A Year at Marshywood

By: Marina McLune

Narrated by: Lucy Scott

It’s 1979 and Amanda Fernsby, 19 and inexperienced, dreams of lasting love. She leaves London with her parents to start a new life in rural Sussex, moving into Marshywood, a charming, rustic cottage. Now, surrounded by nature, she is excited to begin her new life, but there are bumps in the road ahead.

What about Samantha, her closest friend, who she’s going to miss? And then, of course, there’s Mark, Sam’s gorgeous cousin, who, frustratingly, she’s only just met. Being miles apart, what chance do they have now? Will she find another job? And, perhaps Amanda’s biggest worry of all, does life in the countryside limit her opportunities for finding true love?

When Sam and Mark visit in the summer, a series of shocking events begin to unfold and Amanda finds herself on an emotional roller-coaster with all her hopes unravelling. What will the future hold for her now? Has her parents’ gamble to pursue the rural dream created more losers than winners, or will there still be a pathway to happiness?

Delve deep into the beauty of the natural world and get lost in the music and culture of days gone by in this refreshingly different and moving debut novel. Uplifting, real and straight from the heart, it will take you along an entertaining journey which has the potential to stay with you for years to come.

©2023 Marina McLune (P)2023 Marina McLune

Entertaining and fun listen

I really liked this audiobook. It had an easy, diary-style flow, especially given the narrator’s pleasant voice.

The book is about a woman named Amanda and how she deals with village life in 1979 - neighbors, small dramas, and the little parts of life that come with starting over. The part where everything shifted in her relationship surprised me, and it changed the tone of the book. The writing is warm, and the characters are like real people. A cozy, at times emotional, listen.

Such a warm story!

This novel really is such a good one! I love the simple premise of the plot as it’s something realistic and easy to see happening in real life. This doesn’t make the book boring though. In fact there will be many surprises throughout!

A Lovely Escape to the Countryside

I really enjoyed this book! Amanda’s journey from city life to the countryside felt so real, and I loved how the story captured the beauty of nature and the challenges of starting over. The romance, friendships, and unexpected twists kept me hooked, and the 1979 setting made it even more charming. It’s a sweet, nostalgic read that makes you feel like you’re right there in Marshywood with her. Definitely recommend!