Book review: Storybook Ending by Poppy Alexander [blog tour]

The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander is one of my favourite contemporary women's fiction novels. I initially caught my interest because the little free library in the story follows similar principles to The Book Fairies, which I'm a part of, but the book became mostly memorable due to the quirky cast of characters that made up the community in the English village it was set in. Needless to say, I was very excited when I saw that Poppy Alexander had written another adorable sounding story set in the same idyllic location. 

About Storybook Ending

Imogen is a stay-at-home illustrator who is about to make the move from the big city to the countryside with her husband when tragedy strikes and she's left widowed. With the papers for what was meant to be their dream family home already signed, she has no choice but to leave her old life behind and move to Storybook Cottage all by herself. 

Not knowing anyone in the village of Middlemass and not even being able to drive a car, she is a little isolated from other people as she's trying to find her feet. Thankfully there are kind locals who go out of their way to help – including the very annoying yet incredibly handsome groundskeeper of the local manor. 

However, just as Imogen feels she is starting to get settled in her new home, she uncovers some secrets that will change her life forever....

My review

I love the rich setting author Poppy Alexander has created with her fictional village of Middlemass (in my brain, it exists not too far from Julie Haworth's Blossom Heath). It brings together all the best things from picturesque English villages; cute little independent shops, blustering countryside walks, creaky cottages, a historical manor house, and a heart-warming community of people that take care of each other. 

And I was delighted to return to Middlemass for that very reason. Although the story that unfolded within the village this time was quite a heavy read at times. It wasn't as light-hearted as The Littlest Library as protagonist Imogen was hit with one setback after another. That isn't to say that I only enjoy books that are light and fluffy, it's great to have more substance to a story to really keep a reader on the edge of their seat, but in this particular case there were many of them in quick succession and it made the book quite an emotional rollercoaster. 

Perhaps it's because I'm also a single woman living alone in a new place experiencing the challenges of owning a house by myself and finding a new group of people to connect with, but the struggles Imogen had to face felt like a lot – and I had to put the book down every once in a while to catch my breath. 

Thankfully, there was also joy and hope to be found within the pages of Storybook Ending, not in the least thanks to broody neighbour Gabriel (although he was also a source for some of the hardships Imogen faced along the way!) and Genny & Simon, the best of new friends for Imogen (even though they not so subtly try to set her up with Gabriel from pretty much day one). They are wonderful friends and Imogen is so very lucky to have found such kind and caring people in her new life.

Other highlights in the story include Tango, Imogen's absolute terror or a cat that you cannot help but fall in love with, and Imogen's budding career as an author and illustrator. Storybook Cottage couldn't have ended up in more suitable hands as Imogen's dream is to turn the stories from her imagination into a real-life children's book. While we don't see the actual illustrations in the novel, the glimpses we get to read about sound utterly charming (and would make an amazing companion book to this novel, just saying). 

Storybook Ending isn't always a fairytale for main character Imogen as she tries to build her life back up after he death of her husband. In fact, she's thrown into absolute turmoil in the months that follow her move to Middlemass. But she is a strong and independent women (perhaps a little too independent at times), who despite the hardships on her path manages to come out on top. And, most importantly, she has a satisfying happy ending, befitting the title of the book. 

Storybook Ending by Poppy Alexander is published by Avon and you can now buy your copy from your favourite local book shop!

Blog tour stops for Storybook Ending by Poppy Alexander

This review for Storybook Ending is part of the blog tour for the launch of the book. Make sure to check out the other stops too!

Disclaimer: This book was gifted to me, but this has not impacted this honest review.