Review: Alice-Rose by Caitriona Leslie

Amazon UK

• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: Xlibris (30 Oct 2012)
• ASIN: B00A4WO942

The blurb

Following personal tragedy, Libby Finn has returned to her hometown of Ballyedmond and the bosom of her loving family. While many, including her best friend Jules Mahon, might think that they know what’s best for the gorgeous and talented Libby, the girl herself has other plans, and they don’t include another husband, or even a man!Having survived the demise of the Celtic Tiger better than most, Libby is searching for fulfilment in a future that she believes is destined to be without a great love.

 Enter Alice-Rose, trailing “complications” that Libby is certain are far beyond her reach.Alice-Rose is the place of cherished childhood memories for Libby and the inspiration for her grown-up dreams. Anything can happen in dreams, and as Libby Finn is about to be reminded, the future is seldom written in stone.

Libby Finn is a widow living in a cottage on her parent's estate trying to rebuild her life close to her family and friends.  Wealthy  beyond her needs and in sad circumstances that see her beneficiary to her late aunt, Libby wants for nothing.

She has a strong passion for an old estate and house that is in need of some care and attention.  She is determined to buy this old house and restore the old gir, Alice-Rosel.

Dan, also a widow, estate agent in charge of the sale of Alice-Rose, takes more than a professional interest in Libby.  Libby feels it too, despite the age gap.

This romantic tale tells the story of Libby and Dan.  There is a more than a mutual attraction between these two characters but they are hesitant to do anything about being anything more due to the age gap.  Dan tries to forget about Libby by dating women his own age and Libby goes on a few dates to forget about Dan and finds that she has another admirer.  Is the attraction just too much for Libby and Dan to ignore?

I really enjoyed this romantic will they/won't they story. I loved the short chapters being retold by Libby and Dan filling in the gaps and misunderstandings between these two characters.  The twist in the tale took me by surprise and I didn't expect the story to take that turn.

4 and half out of 5 for me!  Loved it!
Will particularly appeal to the ChickLit 40+ readers 

Thank you to the author for a review copy. This did not influence my review in any way