Goodreads/Amazon/Author Website
Release date: August 12, 2016

Publisher: Bookouture 

Genre: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

Goodreads blurb:

Emily is happy with her life just as it is. 

She has a career as a midwife that she loves . She enjoys living on her own as a single woman. But she also feels it’s time for a change and a spot of some sea air.

So when her best friend Rebecca asks whether she’d like to spend the summer cooking on a ‘puffer’ boat just off the Scottish coast, she jumps at the chance.

But she barely has time to get to grips with the galley before she finds herself with a lot on her plate.

Rebecca is heavily pregnant and is thrilled to have her friend on board doing most of the work. Then there’s Emily’s competitive and jealous kitchen assistant who thinks she should be head-cook, not Emily.

And there’s Alasdair, the handsome local doctor who Emily is desperately trying not to notice.

Because if she falls in love with him, as he appears to be falling for her, will she ever want her old life back again? 

Review: 

Emily is such a delightful character. I grew rather fond of her while reading this book and found myself wishing she could find love and happiness. She really deserves it, she’s one of those people who is just innately good. She is a dear friend who willingly and happily drops everything to lend a hand to her best friend Rebecca. Rebecca is pregnant with her third child and her and her husband, James own a puffer boat that takes people on summer cruises along the Scottish coast. It’s all began to be a bit much for Rebecca so Emily flies in to save the day. (Quick side note, I had no idea what a puffer boat was until I googled it 😳)

I really enjoyed hearing about Emily’s career as a midwife as I had all of my children in a hospital and have no personal experience with midwives. Emily is quite opinionated and independent, especially when it comes to defending her career and homebirths to naysayers. I loved her fiery spirit and passion about things she feels strongly about.

This is a standard contemporary romance, but what sets it apart is Fforde’s ability to create such a warm and cozy atmosphere. The setting being in Scotland brought such a lovely charm to the story and I adored all the local characters that were a part of it as they added so much warmth and character. While I really liked all of them, I especially liked Alasdair, Kate and Maisie. Alasdair is James brother and a doctor who is also in a band. Swoon worthy! Maisie is an elderly guest on the puffer boat who is just a doll! Speaking of dolls, Alasdair’s daughter Kate is an adorable child whose friendship with Emily truly warmed my heart.

While this was my first experience with a Fforde novel it certainly will not be my last. This was a perfect summer romance with heart, soul and a little bit of magic.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to Bookouture for my copy in exchange for an honest review.