A Family Recipe: A deliciously feel-good story of family and friendship, from the Sunday Times bestselling author
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By Veronica Henry
avg rating
7 reviews
Don’t miss Veronica Henry’s new bestselling and gorgeously uplifting novel, The Impulse Purchase – available now!
‘A heart-warming, triumphant story combined with Veronica’s sublime writing – the perfect mix!’ Cathy Bramley
What’s the secret ingredient to your happiness?
Laura Griffin is preparing for an empty nest. The thought of Number 11 Lark Hill falling silent – a home usually bustling with noise, people and the fragrant smells of something cooking on the Aga – seems impossible. Laura hopes it will mean more time for herself, and more time with her husband, Dom.
But when an exposed secret shakes their marriage, Laura suddenly feels as though her family is shrinking around her. Feeling lost, she turns to her greatest comfort: her grandmother’s recipe box, a treasured collection dating back to the Second World War. Everyone has always adored Laura’s jams and chutneys, piled their sandwiches high with her pickles . . . Inspired by a bit of the old Blitz spirit, Laura has an idea that gives her a fresh sense of purpose.
Full of fierce determination, Laura starts carving her own path. But even the bravest woman needs the people who love her. And now, they need her in return . . .
The brand-new feel-good story from bestseller Veronica Henry – a perfect mix of family, friends and delicious food.
Your favourite authors love A Family Recipe:
‘An utter delight’ Jill Mansell
‘Truly blissful escapism’ Lucy Diamond
‘A delicious treat of a book’ Milly Johnson
‘A beautiful book. Warm, emotional and full of hope’ Sarah Morgan
Readers have fallen in love with A Family Recipe:
‘So absolutely and completely gorgeous in every way!’
‘A delightful, heart-warming story about the importance of home, family, friends and the unbreakable bonds between them’
‘Wonderfully uplifting…A story of lost chances and second chances, tragedy and despair but also hope and resilience’
‘The perfect mix of food, family and friends provides the right ingredients for this delightful read’
‘My favourite book of 2018 – treat yourself to a delicious novel this summer’
TweetReviews
the writing was a little disjointed, not very challenging, but a pleasant enjoyable read ideal for holidays
I was pleased to have this book to read while I was away, it made a good light holiday read. It was nice being reminded of Bath and indeed learning about the bombing during the war. I also got a good feeling for the vibrant city it is today. The plot was a bit predictable in places. The ideas of the recipes was a nice touch and I liked the fact when thinking about how resilience older generation were, dealing with so much, can give us inspiration today.
A Family Recipe is a light read, centred around Laura as her world falls apart and rearranges itself in a satisfactory, though rather predictable way. I found the historical descriptions of Bath during WW2 the most interesting part of the book and the family recipes were a nice touch.
An easy read with a central character who seemed an absolute icon of virtue. The historical aspects with descriptions of how Bath was affected by bombings in the second World War made an interesting contrast with current life. I liked the concept of passing recipes down the generations.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a light read.
The ups and downs of everyday family life. The links with the past influencing the future. All were displayed in this book by Veronica Henry.
A light summer read but a rather predictable outcome for a happy ending. I am familiar with Bath and enjoyed imagining the setting there.
How comforting a family recipe book or box can be if it rewards a loved one with thoughts of times past and meals eaten. Who might enjoy mine in the future I wonder?
Another great story from Veronica Henry, especially liked the dual time frame between WW2 and the present. Loved Kanga and Lily’s story and the strength they displayed through The Blitz.
A feel good, easy read.
I am a member of Three Horseshoes Reading Group (YV58) and I was really looking forward to a light summertime read - we had just read a rather heavy one so this felt like a real gift! Escapism.
I plot shifts between two different time zones, one of the characters existing in them both. There was a real sense of the shifting dynamics of a busy family and the challenges that this represents to those involved. How these changes impact on their personalities and their ability to fulfill their 'roles' in the family unit. The constant within this plot being Number 11 Lark Hill, the house itself, the home to this family tale.
Initially I found the glimpses of the past lives more interesting whilst the current inhabitants were a little too predictable for me. There were some expected resolutions and I recognised that, within myself, as a reader I do enjoy an ending where all of the story lines reach a conclusion. Very satisfying and yes the description of a 'feel-good read' was very apt.
I also feel inspired to hunt through my own family recipe cards left over by previous generations to see what I can discover. Recommended for a light easy read.
