My (Not-so) Perfect Summer by Phoebe MacLeod #Review

I am thrilled to be taking part in the Publication Day celebrations for My (Not-So ) Perfect Summer by Phoebe MacLeod. It is published today on May 7th by Boldwood Books.
 

Autumn’s summer is off to a smashing start… sort of.

Earlier this year, Autumn’s life looked great: she had a great relationship with her brilliant teenage daughter Chloe and from September she was all set to be Deputy Head at the London school where she works. And with a pay rise on the cards, she was excited for her and her long-term boyfriend Marc to buy their first home.

But Autumn’s barely opened the estate agent's website when Marc vanishes with half their savings, leaving her no choice but to move into grandma’s rural home in Kent. And things go from bad to worse when Autumn is involved in an accident during the move, leaving the village’s dashing new baker Jake in plaster cast, and making her a local outcast before she’s even unpacked her bags.

Determined to put things right, Autumn offers to help Jake in the bakery over the summer holidays. But as things heat up in the kitchen, Autumn can’t help noticing that Jake is a lot more Paul Hollywood and a lot less Mr Kipling than she originally thought.

Maybe this summer isn’t such a write off after all?

 My Thoughts

You are soon invested in Autumn's story. At first, it looks as though all her ambitions are bearing fruit. With the offer of a Deputy Headship, she seems to be heading for a new house and happy ever after. However, she soon realises that this is not going to happen. After a life-changing shock, she finds herself back home in her childhood home, with all her dreams in tatters. You then see all her great character attributes. She is hard working and determined to make the best of her opportunities. She also has close relationships with her mother and daughter and she puts them first. It is interesting how she slowly reconsiders her life's ambition and looks to the future.

    There is plenty of humour in this light-hearted romcom. The villagers provide several light-hearted moments and the dialogue between Autumn and Jake does make me smile.  I was also surprised at the choices which Autumn's daughter makes after the move back to Kent. This is an enjoyable fast paced story, full of starting again, new beginnings and family and friendship.

In short: New starts and family issues

About the Author

Phoebe MacLeod is the author of several popular romantic comedies. She lives in Kent with her partner, grown up children and disobedient dog. Her love for her home county is apparent in her books, which have either been set in Kent or have a Kentish connection. She currently works as an IT consultant and writes in her spare time. She has always had a passion for learning new skills, including cookery courses, learning to drive an HGV and, most recently, qualifying to instruct on a Boeing 737 flight simulator.

Phoebe loves watching people and observing social interaction. In fact she nearly got into trouble once when a man in a shopping mall thought she was staring at him! As well as curling up with a book, she loves good food, good wine and good friends - especially when all three come together!

You can follow Phoebe here: Facebook  |  Twitter  

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 Book links 

Thanks to Phoebe MacLeod, 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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