This was my first book by the author but I enjoy her TV presenting and love Cornwall so was very interested in reading it.
The Postcard was a warm and easy read, not particularly taxing but as cosy and enjoyable as a cup of tea with a biscuit. I looked forward to reading it at the end of the day but would have liked a little more depth to the characters as they felt a little light and obvious.
And I did think the book ended rather abruptly with a strand of the book that hadn't really been referred to or seen as that important to the story (Ella and Henry's parentage). I was far more interested in Suzie's breakdown and how she ended up in the psychiatric ward because this was also rather abrupt and just seemed to happen behind the scenes - this seemed odd to me when SO much time had been spent describing things like village meetings and games of rounders!
But overall an enjoyable easy read and it made me want to read others by the author and visit Cornwall again!

An easy holiday read about a vicar, his wife and year old daughter. Penny is struggling and finds it harder when she finds out her estranged mother has died.

It is the first book I have read by Fern Britton, but it won't be the last. Engaging story, with some excellent characters (and some I wanted to pick up and shake) and with a lovely setting in a Cornish village, what more can you ask for in a book? It is not the first book about Penny, but the book could easily be read as a stand alone, but I'm sure it's better to read them in order. I was very close to giving this book a 5 star, and I will be a regular reader of Fern's books from now on. I would certainly highly recommend this book and it's a perfect easy-read for holiday (summer or winter).

Great summer read to take on holiday,it has all the ingredients.
This book set in Cornwall deals with several issues including sibling rivalry, post natal depression and greed.
Penny is a successful producer of a successful television series which was filmed in Cornwall and whilst there met the man of her dreams and married.
They now have a child and Penny does not cope well with motherhood and running a house as well as a successful career.
Bring into the mix a sister that has been estranged for several years and the death of her mother and it all adds up to a brilliant read.
Fern Britton never disappoints and this book is no exception.

This is the first book that I have read by Fern Britton and found it quite enjoyable. Loved the setting; Not so sure about the characters though. I was irritated by some of them and by the end found that I was caring less and less about what happened. Nonetheless I kept going and competedthe book.

I am sure this book will be very popular as a summer beach read. However reading it now, I got a bit frustrated. My main gripe was the way Penny said 'oh my God' a few times. As a Christian and a minister's wife, this would be absolutely abhorent to them. It showed a lack of awareness by Britton.
The ending also felt like a bit of an anti climax. A small side storyline was used as the final ending. It felt like the book ended mid conversation, with Henry's feelings having been against his mother throughout the novel, suddenly he's talking about the possibility and excitement of meeting her. This is a woman who abandoned them. The ending just felt wrong and disjointed. Leaving it at Penny's forgiveness and hope for the future would seem a more relevant and appropriate end.
However, as I said at the beginning, I think it will be a popular summer read. The characters were engaging and you wanted Kit and Ella to work out their relationship.

Light read ideal for holidays. It's the first time I have read any books by Fern Britton and it won't be the last. I'd always steered clear of celebrity authors in the past so it was a pleasant surprise. I think some of the characters have appeared in previous books which would probably help to have read these first but not essential. Both the main characters in this tale are somewhat annoying but believable. They are sisters and both have issues from the past and are both jealous and selfish to some extent and unable to move on. However, barring the more extreme behaviour, they are believable and one feels one has met these sisters or heard about them. Some good background characters who one would get to know in previous books. The ending certainly leaves the way open for another book involving these folk and I shall look out for it.

I adore Fern's stories and this one didn't disappoint. As always, you get a real feel for the characters and find yourself being able to relate to them on so many different levels that you begin to care for them!
The setting is described wonderfully as though you are almost there. I liked the way the characters interacted and build their relationships into the story.
I'm sure every mother has feelings and are too ashamed to admit as the main character, but it showed me she was human and loved her family, despite the ups and downs and mixed emotions she was feeling. I was pleasantly surprised to read how the marriage to a vicar didn't overpower their relationship but made them compatible in their own way.
I read this book in one setting as I couldn't put it down! Thanks Fern for another great read and Net Galley for allowing me to read it.

Penny has what many would think as the perfect life, in beautiful Cornwall with a loving husband and baby daughter. But of course all is not quite as it seems, she misses her professional life in London and life with a toddler can be tough. Also, she has cast off her family long ago but, as will happen, it catches up with her. It isn't always easy to be sympathetic with Penny, and her ogre lone lost sister perhaps isn't as Penny painted her. This is a good summer read with enough to keep you turning the pages.

I enjoyed this book but didn't give it 5 stars as I couldn't believe in the main character, Penny. She was so abrupt and rude to perfectly nice people, it didn't ring true. I know she was stressed and had work problems but I don't know anyone who would behave in that way under those conditions And then she could be genuinely sweetness and light! Her husband, Simon, a vicar was very believable and a wonderful, patient husband.
Apart from Penny's sister, Suzie, who is horrible, I enjoyed and liked all the other characters, especially the two male cousins who moved into the cottage next door to the vicarage.
Fern certainly makes you feel as though you're in a Cornish Village, her descriptions of an outdoor cream tea afternoon was brilliant. There was so much to like about this book I could overlook the bits (people) I didn't and would recommend it as a good holiday read

This is one of my favourite authors, fern describes everything perfectly so much so that you can picture it in your mind.
This book delivers again a book about a woman, penny and her struggle with trying to do everything herself after just having a baby girl, something all women can relate to how she feels. Then a sister turns up and everything is turned on its head
I seriously couldn't put my kindle down I had to know what the outcome was all I can say is it left me stunned. Hope she has started book number 2 in this series I can only hope and pray it won't be long

Penny is married to a vicar in Cornwall with a baby daughter Jenna and is obviously suffering from post natal depression......so much so that she actually takes an overdose of pills. When new GP Adam moves in next door he is there to help and with the help of acupuncture starts to bring her back to her normal self

Penny has been estranged from her family for several years not having really got on with her mother Margot or sister Suzie so when she hears that her mother has died and her sister Suzie wants to become friends she is extremely sceptical but Suzie soon pushes her way into their lives.........and what a scheming, vindictive character she is!

Great book, loved the descriptions of Cornwall, and although the ending was a bit lacking hopefully that is because there will be a future novel involving Ella

Set in Cornwall, the beautiful village of Pendruggan is home to new mum Penny and her vicar husband Simon. Whilst missing her busy workload in London and coping with sleepless nights, Penny learns that her estranged mother has died. Simon, worried that his wife is not coping encourages her younger sister Suzie to stay and soon unsettling secrets emerge.
Fern tackles some hard topics in this novel which makes it uncomfortable reading in parts. Overall it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from Fern.

My first outing with Fern Britton. Enjoyed the story but had difficulty at first liking central character Penelope. Well written with interesting sub plots which tied in well to the main story. What I had issues with was the way locals were portrayed as speaking. Having holidayed in Cornwall in recent years, I find very few of them sound the way Ms Britton portrayed them.

The Postcard by Fern Britton is a contemporary story surrounding two sets of siblings and secrets from the past. It was a wonderful entertaining read that had my pulse rising as I read towards the conclusion.
Families can be messy affairs - a melting pot for jealousy, hurt feelings and sibling rivalry. This is explored within the pages of The Postcard.
Everyone has secrets. Secrets can become a burden over time. They need to be shared or they will break the person carrying them, with their weight.
The novel delved into the topic of mothers. They come in different forms and can make or mar a child. There are several within the book.
There are the difficult topics of post natal depression, suicide and mental illness. They are sensitively presented. I think all Mums will be able to identify with the feelings of overwhelming love for our newborns coupled with tears and feelings of unable to cope, whilst trying to present a composed front to the world. The main character really came alive for me as I empathised completely.
Set in a small village in Cornwall, the novel was warm and welcoming. There were an eclectic mix of characters who endeared themselves to the reader. It was a pleasure to get to know them.
This was my first novel by Fern Britton and I enjoyed it immensely. I just could not put it down. I 'felt' very much included in the novel and was sorry to see it end.
A feel-good community read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Not one for me I'm afraid and I so wanted to enjoy it. I found Penny really irritating and found myself flicking through the chapters. It just didn't hook me at all. Sorry!

This is the first book I have read by Fern Britton and thoroughly enjoyed it. This can be read as a standalone but is part of a series, I don't think this hampered my enjoyment at all though. The characters are all well developed and likeable, even the one that is of a dubious character, when you find out more about her early life you even pity her. The setting in Cornwall sounds idyllic and a great place for a story like this to be set in.
The story is based around Penny, the vicars wife and her journey after meeting with her out of touch sister, Suzie. How it develops and the impact Suzie has on Penny, Simon and the other villagers. There were a few twists along the way and found it a fast flowing read.
I would like to thank netgalley and harpercollins publishers limited for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although the ending was unexpected. Keep them coming, please!

An interesting story, although I didn't like many of the main characters very well. Penny is suffering from depression, and is rude and mean, and overly suspicious of everyone. I get it, and the writer does a good job of showing how someone suffering from this would or could act. The trouble was though that I felt so sorry for those who were on the receiving end of her lashing out. Her creepy sister was another one that I didn't like. I did like Ella, but reading the previews I expected something more about her than was shown. Not sure what the big mystery is, but I guess more will be revealed later? Maybe she is Penny's long lost sister? Hmm. Would recommend, just know that this is not necessary a light and fun story.

Penny suffering from post natal depression, is married to Simon, a Vicar (not sure if he would have really allowed himself to marry an unbeliever?) She has a new baby and is going through many traumas which make her life so very difficult that at one point she nearly loses her life by taking pills. Simon tends to be of the view that one gets better by effort. New Dr Adam, with his own secret, helps with medication and counselling.
As life seems to be calmer, so a firework is dropped into the centre, Her sister Suzie from whom she has been estranged for years, arrives, determined to wiggle her way into he household.
The author really has got the sweet bitchiness of Suzie's conversations absolutely right, and one loathes her from the start!
Lots of twists and turns. Other characters, Kit and Ella, woven into he story. I believe they will have theri own story later.
Thanks to Net Galley for a review copy.