Audiobook of the month (book club) The Country Village Allotment by Cathy Lake

  This months, or perhaps I should say listen to, is The Country Village Allotment by Cathie Lake.

A heartwarming and uplifting summer story for fans of Heidi Swain and Phillipa Ashley, by the author of The Country Village Christmas Show, The Country Village Summer Fete and The Country Village Winter Wedding.

At eighty-two years old Zelda Grey is tired. Tired of how much slower she is physically and mentally. Tired of technology. Tired of being alone since her beloved cat, Flint, died just before Christmas. And tired of life. The only thing that brings Zelda joy these days is her allotment in the gorgeous village of Little Bramble, where she has lived her whole life, and her three cranky goats.

Widow Mia Holmes always loved visiting Little Bramble Allotment with her husband, Gideon. But since his death she can't motivate herself. Despite putting on a brave face for her three sons and four grandchildren, she's reached breaking point, and isn't sure she can carry on.

And history teacher Liz Carter thought she had it all. The perfect job, perfect boyfriend in Rhodri and the perfect wedding to plan. Until she found Rhodri in bed with the neighbour. Holed up in her sister's box room she wonders how it all went so wrong. As she wallows in her misery, her sister takes her in hand and drags her to Little Bramble Allotment and suddenly she discovers the wonders of planting, growing and getting her hands dirty.

In an increasingly lonely world, these three women strike up an unlikely friendship and find that community, female friendship and the wonders of nature can truly be powerful healers.

Oh, how I loved this book. It was one that I really looked forward to listening to while doing the washing up!

The story revolves around friendship, specifically between three women at different stages of their lives, who are each struggling with their own sorrows. After finding her fiancé in bed with a man, Liz runs away to her sister's house in the charming village of Little Bramble. While she licks her wounds, Liz strikes up an unlikely friendship with two other women.

Mia, with children grown, is trying to come to terms with the death of her beloved husband. She puts on a brave face, but she misses him terribly.

Zelda is in her eighties, and apart from her animals, she lives a very lonely life, that was until she became friends with Liz and Mia.

This story will really pull at the heartstrings. I was especially moved by Zelda's story. But it is also a very uplifting one that shows the healing power of friendship.

If you like a real feel-good read, then this book is an absolute must.

You can find your audio copy of this book on Amazon