I finally read this book off my mother’s bookshelf. British author Rosamunde Pilcher is a mid-century romance novelist who has written over 30 books and short stories. Some have had second lives in televised miniseries, including The Shell Seekers.

This book is about a young, engaged woman, Caroline, who hastily begins one last adventure before her wedding day.

Raised by her stepmother, Diana, Caroline does her best to make her family proud but doesn’t share the same affinity for the London high life. Still, marriage to Diana’s young brother Hugh is a safe bet. He’s kind and adores her. But Diana has her own plans, including marrying anew and taking Caroline’s youngest brother, Jody, off with them to Canada. When Jody suggests that he live with their older brother, who’s recently returned from overseas to reside in Scotland, Caroline can’t say no.

She and Jody borrow a neighbor’s car, leave a note behind, and take off for the small Scottish village of Strathcorrie.

When an unexpected April snowstorm stops them, they set out on foot, freezing and lost until they see a light up ahead. A small home, now owned by Oliver Cairney, becomes their temporary respite from the snow. While they wait for their car to be serviced, Caroline, Jody, and Oliver forge a lasting friendship and unexpected bond.

This is a lovely romance, which I imagine is contemporary for 1972. Still, it makes for a cozy read and will make you, like me, a fan of Rosamunde Pilcher.

Source: Purchased