It’s a real pleasure today to be joining the blog tour and sharing my review of Coming Home to Roseford Villas by Fay Keenan: this is the fifth in her lovely Roseford series, published by Boldwood Books on 12th April, and it’s now available as an ebook (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. Thank you, as always, to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading copy (provided via netgalley).
Fay’s Willowbury series rather passed me by, but that really wouldn’t have happened if I’d known how very much I’d enjoy her writing. I first visited Roseford through the pages of the second book in this lovely series, Winter Kisses at Roseford Café – a gorgeous Christmas read, the perfect village setting, the loveliest romance and so many fantastic characters who became friends (you’ll find my review here). And the third book in the series, Finding Love at Roseford Blooms, was every bit as lovely, with a particularly moving and believable romance and the chance to catch up on the developments in everyone’s lives. And then there was Winter Wishes at Roseford Reloved – heartwarming, hopeful, uplifting, romantic, and just a thoroughly lovely read (you can read my review again here). And now we have another…
Aurora Henderson and Leo McKendrick were love’s young dream when they first dated as teenagers.
But like many a first love, parents, life, and distance got in the way, and the couple lost touch. Now, twenty years later, Aurora – Rory to her friends – needs a break. Burnt out from her teaching career and longing to write a novel, Rory heads to the idyllic village of Roseford for a summer of writing and relaxation.
Leo needs a change too. Ex-pat life in Australia has come to a sticky end so the opportunity to run his family’s B&B, Roseford Villas, for the summer is too good to turn down.
Neither Rory nor Leo believe in fate, but when Leo opens the door to his latest guest, he might just have to reconsider. And when a sultry summer fills with nostalgia and memories and six weeks flies by too fast, love’s young dream might just get a second chance…
Romance and friendship, community and colourful characters mean Fay Keenan’s latest story is perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Cathy Bramley and Jo Bartlett.
Working as an English teacher in York and sharing a flat, Rory just hasn’t had the space to focus on her dream of writing a novel. But this summer is her time – a chocolate box cottage in Roseford booked for the summer holidays, and a determination to make the most of it. Until the last minute news of a change of accommodation – but perhaps the lodge in the gardens at Roseford Villas will be fine too. And it is, other than not being able to plug in her laptop when sitting at the table – Roseford Hall and the archives that’ll help with her story are in walking distance, a former friend lives nearby who’ll be the perfect sounding board for her ideas, and the village pub is just ideal for people-watching. But there is a surprise in store – the owners of the B&B at the Villas are away on holiday, and it’s being looked after by their nephew Leo, who just happens to have been her first love.
It becomes a beautiful story of second chance romance – they both have plenty of baggage and a few secrets, and twenty years apart is a long time to make up for, but their gentle and slow-burn relationship begins to develop. But she has her job to return to, and Leo’s off to London to start a new one – it’s a shame, but it can only really be for the summer, can’t it?
But there are other layers to the story. Rory is serious about her writing – a dual-time story that will draw on their former romance for its present day thread, and an intriguing historical one she’s been inspired by, filled with unexpected discoveries that she finds herself well placed to research. And, of course, there’s Roseford itself – familiar characters make cameo appearances, and the warmth of the community helps make it a place that neither of them will want to leave.
A really lovely read, with all the right emotional touches when the past catches up with them both, and more than a few obstacles before the hoped-for happy ending – and I really enjoyed the extra dimensions added both by Rory’s writing experience and the developments in the historical story, slowly uncovered.
I think this might be the last in the series – I’ll miss my visits to Roseford, but have confidence that everyone there will be living their own happy ever afters, and I’ll be really looking forward to seeing where the author takes us next. With its warmth, perfect setting, great characters and wonderful storytelling, this is a series I’d very much recommend.
About the author
Fay Keenan is the author of the bestselling Little Willowbury series of novels. She has led writing workshops with Bristol University and has been a visiting speaker in schools. She is a full-time teacher and lives in Somerset.
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