LOVE LETTERS (Katie Fforde)

I am laughing as I write this because as I was reading Fforde's latest I was thinking, "Rupert and Fenella!  I love British novels with characters named Rupert and Fenella!"  Then I had a sense of déja vu and remembered that I had made the same observation while writing about Fforde's previous novel, Wedding Season.  At least I am consistent!  In fact,  Love Letters features a few of the same characters, Rupert, Fenella, and Hugo. 

What is most appealing about Fforde is that, instead of the typical "single career girl looking for love and success" chick-lit fare, she offers her readers an entertaining cultural experience and a charming glimpse into British life and attitudes.  Yes, there is always a single woman as the main character and yes, she does usually have career issues, but Fforde rarely ventures into the world of Jimmy Choos and shopping sprees.  Instead, her female characters are usually innovative entrepreneurs who happen to stumble upon true love during the process of building a business or a career while immersed in pure Britishness.

Laura Horsely is a shy 27-year-old bibliophile who is about to lose her job in a small bookshop because Henry, the owner and a good friend, is retiring.  When she is offered the opportunity to organize a literary festival at a stately country manor (owned by Rupert and Fenella!) she reluctantly agrees, concerned about her ability to attract prominent authors like Dermot Flynn, her literary idol, to the event.  She and her friend Monica travel to Ireland in an attempt to convince the reclusive and incredibly attractive Flynn, who has not written a new novel in years, to participate in the festival.  You can certainly guess what happens next, but you need to read the novel to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Ireland, the literary festival, British academics, life in a financially struggling English manor household, and true, strong friendships formed out of common interests and real affection.  You will finish this novel with a smile on your face.