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Summer of Love
Sian Bishop has only ever experienced one moment of recklessness – a moment that resulted in her beloved son Rory. It’s not that she doesn’t love the outcome of that wild night, but since then she has always taken the safer route. So when dependable, devoted Richard suggests a move to the beautiful English countryside, she leaves the hustle and bustle of the city behind, and she throws herself into the picture-postcard cottage garden, her furniture restoration business, and a new life in the country.
Her good intentions are torpedoed on a glorious summer’s evening with the arrival of Gus Berresford. One-time explorer and full-time heartbreaker, Gus is ridiculously exciting, wonderfully glamorous and a completely inappropriate love interest for a single mum. But Gus and Sian have met before…
Sian has no use for a fling, she simply mustn’t fall in love with the most unlikely suitor ever to cross her path – even if he has now crossed her path twice. But who knows what can happen in a summer of love…
Her good intentions are torpedoed on a glorious summer’s evening with the arrival of Gus Berresford. One-time explorer and full-time heartbreaker, Gus is ridiculously exciting, wonderfully glamorous and a completely inappropriate love interest for a single mum. But Gus and Sian have met before…
Sian has no use for a fling, she simply mustn’t fall in love with the most unlikely suitor ever to cross her path – even if he has now crossed her path twice. But who knows what can happen in a summer of love…
376 pages, Hardcover
First published March 17, 2011
331 people are currently reading
2967 people want to read
About the author
Katie Fforde
96 books2,311 followersCatherine Rose Gordon-Cumming was born 27 September 1952 in England, UK, the daughter of Shirley Barbara Laub and Michael Willoughby Gordon-Cumming. Her grandfather was Sir William Gordon-Cumming. Her sister is fellow writer Jane Gordon-Cumming. Katie married Desmond Fforde, cousin of the also writer Jasper Fforde. She has three children: Guy, Francis and Briony and didn't start writing until after the birth of her third child. She has previously worked both as a cleaning lady and in a health food cafe.
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."
Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.
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."
Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
March 20, 2023
I keep reading Katie Fforde and I don't know why as her books are so bland in my opinion.
There is enough there to stick at it and finish it but there is never anything special there or anything that stands out to make it a really good book.
Will prove to be unmemorable, I think.
Two stars.
There is enough there to stick at it and finish it but there is never anything special there or anything that stands out to make it a really good book.
Will prove to be unmemorable, I think.
Two stars.
June 11, 2021
Katie Fforde has this tendency to take the plot of the story to the countryside which always sucks me in. The picturesque setting and the lazy, idle vibe is what I live for.
This is a very predictable read and it is usual with this author's work which I don't mind but it's the characters that I always find one-dimension, stupid and boring. This book was no exception to that.
I liked Sian at first but then I found myself getting irritated by all her decisions. Gus was oh so sexy but I just couldn't bring myself to like him. Fiona was the only character that I liked a little.
I liked this a little better than Love Letters though.
2.5 stars
This is a very predictable read and it is usual with this author's work which I don't mind but it's the characters that I always find one-dimension, stupid and boring. This book was no exception to that.
I liked Sian at first but then I found myself getting irritated by all her decisions. Gus was oh so sexy but I just couldn't bring myself to like him. Fiona was the only character that I liked a little.
I liked this a little better than Love Letters though.
2.5 stars
February 24, 2018
Author Katie Fforde tends to be A or Z, sublime or silly. Stately Pursuits is one of one of my favorite books — the romance novel for people who think they can’t stomach a romance novel. I also loved Second Thyme Around, Life Skills and Wild Designs — all clever, funny novels. But she phoned in A French Affair, the worst Fforde novel — until Summer of Love.
Single mom Sian Bishop has relocated to a village an hour from London with her lovable 4-year-old son Rory, the result of a very brief affair. Naturally, she never told the father about Rory; naturally, she ends being faced with him in her new locale. So how could this story end up anywhere but at the corner of Hackneyed and Cliché? I don’t know because I couldn’t make myself finish this clunker.
Single mom Sian Bishop has relocated to a village an hour from London with her lovable 4-year-old son Rory, the result of a very brief affair. Naturally, she never told the father about Rory; naturally, she ends being faced with him in her new locale. So how could this story end up anywhere but at the corner of Hackneyed and Cliché? I don’t know because I couldn’t make myself finish this clunker.
May 9, 2012
This is a guilty pleasure sort of book -- something for the bath, something for when you are feeling down or a bit ill. It's a very gentle sort of romance novel; romance against a middle England village setting. There are lots of cups of tea in it. Really, this is "romance" in the literary sense; ie, it describes a world that is slightly rosier and pleasant than the one I actually live in. But there are also romances in the more expected sense; one between a 20ish single mother (and a one-night stand who unexpectedly comes back into her life) and the other between a middle-aged mother (with a substantial country house and two grown-up sons). I must be getting old, because I was a bit more interested in the latter!
Katie Fforde is one of those authors who you feel that you know through her books. And she is a very likeable sort, with an appealing sense of humour and a fondness for a cuppa and a piece of cake. It is a soothing world to dip into from time to time. (Oh, to live in an England where summer is a string of long, golden days instead of the typical damp squib.)
Katie Fforde is one of those authors who you feel that you know through her books. And she is a very likeable sort, with an appealing sense of humour and a fondness for a cuppa and a piece of cake. It is a soothing world to dip into from time to time. (Oh, to live in an England where summer is a string of long, golden days instead of the typical damp squib.)
May 15, 2016
Light, sweet and predictable.
July 12, 2016
Review originally posted at
All Books Considered: 3 STARS
Katie Fforde is one of my favorite British authors; I just love her quirky chick-lit and especially the towns/villages she creates in her books -- they usually involve an outsider moving into the small and quaint place and being welcomed (eventually) by the town. I really liked Sian and her son Rory but I adored Gus and his mother, Fiona -- I was almost more invested in her story than the main one but this was a fun and fast read. My one gripe about this was the conflict -- when it evolved, it was swift and severe and due to a lack of communication !! This could have totally turned me off the book and I was seriously put off by Sian in this instance but the HEA was good and I just loved so many of the other characters that I still enjoyed this overall.
This is a great summer book; as I mentioned, I always love the villages that Katie Fforde creates and this one is no exception! This one also reminded me of another favorite with this particular twist on the second-chance romance trope, Just for Fun by Rosalind James. My other favorite Katie Fforde's are Highland Fling and Stately Pursuits -- both highly recommended, especially if you love British chick-lit!
Katie Fforde is one of my favorite British authors; I just love her quirky chick-lit and especially the towns/villages she creates in her books -- they usually involve an outsider moving into the small and quaint place and being welcomed (eventually) by the town. I really liked Sian and her son Rory but I adored Gus and his mother, Fiona -- I was almost more invested in her story than the main one but this was a fun and fast read. My one gripe about this was the conflict -- when it evolved, it was swift and severe and due to a lack of communication !! This could have totally turned me off the book and I was seriously put off by Sian in this instance but the HEA was good and I just loved so many of the other characters that I still enjoyed this overall.
This is a great summer book; as I mentioned, I always love the villages that Katie Fforde creates and this one is no exception! This one also reminded me of another favorite with this particular twist on the second-chance romance trope, Just for Fun by Rosalind James. My other favorite Katie Fforde's are Highland Fling and Stately Pursuits -- both highly recommended, especially if you love British chick-lit!
Fiona Matcham and Rory were up the far end of the garden when Sian brought out the mugs of tea. Sian sat down on one of the chairs and sipped hers, watching them together. She was pleased that Rory had forgotten to be shy and was making friends. She had been a bit worried about taking him away from everything he knew in a busy city out into the country, although, as Richard had pointed out, it was in a village, not in a remote location miles from anywhere. There was a school, a pub, a church and two shops, one of which was also a post office.
August 8, 2014
2,5 stars
If I had any curiosity about Katie Fforde's book, now I can say it has been satisfied. And so satisfied is my curiosity now, I think I won't read another one again.
This book is fluff. Very predictable and annoyingly seen-through-pink-lenses fluff. Almost all the characters are likeable, or have some likeable trait, and even the less pleasant ones are not disgustingly bad.
Sian (how do you pronounce that?!) is a single mother, with a four year-old son, who meets Angus, the father of her son and a one-night thing, when she moves from London to the country side. And after five or so years they are still attracted to one another. Which is amazing considering they don't the other's feelings.
Then there's Fiona, Sian's new neighbour and Angus's mother who, after a bad marriage to her second husband, decides to explore the world of internet-dating. She finds the man of her dreams, obviously, in an unexpected way (at least for her), but before we are treated with some of her (mis)adventures with men she meets via the dating website. These were fun to read and made Fiona's parts more enjoyable than Sian's, which tended to be one the more melodramatic side.
This is not the type of book I would normally read, but I suppose it's that kind you book you can enjoy while at the beach or by the swimming pool. Despite its predictability, it is a light and easy read. Good enough to spend some time in summer afternoons.
If I had any curiosity about Katie Fforde's book, now I can say it has been satisfied. And so satisfied is my curiosity now, I think I won't read another one again.
This book is fluff. Very predictable and annoyingly seen-through-pink-lenses fluff. Almost all the characters are likeable, or have some likeable trait, and even the less pleasant ones are not disgustingly bad.
Sian (how do you pronounce that?!) is a single mother, with a four year-old son, who meets Angus, the father of her son and a one-night thing, when she moves from London to the country side. And after five or so years they are still attracted to one another. Which is amazing considering they don't the other's feelings.
Then there's Fiona, Sian's new neighbour and Angus's mother who, after a bad marriage to her second husband, decides to explore the world of internet-dating. She finds the man of her dreams, obviously, in an unexpected way (at least for her), but before we are treated with some of her (mis)adventures with men she meets via the dating website. These were fun to read and made Fiona's parts more enjoyable than Sian's, which tended to be one the more melodramatic side.
This is not the type of book I would normally read, but I suppose it's that kind you book you can enjoy while at the beach or by the swimming pool. Despite its predictability, it is a light and easy read. Good enough to spend some time in summer afternoons.
July 29, 2016
*I received this book through netgalley in exchange for a honest review*
This was an incredibly charming book.
Usually, only fantasy books capture my attention but, I make myself read outside of the genre occasionally and this book was the one I picked to freshen my palette. I'm always apprehensive about chick lit books and I was hesitant to start.
Truly, the beginning was pretty ordinary but, at about 20% into the book I was pretty hooked!
I won't go as far as to say this is a favorite book of mine but, probably one of my favorite chick lit books.
The characters were so well rounded and I loved all of them... except Melissa...she's the only one! How dense or mean can a person really be??
The romance was meh. It was there but, I didn't think there was much progression. There is a bit of a love triangle but, if this is a concern for you I wouldn't worry too much. It is set up as a love triangle but, it is more of the classic questions 'Love or Money?' or 'Security or Uncertainty?' that kind of triangle.
Really enjoyed reading this book and I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's books in the future!
I recommend this book to people who like little English village settings and/or charming chick lit novels that warm the heart and put a smile on your face.
This was an incredibly charming book.
Usually, only fantasy books capture my attention but, I make myself read outside of the genre occasionally and this book was the one I picked to freshen my palette. I'm always apprehensive about chick lit books and I was hesitant to start.
Truly, the beginning was pretty ordinary but, at about 20% into the book I was pretty hooked!
I won't go as far as to say this is a favorite book of mine but, probably one of my favorite chick lit books.
The characters were so well rounded and I loved all of them... except Melissa...she's the only one! How dense or mean can a person really be??
The romance was meh. It was there but, I didn't think there was much progression. There is a bit of a love triangle but, if this is a concern for you I wouldn't worry too much. It is set up as a love triangle but, it is more of the classic questions 'Love or Money?' or 'Security or Uncertainty?' that kind of triangle.
Really enjoyed reading this book and I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's books in the future!
I recommend this book to people who like little English village settings and/or charming chick lit novels that warm the heart and put a smile on your face.
December 13, 2016
i received a copy of this via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review
I loved this gentle romance! The perfect book for summer that just takes you away from all the doom and gloom of the world, and transports you to an idyllic english village and a sneaky peek at the inhabitants and their lives and loves!
Sian has just moved into the village with her son Rory, and they're looking for a new start in a smaller place away from the noise and bustle of London. She moves into a rented cottage and immediately starts on creating a slice of the good life in the garden with flower beds and a small vegetable plot - with the help of 4 year old Rory of course! As with all villages the locals are eager to introduce themselves to the newbie, and Fiona is first to take Sian under her wing and they immediately get along like a house on fire.
We also get to see Fiona and her efforts on trying to move on with her life and trying internet dating.
Soon there are complications though when Sian is faced with a true blast from the past and soon finds out the link between Gus and her new friend Fiona, and this makes life a little unsettling when she has to face the truth and let people in and confront her true feelings.
A really sweet story of new starts and reconnecting with the past.
I loved this gentle romance! The perfect book for summer that just takes you away from all the doom and gloom of the world, and transports you to an idyllic english village and a sneaky peek at the inhabitants and their lives and loves!
Sian has just moved into the village with her son Rory, and they're looking for a new start in a smaller place away from the noise and bustle of London. She moves into a rented cottage and immediately starts on creating a slice of the good life in the garden with flower beds and a small vegetable plot - with the help of 4 year old Rory of course! As with all villages the locals are eager to introduce themselves to the newbie, and Fiona is first to take Sian under her wing and they immediately get along like a house on fire.
We also get to see Fiona and her efforts on trying to move on with her life and trying internet dating.
Soon there are complications though when Sian is faced with a true blast from the past and soon finds out the link between Gus and her new friend Fiona, and this makes life a little unsettling when she has to face the truth and let people in and confront her true feelings.
A really sweet story of new starts and reconnecting with the past.
August 7, 2012
I love Katie Fforde and believe I own every book she has written, but this was a disappointment. The heroine was indecisive and dishonest with her boyfriend, and she whined far too much. There was a dated quality to the book as if the manuscript had been in a drawer far too long with awkward references to the Internet and online dating. The hero was pleasant, but the issues that kept them apart were primarily a lack of communication that reflected poorly on all involved and were not very convincing.
March 1, 2015
Positives:
Loved the community feel, the village life, the romance and the family bond. The romance is explosive
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Its a wholesome light lift-me-up type of read which is great to read while drinking your coffee and enjoying the sun, a roaring fire or cozily in bed. The characters are likable, the tension and drama keeps you entertained and the ending brings a smile to your face.
Negatives:
This book had loads of flaws but there were far too many nice aawww bits that made up for it. It can get a bit boring when you read about the female protagonists glamorous competition being the usual shallow type of girl. STOP THE WOMEN HATE.
Loved the community feel, the village life, the romance and the family bond. The romance is explosive
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Its a wholesome light lift-me-up type of read which is great to read while drinking your coffee and enjoying the sun, a roaring fire or cozily in bed. The characters are likable, the tension and drama keeps you entertained and the ending brings a smile to your face.
Negatives:
This book had loads of flaws but there were far too many nice aawww bits that made up for it. It can get a bit boring when you read about the female protagonists glamorous competition being the usual shallow type of girl. STOP THE WOMEN HATE.
June 16, 2016
This was an okay, quick read. I discovered Katie Fforde years ago and one thing I know for sure about her books are that they are always similar in formula and you always know what to expect out of a Katie Fforde book. There will be romance, a whole ton of side characters, lots of misunderstandings, usually other significant others or exes running around causing more misunderstandings and finally at the very end-a happy ending.
So, knowing what to expect, I was not disappointed. I liked it as I usually do her books, but I didn't like it a lot, or love it at all. It was a little annoying all the misunderstandings and I get more and more aggravated with the whole cast of side characters. It felt there was too much going on.
I will read her again, she is a very reliable writer if you like her kind of books. And some days her books are just what you need.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Bookouture for an honest review.
So, knowing what to expect, I was not disappointed. I liked it as I usually do her books, but I didn't like it a lot, or love it at all. It was a little annoying all the misunderstandings and I get more and more aggravated with the whole cast of side characters. It felt there was too much going on.
I will read her again, she is a very reliable writer if you like her kind of books. And some days her books are just what you need.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Bookouture for an honest review.
July 8, 2016
A Summer of Love is an endearing and touching story. Katie Fforde’s storytelling swept me right into the English countryside and left me frantically turning pages to see what happened next.
The story is about single mother Sian and her son Rory. They rent a house near the wonderful character Fiona, and they become fast friends. So as not to give anything away, I won’t go into detail regarding Fiona, but let’s just say that, to me, it’s the perfect twist of fate that Sian and Rory moved near her. And once I figured it out, it had me reading at warp speed to see how it would end.
This is a story about the bumps we take in life, good friends and family, and the age-old dilemma of choosing to follow our head or our heart. I highly recommend it.
The story is about single mother Sian and her son Rory. They rent a house near the wonderful character Fiona, and they become fast friends. So as not to give anything away, I won’t go into detail regarding Fiona, but let’s just say that, to me, it’s the perfect twist of fate that Sian and Rory moved near her. And once I figured it out, it had me reading at warp speed to see how it would end.
This is a story about the bumps we take in life, good friends and family, and the age-old dilemma of choosing to follow our head or our heart. I highly recommend it.
October 19, 2015
This book was ok. But the language bugged me a little. It was kinda passive and seemed to go in circles a little bit. I liked the concept of the book and the cover was definitely beautiful. Just not a fan of the language style.
July 8, 2021
SUMMER OF LOVE é um romance maravilhoso de Katie Fforde. Adorei que tivesse uma parte mais séria do que o normal e, claro, uma criança faz de qualquer livro um livro melhor.
July 4, 2020
Ich wollte eine leichte Sommerlektüre und genau das habe ich bekommen. Die Handlung verläuft eher seicht und vorhersehbar und trotzdem habe ich mich gut unterhalten gefühlt. Ich kann das Buch als Feel-Good-Urlaubslektüre weiterempfehlen. Die Sprecherin hat eine sehr angenehme Erzählerstimme, so dass man einfach den Kopf ausschalten und sich berieseln lassen kann.
September 24, 2020
Ik ben echt een Katie fan maar dit boek was leuk maar had ook in de helft vd pagina's gekund. ZO TRAAG!
March 16, 2011
When Sian Bishop moves to the country with her son Rory, she quickly finds herself settling in, making friends with Fiona Mitcham. Her business as a furniture decorator is going well and she loves the little cottage she and Rory call home. When Gus Berresford comes hurtling into Sian’s life it’s the last thing she needs. Not only is Gus a heart-breaker, but he and Sian have met before. Gus is an entirely unsuitable man for Sian to fall in love with, especially when good friend Richard is offering her everything she could ever need, except love. But who will Sian end up giving her heart to, and what happened the first time Sian and Gus met?
It’s very well known that I love Katie Fforde. She’s a wonderful author and of all her seventeen novels I’ve only not read three of them. I love her storytelling abilities and the way her writing is a bit more old-fashioned than what I normally read. Her books are predictable, but that’s what I love about them. I know exactly what I’m getting each time I read one of her books and that’s wonderful because it means no nasty surprises! So I was absolutely thrilled to receive her new book in the post, and couldn’t resist reading it straight away and, as always, I was not disappointed.
Summer of Love follows pretty much the same format as all of Katie’s novels, as I’ve mentioned in previous reviews of Katie’s books. It’s a winning formula for me and I’m pleased Katie sticks to her formula for each and every novel. The book opens well, with Sian meeting Fiona and the two quickly become friends. Their bond is sealed when Fiona confides in Sian about her going on an Internet date (more on that later) and I thought the friendship between the two was very real. Now the majority of the plot centers on Rory, Sian’s son’s, father. It’s fairly obvious who the dad is, but I won’t tell it here just to preserve you knowing until you read the book. I was majorly worried Sian wasn’t going to tell him he was the dad, and I was going to have to go all Jeremy Kyle on her (“You have no right to not tell him he’s the dad” etc. etc). Thankfully that wasn’t so, and Rory’s father finds out in good time.
There is an interesting sub-plot featuring Fiona, who decides to go Internet dating. It was a nice way to mix the plot up a bit, and involving Fiona meant we could give Sian a break every now and then. I liked Fiona’s adventures at Internet dating, and the way she handled herself on one particular date. It’s a very now plot to have featured, and Fiona was perfect for it. We also see her relationship with James, a bookseller, develop during that time and it proves, if anything, that it is possible to find love and all that at any age.
I very much enjoyed getting to know the characters. I had a bit of a wobble about Sian, regarding the dad situation (again, my inner Jeremy Kyle is to blame) but it isn’t dragged out too long as to make me dislike her in any way. I just didn’t agree with her keeping schtum. Bar that, she was another excellent Fforde heroine. We have two potential love interests in Gus and Richard and to be honest there was only one for me. Richard was a bit wet for me, surely an astute businessman like himself can tell when someone isn’t fully in love with him? Gus on the other hand was brilliant, he and Sian sparked off each other well and I liked his relationship with Rory. Fiona was brilliant, as previously mentioned and I loved little Rory, he seemed like the perfect 4/5 year old!
I’ve mentioned this in previous reviews but I adore Katie Fforde’s writing style. I know, I’m getting boring aren’t I? And starting to sound like a parrot? I do apologise, but really, her writing is so enjoyable and there’s nothing like losing myself in a Katie Fforde book during an afternoon. I constantly want it all to work out for her characters and I’m always happy when it does all come together. Honestly, for as long as Katie carries on writing novels I will still read them, because there is nothing quite like being able to pick up a brand new Katie Fforde novel. Summer of Love is another worthy addition to Katie’s back list with it’s lovely plot and even better characters. It’s one Fforde fans will devour, and rightly so and I’m looking forward to Katie’s next book already.
It’s very well known that I love Katie Fforde. She’s a wonderful author and of all her seventeen novels I’ve only not read three of them. I love her storytelling abilities and the way her writing is a bit more old-fashioned than what I normally read. Her books are predictable, but that’s what I love about them. I know exactly what I’m getting each time I read one of her books and that’s wonderful because it means no nasty surprises! So I was absolutely thrilled to receive her new book in the post, and couldn’t resist reading it straight away and, as always, I was not disappointed.
Summer of Love follows pretty much the same format as all of Katie’s novels, as I’ve mentioned in previous reviews of Katie’s books. It’s a winning formula for me and I’m pleased Katie sticks to her formula for each and every novel. The book opens well, with Sian meeting Fiona and the two quickly become friends. Their bond is sealed when Fiona confides in Sian about her going on an Internet date (more on that later) and I thought the friendship between the two was very real. Now the majority of the plot centers on Rory, Sian’s son’s, father. It’s fairly obvious who the dad is, but I won’t tell it here just to preserve you knowing until you read the book. I was majorly worried Sian wasn’t going to tell him he was the dad, and I was going to have to go all Jeremy Kyle on her (“You have no right to not tell him he’s the dad” etc. etc). Thankfully that wasn’t so, and Rory’s father finds out in good time.
There is an interesting sub-plot featuring Fiona, who decides to go Internet dating. It was a nice way to mix the plot up a bit, and involving Fiona meant we could give Sian a break every now and then. I liked Fiona’s adventures at Internet dating, and the way she handled herself on one particular date. It’s a very now plot to have featured, and Fiona was perfect for it. We also see her relationship with James, a bookseller, develop during that time and it proves, if anything, that it is possible to find love and all that at any age.
I very much enjoyed getting to know the characters. I had a bit of a wobble about Sian, regarding the dad situation (again, my inner Jeremy Kyle is to blame) but it isn’t dragged out too long as to make me dislike her in any way. I just didn’t agree with her keeping schtum. Bar that, she was another excellent Fforde heroine. We have two potential love interests in Gus and Richard and to be honest there was only one for me. Richard was a bit wet for me, surely an astute businessman like himself can tell when someone isn’t fully in love with him? Gus on the other hand was brilliant, he and Sian sparked off each other well and I liked his relationship with Rory. Fiona was brilliant, as previously mentioned and I loved little Rory, he seemed like the perfect 4/5 year old!
I’ve mentioned this in previous reviews but I adore Katie Fforde’s writing style. I know, I’m getting boring aren’t I? And starting to sound like a parrot? I do apologise, but really, her writing is so enjoyable and there’s nothing like losing myself in a Katie Fforde book during an afternoon. I constantly want it all to work out for her characters and I’m always happy when it does all come together. Honestly, for as long as Katie carries on writing novels I will still read them, because there is nothing quite like being able to pick up a brand new Katie Fforde novel. Summer of Love is another worthy addition to Katie’s back list with it’s lovely plot and even better characters. It’s one Fforde fans will devour, and rightly so and I’m looking forward to Katie’s next book already.
March 1, 2012
Plot
Sian had been raising her son Rory who is nearly 5 years old on her own after a one night stand, in the hustle and bustle of London. When her close friend Richard offers her a chance to pack up and move to a slower and quieter pace of life in the country where she will be able to carry on her restoration/decoration business and Rory can start a fresh at a new school. Sian quickly settles in and finds a great friend in her neighbour Fiona. It is whilst Sian is attending Fiona’s dinner party to meet some new faces that she sets eyes on someone she never expected to see again. Is this chance meeting about to change Sian’s life for better or worse...
My Opinion
I absolutely love Katie Fforde’s style of writing, I have never found anyone who writes in a similar style. This book, just like the rest of Katie Ffordes books has you instantly absorbed into the storyline. Her books are such a cosy read that just have a way of making you want to curl up in the garden on a hot summers day and this book follows in the same style.
Sian is the main character in this book and she is a very ordinary, down to earth character facing normal day to day situations. In the opening of the book Sian makes friends with her older neighbour Fiona and they for a strong friendship and Fiona takes both Sian and little Rory under her wing. The friendship between the two women felt very natural.
The storyline focuses on Sian who comes back into contact with Rory’s father but she is waiting for the right moment to tell him. As well as this storyline there is a small sideline which follows Fiona and her looking for male company through internet dating which is a very modern topic and shows the dangers which can occur so there is a great lesson coming across in this story.
There was only one thing that bugged me a little with this book and that was Sian’s friend Richard who has strong feelings for Sian, he was the one to persuade her to move to the country yet he knew the man from her past was bound to show up at some point with his mum living close by!
This book was a lovely read and I would say it is one of my favourite books by Katie Fforde. I would highly recommend this book for a nice Sunday afternoon treat!
http://reabookreview.blogspot.com/201...
Sian had been raising her son Rory who is nearly 5 years old on her own after a one night stand, in the hustle and bustle of London. When her close friend Richard offers her a chance to pack up and move to a slower and quieter pace of life in the country where she will be able to carry on her restoration/decoration business and Rory can start a fresh at a new school. Sian quickly settles in and finds a great friend in her neighbour Fiona. It is whilst Sian is attending Fiona’s dinner party to meet some new faces that she sets eyes on someone she never expected to see again. Is this chance meeting about to change Sian’s life for better or worse...
My Opinion
I absolutely love Katie Fforde’s style of writing, I have never found anyone who writes in a similar style. This book, just like the rest of Katie Ffordes books has you instantly absorbed into the storyline. Her books are such a cosy read that just have a way of making you want to curl up in the garden on a hot summers day and this book follows in the same style.
Sian is the main character in this book and she is a very ordinary, down to earth character facing normal day to day situations. In the opening of the book Sian makes friends with her older neighbour Fiona and they for a strong friendship and Fiona takes both Sian and little Rory under her wing. The friendship between the two women felt very natural.
The storyline focuses on Sian who comes back into contact with Rory’s father but she is waiting for the right moment to tell him. As well as this storyline there is a small sideline which follows Fiona and her looking for male company through internet dating which is a very modern topic and shows the dangers which can occur so there is a great lesson coming across in this story.
There was only one thing that bugged me a little with this book and that was Sian’s friend Richard who has strong feelings for Sian, he was the one to persuade her to move to the country yet he knew the man from her past was bound to show up at some point with his mum living close by!
This book was a lovely read and I would say it is one of my favourite books by Katie Fforde. I would highly recommend this book for a nice Sunday afternoon treat!
http://reabookreview.blogspot.com/201...
July 10, 2016
I just finished Katie Fforde’s latest novel, “Summer of Love,” which has truly turned out to be a great summer read. Sian and her son Rory have just moved into a country cottage, where Sian befriends a neighbor, Fiona. They become instant buddies helping each other out with cooking, parties, and sorting through furniture and belongings. Sian moved there with the help of a friend Richard who is a kind, wealthy businessman wanting to be much more than friends with Sian (although she doesn’t think she wants that). Anyway, Sian and her young son are settling in nicely and everything is going great until Fiona’s son, Gus, shows up at one of Fiona’s dinner parties. It’s immediately obvious that they know each other, and soon everything is different. First, I liked all of the characters in this novel, except for Melissa (you will see why when you read). Sian is beautiful, smart, talented, giving, and a wonderful mother. Gus is handsome and mysterious, but also intelligent, caring, and great with kids. Fiona is also wonderful as both a friend and a mother, and is absolutely hilarious at times trying to re-enter the dating world!
This novel is fairly predictable and there aren’t many suspenseful moments. There is some conflict but ends up being resolved nicely. “Summer of Love” is the epitome of a feel-good romance. If you want a book that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy at the end, then this is definitely for you. I thought it started out a little slowly, but I quickly found myself engaged in this novel and what would happen with the characters. There are some great moments and then there are moments that are nothing short of aggravating, but as I’ve said before, I think it’s a credit to the author when I can get this frustrated with some of the characters. I wish we could have learned more about both Sian and Gus, but overall, this was an easy and pleasant read that I enjoyed!
Want to learn more about the author? Visit Katie Fforde’s web page to check out her other books!
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2017
I was a bit disappointed with Summer of Love which is unusual for me and a Katie Fforde novel since I usually ADORE them. It’s still a funny and sweet story but I felt it lacked Fforde’s usual sparkle. It’s by no means a bad book, I still read it in a day and would read it again, but it is not one of her best.
One of the things I find outstanding in her writing are the characterisations; they are loveable, believable and sometimes larger than life. In Summer of Love this is still the case but some of the reactions and interactions just missed the mark and I found some conversations a little confusing.
The plot itself while simple and sweet felt very close to a few other books I’ve read in the past which is perhaps why it didn’t feel quite right to me. ‘Girl meets boy, has only one day before he has to leave the country, mad romp ensues and has unexpected consequences. Forward five years to see where Girl is at now and ends up meeting Boy again, confused feelings, arguments then Happy Ending’. Usually that’s the kind of story I love, but it just seemed to lack the impact her books usually bring.
I did like the main characters however, Sian and Rory were funny and a great mum and son team. Fiona was just loveable and I think everyone would want her as a friend! James was a nice surprise and became much more than he first appeared. Gus had moments when he irritated me but on the whole he was just what Sian needed.
The character I didn’t like at all was Richard, he just didn’t really seem to have any impact whatsoever, except to give Sian a different option, and not really a very good one at that.
There were also a few typos which jerked me out of the story, and again this is very unusual for a Fforde book. If I had to describe how the book felt, I would simply say it felt rushed.
Definitely worth reading since it is a sweet story but not one of her best, I’m sad to say.
This review and others can also be read at http://www.bookthing.co.uk
One of the things I find outstanding in her writing are the characterisations; they are loveable, believable and sometimes larger than life. In Summer of Love this is still the case but some of the reactions and interactions just missed the mark and I found some conversations a little confusing.
The plot itself while simple and sweet felt very close to a few other books I’ve read in the past which is perhaps why it didn’t feel quite right to me. ‘Girl meets boy, has only one day before he has to leave the country, mad romp ensues and has unexpected consequences. Forward five years to see where Girl is at now and ends up meeting Boy again, confused feelings, arguments then Happy Ending’. Usually that’s the kind of story I love, but it just seemed to lack the impact her books usually bring.
I did like the main characters however, Sian and Rory were funny and a great mum and son team. Fiona was just loveable and I think everyone would want her as a friend! James was a nice surprise and became much more than he first appeared. Gus had moments when he irritated me but on the whole he was just what Sian needed.
The character I didn’t like at all was Richard, he just didn’t really seem to have any impact whatsoever, except to give Sian a different option, and not really a very good one at that.
There were also a few typos which jerked me out of the story, and again this is very unusual for a Fforde book. If I had to describe how the book felt, I would simply say it felt rushed.
Definitely worth reading since it is a sweet story but not one of her best, I’m sad to say.
This review and others can also be read at http://www.bookthing.co.uk
July 30, 2014
May contain S.P.O.I.L.E.R.S
It was a light read. One of those novels you pick out of boredom and read your way through it comfortably, even if you doze on a few pages or a whole chapter you'd still EXPECT how it would unfold. It dealt with the never aging dilemma of single mom's club, and of finding oneself again, starting over and giving oneself new shots at life. The theme of friendship was faithfully highlighted as well; there's a supportive bond between Fiona and Sian you would crave. But, and there's always a but the characters were very poorly depicted, I found myself struggling to draw a mental image of how any of the characters looked like. They were given a fluffy portrayal in a hasty manner with regard to their personalities; that would leave the reader thinking: had they met the characters at a party or in a bus (aka utter strangers) they would give the same portrayal; it was that shallow. The characters lacked depth and strength of character. The plot line wasn't catchy either and very predictable, I found myself praying it wouldn't end the way I was basically waiting for it to, praying that the heroine would suddenly be diagnosed with cancer, or that the hero would leave again and make her drown in a grim heartbreak, or that they would be faced with major differences and blocks to overcome...anything just not the slushy-sweet-dull-prince-marries-princess kind of ending.
In brief it was slightly (may be a bit more) below average.
It was a light read. One of those novels you pick out of boredom and read your way through it comfortably, even if you doze on a few pages or a whole chapter you'd still EXPECT how it would unfold. It dealt with the never aging dilemma of single mom's club, and of finding oneself again, starting over and giving oneself new shots at life. The theme of friendship was faithfully highlighted as well; there's a supportive bond between Fiona and Sian you would crave. But, and there's always a but the characters were very poorly depicted, I found myself struggling to draw a mental image of how any of the characters looked like. They were given a fluffy portrayal in a hasty manner with regard to their personalities; that would leave the reader thinking: had they met the characters at a party or in a bus (aka utter strangers) they would give the same portrayal; it was that shallow. The characters lacked depth and strength of character. The plot line wasn't catchy either and very predictable, I found myself praying it wouldn't end the way I was basically waiting for it to, praying that the heroine would suddenly be diagnosed with cancer, or that the hero would leave again and make her drown in a grim heartbreak, or that they would be faced with major differences and blocks to overcome...anything just not the slushy-sweet-dull-prince-marries-princess kind of ending.
In brief it was slightly (may be a bit more) below average.
June 26, 2013
I have been hearing about Katie FForde books from friends. I finally found out why everyone loves her writing so much.
This is a story of Sian who had a one night stand that resulted in her son, Rory. She is not the kind of woman who has one night stands, but it was literally a lightning strike of love. Gus, is the object of her lightning strike. He is an explorer who left the morning after, left no method of contact and did not know he became a father.
Through unusual circumstances Sian and Gus meet again. And life becomes very complicated.
The plot is charming, the characters are well developed and there are supporting characters who help flesh out the entire book.
Sian's housing situation is precarious. She is an artist who is trying to make a living and at the same time provide a good secure life for her son. The situations with which she is faced are realistic for many young parents in the world.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance built around real life. There is humor along with the romance. Overall this is much like real life, only everyone we meet is very good looking and very talented.
This is a story of Sian who had a one night stand that resulted in her son, Rory. She is not the kind of woman who has one night stands, but it was literally a lightning strike of love. Gus, is the object of her lightning strike. He is an explorer who left the morning after, left no method of contact and did not know he became a father.
Through unusual circumstances Sian and Gus meet again. And life becomes very complicated.
The plot is charming, the characters are well developed and there are supporting characters who help flesh out the entire book.
Sian's housing situation is precarious. She is an artist who is trying to make a living and at the same time provide a good secure life for her son. The situations with which she is faced are realistic for many young parents in the world.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance built around real life. There is humor along with the romance. Overall this is much like real life, only everyone we meet is very good looking and very talented.
July 17, 2011
Frothy, fun, and with absolutely no concentration required - this is what chick-lit is like at it's best.
There's a certain stigma about chick-lit and to an extent I agree with it. I've been avoiding the genre since an initial flirtation with it as a teenager, but wanting to read something easy and fun that I've heard good things about, I tried this one.
All the ingredients are there for a good story - a likeable heroine, a cast of supporting characters including a best friend to provide the comic relief, and a situation that any woman could imagine herself in, and can therefore figure out what they would do, and will the heroine to do the same. A part of me was yelling at Sian to do the right thing, and guess what, it all worked out in the end. No clever twists, no surprises, just a good old happily ever after.
Comfort reading at it's best, with absolutely no literary merit whatsoever. I'm still not a complete chick-lit convert but I did enjoy this one.
There's a certain stigma about chick-lit and to an extent I agree with it. I've been avoiding the genre since an initial flirtation with it as a teenager, but wanting to read something easy and fun that I've heard good things about, I tried this one.
All the ingredients are there for a good story - a likeable heroine, a cast of supporting characters including a best friend to provide the comic relief, and a situation that any woman could imagine herself in, and can therefore figure out what they would do, and will the heroine to do the same. A part of me was yelling at Sian to do the right thing, and guess what, it all worked out in the end. No clever twists, no surprises, just a good old happily ever after.
Comfort reading at it's best, with absolutely no literary merit whatsoever. I'm still not a complete chick-lit convert but I did enjoy this one.
March 14, 2012
3.5 stars.
After reading so many dystopian/post apocalyptic YA books recently, I decided that I needed a break with some light hearted chick lit. My first choice was Summer of Love, which I have been meaning to read for a while. I enjoy Katie Fforde's books as predictable as they may be.
Summer of Love was a typical Katie Fforde book. Light hearted and easy to read and of course everything worked out in the end.
I think my only gripe about this book was the pace. Most of it was fine, but it did have moments where it started to drag and I had to stop myself from skim reading.
I would recommend Summer of Love to anyone who enjoys a good chick lit read that doesn't break the mould of that genre.
After reading so many dystopian/post apocalyptic YA books recently, I decided that I needed a break with some light hearted chick lit. My first choice was Summer of Love, which I have been meaning to read for a while. I enjoy Katie Fforde's books as predictable as they may be.
Summer of Love was a typical Katie Fforde book. Light hearted and easy to read and of course everything worked out in the end.
I think my only gripe about this book was the pace. Most of it was fine, but it did have moments where it started to drag and I had to stop myself from skim reading.
I would recommend Summer of Love to anyone who enjoys a good chick lit read that doesn't break the mould of that genre.
July 20, 2016
Here is another author that I should have been reading. Her work is fun, full of interesting characters and a plot that I could actually see happening. It was a great summer read that kept me engrossed throughout the book!
All the characters were engaging and lots of fun to read about. I think my favorite was Rory - no, wait - it was Fiona! She was amazing. But all of them are so interesting that it's hard to choose.
The plot moves quickly, but never in the time I was reading did I think I was missing anything. Ms. Fforde is a great author that I will look for in the future! I can hardly wait to read more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the privilege of reading this book and providing an honest review.
All the characters were engaging and lots of fun to read about. I think my favorite was Rory - no, wait - it was Fiona! She was amazing. But all of them are so interesting that it's hard to choose.
The plot moves quickly, but never in the time I was reading did I think I was missing anything. Ms. Fforde is a great author that I will look for in the future! I can hardly wait to read more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the privilege of reading this book and providing an honest review.
April 21, 2012
Maybe closer to two and a half stars. I usually love Katie Fforde's books but this one didn't do it for me. Sian Bishop, a single mum and her son Rory move to an English village. There she meets the one person she enver expected to see again.
This is definitely in the light chick lit catagory and I don't necessarily have a problem with that but I just found the instant friendships and too nice characters all a bit much. It did impove when conflict entered the scene, so the second half worked better than the first. But even that conflict was a long time coming and if I'd have been in a different mood I'd have probably given up before then.In the end it was all light but predicatble.
This is definitely in the light chick lit catagory and I don't necessarily have a problem with that but I just found the instant friendships and too nice characters all a bit much. It did impove when conflict entered the scene, so the second half worked better than the first. But even that conflict was a long time coming and if I'd have been in a different mood I'd have probably given up before then.In the end it was all light but predicatble.
July 8, 2014
Nice read but a little slow. Also a bit annoying that the main character was thinking about breaking up with the good guy, she didn't love, for like 300 pages before she finally decided to. Even though it was obvious from the beginning that she would.
Also they drink so much tea in this book, like all the time, that it makes me want to pee. xD
So I enjoyed it as an in-between read but not particularly recommend it. It was okay but definitely not great. :)
Also they drink so much tea in this book, like all the time, that it makes me want to pee. xD
So I enjoyed it as an in-between read but not particularly recommend it. It was okay but definitely not great. :)
April 29, 2011
Katie Fforde is one of my favourite authors and this was one of the best I've read. It was lovely to curl up with and enjoy the story. Some authors you just know that you are going to lose yourself in the pages and are sad when you've come to the end. I must look out the remaining books that I've still to read.
September 3, 2016
NOTE: Received as an ARC from Netgalley.
Katie Fforde's books are always cheerful and calming. (The scene with Evan was hilarious.) I actually found myself somewhat more interested in Fiona's storyline than Sian's. If both were a bit predictable, that's just part of the comfort and charm. But I don't think I want to know what goes into the dessert "Dead Baby with Extra Jam and Custard"!
Katie Fforde's books are always cheerful and calming. (The scene with Evan was hilarious.) I actually found myself somewhat more interested in Fiona's storyline than Sian's. If both were a bit predictable, that's just part of the comfort and charm. But I don't think I want to know what goes into the dessert "Dead Baby with Extra Jam and Custard"!
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