Always Something There To Remind Me by Lilian Kendrick - A Warm-Hearted Novel About Achieving Your Teenage Dreams

The thing that made me want to read Always Something There to Remind Me by Lilian Kendrick was the fact that, amongst the aims Lydia had written on a list when she was fifteen, was that she wanted to skate like Jayne Torvill! Me too!
Now thirty years later, Lydia, newly divorced, finds her school rough book (remember those?) complete with her other hopes of overcoming her fear of flying; singing in front of an audience; and getting a date with a rock star!
She finds help and inspiration from Des, a man at her writing group, who helps her to achieve her dreams, in sometimes very unexpected ways, and I found myself giggling out loud at the things she got up to.
It was lovely to read a book about a woman in her forties, instead of twenty- or thirty-somethings, with the idea that she is not too old to make those teenage dreams come true.
And does she find new love with Des? You'll have to read the book to find out!

High Tide by Veronica Henry - An Uplifting Autumn Read

Now that Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night are over and Christmas is sparkling on the horizon, You might like this relaxing autumn read by Veronica Henry. High Tide will definitely help you unwind away from the lists, the shopping, and the cooking!
It's set in the fictional Devon seaside town of Penfleet, and begins with two funerals, and afterwards follows the two characters who are left behind and whose life must go on.
Kate, a New York events organiser, returns to her home town for her mother, Joy's, funeral and has only a few days to attend that and empty her old home ready for selling, before Carlos, her boss, wants her back.
Vanessa lives in Penfleet House, the wealthy second wife of Spencer, who has to cope with his first wife's histrionics and the indifference of his children.
Veronica Henry soon works her magic that can only come from being a scriptwriter on Holby City and The Archers, to weave a story about Kate and Vanessa and how they cope.
She introduces two male characters: Sam, a single dad, who has escaped to Penfleet with his children for a more meaningful life; and Nathan, who lives with his grandfather and apart from sailing the boat that they've restored, works for the local undertaker. . .
This results in an uplifting story to enjoy by an open fire with a mug of hot chocolate, or maybe a glass of red wine!
Which is your favourite Veronica Henry novel?