A Home From Home by Veronica Henry
Today I am so pleased to take part in the blog tour for A Home from Home by Veronica Henry.
Many thanks to Anne Cater from Random Things Tours, Orion Books and the author for a copy of the book, which I have reviewed honestly.
Sunshine, cider and family secrets…
Dragonfly Farm has been a home and a haven for generations of Melchiors – arch rivals to the Culbones, the wealthy family who live the other side of the river. Life there is dictated by the seasons and cider-making, and everyone falls under its spell.
For cousins Tabitha and Georgia, it has always been a home from home. When a tragedy befalls their beloved great-uncle Matthew, it seems the place where they’ve always belonged might now belong to them…
But the will reveals that a third of the farm has also been left to a total stranger. Gabriel Culbone has no idea why he’s been included, or what his connection to the farm – or the Melchiors – can be.
As the first apples start to fall for the cider harvest, will Dragonfly Farm begin to give up its secrets?
My Thoughts on A Home From Home
I’ve just finished reading A Home From Home and I feel sad to leave the warm cocoon that wrapped itself around me and took me to Dragonfly Farm. I can see Tabitha waving at the gate with Poe at her feet, she is wearing Gums socks and little Plum running behind. I can smell the scent of the apple orchards and see the old, familiar house that draws people in and makes them want to stay forever.
Veronica Henry has put together a large cast of characters and a location that spring to life on the pages. The heart of the story is a family feud which splits generations and creates a backstory full of secrets, grief, and heartache.
The story draws you in from the first page, keeps you guessing and leaves you sad when it has to end. I invested in the lives of cousins Tab and Georgia, not to mention Georgia’s parents and I wanted to know more about the love story between Joy and Matthew.
It is like a jigsaw of people and you try to see where ever piece (or person) fits in. The Melchoir/ Culbone family tree is intertwined and full of secrets, but the writing is so skilled that it flows beautifully. I loved all the ancient crafts that feature in the book, the Somerset location and I can just imagine the taste of refreshing organic cider.
Truly intoxicating!
About The Author
Veronica Henry has worked as a scriptwriter for THE ARCHERS, HEARTBEAT and HOLBY CITY amongst many others, before turning to fiction. She won the 2014 RNA NOVEL OF THE YEAR AWARD for A NIGHT ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. Veronica lives with her family in a village in north Devon.
Find out more at http://www.veronicahenry.co.uk or follow her on Twitter @veronica_henry
Additional Reading
A Wedding At The Beach Hut by Veronica Henry
Beautiful review. I love Veronica Henry too
Thank you. This is the first one I’ve read . I’ve heard of her obviously but never got round to reading any. I really enjoyed it , can you recommend any others?
Thank you for stopping by, hope you’re having a lovely day x
I read how to find love in a bookshop and Christmas at the beach hut…
The rest are in my amazon wishlist as they are expensive
Thanks so much for the blog tour support, I’m delighted that you enjoyed this. I’ve been a fan of hers for many years and have read every one of her 20 novels!
Thank you too Anne, you know I love your blog tours. I’m looking forward to reading these. I also got a personal book recommendation on Twitter which I’m thrilled about. She seems to be a lovely lady as well as an excellent author. xx
Oh, I was just telling someone how much I’d love to read a book with a farm setting. Sounds like this would be perfect. Thanks for bringing it to my attention with this lovely, lovely review!
Its a very good read Christopher.