In a previous book, Freya Gibson inherited Ladywell, a ramshackle old house in the English countryside, that turned out to have a long connection to her family, family she never knew about. In particular, it's tied to a long line of strong women who held the family and the farm together, and kept it a place of peace and healing.
Now, Freya is happily married to Patrick, and they have a little girl, Violet. But successful action/thriller writer Patrick has been in Los Angeles and Vancouver for months, working on the tv adaption of his novels. Freya has been working on redoing the cottage on the property to be rented out as a romantic getaway spot--after the holidays. Christmas is coming, and Patrick will be home, but first he calls and tells her he's got a deep-secret guest who'll be coming to stay in the cottage with another person, and can she please get it ready in time?
What follows is much scrambling to get the finishing touches on the cottage, more discoveries about the history of Ladywell, and get-togethers with family and friends. In between Freya's pleasures and crises, we get glimpses of the history of Ladywell, that add to the warmth and explain some of its odder features.
This is not a story where Big Events happen. It's gentle and warm, and very satisfying.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Thank you so much, Lis - I'm delighted that you enjoyed it!
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