🏡 Book Review: The Inheritance Far From Home by June Woods (Kindle Edition, Bakewell Series #1)
A cozy, heartfelt escape to the English countryside—June Woods opens her Bakewell series with a story of grief, discovery, and unexpected healing, wrapped in mystery and small-town charm.
🧠 Overview
Published on August 2, 2025, The Inheritance Far From Home is the first book in a six-part series set in the picturesque village of Bakewell, England.
After the death of her husband Eddie, Barbie Stopford learns he left behind a secret estate in Bakewell—a revelation that upends everything she thought she knew about their 25-year marriage. In a moment of impulsive courage, she books two last-minute tickets and drags her reluctant daughter Florence across the Atlantic.
What they find is more than just a grand old house. The locals whisper that it’s haunted, the groundskeeper seems to know more than he lets on, and the estate itself holds clues to a version of Eddie neither woman expected. As Florence begins to fall for the groundskeeper’s charming son, both women start to wonder if this detour was part of the healing all along.
✨ Key Themes & Highlights
- 🧳 Grief & reinvention – Barbie and Florence confront loss while rediscovering themselves.
- 🏰 Hidden secrets – The estate and its history unravel a mystery tied to Eddie’s past.
- 💞 Slow-burn romance – Florence’s budding relationship adds warmth and hope.
- 🍻 Village charm – Pints at the pub, garden paths, and quirky locals create a cozy backdrop.
- 🧠 Generational healing – Mother and daughter navigate their fractured bond through shared discovery.
“Some inheritances come with strings attached. This one comes with buried secrets, uncomfortable truths, and the chance to finally stop running from their grief.”
💬 Reader Reception
While early reviews are still building, the book is positioned as a clean and wholesome read, ideal for fans of gentle mysteries, women’s fiction, and emotional journeys set in charming locales.
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Novella length – At 83 pages, it’s a quick read best suited for a cozy afternoon.
- 📚 Series starter – Introduces characters and themes that will evolve across the six-book arc.
- 🧠 Low-stakes mystery – Focuses more on emotional discovery than suspenseful twists.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Inheritance Far From Home is a warm, introspective novella that blends family secrets with the healing power of place. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories about second chances, mother-daughter dynamics, and the quiet magic of starting over in a village that feels like home.
