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"The Unexpected Adventures of an Incurable Romantic" From the day I first held this book in my hands, I could barely wait to read it. It drew me in somehow with its very pretty and tasteful cover. But because something told me it would be good, I forced myself to save it until I’d have time to savour it properly. I began it one evening shortly before going to a restaurant with a friend. I took it with me, and the meal lasted at least twice as long as usual. Just as well my friend had a book too. I guess it was a literary dinner. I turned page after page, trying not to soil them with splashes of soup or spaghetti sauce. Need I mention that I finished it that same evening? Penny, having inherited a garage in the south of France, discovers that the situation is far more complex than anyone knows. In a stunning sequence of action, the author kept me riveted as mysterious secrets came to light in an endless flow of family history, hidden affairs, alternate bloodlines, art theft, and continual savvy comments on life in the modern age. Just when I thought there were no more surprises, the next one would pop up – whether in London, Paris, Rome, the French Riviera, or on the journey somewhere in between. In fact, this is as much a mystery as it is a romance, combining both in leaps and bounds that vary between hilarity and mortal danger, yet always hopeful and with good humour. This is delightfully written, light-hearted and sharp, witty and sassy, rather more like a movie than a book. It wasn’t just the happy ending that satisfied me – it was the thoroughly enjoyable process of getting there and seeing each scene through the author’s imaginative eye. Landscapes, cities, countries spring out of the pages. I also very much enjoyed the author interview included at the back, and noted with pleasure that she claims swimming in the Mediterranean invariably prods her inspiration to write. Excuse me – I think I’ll just go try that out! - Grace Bridges, reporting from a beach in North Africa… Reviewed by Grace |
A RATHER LOVELY INHERITANCE
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