Sorry I could not finish this book. I found it very bland

I hate not being able to say oh what a great read. It wasn't, but nor was it a bad read. I enjoyed it, finished it, but felt something was lacking.
A good read that with a bit more oomph, especially towards the end could have been a great read.

This is the second book by Fern that I've read, and based on this I'd still happily read others. I find Fern's writing engaging and easy to read, and her characters realistic - this book is no exception. I enjoyed the setting very much, as well as the very real things that happen to the characters - it's not all sweetness and light. But it wouldn't be much of a story if nothing happened! I whizzed through the book, eager to discover what would happen, but unfortunately felt like it fell at the last hurdle. Compared to everything that had been built up throughout, the threads of plot and the relationships, the ending was pretty weak. I won't say any more and give spoilers, but I'll just say that I really felt the ending let the book down. Having said that, it was still an enjoyable read and one I'd recommend for those that enjoy chick-lit/women's fiction.

Review cross-posted on Amazon and Goodreads.

Set in the gorgeous picturesque Cornish town Pendruggan, Penny Leighton lives with her husband and daughter and holds a secret to the past. Her mother and sister are estranged- and when her mother dies, her sister appears on her doorstep looking to make amends. But all is not what it seems and Penny's life is turned upside down.
I enjoyed reading this book- up until the last chapter when it seemed the author was rushed to finish it. The accusation that Penny's sister makes regarding the male characters was only plausible to a fault and it seems it was just thrown in for good measure and rushed to tie up the loose ends. Should have been 1 chapter longer...

Lovely easy read, I'm becoming a fan of Fern Britton. Sometimes , such as on holiday or when stressed I reach for a book just like this. Perfect beach read, laze by a pool etc.

Not predictable, well written but perfect escapism from a difficult situation I'm currently in. I lost myself in the characters lives and the gorgeous setting. It was a treat and a joy. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book .

Thoroughly enjoyed this story of estranged sisters. A great cast of characters (some of whom we have met in a previous novel) and a strong storyline. A bit predictable but entertaining none the less!

This is a story very much in the tradition of family sagas set in the West Country. Indeed, this is set in a fictional Cornwall. One I do not recognise. Where the sun shines (see the usual amount of rain for Western England: http://www.cornwalllive.com/cornwall-in-the-rain-here-are-seven-things-only-people-in-cornwall-know-about-the-wet-stuff/story-30164588-detail/story.html); and locals embrace newcomers and welcome them.

But this is feel-good summer holiday reading where the title promises a Postcard of Importance, but fails to deliver.

Clearly intended as the first of a family saga from the final paragraph.

This was a good holiday read. A well written story with very good descriptions of setting, giving you a real feel for Cornwall.. The characters however, did not seem to have the depth needed to make them believable. Good light reading.

An outstanding read that I couldn't put down and finished from cover to cover in one day. A beautifully written heart wrenching story that has you emotionally gripped from page one. I only wish it hadn't ended and that there is a sequel on its way. Highly recommended.

This is a well written and beautiful story.
It gives you a real feel of Cornwall.
Unfortunately the some of the characters were just not believable.
Hence only 3 stars.

Easy reading, charming if a little depressing emotional tale of life and love in a pretty Cornish village. First book of Fern's I've read, think I should have read in order to understand more of the characters. Going to read the others in order now. Love Fern on TV and nod as an author.

Interesting plot of domestic life in the country. With romance, awkward sisters, interesting neighbours and village folk. A pleasant read, and most of us could relate to some of the situations presented. Feel good book and things work out in the end.

Very pleasant reading.

This was nice and light, very pleasant reading. It’s a cosy village saga set in Cornwall focusing on the lives of the local vicar Simon and his wife Penny. It’s easy reading, and contains a good mix of true to life everyday issues, secrets and lies, trials and tribulations, happiness and health, and ill health.

It was the cover and the blurb of this book that initially caught my eye. Obviously Fern Britton is very well-known as a TV presenter-but would her writing measure up? It was actually very good so I was pleasantly surprised. I was really pleased to find I already had a couple more of her books on my kindle, I had picked one up free a while ago, and one for 99p. Taking a look at the listings of these books, I realised they are a series, however, it didn’t seem to matter that I hadn’t read any of the others before-definitely can be read as a standalone too.

I was a little disappointed with the end section-I was expecting a big reveal but then was shouting at the book “What? Who is this mother? It ends on a cliffhanger! Does this mean you have to get the next to see what happens now?” I think she could have revealed and then continued with more in the next book. Another thing which didn’t seem too good: Has this character not changed the bedlinen from Christmas to February????!!!

A very pleasant read and I’ll be reading more.

This was the first book I'd read by this author and I doubt I would bother with any more. It's very much of it's type - a Cornish Aga saga where all the characters are one dimensional and everyone lives happily ever after, successful and comfortably off without really working at it. This is a good book for a holiday by the pool or beach but that's about it.

This book was a surprise and a joy to read. I picked it as I had just read some pretty heavy murder mysteries, and wanted something lighter. I was delighted by this novel.
I had never read anything by Fern Britton before, and was apprehensive (having read other TV presenters' attempts at novels and found them disappointing to say the least!), but I was captivated from the start. The story is extremely well written and has a lovely flow to it. I couldn't put it down, and became quite resentful when forces to do so.
The characterisation was thorough and lively, and the people became real to me very quickly. The plot was enticing and the outcome satisfying.
I don't know which Cornish town is the muse for this piece, but I want to live there, with all of these characters.
I can't rave about this enough, it was wonderful. Needless to say I have immediately bought another of Fern's books, and bought a copy of this for my Mum and my best friend!

A great holiday read. Lots of great descriptions of the cornish coastline - a perfect summer read.
Lovely characters - many of whom we have met already in other Fern Britton novels - but this novel does stand alone you don't need to have read others first - although if you are going to read all of Ferns novels I would recommend going back to the early ones first.

I thoroughly enjoyed this - quite a light read, it does touch on some social issues but there is nothing deep and meaningful - just a chick lit easy and enjoyable read.
While I have found that I enjoy much deeper reads I still enjoy something like this interspersed with them particularly while on holiday and reading a book every day or two!

Thank you to Netgalley for an early copy.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Harper Collins and the author Fern for allowing to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have always liked her on TV so I really looked forward to reading this book. I really liked this book and all the way to the end I was expecting a really dramatic climax to the story that had reeled me in, so it was a bit of a let down that the ending wasn't quite as I had hoped. I was expecting proper stalker craziness (you know like Single White Female) and what I got I thought was quite mild.

Having said that I did enjoy it and I really liked Ferns's writing style. She is very good at writing and I will definitely read more of her books.

Loved this book. A great holiday read. Emotive story with some lovely characters. Want to read all Fern's books now.

It was only as I finished the book that I realised that it was a sequel to a previous book. I felt that the ending was very inconclusive leaving the way open for another in the series.

This book is so beautifully written its the perfect summer read. I really enjoyed the characters and the location of this book, and I really feel like the characters will stay with me forever.