A warm atmospheric novel about one summer of deep changes in family relationships and friendships in a quiet Cotswolds village resulting in personality growth for all concerned, written with sympathy and humour.

Nofel gynnes ei hawyrgylch am un haf o newidiadau dwfn ym mherthynas teulu a ffrindiau mewn pentref tawel yn y Cotswolds yn foddion i gryfhau perthynas pawb, wedi ei hysgrifennu'n llawn cydymdeimlad a hiwmor.

Based in the Cotswolds, this is a story of life and relationships. Siân James focuses on gardener Bel Patterson, her sister Fiona, an ex-model, and Bel’s school friend, Gloria. As the story opens, Bel is struggling with the aftermath of a relationship with a married man and with the care of David, her mentally handicapped brother.

As the title suggests, the action takes place during the summer when Bel discovers the identity of her unknown father and puts a few more pieces into the jigsaw puzzle that is her life. Fiona finds new love and starts to move on after the end of her modelling career. While Gloria, whose bold and out-going character is the opposite of shy, romantic Bel, realises that there is only one man for her after all.

After the first chapter, when the reader needs to be alert to field the volleys of character introductions, this is an easy read. Siân James populates her story with believable characters, colourful gardens and mouth-watering food. Her message is one of hope reborn. Her characters find that life is worth living as they search for answers to the past and discover love and hope for the future.

Catriona Jackson

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgement should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio’r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.