By Rebecca Pugh
Published by Carina UK (18 June 2015)
Publisher's description
Home is where the heart is…
Jessica McAdams has never belonged anywhere; never truly felt at home. Of course, what did she expect from parents who never made her feel welcome in her own home? Leaving her life in London to return home to the charming country village of Bluebell Hill is harder than she thought. Especially as she never considered she'd be returning under such heart-wrenching circumstances.
Clearing out the stunning and imposing Bluebell House after her parents' death is difficult for Jessica - they never had the best relationship and now it's too late. Yet spending time in the house that was never a home, having afternoon tea with dear old friend Esme - and sharing hot, sizzling kisses with delectable gardener Reuben - opens Jessica's eyes to the potential of Bluebell House.
Could this big, old, beautiful manor really be her forever home? Is Bluebell Hill where her heart is, has always been?
Jessica soon dares to dream of her very own home with delicious Reuben by her side. But when a deep, dark secret of Bluebell House is unearthed, Jessica's world is turned upside down…
Will Jessica ever find where her heart truly lies?
My verdict
Return to Bluebell Hill is a 'feel good' holiday read and a sweet treat for chick lit fans. It's the perfect book to escape into while soaking up the summer sun, whether here in the UK or abroad.
After the sudden deaths of both of her parents, Jessica is forced to journey home from London to Bluebell Hill, having escaped from there so many years ago. She returns to Bluebell House, her childhood home, with her old nanny Esme providing the support she needs as she packs up her parents' possessions.
Jessica has to make a decision about whether she should now cut ties with her roots completely or forgive and forget past mistakes. Meeting Reuben, the handsome, sexy gardener at Bluebell House, makes the decision to leave even harder, even though she wonders whether returning to her life in London may be just what she needs.
Return to Bluebell Hill is a really easy read. I loved the descriptions of Bluebell House and the country village setting, and I could picture the scenery in my mind. Jessica, Reuben and Esme felt very 'real' and really brought the book to life. Jessica is a sweet character filled with emotions, unsure about where her future lies. This isn't just a book of romance, as it also contains suspense and intrigue as Jessica gradually uncovers the secrets of Bluebell Hill and her family's past.
This is a great debut, an amazing achievement for Rebecca Pugh, who is just 22. I would have liked to know a bit more about how Jessica's parents died, as the book concentrated more on Jessica's relationship with her family and Bluebell House. Maybe there's an opportunity for a follow up book one day!
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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