There are times when you need an endearing story to cheer you up and put you in good spirits. This is one such book and have read other books by this author, I am familiar of her writing style of putting difficult concepts with much simplicity. So, this is not my first book by this renowned author and it certainly won’t be the last.
The story takes place in London where the eponymous heroine of this story after which is the novel is aptly titled, lives and works. However, the way she is living out her days is neither surviving nor thriving. It’s more of taking breaths just to struggle with her immense and ever expanding workload that eventually takes a toll on her body and mind. By the time Sasha realises what the chaotic reality of her career is doing to her mental health, it’s already too late and she is literally running into the walls.
So, to get away from all of this drama and find some much needed peace in her life, Sasha returns to the resort town of her childhood. With her rising career and substantial financial success, she can finally afford the glamorous hotel of her childhood which she has always admired in awe from distance as a child. Her memories of Rilston are vivid and tinged with grief about her father’s untimely demise.
Having said that, what awaits at the dilapidated hotel definitely surprises her. What begins with the surprise of antique furniture sale and skeleton staff managed services gradually grows into mutual respect and lifelong friendships. It also relates to what happens in her personal life.
On the way to her burnout escape, Sasha meets or rather confronts Finn on the train. As they are the only two guests at the Riltson during the off season, their animosity towards each other soon turns into a friendly exchange which then leads to a lovely affair.
Armed with her 20-step programme and becoming unofficial health guru of the hotel, Sasha not only takes charge of her fragile mental well being but also manages to nudge Finn towards seeking therapy and look forward to much needed solace in his life.
Intercepted with humours banter, love soaked interactions and some much needed surfing lessons, this cosy novels comes to a satisfying end. Along with the ‘couple on the beach’, readers also fall in love with the windswept beach along the cliffs and the journey of the leading characters slowly turning into their better selves.
All in all, a warm and lovely book to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate on a cosy winter day. It’s definitely worth for one time read.