This book is everything a novel should be. There are a lot of likeable characters, a few fairly uncomplicated villains, and an ending that you should have seen coming but didn't want to overthink in case it ruined the adventure. You get to learn about a different culture and way of life, as well as experience a nostalgic period that, in retrospect, appears to be more straightforward than the present day. Hogan is a fantastic writer, and you can almost smell the salt air of Brighton in the pages.
I'd recommend it to fans of Maeve Binchey and other storytellers about times in people's lives when a lot changes, while making it appear easier and more enjoyable than those times in real life! There is grief for the characters, but it does not detract from the comfort, pleasure, and joy of reading about them. I also appreciate how the author thanks reviewers in the acknowledgements!
I'd recommend it to fans of Maeve Binchey and other storytellers about times in people's lives when a lot changes, while making it appear easier and more enjoyable than those times in real life! There is grief for the characters, but it does not detract from the comfort, pleasure, and joy of reading about them. I also appreciate how the author thanks reviewers in the acknowledgements!