I read this, the latest novel from Maya Linnell, a few months ago and it was just what I needed at the time. We were in a period of constant rain and, from inside the house, I could see many plants in my garden drowning. It was difficult to believe that my dahlia tubers would ever grow again.
I didn’t realise how much I needed to read this story until I started it. All my low-level worries disappeared as I immersed myself in this novel about Diana McIntyre, a commercial flower farmer, and her life. She and her four boys have been through a rough time but, as Diana establishes her business, she can see a future for her family.
When Colin, her mentor and local dahlia expert, dies she doubts her knowledge and skills. She crosses paths with Ned, a locum pharmacist, who has returned to the area to sort his father’s affairs. As he and Diana deal in different ways with Colin’s death they soon find much in common and an unexpected romance.
Paperbark Hill is the fourth in the McIntyre series of stories and is by far my favourite. I absolutely loved it.
Five stars from me.
Read more about Paperbark Hill on Goodreads.