The brand-new feel-good story from bestseller Veronica Henry - a perfect mix of family, friends and delicious food.
So absolutely and completely gorgeous in every way! I do look forward to the latest Veronica Henry, I fairly danced with glee when ‘A Family Recipe’ arrived. Number 11 Lark Hill, Bath sits centre stage in this story, set during the Second World War and 2017. The house connects two tales, two women and the people they love. I read this in one sitting, once started, I quite simply didn’t want to stop. Jilly and Laura became known and loved, each and every character pops with intensity, fully realised, touchable, real. Veronica Henry has such a beautiful touch, she paints an entire world, deeply rich and vibrant, bringing to life thoughts, emotions, heart-ache, joy. I stepped though the pages into Bath, wandered the streets, travelled back in time, and salivating, I even looked up the food market to see if I could visit! I know I say this every time, but each new novel becomes my favourite by Veronica Henry, that is her gift, and ‘A Family Recipe’ most certainly continues that tradition.
Explore our '80+ Books That Deliver a Hug' listicle for more feel-good or uplifting books.
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
| Recommendations: |
I really enjoyed it. I love Henry’s writing style, it’s an easy read for the summer. I loved the characters and it gave an insight into Bath, past and present.
As a lover of the old school ‘chick lit’ books from the nineties I’ve read my fair share of heartbreak, revenge and transformation novels. So Veronica Henry is an old favourite for me.
We begin surprisingly for me in 1942, bring introduced to the quiet unassuming Jilly, a Doctor’s daughter, who during a night bombings of Bath is not home where she should be but meeting a young, dashing service man in the park! Bombs drop and Jilly is far from home, so begins the story.
We then meet mumsy Laura, whose youngest daughter Willow is off to uni, leaving her with empty nest syndrome and a huge case of self doubt worrying about what the future holds.... Read Full Review
A delightful, heart-warming story about the importance of home, family, friends and the unbreakable bonds between them.
A Family Recipe is a delightful, heart-warming story set in a much-loved family home in the beautiful old city of Bath. The book is about Laura, a devoted wife and mother, who is suddenly faced with living life on her own after spending many years at the heart of a happy, loving family. It also tells the heartbreaking story of Laura’s beloved grandmother and the author successfully manages to swing smoothly between memories of life during the war and the events of the present day. At different stages in their lives, a collection of precious family recipes provide a link with the past for both Laura and her grandmother as they battle their way through challenging times and overwhelming grief. The recipes offer the women practical solutions to some of their problems as well as providing much needed comfort during their struggle to find inner strength.... Read Full Review
An enjoyable, engaging read about families and relationship. Perfect for a holiday, or for curling up with by the fire on a winter's evening.
This book would appeal to fans of Rosamunde Pilcher, Joanna Trollope and Maeve Haran. It is very much a woman's read, probably with a target audience of women aged 40 and over.
The novel tells the stories of Jilly and her grown-up granddaughter. It alternates between the 1940s and the present day. It is story of friendship and families, based in Bath. There are no real surprises in it, but it is a comfortable read with a satisfying end. I found it perfect for a teacher unwinding during the school holidays. It would be a good book to take away on holiday - undemanding and enjoyable. I think my friends would enjoy reading it, and I'm also going to recommend it to my mum.
There was some historical detail in the story, which I found interesting.... Read Full Review
