Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill_An utterly uplifting holiday romance to escape with

by Emma Davies

  ‘I haven’t lied about any of it,’ said Maddie, in a deadpan voice, looking frankly stunned.

  Adam laughed, a deep throaty chuckle. ‘I tell you what. I can see you’re all finding this a little hard to take in. Why don’t we go for a wander and I’ll let you guys do the talking.’ He made to pull his chair back from the table, and waited for everyone else to do the same. ‘And don’t be shy. I want nervous ramblings, passionate ravings, seemingly mindless chatter, it all helps build a picture and, believe it or not, some of the best gems come from when people think they’re either boring me or have an excruciatingly bad case of verbal diarrhoea. Shall we go?’

  Chapter 28

  There was a mad scramble as everyone got to their feet, with Maddie and Seth leading the way. Isobel hung back, noticing that Tom had done the same. He’d made no obvious point of it by being overtly chivalrous and ushering Clara and Trixie on ahead of him, but the soft kiss that found its way onto her lips as they reached the doorway made the point very nicely indeed.

  Joy’s Acre was looking its absolute best. The gardens were flooded with sunlight and painted with every colour of the rainbow. Not only that, but the vegetable garden was burgeoning with produce. Everywhere you looked nature was showing off her bountiful best, helped of course by Clara’s ever green fingers.

  ‘Oh my goodness,’ said Adam, walking forwards into the middle of it. ‘I had no idea. You get absolutely no sense of this from the house, do you?’ He turned to Clara. ‘And this is all your handiwork, yes?’

  She nodded, shy, but with a proud grin on her face. ‘Mostly. But Seth and Trixie help out too.’

  Seth took a step forward. ‘We water stuff, Adam, or occasionally do other piddling little jobs. This is absolutely all down to Clara.’

  ‘Well, I’ve never seen anything quite like this.’ He spun around, trying to take it all in. ‘And how long will it look like this, Clara? I can’t believe it will get any better.’

  ‘Oh, a few more weeks yet. It looks particularly lovely at the moment because some of the showiest flowers are out right now. But things come and things go, and there’s always something to take their place. Everything has its time in a garden, but from the quietest darkest days to the loudest and most flamboyant, there is something of worth to be found in it all.’

  Adam stared at her. ‘I think that’s quite possibly the nicest way of looking at life I’ve ever heard.’

  Clara blushed furiously under his gaze but she caught Trixie’s eye and grinned.

  ‘I’m just thinking of filming times, you see. I don’t want to miss any of this, so I think we need to look at this aspect with some urgency, particularly as I’d imagine it impacts quite heavily on the produce and cooking side of things. You must feel like a kid in a sweet shop right now, Trixie?’

  ‘I’m totally spoilt for choice: strawberries, potatoes, beans, spinach, gooseberries, peas, rocket, celery, redcurrants, beetroot, courgettes…’ She broke off, laughing. ‘Do I need to go on?’

  Adam was still gazing around the garden. ‘Amazing. And I need to see this cookbook too before I go. I saw some of the recipes on the website, and you’re going to sell these at the local markets, is that right?’

  ‘Well, it’s only a hand-bound thing, but yes, that’s the idea.’

  ‘Doesn’t matter,’ replied Adam. ‘It’s still a brilliant example of the way in which Joy’s Acre connects with the local community. Don’t let me forget, will you?’

  Trixie shook her head. ‘No bloody way.’

  ‘So now I ought to look at the buildings themselves. Seth, can you talk me through their renovation, and then I want to get a close look at your thatching, Tom. I was intrigued by your website too, the whole thing with the bread and the straw being a by-product of that industry. You know, that had never actually occurred to me – how closely the two were related.’

  Tom’s eyes sought out Isobel’s as he acknowledged Adam’s compliment.

  Seth pointed towards the cottage Tom had been working on. ‘Let’s go inside first, and you can see where we’re up to.’

  He led the way across the garden. ‘The cottages are obviously Victorian, and it was important that we kept the whole site as true to its heritage as possible. It was Maddie actually who came up with the idea of having a theme for each of the cottages and then furnishing them accordingly. So Isobel is staying in the Gardener’s Cottage, and this next one will be the Thatcher’s Cottage. Then after that the Blacksmith’s and finally the Woodcutter’s. The basic structures were still relatively sound, but needed re-thatching of course, and then we’ve stripped out the insides to provide a blank canvas for whatever we can salvage, reclaim or generally reinvent to provide for in the way of furniture and decor.’

  ‘And you’ve managed to successfully marry these with modern fittings as well?’

  ‘Hmm, a tricky one,’ replied Seth. ‘But we knew that while visitors might like to stay in a traditional cottage they would certainly not like original Victorian plumbing, so no, we’ve had to compromise in those areas, simply to get folks interested in staying here, but, well, hopefully you’ll see for yourself if that has worked when you see where Isobel is staying. For now, have a look at what’s still work in progress.’

  He invited Adam to enter the cottage first, stepping back so that Maddie could follow immediately after. He turned and gave Isobel a swift thumbs up as he did so, which no one noticed, apart from her and Tom. She really hoped she’d got it right…

  Fortunately, she didn’t have to wait that long to find out. It was the first thing Adam noticed.

  ‘Stunning,’ he said simply as he walked in the living room.

  Her heart gave a small leap of pride, because she had to agree with him. It had exceeded all her expectations.

  Maddie’s mouth hung open. ‘Oh…’ was all she could manage. But then she turned to Isobel, her eyes shining. ‘When did you do this? It’s beautiful… and perfect, just perfect.’ She flung both arms around her, hugging her tight. ‘I can’t thank you enough.’

  Adam was looking between the two of them. He was quick to catch on.

  ‘You made this, Isobel?’

  Hung on the whitewashed wall in front of them, perfectly centred, was the salt dough wheat sheaf she had made. It was the colour of warm bread fresh from the oven, with a rich smooth sheen to it. Not only that, but to each side was a cornucopia which overflowed with fruits and vegetables, each one carefully crafted until they were almost exact replicas of the real thing, painted and varnished. They provided just the right touch of colour without detracting from the intricacy of the centrepiece.

  ‘I wanted to give back something to Joy’s Acre, in return for all it’s given me,’ said Isobel, biting her lip slightly in embarrassment. ‘It seemed the right thing to do.’

  Maddie hugged her again, and then so did Tom, surprising her with a kiss full on the lips, just a quick one before returning to stand back beside Seth, but it was enough.

  Seth slung an arm around Tom’s shoulders. ‘Completely and utterly perfect in every way.’ And Isobel wasn’t entirely sure to what he was referring.

  ‘And that’s not all she’s done either,’ remarked Tom, looking not unlike the Cheshire cat. ‘Go on, Isobel, tell everyone.’

  Isobel could feel her future beckoning. A violinist who had fallen in love with a place so much she had written a piece of music about it, just as Joy herself all those years ago had painted her love for her home on canvas.

  ‘I’ve written some music,’ she began, unsure how to continue. She could see Maddie and Seth exchanging glances with Adam, as was everyone else. ‘I could play it to you, if you want me to… a bit later on.’

  ‘What kind of music?’ asked Adam immediately.

  ‘A story, if you like. About a place I’ve come to love very much, and the people who live there.’

  Maddie looked at Seth for confirmation. ‘I’m sorry, Adam, but I think we’ve got to hear this now, it’s way too exciting to wait. We can alway
s come back here after…’

  Isobel was torn. In a few minutes, once they had finished inside the cottage, they would move outside and it would be Tom’s turn to shine. His chance to showcase all his hard work that had provided, and would provide, each and every one of the cottages here with their crowning glory. He deserved this as much as anyone, and she so desperately wanted Adam to see his talent. She looked hesitantly across to him, but he was standing, just as he had at the first wedding she had played at, in the very moment before she had struck the first note; feet planted, a soft smile on his face and love and encouragement in his eyes. He gave her the slightest of nods, blowing her a kiss.

  ‘This just gets better and better,’ murmured Adam. ‘Go on, Isobel,’ he said, ‘lead the way.’

  Her heart was in her mouth as she opened the cottage door and stepped outside. She never dreamed she would be doing this again quite so soon.

  ‘Come on,’ whispered Tom, holding out a hand for her to take.

  Together they walked across to the cottage that she would always think of as hers and went through into the living room. She picked up her violin, which lay where it always had since she arrived, and moved to stand against the far wall, waiting until everyone had settled round her.

  ‘You’ll have to bear with me,’ she said, ‘because this is all very new to me too. I haven’t had much chance to practise.’

  Then she lifted the instrument, and gave one final flick of her head, sending her hair flying back over her shoulder, before tucking her violin under her chin. She readied her bow.

  ‘This is from an original piece of music I’ve written,’ she said. ‘“Joy’s Acre”.’

  She closed her eyes, and everything that Isobel had become poured out onto her strings, sending all her emotion, love and profound joy soaring around the room.

  Lost in the music, she only just heard Adam’s voice sound quietly after a few moments. ‘I think we may have found the perfect score for the documentary, don’t you?’

  Isobel smiled at Tom and continued to play, and as the notes rang out though the open windows of the little cottage on the hill and out into the summer air, Isobel knew that her journey was far from over, in fact, it was only just beginning.

  * * *

  If you were absolutely swept away by Tom and Isobel’s story, make sure you have read about how it all began in The Little Cottage on the Hill. Or sign up here for news about the next utterly gorgeous romance to happen at Joy’s Acre Farm.

  The Little Cottage on the Hill

  The Little Cottage Series Book 1

  Order now!

  * * *

  There’s blossom in the trees and daffodils as far as the eye can see. Maddie is looking forward to a fresh start in the countryside, but there’s just one little problem…

  * * *

  Following a scandal at her high-flying PR agency, twenty-six-year-old Maddie flees London to help promote what she thinks is going to be a luxurious holiday retreat in the countryside. Everything is riding on her making a success of this new job…

  * * *

  Yet when she arrives, Maddie is horrified to find a rundown old farm in a terrible state. The brooding and secretive owner, Seth, spent all his money on leasing the land when he fell in love with the beautiful, dishevelled farm cottages and the very romantic story behind them.

  * * *

  When Maddie discovers an old oil painting by the original owner’s wife, she unlocks the secret of the farm’s history and quickly realises she must start getting her hands dirty if this very special place is going to have any chance of survival. As she and Seth begin working together, the stunning view from the top of the hill is not the only thing that’s leaving her breathless…

  * * *

  After weeks of hard work the dream looks like it might become a reality, until a secret from Maddie’s past threatens to snatch it all away again. Can Maddie find a way to save the business and herself? Will she finally find a place to keep her heart within the crumbling walls of the little cottage on the hill?

  * * *

  Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Debbie Johnson who are looking to escape to the countryside and fall in love watching the seasons change.

  Hear More From Emma

  Want to keep up to date with Emma’s latest releases? Sign up here!

  * * *

  We promise to never share your email with anyone else, and we’ll only contact you when there’s a new book out.

  Also by Emma Davies

  Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill

  The Little Cottage on the Hill

  Lucy’s Little Village Book Club

  * * *

  Letting in Light

  Turn Towards the Sun

  * * *

  Merry Mistletoe

  Spring Fever

  Gooseberry Fool

  Blackberry Way

  A Letter From Emma

  Thank you so much for your company throughout Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill. If this was your first visit to Joy’s Acre, I hope it’s a place you have come to love as much as I have. If you’d like to stay updated on what’s coming next then please sign up to my newsletter here:

  Sign up here!

  Of course, Seth, Maddie, Tom, Trixie and Clara first began to tell their story in The Little Cottage on the Hill, and I have loved seeing them grow and develop individually as I’ve written each successive book. I never know quite how they’re going to turn out, and as characters they have managed to surprise me on more than one occasion, but I hope you’ll join them again as autumn and winter both bring new challenges, romance, and a few tough times as well. As with any community, life isn’t always plain sailing, but with a little love, hope and friendship, plus copious amounts of cake of course, many a storm can be weathered, and it’s been an absolute joy to spend a year in their lives. I hope you think so too.

  One of the things I love about being a writer is when readers take the time to get in touch, it really makes my day. The easiest way to do this is by finding me on Twitter and Facebook, or you could also pop by my website, where you can read about my love of Pringles among other things…

  I hope to see you again very soon, and in the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed your visit to Joy’s Acre, I would really appreciate a few minutes of your time to leave a review or post on social media. Even a recommendation to anyone who’ll listen at the hairdresser’s is very much appreciated!

  Until next time,

  Love Emma x

  * * *

  www.emmadaviesauthor.com

  Lucy’s Little Village Book Club

  Order now!

  * * *

  Sometimes you’ve got to run away to find yourself…

  * * *

  Twenty-four-year-old Lucy needs a fresh start. Forever single and frustrated with her studies she gives up everything to run a little library in the leafy village of Tilley Moreton.

  * * *

  Lucy loves reading almost as much as she loves fixing other people’s problems, so starting a book club seems like the perfect opportunity to do both. As she meets her new members, it’s clear she’s going to have her work cut out for her. Handsome but silent Callum is the biggest puzzle of them all...

  * * *

  But Lucy’s meddling begins to cause more problems than it solves, and no one is more surprised than Lucy when Callum steps in to help. Could there be more to him than people think?

  * * *

  As Callum and Lucy start working together to fix the broken hearts of the library’s most loyal customers, the first sparks of romance begin to fly.

  * * *

  Can they right all the trouble Lucy has created, and might there be a chance for a happy ending of their own?

  * * *

  An utterly uplifting, emotional page-turner that will bring tears to your eyes and a smile to your face. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Milly Johnson.

  Acknowledgements

  Music can be def
ined as the art of sound in time… that which expresses ideas and emotions in significant form through elements of rhythm, melody, harmony and colour, but however you define it, it is an extraordinarily powerful thing. It does indeed transcend time, and stays with us and is a part of us throughout our lives. In fact, hearing is the last of our senses to leave us before we die.

  I wouldn't class myself as a musical person at all; I don't play any instruments for example, but music has always been there as the back beat of my life. For me, like books, music has the most wonderful ability to conjure up images, to transport me to new places or even to invoke memories of past times and places, and so for me personally the writing of this book has taken me on a huge journey of my own.

  It took me a while to truly understand Isobel, and I so desperately wanted to tell her story in the right way, so huge thanks are due to my editor Jessie Botterill at Bookouture for helping me to shape her and her story in the best way possible.