Kate Lord Brown

Thank you Orion and Netgalley for allowing me to review this fab book xx

As soon as I saw the cover of this book it drew me in, it looks so summery and inviting with the added bonus of a gorgeous gateaux too!!

The content most certainly didn’t disappoint either. I adore books that have anything to do with cooking and baking. This book had both including a bit of Irish romance, competitiveness and a lovely castle too. I really felt the warmth of this book, and not just in the kitchen. Its a great read that will really make you happy on your sun lounger.

I rate this book 10/10… (more)

Recently I read another book from this author, which I really liked and perhaps I had too high of expectations for this one. I really struggled with the story, which seemed to keep jumping around and just didn't seem to quite add up, and things didn't seem to get really interested until about two-thirds of the way through the book. The plot has all of the right elements - WWII France, artistic mysteries, fleeing refugees, scheming painters, old family secrets - but it felt like they just didn't work for some reason. I don't want to be too harsh, because I did finish the book, and a number of revelations towards the end gave the story more depth, but overall I just didn't love this one.… (more)

This was a very lovely story, set in altering timeline between 1930s Spain and the months following 9/11. Emma Temple has recently lost her mother, her career as a creator of perfume is in question after her company is sold, and the man who fathered her pregnancy died in the World Trade Center. Seeking a change, she goes to the old house in Spain her mother had purchased, in hopes of restoring the home and creating a new family and career. As it turns out, her family has history in Spain and the town of Valencia is filled with old family friends who were witnesses to the brutal Spanish Civil War and carry secrets still important to Emma. Good reading overall.… (more)