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| Havenbury #2 Allison &Busby 21 February 2019 My thanks to the publishers and Lesley for my copy of this book |
It started with ‘happily ever after’… But just three years after Bella’s fairy-tale wedding to fun-loving Charlie Well-beloved, while her best friend, Maddy, is expecting a baby, her own weight gain is purely from comfort eating. Only her little Labrador Dolly can boost her spirits as she gloomily surveys her failing marriage and fledgling interior design business.
Dovecot Farm is just a rainstorm away from ruin, but Charlie is hoping against hope his family vineyard will produce a vintage year, saving his business, his childhood home and – most of all – his marriage …
Then, handsome and glamorous Rufus appears in the tight-knit Havenbury community. He quickly charms Bella and makes himself indispensable to Charlie, but he is guarding a secret. What does he really want from them all?
And is he friend or foe…
My thoughts..
Those who have read this author's previous book, The Homecoming, will be as delighted as I was to return to the village of Havenbury to meet up again with Charlie and Bella Wellbeloved. This continuation sees the Wellbeloveds with some financial problems as their vineyard, once successful, is now facing ruin and unless they can come up with a way to save the business all will be lost. What then follows is the story of how life events can be so very difficult to accept and Charlie and Bella have some tough decisions to make, not all of them for the best.
The events which influence Charlie and Bella are very much at the centre of the story, and believe me, they both have some really tough decisions to make, some of which will have some dreadful repercussions. However, the other characters who support them, particularly Ben and Maddie, and the rather delicious, but dastardly Rufus, all add interesting layers to this story about love, marriage, friendship and second chances.
The author writes with great enthusiasm and lovely warmth and there is such a genuine connection with all of the Havenbury characters that they have become as familiar as friends. It is entirely possible to read this book without having read The Homecoming first as the author gives enough information about the previous story, however, I do think it makes sense to read this series from the beginning.
I've really enjoyed my visit back to Havenbury and I hope that this isn't the last we see of the village, or the characters, who make up these lovely stories.
Those who have read this author's previous book, The Homecoming, will be as delighted as I was to return to the village of Havenbury to meet up again with Charlie and Bella Wellbeloved. This continuation sees the Wellbeloveds with some financial problems as their vineyard, once successful, is now facing ruin and unless they can come up with a way to save the business all will be lost. What then follows is the story of how life events can be so very difficult to accept and Charlie and Bella have some tough decisions to make, not all of them for the best.
The events which influence Charlie and Bella are very much at the centre of the story, and believe me, they both have some really tough decisions to make, some of which will have some dreadful repercussions. However, the other characters who support them, particularly Ben and Maddie, and the rather delicious, but dastardly Rufus, all add interesting layers to this story about love, marriage, friendship and second chances.
The author writes with great enthusiasm and lovely warmth and there is such a genuine connection with all of the Havenbury characters that they have become as familiar as friends. It is entirely possible to read this book without having read The Homecoming first as the author gives enough information about the previous story, however, I do think it makes sense to read this series from the beginning.
I've really enjoyed my visit back to Havenbury and I hope that this isn't the last we see of the village, or the characters, who make up these lovely stories.
After obtaining a degree in music Rosie Howard pursued a career in public relations, campaigning, political lobbying and freelance journalism but realised her preference for making things up and switched to writing novels instead. She lives in a West Sussex village with her husband and two children in a cottage with roses around the door.
Twitter @SarahWaights
@AllisonandBusby
@AllisonandBusby
A Vintage Year is currently on an ebook promotion from 28th February until 7th March 2019
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