September books

These are my favourite reads from September:

Kate Frost - One Scottish Summer

When Tilly graduates from Edinburgh University, she spends the summer staying with her best friend, Logan, at his Aunt Joy's house on the Scottish island of Mull. Her whole life is ahead of her - she indulges in a fling with local farmer Cal, while Logan flirts with barmaid Rosie. On their last evening, she flings into the conversation that if she and Logan get to the age of 35 without finding the right person, then they ought to marry. Then they head out into the world, searching for their dream jobs, in and out of relationships, all the while staying firm friends. But fourteen years later, Tilly returns to help Logan prepare for his Aunt's memorial service, and to prepare the house to sell. Neither has found their life partner, or a permanent home. Tilly has always felt at peace on this island, although it's not the same without Joy's loving and wise presence. Joy has left her a journal, which she started after Tilly's first visit. In it she writes of her love for her husband, who died young, and about Logan, her dead sister's son who became motherless as a teenager. Tilly has never felt close to her own jet-setting parents who hadn't really wanted a family. She has time now to look back on her life, and wonders what her future holds. Can she finally soften into the serenity of the island and open up her heart to new possibilities? A novel that explores the true meaning of love.

Jeevani Charika - The Wedding Planner's Guide to Stealing the Bride

All through Kalpana's life she's been conscious that her academically achieving family look down on her. With their successful scientific careers, they believe that being an author of romantic novels is trivial, no matter how successful she is. Now she's engaged to serious acclaimed non-fiction author, Marcus, she feels that they approve of her. He's rich, clever and handsome, and is determined to have the wedding in Sri Lanka, in honour of her heritage. Having grown up in England, Kalpana knows little of the country, but is prepared to be whisked away to learn more about it and visit potential wedding venues. Enter Sampath - colourful wedding planner with a top agency, and half Sri Lankan himself. Kalpana is touched that he turns out to be a particular fan of her books, and they soon become friends. Marcus doesn't see him as a threat, believing him to be gay. But once they reach their destination and Kalpana begins to reconnect with the country of her heritage, something changes. Marcus is frequently absent on publicity meetings with an old friend, and she's thrown more into Sampath's company. And he's not gay, just fond of wearing bright colours. As Kalpana discovers more about her past she begins look hard at her relationship to her family. Sampath, meanwhile realises that he's fallen completely for the bride. He grittedly sticks to his remit, to create the very best wedding for his clients, as his job depends upon it. A delightful feel-good novel, well-written with likeable and interesting characters. Recommended.

Clare Flynn - The Artist's Apprentice

In the early years of the 20th Century, Alice dreams of becoming an artist, but is restricted by belonging to an impoverished aristocratic English family. It's expected that she'll fulfil her existence by making a good marriage to Gilbert, the elder son of a rich banking family. Her brother Victor will also benefit by being given a senior position in the American branch of their firm. Reluctantly she agrees - after all, Gilbert is young and handsome, and seems pleasant enough. But a startling discovery means that she changes her mind at the last minute, and everything descends into chaos. It is decided that she will marry the younger brother, Edmund, who is training as a stained glass artist. Edmund's heart is elsewhere, and Alice cannot bear the thought of being bartered as a commodity. Both young people make drastic and precipitous decisions that will alter the course of their lives forever. Then a few years later, in 1913, Edmund is taking on his first prestigious solo commission for two stained glass windows. His assistant pulls out, and it is suggested that he takes on the local vicar's niece to help out. With no alternative, he decides to allow her to try out - only to discover that it is his spurned former match, Alice. She only takes on the position because she sees it as an interesting outlet for her artistic talents. Neither realises that this will change their lives forever. Great characters, plenty of tension and an excellent portrayal of an era when old values are on the verge of falling away. A thoroughly enjoyable read.