Monday 20 April 2015

Book Review - Game of Scones by Samantha Tonge

Amazon UK
Title: Game of Scones
Author: Samantha Tonge
Format reviewed: E-book
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Carina UK
Publication Date: 20th April
Rating: 5 Stars

Happy Publication day to Samantha Tonge. Game of Scones is out today!

A story of icing and flour...and how love doesn't always go to plan! 

 Growing up, Pippa Pattinson's summers were spent in the idyllic Greek island fishing village of Taxos. There she spent many long hazy days determinedly ignoring thoughts of the life her parents had mapped out for her (a dreary-but-secure banking job and obligatory sensible husband!) Instead she daydreamed of running her own tea shop - serving the perfect scones -with mocha-eyed childhood friend Niko by her side... 

 Arriving back in Taxos for the first time in years, with suave boyfriend Henrik, Pippa barely recognises the tired little town - but is relieved to catch glimpses of the quaint, charming village she's always loved. Together Niko and Pippa put together a proposal to save Taxos from tourist-tastic ruin, and at the heart of their plan is Pippa's dream project - The Tastiest Little Tea Shop in Taxos. 

It's time for Pippa to leave her London life behind and dust off her scone recipe that's guaranteed to win over both locals and visitors. And amidst the rolling pins and raisins, it seems romance is blossoming where she's least expecting it... 

 If you’re a fan of Lindsey Kelk or Lucy Diamond then don’t hesitate to step into Samantha Tonge’s truly delightful tea shop.

My first thought when starting this book, within a few pages was, I didn't know scones had so many flavours, which intrigued me and also as the book progressed, the various scones that Pippa made, had my mouth watering to try them.

Pippa, and boyfriend Henrik are about to go on holiday for three weeks to the little town of Taxos, in Kos, Greece. Pippa spent many summers there in her childhood, and had a childhood dream of running a little teashop on the island, selling mainly scones!

When they arrive in Taxos, it isn't long before Pippa bumps into childhood friend Niko, who is a gorgeous Greek man, and it their friendship resumes quite easily. Niko however is currently engaged to Leila, a fact that is helping his ill grandma have something to focus on, after her recent illness.

Taxos however is not the thriving place that it used to be. Unfortunately things have barely changed in the years since Pippa was last there. All the villagers still remember Pippa, and are delighted to see her again, and believe she will be the towns saviour.

The mayor of Kos, is attempting to bring a redevelopment to Taxos, which would make it lose its charm and appeal, and turn it into the sort of tourist trap, you see all over the world now. Obviously, the villagers start to fight it.

I fell in love with Taxos, while I was reading this book. I spent many hours while at work, thinking that I was in Greece, in Taxos and on holiday. There is something about the place, that brings back memories of my working in Zante, in a small town, even down to the breed of turtle they don't want the habitat destroyed of.

Niko and Pippa have a great chemistry and by the end I had completely fallen in love with Niko myself. I loved the Shirley Valentine references, and comparisons/accusations of Niko being like Costas.

Game of Scones is a wonderful feel good read, perfect for either reading on the beach, or on a rainy afternoon at home, when you are dreaming of being anywhere else. You will fully believe you are there, and will feel yourself rooting for the town of Taxos.

The Game of Scones is published today, and is available from Amazon

4 comments:

  1. Looking forward to reading this

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you will enjoy it Tanya. Its a great book, and over a week after I read it, I still want to visit Taxos!

      Delete
    2. Aw, thanks so much, Rachel! xx

      Delete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...