Poppy’s Recipe For Life by Heidi Swain
Treat yourself to a glorious novel full of food, sunshine, friendship and love!
Things haven’t always been straightforward in Poppy’s life but her dreams are finally within her reach.
She’s moving into a cottage in beautiful Nightingale Square, close to the local community garden, where she can indulge her passion for making preserves and pickles. She may not have the best relationship with her family but she is surrounded by loving friends, and feels sure that even her grumpy new neighbour, Jacob, has more to him than his steely exterior belies.
But the unexpected arrival of Poppy’s troubled younger brother soon threatens her new-found happiness and as the garden team works together to win community space of the year, Poppy must decide where her priorities lie and what she is prepared to fight for …
My Thoughts
I can’t even tell you how much I loved this book. I started it one evening and got up early the following day, just so that I could finish it.
Poppy has a troubled family background. Her mother doesn’t have a maternal bone in her body and Poppy has become distant from her younger brother Ryan. When she receives a phone call to say that her mother is going away to Spain, she feels she has to invite Ryan to stay with her in Nightingale Square.
Meanwhile, Poppy has recently met a handsome but very grumpy new neighbour. She sets out to welcome Jacob by introducing him to the community garden where residents gather to grow there own produce. At first, he refuses, but slowly he finds himself thoroughly integrated into the friendly, tight-knit community.
Poppy has a tough time getting to know Ryan but luckily teacher Jacob is eager to help to build bridges. When they finally sit down to talk a different relationship starts to develop between the siblings.
The sense of community in this book is enchanting but what stood out for me was the way that Heidi Swain portrays teenagers. I don’t think young people are given a fair chance and she showed that there may be reasons behind irresponsible behaviour. With a little help and encouragement, troubled teens can bring an inspiring, fresh approach and I loved to see Ryan’s transition.
There is romance too, new relationships are slow-burning and the type that turn out to last a lifetime. Break down in communications feature heavily here too and seem to be a feature of the book.
This is a perfect summer read. It is a character-driven novel with personalities you could meet in any village pub….honest, believable, funny and warm. It’s an absolute pleasure from start to finish!
Thank the author and publisher for the chance to read and review Poppy’s Recipe For Life.
Author Bio
Leave a Reply