Whenever I pick up one of the author’s lovely books, there’s a comfort in knowing what to expect – the friendships, the families, the very real characters spanning the generations, a touch of romance, the wonderfully drawn settings providing the perfect escape, and the loveliest reading experience as the stories unfold and the pages turn so effortlessly. And that’s not to suggest for an instant that her books are predictable – and there are certainly plenty of surprises and unexpected twists and turns as Gabby, Harriet and Elodie (grandmother, mother, and young woman) begin their new life in the neglected Villa d’Espoir in Juan-les-Pins. And this book is even more comforting than usual – it’s the sequel to the author’s last book, with characters I already knew and had already taken to my heart – although if it’s your first meeting, you’d have no problem at all, with the background woven into the story.
The villa was once Gabby’s family home, and her return allows her both to resume her relationship with the lovely Philippe and rediscover some more friends from her past along with revisiting her memories of her former life. Granddaughter Elodie plans to make her living as a freelance journalist, while picking up her own relationship with Philippe’s grandson Gazz. She was brought up by Gabby after her mother abandoned her, but Harriet is now back, feeling her way while trying to rebuild her relationship with both her mother and daughter. At the story’s core is the question mark over the identity of Elodie’s father and – as the women grow closer and move forward with their lives – that’s one secret it won’t prove possible to keep, for so many reasons. Then there’s the need for honesty about why Harriet walked away to start a new life in Australia, leaving Elodie behind – and until that full story is shared, there’ll always be an uneasiness about their new living arrangements. As the secrets are slowly disclosed, the development of the characters is just wonderful – and all three begin to move to a position where they can all focus on their happiness and look forward to what the future may bring.
There’s a great deal more to the story than that though – I really enjoyed the family history, the turning of the villa into a home, and the romance in the lives of all three women. The setting is quite wonderful – vividly brought to life, infused with sunshine, and I experienced the full flavour of the French Riviera. And each of the women confirmed their place in my heart – there’s such a warmth about the author’s gentle storytelling that I very much enjoy, real people being themselves, just living their lives, and allowing the reader to be part of it.
This was a read I thoroughly enjoyed, that entirely engaged me from the beginning to its lovely end, and is perhaps my favourite from the author so far – and one I’d very much recommend.