An entrancing story primarily of a modern-day English village, but with neat little interjections of life and love in the Edwardian era leading up to the grim reality of the First World War. In many such villages, old houses are lived in and their gardens loved as much as ever. But who has enjoyed them before us? What happened in their lives? And to what extent should we restore such properties to their former glory? This is a delightful tale of relationships, restoration and the joyful - and poignant - story of generations before us who lived in the same places we do but whose world was so different.
As summertime flourishes, it's time for new beginnings! Heartsease House is in desperate need of renovation. Its owner, widower Joel, is struggling to come to terms with life as a single dad. His plans to refurbish the house and garden suddenly seem like one burden too many. Mum to twin girls, Lauren's life is a constant juggling act. When her ex Troy turns up she's determined to keep her distance while he gets to know his daughters. But it's a lot harder than she imagined ! Then erstwhile guerrilla gardener Kezzie bursts into their lives with her infectious enthusiasm to restore the gardens of Heartsease. But who is Kezzie? And what is she running away from? As the warm days of summer draw closer, Heartsease House and its beautiful love-knot garden are transformed. But will Joel, Kezzie and Lauren be able to restore their own hearts?
Acclaim for Julia Williams: * 'Terrifically warm, with lovely, lively characters. Fiona Walker
This is an enjoyable read that will leave you with a warm glow -- and reaching for your dance shoes! Closer
'If you are a fan of dancing, ! this book is great to curl up with as the nights draw in. Lovely. www.trashionista.com
'Funny, heartwarming, poignant and a joy from start to finish, Strictly Love is strictly irresistible! Single Titles.com
Author
About Julia Williams
Julia Williams was born in London in 1965, the youngest of twins and one of eight children. She attended St Michaels Grammar School, Finchley before studying English at Liverpool University, where she met her husband, Dave, a dentist. They married in 1989. Following university, Julia studied at the London College of Printing, before embarking on a publishing career at Routledge. In 1990, she joined Scholastic Children's Books, where she stayed for eight years. During that time she ran the very successful Point list. Her proudest moment as an editor was editing The Sterkarm Handshake by Susan Price which won the 1998 Guardian Fiction award. In 1998 following the birth of her second daughter, Julia decided to pursue a freelance career. At the same time she enrolled on a writing course, joined the Romantic Novelist's Association and started writing her first novel. It took her two more years to complete it and get herself an agent, who signed her up the week before the birth of her third daughter. A further six years was to elapse before Julia completed Pastures New, and in the meantime she has also had two picture books published by Evans Publishers, completed two children's novels and self published a book about running the London Marathon. Julia is proud to be a member of the Romantic Novelist's Association and she blogs regularly at "http""//maniacmum.blogspot.com.
