“…the return of the flocks to the valley heralded the coming of winter. It was impossible to avoid the observation that she was travelling the other way, leaving behind the comfort and security of home and heading up to the mountains; maybe she should take it as an omen. But Catherine was not a woman to believe in any such nonsense. She pulled her arm, wound up the window and focused on the road ahead.”
The Tapestry of Love by Rosy Thornton
Catherine has an exciting adventure ahead of her as she sells her house in England and moves to a tiny hamlet in the Cévennes mountains. She wants a fresh start in France now that her marriage is over and her children are grown. Now it’s time for her to focus on her wants and needs.
Part of her new plan also involves setting up her business as a seamstress and making curtains and other home furnishings and selling them in the market. As she settles in her home she makes friends with the neighbors and starts to learn about her surroundings.
There are some things to get used to, such as business licenses and how does one keep a swarm of bees, but through it all Catherine forges ahead because she is not an outsider. She feels like she belongs. The serenity Catherine has found though is soon to be disrupted by the arrival of her sister, Briony. While Catherine is looking forward to having her sister see her new home, she didn’t account for the upheaval she’d feel as Bryony starts to get close to Catherine’s new friend, Patrick Castagnol.
How I enjoyed reading about Catherine’s caring of her new home and making herself part of the community. I found her relationship with her other neighbors, the Bouschets, so touching because they went from neighbors, to business partners, to true friends there for one another in times of need. Just like the other novels by Rosy Thornton that I’ve read what stands out the most for me is that the people feel real. Relationships can be messy but here the characters grow and move on.
It was a delight to spend time with this book. I particularly enjoyed reading about Catherine’s sewing as I could imagine the beautiful creations she came up with and of course I loved reading about such a beautiful place. This was the first book I read this year and it was a balm during the crazy holiday season. So settle down with a cup of tea and enjoy this one.
Source: Review copy
I adore Rosy Thornton’s writing. 🙂
Amanda – Isn’t she fabulous? I still need to read her book Crossed Wires but otherwise I think I’m caught up. I just always feel like I know the people she talks about.
Sounds beautiful ~ I love books that dwell on the good in life.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this! She is such a lovely writer, and her books always get under your skin. And do hope you are feeling much better now!
This sounds lovely and Catherine sounds like a lovable character.
I loved this book and the characters too. 🙂
Lovely review – Rosy’s writing makes me feel relaxed and in love with life.
Rosy Thornton really does write so beautifully and so typically English. Must get hold of this one.
I’m so glad to hear you liked this. I’ll be starting this one today. I can’t wait to see what goes on with Catherine in her new life.
This one is on my list! Now, I just have to check the library to see if they’ve gotten it in yet. I’ve read several good reviews on Tapestry, but have never read anything by Thornton, so I’ll take anything the library has by her.
Didn’t just make you want to live someplace like that? Where there is a close community and people care and help each other? I might end up being bored by the quiet in a month or two but I wouldn’t mind giving it a try 🙂
This sounds delightful! I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book.
Even before reading your review, I would have picked this book up because of the bookcover alone.
I am so glad to hear this is such a good read – I have it waiting on my to-review shelf!
Hi Everyone – Sorry I couldn’t reply sooner but yes, this book is delightful! So if you haven’t yet check it out. Also I’d recommend Hearts & Minds by her. It is just as good.
Another one I want to read but just haven’t had a chance to squeeze it in! It does sound delightful and I love that she is a needleworker, too.
Danielle – I immediately thought of you when I was reading her sewing descriptions! For that alone you’d have to read this! I bet you’d really like this.
I’m glad you liked this book! I enjoyed it very much as well. Thornton is such a fun writer.
I’ve never read Rosy Thornton, but I just won one of her books and the author sent me two titles instead of one (Tapestry of Love being one of them) and I’m so excited. I’ve heard nothing but praise of her writing. So glad you enjoyed this one. Great review!
The word that comes to my mind is that this book sounds so “lovely”. Thank your for sharing your thoughts with us. I wouldn’t hesitate to read this one and am confident I would enjoy it.
This does sound really good! I can imagine the descriptions about her sewing were interesting 🙂 great review!
I can’t believe I’ve never even heard of this author! Your review is wonderful and makes me want to rush out (in our cold – zero with snow – weather) and get a copy! The description reminds me a bit of Rosamunde Pilcher novels. Thanks for the heads-up. This is definitely going on my Must Read list!!