Guest Review: A Family Recipe by Veronica Henry

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 . . .

Review: I am a big Veronica Henry fan, and was delighted to have the chance to read her new novel. I was hooked by this one from the very first page. I have absolutely loved Veronica's style of writing and depth of expression in all of her novels that I have read, but I think that she has excelled with this particular story. 

This book tells the tale of one woman at two stages of her life and of her granddaughter, the whole story being tied together by recipes carried through the years. The 'action' takes place in 1942 and present day; the narrative skilfully skips from one time to the other without confusion. In 1942, we meet Jill, who is suddenly plunged into the reality of World War II as her home city of Bath is bombed and loved ones are lost to her. In the present, her granddaughter, Laura is struggling with the departure of both daughters to university as well as the stress of an overworked and distant husband. Both ladies are soon turning to the box of family recipes to help them through difficult times. 

I have only good things to say about this book. It is full to the brim with strong characters and interesting situations. Then there is all the lovely, mouthwatering foods. When Laura turns to making jams and preserves, I could almost taste them, especially the plum cheese. I would heartily recommend this book; definitely story telling at its finest. 

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