Jess Metcalf is comfortable in her life in a city in England. She lives with her grandmother, works in the library, and immerses herself in books when she is at home. Then, within months, her beloved grandma dies and she loses her job due to budget cuts. While mourning the dual losses, she is driving in the countryside in southern England and stumbles upon a charming cottage for sale on the edge of an equally charming village. Jess drums up the courage to sell her grandmother’s house, leave everything she’s felt comfortable with, and start a new life as part of this village.
But, there’s a catch! Make that two catches. The cottage comes with an abandoned (iconic red British) telephone box that she is responsible for maintaining. There is conflict in the village over what to do with it. The second catch is the grumpy but distinctly attractive neighbor with a teenage daughter and a complicated relationship with his ex-wife.
Jess gradually becomes part of village life, building relationships with many and coming out of her protective shell. But it will all be for naught if she can’t find a job so she can afford to keep the new house she has grown to love.
This is a great romance read that doubles as armchair travel to a lovely English village. WCPL has this title available in regular print, large print, eBook, and eAudiobook (through Libby by Overdrive). If you enjoy romance, check this out soon!