Content: grief, ignorant workmen,
Summary from Aria
Everyone is hiding from something...
Willow Tree Hall has seen much better days and has been the proud ancestral home of the Earl and Countess of Cranley for centuries.
With no qualifications and escaping her past Annie Rogers takes the job as housekeeper to widowed Arthur, the charming current Earl of Cranley. After a bad fall puts Arthur in hospital, it's up to a reluctant heir apparent Sam Harris, to lend a helping hand and try to find a sustainable future for the Estate.
With the house requiring a full renovation Annie suddenly finds herself completely out of her depth with a team of dodgy builders and Sam watching critically from the side-lines.
With Sam running from his past and Annie hiding from hers, just maybe together they can bring Willow Tree Hall back to life.
Nayu's thoughts
This is such a sweet read. When slowly Annie's secrets were revealed one by one, I was surprised at her inner strength and courage because of what had happened to her. While she has issues because of her stepfather, somehow she isn't broken, just a little lost and needing a lot of love. She finds that in Arthur, who she cares for like the grandparents she doesn't have. That's why it was hard when Sam showed up as he thought the worse of her, making everything she did look ridiculous. Thankfully Sam's brother Will helps him see some sense, as does the travesty that is the cowboy builders.
I don't have words for them they are the worse builders in history! What they do is tragic, and no wonder poor Annie ends up eating a jar of nutella when their destruction (not reconstruction) reaches it's most devastating point. I nearly cried for how they were ruining the old hall that clearly could survive, if it was left in tact.
It takes a while but Sam does realise what an asset Annie is to his father and the hall. He realises she wasn't exaggerating about how awful the builders are (you have to read it to believe it), and with his childhood memories literally crumbling in front of him he digs deep in his pockets and soul, decides to make the hall a home again, and gives Annie a chance.
I like Annie! She is very sweet, kind hearted, and has a lot of oomph when she needs it. Yes she makes a few silly choices but they can all be rectified. I love her fighting spirit, although when a perfect occasion looks less than perfect she loses the plot a little, but it's her friends who rally round and make the event amazing. Annie has been hurt so badly, but as the grand house is rebuilt so too is her heart and soul. It's hard to tell who the title refers to, as all it's residents have a broken heart in one way or another. Definitely a sweet read (with next to no romance!) that'll be on my reread shelf.
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