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 Cottage in the Highlands by Julie Shackman #Review #ScottishEscapesBook3
When Leonie Baxter finds herself out of a job and out of a
relationship, she’s at her wits end. Her life has just been turned upside down
and she needs a plan, fast.
By chance, on a walk with her rescue puppy, Leonie stumbles across a striking house in the woods; fully furnished but unoccupied. As a journalist, she is determined to find out more, after all, reporting is in her nature.
But her attempts are thwarted by Lily Cruickshank who lives in the cottage next door. Why won’t Lily help Leonie? And who is the mysterious Flynn Talbot, whose letter Leonie finds inside the house?
And in uncovering the secrets of the abandoned house, will Leonie open her own heart and let love back into her life?
The brand new escapist story from the bestselling author of A Secret Scottish Escape and A Scottish Highland Surprise, for fans of Jo Thomas, Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley.
My Thoughts
This is an enjoyable read which I am sure, draws on the author's experience as a journalist. Leonie is a likeable character who is self-motivated and keen to further her career in investigative journalism. Her ambition however does not rule her and her kind nature and trustworthiness shines through. This is a story with several strand. Alongside Leonie's investigations, runs a mystery connected with an old house and an enduring love story. It makes for an interesting read.
You also see contrasting family dynamics and below the surface, some shocking and serious issues. It all makes for a story with plenty of appeal. I also enjoyed Leonie's colleagues who were at times amusingly drawn. The Scottish setting is incorporated into the story, both the city of Glasgow and on the coast at Silver Ness, which Leonie loves so much. You certainly feel that it is a place which keeps her grounded.
In short: a winter's tale of mystery and romance
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Book links: Amazon UK | Amazon US
Thanks to Julie Shackman, One More Chapter and Rachel of Random Things Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
Check out the rest of the tour!
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