by
Veronica Henry
Dragonfly Farm has been a home and a haven for generations of Melchiors – arch rivals to the Culbones, the wealthy family who live on the other side of the river. Life there is dictated by the seasons and cider-making, and everyone falls under its spell.
For cousins Tabitha and Georgia, it has always been a home from home. When a tragedy befalls their beloved Great-Uncle Matthew, it seems the place where they’ve always belonged might now belong to them…
But the will reveals that a third of the farm has also been left to a Culbone. Gabriel has no idea why he’s been included, or what his connection to the farm – or the Melchiors – can be.
As the first apples start to fall for the cider harvest, will Dragonfly Farm begin to give up its secrets?
A Home from Home is the very best of Veronica Henry’s storytelling – gorgeous scenes you wish you could step into, a cast of characters who feel like friends, and an irresistibly feel-good family drama crossing three generations.
When Tabitha’s great uncle passes away, her life is cracked right down the middle. Gum and his wife, Joy, took her in when she was a troubled teen and provided her with comfort, love and space. They eased the grip of her troubles and taught her a new way to live and view life without ever really teaching her at all. Their lessons were subtle, their kindness constant. Tabitha learned how to plant vegetables, how to make cider, how to live off the land and appreciate rural life in Somerset. They meant everything to her. And now, both of them are gone.
Georgia is fighting tooth and nail for her job, determined to get the appreciation she deserves, not to be overlooked by her boss and undercut by her colleagues. But it’s harder than she anticipated. Half way through a meeting, she receives a call from cousin Tabitha and all of a sudden her work concerns seem pointless. She fondly recalls summers spent with Gum and Joy as a girl, before life changed and she began fighting to make something of herself. When Georgia arrives at Dragonfly Farm, she is faced not only with the grief of Gum’s passing but the task of reconciling with her cousin after so long apart.
Gabriel is loving husband and doting dad, who makes bespoke kitchen knifes for a living. But when his rent is hiked, he sees no other option but to abandon his passion and find other work. And if he and his wife are lucky, a baby brother or sister for Plum will soon be on its way. They need the money. When Gabriel receives a letter about a mystery inheritance, he suspects it is some joke, a silly prank but then he discovers he has been left a share of a farm by a man named Matthew Melchior and questions begin to arise about his past. And his future.
A Home From Home is a warm-hearted novel about old secrets, new reunions, rivalry, family and what home really means. It’s packed full of wit and charm and beautiful descriptions that make you want to up and stay at Dragonfly Farm yourself for a spot of apple-picking and cider making. This is such a joyous read!! Perfect for summer!
To purchase a copy of the book, you can follow the links below:
About the Author
Veronica Henry has worked as a scriptwriter for THE ARCHERS, HEARTBEAT and HOLBY CITY amongst many others, before turning to fiction. She won the 2014 RNA NOVEL OF THE YEAR AWARD for A NIGHT ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. Veronica lives with her family in a village in north Devon.
Find out more at http://www.veronicahenry.co.uk or follow her on Twitter @veronica_henry
With thanks to Alainna and Orion for my ARC, which i received in exchange for an honest review!
Ronnie Turner ~ Author & Book Blogger 
I love her books. I have to see about getting this. Fantastic review Ronnie
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