A Summer of Surprises - Jan Ellis

It is two years since Eleanor Mace said farewell to her lover Christophe and returned to Devon. 

Her bookshop in the sleepy seaside town of Combemouth has become the hub of the community and with the new love of her life, Daniel, everything seems to be blissfully plain sailing. 

That is until Freya, Daniel’s ex-wife appears on the scene. 

Hired as an architect for a major celebrity who plans to build an enormous new complex in Combemouth, Freya seeks Daniel’s help to get her ambitious scheme approved. 

Outraged, Eleanor mounts a protest against the scheme – helped by some endangered local wildlife – that gets her noticed by the world’s media, but puts her at risk of losing Daniel. 

As the campaign gains momentum, Eleanor is asked to speak at a conference in Spain, where she unexpectedly bumps into the handsome Christophe – a blast from her past. 

Surely this must be fate? 

Will Eleanor fall for the charms of her French ex-boyfriend, or can she find it in her heart to forgive Daniel and return to Combemouth? 

This is the first time I have read any of Jan Ellis's work and I am thrilled to be able to supply an honest review in exchange for a copy of this novella.

The main character Eleanor owns a bookshop - so I felt right at home with her character straight away especially as she is near my own age, so a little daydreaming along with reading was in order.

There are many little turns of phrase in the book which made be smile and were very true to life. The writing is also very of the now with references to social media and its uses.

The story goes to Spain, and I was disappointed as I wanted to stay in the lovely Devon idyll, however, the writing is so evocative that I was equally enthralled by the scenes set in Spain.

A lovely story, perfect for a quiet afternoon or maybe a long journey - I'm just sorry there wasn't more of it.