A ROSE PETAL SUMMER (Katie Fforde)

Katie Fforde writes the most wonderful, uplifting romances. Set in England and Scotland, their common denominator is that they always feature strong, likable, independent women who aren't afraid to take chances or make changes in their life. These women are always compassionate and caring and have the most wonderful friends! In this one Caro, a 41-year-old whose daughter is away visiting her father in Australia takes a temporary position as a companion to an elderly man, Mundo, in Scotland. While there she makes the amazing discovery that Mundo's son is the same boy she met (and has never forgotten) more than 20 years ago in Greece, having spent one magical evening in conversation with him on a dimly lit balcony. Fforde always manages to create a group of fascinating characters who are, inevitably, just nice and who connect charmingly with one another. Of course, there are always happy endings. She just leaves me longing to be part of the action, to engage with these resourceful, generous Brits and be part of their lives.