Sarah Challis has created a thoughtful and moving story about a lovely woman who must cope when her wealthy husband is imprisoned for fraud. Claudia Barron flees the high life of London, moving into a tiny cottage in the idyllic countryside. Despite her commitment to solitude, she is drawn into village life, through which she learns about herself and finds that sometimes life's stresses can result in rich rewards. Eva Haddon captures thought and emotion in a 10-year-old gypsy, a boarding school student, an alcoholic maiden, a lovesick middle-aged man, and many others who are a pleasure to meet. Challis's splendid novel is enhanced by Haddon's heartfelt reading. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
From Booklist
When her famous and unfaithful husband is sentenced to prison for fraud and divorce proceedings are under way, Claudia Barron eschews the London scene and moves to a modest cottage in the Dorset hills. Anonymity is her goal, but Claudia quickly discovers the alacrity of village gossip: her previous life soon becomes the focus of discussions in upper-class dining rooms and the local pub. Aided by her two grown children, Lila, a vivacious free spirit who lives in New York, and Jerome, just returning from a year in India and his own personal tragedy, Claudia forges a new identity in her adopted village. She makes ends meet first by picking mushrooms, then by cooking at the village school; she even manages to find a couple of romantic interests, as her spunky attitude attracts both a local dandy and the quiet widower next door. Inspired by the farms, fields, and stables she so obviously loves, Challis has crafted another charming village tale spiced with just the right amounts of near tragedy and romance.
Deborah DonovanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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