A Cottage in the Country by Katie Fforde

 

She's found her dream home but can she make her dreams a reality?

Hattie finds other people their dream homes for a living.

Surely she, of all people, has the connections and the knowledge to find her own forever home? Instead, she baffles those closest to her by choosing to pack up and move every few months from one housesitting job to the next.

Of course, that's because she knows where she wants to live. It's a beautiful house owned by a lovely old woman who'd simply love for Hattie to have it.

But nothing is ever that simple.

There's Clive who refuses to listen to his great-aunt's wishes about her house. There's Luke, Hattie's oldest friend, who just wants to see her happy. And there's Hattie herself. It might take a difficult client, an awkward teenager and a couple of dogs to help her see what really makes a house a home.

Katie Fforde has delivered another cosy wholesome read and has introduced us to Hattie who truly has a heart of gold. As well as matching people with their dream homes, thanks to her gift she also finds herself playing cupid too but all the way through this book I was just eager for Hattie to find her own love and happy place. Her nephew Xander was a lovely addition to the story and seeing him thrive and grow as a character in his new soundings was really lovely to watch. 

The couple of not so nice characters in this book helps the book to have a little more depth and not be too sickly sweet and finding that kindness always overcomes evil is always something I love.

As with many cosy romances the outcome was predictable and yet I still found myself wrapped up in the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed A Cottage in the Country and would definitely recommend it for those who enjoy a comforting wholesome read.

A Wedding in Provence by Katie Fforde

 

Late summer, 1963

Fresh from London and a recent cookery course, Alexandra has always loved a challenge.

Which is why she now finds herself standing outside an imposing chateau in Provence.

Waiting for her inside is three silent, rather hostile children who are to be her charges for the next month.

They will soon be more friendly, she tells herself. All they need is some fun, good food and an English education.

Far more of a challenge though is their father - an impossibly good looking French count with whom she is rapidly falling in love....

A Wedding in Provence is the latest release by Katie Fforde and for me was the perfect read at just the right time when I needed pure uplifting escapism and that was exactly what I found with this book and each time I put it down I felt it pulling me back in.

Alexandra was not looking forward to the prospect of joining her distant relatives in Switzerland to attend finishing school so when an opportunity arises when she is in Paris that would mean her extending her stay, she jumps at the chance but is then found in charge of a very handsome man’s children!

This was a most enjoyable read and actually one of my favourites of Katie Fforde’s books in a long time. I was whisked away to the rural setting in France in Chateau that needed as much care and attention as the children and I was tormented with the delicious freshly baked pastries and plentiful amount of hot chocolate!

 If there was a problem …… There was hot chocolate,

If you just woke up ……. There was hot chocolate

I need to live with Henri, Felicite and Stephie so I can drink hot chocolate on tap!

 

Watching the friendship and nurturing that the children so desperately needed being provided by Alexandra who had no experience at all in this area but was taking note from her own upbringing. I longed to see how she would deal with any bumps along the way but she was such a cool calm and collective young lady who took everything in her stride and found a solution for everything.

Antoine was a charming and handsome love interest who wanted to provide for his children but at the same time seemed to be overseeing what his children really needed but having Alexandra around to gently plant the seeds he began to open his eyes and maybe even his heart!

This was a delightful slow blossoming romance weaved around a nurturing, friendship bubble building and repairing along the way to pave a new way of life for many much-loved characters. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a light uplifting read to get away from the day to day grind.

Kindle                   Hardback

A Rose Petal Summer by Katie Fforde

Caro Swanson has taken a job in a remote part of Scotland.

She’s answered an ad in The Lady: being a companion to an elderly gentleman who lives in a country estate could be perfect! Surely it's time to make a change and do something different for a while?

The fact that she may also see Alec, the young man who she met some years previously and who she has always thought of as her ‘one who got away’, is of course purely incidental.

Soon Caro is falling in love - not only with Alec but with the stunning country house she's now living in. But the estate is in financial difficulties, and Caro soon realises there's only one way to rescue it.

So begins a magical romantic summer, one that will take Caro from Scotland to London and the south of France, in search of a classic lost perfume that might just restore all their fortunes.

Katie Fforde is one of the authors who got me reading again as an adult and so her books are dear to me and I look forward to her new releases every year. Her new release A Rose Petal Summer introduces us to a delightful host of characters as well as some charming settings from a Chateau in France, a barge in London and a country estate in Scotland.

Caro is our main character but she doesn’t dominate the storyline, each of the surrounding characters all have a thread of the storyline that weaves around Caro but she is the go to person for help whether that be saving a family’s heritage, helping people to achieve their ambitions or having a part in true love.  I was just as invested in Caro as I was with Rowan, Alec and Scarlet too

I loved the mix of characters in this book from the grumpy Murdo to the adorable sheltered Rowan who is eager to spread her wings and a celebrity couple who bring a modern touch to the storyline too. Alec and Caro have a dreamy fairy tale storyline that I loved and it warmed my heart.

What I have always loved with Katie Fforde’s novels is the cosy feel good and uplifting style she always has in her storylines and this still flows through the storyline in this book. Although the storyline was predictable, I still found myself wrapped up in the romance and friendship that is at the heart of this book.

Katie Fforde has delivered another beautiful heart-warming storyline that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Kindle                       Paperback

A Country Escape by Katie Fforde

Fran has always wanted to be a farmer. And now it looks as if her childhood dream is about to come true.

She has just moved in to a beautiful but very run-down farm in the Cotswolds, currently owned by an old aunt who has told Fran that if she manages to turn the place around in a year, the farm will be hers.

But Fran knows nothing about farming. She might even be afraid of cows.

She's going to need a lot of help from her best friend Issi, and also from her wealthy and very eligible neighbour - who might just have his own reasons for being so supportive.

Is it the farm he is interested in? Or Fran herself?

I am a big fan of Katie Fforde, her books never disappoint and they always leave you feeling pleasantly uplifted and her latest book A Country Escape is no exception.

When Fran is contacted out of the blue by a distant relative Amy with news that she maybe inline to inherit the family farm in the Cotswolds she makes a big and brave decision to leave everything she knows and up stick to move to the farm to take on the challenge of looking after the farm for a year. What Fran didn’t realise was quite what a challenge she was taking in as the farm is run down and is not making a profit.

Desperate to prove to Amy that she could not just cope but turn the farm around Fran gets stuck in to making some changes to the farm with the help of her best friend Issi and the herdsman Tig. Having been warned off the help of Antony from next door because of his interest in the farm Fran is cautious to accept any help from him.

Just when Fran feels that things for the farm had turned a corner a surprise is around the corner that will put everything in jeopardy due to someone elses intentions for the farm.

I haven’t found myself so immersed by a book in so long. From the moment I picked this book up I couldn’t put it down and so I ended up absorbing it in one sitting and now I am said to leave the characters behind.

Fran was such a determined, hardworking and creative character who was so honest and caring, I warmed to her instantly. I really enjoyed her tackling each task head on desperate to come up with a way to save the farm and to show Amy that she was worthy of inheriting the farm and to prove that she had the best intentions of keeping the farm and its heritage in tack. The friendship between Issi and Fran was such a strong one their support for one and other was so believable and they bounced off each other perfectly.

I was wary of Antony and I found my opinion of him gradually changing through out the storyline but was still on my guard waiting for something to come crashing around the corner and for his true colours to be shown.

I really enjoy books that centre around building or saving small businesses so I knew this book was going to appeal to me but I love how much detail Katie Fforde went into in regards to the hurdles that need to be faced and the ideas that you bounce around to try and find that special something that just makes something work. It shows that nothing comes easy it is through pure determination and hard work that something becomes successful. To soften the business side of the book we also enjoy blossoming romances, friendships and gorgeous little puppies too! I think I should give the hardworking cows a mention too or I will not be in Tig’s good books!

This was another wonderful read by Katie Fforde and it is definitely up there with my favourite of hers so fans will not be disappointed by thus book and anyone who is yet to discover Katie Fforde’s books this would be a great one to start with.

Kindle                     Hardback

A Summer at Sea by Katie Fforde

Today it is my stop on the blog tour for A Summer at Sea by Katie Fforde.

I am thrilled to be a part of this tour as Katie has been a much loved author of mine for many years, so it was great to be able to have the chance to ask her some burning questions about her latest release.

Hello Katie, thank you for stopping by Rea Book Reviews on you blog tour for your fabulous new book A Summer at Sea. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and my favourite part in the book was when Emily, Alasdair and Kate went across to the sea lock and had a magical day there and it made me wonder how much of your own personal experiences have you put into this book?

 A lot of what I put in this book was based on a wonderful trip I made with my friend, writer Jo Thomas. She was researching oyster farming and we visited one set on a sea loch. As a family we have also visited Loch Tay for many years so picnics involving billy cans and fires are what I know and love. 

 When reading A Summer at Sea, Crinan was so beautifully described which made it so easy to picture, what was it about Crinan that made you want to write a book based there? 

 You’d have to visit Crinan to see how beautiful it is, but it has a perfect setting. There are views over the hills to distant Islands and it just seems the most romantic spot in the world. 

  In A Summer at Sea Emily takes time out from her career and has a dabble at a different career cooking on the Buffer, if you could take some time out of being our much loved author what career would you like to try? 

 I quite fancy doing something a bit different, call it a proper job – for a while. I think I’d like to be an artisan baker, or something involving food. I get quite excited by a pile of vegetables and a big sharp knife!

  When you finish writing your books do you find it easy to leave the characters behind or have there been any who are just eager to make it to another book?

 Sometimes my characters live on in my head. It is sad to leave them when you worked so hard on creating them. But then a new lot arrive and you love them just as much.

  Do you find much time to read and do you find it has any effect on your writing if you read whilst in the middle of writing a book?

 I always find time to read – it’s so important to me. I don’t usually find the books have an effect on my writing although recently, I have been reading The Diary of a Provincial Lady. It has a very particular writing style and I found that crept into my emails. I know I’ll always spot a change of style. One’s style is almost like handwriting, very individual.

She has a career as a midwife that she loves . She enjoys living on her own as a single woman. But she’s also feels it’s time for a change and a spot of some sea air. So when her best friend Rebecca asks whether she’d like to spend the summer cooking on a ‘puffer’ boat just off the Scottish coast, she jumps at the chance. But she barely has time to get to grips with the galley before she finds herself with a lot on her plate.

Rebecca is heavily pregnant and is thrilled to have her friend on board doing most of the work. Then there’s Emily’s competitive and jealous kitchen assistant who thinks she should be head-cook, not Emily. And there’s Alasdair, the handsome local doctor who Emily is desperately trying not to notice.

Because if she falls in love with him, as he appears to be falling for her, will she ever want her old life back again?

Katie Fforde is my go to author when I need an uplifting, sweet cosy read and that was exactly what I got with A Summer at Sea. Emily loves her job as a midwife but the negativity she receives from people's opinions of the safety of home births are beginning to take there toll and Emily needs a break so when her pregnant best friend Rebecca calls asking her for a big favour, to work as a cook for a couple of months on the steam boat come hotel that her and her husband run Emily saw this as a perfect opportunity to get away from work for a while and catch up with her friend but could the new lifestyle capture her heart?

One thing that Katie Fforde always brings to her books is a picturesque idyllic setting that becomes so vivid in the readers mind that you feel like you are transported there alongside the wonderful characters, I would pack my bags now to start my new life Crinan! I especially loved the trip Emily took over to the sea loch that sounded like an idyllic day out to me a place to escape.

There was a lovely splash of romance blossoming which we come to expect from this authors books and although it was a predictable romance it had its ups and downs along the way so our attention was still held.

The characters were all such warm and loveable characters, Kate was a charming little lady and her friendship with Emily was so endearing watching her open up and trust another woman around.  Emily was a kind hearted, hard working main character and I thoroughly enjoyed watching her on her journey.

Katie Fforde never disappoints, this book gets another big thumbs up for me Katie's fans are going to love sailing away in this book.

Hardback                Kindle

A Vintage Wedding by Katie Fforde

In a small Cotswold country town, Beth, Lindy and Rachel are looking for new beginnings.
So they set up in business, organising stylish and perfectly affordable vintage weddings.
Soon they are busy arranging other people's Big Days.
What none of them know is that their own romances lie waiting, just around the corner ...

I can never resist a new Katie Fforde book and after having a sneak peak of A Vintage Wedding in A Christmas Feast I have been eagerly awaiting the release because I loved the three main characters straight away even just in that little taster.

Lindy, Beth and Rachel are all in a rut and need something to focus on and bring in the money. Between the three of them they pull all of their skills and interests together and begin a new business arranging weddings for brides on a budget. As they plan beautiful weddings for the stunning brides will the romance finally rub off on the ladies too?

Oh I am so disappointed that I have finished this wonderful book, I actually came home today looking forward to delving back into this book forgetting I had finished it last night!

Yet again Katie Fforde delivers such a perfect, gentle and uplifting read that grabs your attention straight from the start.

Our three main characters are all genuine hardworking and enthusiastic characters, they are determined to make a real success of their new venture. All three of the women brought something different to the storyline, Rachel was the uber organised clean freak and I could feel her tension through the pages at the sight of each spec of dirt! Lindy was a down to earth mum to two young boys and lives in chaos and is looking forward to something new to focus on and the money will sure help her and the boys. Then we have Beth who is new to the area and is living in her sister in-laws second home but she needs to start making something of her life and start putting down roots.

Other than the Vintage Wedding business there is something else the women have in common and that is their disastrous love lives, and even during this book the romance was definitely had its ups and downs.  What I loved the most was watching the friendship that formed between the Lindy, Beth and Rachel, they built such a strong bond and the only thing that was unrealistic was how quick they took the plunge to go into business together but it was so easy to overlook that because of the great friendship and delightful uplifting storyline.

This was another hearty read that shows the authors skillful writing style and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every chapter and I know I will be recommending this book all through the year.

Kindle                    Hardback

A Christmas Feast and Other Stories by Katie Fforde

I have always been a massive fan of Katie Fforde, her books were one of the first books I read as an adult and I have never found an author who writes similar books to her she just has her own little signature style of writing that just seems to wrap you up in a hug which is just want you need at this time of year so I didn’t hesitate in clicking for my copy of A Christmas Feast and Other Stories even if I am not a huge fan of short stories, I had faith Katie Fforde that she would keep me entertained with her little collection.

There are 12 different short stories in this e-book all featuring very different storylines and a wonderful mix of characters. The book is bursting with romance and new friendships as well as lots of mouth-watering food and festivity! 

There really will be a story for everyone in this collection, some are shorter than others but each are an enjoyable little treat. I did have to laugh at myself though because my favourite in this collection is From Scotland with Love but I thought myself very clever as I knew what was going to happen next and no not because it was totally predictable but because I had already read this novella last year and completely forgot the title but it was a great chance to read again!

The whole collection is very cheery and uplifting which is the kind of books I enjoy this time of year, yes some of them are farfetched and predictable but that really doesn’t ruin these stories as it is this time of year when the magic happens!

My favourite part of this e-book though is the sneak peek at the end of the authors coming novel A Vintage Wedding the three ladies Lindy, Beth and Rachel all look like they are forming a beautiful friendship and have a challenge ahead, I cannot wait for the release of this book.

This was a great collection of stories which kept me entertained on my lunch breaks over the last couple of days!

Kindle

The Perfect Match by Katie Fforde

Three years ago Bella Castle left her home town nursing a broken heart over Dominic Thane, the man she fell in love with but couldn't have .

Now she's made a new life for herself in the country, working as an estate agent. Bella loves her job and she loves her boyfriend Nevil. 

But recently he's been preoccupied, and she's starting to question if his future hopes and dreams are a perfect match for hers. And when Dominic turns up unexpectedly in search of his dream house, she begins to wonder if home is really where the heart is. 

But she's over him, isn't she?

Katie Fforde fans, this is one not to be missed. I have read all of this author’s previous books including her novella that was released at Christmas so I do consider myself a fan. The Perfect Match has that Katie Fforde signature look to it that I love, her covers always look cosy and welcoming which is a great reflection on the storyline inside.

The lovely Bella Castle lives with her godmother Alice and works for boyfriend Nevil as an estate agent, and a very good estate agent at that. Bella is beginning to question her relationship with Nevil and things are not helped when a blast from her past comes along to complicate things even more.

There is such a lovely group of characters in this book. Both our older ladies Alice and Mrs Langley were kind, loving and traditional ladies who for me were the real stars of this book. Bella who is our main character is a caring soft natured character no one could not like her. I did find her choice of leaving her previous job a little silly especially considering the situation she finds herself in at work in her current job.

The storyline is very light and enjoyable, in some parts it was rather predictable but this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book, I was kept guessing though with what the pesky little Nevi was up to. I like that alongside Bella’s storyline there is also a side line weaved in around her aunt Alice and her romance which if I am honest I preferred, it was great to have two different generations of romance involved.

If you are looking for a light cosy romantic read then this is a perfect read for you.

Kindle          Hardback

From Scotland With Love by Katie Fforde

Katie Fforde is one of my favourite authors and I have read every one of her books so I wasn’t going to miss out on reading her novella From Scotland With Love. 

Daisy heads to Scotland to get the bad tempered author Rory McAllan to sign his book plates the last thing she expected was to be snowed in with him over Christmas!

This was a very enjoyable little novella. Katie Fforde always creates such loveable deep character in her novels and she has even managed to do this in such a short read too. This is definitely a winter warmer read to curl up with. The cover is beautiful and represents the story inside perfectly.

The pace flowed perfectly and didn’t feel rushed as is often the case with novellas. I really enjoyed the storyline and even the ending was tied up nicely too. 

There is an added little treat at the end of the book too, a sneak peek at Katie Fforde’s new novel that is coming out.

A perfect heart warming storyline.

Kindle

Recipe for Love by Katie Fforde

Plot
Take one aspiring cook, one judge, and a spoonful of romance...
When Zoe Harper wins a coveted place in a televised cookery competition she's thrilled. It's a chance to cook her way to fame and fortune and the little delicatessen she's set her heart on.


The first task has hardly begun when she finds herself with rather too much on her plate. Not only has she got to contend with the fiercely competitive and downright devious Cher, but she's fast developing an inconvenient crush on one of the judges - the truly delicious Gideon Irving.
All too soon there's more than canapés, cupcakes and cordon bleu at stake. 


Will Zoe win the competition or is Gideon one temptation too far? And is Zoe really prepared to risk it all for love?

My Opinion
I have recently finished Summer of Love by Katie Fforde which I loved and so when I got the chance to read her latest book Recipe for Love I jumped at the chance. Katie is back again with her beautiful cosy writing style which instantly draws you into the story. I am sure most of you are familiar with Katie Fforde’s work but for any of you who have yet to read one of her books let me explain that Katie’s writing style is like a massage in writing form!

What I found different with this book compared to her previous books is that it had more of a modern feel to it and with this it brought different characters. For the first time in Katie’s books there was a character I did not like from the word go and that was Cher. This wasn’t a problem as her character is not meant to be liked after the situations she put Zoe in but she really did grate on me and I just wanted to shake Zoe and get her to stand up for herself more as I am sure most people would in her situation.

Zoe was a very warm and caring character and would do anything to help other people even if it meant putting herself in risky situations. I also loved the character of Gideon the judge although I did find him very similar to some of Katie Fforde’s previous male characters but it’s that age old saying if it’s not broke don’t fix it!

The storyline was something completely different to the authors previous books with the whole cooking competition which is what gives it a more modern feel but not to worry if any of you are like me and love the cosy country setting that Katie usually creates as there is still a good helping of this throughout the book.

So yet again our Queen of cosy chick-lit provides us with another must read. Thank you Katie Fforde let’s hope it’s not too long for the next book!

You can follow Katie Fforde on twitter @KatieFforde 




Hardback                    Kindle

Summer of Love by Katie Fforde

Plot

Sian had been raising her son Rory who is nearly 5 years old on her own after a one night stand, in the hustle and bustle of London. When her close friend Richard offers her a chance to pack up and move to a slower and quieter pace of life in the country where she will be able to carry on her restoration/decoration business and Rory can start a fresh at a new school. Sian quickly settles in and finds a great friend in her neighbour Fiona. It is whilst Sian is attending Fiona’s dinner party to meet some new faces that she sets eyes on someone she never expected to see again. Is this chance meeting about to change Sian’s life for better or worse...

My Opinion

I absolutely love Katie Fforde’s style of writing, I have never found anyone who writes in a similar style. This book, just like the rest of Katie Ffordes books has you instantly absorbed into the storyline. Her books are such a cosy read that just have a way of making you want to curl up in the garden on a hot summers day and this book follows in the same style.

Sian is the main character in this book and she is a very ordinary, down to earth character facing normal day to day situations. In the opening of the book Sian makes friends with her older neighbour Fiona and they for a strong friendship and Fiona takes both Sian and little Rory under her wing. The friendship between the two women felt very natural.

The storyline focuses on Sian who comes back into contact with Rory’s father but she is waiting for the right moment to tell him. As well as this storyline there is a small sideline which follows Fiona and her looking for male company through internet dating which is a very modern topic and shows the dangers which can occur so there is a great lesson coming across in this story.

There was only one thing that bugged me a little with this book and that was Sian’s friend Richard who has strong feelings for Sian, he was the one to persuade her to move to the country yet he knew the man from her past was bound to show up at some point with his mum living close by!

This book was a lovely read and I would say it is one of my favourite books by Katie Fforde. I would highly recommend this book for a nice Sunday afternoon treat!

Paperback                  Kindle

Highland Fling by Katie Fforde

I have found that I have managed to clear my massive pile of books and the last one to be read was Katie Fforde with Highland Fling. The front cover of this book is very similar to her previous books I have read which I have always liked and I find they stand out when on a shelf of books.

Plot

Jenny Porter is a virtual assistant much to her partner Henrys disappointment. When one of Jennys clients ask her to travel to Scotland to find out what is going on in one of the businesses he is financially involved with, Jenny is excited even if she has not got the support of Henry. When she arrives in Scotland she finds that he mill which she is there to take a look out if in a bad financial way but rather than telling her client this she feels compelled to help get the business back on track.
Jenny finds herself constantly bumping into the character Ross Grant, they both take an instant dislike to each other but in the same breath find each other attractive. Could there be trouble up in the hills of Scotland ?


Characters

I found the character Jenny very likeable and easy to warm to from the first page. As the book goes on she starts to feel loving and caring like a friend. She was my favourite character in this book. Her partner Henry I took an instant dislike to from the first chapter I was quite glad that he wasn't a strong character all the way through the book as I don't think I would have enjoyed the book so much if I had to read too much about him.
I found Ross Grant's character very interesting and the relationship between him and Jenny was lovely to read as it was very on edge and you were not sure what they were going to say to each other next or if they were going to be hot or cold with each other.


My Opinion

I am yet to find a Katie Fforde book which I have not enjoyed. I must have enjoyed this one as I have finished it in a day so it is defiantly a real page turner in my opinion. It was nice to take her book to a new location which is Scotland with the snowy setting as all of the books I have read have been country bumpkin warm settings so it did make a nice change. Katie's style of writing makes you feel as if you know the characters and as if you are there in the story which I think helps with the way she describes the surroundings and the personalities of her characters so well.


I like the suspense element in this book I lost count how many times I changed my opinion of what I thought was going to happen this only made me want to carry on reading to find out which direction the story was going to take. I found the pace of the book kept on an even keel throughout the book which made it an easy and enjoyable read.

I would recommend this book for a cosy Sunday afternoon read, especially for any of you Katie Fforde and women's fiction fans.

Wedding Season by Katie Fforde

I have recently been reading many books by Carole Mathews and Katie Fforde. I am continually hunting for more of their books on my travels, which is where I found Wedding Season. I always find her books are an easy read but also a book which you cannot put down which I hoped would be the same with this one.

***PLOT***
This story is based around Sarah, a wedding planner who doesn't believe in forever in Love. At the start of the story, she is putting the finishing touches to a wedding, getting the bride ready for her big day doing what she does best with the help of new found friends who are the other two main characters of the book, Elsa and Bron. Elsa is a dress maker who has created a beautiful dress for the bride, but doesn't like the attention to fall on her which is a bit of a problem when she is selected to be the bridesmaid at the last minute. Bron is a hairdresser who also finds she is a dab hand at make-ip and cake making, is there no end to this woman's talent!

After the big wedding has come to an end Sarah is then given the opportunity of a life time, to organise a big wedding for a Celeb but with only 2 months to do it in and also to put a spanner in the works the wedding is on the same day as her sister's wedding. Will Sarah pull this off with the help of Bron and Elsa or will it become a total disaster.

***Characters***

I found with this book that I actually warmed to Bron and Elsa more than I did with the main character Sarah. I feel that Bron and Elsa have a warmer more approachable character to them where as with Sarah it felt as if we wasn't totally in touch with her character as if there was some kind of guard up between her and us, the reader. I also liked the male characters in this book who are the love interests in this book their characters were all very different but also gave us the same warm feeling to them.

***My Opinion***


Overall, this was a book which I really enjoyed. I didn't find that this story was predictable other than one part which was the relationship with the main character Sarah. Because of this I found like with previous books I have read by Katie Fforde that I couldn't put the book down as you continually want to know what is going to happen next in the story. As with many chick-lit book there is a big relationship story line ( or in this case three!) to go along side the main storyline. I found that the way the relationships were wrote into the storyline was quite different to many books which I have read as the relationships didn't take over from the main storyline but gave it a nice little twist alongside which made it enjoyable to read. I found that with this book it was on a steady pace not having low or high points during the book. We are taken straight in to the storyline from the first chapter. This book has many elements to it including, humour, relationships, romance, and emotion to name a few, which completes this beautifully written book. I picked up from reading this book that the author seemed to have an insight to the whole wedding planning topic as there was some parts of the book which was in great detail about the requirements the brides need the wedding planners to deal with.

I would recommend this book to chick-lit lovers. I cannot tell you anything negative about this book as personally for me it ticked all of the right boxes. If you are looking for an easy read to cheer you up on a down day this is the book for you.

A Perfect Proposal By Katie Fforde

I have recently found myself reading many of Katie Fforde books. She seems to have a easy style of writing which manages to keep your gripped. In Whsmiths at the moment you will find one of her more recent books Perfect Proposal and at the moment it is on offer for £3.99.

*Plot*
Sophie Apperly is the black sheep of her family, where her family are all very academic Sophie is better creatively. Her family take her for granted and soon pack her off to look after her rich uncle, which is where Sophie's journey in the story begins. While she is at Uncle Eric's she starts clearing out old letters only to find that he and some other family members have drilling rights which if they all pull together could be worth some money only thing is the member of the family who she believes has the remaining drilling rights is over in New York. It is while she is in New York on this quest that she befriends a rich elderly lady Matilda, the problem is her grandson Luke is not quite as and welcoming as Matilda. He is suspicious of Sophie he doesn't trust her when it comes to his grandma and his suspicions are only made worse when Sophie agrees to help find the old Cornish house that Matilda stayed in when she was younger back in England. Sophie is joined in England by Luke to help look for the house and to keep an eye on Sophie. Is Luke only interested in Sophie's actions when they involve his grandma or could there be more than meets the eye?

*My Opinion*
I have yet to read a book by Katie Fforde which I haven't enjoyed. What I found made this book different from the previous books which Katie Fforde has wrote is that half of the book is based in New York where as all of the books I have read of hers have all been based in the country all the way through. It was still a gripping book but you truly felt at home when she brings her characters back to the country it is in my opinion where her writing is the best. It was an easy read that had you gripped from the first chapter. There were just enough characters in this book without it getting confusing as to who is who. I loved the fact that there was a suspense factor to the story as right up until the last chapter you didn't know which way the story was going to go. Judging by the title I did think it was going to be a full on romatic book but I didn't find this the case. There was a romantic element to the book but there was so much more to the story than that. I found the book paced on evenly without having any low points to the book and I didn't feel at any point as if the boo was being rushed.

I loved our main character Sophie was she was a very down to earth girl who many people will relate to. From the beginning of this book you instantly warm to her character. It dad take me a while to get Luke's character he seemed very stand offish the first few chapters that we meet him but after a while you release it is only because he cares so strongly about his Grandma and doesn't want her getting hurt.

I would recommend this book for anyone looking for an easy, warm homely read. Anyone who is a Katie Fforde fan then read this book as it will not disappoint!