It's never too late to start over could be the theme of this book. No matter one's age, your age doesn't magically make you whole and complete with nary a backward glance. Let's just say, there are lots of looks back in this book. Vee/Venetia Prescott has returned to her childhood home of Dragonfly Cottage in the village of Willowbrook and feels just as confused and insecure as she was in her teens. There's a story there but I'll leave that for readers to discover on their own but it involves family and secrets. Oh, my, there are lots of secrets in this small village. Secrets and family drama, insecurities, and, well, a reputation to live down in Vee's case.
But, is she the only one that feels that way? Of course not. She's lucky enough to be taken under the wing of the Saga Louts, a group of three older ladies whose zest for life is rather matched by the chaos of life. Beryl Summerfield is probably most prominent in the story but Althea and Winnie have their moments, as does handyman Rick who hopes Vee doesn't remember him. Oh, trust me, there's a story there, too, competing with several other side stories for our attention. I'm probably making the book sound much darker than it is by focusing on the character stories but it's also full of awakenings, self-discovery, revelations of the past and present, humor, friendship, and, oh, yes, an amazing road trip to France. Why France? Well, it's all to help Vee....but, nope. Not saying any more. It's a fun trip, too, so just kick back and enjoy as the characters begin to open up to life and each other rather than dwelling on perceptions.
Bottom line, while it took me a bit to get the characters straight and the pace seemed to lag in spots, I enjoyed the ride. The descriptions were well done and the characters, with all their pluses and minuses, were likable and easy to come to care about. There are touches of romance, too, note, that's plural, and the mystery of Vee's past and why her return impacts so many will keep you reading. I'd also note that if you've ever had to renovate a long neglected house will relate to the challenge facing Vee and Rick as they try to bring back the home she knew as a child. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for the opportunity to meet this interesting group and get an early peek as Vee struggles to reconcile her past and present, not to mention her future.
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