Rumours

Up to now Pillow Talk has been my hands down favourite of Freya North's books, but this just might beat it.I know some people like her earlier books better (and another reviewer wanted more sex), but personally I like the direction she's taken over the last few years. Everyone has their own personal taste so I only comment based on mine.This is a gentle tale about the fate of a large estate at the heart of a village (I live in a very similar village), the estate owner and two people meeting and finding themselves falling in love. For me there was the right amount of sex, in the right context, and a less porny feel to it than in many of Freya North's previous novels and she's a more than good enough writer to not need the gimmick of cheap thrills to attract readers. I love her turn of phrase and use of language (and there is it again, discombobulated, yeay) and the way she just presents the reader with two people that we know will get together so we then get to follow them as they notice each other, don't quite know what to do with their mutual attraction, then take those first tentative steps towards a full relationship. The drama and twists in this story isn't so much in the central romance which follows a fairly straight forward course, but in the fate of Lady Lydia, her estate and tenants, I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens to them as much as I wanted to know how Xander, Stella and Will get on. I'll admit that when I first read that there was a Lady Lydia, big house and estate and man who grew up there I rolled my eyes and groaned, worried that Ms North was about to become ridiculously cliched with heaving bosoms and swooning maidens. I couldn't have been more wrong. Yes, there is a moment with a rescue of a sort, but it didn't make me cringe as it so easily could have done. All romantic fiction is cliched in structure to a point (as are most other genres), but this is very well written and a pleasure to read.Definitely one for my "pick me up" reading shelf.Just one small note for the publisher and future print runs, chapter 31, third word, surely Xander's father is called Bert Fletcher, not Hutton?

I've been an avid Freya North fan for over 10 years, and for over 10 years I have never been disappointed.For me, Rumours allowed me to indulge in my own love of old houses and stately homes. I love the fact that Norths books are all set around a theme, whether it be sculptures, trees, bridges or the Tour de France! Each of them leads me to go away and learn more of the subject. Escapism & education all rolled into one!The characters of Stella & Xander are typical of the Freya North. Immediately loveable, down to earth, and people you can relate to. Lady Lydia Fortescue was a great character and it was a lovely to see her soften throughout the book. The interaction between her and Mrs Biggins, the housekeeper, made me chuckle with laughter.The story is set around Longbridge Hall which Lady Lydia tasks Stella to sell, much to the disapproval of Xander who grew up there. There are a host of colourful characters entwined in the history of the hall & no one apart from Lady Lydia really wants it sold.It was a constant page turner. As usual I couldn't put it down. The will they, won't they (of course they will, I know they will!) get together, the need to understand Lady Lydia and her reasons for wanting to sell such a beautiful house, to know what Stellas ex husband did and of course, what happened to Longbridge Hall.As I said, I wasn't disappointed. Yet again, Freya North has delivered her readers another beautiful, unique story but with all the familiarity they come to expect from her heroes & heroines!

As an avid reader and fan of Freya North's literary works since the early 90's, I can truly say I am never disappointed with any of her novels as a short term form of escapism from the rigours and stresses of daily life. My copy arrived on Friday in good time for me to fully absorb and indulge over the weekend. I can always empathise with the insecurities and personality traits of the various female characters as they are recognisable in myself and various relatives (including the cantankerous snob Lady Lydia) so they just feel like extended members of my family, although the male characters tend to be a bit too good to be true as I've yet to come across any who are that thoughtful or sincere but I live in hope! As ever, Freya's novels are 1 of the very few I can count on one hand that make me laugh out loud (the derogatory pet names are just hilarious) and make me give a contented sigh when I've finished reading it. I am now anticipating her next release and eagerly look forward to it.

I have previously enjoyed the other Freya North books I have read. This one however, is as dull as dish water!I really struggled through the book, and didn't start to find it remotely interesting until page 200, almost half way through!I found the word "Hullo" appeared far too many times, who says that anyway! What's wrong with a normal spelling? Also the lead character has lots of little annoyingly old-fashioned catch-phrases and sayings which just drove me mental. It's full of typos too which was slightly annoying.I found the storyline rather pointless and just didn't know where it was really going! The end was was just bland. Very disappointing.

Been a fan of Freya North since the early days - and once again she has not disappointed, didnt think I could love a book more than Cat or Chloe (I have read and re-read all of Freya's novels) but I think I might have a new favourite. The relationship between Stella & Xander is lovely and sometimes hilarious but my favourite is the relationship between Lydia and Will, so innocent but laugh out loud funny. Freya describes the characters so well I cant help but feel like I know them. Now the book is finished I think I will miss them terribly (till I re-read it again though!)

Really enjoyed this book. Full of a really good story- just what I like. The characters are believable and really get under your skin. There’s a little twist at the end but you’ll never guess. Enjoy!