Second Thyme Around by Katie Fforde
A Whiff of Romance and Mystery in Second Thyme Around
Katie Fforde graces us with a delightful blend of romance and mystery in her 2007 novel, Second Thyme Around
The story follows Lola, a recently divorced woman who finds solace and a fresh start in the charming Cotswolds village of Barley Cross, opening a herb farm and tea room
Little does she know, her quiet life is about to be spiced up with a dash of intrigue
A New Chapter in Lola’s Life
Second Thyme Around introduces us to Lola, a woman picking up the pieces of her life after a painful divorce
Seeking refuge and reinvention, she stumbles upon the idyllic Barley Cross and decides to put down roots, literally, by establishing a herb farm and accompanying tea room
Fforde paints a vivid picture of the village life, complete with quirky characters and picturesque landscapes
Lola’s journey of self-discovery is at the heart of the story as she navigates her newfound independence and unexpected challenges
A Cotswolds Cozy Mystery Unfolds
Fforde masterfully weaves the elements of cozy mystery into the narrative without overshadowing the heartwarming romance
The well-paced plot unfolds with a healthy dose of suspense
Lola’s peaceful existence is disrupted when she gets a whiff of something foul in the air, in a literal and metaphorical sense
Her curiosity gets piqued by local rumors and strange occurrences involving her neighbors, turning her world even topsy-turvy
Exploring the Aromatic World of Herbs and a Touch of Intrigue
Second Thyme Around doesn’t just serve up a charming romance and a light mystery
It also delves into the world of herbs, their culinary uses, and their potential healing properties
Lola’s passion for her herb farm is infectious, and Fforde expertly weaves in details about different herbs, creating an enriching reading experience
This adds a unique flavor to the story, setting it apart from other cozy mysteries
A Second Chance at Love and Life
Lola’s journey isn’t just about solving a mystery or building a business; it’s about finding herself again
Amidst the turmoil and intrigue, she discovers a new appreciation for her strengths and capabilities. The supporting characters in Second Thyme Around are well-developed and add depth to the story
From the eccentric villagers to the charming potential love interests, each character contributes to the overall charm of the novel
For the Cozy Mystery Lover
Fforde does not disappoint, providing a blend of classic romantic elements and light mystery. She maintains a balance between the heartwarming aspects of Lola’s personal life and the slightly troubling local situations
Lola finds herself entangled in
The story’s pacing is well-managed, allowing readers to savor the romantic developments while enjoying the unfolding mystery
The descriptive language used by Fforde truly brings the Cotswolds setting to life, enhancing the reading experience. It immerses the reader in the charming atmosphere of Barley Cross
A Touch of Predictability?
While Second Thyme Around delivers on its promise of a cozy and engaging read, some readers may find certain plot points a tad predictable
The mystery itself, while intriguing, doesn’t offer many twists and turns, which might leave some seasoned mystery readers wanting more
Despite the mostly obvious storyline, it does not deter the reader from wanting to discover how the story resolves
As the protagonists’ lives are intertwined and become increasingly more complicated, the reader becomes more eager to finally reach the novel’s conclusion
A Charming Escape
Despite its minor shortcomings, Second Thyme Around serves as a charming escape for those seeking a lighthearted read with a touch of mystery
The romance is heartwarming, the setting idyllic, and the characters endearing
It’s the perfect book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon with a cup of tea, perhaps even inspired by Lola’s herb concoctions
Katie Fforde offers a light, refreshing read perfect for those times when readers wish to escape from the hustle and bustle of the real world for a simpler reality
Perfect for Fans Of…
Second Thyme Around is a great choice for fans of authors like Jenny Colgan and Jojo Moyes, who enjoy stories with strong female protagonists finding their way in life and love, especially if they are looking for a dash of cozy mystery on the side
Readers looking for an uplifting and easy read will thoroughly enjoy this story of romance and mystery
A Final Sprig of Thyme
Katie Fforde’s Second Thyme Around is a charming blend of romance, mystery, and a touch of herbal wisdom
While the mystery may not be the most complex, it adds enough intrigue to keep the reader engaged alongside the heartwarming story of Lola’s new beginnings
If you are seeking a cozy escape with a side of romance and mystery, Second Thyme Around is certainly worth adding to your reading list
Check out more cozy mysteries at [link to a relevant website, e.g., Goodreads cozy mystery list]
This delightful tale is sure to leave you with a warm feeling and a craving for a visit to the charming Cotswolds
