Author Profile
After a varied career, Emma Davies once worked for a design studio where she was asked to provide a fun and humorous (and not necessarily true) anecdote for their website. She wrote the following: ‘I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.’ Well the job in the design studio didn’t work out but she’s now a forty something mother of three and is happy to report the rest of her dream came true.
After many years as a finance manager she now writes full time, and is far happier playing with words than numbers. She lives with her husband, three children, and two guinea pigs in rural Shropshire where she writes in all the gaps in between real life. It’s a county she adores, her love of its beautiful people and landscapes providing endless inspiration for her books, and in fact the only thing that would make Shropshire more idyllic is if it were by the sea.
Non-review Rant
This is the first book I read in November 2023. I’m scheduling this one for 2024, because who knows when I’d read the next book. Life is keeping me busy and on my toes these days..
Office work puts food on my table, but reading is what feeds my soul. When it comes to the battle of office work versus reading, it’s like a showdown between the paycheck and the paperback. While the office pays the bills (and keeps the fridge stocked with snacks), reading is that quirky hobby that adds a touch of whimsy to my life. So, when it’s a battle between writing a review and coding, guess who’s the heavyweight champion? Yep, you guessed it—NOT my literary side.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s something about diving into a good book that just can’t be beat but coding pays the bills, okay. I often read at night because who needs sleep when you have a riveting plot to unravel? So, while I still wonder about the captivating characters and compelling narratives, I still have to work on that bug in my code. I can’t neglect my debugging duties!
But let’s be real here—when push comes to shove and deadlines start looming like ominous clouds, it’s all about that coding life. Writing code is like solving a puzzle that makes your brain do a little happy dance when you finally crack it. Plus, there’s something strangely satisfying about creating something out of nothing but lines of code. So, while reading may be my escape, coding is my superhero alter ego saving the day in the world of work.
Recap
“The Little Cottage on the Hill” is like a charming puzzle where each piece is a quirky character waiting to surprise you. It has characters you’d want to meet in real life. Maddie, Seth, Clara, Tom, and Trixie—a motley crew if there ever was one—team up (or at least attempt to) to turn a rundown property into a dreamy vacation spot. It’s like a sitcom, but with more mud and fewer laugh tracks.
As you flip through the pages, you’ll realize this isn’t your typical romance—there’s more to it than meets the eye. Despite their best efforts to resist, love finds its way into the story, much to the characters’ surprise. It’s like watching a rom-com where the characters don’t know they’re in a rom-com, and that’s what makes it so darn entertaining.
So, if you’re in the mood for a story that’ll leave you grinning like a Cheshire cat and maybe even believing in a little bit of magic, give The Little Cottage on the Hill a whirl. Who knows, you might just find yourself dreaming of your own countryside escape by the time you’re done.”
Some Lines I Liked
Chapter 1
She ignored his unspoken taunt.
He encased the word ‘expert’ in speech marks with his fingers.
Chapter 2
Her fingernails were pressed hard into the palm of her hand, but even this could not deter the onset of stinging tears.
Chapter 4
“I’m a gardener, remember; it’s in my nature to nurture things.”
Chapter 7
She felt a tentative touch on one arm, and then on the other. When she offered no resistance, Seth pulled her closer, gathering her in gently until both his arms could slide around her.
Chapter 9
‘And is there anything wrong with that?’ She took Maddie gently by the arm. ‘There’s scarcely enough kindness in the world as it is, and yet we continue to be our own worst enemies. We beat ourselves up over the slightest thing, even when our intentions are good ones. If we can’t even be kind to ourselves… well, maybe other people need to be kind for us.’
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Review
Let me start this review with a favourite thing of mine-a quote from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
Ross: You know what I like most about him, though?
All: What?
Ross: The way he makes me feel about myself.
All: Yeah…
This is from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. S01E03. For context, in this episode is that Monica has found a new date (Alan) whom everybody likes for a change. He seems to be perfect in every way. Much to Monica’s amazement, the friends are all singing Alan’s praises and Ross’ compliment goes a bit over the top.
But that’s exactly how I felt about this novel.
This novel should be the textbook for slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance. I felt the sizzling chemistry between them, literally. I saw the tender soul behind Seth’s tough exterior, and I was just in awe of him for how much he got done. And boy was he physically so fit. I’m a sack of sand who huffs and puffs after a 10-minute walk so you know how any mention of a “fit person” affects me personally.
And Seth is just one of the many amazing characters (he’s the best one, though). Then there is our heroine who’s abnoxious in the beginning but slowly, very slowly, realizes what she’s doing wrong. She isn’t the one to let her ego come in the way, and she makes amends right away. That was one quality I wish I could imbibe. We all procrastinate the most when it comes to accepting our mistakes, don’t we?
Then there is Clara, the gardener. She’s one person who could call on Seth’s shit, and I absolutely adored her. Tom was funny and friendly. Trixie was bold and courageous. All of these characters were fiercely loyal to each other, and to their craft–they all have real talent, people.
This story took it’s sweet time before Seth kissed Maddie and that kiss was so well-earned. Sweet and clean romance truly. I can go on and on about how much I liked it, but I would have to sight examples and ruin the book for you. We don’t want that, do we?
Verdict
“The Little Cottage on the Hill” by Emma Davies is a delightful escape into the picturesque English countryside. Published in 2018, this novel takes readers on a journey to the quaint village, where they are introduced to the charming protagonist, Maddie. As the story unfolds, we follow Maddie’s adventures as she navigates through life’s ups and downs while uncovering the secrets of her new home.
The novel is a heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and second chances. Emma Davies skillfully weaves together a narrative filled with relatable characters and captivating storytelling. From the lush descriptions of the idyllic countryside to the intricately developed relationships between the characters, every aspect of the novel feels rich and immersive.
One of the highlights of the book is the way Emma Davies brings the setting to life. The village of Joyton serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, with its quirks and charms adding depth to the story. Through her vivid descriptions, Emma Davies transports readers to this enchanting world, where they can almost smell the scent of blooming flowers and feel the warmth of the cozy cottages.
Overall, “The Little Cottage on the Hill” is a delightful read that will leave you feeling uplifted and enchanted. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and evocative setting, it is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a heartwarming escape into the English countryside.
Stay tuned for more book reviews in my “one book review per month” series. This month, I have published two. Isn’t that nice?
Until next time, happy reading!
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