The Pink House written by Catherine Alliott published by Michael Joseph

I have always been a massive fan of Catherine Alliott’s book and so was very excited about reading this. Initially I found it quite difficult to get into the story – the first few chapters seem to feature lots of character names and to be honest I struggled with the family dynamics for a bit until I settled into the story. I also found that similar names for characters added to my confusion – we had a Sally and a Susie and then a Rupert and a Rorie! This didn’t help my menopausal brain and I often had to stop and think “Sally? Is she the sister-in-law or the friend?”

The Pink House is a book about love but starts with Emma having a love affair with her husband’s parents country house. It always held a special place in her heart, and when her in-laws divorced, Emma and her husband Hugh made the move from London to the country to start a new life. But country living is not all roses around the door and although it sounds idyllic, cracks appear but we’re talking relationships and not the plaster work!

Once my age addled brain got over the initial confusion with the similar sounding names I absolutely loved this book. It drew me in and I didn’t want to let go at the end, it was like one of those bear hugs that your granny used to give you as a child – warm and comforting. Yet again, Catherine gave her readers everything they want and more!

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