Three and a half stars.

Eliza is a divorced mother of three adults, all of whom had flown the coop but have now returned to her small two bedroom flat for *reasons*. Desperate for a bit of peace and quiet to finish her dissertation which might enable Eliza to get a degree and start a career is sports therapy (or something similar) and get away from her job as receptionist for a local estate agents, Eliza accepts a short-term hob housesitting in Spain.

The house which Eliza is looking after is famed for rearing the famous Iberico pigs, whose tender meat and delicate flavour are prized the world over. But things start to go wrong almost immediately, the local Gastronomic Society refuses to admit women, or foreigners, and the man who looks after the prized pigs has disappeared, sending a rather untrustworthy guy in his place. Eliza knows these pigs are worth a small fortune, but when the owner isn't answering her calls what should she do?

With the help of the ex-pat community, who call themselves the Spanish Language Class, although there is precious little Spanish being taught, and the young Spaniard who works in a tapas bar owned by an ex-pat called Juan (real name John), Eliza cares for the pigs herself.

I liked this but I didn't love it. I thought the start was a bit rushed in Jo Thomas' eagerness to get Eliza to Spain - don't get me wrong, I didn't want to waste half the book in England but this felt like Bish, Bash, Bosh, she's in Spain. Then the ex-pats felt a bit clichéd, would you really move to rural Spain if you were scared to try authentic Spanish food? I guess if you moved to one of the Anglicised coastal resorts that have British pubs serving a Full English maybe, but surely not in a small rural village? And then the madcap caper at the end ... I honestly couldn't get my head around the logistics and gave up trying. TBH, this felt like one too many plots, I would have preferred a plot centred around Juan's attempts to win the Tapas competition, the pigs, and slowly bringing the ex-pats and the local community together.

Having said that, it was a Jo Thomas novel, so full of great scenery, wonderful descriptions of food, and a slower pace of life, but I feel they are all very similar, very middle-aged, middle-class woman finds a new lease of life abroad, with help from the local women - maybe I shouldn't have looked at a couple of my previous reviews of her books?

If you are looking for a sweet, charming, feel-good, romance set in the glorious Spanish countryside then this is the book for you.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I absolutely love Jo Thomas and her wonderful books that take you to new places and make you wish if only !
Although I felt this book was written a little different to the others but it didn’t take away the enjoyment in reading.
Eliza feels everyone at home is so dependant on her and she just doesn’t have any time to herself. She sees an advert about house sitting in rural Spain and off she goes, She meets the secretive owner Josep and little does she know her two weeks will be full of making friends and a little adventure thrown in. From expensive hams, the local Gastronomic Society with such secrets and men only. Eliza becomes friends with the Spanish Conservation Society and just doesn’t realise where the friendships will take her.
Friends with ex pats , Juan and especially the lovely “ Banderas “ 🙂
Read it and enjoy it
Thanks again to Transworld Penguin Random House UK and NetGalley for the early read

Jo Thomas never fails to whisk us away to glorious settings; sun filled locations oozing charm as well as giving us the escapism in book form.

This time we head to Spain with Eliza, a single Mum of three grown children who has decided it’s about time she does something for herself. House sitting for Josep, discovering the delights of the area and realising what scandal is right on the doorstep, Eliza fully immersed herself in the community, local cuisine and delicious offering from the nearby producers.

When she has a debt to pay, Eliza risks everything to put things right. With a little help from new friends, she gets stuck in and uncovers the truth.

It’s romantic, dramatic and really quite fun. Mouth watering descriptions will leave you hungry, and I’ll guarantee you want to head off to Spain to experience what Eliza does. An array of wonderful characters, will make you laugh and cheer.

Brilliant! Highly recommend for food lovers and those looking for an armchair holiday!

Yet another great summer read from Jo Thomas.

Eliza a stressed mother lives in her 2 bedroom flat with her three children who have returned home for various reasons.

At the beginning Eliza is talking really quickly about her life, dreams and the issues she has with her children.....Eliza has an essay to submit for her Foundation Course to enable her to start a university degree (not that she knows which subject to do). She decides to take two weeks leave from her role in an estate agents to house sit in Spain... with the aim to complete her essay.

Eliza arrives at Josep's house, he breeds black pigs for their ham.... Pedro the person employed to look after the pigs disappears.... Eliza joins the Spanish Conservation Group ...all ex-pats who speak very little Spanish.

Lots of twists and turns and a great read about a 40 something who wants to make changes to her life!

Wow! Despite it being a cold dark January I feel that I have just been on the most amazing Spanish culinary adventure ever!
Jo’s unique ability to instantaneously transport you to another setting is outstanding the descriptions of the setting, customs, people and most importantly the wonderful, varied delicious local delicacies is second to none! Add into the mix a middle aged mum escaping from her adult children, a wonderful mix of pig farming and ham production very interesting and informative, new friendships,romance and a hare brained risky mission you have a fantastic book that will keep you interested and reading continuously until you have finished it!
Awe inspiring especially for women of a certain age who are experiencing empty nest syndrome or who need a change of direction just like Eliza pricing it’s never too late to change, learn new skills, make friends, move,or to have a new romance, would love to revisit the characters to see how Eliza and Joseph’s relationship develops and how Juan and Eliza’s enterprise takes off!
Thank you netgalley for this delectable read woukd highly recommend to all!

I’ve just finished this book after a long binge reading session. What a fabulous read it is. Great story, characters and location. Jo tells this tale with sympathy and kindness. It has some very funny moments. The threaded stories of friendship, romance and happy ending for all just complete the book to perfection.

Oh my, what a thoroughly enjoyable and addictive read. From beginning to end this book kept me entertained, from kids to pigs and England to Spain. Something for everyone and an education in understanding pigs and ham! The author has done it again, can’t wait for the next book Jo.