Review: Snowdrops at the Star and Sixpence by Holly Hepburn

When sisters Nessie and Sam inherit a little pub in a beautiful country village they jump at the chance to escape their messy lives and start afresh. But when they arrive at the Star and Sixpence, it's not quite what they imagined - it's pretty much derelict, ruined by debts, and it's going to be a huge job to get it up and running again.

It's just before Christmas but they are determined to relaunch on New Year's Eve, to bring the new year in with a bang. But with nosy neighbours, miserable locals and no money to contend with, it's not going to be easy.

This is a nicely festive short story by a new author, or new to me at least. It is the first in a series, to be followed by two more short stories next year.

It tells the story of two sisters, Vanessa (Nessie) and Sam, who have inherited from their estranged father a country pub in a small village miles from anywhere. As well as renovating the rather rundown pub, they have to win over the locals, who are somewhat resistant to change. Luckily, there are a few who are on their side, and a bit of love interest as well. There are some interesting characters among the villagers, including ones that might be familiar to anyone who has experienced life in a small community.

I enjoyed the story in as far as it went, but there is a bit of mystery hinted at, which I expect is going to emerge in later parts. This makes the ending a little unsatisfactory for anyone as impatient as me. However, the story is well written and I am looking forward to finding out how the girls are faring in the next instalment. I'm sure it will be worth the wait!