This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
I have a confession to make. Despite being an avid lover of all things women’s fiction, I haven’t ever read a Katie Fforde novel. I know, I know! She’s a queen of women’s romantic fiction, how could I gone so long not reading her books? She is one of the authors that I have always intended to read and never quite managed. So when The Perfect Match dropped through my letter box, I rejoiced at finally having one to delve into. So, how was my first experience?
Bella Castle, is an estate agent (no pun intended?), who loves her job. She especially loves meeting new people and the old clients that she has developed friendships with over time – no matter how stubborn they are about selling their big houses or how difficult the new buyers are. There’s just one downside: her boss is her boyfriend, and if Bella’s honest, she really doesn’t like him. Nevil is pushy and takes his job too seriously, but Bella sees something that others. Neville, clearly smitten with Bella, proposes marriage to her just as Dominic – the man who broke her heart – arrives, casting doubt in Bella’s mind as to whether Nevil really is her perfect match after all.
Bella is lovely; a typical heroine that most readers will love. She appears very happy with every aspect of her life. She lives with her godmother, Alice, in her gorgeous home, which Nevil believes is too big for her (this seems to be an ongoing character trait of his) and her relationship with Nevil is solid, especially when he proposes to her. But Bella also seems to have a habit of running away and I got the feeling that whatever happened to her, she wouldn’t be entirely satisfied. Don’t get me wrong, she is charming, but I got the feeling that she’s never quite happy. Nevil is difficult to like; I found him abrasive from the beginning, which is probably the effect he is supposed to have on us, but his constant questioning of Bella’s lifestyle – her choice to live with Alice in particular – drove me up the wall. At one point I was desperate for Bella (or any character really) to punch him in the face!
I much preferred the story of Alice and Michael, over the Bella / Dominic / Nevil storyline; it was sweet and lovely to read. Dominic’s arrival in their village creates an air of mystery and obviously triggers some not very nice memories for Bella. Then there are the minor characters providing plenty of giggles, like cake-baking Jane Langley and the difficult buyers that Bella encounters – all a pleasure to read. At some point I found myself enjoying their stories more than Bella’s.
This book can only be described as delightful. It has a certain charm about it that is often provided by the beautifully written descriptions and lovely locations. This book is sure to please fans and will definitely put a spring in your step.
7/10
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