Scan barcode
choclover's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
littletaiko's review
3.0
Eric Sibley is appalled when his dad dies and instead of leaving him his full estate only leaves him his beloved Aston Martin and a gardening allotment. The catch is that he has to maintain he allotment in order to keep the car. Through his rather amusing attempts to become a gardener, Eric starts to become more engaged with his family and life.
nikki1211's review
4.0
Author Hannah M. Lynn effortlessly creates likeable characters that you will want to check in on from time to time. Her latest, Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin, was a darling story that I read mostly in one day.
Eric’s wealthy, estranged father passes away and the only thing he leaves his only son behind is his prized Aston Martin. Eric is flabbergasted, but is thankful that the car is at least his. Well, its not that easy: Eric soon finds out that his ownership of the car is bound by strict conditions that will set his life in a tailspin. Does Eric risk losing the only thing his father has left him or does he get wrapped up in a world that he desperately avoided? Or both?!
The story was charming, humorous and makes you feel all warm and cozy inside. If you are looking for a feel good read to lighten your mood, I highly recommend you dive into this book.
Being set in the UK, I was able to pick up a few new terms I hadn’t heard before, one being:
al·lot·ment noun (British) a plot of land rented by an individual for growing vegetables or flowers
I am no green thumb, so if the term allotment is used in the US, I would have had no clue. Either way, I had to look it up when I started reading. 😉
I’ve had the pleasure of reading Hannah M. Lynn’s award winning novel The Afterlife of Walter Augustus. If you enjoy Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin as much as I did, I recommend you check out Walter Augustus too.
I received an ebook from the author in exchange for my honest review.
To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
Eric’s wealthy, estranged father passes away and the only thing he leaves his only son behind is his prized Aston Martin. Eric is flabbergasted, but is thankful that the car is at least his. Well, its not that easy: Eric soon finds out that his ownership of the car is bound by strict conditions that will set his life in a tailspin. Does Eric risk losing the only thing his father has left him or does he get wrapped up in a world that he desperately avoided? Or both?!
The story was charming, humorous and makes you feel all warm and cozy inside. If you are looking for a feel good read to lighten your mood, I highly recommend you dive into this book.
Being set in the UK, I was able to pick up a few new terms I hadn’t heard before, one being:
al·lot·ment noun (British) a plot of land rented by an individual for growing vegetables or flowers
I am no green thumb, so if the term allotment is used in the US, I would have had no clue. Either way, I had to look it up when I started reading. 😉
I’ve had the pleasure of reading Hannah M. Lynn’s award winning novel The Afterlife of Walter Augustus. If you enjoy Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin as much as I did, I recommend you check out Walter Augustus too.
I received an ebook from the author in exchange for my honest review.
To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
sarahs_bookish_life's review
4.0
This sounded like such a fun read when I came across it and having read it, I can honestly say it was.
Eric could be any of us. There was so much that I could relate to with him, with juggling work and family life with quality time spent with family keeping on getting pushed further down the line. This is a story that will really make you re-evaluate your life.
To be honest, with not being green fingered, allotments are something that doesn’t interest me at all. There are a great set of characters though that are down there that make for some fun and heartfelt reading. Especially Norman and Cynthia. A lot of the action takes place there and in parts had me chuckling so much.
Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin really is a story that could change your life. It makes you realise what really is important in life but in a light hearted way. This was such a fun and entertaining read and so glad to see it is part of a series as I definitely want to read more. An endearing read that will put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.
Eric could be any of us. There was so much that I could relate to with him, with juggling work and family life with quality time spent with family keeping on getting pushed further down the line. This is a story that will really make you re-evaluate your life.
To be honest, with not being green fingered, allotments are something that doesn’t interest me at all. There are a great set of characters though that are down there that make for some fun and heartfelt reading. Especially Norman and Cynthia. A lot of the action takes place there and in parts had me chuckling so much.
Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin really is a story that could change your life. It makes you realise what really is important in life but in a light hearted way. This was such a fun and entertaining read and so glad to see it is part of a series as I definitely want to read more. An endearing read that will put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.
db_cooper's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
booksintheskye's review
4.0
**I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
See full review here: https://booksintheskye.wordpress.com/2018/10/28/blog-tour-and-giveaway-peas-carrots-and-aston-martin-by-hannah-lynn/
Overall, Peas, Carrots, and Aston Martin by Hannah Lynn was a great contemporary novel. This is definitely the type of book I would want to read on that chilly day when I want to curl up with a feel good novel. There is a lot of emotion behind the words and deep meaning with every action. With a predictable outcome, the characters really drive this book to being something amazing. Hannah did it again with producing amazing characters to compliment her storytelling. I highly recommend this book for those who are looking for a contemporary novel with a great personal growth story.
See full review here: https://booksintheskye.wordpress.com/2018/10/28/blog-tour-and-giveaway-peas-carrots-and-aston-martin-by-hannah-lynn/
Overall, Peas, Carrots, and Aston Martin by Hannah Lynn was a great contemporary novel. This is definitely the type of book I would want to read on that chilly day when I want to curl up with a feel good novel. There is a lot of emotion behind the words and deep meaning with every action. With a predictable outcome, the characters really drive this book to being something amazing. Hannah did it again with producing amazing characters to compliment her storytelling. I highly recommend this book for those who are looking for a contemporary novel with a great personal growth story.
stephbookshine's review
4.0
*I received a free ARC of this novel with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
There is definitely more than a touch of Cat’s in the Cradle about Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin!
Eric resents his father for prioritising everything but him and being too critical, yet it is abundantly clear to the reader that he’s grown up just like him (you know he’s gonna be like him). It’s also evident that Eric’s father saw it too, and despite his death it turns out it’s never too late to make a change.
Forced to take care of his father’s old allotment against his will, or lose the only inheritance he values (a classic car called Sally), Eric is forced to make some tough decisions about where his real priorities lie.
Along the way there are some touching moments, some slapstick humour with various power tools and items of machinery, and a couple of very useful marital observations (which I made sure to impart to my own husband!).
I was slightly saddened towards the ending as I would have liked to dive more into Eric’s resolution; after following his journey from jerk to genuine it felt like a sudden rush for the finish line. I would have liked to know more about the contents of a certain tin, letter, the solicitor’s instructions, and more about the allotment tenants’ memories of the older Sibley. Similarly, whilst it is fairly obvious from the final few chapters how the story will ‘end’, I would have liked it spelled out a little more, so that having slogged through the weeds with Eric I could join him in his harvest!
Still the story is well-written and takes the reader through almost every emotion possible (I’m pretty sure I nearly burst a blood vessel myself when those handcuffs came out!). Definitely recommended to anyone who enjoys an emotional (yet humorous) story about family, life and the problems of balancing it all.
‘Just explain it to me again,’ Eric said. ‘You’re saying I get nothing? None of it? Nothing at all?’
‘No…’ The solicitor removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. ‘As I have explained, your father has left you the remaining tenancy on his allotment and his 1962 limited-edition Aston Martin DB4 series four, affectionately known as Sally, on the condition that you fully tend to the allotment on a weekly basis for the next two years.’
Eric shook his head.
‘But the house? Everything in the house? The paintings, my mother’s jewellery, all of that, it… it’s…’
‘It’s been left to the church,’ the solicitor finished for him.
– Hannah Lynn, Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2018/10/25/blog-tour-peas-carrots-and-an-aston-martin-hannah-lynn/
There is definitely more than a touch of Cat’s in the Cradle about Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin!
Eric resents his father for prioritising everything but him and being too critical, yet it is abundantly clear to the reader that he’s grown up just like him (you know he’s gonna be like him). It’s also evident that Eric’s father saw it too, and despite his death it turns out it’s never too late to make a change.
Forced to take care of his father’s old allotment against his will, or lose the only inheritance he values (a classic car called Sally), Eric is forced to make some tough decisions about where his real priorities lie.
Along the way there are some touching moments, some slapstick humour with various power tools and items of machinery, and a couple of very useful marital observations (which I made sure to impart to my own husband!).
I was slightly saddened towards the ending as I would have liked to dive more into Eric’s resolution; after following his journey from jerk to genuine it felt like a sudden rush for the finish line. I would have liked to know more about the contents of a certain tin, letter, the solicitor’s instructions, and more about the allotment tenants’ memories of the older Sibley. Similarly, whilst it is fairly obvious from the final few chapters how the story will ‘end’, I would have liked it spelled out a little more, so that having slogged through the weeds with Eric I could join him in his harvest!
Still the story is well-written and takes the reader through almost every emotion possible (I’m pretty sure I nearly burst a blood vessel myself when those handcuffs came out!). Definitely recommended to anyone who enjoys an emotional (yet humorous) story about family, life and the problems of balancing it all.
‘Just explain it to me again,’ Eric said. ‘You’re saying I get nothing? None of it? Nothing at all?’
‘No…’ The solicitor removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. ‘As I have explained, your father has left you the remaining tenancy on his allotment and his 1962 limited-edition Aston Martin DB4 series four, affectionately known as Sally, on the condition that you fully tend to the allotment on a weekly basis for the next two years.’
Eric shook his head.
‘But the house? Everything in the house? The paintings, my mother’s jewellery, all of that, it… it’s…’
‘It’s been left to the church,’ the solicitor finished for him.
– Hannah Lynn, Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2018/10/25/blog-tour-peas-carrots-and-an-aston-martin-hannah-lynn/
louiseog's review
4.0
This book is lovely, as I would expect from the author of Walter Augustus.
When Eric's father dies, his inheritance is not quite what he was expecting. Forced to prove that he is not married to his job in order to keep his pride and joy, Eric'slice is changed dramatically by the effects of his legacy.
I'm not going to say that this book surprised me but it was lovely, great characters, a strong message and Dutch coriander!
When Eric's father dies, his inheritance is not quite what he was expecting. Forced to prove that he is not married to his job in order to keep his pride and joy, Eric'slice is changed dramatically by the effects of his legacy.
I'm not going to say that this book surprised me but it was lovely, great characters, a strong message and Dutch coriander!
thelibraryofalexandra's review
4.0
Hannah Lynn is back with an extraordinary tale of the ordinary man and his family. Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin narrates a slice-of-life story about Eric Sibley, his wife Suzy and his daughter Abi. Eric's life was defined by his hectic career in London, so much so that he was missing out on watching his daughter grow up. The novel itself begins at the point in which Eric is at his father's solicitor's office, whose name is Christian Eaves, and being read the last will and testament of his father. When Eric is told that he is to inherit absolutely no money, but only the Aston Martin on the condition of taking consistent care of an allotment of land. Eric is furious. What follows is honestly a story of love, family and taking a breath in order to live in the moment and not watch life pass by.
I had the pleasure to read Hannah Lynn's previous novel, The Afterlife of Walter Augustus as part of the blog tour and you can read that review here. The Afterlife was an absolutely incredible story and the cast of characters quickly had a grasp upon my heart. Lynn's ability to weave a depth of emotionality within her characters would have to be one of her strengths as an author and it's really demonstrated within Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin. At its core, this novel is about family and the ways in which our childhood can affect how we bring up our own children and how we perceive that which is important. It is implied throughout the novel that Eric's father was not the most openly affectionate person and I believe that Eric never really knew the love his father had for him. Eric's resentment towards his father is the reason for his initial reluctance and all-around hatred for the conditions his father placed on his ability to keep Sally, the Aston Martin. Yes, the Aston Martin has a name and I love it. Legitimately, if you don't name your car, who even are you? My car's name is Bobby if y'all wanted to know.
Without spoiling the overall novel, what follows is Eric realising that he is literally allowing life to slip through his fingers. Tending the allotment of land becomes a family affair and he begins to prioritise his family above his career, which really strengthens his bonds with his wife and his daughter - which was such a beautiful thing to read. Fundamentally, this novel is character-driven, and the character growth of Eric specifically, is entirely transformative and pushes the storyline forward. It is hilarious, raw and written so wonderfully. Eric is written as a man with flaws; in the beginning, he is selfish, whiny and obsessed with money. But something as small as having to care for a plot of land opened up his eyes to the fact that he was actually being kind of an idiot. For me, however, I did find that I began to feel slightly disengaged within the middle of the novel as I felt that it was taking a too long for the story to move forward and I really wanted Eric's ah-ha moment to happen because he really needed a life and personality change.
I would rate Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin by Hannah Lynn a 4 out of 5 stars. One of the main things I adore about Lynn's work is the fact that it is universal in the sense that her characters and her stories are relatable to all and have that rawness of reality that can hit you right in the heart.
I had the pleasure to read Hannah Lynn's previous novel, The Afterlife of Walter Augustus as part of the blog tour and you can read that review here. The Afterlife was an absolutely incredible story and the cast of characters quickly had a grasp upon my heart. Lynn's ability to weave a depth of emotionality within her characters would have to be one of her strengths as an author and it's really demonstrated within Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin. At its core, this novel is about family and the ways in which our childhood can affect how we bring up our own children and how we perceive that which is important. It is implied throughout the novel that Eric's father was not the most openly affectionate person and I believe that Eric never really knew the love his father had for him. Eric's resentment towards his father is the reason for his initial reluctance and all-around hatred for the conditions his father placed on his ability to keep Sally, the Aston Martin. Yes, the Aston Martin has a name and I love it. Legitimately, if you don't name your car, who even are you? My car's name is Bobby if y'all wanted to know.
Without spoiling the overall novel, what follows is Eric realising that he is literally allowing life to slip through his fingers. Tending the allotment of land becomes a family affair and he begins to prioritise his family above his career, which really strengthens his bonds with his wife and his daughter - which was such a beautiful thing to read. Fundamentally, this novel is character-driven, and the character growth of Eric specifically, is entirely transformative and pushes the storyline forward. It is hilarious, raw and written so wonderfully. Eric is written as a man with flaws; in the beginning, he is selfish, whiny and obsessed with money. But something as small as having to care for a plot of land opened up his eyes to the fact that he was actually being kind of an idiot. For me, however, I did find that I began to feel slightly disengaged within the middle of the novel as I felt that it was taking a too long for the story to move forward and I really wanted Eric's ah-ha moment to happen because he really needed a life and personality change.
I would rate Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin by Hannah Lynn a 4 out of 5 stars. One of the main things I adore about Lynn's work is the fact that it is universal in the sense that her characters and her stories are relatable to all and have that rawness of reality that can hit you right in the heart.
More...