This story is just so easy to fall into and fall in love with, it highlights friendship, family, and romance with a beautifully light and sensitive touch. Three friends connected by their adoration for a novel called Hope Falls, arrange to spend six weeks of the summer at the holiday cottage where the film adaptation took place. When one of them has to cancel at the last minute, they hunt for a replacement and try to keep their friendship on track. This novel feels like a love-story to all lovers of romantic fiction, it is gentle, kind, and compassionate, yet there are deeply emotional moments to be found too. The book and film adaption sits front and centre in the story, and I think The Book-Lovers' Retreat itself could very easily feature on the big screen. Heidi Swain has the ability to keep the story feeling real which connects you to the plot while enveloping you in the most charming of imaginary settings. The story evolves in a heart-warming way and I felt an emotional connection with the characters. A number of individual tales have been set in motion at the same time, and they spin around each other before coming together, this approach keeps the romance fresh and interesting. The Book-Lovers' Retreat hits all the right notes as it delivers a lively, interesting, and engaging romance and so joins my Liz Picks of the Month.
One long summer. One perfect setting. Can fiction inspire real life…?
Sometimes a book grabs you by the heart and grows to mean everything to you. That’s what Hope Falls is to friends Emily, Rachel and Tori. So, when they get the chance to spend a whole summer at the cottage in Lakeside where the film adaptation was located, they know it is going to be the holiday of a lifetime.
Spending six weeks away will give them a chance to re-evaluate their life choices. For Emily to decide which way her career will go – the safe route, or the more risky creative option? And for Rachel to decide whether to move in with her partner Jeremy. Then Tori has to drop out at the last moment, and her space is offered to another Hope Falls afficionado, Alex.
But when Alex turns out not to be who they expected, the holiday takes an unforeseen turn. And as the summer develops, so does their friendship. Could this be where they uncover their future selves, find love in all its forms and where their lives will change course forever…?
Heidi Swain lives in Norfolk with her husband and two teenage children. Her debut novel The Cherry Tree Cafe will be published in July 2015. Follow Heidi on twitter @Heidi_Swain or visit her blog at www.heidiswain.blogspot.co.uk
