All the elements that make up a classic Katie Fforde novel are here. I always read her new books when they come out, though over the years some have not been as memorable as others. In fact, this is the first book of hers in recent years that reminds me of her early novels which I have read many times over. Justin and Meg may clash in the kitchen, but their chemistry is strong and there is enough interaction for their relationship to be credible. I first met Meg when I read A Wedding in the Country. She was one of a group of three young women who attended a London cookery school aimed at teaching the culinary arts to young ladies. Having already followed the stories of the other two in the previous books in this loose series, I was delighted to learn more about Meg. Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do." Everything is going rather well, with the Nightingale Woods' team pulling together like a little family, until the arrival of Andrew's son Justin, who has very firm ideas about what should be happening at the hotel while his father is away. Justin has divided loyalties, and he sees little prospect of a future for Nightingale Woods, but Meg has fallen in love with this little corner of rural heaven. She is sure that this could be just the place for guests who would appreciate its charms, if only a few careful improvements could be arranged. This might be more of a challenge than Meg anticipated, but she is not ready to give up the fight...

Katie Fforde - Book Series In Order Katie Fforde - Book Series In Order

I loved this book so much that I devoured it in a day and a half. The characters were very well rounded and you instantly become invested in the storyline, the characters, and the beautiful old hotel.' Writer of a number of romance novels, British author Katie Fforde was born on the 27th of September, 1952, as Catherine Rose Gordon-Cumming. Growing up in Wimbledon, London, she spent the majority of her upbringing in the city, something which helped inform much of her later work. With her sister Jane Gordon-Cumming a famous writer as well, her fate as an author was sealed with her passion for literature established early on. The romance bit was also frustrating because I'm not such a fan of witholding information til the very end, so I didn't appreciate that we actually confirmed from Justin that he WAS with Laura, already quite near the end. Even with his feelings, it was always other people who spoke for him. I'm not a fan of that at all. because he was so silent about things, not clarifying his actions, I felt so confused for Meg. Marrying her husband Desmond Fforde, the cousin of famous writer Jasper Fforde, in 1972, she then had three children; Briony, Francis and Guy. It was only after her third child was born that she begun her career as a writer, whilst using her married name to write under. Living in Stroud in Gloucestershire, she takes an active part in the local community where she sings in the choir there, whilst undertaking a variety of other activities.I can always rely on Katie to create and develop beautifully drawn characters who just work perfectly in whatever situation she places them in. The chemistry between Meg and Justin is undeniable, but they are both late to the realisation party as Meg follows her dreams to work in France. This time, the focus is on Meg as she agrees to support her mother with caretaking a Dorset hotel in the owner’s absence. Despite having a confirmed opportunity to experience a professional kitchen in a French restaurant, Meg takes control of the hotel’s kitchen even though the owner’s son views her through misogynistic eyes. There is clearly no love lost between Meg and the rather pompous Justin, and tempers become frayed as he continually undermines her skills.

One Enchanted Evening by Katie Fforde | Waterstones

Featuring the story of thirty-five year old Polly Cameron, it tells of how she’s not looking for a relationship with a strong and independent mindset. Seemingly happy with life whilst somewhat world-weary, she’s keen to do things on her own whilst not needing others for company in the process. Residing in a small Gloucestershire town not unlike that of the author, she has her cat for company whilst taking an active part in her local community whilst working at a cafe. This all leads to both her family and friends attempting to set her up with various men in a number of different and increasingly elaborate ways, all efforts which she constantly attempts to fend off. Not wanting to complicate her life anymore, she wants to keep herself busy without relying on others for any help or assistance, instead doing things alone. That’s when a man enters her life to help her reevaluate things and maybe change her mind on what she previously thought to be the case. Will she change her mind and manage to settle down? Can she ever truly be happy? What will become of Polly Cameron as she finds herself living dangerously? A French Affair When she gets a call from her mother asking for her help, she puts her plans on hold to help out in the kitchens of the shabby, but delightful country house hotel, Nightingale Woods. In the absence of the hotel's part owner Andrew, Meg's mother Louise has been left in charge, but things are not going well in the catering department. Just as Meg arrives, the chef who has caused all the trouble walks out, and she suddenly finds herself running a kitchen sooner than she has anticipated. However, Meg is always up for a challenge, and despite the scary prospect of an impending gala dinner, she gets down to work.Katie Fforde does an excellent job of painting beautiful descriptions of scenery throughout the story - readers will feel like they're right there with Meg whether she is in the delightful Dorset countryside or the rolling hills of Provence. As expected, there is a happy ending which ties everything together nicely - it was enjoyable to witness Meg's journey come full circle by the end of the book. If you love feel good romances and you haven’t read any of Katie’s books yet then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? She’s a national treasure at this point. We love Katie. I could go on and on about how great she is so please just go and grab some of her books so you can love her writing too.

2023: WINNERS ANNOUNCED RNA ROMANTIC NOVEL AWARDS 2023: WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Some characters were only mentioned in passing and then given a name, as though for the sake of giving them a name (Clover?). One walk-on who didn't say anything was randomly named Ted, and then we had Edward/Teddy mentioned later on who was a completely different but far more important person. At the end someone called Patsy suddenly featured quite importantly. Who is Patsy? This story follows the uncertainty of the hotels future, Megs love of the beautiful old building, her often thwarted attempts to entice more guests and bring the building up to date without spoiling it's integrity, of Meg and Justin gradually falling in love, the heartbreak when she leaves for France, the love and support of her brilliant close band of friends. When Meg's mother, Louise, called and asked for help, Meg couldn't refuse. Louise was working at a beautiful Georgian hotel set in the equally beautiful Nightingale Woods in sleepy Dorset. The hotel owner had died and one of his his sons, Andrew, who Louise had more than a passing acquaintance with, had gone to France to sort out his estate, Meg was to take over the kitchen, she didn't know if she was up to this but the hotel didn't have many gSet in 1964, OEE follows the adventures of 22-year-old Meg as she sets off to help her mother run a small hotel in Dorset. This is 1966 and a pivotal point in history when life is gradually opening up with new opportunities for women. Meg comes across attitudes to her working in a professional kitchen that seem alien to us now. In some ways women’s lives have changed a lot for the better, but then again there is always room for improvement.

One Enchanted Evening - Hardback (2023) – Katie Fforde

Set in Dorset, England 1966, "One Enchanted Evening" is a feel-good romance novel that would make you want to go there if you're like me, who hasnt been to the place; if only to experience rustic house hotels. Think: AirBnb in a mansion but with room service and professional/trained kitchen staff. This takes you through the nitty gritty bits of keeping one running in the 1960s when en suite rooms were yet an emerging trend.I think this is one of the best Katie Fforde romances I have read for a while. The 1960s setting, and his ambivalent feelings towards his father, totally explains Justin's attitude to Meg and her mother, yet it is also quite clear to the reader fairly early on that Justin is also quite smitten by Meg and finds any excuse to visit the hotel. Sure you have to suspend disbelief a little bit to think that a coat of paint, a bunch of flowers, and a few new cushion covers will miraculous make the hotel more inviting, but much is made of the homely (in the good sense) atmosphere, more of a home-from-home than a hotel, somewhere the aristocracy can stay while attending social events in the area. I loved watching Meg, together with help of her mum, the staff (who are just as invested) and her friends, breathe new life into the hotel. It felt like I was catching up with old friends when first David then Alex & Antoine (swoon!), and the kids turned up to help and support Meg. This group of friends prove family isn’t just about blood. Meg's friends are just darlings, they are so available and accomodating. Although honestly, I'd say I felt that at some parts (especially around the 60-75% sections), that they were perhaps *too available*to help her-- It sounds rather terrible of me to complain about reliable friends, but they were almost too-present to help should the need arise, given at such short notice and no matter the distance. It's just too good to be true. But yeah, it's fiction, and we are allowed to have super friends who can rearrange their plans to help you. But I guess as a reader, the down side of that is that you get used to the fact that they were ever present in her life, and you get complacent in a way that you never truly fear for Meg's challenges.