finer things of life seemed to be so important to her. Harriet is not always easy to like but once you begin to understand her insecurities, she becomes much more sympathetic. This is not a book with a complicated plot line but is character driven.

In short: a cast of characters offer a gentle look at Cotswolds life.

Thanks to the publishers for a copy of the book and a place on the blog tour.

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What a heartwarming tale this is! It continues the saga of the residents of Willoughby Close, revisiting Ellie and Abbie from the first story in the series, recapping some of the events, but from the perspective of the latest residents, Harriet Lang and her three children. Harriet was the Queen Bee in the local community, running a variety of community activities, including those centred around the local primary school which all three of her children attend. However, her world is turned upside down when she discovers her husband’s itemised mobile bill includes lengthy calls to his secretary at night. Suspicious, Harriet confronts him, only to discover he’s been out of work for six months and her comfortable existence is about to implode.

The story follows her moved on Willoughby Close from the luxury home which the bank have repossessed. In debt, unsure of their future, lacking trust in her husband, all take their toll on this previously confident seeming lynchpin of the local community. Unsure what has already happened in their marriage, whether or not she can trust her husband, the two separate. As things rapidly deteriorate, it is easy to discover who your true friends are. This is a very emotional journey for all concerned, including the three children. Reevaluating life, considering consequences, moving on and coping with heartbreak are all part of this moving story in which new friendships, changes in attitudes and expectations and a delightful puppy all play a role. It is an emotive story, beautifully written and very engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys very moving family dramas.

I requested and received a copy of this book via NetGalley without any obligation. This is my honest opinion after reading it.

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The Blurb :
Welcome to Willoughby Close… a charming cluster of cozy cottages, each with a story to tell and a happy ending to deliver…
Harriet Lang had the perfect life, so she’s left reeling when everything is taken from her in one fell swoop. Suddenly, Harriet learns her beautiful farmhouse in the Cotswolds is double-mortgaged, her husband Richard’s been unceremoniously fired—and he’s become a little too close to his young, sexy assistant.
Harriet moves into Willoughby Close with her three children, trying to hold her head up high. With the help of her neighbor and newfound friend Ellie Matthews, Harriet starts to rebuild her life–but dipping a toe in the dating pool feels strange and meanwhile her children are struggling in different ways. She wonders if starting over is really possible…
Then Willoughby Close begins to weave its healing magic on both her and her children, and Harriet begins to see a way forward. She even starts to date sexy local vet Tom Roberts–but when Richard reappears in her life, wanting to make amends, Harriet must make the painful decision about how much of the past can be forgiven—and what kind of future she is fighting for.

My Thoughts :
So far I have loved this series and book 3 didnt disappoint either. I really love that Kate Hewitt takes on a different charactor and approach in each book. This can be read as a standalone but its much better to of read from the start of the series to get a feel for the town and its people.
We focus on Harriet Lang and her family in this one, after all the lies and problems with her husband she moves into Willoughby Close. She has to adjust to her new life as a single mum and the new surroundings aswell as make new friends.
I enjoyed getting to know Harriet better and we get some answers as to why she is the way she is.
There are some twists and turns and parts where I really felt for Harriet.
It shows us not everything is about money, its family and friends that are worth more. I cant wait for the next installment in the fabulous series.

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An interesting book covering the idea that money does not buy happiness and that people can get wrapped up in having what they consider to be an ideal lifestyle. When fortunes change, it all seems very bleak and worrying but, of course, this gives the family chance to take stock of their lives and work out what exactly is important. Richard is harder to empathise with as he seems to think that getting back to their well off lifestyle is the most important thing.
An enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more of Kate Hewitt's books.

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Harriet is living a nice and easy life with her husband, Richard, and their three children.They have a big house, she belongs to the group of popular moms at school and her children have more than they actually need. Harriet thinks she's on top of the world. This is until she finds out that her husband has been talking on the phone to his young and sexy assistant for hours. When she confronts him, Richard comes clean and tells her that he lost his job months ago and has turned to his assistant for a shoulder to cry on. Instead of cutting back, Harriet has been spending money they didn't actually have anymore and she will have to make some drastic changes to get them back on track again. Will she be able to adjust to her new situation?

Harriet moves into one of the Willoughby Close cottages with her children. Richard stays in London, so he can find a new job. Harriet and the children need some time to get used to their surroundings and life without plenty of spending money. Now that Harriet is the subject of the town's gossip she needs to find the courage to overcome everything that is happening to her. Richard and Harriet were together for a very long time. Looking back on her marriage, Harriet must admit that they got lost along the way. Will Harriet be able to accept her new situation and maybe even find happiness again at Willoughby Close?

Harriet has come a long way. Once she was a nerdy kid with frizzy hair. Those days are gone and because of her childhood Harriet was extra proud of the status she used to have in town. I must confess that it took me a little while to warm to Harriet. In the beginning it seems like all she cares about is losing her big house and spending large amounts of money without thinking about it. After a while Harriet is forced to be honest with herself and I loved to read about the subtle changes in her character. She takes great care of her children and it must not have been easy for her to deal with most of the mess her family is in on her own. She's a loving person and I hoped she would be able to find herself again.

I fell in love with cozy little countryside cottages ever since I started the Willoughby Close series. Kate Hewitt is a skilled writer and I could easily picture Harriet and her children living at the warm and welcoming Willoughby Close. The place is magical and I look forward to finding out who will be filling up the last remaining cottage. Find Me At Willoughby Close is the third book in the Willoughby Close series and I absolutely loved it.

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This is another well-told story of change, upheaval and loss and the truth that you don’t always know what you have or who your real friends are until circumstances change and friendships are tested.
Harriet experiences something that is not uncommon in the current and recent economic climate, financial troubles, which lead to the loss of her home and the life she had built around it. At this point she moves into Willoughby Close and slowly starts to realise that the people she knew were not as they seemed and perhaps her perspective on life has not been as clear as she had previously thought.

This is another lovely, cosy story from Kate Hewitt on life’s challenges and while it addresses real and serious issues it does so in a way that does not make for heavy reading but at the same time does not dismiss the stress and upheaval that these issues can cause.

I enjoyed this book as much as the previous two and it was lovely to return to Willoughby Close again and see the area and the people develop further. I hope there are more books in this series as I’m not sure I’m ready to leave Willoughby Close just yet.

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Harriet has led the “perfect” life. She is a mother with 3 children, married to, Richard, a financial success, living in a home so perfect it could be in a magazine and she is close friends with all the best people in the village.
Then, she is surprised to find, her financially successful husband was fired 6 months ago and he has become very good friends with his young and sexy assistant.
Things become horrifying to Harriet. She is moving into a rental, Richard is staying in London and the perfect home she loved is gone to foreclosure.
Harriet has been one of the beautiful people and she liked that a great deal. She was one of the women who belittled others because they did not wear the right clothes, decorate the right way or live the right kind of life. Spending a great deal of money was second nature to Harriet. Her new situation is quite a shock to her system.
Her three children must face difficulties. There will not be an expensive boarding school for Mallory. William is finding it difficult to keep from showing anger. Chloe begins to suck her thumb again.
After she begins to realize that the woman she had become is not a likable person, Harriet tries to begin a new life.
This is a story of being reborn into a person who is comfortable with the real world.
Harriet slowly learns about her new life and the people who surround her. She learns that not having everything she wants may not be the end of her life. She learns to look at people in a new and more gentle light. The children begin to adjust to their new circumstances but there is still the giant issue of missing their father .
Richard wants to stay in the lives of his children. He also wants to try to rework the marriage.
As the story moves forward, Harriet's anxiety nearly becomes a separate character. She finds it difficult to find a real place in the world.
The secondary characters are important to the story. Each of them add texture and depth to the story. The village is populated by people who are leading normal lives and Harriet learns that normal is not such a bad place to be.
Harriet's journey is a painful one. But, the rewards are great for her and her family.
This is part of a series, but it works well as a stand alone read. Ms Hewitt has written of lives which are altered by circumstances. But the ability to overcome difficult circumstances eventually shines through.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.

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Another great book by Kate Hewitt. I'm really enjoying this series and can't wait to read more.

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