 |
|
Laura Lovegrove is leaving behind her seamless life in London. Architect husband Adi has been relocated to rural Norfolk, a far cry from ultra-urban Ealing.
Though Laura knew village life would be different, she didn't foresee a poky cottage, nosy neighbours, errant poodles, and even an ex turning up. Chris had been her big love at art college and seeing him again is utterly confusing. Is she really so different from the impulsive student who once trawled charity shops for fashion treasures?
Laura does not take to country life as easily as she thought she would. She seems to be permanently looking backwards, into the past, instead of forwards, after losing someone dear to her, and the upheaval from urban to country life.
She is a hardworking mother of 2, designing textiles and tutoring at college. She is very critical of her own parenting skills, torn between being a good mum and having a successful career. She thinks and sees in colours, patterns and textiles in her everyday activities. Always looking for that next project. Recycling textiles is almost an obsession, a way of life.
When Laura bumps into an old flame, Chris it seems a good distraction from facing her new life in the country, which Adi seems to be taking in his stride, and it can only be a dangerous path to revisit the past where an ex is concerned.
Adi, her husband is getting on well with rural life and becoming more distant. What is he keeping from her?
I could identify with Laura to a certain degree having been a working mum myself and making a choice between work and family.
I was very wary of Chris and was eager to find out how this reunion was going to develop.
There was a mention of Thody's Fabric shop. I have vivid memories of many visits to Gordon Thoday's in Cambridge with my mum to choose fabric and pattern for a new outfit or bridesmaids dress. Sadly no longer there.
I enjoyed the recall of stitches at the beginning of each chapter and it has sparked an interest to pick up a needle again, not just to mend.
The storyline was exciting but I did find that the description of textiles, patterns and colour, too often, detracted a little from the story. It was worthwhile to discover how the story would end.
This would appeal to those who enjoy sewing, crafting and grown up chick lit.
4 out of 5 for me!
Thank you to Little, Brown for sending me a review copy. This is did not influence my review in any way.
No comments:
Post a Comment