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Language of the Heart
A different sort of Cinderella story, which starts with a car breakdown on a dusty back road in Portugal, and winds up with the "ideal" prospective bride out of the picture, and the wielder of the toy sword in control.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1962
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137 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Cadell
104 books118 followersViolet Elizabeth Vandyke was born on 10 November 1903 in Calcutta, British Raj, daughter of British parents, Elizabeth Lynch and Frederick Reginald Vandyke, a colonial officer. During the Great War she studied music in London, but refused a musical career and returned to India where she married in 1928 Henry Dunlop Raymond Mallock Cadell, and they had a son and daughter. After she was widowed ten years later, she returned to England.
Elizabeth wrote her first book 'My Dear Aunt Flora' during the Second World War in 1946, there after producing another 51 light-hearted, humourous and romantic books which won her a faithful readership in England and America. In addition to England and India, many of her books are set in Spain, France, and Portugal. She finally settled in Portugal, where her married daughter still lived.
She died on 9 October 1989, aged eighty-five.
Elizabeth wrote her first book 'My Dear Aunt Flora' during the Second World War in 1946, there after producing another 51 light-hearted, humourous and romantic books which won her a faithful readership in England and America. In addition to England and India, many of her books are set in Spain, France, and Portugal. She finally settled in Portugal, where her married daughter still lived.
She died on 9 October 1989, aged eighty-five.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 3, 2010
Elizabeth Cadell came highly recommended when I asked the good folks over at the Comfort Reads group for a nice, comforting, "old fashioned" romance. I sought out the "old fashioned" books because I was fed-up with most of today's romance books where half the people turn out to be idiots or cheaters, where the f-word is smattered about on every page, and sex is more important than falling in love. Well, there was none of that in "The Toy Sword" I am happy to report! Sure, some of the "old fashioned-ness" might be annoying to some modern-day readers; our hero is about fifteen years older than his leading lady and it's hard to imagine any of the romantic dialogue being spoken by sweethearts a today's Starbucks or wherever. But, darn it, I sure enjoyed the change! Our leading lady is spunky and smart, even if she sometimes needs the help and advice of our hero; and though she does something that is woefully meddling and turns his life upside down (for the worst, it seems at first), we somehow can't hate her--and neither can he. I love imagining them in the 1960s clothing and automobiles and whatnot. Great fun! I'll definitely be on the look for more by Cadell. And, if you're a Cadell fan, I would highly recommend you check out Emilie Loring's books, if you haven't already. They remind me of one another.
November 4, 2011
This book was an absolute joy to read from start to finish, and a perfect comfort book after 3 sub-par reads.
Cadell is a writer after my own heart. She writes in an engaging way. Her sense of descriptive place is excellent (very similar in style to Mary Stewart). She puts alot of humor into her story. Her characters are interesting and those you want to spend some good reading time being with. She writes sweet, old-fashioned love stories, but they aren't cloying. In fact, Cadell created a very lovable, yet strong and resilient female heroine in the character of Fran. Fran was young, but she was smart, resourceful, sassy and intutitive when it counted. Her relationship with Edmund, the hero, was the perfect blend of slow but steady friendship, respect and finally love.
I would recommend this story to any reader who enjoys clean romances filled with humor and great characters. I plan on expanding my Cadell TBR pile pronto.
Thanks to Kathryn for recommending me to this book (and author) :)
Cadell is a writer after my own heart. She writes in an engaging way. Her sense of descriptive place is excellent (very similar in style to Mary Stewart). She puts alot of humor into her story. Her characters are interesting and those you want to spend some good reading time being with. She writes sweet, old-fashioned love stories, but they aren't cloying. In fact, Cadell created a very lovable, yet strong and resilient female heroine in the character of Fran. Fran was young, but she was smart, resourceful, sassy and intutitive when it counted. Her relationship with Edmund, the hero, was the perfect blend of slow but steady friendship, respect and finally love.
I would recommend this story to any reader who enjoys clean romances filled with humor and great characters. I plan on expanding my Cadell TBR pile pronto.
Thanks to Kathryn for recommending me to this book (and author) :)
October 13, 2025
This was Elizabeth Cadell at her finest. In most ways, it is a perfect example of the amusing old fashioned English stories she writes. Everything typically revolves around a romance of varying importance to the plot, but there are always plenty of side stories and characters to entertain.
In the usual Cadell story, a nice, good and attractive hero or heroine has somehow lost the plot and is not living his or her best life. They are often dominated by the wrong romantic partner. They leave the city for the country and find what is missing in their life. Usually they are shown the way by getting involved, against their will, with someone who seems totally wrong for them, but turns out to be the right romantic partner after all. And throw in an eccentric character (usually elderly) or two that also contribute to our main character starting to see things in a different light. But this one set itself apart in more than a few ways:
1) A more deliciously nasty than usual fiancé for our hero to escape from. After Edmund gets back from his little life changing vacation in Portugal, he is (cluelessly) looking forward to reconnecting with his beautiful, dignified, and sensible Angela again. To his befuddlement, he is greeted by her horrible mother who returns Angela’s engagement ring. He has committed the ultimate sin of doing something counter to his strong-willed fiancé’s stated wishes (orders.) She will not even speak to him until he fixes what (she thinks) he did. Edmund handles the situation with grace and dignity. Unfortunately for Angela, Edmund has started to get a new perspective on life in general and doesn’t come to heel immediately as she expected. This is thanks to meeting…
2) Fran. And her little family while at his little farm in Portugal, Montebarca. She is a real charmer and the complete opposite of everyone he is used to: Openhearted, kind, talkative, and spontaneous. To top it off, she loves and appreciates the primitive Montebarca, unlike his luxury-loving fiance. She is made even more likable by …
3) The narration by Anna Guerrier. She gave our heroine Fran a real Hayley Mills vibe, and I can’t imagine the rest of the characters any other way but how she interpreted them. I love the way she gave Edmund a quietness that was an intriguing contrast with Fran's garrulous personality.
4)Portugal. The author obviously knows and loves this country, and, as in many of her books, it becomes almost a third character. A metaphor exposing everything that is wrong with “London” Edmund and his normal life there. Edmund’s love for the country and his Montebarca, reveal that he is a man worth saving from himself and his poor taste in fiancés.
5) There was one really great confrontation between Fran and Edmund after Edmund finds out how Fran interfered in his life behind his back. Edmund really lets fly telling her off, and as much as I loved Fran and her generous heart, I was like, “He’s right! How dare she!” Then Fran had a go defending herself and eviscerating his character, and I changed my mind again.
6) There were some real surprises towards the end. Everything looked like it was wending its way predictably towards a lovely happy ending, but wait. Not so fast. There is a little secret that is revealed that puts a surprising new slant on Edmund’s two eccentric relatives he has given a home to and his supposed act of generosity towards them. And then all of our friends are confronted with scandal and infamy and end up in court. London is rocked. Didn’t expect that at all!
I can’t remember if justice is ever served to the meanies off stage in any of Cadell’s novels. But the comeuppances are front and center here. It was classic Cadell, but extra. An absolute delight.
In the usual Cadell story, a nice, good and attractive hero or heroine has somehow lost the plot and is not living his or her best life. They are often dominated by the wrong romantic partner. They leave the city for the country and find what is missing in their life. Usually they are shown the way by getting involved, against their will, with someone who seems totally wrong for them, but turns out to be the right romantic partner after all. And throw in an eccentric character (usually elderly) or two that also contribute to our main character starting to see things in a different light. But this one set itself apart in more than a few ways:
1) A more deliciously nasty than usual fiancé for our hero to escape from. After Edmund gets back from his little life changing vacation in Portugal, he is (cluelessly) looking forward to reconnecting with his beautiful, dignified, and sensible Angela again. To his befuddlement, he is greeted by her horrible mother who returns Angela’s engagement ring. He has committed the ultimate sin of doing something counter to his strong-willed fiancé’s stated wishes (orders.) She will not even speak to him until he fixes what (she thinks) he did. Edmund handles the situation with grace and dignity. Unfortunately for Angela, Edmund has started to get a new perspective on life in general and doesn’t come to heel immediately as she expected. This is thanks to meeting…
2) Fran. And her little family while at his little farm in Portugal, Montebarca. She is a real charmer and the complete opposite of everyone he is used to: Openhearted, kind, talkative, and spontaneous. To top it off, she loves and appreciates the primitive Montebarca, unlike his luxury-loving fiance. She is made even more likable by …
3) The narration by Anna Guerrier. She gave our heroine Fran a real Hayley Mills vibe, and I can’t imagine the rest of the characters any other way but how she interpreted them. I love the way she gave Edmund a quietness that was an intriguing contrast with Fran's garrulous personality.
4)Portugal. The author obviously knows and loves this country, and, as in many of her books, it becomes almost a third character. A metaphor exposing everything that is wrong with “London” Edmund and his normal life there. Edmund’s love for the country and his Montebarca, reveal that he is a man worth saving from himself and his poor taste in fiancés.
5) There was one really great confrontation between Fran and Edmund after Edmund finds out how Fran interfered in his life behind his back. Edmund really lets fly telling her off, and as much as I loved Fran and her generous heart, I was like, “He’s right! How dare she!” Then Fran had a go defending herself and eviscerating his character, and I changed my mind again.
6) There were some real surprises towards the end. Everything looked like it was wending its way predictably towards a lovely happy ending, but wait. Not so fast. There is a little secret that is revealed that puts a surprising new slant on Edmund’s two eccentric relatives he has given a home to and his supposed act of generosity towards them. And then all of our friends are confronted with scandal and infamy and end up in court. London is rocked. Didn’t expect that at all!
I can’t remember if justice is ever served to the meanies off stage in any of Cadell’s novels. But the comeuppances are front and center here. It was classic Cadell, but extra. An absolute delight.
March 6, 2024
This is one of my favorite books by Elizabeth Cadell a close second to “The Fledgling”. It’s sweet without being cloying, witty without vulgarity, and has a satisfying and happy ending.
March 5, 2023
Edmund Forth has everything he wants: he is wealthy, a successful architect, has a very comfortable house with servants catering to his every wish, and a beautiful, if a bit icy aristocratic fiancée. He is well-meaning, but becoming a bit complacent and pompous.
His life is turned upside-down when he meets and rescues Fran and her siblings in Portugal. Their car has repeatedly broken down and against his better judgement he invites them to stay at his cork farm in Montebarca until their car can be repaired.
When he gets back to London, he finds he has two distant cousins moved into his basement flat. His servants have deserted him because of the upheaval caused by the cousins, and his fiancée has jilted him because she had had other plans for the flat. It seems Fran has caused havoc, all out of kindness of her heart.
His life is turned upside-down when he meets and rescues Fran and her siblings in Portugal. Their car has repeatedly broken down and against his better judgement he invites them to stay at his cork farm in Montebarca until their car can be repaired.
When he gets back to London, he finds he has two distant cousins moved into his basement flat. His servants have deserted him because of the upheaval caused by the cousins, and his fiancée has jilted him because she had had other plans for the flat. It seems Fran has caused havoc, all out of kindness of her heart.
October 10, 2019
This is such a great story! It’s funny and romantic with a cast of quirky characters and a wonderful love story.
One of Cadell’s best books right up there with “The Fledgling”.
I enjoyed listening to it as much as reading it.
One of Cadell’s best books right up there with “The Fledgling”.
I enjoyed listening to it as much as reading it.
November 30, 2010
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighthearted read with a touch of exoticism and romance mingled with a dash of humor. The book came out in 1962 but has aged well, despite the absence of sex, violence and cell phones.
The story begins with Edmund Forth, a prematurely middle-aged architect, leaving for his annual visit to his much-loved estate in Portugal. There he runs into a vacationing English family, consisting of two school-aged children, their older sister Fran, and their devoted former butler Teck. The Nash family has come down in the world, and Fran, whose talents are said to be entirely domestic, has transformed the family home into a boarding house to make ends meet and keep the younger children in a good public school (a recurrent theme in English fiction, I've noticed!). They all spend a few gorgeous weeks in the summer sunshine, but Fran quarrels with Edmund when she hears that he and his fiancee, Angela, refused to offer temporary accomodations to Edmund's two elderly and eccentric aunts. NEvertheless, she agrees to send the telegram containing this refusal during a stop on her way back to England.
When Edmund arrives back in London a week later, he is aghast to find the two aunts installed in his house and his fiancee ready to break off the engagement. He finds out that Fran, having altered the telegram, is directly responsible for this disastrous turn of events. He seeks her out to berate her, but becomes drawn, almost against his will, into the cheerful hurly-burly of her boarding house with its unusual inhibitants. Between his newly found friends and his maddening but affectionate aunts, his life takes a turn for the better, especially when the entire group is invited to the opening night of the play that represent one of Fran's lodgers' big break. But then disaster strikes : Teck is accused of having stolen a bracelet belonging to the lead actress in the play. Scandal looms, and it is up to Edmund to orchestrate Teck's alibi and triumphant vindication. In the process, of course, he wins Fran's heart.
The story begins with Edmund Forth, a prematurely middle-aged architect, leaving for his annual visit to his much-loved estate in Portugal. There he runs into a vacationing English family, consisting of two school-aged children, their older sister Fran, and their devoted former butler Teck. The Nash family has come down in the world, and Fran, whose talents are said to be entirely domestic, has transformed the family home into a boarding house to make ends meet and keep the younger children in a good public school (a recurrent theme in English fiction, I've noticed!). They all spend a few gorgeous weeks in the summer sunshine, but Fran quarrels with Edmund when she hears that he and his fiancee, Angela, refused to offer temporary accomodations to Edmund's two elderly and eccentric aunts. NEvertheless, she agrees to send the telegram containing this refusal during a stop on her way back to England.
When Edmund arrives back in London a week later, he is aghast to find the two aunts installed in his house and his fiancee ready to break off the engagement. He finds out that Fran, having altered the telegram, is directly responsible for this disastrous turn of events. He seeks her out to berate her, but becomes drawn, almost against his will, into the cheerful hurly-burly of her boarding house with its unusual inhibitants. Between his newly found friends and his maddening but affectionate aunts, his life takes a turn for the better, especially when the entire group is invited to the opening night of the play that represent one of Fran's lodgers' big break. But then disaster strikes : Teck is accused of having stolen a bracelet belonging to the lead actress in the play. Scandal looms, and it is up to Edmund to orchestrate Teck's alibi and triumphant vindication. In the process, of course, he wins Fran's heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2024
Language of the Heart is one of Elizabeth Cadell's better books, despite the title. Enter Mrs Belchamber is another. In my opinion Cadell's earliest books are better, before she got so prolific. I've read over 20 books now, in order of publication. Although story lines and characters can get same-ey at times, they are addictive and I can't stop reading these books, especially as they are so cheap on Kindle. I know the cover of a book is supposed to be unimportant, but I don't agree and I think it's a shame that the cover art looks extremely juvenile. These stories may be squeaky clean, which I appreciate, but they are not YA or childish in themes. If you enjoy British female authors who wrote during the 1940's - 90's, give Elizabeth Cadell a try. She set her books all over England, in countryside and in London, but also in France, Spain, and Portugal which were countries she knew well and renders realistically.
December 26, 2021
This is one of my favorite Cadells. It is humorous, sweet, silly, with a touch of nostalgia. I have probably read this 10-12 times now as I own the book.
June 28, 2022
More a 3.5
It's clearly dated, especially when it comes to the writing style, but I still had a good time reading it.
My favorite detail was how part of the story is set in an estate in Portugal, more specifically in the same region of the country I live in, and what fun it was so recognize some city/places names...
It's clearly dated, especially when it comes to the writing style, but I still had a good time reading it.
My favorite detail was how part of the story is set in an estate in Portugal, more specifically in the same region of the country I live in, and what fun it was so recognize some city/places names...
October 11, 2017
Another one I want to read due to this review: http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/ov...
My library copy is actually titled "The Toy Sword" and has a different cover (Man in Raybans, Girl riding a donkey, bad art). But it's the same book inside as described.
3.5 stars. I enjoyed that.
My library copy is actually titled "The Toy Sword" and has a different cover (Man in Raybans, Girl riding a donkey, bad art). But it's the same book inside as described.
3.5 stars. I enjoyed that.
September 26, 2013
Architect Edmund Forth seems to have the ideal life, until he's asked to provide housing for two eccentric, elderly cousins. His aristocratic fiancee doesn't like the idea, and Edmund isn't crazy about it, either. But on a visit to Portugal he meets a young woman and her two siblings who change his mind about a lot of things.
September 2, 2020
Found this old book on my shelves and finished it up in a day - pretty easy to predict what would happen romance-wise and there was some odd twist at the end that seemed out of place. But I loved the parts that took place in Portugal and actually learned a little about the country - not sure I have ever read a book that took place there so it was all new to me.
January 30, 2024
Another of my favorites!
July 18, 2010
A sweet book. I enjoyed it immensely! I will have to search for more of Cadell's work.
July 29, 2010
One of my favorite Cadell.
April 3, 2015
A comfort read! Rainy day, cup of tea...have always loved Elizabeth Cadell's books. And what's not to love about Portugal?
February 2, 2016
A lovely romp with hysterically funny characters and, of course, eventually true love.
January 17, 2018
One of the best things about being "friends" with Nancy Pearl on Goodreads is receiving her reading recommendations from authors I am usually not familiar with and/or challenging me to read out of my comfort zone. Elizabeth Cadell, a prolific British author, died in 1989 at the age of eighty-six; I had never heard of her. My meager research indicates she was born and raised in England, well educated, especially in music, fiercely independent and perhaps, opinionated, left a widow to raise two young children, and found writing a career that better matched the way she wanted to live her life. These snippets are reflected in the characters and plot lines, a breezy read about a different time in the UK and Europe.
Stuffy, successful bachelor, Edmund Forth, is engaged to beautiful-and-she-knows-it/ice-maiden/status-seeking, Angela Wilde, with his life laid out for him, lock step. Alas, when he leaves London for a month at his second home in Montebarca, Portugal, he meets Fran Nash, her young brother and sister, and her devoted friend with a dark past, Teck. Meeting Fran is like a head-on collision for Edmund, shaking up every aspect of his life, introducing him to a group of people different in every way from his friends and colleagues, making him think differently about people and problems, and melting his heart. Two elderly aunts, Louisa and Frederika, are thrust upon Edmund, apparently a familiar part of Cadell's works, eccentric and outrageous, and a big part of Edmund's transformation. Of course, the reader knows a happy ending awaits but not before some unexpected adventure.
Published in 1962, some attitudes reflect the times (strict class lines, stick old ladies out of sight in the country, "men are only men," women's traditional roles in marriage etc.) but others surprise. Fran Nash is her own woman, financially savvy, running a boarding house to survive, wisely perceptive about people, and nobody's fool. Originally published in Great Britain as "Language of the Heart," I read this under its US title, "The Toy Sword." Charming, cheerful, a sweet reminder of another time, I enjoyed this novel and will try to find more of Cadell's work, which may take some work.
Stuffy, successful bachelor, Edmund Forth, is engaged to beautiful-and-she-knows-it/ice-maiden/status-seeking, Angela Wilde, with his life laid out for him, lock step. Alas, when he leaves London for a month at his second home in Montebarca, Portugal, he meets Fran Nash, her young brother and sister, and her devoted friend with a dark past, Teck. Meeting Fran is like a head-on collision for Edmund, shaking up every aspect of his life, introducing him to a group of people different in every way from his friends and colleagues, making him think differently about people and problems, and melting his heart. Two elderly aunts, Louisa and Frederika, are thrust upon Edmund, apparently a familiar part of Cadell's works, eccentric and outrageous, and a big part of Edmund's transformation. Of course, the reader knows a happy ending awaits but not before some unexpected adventure.
Published in 1962, some attitudes reflect the times (strict class lines, stick old ladies out of sight in the country, "men are only men," women's traditional roles in marriage etc.) but others surprise. Fran Nash is her own woman, financially savvy, running a boarding house to survive, wisely perceptive about people, and nobody's fool. Originally published in Great Britain as "Language of the Heart," I read this under its US title, "The Toy Sword." Charming, cheerful, a sweet reminder of another time, I enjoyed this novel and will try to find more of Cadell's work, which may take some work.
September 23, 2024
My mind is still on that warm peaceful and calm estate in the province of Alentejo in Portugal. The Montebarca Estate was left to Edmund Forth by his cousin Walter Forth. When Edmund drove out to visit the property for the first time he fell unexpectedly in love with it. He has gone out every year since and is once again getting ready to leave for yet another visit. At the time, Edmund was engaged to the lovely, beautiful, but very selfish Angela Wilde. She was not accompanying him to Montebarca as the living conditions on the estate were too primitive for her tastes.
Just before he left, Edmund mentioned to Angela that he got a letter from his Uncle Robert. He was asking Edmund for accommodations for two to three weeks for their cousins Louisa and Frederica. No one else in the family wants to take them on any more. He had a quick conversation with Angela before he left about the request and she told him to send his Uncle Robert a letter that he couldn't put them up. He leaves for Portugal without taking the time to send the letter.
On his way to the estate Edmund stops to help a family whose car has broken down. Little did he know that this group would change his life forever, especially the young woman in the group, Fran Nash. You will find these characters and the many others included in the story to be fun and full of surprises. Fran is very outspoken and opinionated but in a friendly fun way. You are in for a wild but fun ride with this one. Give it a try.
Just before he left, Edmund mentioned to Angela that he got a letter from his Uncle Robert. He was asking Edmund for accommodations for two to three weeks for their cousins Louisa and Frederica. No one else in the family wants to take them on any more. He had a quick conversation with Angela before he left about the request and she told him to send his Uncle Robert a letter that he couldn't put them up. He leaves for Portugal without taking the time to send the letter.
On his way to the estate Edmund stops to help a family whose car has broken down. Little did he know that this group would change his life forever, especially the young woman in the group, Fran Nash. You will find these characters and the many others included in the story to be fun and full of surprises. Fran is very outspoken and opinionated but in a friendly fun way. You are in for a wild but fun ride with this one. Give it a try.
October 23, 2018
One of my favorite from the woman who is rapidly becoming one of my favorite leisure-reading novelists. Classic Cadell, with the lovely setting (mostly Portugal), a muddle-headed male, a feisty ingenue and some interfering children, a bit of a romantic mess--just the book for when you want to chill, but with someone who uses words deftly and with wit.
January 6, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this light, happy novel - a wonderful period piece, very British, and with characters you can perfectly picture. If you love, as I do, old-school fiction that leaves you uplifted and even makes you laugh out loud at times, then this is for you. I shall definitely see if there are any of Elizabeth Cadell's other books still in print, or search for them secondhand.
June 5, 2021
Didn't enjoy this one as much as the last ones of hers that I read. Kind of formulaic: two people meet who are very different from each other; people change; people are surprised. Just not the reader. I feel like there were parts of this book that could have been fleshed out more to make it more...well, just more. Good, not great. 3.5
October 18, 2021
Love this book!
Elizabeth's books are always and heart warming. Reading her books, this one included, is like a hot cup of tea on a cold winter day, warms you inside and out. Her characters are real and funny. I always feel like I'"ve made new life long friends.
Elizabeth's books are always and heart warming. Reading her books, this one included, is like a hot cup of tea on a cold winter day, warms you inside and out. Her characters are real and funny. I always feel like I'"ve made new life long friends.
August 9, 2018
I reread Cadell every so often when I want a breeze of uplift with some humor and some suspense. I'm so glad they are on Kindle now. Some titles I haven't read for years.
May 27, 2024
Enjoyable romance
July 26, 2024
Such a feelgood book
September 3, 2020
see my review of "The Golden Collar"
March 6, 2017
The heart has its reasons...
Moving story of a smug middle-class architect jolted out of his ridiculously perfect existence by a pretty young woman (+ her friends and family) who tries to teach him that if he gives with his heart instead of always choosing the safe way he will have a much better life. He fights her and his better instincts every step of the way. Lovely generous Cadell at her best.
Moving story of a smug middle-class architect jolted out of his ridiculously perfect existence by a pretty young woman (+ her friends and family) who tries to teach him that if he gives with his heart instead of always choosing the safe way he will have a much better life. He fights her and his better instincts every step of the way. Lovely generous Cadell at her best.
March 5, 2021
Another sweet read from Elizabeth Cadell. This little gem takes us to the sun swept shores of
Portugal. Stodgy and way too old for his age, Edmund, takes a holiday to Montebarca, a property that he inherited from his family. Escaping the somewhat lonely and daily life he has in London, this is his place of peace. Before he can get to his little home away from home, he passes a little family stranded on the side of the road. Chaos ensues, a broken down car, two rowdy kids, an older boarder and a lady named Fran, are about to change this man's life forever! Against his better judgement he packs them in his car and so begins his journey to finding out he is human after all. "He drew a deep breath. He was here. There above him, through the trees, were his beloved white buildings, bright with Bougainvillea, shaded by overhanging vines: a cluster of primitive little houses set in a forest clearing." This is the kind of place we all wish we could spend a long, lazy summer. Grab this little book and escape to Portugal!
Portugal. Stodgy and way too old for his age, Edmund, takes a holiday to Montebarca, a property that he inherited from his family. Escaping the somewhat lonely and daily life he has in London, this is his place of peace. Before he can get to his little home away from home, he passes a little family stranded on the side of the road. Chaos ensues, a broken down car, two rowdy kids, an older boarder and a lady named Fran, are about to change this man's life forever! Against his better judgement he packs them in his car and so begins his journey to finding out he is human after all. "He drew a deep breath. He was here. There above him, through the trees, were his beloved white buildings, bright with Bougainvillea, shaded by overhanging vines: a cluster of primitive little houses set in a forest clearing." This is the kind of place we all wish we could spend a long, lazy summer. Grab this little book and escape to Portugal!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews