Are these books brand new. Nope. But are they still worth getting hold of. Absolutely. Both are wonderful, easy, feel-good reads. Just what we want with a long weekend around the corner.
As the wife of retired ship’s doctor Dr Henry Parker, Evelyn is living out her twilight years aboard the Golden Sunset. Every night she dresses for dinner – gown, tiara – and regales her fellow passengers with stories of a glamorous life travelling the world in luxury, and shows off her superior knowledge of ships’ customs. When Henry goes missing, Evelyn sets off to search every part of the grand ocean liner … from the casino and nightclub to the off-limits areas. Misadventures are had, new friends are made, scandalous behaviour noted – all news to Evelyn. If only she could remember the events of the night before as clearly as she can recall the first time she met Henry on a passage from England to Australia in 1953, when she fell in love and abandoned her dreams of become a midwife to be a wife instead. Why, she wonders, is it so hard to forget some things and so hard to remember others? And where is Henry? Love, memories and a life well lived, The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker by Joanna Nell is marvellous.
If you’re a fan of chick lit, you’re obviously a fan of Katie Fforde – so A Springtime Affair will be a perfect read. Revolving around Helena and Gilly, it’s all about a season of new beginnings … particularly in the love department! Gilly runs her own B&B business from her much-loved family home, which she doesn’t want to part with – at any price. But then she meets handsome estate agent Leo, who soon has her wondering whether it’s finally time to sell up and try something new in life. Her daughter, Helena, is also embarking on a budding romance. A talented weaver, she’s becoming very close to her new landlord, Jago, who’s offered to help her at an upcoming craft fair that could give her dream career a major boost. With spring in full bloom, Helena and Gilly begin to ask themselves the same question … could their new loves lead to their happily ever after? Light romance … just lovely. R290
