But I had a niggling feeling that I’d missed out on some of the characters’ histories and back stories… and then I discovered that there were at least two other books written previously about the same group of friends. There are so many beautifully drawn characters within this story I loved them all, Ambrosine is such a sweet lady and interesting as you learn more about her past. Inevitably, there are all the dramas and misunderstandings that make the course of love run un-smooth, and they make the wonderful ending all the more heart-warming. This really is a problem for me because it could have been mentioned that it was Book 3 in a series, even though it could and should be a standalone story – and the story does stand up very well by itself. Although honestly, I'd say I felt that at some parts (especially around the 60-75% sections), that they were perhaps *too available*to help her-- It sounds rather terrible of me to complain about reliable friends, but they were almost too-present to help should the need arise, given at such short notice and no matter the distance.

It was great to see everyone reunited again, and even though Vanessa and Simon might be going to elope I hope we get to hear their story. One walk-on who didn't say anything was randomly named Ted, and then we had Edward/Teddy mentioned later on who was a completely different but far more important person. I have read a few Katie Fforde novels so was excited to be given the opportunity to read her latest release. But then unfortunately it’s a dose of reality of what women faced back then, especially those aspiring to work in kitchens – ironic when ‘the woman should do the cooking in the house’. I’ve wanted to have a book for Meg since we first met her in A Wedding in the Country so I’ve been super excited for this one since it was announced.It was great to see how Meg eventually followed her dream of working in a French restaurant in France, where everyone is surprisingly friendly. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do. In the absence of the hotel's part owner Andrew, Meg's mother Louise has been left in charge, but things are not going well in the catering department. Many thanks to NetGalley and to Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for letting me see an advance reader's copy of One Enchanted Evening.

She was one of a group of three young women who attended a London cookery school aimed at teaching the culinary arts to young ladies.

The plot of this novel is excellent and there are twists and turns that keep you guessing along with plenty of adventures with Meg’s wonderful friends. I especially adored Ambrosine - she has such a big heart that you can't help but root for her throughout the novel. I first met Meg back a couple of books ago with Katie Fforde asn she started a new life and new friends with Lizzie and Alexandra after meeting at a cookery school. It casts an eye back to the grand days of country house life, and forward to the way the world was changing in the 1960s in a number of ways - especially in cuisine. The romance bit was also frustrating because I'm not such a fan of witholding information til the very end, so I didn't appreciate that we actually confirmed from Justin that he WAS with Laura, already quite near the end.

It explains why Justin is standoffish towards Meg, believing she wasn’t capable of things, but he soon learns how determined Meg is when she sets her mind to it. Fforde never disapoints' Weekly 'This is the perfect Mother's Day read' Take a Break 'This enjoyable read will appeal to die-hard romantics' Heat Magazine ____________ Ever since she can remember, Meg has wanted to be a professional cook.Justin is arrogant, patronising and sexist, and while I know those attitudes where (and still are) prevalent, this made him a much harder character to like as the book progresses. If you love feel good romances and you haven’t read any of Katie’s books yet then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR! It all added to the beauty of this book though, making it a great all round package and again has left me wanting more. This can be a good thing if you are in a headspace where you want something light and easy, but for me, I wouldn't mind seeing the characters suffer a bit more and a bit longer if only to see their growth.