As we all remove ourselves from our ‘normal’ and create a new way of living, for a while at least, it’s the perfect opportunity to order some new books and escape among the pages. I’ve always found reading the perfect distraction when times are tough and why not pry into other people’s problems for a while – even if they are fictitious.
I’d normally add links to Amazon or Waterstones at the end of my posts but for a change – and to support our local independent bookshops I’ll be adding a link to the Booksellers Association where you can find your nearest indie bookshop. (Just tap in your postcode and the search engine will do the rest.) Many small bookshops – along with other businesses – will be struggling in the present circumstances and are offering to deliver if you are self isolating. Failing that why not try HIve.co.uk. There are many ways to support our local bookshops – when all this is over we want a high street to go back to.
So, to the books!
A Year in the Chateau by Sarah Long
We might not all be able to escape to the chateau but would it be roses all the way?
When Nicola’s husband, Dominic, retires they decide not to spend their days finding hobbies to fill the time until Countdown is on. Instead, they fulfil their life-long fantasy of buying a country house and filling it with their dearest friends. Their children are grown and should be more than capable of looking after themselves and freedom beckons. But where to spend it? And who with?
A plan emerges, albeit coloured by rose-tinted glasses, and with seven of their friends they pool resources and invest in a château in Normandy. The dark days of winter and broken Britain are cast aside for new adventures in Northern France. But as the year progresses sunlight only makes the cracks in the dream visible. There are quarrels and secrets – can friendship survive as dreams give way to reality.?
A warm and witty read.
A Year in the Chateau is published by Zaffre RRP: £8.99
The Women of Primrose Square by Claudia Carroll
Claudia Carroll takes us back to Primrose Square with a new set of characters.
When Frank Woods at number seventy-nine Primrose Square comes home to a surprise birthday party thrown by his wife and adoring children, it is his guests who get the real surprise.
Finding himself alone, he befriends the cantankerous Miss Hardcastle, who hasn’t left her home for decades, and Emily Dunne – fresh out of rehab and desperate to make amends.
As gossip spreads through Primrose Square, every relationship is tested, and nothing in this close-knit community will ever be the same again.
Full of warmth, humour and compassion.
Published by Zaffre RRP £7.99