Aurora Henderson and Leo McKendrick were love’s young dream when they first dated as teenagers.
But like many a first love, parents, life, and distance got in the way, and the couple lost touch. Now, twenty years later, Aurora – Rory to her friends – needs a break. Burnt out from her teaching career and longing to write a novel, Rory heads to the idyllic village of Roseford for a summer of writing and relaxation.
Leo needs a change too. Ex-pat life in Australia has come to a sticky end so the opportunity to run his family’s B&B, Roseford Villas, for the summer is too good to turn down.
Neither Rory nor Leo believe in fate, but when Leo opens the door to his latest guest, he might just have to reconsider. And when a sultry summer fills with nostalgia and memories and six weeks flies by too fast, love’s young dream might just get a second chance…
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Rory, an English teacher from York, is eager to spend the summer in Roseford to finally work on her dream of writing a novel. However, her plans are disrupted when her reserved chocolate-box cottage gets switched to a lodge at Roseford Villas. Although the new accommodation has its inconveniences, like not being able to plug in her laptop at the table, it’s still within walking distance of Roseford Hall, where the archives can aid her research for her book. Plus, her former friend, who lives nearby, is available to discuss her ideas, and the village pub is ideal for observing local life. The real surprise comes when Rory discovers that Leo, her first love from 20 years ago, is temporarily managing the B&B at the Villas while the regular owners are away.
Their unexpected reunion ignites a heartwarming second-chance romance, with both Rory and Leo carrying baggage and secrets from their long time apart. As their slow-burn relationship starts to rekindle, they find themselves facing practical complications—Rory’s commitment to her teaching job, and Leo’s plans to start a new position in London—which raise doubts about whether their relationship can last beyond the summer.
The book captures the emotional journey of reconnecting with the past and the challenges of overcoming obstacles on the path to a happy ending. It balances the romantic elements with Rory’s journey as a writer and the historical discoveries that come with it. Although this could be the final book in the series, it leaves readers with a sense of closure and a feeling that the residents of Roseford are well on their way to their own happy-ever-afters. With strong characters, a captivating setting, and thoughtful storytelling, it’s a charming and engaging read.
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