One Irish village, one fixer-upper & one chance to open her heart…
Sometimes friends and romance let you down but Hilda Pride knows she can face anything on her own, so why is she still feeling a little lonely…
Then life throws Hilda a curveball – an unexpected inheritance, a trip to Ireland and a huge but crumbling stately home that might just one day be hers to keep. Still stuck in her ways, Hilda is determined to tackle Mayfield Manor alone, but renovating a mansion single-handed might be beyond even her.
What Hilda needs is friends, so for the first time in years, Hilda Pride dares to lower her defences and everything in her world shifts in an instant. Hilda could never imagine what happens next, but it will change her and a community forever.
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My Review
This book is a warm and uplifting story that follows a fiercely independent woman who has built her life around the belief that relying on others only leads to disappointment. Written by Claudia Carroll, the novel introduces Hilda Pride as prickly, stubborn, and emotionally guarded, yet deeply relatable in her determination to protect her heart.
An unexpected inheritance sends Hilda to Ireland and places the crumbling Mayfield Manor in her path. What begins as a practical obligation slowly becomes a journey of transformation. Watching Hilda attempt to manage everything alone is both funny and touching, especially as the welcoming community begins to chip away at her carefully built walls.
The story shines in its gentle pacing and emotional realism. Hilda’s growth unfolds through small, meaningful moments rather than dramatic twists, making her journey feel authentic and satisfying. The Irish setting adds charm and warmth, perfectly complementing the themes of belonging and second chances.
My Rating
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