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The Twenty Dates by Ko Porteous #Review #EmptyNesters

It is good to return to The Empty Nesters series by Ko Porteous. The Twenty Dates was published by All Ways Publishing Ltd on October 8th. You can read my review of Book 1, The Freshman Parents   here The kids have left, assuming love endures. But can yours? Book #2 in The Empty Nesters Series   Claire’s marriage is in (total!) crisis. Her husband, Mark, is distracted, presumptuous, and utterly clueless - smart scales for their 19th wedding anniversary? Really? Perhaps she'd be better off alone. At least there'd be less laundry.   When Claire suggests separating, Mark panics. He asks for one last chance: twenty dates, one for each year of their marriage, to prove they're better off together than apart. What follows is a series of adventures Claire never saw coming - some mortifying, some exhilarating, and some that make her question everything she thought she knew. About Mark. About marriage. And about the woman she's quietly become while she wasn't payin...

Just for the Summer by Fay Keenan #Review #WillowburyBook3

I am delighted to be part of the Publication Day celebrations for Fay Keenan's latest novel. Just for the Summer. It is a welcome return to her Willowbury series. I loved book 2 and you can read my review of Snowflakes over Bay Tree Terrace here. 

When Kate Harris accepts the job of redecorating her brother Aidan’s house in the picturesque town of Willowbury, she knows it’s just a stop gap before she has to decide what to do with the rest of her life. While her three sons spend the summer holiday with their father, Kate has an opportunity to prove to herself that there is a new life, after her divorce.

Harry Sinclair is the owner of Vale Volumes book shop on Willowbury High Street. Content, if a little bored with his lot, his shop, as well as his life, could do with freshening up. When Kate offers to spruce up Vale Volumes ready for the visit of a famous author, they find they have a lot more in common than colour schemes.

But both have secrets and responsibilities, and when the trials of family life threaten their burgeoning friendship, can they overcome the experiences of their pasts? Will Somerset’s most magical town cast its spell on them? Or will Kate and Harry have to concede that their friendship really is just for the summer?

Let Fay Keenan transport you to the perfect British summertime, with beautiful countryside, an unforgettable romance, and just the right dose of escapism.  Perfect for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Fern Britton and Katie Fforde.


 My Thoughts

I was delighted to return to Willowbury for this gorgeous story. Meeting up with characters I had got to know in Snowflakes over Bay Tree Terrace and finding out what happened next was a bonus. Kate is an interesting central character as she comes with a ready- made family of 3 boys and a lot of baggage concerning her ex-husband. She turned out to be totally relatable as she slowly worked out what she wanted to do with her life. Used to putting others first, she has to learn to make her hopes known. 

    Harry is a perfect foil for Kate as he has his own issues which he is still coming to terms with. He comes over as a real gentleman with his own charm. Family is at the centre of this novel as Kate meets up again with her siblings and works a way through for her own position. Willowbury, with its echoes of Glastonbury, is a lovely, quirky setting with its own healing vibes and comes over as a haven of peace and caring.

In short: Starting over

About the Author


Fay Keenan is the author of the bestselling Little Somerby series of novels. She has led writing workshops with Bristol University and has been a visiting speaker in schools. She is a full-time teacher and lives in Somerset.

You can follow Fay here:  Twitter    | Facebook   |  Instagram   |  YouTube  |  Pinterest  |  Bookbub   |  Blog  |  Newsletter sign up

Book link:  Amazon UK

 

Thanks to Fay Keenan, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

 

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