A Family Recipe by Veronica Henry

This book didn't seem to be able to make it's mind up about what it wanted to be - Was it the tale of Kanga and Ivy and their struggles during World War 2? Was it a more contemporary tale about empty-nester Laura?  I just felt that two different books had been started by the author and then both had petered out so with a bit of juggling and sleight of the relationship hand they were melded in to one book.  Unfortunately, there is such a sharp disconnect between the two that I just could not become invested in either story.

Of the two stories being told here Kanga's is far the best.  From her first love, through her enduring friendship with the marvellous Ivy and all stops in between she is a wonderful character.  Unfortunately, the end of her story is so odd and theatrical that it beggars belief and did ruin the integrity of the character more than a little.

Laura on the other hand is a disgrace.  The character has no redeeming qualities and how everything she turns her hand to is such a success is beyond me.  This is becoming a common theme in books at the moment - woman of a certain age starts her own business from home and is an instant success.  It drives me absolutely insane, at least in this one the need for hygiene certificates for a food preparation business is addressed so I should be grateful for small mercies.

There is little to really recommend this book as far as I can tell.  The only glimmer of hope is that the author can really write and the tale jogs along at a good pace without feeling rushed or dragging along interminably - this is some feat of literary merit when you realise how much the characters and their situations are beginning to grate.  It was my first Veronica Henry book and I may give the author another go but from this experience it would have to be at a low, low price.

1 Star for the writing and 1 Star because at least the second world war portion of the plot is interesting and engaging.