While her free-spirited daughter travels the world, Vivienne prepares for a lonely Christmas in Bristol, with her best friend Ellen and her ancient dog Bob.
Then a letter arrives that changes everything. Vivienne’s daughter is getting married in New Zealand, and she wants her mum and Ellen by her side.
But out on the rugged coast of Tutukaka, the sea sparkles, romance beckons – and Vivienne falls under the spell of another life. Will she leave everything she holds dear for a chance at happiness? Or will her daughter be the only one to fall in love this Christmas?
My 5* Review
I love nothing more than snuggling down with a good read on the cold evenings and this book did not disappoint. As we are headed towards Christmas I thought I would get some festive reads in as I can’t read a Christmas book other than in the lead up to the big day.
This book captures your heart from the off with the fantastic friendship captured between Elle & Viv who have been best friends since childhood and the way in which Amanda Prowse has bought to life the characters of these ladies with feisty Elle & quieter Viv. The way in which the friendship is delivered makes you feel warm and fuzzy and fills you with laughter as they set off on their adventure to New Zealand.
Once I had snuggled down I was transported to their world and didn’t put the book down until I had finished as I was desperate to know the destiny of all these fantastic characters. I picked this up expecting it to be a Christmas book, however although it is based in the lead up to the festive holidays it is a story about love, friendship, tradition and how sometimes you just have to give life another chance.
Love the Smell of a Book 