A Rose Petal Summer by Katie Fforde, set in London, Scotland, and France, is a delightful book full of a unique group of characters. It's the story of Caro and Alec who met years ago for one night. Caro takes a job in Scotland hoping to see Alec. When she does, she's not sure that if he recognizes her. A story full of secrets, flowers, and memories, this feel-good book will have you smiling as you read. A great read!

Such a lovely and engaging story. It is one that brings happiness amid drama, tensions, and insecurities. The characters are fabulous and run the gamut from a flighty mother, a cranky old man, a teen seeking family freedom, and a woman in love with the son of the cranky old man. They all fold together to create a feel good story that is so enjoyable.

"The scent of roses is in the air while romance blooms in this gorgeously escapist Scottish-set love story, about finding your way back to the one you’ve never forgotten...Sure to capture the hearts of readers who love Debbie Macomber, Carolyn Brown and Fern Michaels.

When Caro Swanson applies for a job in a remote part of Scotland - which involves living on a beautiful, crumbling country estate - she can’t help but remember a dream-like night that changed her life, nearly two decades before.

A night on a Greek island, where she met a boy named Alec McLeod. With his soulful eyes and gorgeous Scottish burr, she’s never forgotten him, or how they talked about the beautiful place where he grew up.

Surely he can’t still live there though? At least, that’s what she’s telling herself. But, two decades later, as she walks up the drive to the ‘big hoose’ in the picturesque loch-side village of Glen Liddell, she is about to find the man who once captured her heart. And as soon as her eyes meet Alec’s, it’s as if no time has passed at all.

Unsure if he even recognizes her, Caro’s heart can’t help but race. And, as the weather gets warmer and the garden blooms, soon Caro finds herself falling in love with everything about her new home. Especially the man she always believed was the one who got away, as they discover a shared passion for fragrance.

Things aren’t straightforward though. As secrets and hidden passions find their way to the surface, Caro realizes that the estate is in dire financial straits. And if she’s going to stay there, and have a chance of the happy-ever-after she’s been dreaming of, she knows it’s down to her to save it.

So begins a magical summer, one that will take Caro from Scotland to London and the south of France, in search of a classic rose petal perfume that might just restore all their fortunes..."

With the seasons changing and summer just around the corner there's one author I always think of for my summer to be read pile, and that's Katie Fforde!

Summer is blooming in Scotland when Caro reunites with a love interest from her past. What was a budding romance was cut short due to timing. Alec remains the one that got away and whom Caro holds men accountable.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #ARosePetalSummer in exchange for an honest review. . Providing a light but heartfelt novels, first time readers will enjoy Katie Fforde's quirky writing style and loveable characters.

Between the covers, readers armchair travel to Cote d' Azur, London and Scotland. Board a barge and set sail for a fun-loving escape read.

Round up to 3.5 for fun characters and scenic settings.

This was an easy read, with some interesting characters. Couldn’t quite decide if it wanted to be women’s fiction / “chick lit” or romance. The setting of Scotland and London was a nice feature, and overall it was enjoyable though somewhat predictable and parts drug on a bit much while other aspects were fairly far fetched, making the plot seem a bit too contrived. Writing style was enjoyable, however.

Sometimes I just want to read a “nice” book, one that won’t stress me in anyway and will provide me with a bit of escape. Katie Fforde writes those kinds of novels, (along with some other authors whom I enjoy, including Erica James and Jill Mansell)..

This book definitely requires suspension of disbelief and an ability to accept random coincidences along with some unlikely good luck…but that is the point. The novel begins with a short prequel in Greece and then readers spend time in London (some of the time on a houseboat), Scotland and France. There are old loves revived, an actress ingenue and her older fiancee, a young girl looking for independence and… perfume.

This is not a weighty read but it is a pleasant diversion. Keep it in mind for a time when you truly want to destress.
No-one writes this kind of novel better than Ms. FForde.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions re my own.

Caro Swanson spends one unforgettable evening talking to an enthusiastic stranger in the balmy Greek air, she has to rush off to catch her flight without even getting his contact details but has never forgotten their discussion. So when an opportunity comes up to work in his hometown of Glen Liddell she feels she can't say no despite it being 20 years later. Her daughter has gone travelling and she feels as if its time to explore too. Alec McLeod has his hands full trying to please his ailing father, appease his ex-wife and find the money to help restore his ancestral home. A lovely read.

Katie Fforde has a real gift for weaving stories that hold the readers attention. I loved all the characters from a grumpy old man to a headstrong teenager plus a dog that wasn’t choosy where it cocked its leg. Once I started reading I was hooked and enjoyed every page.

A Rose Petal Summer
by Katie Fforde

This book was an absolute delight!!
The story line was great and very well done.
I was engrossed the whole time I read this story.
This book doesn’t disappoint once you get into it.
At first I was a little scared I wouldn't enough it enough, but Katie Fforde surprisingly captured my attention with her writing.
This will be the perfect Spring Read!

Bookouture,
Thank You for this eARC!
I will post and tag my review closer to pub date.