The Flower Shop on Foxley St starts off nice and gently. An introduction to Lily, the new owner of the shop, her newly retired and not happy parents, her friends and stranger, Will. And Will is where the intrigue builds. A customer to the shop, Will turns up regularly and places the same order, and each time Will and Lily meet it's in a professional manner only. After all, Lily is happily in a long term relationship - or is she?
After a conversation where wires get crossed, you discover that Lily and Will have a few things in common, so a friendship develops between the pair. There is obvious chemistry between them, but for some reason Will holds back and Lily isn't about to cheat.
The plot sets off at a steady pace. There were times, at the beginning, that I got a little distracted by characters who weren't relevant to the story and for me it seemed to slow the pace down, but I have to say I really enjoyed the secondary characters. The sub plot of Lily's parents fracturing marriage is interesting and the dialogue between Lily and her friends is funny and natural.
It's when Lily's relationship and then her feelings towards Will are tested that the story picks up pace and becomes gripping and at times emotional when Will's heart breaking secret is revealed.
The author has a natural voice which brings the characters to life. Rachel Dove adds the perfect blend of humour and emotion in this lovely, warm story.
3.5
*ARC received in return for honest review*