Monday 27 May 2019

BLOGTOUR: Review for Poppy's Recipe for Life by Heidi Swain

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Poppy's dream is finally coming true - she's moving into Nightingale Square. She's keen to get involved with the community garden and share her passion for preserves. Poppy is soon surrounded by friends and is determined to break the cool, grumpy exterior of her new neighbour Jacob.

The surprise arrival of Ryan, Poppy's teenage brother threatens to ruin her happy existence on Nightingale Square and, as the community gears up to win a local competition, Poppy has to decide what her priority must be. 
My Review:

I am a huge fan of Heidi Swain books, Team #SWAINETTE all the way. All of Heidi’s books are so wonderfully cosy and charming, you can't help but be swept along into a world full of community, friendship, care and cake (or in this instance pickles!) I've been looking forward to Poppy's Recipe for Life for so long as it was a very welcome return to Nightingale Square. (Fans of Heidi will recall the brilliant book - ‘Sunshine and Sweetpeas in Nightingale Square’) Don't worry if you haven't read anything of Heidi's before as they are all gorgeous standalone books; they just include characters and places you will know and love if you have. 
Poppy is a bright, confident and happy young woman. I like her a lot, she works hard and is passionate about what makes her tick, you know she hasn't got a great relationship with her family but she is surrounded by wonderful friends and that is all she needs. She sacrifices a lot for her brother, her friends and the local community - putting others needs in front of her own most of the time. I loved that in her but at the same time was willing her to do what was good for her too - nobody needs to be completely selfless all of the time. I also admired her tenacity in trying to break down the gruff exterior of Jacob. (Cue girly swoon!) 
Jacob was clearly destined to be part of the community - no matter how much he resisted; and he certainly gave that his best shot. Initially, I found him to be quite rude although it soon became clear if anyone could make him change it would be Poppy. She seems to have a way about her. A turnaround in attitude happened quite quickly, but I'm not complaining as I enjoyed the chemistry between him and Poppy.
Ryan is your typical teenager. Sullen, moody and after years of suffering, is not outwardly interested in much. I loved seeing how his character developed but also how Ryan helped Poppy. A great relationship and for me it was the most important within the whole book.
A whole host of fun and quirky characters await you in Poppy’s Recipe for Life, all so lovely in their own way and bringing different elements to the story. It's an eclectic bunch of residents in Nightingale Square that I hope we will learn more about in the future. Please say we do Heidi...  
Heidi writes with such care for her characters and settings. You think of them as friends, and Poppy is now amongst them. A firm favourite for her positive outlook on life. I love Heidi's feel good style of writing and I often wish I could live in these fictional places.  
This book is a pure uplifting, romantic comfort read. A hug in book form! I read it in a few hours - I didn't want to put it down and yet I wanted to make it last for as long as I could. Perfect to read on the beach, by the pool or snuggled up on the sofa with a cup of tea and cake.
I cannot recommend this book (and all of Heidi’s previous books!) enough - a gorgeous, feel good treat. Thank you, Heidi, for bringing us Poppy, taking us back to Nightingale Square and sharing this wonderful story with us all.
With thanks to Books and The City (@TeamBATC), Heidi Swain (@Heidi_Swain) for providing me with a copy to read and review honestly. It’s a pleasure to kick to start this wonderful blog tour. 
About the Author:
Sunday Times Best-selling author with a passion for vintage, hearth & home.
Creating wonderful communities and characters. Find out more -
Check out the blog: http://heidiswain.blogspot.com/


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2 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for kicking off the tour my lovely and for your fabulous review. I'm absolutely delighted you enjoyed your return trip to Nightingale Square so much! You really are a true #swainette! Much love H x

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  2. Preserves and pickles ... A girl after my own heart!

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