Katelyn Hewitt, is one of my favorite writers and I have read several of her books already. This book focuses on family bonds and getting lost in the dark tough times in life and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. ( )

Part of an enjoyable quartet of books about four very different sisters and their parents, a vicar and his wife. ( )

A Vicarage Reunion is the second novella in a series about the four daughters of the vicar of the English village Thornthwaite. Esther is the only married daughter, but she's not sure she wants to be married. She is still processing her emotions after a miscarriage. Why is she relieved rather than sad? Her husband Will, a sheep farmer, is a good man. Esther and Will's biggest problem is that they don't talk much. They seemed to understand each other without a need for a lot of talk, until they didn't.

I like all of the characters – the Holley sisters, their parents, and the men in their lives. It's hard to understand, though, how a vicar's family hasn't dealt with the tragic death of the only son/brother in the family. In both this story and the first story, the featured sisters are burdened with unresolved emotions related to the family tragedy. At this point I'm wondering if the rest of the family should get a clue and get into counseling. In each of the first two books, sister Rachel doesn't seem as excited about her upcoming marriage as she should be. I won't be surprised if the next book in the series is Rachel's story.

I have enjoyed my visits to Thornthwaite in the first two books, and I will be watching for the release of the remaining books in the series. These are gentle romances that will appeal to readers who prefer romances without a lot of sensuality or strong language.

This review is based on an electronic advance reading copy provided by the publisher through the Early Reviewers program. ( )

My copy got trashed trying to get it on my Kindle. So I bought it. Nice wholesome read. A little too easy Esther getting over her issues, but hey, counseling was used. Cried when their dog died. This is the second book in a series. No idea who was in the first book but this was a nice standalone book. Lots of hints that sister Rachel is the star of the next book, but not sure I care enough to try to find out what her deal is. ( )

I received an advanced reader's copy. For reasons entirely unknown, I was expecting a British Cozy (fluffy murder mystery). Once I sorted myself out, I found the book to be short and sweet. It treats many serious issues quickly and lightly (a handful of therapy appointments, a handful of dates, a short talking-to by the main character's mother and voila.) I also think the treatment of the Lake District, farmer's life, and work involved in bringing about a community garden were similarly glossed over. The author writes well, but I was distracted by her "British accent." A few of her turns of phrase were forced, as if she was trying too hard to pepper her language with Britishisms, instead of relying on words or phrases more commonly used. (The number of times she used the word "AGA" could have made for a very entertaining drinking game). While I'm not so sure I would go back and read the first installment of the series, I might read the next book. ( )