A surprise inheritance. A hostile lord of the manor. A chance at a new beginning�?
When Cassidy Beeswhistle loses her job and her boyfriend within seconds of each other, it’s time for a change. Discovering her beloved late father’s connection to a tiny English village, it seems like the perfect place to start again. Especially because there’s a secret ‘lost deed�, which � if found � would return the village’s gorgeous manor house to its rightful Cassidy�
On arrival in Dithercott, Cassidy is blown away by the rolling hills and glittering lake, and the local villagers welcome her with open arms � all of them but one, that is� The current lord of the manor, Ned Bamford-Bligh , is tall and fiendishly attractive with his olive skin and jet-black hair, but he is also gruff and standoffish � and he has no interest in entertaining the new girl in the village; especially one who is potentially after his home, with its ivy-covered turrets and sprawling gardens.
Despite Ned’s frosty welcome, Cassidy is drawn to his piercing, hazel-eyed glare and she’s determined she is to uncover the demons that keep him locked away behind the manor’s imposing stonework. Before she knows it, an undeniable spark builds between them�
Just as Cassidy is feeling at home in Dithercott � and in the arms of Ned � he shows up on her doorstep clutching an old roll of parchment. Is this the discovery she’s been waiting for? And if it is, will its contents bring Ned and Cassidy closer together, or push them apart�?
Cate Woods made the most of her degree in Anglo-Saxon Literature by embarking on a career making tea on programmes including The Big Breakfast, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and French & Saunders. After narrowly missing out on the chance to become a Channel 5 weather girl she moved into journalism, where she interviewed every famous John, from Prescott to Bon Jovi, ghostwrote a weekly column for a footballer's wife and enjoyed a brief stint as one half of Closer magazine's gossip-columnist duo, 'Mr & Mrs Showbiz'. Cate left the magazine world in 2009 to pursue a full-time career ghostwriting celebrity autobiographies and novels. She lives in London with her husband (not Mr Showbiz) and two small children. Just Haven't Met You Yet is her first novel under her own name.
It's not every day you discover that your ancestor gambled away a huge British manor and fled to America, never to return. Shocked, single mother Cassidy Beeswhistle researches the story and one rash decision later, purchases the Beeswhistle Inn!
But on arriving in England, she and daughter Nora realise that they've been deceived. The Inn needs major renovations and its going to take all of Cassidy's efforts to make it successful. Not to mention, the family of the manor aren't happy to see that a Beeswhistle has returned and will do whatever it takes to force her out...
Not only did I love the characters within this story, but I loved how clearly I could picture the whole town; the Inn, the post office, the Manor and more. Cassidy has several love interests, but the story really is focused on her as a person and what one can accomplish with dedication, hard work and the support of one's community.
I thought this was quite a unique concept and appreciated how the storyline progressed. My only wish is that the last few chapters held more detail and that an epilogue was included. It all finalised so quickly that I felt like I missed out on the needed depth.
Thank you to Author Cate Woods, Netgalley and Bookouture for providing this ARC. This review has been given freely and all opinions are my own.
Ever been given less than promised?! We all have at one time or another. Channel that frustration and you’ll understand how Cassidy Beeswhistle feels once she arrives in Dithercott. Cassidy has bought a pub in this quaint little village after seeing the listing online…you’re smiling. Right? You know what I’m going to say. Yes, it isn’t as promised. In fact, it’s dilapidated. Can she put her anger aside and make the most of a bad situation for the sake or her daughter?
Throw into the mix and grumpy Lord of the manor, Ned Bamford-Bligh and some lovely, kind-hearted villagers, mix it with a little romance and you have a perfect feel-good story that will capture your heart and entertain you for ages.
I loved this examination of what constitutes a home; is it where our heart is or is it where we are living at present or can it be both? I felt that the author’s personal experience with single parenting and examining her own identity gave this story authenticity. The message about love coming knocking when we least expect it was clearly delivered and padded in a sweet story.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Cassidy Beeswhistle is at loose ends. She recently lost her job and her boyfriend on the same night. She knows she needs to do something to support her and her nine year old daughter, Nora, but finding a chef job that will work around the time she needs being a single mother is not easy. Her father, Joe, recently died and she is asking for him to show her a sign. When she finds some papers in his desk she is shocked. Her family is descended from nobility. One of her ancestors, "Bertie" Beeswhistle gambled the ancestral home in a game of dice and lost it to his friend, Henry Bamford-Bligh. While doing an online search for more information, she finds that the Beeswhistle Inn in Dithercott was for sale. Was it fate? Cassidy buys the inn and she and Nora head to the small village of Dithercott in Sussex. When she finds the Inn is in ruins, she digs in and with the help of locals begins to renovate it and get it ready to become a gastropub. Things do not go smoothly for Cassidy, but she is able to get others on side, all except Sophia Bamford-Bligh and get the Beeswhistle up and running. Will this be the home she has been searching for?
I loved this story. Cate Woods does such a great job developing her characters. I loved Cassidy and I wanted to hop on a plane to help her out. She was a wonderful chef (I really wanted to try the food she was creating), a wonderful mom, and a great friend. My heart broke for Nora. She was such a sweetheart and see her treated badly by others was heartbreaking. I loved that she found her people at her new school in Dithercott. All the characters we meet in the village were also well developed. There where some quirky ones, some snotty ones, ones who wanted to help, others who wanted to be friends and help out, but all that I wanted to get to know. I loved that they all came together to help Cassidy. The Beesfest was a hoot, with activities like "Welly Wanging, Crockery Cricket and Splat-the-Rat" it sounded like so much fun. There were a few romance scenes, but that was not the main plot of this story. It was all about family, friendships, new beginnings, finding home, and following your dreams. And yes, there is a dark and brooding Lord, who plays an important part in the story and also adds a touch of swoony scenes. All in all, this was just a fun read, with some serious issues dealt with, a great setting and wonderful characters. I definitely recommend, The Accidental Inheritance.
Loving and adoring Cate Woods' book, I couldn't not request "The Accidental Inheritance". It took me some time to read it - so many books, so litttle time, same old, same old... - but it was worth the wait, the book didn't disappoint. Although I was expecting some more deep from this author, as this book sometimes felt to superficial and simple. Nevertheless, I was rooting for Cassidy, so it's a good sign, right. One of the weakest points of this novel is, unfortunately, Nora - she doesn't talk like a 9 - year - old, she talks like 9 going on 29, it absolutely didn't ring true for me. And the end - much too open for my liking, I would love an epilogue.
Nevertheless, the plot was brilliant and I loved the idea of it and liked how it progressed. It was a lovely, easy story about second chances, friendship, family and finding your place to live and deiscovering what makes you happy. The romance is not overwhelming, but it's there and it's lovely, the setting is gorgeous and please, don't read this book when you're hungry.
After the death of her father, single mother Cassidy Beeswhistle is shocked to learn of her ancestral roots in England. Being a magnificent chef (and having a knack for making the most impulsive, life changing decisions), she decides to relocate from Sacramento to Dithercott, after buying the local Beeswhistle Inn. The situation and people there aren't exactly what she expected but can she deal with it and become a huge success?
I had few expectations from this book (I've no clue why), and was supremely pleased. No regrets picking this whatsoever.
Every single character was a delight, Cassidy, Angelina, the Flints, Ned, and of course little Nora. I even enjoyed the 'villain'- Sophie- for once. You can't help but love the sizzling chemistry between the characters and their lovely quirks.
The romance and scenery in this book is pure bliss and makes your heart flutter again and again. The cover is not bad, but is not a bit a reflection on what is inside. This is really so much more than just a Women's fiction. In the word's of one of the characters (I don't remember who) the story is like a dramatic movie with revelations. I don't think the title is very apt either because the inheritance was by no means Accidental.
If you're looking to branch out into Women's Fiction, or simply want a small twist in your regular rom-coms, this one is your pick.
Taking chances is the theme of The Accidental Inheritance. The setting is in a picturesque and charming English village. Main character, Cassidy, is a chef that has just been fired from her job in Sacramento. When she discovers she has family connections in England, she buys a Inn that use to her family’s many years ago. The characters are lovely. Lots of lighthearted moments with humor thrown in to make for a well rounded story. A heartwarming, cozy read that I very much enjoyed reading. Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I feel bad saying it, but I just wasn’t a fan of this. I kind of fell into a reading slump during this book and I really had to bring myself to finish it. There were many times where things that really should’ve been described on the page in the present were told later on as having already happened. I also felt like Cassidy’s feelings for Ned came from literally nowhere other than the fact that she thought he was hot. I just couldn’t find myself getting really invested while reading this. It was a cute concept, and I liked Cassidy’s relationship with Nora as well as the found community they had in the village, but those weren’t enough to really hold my attention.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.
I absolutely loved this story. The characters were engaging, and all very different. I loved Cassidy and Mrs. T; those were probably my favorite characters. Woods made this setting seem so real that I wanted to not only move to Dithercott, but I wanted to be apart of the community and be friends with all these characters! While not everyone was welcoming at first, most of them came around and rallied behind Cassidy. It just seemed so easy to make friends, and that is something that I struggle with. There were two romantic interests for Cassidy, but the book wound up focusing on one. I thought the romance was very sweet. As I was reading the book, I could envision this easily being made into a movie. I didn’t have a vision for what specific actor or actress could play each role, but this book is definitely rom-com movie material. Brava to Woods on a successful book!
Review for 'The Accidental Inheritance' by Cate Woods.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Cate Woods, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 27th March 2023
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read the first and second books in the 'Tansy Fall' series called 'The Inn At Tansy Falls' and 'A Secret At Tansy Falls' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'A heart-warming, laugh-out-loud story of home, friendship, family and finding love in the most unlikely of places. The perfect curl-up read for fans of Sarah Morgan, Milly Johnson and Jenny Colgan.' I am a huge fan of Molly Johnson and Jenny Colgan so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Cate and if this is half as good as 'The Inn At Tansy Falls' and 'A Secret At Tansy Falls' it is guaranteed to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 44 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Sacramento, California, USA 🇺🇸 and Sussex, England 🏴, UK. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture .I have actually holidayed in Sussex so am intrigued to see if I recognise places based on anywhere I visited while there.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Cassidy Beeswhistle. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Wow!! Yet again an absolutely stunning must read by the fantastic Cate!!!
This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions and stunning surroundings I was absolutely captivated throughout. The cover and the synopsis work perfectly with the storyline.
I absolutely loved this absolutely stunning book! I love Cate's Tansy Falls series so was intrigued when I seen this book and later read that she had written in during and because of Covid restrictions. I absolutely adore Tansy Falls and was intrigued to see if Cate could create an atmosphere and area just as gorgeous and the I must say, girl did good!! Cate's evocative writing skills ensures the reader disappears into the storyline with the are and characters coming ito life all around you. She leaves you smelling the fresh air, feeling the rain on your skin and leaves you with a warmth in your heart and feeling much lighter and happier than before you started. Watching Cassidy rebuild the neglected and destroyed Beeswhistle Inn, socialising with the community of Dithercott village, her feelings develop and change for certain characters and learning and discovering the history of the Dithercott Manor was absolutely spell bounding. It is one of those books that are rammed with feel good moments, sadness, loss, hope, forgiveness, jealousy, friendship, tension, intrigue, mystery and absolutely everything that you could ever want in an addictive must read! The storyline is realistic and down to earth and the setting is picturesque. I was absolutely sucked in from the first to the last page of this heart-warming and soul lifting page turner. On several occasions I had to reach for the tissues so make sure you have a supply to hand before you start reading this and clear your time table as you are going on a beautiful journey. It was such a rollercoaster ride of emotions from blissful happiness to worry, filled with warmth and love to anger. There were lies, secrets, shocks, romance, deceit, sadness, tears and laughter. I picked this book up and devoured it in a few hours. It is one of those books that I just could not put down and I ended up walking around with my kindle glued to my hands. Every time I thought I will just read one more chapter and then get on with some chores it ended in a way that there was no way I could leave it there so I had to read another and then the same happened until I very sadly came to the last page and its absolutely fantastic ending. I genuinely felt like I was on holidays in Dithercott and I was devastated when I came to the end and realised I'd have to pack my suitcase to leave the gorgeous Tansy Falls and return to rainy Wales after a stunning getaway. I'm hoping Cate will turn this into a series as I would love to read more about how Cassidy and Ned get on along with the lives of all the other characters. Hint, hint Cate ;) Failing that, hopefully she is busy writing the next book in the 'Tansy falls' series. I would be extremely happy with either as both books make stunning holiday getaways but please don't take too long Cate!!!!
I fell in love with not just Dithercott again but all the amazing people in there, well all but one!! It was such a friendly village where everyone knew everyone else and you would never feel alone. Each and every one of the characters are strong and realistic and thanks to Cate's evocative writing skills they all came to life, jumping of the pages or sucking me deep into their lives. My heart completely went out to Cassidy who packed her bags and moved to the other side of the world with her daughter Nora to make a new life for them both but she cant seem to get the break she deserves and one thing happens after another. She is an absolutely amazing mum who just wants to do her best for Nora and constantly questions if she is doing the right thing. Although there were a few times where she wanted to throw in the towel and head back to her old life, especially after an extremely tempting offer she keeps fighting back. I could not stand Sophia who was a spoilt bat if I'm perfectly honest. She wanted to ride on her brothers coat tails and become Lady Of The Manor while not caring who she stepped on to get where she wanted. The way she spoke to and treated Cassidy made me want to give her a slap myself!! She is such a horrible character and I take my hat off to Cassidy for being polite the many times she was and then proud of her for finally doing what she did!! I had mixed feelings about Ned and started off thinking he was also stuck up. However as the book continued and I found out more and more about him I grew not only to like him but to love him and my heart went out to him. When he finally puts things behind him and gets things sorted and we see a different side to him he his an absolutely gorgeous, romantic and sweet guy who I really hope we get to meet again. I was so pleased that Cassidy became good friends with Angeline who was such an amazing friend and stood by her through her ups and downs and was just fantastic support for Cassidy that I feel if it wasn't for her she may have given in. I adored Nora who was such a mature girl for her age and my heart broke when I read that she was being bullied in her previous school and then by the remarks a certain horrible child made. I was so pleased when she started making friends at her new school and when her and Tillly bonded you can tell they would be friends for life. I absolutely adored James who is such a great guy, lovable, sweet, romantic and an absolutely amazing friend. If we had a vicar like that here I would definitely be going to church regularly!! Anyway I could go on and on about all the amazing characters who came to life when I was reading this fantastic book but I think I've gone on long enough. i will mention Dale, Clara Bettina, Ian, Natasha and Jasha as they all made impressions on me and are also characters that I would love to meet again. There are probably some I've missed but I must end here!! Whether I loved them or hated them they all came together to make a perfect story.
Cate congratulations on yet another absolutely stunning novel, this is why you are in my top author list. Your book is a page turning heart-warming and soul lifting success and Cecilia Ahern has definitely got some competition!!! I would love to see this turned into a movie and I hope your busy writing book 3 in the 'Tansy Falls' series or seriously considering turning this into a series as I for one cannot wait!!!
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first two chapters of Cate's absolutely addictive and stunning 'The Inn At Tansy Falls' which is another gorgeous page turner and one I have read myself and would highly recommend!!
Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will whisk you off to Tansy Falls and lift your heart and spirit. A page turning, addictive compelling novel that will leave you wanting more
Some of my favourite quotes/sayings in this book include the following:
Genres covered in this novel include Rural Life Humour, Love, Sex & Stoughton Marriage Humour, Romantic Comedy, Domestic Fiction, Contemporary Women's Fiction, Comedic Dramas & Plays, Women's Friendship Fiction, Women's Literary Fiction, Women's Contemporary Fiction, Women's Romance Fiction, Romance Novel, Contemporary Fiction, Romance Fiction, Humorous Fiction, Friendship Fiction, Women's Domestic Life Fiction, Literary Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of ReaAnne Thayne, Debbie Macomber, Sarah Morgan, Milly Johnson, Jenny Colgan, Robyn Carr, Cecilia Ahern and anyone needing a gorgeous break away.
358 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £8.99 in paperback via Amazon, My blog at time of review, which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
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I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately, but this was the perfect book to bring me out of it! I started it in the morning and didn’t put it down until I’d finished it a few hours later! We meet Cassidy Beeswhistle and her young daughter, Nora. Through various reasons, Cassidy decides to move from California to the quaint little English village of Dithercott where she has bought the village pub. As Cassidy is a chef, she hopes to bring the pub to life with her food, but is totally unprepared as to the condition that the pub has been left in by its previous owners and the animosity she faces from some of the local people! Has she just made the biggest mistake ever?!
I absolutely loved this book and was hooked on it from the very beginning. I liked Cassidy’s character and was impressed by her impulsiveness on moving from America to England � she’s certainly braver than I would ever be! Things are never straightforward though, and the condition of her new home turns out to be one problem in a long line of problems! Cassidy does however have the backing of a village full of wonderful characters who are ready to help her, although of course there is always going to be some out to cause trouble!
The storyline flows along wonderfully and is so easy to read! There are plenty of light-hearted moments which will make you smile and laugh alongside the complications of Cassidy’s love-life where she must work out which villager has captured her heart. She’s a fun character and her relationship with her daughter was heart-warming! The little village sounded delightful and Cassidy’s easily formed friendships with the other villagers made me wish I could move to Dithercott just so I could be part of it all!
This was a fabulously fun and romantic read! The characters are lovable, the location is perfect and even Bertie Beeswhistle’s story of the missing deeds had me on the edge of my seat! My first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be the last! Loved it!! Would recommend!
The Accidental Inheritance is a sweet and wholesome read, full of friendship and community.
The story starts right from Cassidy and Nora’s arrival in Dithercott so we experience all their emotions and upheaval first hand. We are, however, temporarily transported to six months earlier and given some history to explain why the pair have arrived in the village. I enjoyed this as it really helped me to empathise and feel involved in their lives.
Right from the outset you can really feel the enthusiasm and strong personality of Cassidy. She is likeable and friendly, yet realistic as she doesn’t always get things right. Her history and determination with her career is both admirable and interesting. The many dishes she cooks throughout made me hungry and I also found myself googling the odd one to find out more!
The characters are (almost) all lovely and quickly Cassidy is surrounded by wonderful, friendly people who together create a community full of charm. Her close relationship with her daughter Nora is evident through the story and I enjoyed the portrayal of their mother-daughter bond.
I really liked the backstory between the Bamford-Bligh’s and Beeswhistle’s. Learning of how everything came about with the tale of the rightful heir to the manor and how that unfolded was fascinating. Ancestry is something I have always found interesting so I enjoyed it’s significance in the novel.
Cate Woods is a new author to me and I have to admit it was the gorgeous cover that first drew my attention to this book. It’s so bright and inviting that it makes to delve in straight away and with an intriguing title my interest was certainly piqued. Well, all I can say is that The Accidental Inheritance was an absolute delight from start to finish. It had a strong storyline throughout that had this reader rooting for a positive outcome for Cassidy and her young daughter Nora following a spur of the moment life changing decision. The characters, the setting and the plot were all so perfect and cliched as it may sound this really was a warm hug of a book that would brighten anyone’s day. The cover alone would be enough to do that.
Cassidy Beeswhistle regularly makes spontaneous, important life changing decisions on a whim which lead her to question her choices and none more so than when she buys a village pub, The Beeswhistle Inn, in the English village of Dithercott. OK, so plenty of people do this or at least we see people in reality shows on tv do this but having been born and bred in America buying a pub in a different country that you have never been to really is a different ball game. Cassidy had convinced herself that the move would be the answer to her daughter Nora’s unhappiness at school and her own personal problems.This seemed a bit radical to me but as Cassidy mentions herself, the inn ‘had shone out to her like a beacon of hope in the middle of a dark and desolate night�. Cassidy quits her job at a restaurant where she had been a talented chef, yet she hadn’t made any real progress on the career ladder and soon both herself and Nora find themselves in a new country where she hopes she will be finally able to build a future. Little does she realise that the images on the internet of the inn in all its resplendent glory are far from reality and the pair arrive to find that the inn is a complete disaster zone nowhere near fit for starting a successful business that was supposed to change their lives in a positive way.
I felt desperately sorry for Cassidy, she had been duped in a big way and the rug definitely pulled out from under her. The village itself and the descriptions of it were just fabulous with timbered cottages, a medieval church, beautiful flowers and the quintessential geese wandering on the green and also Dithercott Manor - the Beeswhistle ancestral home in the background. This was in such stark contrast with what Cassidy was facing and to say she faced a uphill battle would be an understatement but I admired how she pulled her sleeves up and set to work. She wasn’t going to admit defeat especially considering how she came to be there was connected back to something she discovered in her late Dad’s possessions. I loved this element of the story and how it tied into Ned’s story, the current resident of the manor.
Cassidy has plans to turn the inn into a gastropub and she has the knowledge and where with all to do this but soon events taken on a slightly sinister turn with unexpected and unexplained things happening culminating in an event that really anyone else would have just said that’s it I’ve had enough I’m off but I think Cassidy wasn’t ready and didn’t want to admit that she was potentially a failure. Despite what locals Ian and Bettina and Sophie Bamford Bligh believe about Cassidy and the Beeswhistle Inn I just wanted to applaud Cassidy and support her and urge her on because there is always light at the tunnel and even when the chips are down one must always keep moving forward and strive to reach your goal.
When Cassidy learns of a possible inheritance connected to Beeswhistle Manor from Ron and Dale at the Buttered Crumpet, the local café, a new strand of the story opens up. Although it’s not the sole focus of the book, rather it’s nicely balanced with Cassidy’s own personal journey to get the inn up and running. What she learns does linger in Cassidy’s mind and brings her into contact with Ned and when she first encounters him over an issue with Nora, things do not get off to a good start. Ned comes across as rude, coarse, arrogant, abrupt and unfriendly. When we learn of his story you do understand why in a small way but it’s no excuse for how he treated Cassidy upon their first meeting. She finds him surly and infuriating. Yet when she speaks to some of the new friends she has made she learns not to take Ned at face value that once he was full of fun and laughter and gave everything he could to the village but his circumstances changed. You can see there is a slight stirring of feelings from Cassidy for Ned but is it reciprocated or is she just better off keeping going with her plans for the inn even if plenty of sabotage seems to be afoot?
I’ve read so many books on the lighter ends of the women’s fiction genre and at some point they do become a bit mundane and run of the mill and dare I say it predictable. But I found this engaging story to be the total opposite. The author kept the reader guessing until the last possible moment and to be honest given all the unsettling events thrown in Cassidy’s direction I questioned whether she would have been better off just throwing in the towel, admitting defeat and subsequently scuttling back to America with her tail between her legs? But Cassidy, is an admirable character and despite all the trials and tribulations she goes through and the storms she attempts to weather you are rooting for her from beginning to end and applauding her courage and tenacity to peruse a dream that at times seems very far from reach.
The Accidental Inheritance was a fabulous read and I adored every minute of it. I could have kept reading for many more chapters as I was so caught up in everything. Admittedly, I did find the ending a bit abrupt given how well the plot had been developed I didn’t want things to conclude so suddenly and I found a little bit more development was needed. I sincerely hope this is not the last that I will read of these characters and the brilliant setting as I feel there are many more stories to be told with perhaps the introduction of new characters, the continuation of Cassidy’s story or maybe focusing on a character mentioned in the story who didn’t get much time centre stage. Anyway, I have my fingers crossed that there will be more tales from Dithercott but in the meantime I urge you not to let this little gem of a book pass you by. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Cassidy beast whistle is a single mother to nine-year-old Nora and has recently lost her father and her only family in California so the night she gets fired from her job for defending a coworker from sexual-harassment she finds a file in her dads desk labeled ancestry and after perusing it for a while she sees there’s a town in England where the Beastwhistles are quite popular. So believing she’s doing it with her father‘s blasting she buys the end that is up for sale called the beast whistle in after all the pics online looks ready to move in in the garden is ready to be picked cooked and ready to serve but when she shows up however the picture is a lot different. The town of whistle gate has been voted the prettiest town in the county multiple times and Casey definitely can see why except when she looks at the end the belongsto her. It looks of homeless people have been living Indian in a wrecking crew was free to go in and practice all the furniture but she gathers up her last resolve and decides this time she isn’t running away and she rolled up her sleeves and does her best to get it ready. Her daughter Nora loves her new school Cassidy has made friends with Nora‘s new Besty Millies mom and I haven’t even mentioned sweet Mrs. Timothy but not everyone in the village is so keen on Cassidy and that includes the Lord of the manner in brooding heartbroken gorgeous Lord of the Manor, Who Cassidy had a negative run-in with but that won’t be her last run-in with the gorgeous Duke and with her new friends in the N coming together maybe just maybe Cassidy and Nora has found a new home and a new country. Are usually love books like this but I think I started not liking it when she said her baby was for a Colombian rock singer and when she wanted to tell him she was pregnant she got a standard letter from the management company and that she was fine with him not being a part of Nora‘s life. All I kept thinking is that easy for you to say because you had a great dad and I know this is a personal pet peeve of mine but to me when you have Unresponsible sex with the man you can’t even contact by phone and I know in the book they said that was the only time but still� Really but having said that the rest of the book was really good I love the neighbor I love Mrs. Timothy and eventually I love the Duke I know he wasn’t referred to as that in the book but that’s why I called him. I would’ve definitely given this book probably five stars but I don’t think promoting unresponsible sex that ends in a child who never know her dad something to rave about. I guess I am old fashion and think kids should know their parents and I know this is just a romance book but it’s part of popular culture and if we agree with it then it will continue. Only someone who doesn’t know the betrayal of never knowing the father would think a child growing up without one is OK. I received this book from NetGalley in BoldwoodBooks but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
American Cassidy Beeswhistle loses her job so takes a chance and buys a pub in England. Her ancestors came from the village but lost their fortune due to gambling. She is horrified when she arrives to find the pub in a hideously run down condition. Can she fulfil her dream? The Accidental Inheritance is a warm and uplifting novel about fresh starts, set in the English countryside. After the death of her beloved father, Cassidy rummages through his papers and finds a file on family history. Her ancestors used to own a stately home in England but gambled it away. In a twist of fate, the local pub is currently up for sale so Cassidy sells up and moves country to try to start afresh for herself and her daughter. Her arrival causes a big shake up in the village and she instantly makes friends but also enemies. I really liked Cassidy's impulsive and hopeful outlook on life. She has struggled to build a career whilst being a single mum but now she sees an opportunity to change her family life for the better. However, she didn't count on the condition of the pub and is frantic about her dwindling financial state. Luckily her new community band together to help but someone is intent on undermining her efforts. I enjoyed the premise of the book and the use of family history to underpin the plot developments. At first I hopedCassidy would fall in love with the wonderful vicar but sadly the passion isn't there. It was clear that she and Ned clashing horns had the spark that she needs to find happiness but the path to love doesn't run smoothly. He has a tragedy in his past and his sister is horrendous to Cassidy. The Accidental Inheritance was a really lovely book and I found myself completely immersed in the plot and characters' lives.
"When One Door Closes" by Mandy Baggot is a heartwarming and engaging romance novel that will keep readers hooked until the very end. The story follows Cassidy Beeswhistle, who after losing her job and her boyfriend, decides to start afresh in a tiny English village where her father had a connection. The premise of the story is unique, with the added mystery of a lost deed that could return the village's manor house to its rightful heir.
Baggot's descriptive writing style paints a vivid picture of the charming village of Dithercott, complete with its rolling hills and glittering lake. The local villagers add to the story's charm, welcoming Cassidy with open arms, except for one person, the current lord of the manor, Ned Bamford-Bligh.
Ned's frosty welcome to Cassidy adds to the tension in the story, but as she uncovers the demons that keep him locked away, an undeniable spark builds between them. The chemistry between the two main characters is palpable, and Baggot handles their relationship development with care, adding depth to their characters.
The introduction of the old roll of parchment adds a layer of mystery to the story, leaving readers wondering if it is the discovery Cassidy has been waiting for and what its contents might bring for her and Ned. The plot twist towards the end of the book will leave readers surprised and satisfied.
Overall, "When One Door Closes" is a delightful read with charming characters, a picturesque setting, and a sweet romance that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Highly recommended for fans of romance and small-town settings.
The Accidental Inheritance is a story about a woman finding her place in the world. As a single mother, Cassidy Beeswhistle has to face sudden life changes that are out of her control. She then decides to grab life by the horns and buy a Tudor era Pub in England halfway across the world from home in Sacramento, CA.
With a history of rash decisions this is nothing new but what is new is the sense of belonging Cassidy feels almost instantly; even as she finds her new pub in shambles and her welcome to the village chilly.
As the seasons turn to Spring and Summer, Cassidy's welcome warms and she is embraced by the villagers. Well most of them. As the great-great-great-great grand daughter of the original owner Dithercott Manor she is at odds with the current family in residence. Her ancestor gambled away the estate but the rumor of a "lost deed" granting ownership back to the Beeswhistle family puts her at odds with the Bamford-Blighs.
Focusing instead on opening the Gastropub of her dreams, Cassidy works to restore the inn and develop a menu that uses local ingredients and suppliers. Opening a restaurant is not for the faint of heart and Cassidy deals with her fair share of hurdles; ancient plumbing, fire hazards and negative reviews.
I enjoyed the story and the characters and this book was the perfect escape on a rainy winter day. I wish the romance could have unfolded a little more throughout the book but I loved Cassidy's journey so much that I didn't really mind until I finished the book.
This is such a unique book that I found myself enjoying reading this book.
An ancestor gambled away his house and then fled to America…and then many years later, Cassidy Beewhistle returns to claim this house that once belonged to her ancestor. But when Cassidy and her daughter Nora comes to England, they realized that a lot of work needs to be done not to mention the fact that there are people in that small town, who are not so thrilled that a Beewhistle is back in the scene!
This is the third book I have read from Cate Woods and I have to say, this was entirely a unique setting which I found myself enjoying reading it. I do like how Cassidy is slowly getting used to living in the quiet countryside and the British way of life. I do also like the community and how the community is reaching out to Cassidy helping out each other. I also like how Ned, the lord of the enemy manor initially didn't get along with Cassidy and soon blossomed into something else…overall, I really loved reading this book! The writing was great, and the reader felt like a part of the story while reading through this book. I like nearly all the characters in the book and the descriptions of the inn, the countryside made me feel like I was in that small town with Cassidy.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and worth five stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. Thank you Bookouture for making me a part of this blog tour and inviting me to review the book. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
Cassidy Beeswhistle’s life is turned completely upside down when she loses her boyfriend and her job at the same time. She is in desperate need of a fresh start and a new beginning. She discovers that there is a lost deed to her late father’s beautiful manor. If she could find the deed it would return ownership of the manor to Cassidy. As soon as she arrives at Dithercott she immediately falls in love with the beautiful little village. With the breathtaking hills and lakes, along with the amazing villagers that welcome her into their corner of paradise, she knows that this is exactly where she is meant to be. Soon she meets Ned who happens to be the lord of the manor and a new found romance she didn’t plan for.
This story was such an enjoyable and beautiful read. I was amazed at the way the author left no stone unturned. Her detailed description of the village and the manor along with the people that live there, made me feel like I wanted to pack things up and move to Dithercott. What a truly magical place. This rapid page turner is one that I couldn’t put down. I loved everything about this wonderful and heart-warming story. I was hooked from the first flip of the front cover. This cozy romance was exactly the escape I needed. I loved everything about this wonderful story, with its amazing plot twists and turns and a phenomenal ending. I will recommend it over and over again.
This was a new author to me and I really enjoyed the story which took you from California to rural East Sussex. After the death of her father, then losing her job, Cassidy Beeswhistle was struggling. Her 9-year old daughter, Nora, was unhappy in Sacramento and without a job that allowed her a flexible working arrangement to care for her daughter, she didn’t know what to do. She discovered that before his death her father had been researching their family tree. He found that they had a connection to the village of Dithercott in Sussex and had been discussing their ancestors with the local vicar there. During an internet search about Dithercott she found that the village inn, the Beeswhistle Inn, was for sale, it seemed such a coincidence, the inn had her name, she took that as a good omen and thanks to a bequest from her father she had the money to buy it. The Inn did not live up to the estate agents pictures, the previous owners had not cared for it and it was in a very poor state of repair. Obviously, she should have done more research before buying, but the story wouldn’t have been as interesting if it had been perfect. Some of the locals were instantly friendly, others became friendly and then there were those who were deliberately unfriendly and obstructive. Cassidy was determined to fit in and bring the old inn back to life and create a life for herself and Nora. I liked the writing style and the characters were well drawn. A lovely easy read, perfect for a dull late summer afternoon.
Another winner from Cate Woods! This is the second book I've read from this author and I love her cozy stories. This one takes place in England and follows Cassidy and Nora as they uproot their lives from California to Dithercott, Cassidy's ancestral home. Cassidy has big dreams of starting her own restaurant and restoring the Dithercott Inn to a village pub and aside from the very welcoming locals, there is a particular thorn in her side. Sophia, who currently resides, in Cassidy's ancestral manor home, is doing everything she possibly to ruin the Inn's reputation and run Cassidy out of town. Will Cassidy give up or fight to stay where her daughter is happy and she's finally starting to achieve her dream? This is an excellent feel good story that will have you rooting for Cassidy the whole way. I loved all the side characters, from Mrs. T to James and of course, Ned is totally swoon-worthy. Cate Woods describes the countryside around Dithercott so well, you'll have to stop yourself from hopping a plane ride to England and sampling some pub fare. I'm thoroughly happy to have had a chance to read this one and I can't wait to see the next book from Cate Woods.
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Accidental Inheritance� is a rom-com by Cat Woods. I found this to be a quick light read, not requiring a lot of attention with a pretty good story line - which was what I needed after a number of heavy reads. First - a huge shout to Ms. Woods for mentioning a minor league baseball team - the Sacramento River Cats! Any time an author makes a shout to to a MiLB team, I’m all for it. The plot of this book is a bit predictable, but I did like how things did work out in the end for our heroine. The parts I weren’t too thrilled about were minor - a local person *won* GBBO and he’s supplying treats - why isn’t that advertised anywhere? That alone would be a pull! Online reviews are bad, but word of mouth trumps them often (as does staying on top of the negative reviews and contacting the review site to get them removed). Overall, this was a cute story and I could easily see it being a Hallmark movie, if so decided.
REVIEW: Definitely a quick read for me on this one. Single mom Cassidy has just lost her job and makes a life changing decision to relocate from Sacramento, CA to England in search of a better life for her and her daughter Nora. Why did Cassidy chose to move to England you might ask? Well, turns out that Cassidy’s ancestors had lived in England and had a manor which was lost to the Bamford-Bligh family in a game of dice hundreds of years ago. It was rumored in the village that there was a secret deed that if found would restore the ownership to the original heirs, the Beeswhistle Family. The last thing Cassidy thought was coming was to fall in love with the occupant at the manor Ned Bamford-Bligh. Cassidy faces so many situations throughout this story from having to fix a catfished Inn she bought, neighbors who were not the friendliest, and a snoby rich woman making her life miserable every chance she got. What I loved about this book is that Cassidy faces every challenge that comes her way head on. Instead of giving up right away she always finds a way to come out of a bad situation. Towards the end of the book I felt like there was no closure on what happens next with Cassidy and Ned, what was the outcome of the business at the Inn? Did Nora approve of her mom now dating Ned? Hopefully there is a 2nd book to follow Cassidy and Neds story.
Thank you author Cate Woods, Netgalley and Bookouture for providing a copy of this eARC. This review has been done freely and with my own opinions.
What a lovely read. It was light hearted and written in such an easy to read way. I didn’t want to put it down. I really liked Cassidy and rooted her on from the start. I could easily picture the quaint village and its residents. It’s like I was there. The Dithercott Estate and the beautiful grounds, the Beeswhistle Inn, the church, the vicarage and the post office. Even the route Cassidy runs each day. Cassidy is definitely the star of the book, but I liked and felt like I knew the quirky townsfolk. And loved to hate Sophia for all the trouble she causes.
While there is a little bit of a love triangle, this is really about digging deep and making it. Cassidy kept encountering obstacles and she pulled up her boot straps and found a way to work through it. I loved how she was always thinking of her daughter first and I really wish I could have tasted a few of her dishes.
If you are in need of a feel good book, this is definitely for you. I can’t wait to see what Cate writes next.
A romance set in the UK, this story would be suited to become a Hallmark movie of the week. Plot wise, there was nothing ground breaking or innovative, but I did like the humour of the last page. The story was well balanced and sweet, the townspeople were likeable, and the setting lovely.
However, for me the dialogue and much of the phrasing in this novel was a bit OTT British and archaic. If felt as though my 90 year old MIL, Margaret Turnbull (she seems to have made a cameo in this book) was consulted for the selection of much of the phrases featured.
This novel is still charming in it's own way, but it was too lacking in character development and clever dialogue and unique events to work successfully for me. Also, word of mouth reviews for Cassidy's cuisine would have made up for much of the bad reviews online, so that didn't sit well with me.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this.
I don’t stray from thrillers and horror often but if it involves an inn/coffee shop/library and a cozy mystery or cozy romance (bonus points for the location being somewhere international) - count me in!
The Accidental Inheritance by Cate Woods checks all those boxes. I wish I could have put myself inside this book. It was such a fun read!
I loved how realistic it was and that the MC didn’t have everything magically go right for her. Cassidy was a real person with real flaws and real emotions and it was nice to see in a book like this. It definitely wasn’t like a Hallmark channel movie.
The characters are (almost) all so loveable and you can picture them in their environment. The community reminded me of Stars Hollow and I absolutely adored it.
There is romance but it was not the main focus of the story and took a backseat to character development - in particular the MC working on herself and making her life better for her and her daughter.
A double in in my book, a fun read and a new author. Cassidy Beeswhistle is a single mom of Nora who has had her share of bad luck. Lost her beloved father has and BF has passed away, she lost her job and has had a string of losers guys. She happens upon some research her dad was doing on their family tree and discovers her roots in Scotland. As if her dad is guiding her the once upon a time Beeewhistle Inn is up for sale. Her daughter Nora isn’t happy in Sacramento, and nothing is tying her to the city, plus this could be her dream come true, opening her own restaurant. But not as advertised, the place is wrecked, on the upside Nora loves it. I love the plot and all the ups and downs Cassidy has to face. A definite must read for the lighthearted readers out there. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #TheAccidentalInheritance
I love when I find a book to take me to another world and The Accidental Inheritance did just that. It's heartbreaking, heartwarming and utterly delicious. Cassidy loses her job and her young daughter isn't coping at school with being bullied and she feels alone, so Cassidy decides to buy a pub in a little community town. But when they arrive it's definitely not what she was expecting but she determines that with a little hardwork she can bring it back to it's former self. You can literally feel the love coming off the pages especially the love Cassidy has for her daughter Nora. I adored Nora as she reminds me of myself a book worm. The sense of community is established in the small town including all the busy body's. If you are looking for a book to escape then go no further than The Accidental Inheritance.
American Cassidy Beeswhistle has a surprise When her late father's papers make her realise That her family originated in an English village where She thinks she and her daughter could be happy there.
A beautiful, historic inn is what she thought she'd bought From looking at the photos - but visit first she ought. For the Inn is dilapidated, leaking and grotty but even so She's determined to do her best to give it a go!
As the locals she starts to get to know Most are friendly but there's also a foe. With jobs to be done to make the fresh start, Hard work and friendships will play their part.
A story of a community and history Great characters and a mystery, A Lord of the Manor and a Reverend, too. This is a fun romance I highly recommend to you!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you, As I share with you this, my honest review.
Finished ✔️ The Accidental Inheritance by Cate Woods
4 ⭐️’s Kindle Unlimited: Yes
OMG! What a wonderful book! Gripped me right from the start! A great read from beginning to end I loved everything about this book Kept me up late into the night to read Heartwarming A book you can finish in a few hours Had me on the edge of my seat! My first by this author but won’t be my last This book is pure bliss Amazing Yea, I’d recommend
I became a fan of Cate Wood’s writing when I read “The Inn at Tansy Falls� so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it as well. It was a comfy, cosy read with lots of descriptive writing so you can feel yourself actually being there. I loved all the characters except Sophia, of course! The last chapters where the relationship between Cassidy and Ned was focused on was a good ending although I thought there was more to come. When I “flipped the page� I was a bit disappointed to find it was an excerpt for “The Inn at Tansy Falls�. I would’ve loved to have seen more of their relationship and Cassidy gaining back business, making Sophia remove the one star reviews, as well as getting back at the writer for the awful article in the magazine. Maybe that’s all to come in a next book? 😁
Thanks for the opportunity to read this book and I’m very much looking forward to Cate’s next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.