ESCAPE TO WILLOW COTTAGE: The brilliant, laugh-out-loud romcom you need to read (Willow Cottage Series) Paperback – 10 Aug. 2017

Loved this book because of all the changes throughout, you never knew what was going to happen next.The characters are totally believable and you can relate to what is happening in their lives. I struggle to put this novel down and as I read to help me sleep, have had some late nights!! I have already bought several more to take on holidays.

Only problem was that I couldn't put it down. Brilliant

Escape to Willow Cottage was originally published in 4 parts but as I'm not a fan of reading serials I waited until the complete version was published before reading. And I'm so glad I did as I was able to move seamlessly throughout the seasons without my reading experience being interrupted waiting for the next part to be published.From the moment when we first meet Beth at an auction, looking for a property to renovate as a new beginning for her and her son Leo, it is clear that there is something troubling her but we don't know what. As a complete rookie she finds herself accidentally bidding on and becoming the owner of Willow Cottage, a delightfully sounding cottage in the Cotswolds a world away from her life in London. But on arrival in Dumbleford, and seeing her new property, Beth realises that she might have made one rash decision too many and that running away might not be the answer...It was clear from the outset that Beth was definitely like a fish out of water when it came to the cottage, I could imagine myself probably doing the exact same thing in the auction room although I wouldn't be in a position to go ahead with the sale! And as for renovating the cottage, well let's just say that she lands on her feet when she bumps into local Jack, he might have been gruff on the exterior but he had a heart of gold and was the guardian angel that she needed for herself and Leo even if he did on occasions give her cause for concern.Beth was very much in need of a few good friends and luckily for her, she had a couple of really good girlfriends by her side - Carly, her best friend in London who has been by her side through everything she has faced, and her new friend in the village Petra, a fellow single mum who has more in common with Beth than they both realise. Carly's side storyline with her boyfriend Fergus created some hysterical, cringeworthy moments that had me chortling to myself but also one of the most romantic scenes that might have melted my cold heart a little.But throughout this gorgeous read there was a serious undertone bubbling to the surface which when the sinister plotline was revealed made the whole impulsiveness of Beth's actions make sense to me. It was a situation that was extremely scary for Beth, and I'm sure one that many readers may have found themselves in, which was tackled with such sensitivity by Bella Osborne. I found myself rooting for Beth to find the strength to stand up for herself and I might have given a little internal cheer when someone got their just desserts.Escape to Willow Cottage was a charming read from start to finish even if it did put me through the wringer at times with my emotions. All the characters, main and secondary, played their part but I have to admit I might have had quite a soft spot for Jack's dog Doris who did steal the show on occasions. I'd previously read Bella's first two books It Started at Sunset Cottage and A Family Holiday which I did enjoy but would say that Escape to Willow Cottage is my favourite to date so am looking forward to reading her current serial Ottercombe Bay but once again I'm holding off again until all the parts of the series are available before I start reading later this Summer.

I don’t read love stories but this was great. Lots of laughs. I’ll read some more. Nice change from crime books

I do like this authors writing so knew I would probably like this book, and it didn't disappoint.Beth is running away from an abusive relationship and ends up in a small village with her young son Leo, after an impulse purchase of a small cottage at an auction, she hadn't viewed the cottage so it was somewhat of a shock when she first saw it.She doesn't make a great first impression on the locals, especially dishy Jack but she makes friends eventually. .. then there's Ernie who likes to sit in the Willow tree in her garden. She wonders if she's done the right thing, leaving her support network behind in London, especially Carly and Fergus.The book deals with some sensitive issues, domestic violence and also deafness, they're dealt with in a sensitive way.There's a twist towards the end of the book which I didn't see coming at all.There's only 1 thing I didn't like, the fact it was originally published in 4 parts, which seems to be the thing to do at the moment; I don't like it mainly because the book isn't long enough to be split into 4 parts and also because I'm impatient and like to read the whole story immediately! It's not enough to make me give the book any less than 5 stars but it's a practice I really don't like. I wait until the book is published as a whole before I buy it.The book is well worth a read, a typical rom com but sensitive subjects are dealt with too...

Lovely romantic story. Running away, and realising how abusive the relationship had been, physically and mentally. But, she met Jack, a few misunderstandings then she fell in love, he also adored her son.

I'm not sure about a "laugh out loud Romcom" as there are some serious parts of the story that hinder that warm and fuzzy feeling that you get in such books, however this is not a criticism of the story itself. There is definitely a fish out of water theme with Beth moving to a small village from London to escape a relationship and meets a variety of local characters. It also includes her best friend, Carly, with her boyfriend Fergus. Overall an enjoyable read.

Escape to Willow Cottage written by Bella Osbourne is a wonderful read and one I am happy to recommend. The book is full of characters who really added to the storyline.The main character Beth is first met when she buys a house in a small village which needs work but for Beth that does not matter as she needs it as a sanctuary as she is fleeing from domestic violence. When she arrives in the small village in the Cotswolds she not only is met with a few eccentric neighbours but there is a man named Ernie living in her Willow tree, and there is also the very gruff Jack who is not all he seems and soon Beth is seeing a different side to him. The neighbours open up their lives to Beth and soon the house she has bought to sell once renovated has turned into a home.This book covered a few sensitive issues which were covered well filled with understanding, it is also a book which Beth's best friend soon finds out her life is not a fairytale but one which she has to understand those around her in such a way which will open her eyes to what she really had in her life and how easily it is lost.This is an excellent book which I would happily recommend and one I loved from the first page.Happy to recommend.

There were many punctuation errors and a few spelling errors that interfered with correct reading. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the story! The educational information on abuse is very important and should be taken seriously. I experienced what Beth went through. Horrifying!! The story is beautiful. I couldn't put my reader down! Reading about strong women gives me pleasure. I recommend this book, especially to young women.

I enjoyed this story very much. From buzzing London to a cottage in the Cotswold you just bought, but never seen in real life - what could possibly go wrong? Very entertaining story that was so catchy - I finished this in 2 days. Fell in love with all the characters, Bella Osborne did such a fab job in character building! Also I really love how she is able to weave difficult topics into cosy reading in such a way, that it's not overwhelming but interesting. Here she puts out a lot of empathy and love for victims of domestic violence.This is my second book by this author, but not my last for sure!

A fun read on buying a house in the Cotswolds, sight unseen. Then there’s more! Running from abusive relationships, frustrated engagements and local colour. A fun read...!

Bella has created characters that seem real but have such interesting stories attached to them, they are worth reading about and putting yourself on their space. I loved finding myself in this bubble.

Great book