I have to admit that I was concerned going into this one as it's set in the 1960s and I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction... (although there's a debate about what counts as historical and to me it's before 1980, how about you?) However, I loved it so much more than I thought I would! I have to give a special mention to Ambrosine. I could have happily sat beside her for hours as she regaled me with her life stories *sighs*. At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, RNA president and bestselling author Katie Fforde was presented with the RNA Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023 in recognition of her exceptional and long-standing contribution to romantic fiction. It was also announced that Katie will be stepping down from her role as RNA President this month. A presentation in the style of ‘This is Your Life’ followed, highlighting memorable moments from Katie’s writing career along with messages from friends and industry professionals. Nevertheless, for a good-vibe book, it maintains the tone quite well. Like cozy cup of tea that keeps one warm on a rainy day.

One Enchanted Evening - Penguin Books UK

And guess what? OEE was a chance for Hannah and me to attempt another buddy read. (Psst, epic fail as usual… *snorts* but we do have fun with our messages.) enter Justin, Andrew's son and head chef at a nearby all singing, all dancing, fancy hotel that was close by. Grumpy, but devilishly handsome Justin couldn't believe that there was a woman in his fathers kitchen, women didn't belong in hotel kitchens and whats more she was the daughter of Louise who he was sure was a gold digger. Meg hasn't got much professional training, but what she does have is passion, ideas and empathy, which endear her to the staff and guests alike. Meg falls in love with the hotel, despite the fact it needs some work doing on it, none of the rooms have bathrooms, the decor is dated. But it’s not long before Meg starts having ideas as to what they can do to get more visitors, because close by is a hotel with much more updated facilities. Can they keep the hotel running or will it have to be sold? Then there is Meg and Justin could there be another romance or not?

Published on the 1st of January, 2013, this was to mark a somewhat different direction for the writer Katie Fforde as an author, in that it works to establish a different style and tone. Whilst it contains many of her key trademarked style and wit, it also provides a new perspective on the romance genre, keeping it fresh and irreverent in the process. Once again with a female protagonist, Fforde injects many of her own unique experiences into the narrative, helping to keep it relatable and realistic for her now many loyal readers out there. This is the first time I've ever read anything by Katie Fforde, although I am of course familiar with the name and the kind of books she writes. If you love feel good romances and you haven’t read any of Katie’s books yet then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? She’s a national treasure at this point. We love Katie. I could go on and on about how great she is so please just go and grab some of her books so you can love her writing too. Me8g and mother find the deeds. Should they even tell Justin or Andrew? Who does she really know as real' where you pining for geography

Katie Fforde | Goodreads One Enchanted Evening by Katie Fforde | Goodreads

Shame it doesn't seem to be the case for the owner's son, who firmly believes that women shouldn't be in charge of a professional kitchen at all. This is definitely a good bit of escapism for the spring and would also make a perfect holiday read. I absolutely adored this book as much as the previous instalments that helped us navigate through the ongoing lives of this trio of novice cooks. Of course, there are cameos from the other key characters and it was a treat to learn more about their ongoing lives. This is 1966 and a pivotal point in history when life is gradually opening up with new opportunities for women. Meg comes across attitudes to her working in a professional kitchen that seem alien to us now. In some ways women’s lives have changed a lot for the better, but then again there is always room for improvement.Alexander ,'we all loved it at the time , now it seems desperately gloomy and and needs repair and decoration.'. British author of romance novels, Katie Fforde is well known for her contemporary and ever appealing style of fiction. Easily accessible as it is textured, she has managed to amass herself a sizable audience throughout the many years of her career. With both commercial and critical success, she continues to attract audiences to her unique and distinctive works. Early and Personal Life I first met Meg when I read A Wedding in the Country. She was one of a group of three young women who attended a London cookery school aimed at teaching the culinary arts to young ladies. Having already followed the stories of the other two in the previous books in this loose series, I was delighted to learn more about Meg. This novel makes you through several love story's and there is some well build friendship circle and her family and that of Justin's family.

Katie Fforde - Fantastic Fiction One Enchanted Evening by Katie Fforde - Fantastic Fiction

Featuring the story of thirty-five year old Polly Cameron, it tells of how she’s not looking for a relationship with a strong and independent mindset. Seemingly happy with life whilst somewhat world-weary, she’s keen to do things on her own whilst not needing others for company in the process. Residing in a small Gloucestershire town not unlike that of the author, she has her cat for company whilst taking an active part in her local community whilst working at a cafe. This all leads to both her family and friends attempting to set her up with various men in a number of different and increasingly elaborate ways, all efforts which she constantly attempts to fend off. Not wanting to complicate her life anymore, she wants to keep herself busy without relying on others for any help or assistance, instead doing things alone. That’s when a man enters her life to help her reevaluate things and maybe change her mind on what she previously thought to be the case. Will she change her mind and manage to settle down? Can she ever truly be happy? What will become of Polly Cameron as she finds herself living dangerously? A French Affair Set in Dorset, England 1966, "One Enchanted Evening" is a feel-good romance novel that would make you want to go there if you're like me, who hasnt been to the place; if only to experience rustic house hotels. Think: AirBnb in a mansion but with room service and professional/trained kitchen staff. This takes you through the nitty gritty bits of keeping one running in the 1960s when en suite rooms were yet an emerging trend. Jean Fullerton added, ‘The RNA Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest accolade our organisation bestows and this year we are honoured to present it to bestselling author Katie Fforde. As President of the RNA, Katie is a wonderful ambassador for the organisation and has championed the romantic fiction genre for decades. Katie is loved and respected across the industry and by her readers around the world. But to us in the RNA she’s ‘our Katie’ who has been a tireless supporter of both the organisation and writers and who now, after twelve years as our figurehead, is stepping down as President of the RNA.’ On reading this book, it's easy to see why Katie has had such a great writing career; One Enchanted Evening is a book which many many people will enjoy. And what an enchanting evening it was!First of all, thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Random House, for an advanced copy of this book. Meg's friends are just darlings, they are so available and accomodating. Although honestly, I'd say I felt that at some parts (especially around the 60-75% sections), that they were perhaps *too available*to help her-- It sounds rather terrible of me to complain about reliable friends, but they were almost too-present to help should the need arise, given at such short notice and no matter the distance. It's just too good to be true. But yeah, it's fiction, and we are allowed to have super friends who can rearrange their plans to help you. But I guess as a reader, the down side of that is that you get used to the fact that they were ever present in her life, and you get complacent in a way that you never truly fear for Meg's challenges. If you're looking for a novel that will take you on an enchanting journey, look no further than Katie Fforde’s One Enchanted Evening. This book follows on from two previous books set in the 1960s and vividly brings to life the beauty of Nightingale Woods Hotel in Dorset. In this review, we'll follow Meg's journey and learn why this book is must-read. Set in 1964, OEE follows the adventures of 22-year-old Meg as she sets off to help her mother run a small hotel in Dorset.