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...
Before We Grow Old by Clare Swatman #Review
When seven-year-old Fran first met Will they knew instantly
that they were made for each other. For eleven years they were inseparable, but
then, at the age of eighteen, Will just upped and disappeared.
Twenty-five years later Will is back.
Is fate trying to give them a second chance?
Still nursing the heart break from all those years ago, Fran is reluctant to give Will the time of day. The price Will must pay is to tell the truth – the truth about why he left, the truth about why he’s back…
And Fran has her own secrets to hide. The time has come to decide what Fran and Will really want from life – before it’s too late.
My Thoughts
Be prepared for an emotional read! As you soon find out, Will and Fran have known each other since childhood. Over the years their relationship has changed and there are some shocks and surprises which emerge from the past. Reconnecting after many years, you follow their story as they get to know each other again and face up to some terrible news.
Fran struggles throughout to work out her feelings about Will. She carries a great burden of guilt and is also aware of the effect of her relationship on her family. You see some steadfast friendship throughout and also rifts within families and in contrast, strong sibling relationships. The past never stops having an effect on the present. Will and Fran learn that it is crucial to live for today and to cherish what you have.
In short: Starting over, moving on, forgiving.
About the Author
Clare Swatman is the author of three women’s fiction novels, published by Macmillan, which have been translated into over 20 languages. She has been a journalist for over twenty years, writing for Bella and Woman & Home amongst many other magazines. She lives in Hertfordshire.
You can follow Clare here: Facebook
Book link: Amazon UK
Thanks to Clare Swatman, 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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