Thyme Out

The comforting thing about Fforde's romantic novels is that from the first word the reader knows that the hostile lovers will undoubtedly end up in each other's arms. It is what happens en route that keeps us turning the pages. Perdita married Lucas when she was only 18 - very young, naive and pliable. Lucas, older and more sophisticated, grew bored and - the final insult - left Perdita for an older woman. Picking herself up, Perdita built a new life as producer of exotic herbs and baby vegetables for sale to local restaurants. To her horror, delivering to one of her favourite customers she finds he is Lucas, who has transmogrified from city gent to celebrity chef - with the temperament that goes with the job. There is a touch of The Taming of the Shrew in what follows - much of it is very funny, especially when, exasperated by his high-handed behaviour, Perdita flies at her one-time husband with a kitchen knife and their full-scale battle becomes exceedingly physical. The main theme of belligerent competition is softened by a much gentler subplot in which Perdita cares for an elderly friend, Kitty, whose life is drawing to a close, a circumstance which brings the lovers closer in a mutual desire to make Kitty's life easier. They both have a good deal of growing up to do before they can put the past behind them. But we knew all along that they would. Fforde has developed a sure hand, with comedy as well as romance. (Kirkus UK)