Saskia is building a home for herself out of the ruins of an old castle. Surrounded by forest, hidden away from everyone and everything, the place is special - it’s the only connection she has left to her father and it’s a hard-won chance to escape from her difficult past and create a new future. She’s spent her whole life trying to find a way to make this project work and finding someone to help her realise her dream has been almost impossible.
When local builder Owen finally signs up to manage the construction, things get off to a very bad start. But forced to find a way to work together, both realise that first impressions aren’t always the right ones, and when Owen discovers the forest is hiding a secret that could bring work to a halt, he realises he’s much more invested in the project – and Saskia – than he thought . . .
What did I think?
The Forest Hideaway by Sharon Gosling is as beautiful inside as out and I absolutely adored it. It's the perfect autumnal read to leave readers with a lovely warm glow.
Saskia is an architect who is determined to do the impossible: convert a castle ruin, complete with an oak tree growing in the middle of it, into her home. The local historical society are determined to stop her as they are convinced she is set on destroying the castle and the tree. They couldn't be more wrong.
The preservation of the castle and the tree really is lovely to see and it made me think of a local beautiful tree that was cruelly chopped down in its prime. I was surprised and delighted that it does actually get a mention in the book and I was moved to tears by the way that Sharon Gosling refers to it. It was never 'just a tree' to anyone who loved it.
I loved the characters that are so wonderfully drawn they virtually leap from the pages. Saskia has a very large heart and her builder Owen starts to see the real Saskia as they work together and get to know each other. It is so heartwarming to read about Saskia's compassion and kindness, especially when she has faced challenges in her past. Will she get her happy ever after?
Incredibly heartwarming and wonderfully uplifting, The Forest Hideaway is a beautiful novel that I wholeheartedly recommend. I loved it so much that I plan to read it again and it's going straight onto my favourites shelf so I can escape to the forest this autumn.
I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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