A Home at Honeysuckle Farm by Christie Barlow ** Blog Tour Review**

Christie Barlow's A Home at Honeysuckle Farm was published on 6th April so I am delighted to be participating in its launch. It is a romantic comedy from Harper Impulse and here is a little about the story:
 

A family secret

One shocking argument and ten-year-old Alice Parker’s world was turned upside down. Her peaceful life at Honeysuckle Farm in the quiet rural village of Brook Bridge swapped for the bustling metropolis of New York City. 

Alice’s life was changed forever…

A second chance

Now, thirteen years later, Alice’s American dream is over. With her life in tatters, there is only one place Alice wants to be… home at Honeysuckle Farm. So, when Alice learns her beloved Grandie is ill, she knows this is her last chance to heal the family rift.

A forever home?

But secrets still swirl in Brook Bridge, and Alice is no closer to discovering the truth. And for some reason her new friendship with local heartthrob Sam Reid seems to be making the locals tense.

Sick of the lies Alice knows it’s time to lay the past to rest once and for all. But could the truth ruin her hopes of ever calling Honeysuckle Farm home again?

 My Thoughts

There is a lovely contrast between the high octane New York City life and the quiet, rural life in the UK in the village of Brook Bridge. You learn early in the book that both places have had a huge influence on Alice, who has always dreamt of becoming a Broadway star. However, at the beginning of the story, Alice is disillusioned and looking for somewhere to really belong. She is torn between the UK and US however, having a good friend and her mother in New York, but the pull of needing to see her grandfather brings her back to Honeysuckle Farm. 

    I enjoyed the variety of characters who were there throughout this story. They added to the cozy, heartwarming feel that it has as you see Alice interact with them all. At the centre of the book of course is a secret which is not easily guessed and the reveal at the end is truly surprising. There are some charming comic moments as the dance school gets back off the ground and everyone has a moment to shine in the spotlight of 'Strictly'. Alice's relationship with Sam Reid shows you that she has an independent and forgiving nature. She is her own person and always tries to be true to herself.

In short: A warm, romantic read where you get to examine just what is meant by 'home.'

About the Author

Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty's Countryside Dream, Lizzie's Christmas Escape, Evie's Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream and A Home at Honeysuckle Farm. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia.

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.

She loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via her website www.christiebarlow.com Twitter @ChristieJBarlow and Facebook page Christie Barlow author.

Book link: Amazon UK 

Thanks to Christie Barlow, Harper Impulse and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

                                                          Follow the rest of the tour!