Pure magic for me!

Synopsis

It’s the career move of a lifetime, and Julianne can’t believe it’s hers: a position as an event planner at a country house in Cornwall, England, beginning with the wedding of a celebrity! If her old firm’s senior planner back in the States hadn’t fallen suddenly sick with the chicken pox, Julianne would never have found herself chosen for a life in one of England’s most beautiful coastal counties, surrounded by rugged shores, quaint cottages, elegant gardens and a house to die for.

But life in Cornwall isn’t exactly as Julianne imagined it. Her first bride-to-be is a resentful, petted snob, the groom is immature and bored, and the Cornish staff of Cliffs House has a difficult time believing that an event planner from a mid-level position can handle a wedding this big. And then there’s a personal matter — the handsome, sometimes charming, sometimes standoffish gardener Matthew Rose. He and Julianne have a strangely complicated relationship somewhere between friendship and attraction. But with a secret in his past, and a scheming bridesmaid plotting to have Matthew all to herself, will Julianne find a way to untangle her feelings and the problems of planning a perfect Cornish wedding?

My review

Having read a few books taking place in Cornwall, I have been intrigued by that place. And after reading this book, I’m more convinced I should visit the place myself rather sooner than later!

It’s a novella, so in 24 hours I’ve read the whole story. But not because I wanted to get rid of it, but I was so submerged into it!

First a few clarifications from my side… I never watched an episode of Poldark, so when there were references to the show, I had to google the character of Ross. And due my hay fever I can never enjoy the beauty of flowers myself… but I do love the far, far sight of them, without having an effect on my nose and eyes…

Julianne moves from the States to Cornwall as an event planner and her first job is to plan a wedding for a celebrity couple in Cliffs House. Slowly she falls in love with Cornwall and the place she is staying.

And Matthew Rose just is too intruiging for her to stay away from him…

I cannot explain why, but this story felt magical to me. Was it the place, the environment, the people, the flowers, the event itself that made me love this novella? Also the pace the story takes place, had a calming effect on me.

Sometimes in stories everything happens too fast, people fall head over heels in love and that’s it. Here the feelings slowly grow and there is absolutely no rush.

Laura Briggs takes her time to let you know all the characters, and make you fall in love with them.

Even when the memories of not so pleasant events emerge, I embraced them, feeling sorry for the characters, but also I was certain that in the end, time would heel all wounds.

For me reading this story was a real surprise and I am lookking forward to see what other adventures Julianne will experience!