The Little Cottage in the Country

Anna’s favorite aunt has left her a little cottage in the country that couldn’t have come at a better time. Her cramped and overpriced London apartment is not an inspiring place to raise her children, and with their not being slotted into the ‘better’ school in the area, and knowing that on a single mum’s budget with sporadic support from their father- the cottage is a wonderful opportunity. A chance to hone her domestic skills and offer her children a better school, fresh air, plenty of space and even a taste of the good life. All while producing a column about adjusting to and exploring the country life.

Soon Anna finds that just because she wants to become the Mary Berry of cakes, and the epitome of yummy mummy in the country, her own lack of skills (and actual disinterest) in those particular activities are overrated, as having safe and happy children, a livable space and the ability to pay the bills is more than enough to take on. When her best friend appears, soon followed by her mother, the hijinks begin. Two men have caught her interest: the domineering and oh-so-posh Richard, and the ‘Lord of the Manor” Horatio, who has arranged for a pirate-speaking handyman to do some of the odd jobs needed.

Starting a bit slow, then quickly becoming a mix of laugh out loud moments, situations that only Anna could be in, and a run in with the meanest of the mean-girls at the school drop-off, Anna is diving head first into country life, egged on by her best friend – outrageous in London but a complete alien creature in the country. From bake sale competition with Waitrose-baked cakes to a Pork Pie roll (think mad dash after the cheddar wheel as it barrels down the hill) to her children’s father turning up and demanding access after scarpering when the line turned pink – Anna is against it every time. And with her children’s welfare paramount in her mind, and her own growth from biddable doormat to independent and decisive woman, you can’t help but love her.

A mother who is backhanded with all of her compliments, and determined to live in the spotlight: a fierce best friend and a diary that hides the secrets of Horatio’s family, one his mother is determined to destroy: the story ramps up and demands the next page. Cute and funny children, a hilarious (if ultimately sad) comeuppance for the meanest girl at the drop-off, and opportunity for hope and happiness, the story is a clever read and sure to please fans of finding your way stories that are laden with humor.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review. All conclusions are my own responsibility.

First time reading this author. I wish I could say I really enjoyed it, I kept expecting to, but it was a very madcap kind of story. Meant to be humorous, but for me it never was.