We are returning to France for another great summer read by Gillian Harvey . The Village Cafe in the Loire was published by Boldwood on July 12th. High-flyer Becky Thorne cannot believe what she’s being told. She doesn’t need to be signed off for burnout! Life has been a bit chaotic lately, that’s all. As if dealing with her enviable job and permanent meddling from her mother aren’t enough, she’s also inherited a café in the Loire from an estranged great-aunt, complete with sitting tenant who refuses to budge. But nobody stands in Becky’s way! Ignoring her best friend Amber’s advice, she decides to storm over to France and sort the tenant out. Then she can finally get the café sold and jump back on the career ladder. What she doesn’t count on is the tenant being Pascale, who is six feet of tall, dark, handsome and extremely grumpy about her plans for change. Not to mention the village and the secrets it holds about her past. Becky’s path to succes...
The Cat of Yule Cottage by Lili Hayward
I decided to read The Cat of Yule Cottage in the run up to Christmas and as a seasonal holiday read, it hits the mark. However, it is more than a piece of romantic escapism. Jessamine Pike arrives at Enysyule having split from her boyfriend and had her book accepted by a publisher. She decides that her life needs an overhaul and takes on the tenancy of the house despite the rather odd stipulation that she should care for the incumbent cat, Perrin. Whilst the cat lives, her tenancy is safe. The house in run down and she soon realises that the locals in the Cornish village all have a view about her. Family rivalries and disagreements from years ago should have nothing to do with her but she is drawn into it all because of her strong feelings about the house and the rather aloof and arrogant cat. Beset by strange dreams, she soon realises that there is more to Enysyule than she had anticipated.
I enjoyed the mix of Cornish magic and mystery which seemed to swirl through the story like the wintry weather that was enveloping the area. There was a good mix of characters, especially in the rival factions who live there. As Jess uncovers the secrets of the past, you feel the jeopardy she senses. Ultimately it is an uplifting yet surprising tale.
In short: a mixture of romance, magic and mystery - a great seasonal read.
Thanks to Hodder and Stoughton who sent me a copy of the book via Bookbridgr.
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