Book Review: A Home at Honeysuckle Farm by Christie Barlow

A Home at Honeysuckle Farm

by Christie Barlow

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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 Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

‘Gosh, they used these things back in the days of the dinosaurs,’ I said with amazement, taking out the cassette tape and flipping it over.

But you never know, she has the habit of popping up when you least expect it. She gave me that look …you know, when I left the house… The look where she narrows her eyes and I feel guilty for even breathing… Do you know how difficult it is to sneak out, even at my age? That woman must have some sort of psychic powers, knowing when I’m up to something.

I thought today was just another day, but it turned out it was the day I found out what my father looked like for the very first time.

My Review:

I had a problem settling myself to pen a review for this book, as for one, I couldn’t decide how to categorize the genre.  There were several mysteries, loads of family drama, grief, small-town issues of pettiness and long-held feuds, a slowly developing yet sweet romance, frequent licks of amusing humor, and a main character in agitation and tumult. I landed on the broad category of women’s fiction, as I so frequently do since most women face all of these thorny issues on a daily basis.  The story was easy to follow and held my interest and kept me curious while taunting me by withholding critical information and causing rampant speculation on my part.

But my main consternation seemed to be that I couldn’t fully connect or empathize with the main character of Alice, who often annoyed me with her indecisive waffling, lack of backbone, and proclivity for fabrication - although her obstinate mother also seemed to have mastered the art of deceit as well.  I was increasingly frustrated with Alice and had developed a steadily growing resentment of her mother who was the epicenter of the majority of Alice’s turmoil, although I enjoyed Alice’s friends and adored the sexy Sam.  I was beginning to despair of the truth remaining undisclosed while I was running out of pages when the closely held secret was finally unwound.  Sigh, thankfully I held on for that HEA and was rewarded for my patience.  Christie Barlow can certainly spin a tale.  

Empress DJ

About Christie Barlow

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 organizations 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