New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun

New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun is the sequel to The House that Alice Built, which I haven’t read, but there’s enough backstory in this novel that I didn’t feel at all lost. Rather, I loved jumping into Alice’s new life in Cascais, Portugal just as she was. Reinventing yourself is never easy, and I liked that author Chris Penhall gave Alice some challenges in this story… finding a house to buy, expanding her business options, and navigating her relationship with boyfriend Luis (who starts off being very supportive and pretty much stays that way) are all things that didn’t necessarily mesh with our protagonist’s vision of her new life, but gave the story depth and made all the characters feel very real. (I especially loved Alice’s mother. We should all have a mother like that… or perhaps not.) Penhall’s writing style is breezy but not fluffy, and diving into this book was a lovely experience, though I might be slightly biased as I harbor fantasies of retiring to Portugal, myself. I liked that there was no soft-pedalling of Alice’s relationship with her ex-husband. I liked even more that, ultimately, Alice was her own hero. This novel would be a perfect beach read, but it also works well as an escape from fall/winter doldrums. Goes well with a bowl of caldo verde and a cold beer.

Find a comfortable chair in the backyard, at the pool, even on the beach, anywhere you can feel the warmth of the sun as you imagine yourself back in Portugal with Alice as she begins her new, done with the jerk of an ex-husband life back in Cascais once again. This time for good – or that’s the plan, at least. Funny how plans often take on minds of their own, isn’t it? ‘New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun‘ is the sequel to ‘The House that Alice Built‘, and we’ll continue the adventure with Alice as she shakes off the dust (and the now ex-husband) of her life in London and heads for, hopefully, happier times in her new chosen home of Cascais. Yet, while it might be warmer, sunnier, and filled with promise – the grass (or the beach) isn’t always better on the other side, for far too soon the adventure, the fairy tale feel turns to reality once again. I love Alice’s resilience, her belief that things will be better… eventually. After all, she’s gotten out of a bad marriage, found a new love, a new place to live her best life, new friends so what could possibly go wrong? Well, a lot actually, kind of like life nothing is really perfect only better depending on the way we deal with it. When the house she has her heart set on is sold before she can even put in an offer, when her friend decides to sell her flat (where Alice is cat-sitting) leaving Alice without a place to stay, and when her new boyfriend begins acting a bit off it’s not unheard of to begin to have second thoughts about this move to paradise. It didn’t take long for me to be completely caught up in Alice’s life once again. Sure, things aren’t going exactly as planned but that doesn’t mean all is lost. And watching this cast come to understand, deal with, and work through what’s being tossed their way was a delightful experience. It really is a cliche thought, but life truly is what you make it – and Alice is making this new life her own, just not exactly how she thought it would happen. ‘New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun‘ grabbed my attention and never let go until the final page. It’s fascinating to step back into the lives I knew from the first novel and go a bit deeper, understand a little more, and perhaps see more clearly past that first rush of something, someone, or someplace brand, sparkling new and settle into the comfortable, the reality, into that life that was wished for. With a touch of mystery, some funny, some emotional moments, and some suspense-filled ones as well, I had a blast back in Portugal with Alice and friends. I would suggest, if at all possible and you haven’t yet, to pick up ‘The House that Alice Built‘ first for there is a lot of background at the beginning of this grand adventure that will make the sequel all the more enjoyable… in my opinion, at least. *I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, ChocLit/Ruby Fiction. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

After two years of turmoil due to ex-husband, Alice returns to Cascias, Portugal with her new love Luis. Alice is looking forward to buying her own home for security and permanence, which she plans on renting out when she moves in with Luis. Life throws a curve ball to their plans and reality takes over and brings back insecurities and self doubt for Alice and shame for Luis. Their lives become confusing and full of doubt. Will they overcome these problems with the help of family and friends? A great story of how we can find our happy place even with adversity. This is a sequel to The House Alice Built but can be read as standalone, however, if you can read the first story the dots will all connect. Highly recommend this story that shows love can overcome all.

I\’ve really enjoyed this over the weekend. It\’s set in my favourite holiday spot and in the sunshine, so to me that\’s all I need. Great story, good characters, true to life. Roll on the 3rd \’Little House\’ novel.

Old friends and new arrivals amid the now warmly familiar backdrop of Cascais and Lisbon. The past casts shadows and springs suprises and not just for Alice. The outcome is uncertain……but very much worth the journey. Highly recommended

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member