This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Reviewed by Kira Slaughter
Amber Scott loves her city life- a dream job working on a glossy magazine and a fiancé, Ed, she’s known since uni. So Ed’s news that he has taken a job in the West Country turns Amber’s world upside down.
The new life in Cornwall does not get off to the best start. The huge house Ed was so keen on is, well, huge- what is Amber going to do with four acres? And do M&S make Aga ready meals? Amber certainly hadn’t bargained for the surly leader of the local hunt, the eccentric Lady of the Manor- or her own mother’s love potions…
After reviewing Ruth Saberton's last book Ellie Andrews has Second Thoughts and loving it, I couldn’t wait for her third noveI. I have come to love Ruth's dry wit and kooky leading ladies.
I have to admit that when I first started reading I struggled to get stuck in. It took quite a while to get to the main plot-point of the story. After the initial introduction into Amber and Ed’s life in London – Amber getting a new job on a glamourous magazine and Ed accepting this new job offer – they eventually up sticks and move to Cornwall. This is where the book really picked and I think I must have finished it in a day and a half.
Amber’s exploits in the country, from rescuing a dog on the side of the road, trying out her well-meaning quirky mother’s love potions to trying to look after a goat that is intent on eating its way through every plant in sight, makes for a hilarious and at times cringe-worthy story that I couldn’t help but chuckle at. This is one of those books where the characters really make the story enjoyable, from Amber’s hilarious and bad-mouthed best friend Ali to her crazy New Age mother. The bits with Amber’s mother were probably the highlight of this book as she relays advice to Amber via her spirit guide, Great Running Wolf.
With all great chick lit novels has to come a brooding, yet gorgeous leading man, and this one comes in the form of Alex, who Amber has taken to nicknaming Heathcliffe. You’ll find out why when you read the book but all I’ll say is the first time they speak to each other is amusing to say the least. You can practically feel the chemistry between these two leap off the page, and the relationship she has with Ed, who in my opinion sounds like a right eejit, will pale into comparison.
This novel, even though took a while to get into, turned out to be a highly amusing and enjoyable read, and I will recommend it to anyone wanting a few hours escape into life in the countryside.
8/10