A Family Affair

 

A Family Affair by Patricia Dixon- family drama 

Oh boy! Trish has done it again. A book I start and really don’t want to put down. There’s such warmth through the pages. New characters that quickly become friends and that special je ne sais quoi, that skill of a brilliant author that puts a hug in a book. One of my books of the year- 10* if I could.

Honey runs a cafe, something that has been her dream. She would love to expand and also do more for the community. Her Grandad Ernie drops by with his veg and has his lunch made by Gospel (love that name). A man has dropped in whose car has broken down and so begins a friendship with Levi. In a different time Ernie's sister Beryl was told something by her mother, knowing her time was short and she had to tell Beryl a family secret. This threw Beryl into a spin as she didn't want to lose her beloved brother but keeping the secret was a weight she could do without. 

Also in present Day: Clarissa lives in her family country home and having no direct relatives her solicitor’s son has found a long lost, several times removed cousin who is about to visit. She also gets a visit from a film crew keen to find out more about the house. When Tristan the younger solicitor and the American cousin Chuck arrive, Clarissa may be elderly but is sharp of mind and she smells a rat. 

A treasure of a read and one I didn't want to end. I found friends in Honey (+the food) and Clarissa and solace in some of the words. Few families are “perfect” despite what others would have us believe and it's about whom you can trust and rely on in the bad times that become family even if not blood relatives. This made me smile and yes, it made me cry- in a good way. That there’s support and care no matter what. Times may be different but things still go on to wound and fracture, sometimes irretrievably as scars may run deep and may never heal. Of life and love, but more of being yourself and not being someone else’s idea of whom you should be. Of being your own champion and perhaps being someone else’s too. That kind word or gesture may mean the world of difference to someone. A stunning read I really won’t forget and plan to re- read once the sands of time have settled.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads  @nickisbookblog

-----------------