I hadn't appreciated that the book was set in the sixties until I read another review. Knowing this explains a lot about the behaviours and attitudes and I wish I'd known before reading the book. It was a nice, cosy read.

You can't go wrong with any novel written by Katie Fforde. Very good characters and story line and one not to be missed. 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

One Enchanted Evening | Katie Fforde

Meg is a very talented cook who is planned to stage under a chef in France to be trained. She travels to Dorset to lend a hand when disaster strikes in the hotel her mother works for. But just before the important banquet, the owner's son, Justin shows up to take over the kitchen.

-

Set in Dorset, England 1966, "One Enchanted Evening" is a feel-good romance novel that would make you want to go there if you're like me, who hasnt been to the place; if only to experience rustic house hotels. Think: AirBnb in a mansion but with room service and professional/trained kitchen staff. This takes you through the nitty gritty bits of keeping one running in the 1960s when en suite rooms were yet an emerging trend.

For my part, this is my introductory novel to Fforde's works and I can see how she's known for her "uplifting feel-good" fiction. This could be one of those books you pick up for when you are not up to read books that deal with heavy themes.

Among the Characters, I love the play on "found family" trope going among the staff of Nightingale Woods. I rooted for Meg, Ambroisine, Susan and her many relations. I find that they have great team work.

Meg is such an optimistic and enthusiastic heroine. Though Justin, is admittedly not my favorite. He pops around, here and there, and I kinda wish we could get into his head, (I understand why we can't). He can be frustrating, but he makes up to it, almost like-- pound for pound. He does grow on you and it does pay off in the end,..eventually.

Conflict-wise, I felt that many situations in the book were solved almost too quickly and too conveniently, that there is no actual time where I truly felt afraid for Meg. This can be a good thing if you are in a headspace where you want something light and easy, but for me, I wouldn't mind seeing the characters suffer a bit more and a bit longer if only to see their growth. (more in picky reviews at the end, which has spoilers).

The Romance is a push-and-pull, will-they-won't-they. It's basically a slow burn that spans throughout the entire book, quite literally. With the bulk of the forced proximity scenes in the last 1/3, if not the last quarter. They were good scenes though. [more spoilery picky reviews below.]

The narrative, I found, is succinct though I felt, is heavily plot driven. Such that near the climax I just felt like we were just going through plot-point to plot-point without addressing the emotional beats alongside it. It does acknowledge the lack of time to process events at some point but I felt that there were opportunities where this could have been dealt with.

Nevertheless, for a good-vibe book, it maintains the tone quite well. Like cozy cup of tea that keeps one warm on a rainy day.
--

Picky Review [Spoilers alert]

Meg's friends are just darlings, they are so available and accomodating. Although honestly, I'd say I felt that at some parts (especially around the 60-75% sections), that they were perhaps *too available*to help her-- It sounds rather terrible of me to complain about reliable friends, but they were almost too-present to help should the need arise, given at such short notice and no matter the distance. It's just too good to be true. But yeah, it's fiction, and we are allowed to have super friends who can rearrange their plans to help you. But I guess as a reader, the down side of that is that you get used to the fact that they were ever present in her life, and you get complacent in a way that you never truly fear for Meg's challenges.

I sound like a horrible person, but a lot about Meg's conflict-and-solutions are a bit too convenient as well. Not that I want Meg to suffer long, but I felt that it was almost too easy for her to come and go wherever and whenever she pleased--the way she was able to come to help her mother was the first bit, with no actial deadline; then that split decision to leave for France; then to start her job with the chef; and even that she was supported to go. I mean bless her, she deserves all that for all the work that she does but what a lucky girl. almost too lucky for life.

The romance bit was also frustrating because I'm not such a fan of witholding information til the very end, so I didn't appreciate that we actually confirmed from Justin that he WAS with Laura, already quite near the end. Even with his feelings, it was always other people who spoke for him. I'm not a fan of that at all. because he was so silent about things, not clarifying his actions, I felt so confused for Meg.
--
What did you think?
--
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book before publication. The book is out now on your favorite book stores.

Meg’s mother is a manager of a hotel in Dorset that is having a spot of bother. The existing chef Geoff has upset and sacked all the waiting staff and they have a big function coming up so she contacts Meg and asks if she can come and help. When she arrives things are even worse and Geoff walks out.

Meg loves a challenge and relishes being asked. She gets to work trying to save the event when another bolshy man appears and says that he will be taking over the running of the kitchen. The man turns out to be Justin who is the son of Andrew who owns Nightingale Woods.

I didn’t take to Justin to begin with and I kept forgetting that book is set in the 1960s and it was unusual for a woman to be a chef and even more surprising in a professional kitchen.

Meg stands her ground with him and the dinner goes well so he employs her but tells her that the hotel needs to make money. She enlists the help of her friends and begins on a mission to make the hotel profitable. Her passion is to become a patisserie chef and she even manages to persuade Justin to let her have a more of a input into the hotel.

As always with Katie’s books you become enveloped in the story and the characters, I really liked Meg as she is not afraid to stand up to Justin who has Louise down as a golddigger after his father’s hotel. She is fiercely protective of her mother and will not have Justin making accusations that he can’t substantiate. As the book progresses the drama heightens around the future of the hotel and its residents.

Another warm, comforting and engaging read from Katie Fforde the queen of romantic drama.

5 stars *****

What does March mean to me? It is my mum's birthday, mother's day and time for a new Katie Fforde hardback release!!!!

Regular readers of my blog will know that I am a huge fan of Katie Fforde. I always look forward to it with great anticipation and when I heard that 2023's release was going to be the third book (previous titles were A Wedding in the Country and a Wedding in Provence) featuring Meg, Lizzie and Alexandra , a group of girls who met on a cookery course in London. The book series is set in the 1960's, a different style of novel from Katie Fforde, but it is full of Katie's usual easy to read style of writing with strong female characters and the perfect book to curl up with in the cold winter afternoons or to relax on a sun lounger under the hot summer sun.

I was very happy to find that One Enchanted Evening was again, a brilliant read. I loved meeting back up with Alexandra, Lizzie and Meg and to find that Meg was going to take centre stage, helping her mum out in the small hotel in Dorset, where the running of the hotel was left to her mum following the owner's trip away due to a death in the family. On the first day Meg was confronted by the owner's son, Justin, who did not appear to like Meg's ideas for the kitchen and the menu for an upcoming banquet. Of course, this is the 1960's where women in professional kitchens, in the top positions were not veryj often seen. There appears to be an ulterior motive in Justin's behaviour but will there be a happy ending for Meg, her mum and Justin?

I really recommend this book to all book lovers who enjoy Katie Fforde's books or those who enjoy women's fiction in general. Although this is the third book featuring the three ladies, this book can be read as a stand alone book or in order but nothing is lost from not reading the others first.


There are so many good characters in this book. I really liked the French chef, who Meg was due to work with, under his tutorage before she had the call from her mum asking for help. One of the hotel's residence, Ambrosine, was a fascinating character, who's back story began in WW2 and was a key part of the story's end.

I don't know what Katie has planned for her next book but I have really enjoyed this trip back to the 1960's. I know Katie was nervous of taking her writing in this style, but I really hope she has had lots of readers expressing their love for these stories and that she may consider writing more set in the 1960's or 1970's. I would love to see where Meg, Alexandra and Lizzie's lives go next. They each have their own storylines, with them living in different countries and have families of their own but i am sure that they have many more stories to tell.

One Enchanted Evening by Katie Fforde is out 2nd March, published by Century in hardback, priced £16.99


Thank you to both Random House and Net Galley, along with Ed PR for inviting me to take part in this blog tour and for sending me a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

I found this a slow pace and it took until around the halfway point to feel invested. It was easy to read but it just needed a little more to keep my attention unfortunately

I really enjoy reading Katie Fforde books and this one doesn’t disappoint. If you haven’t read any of her previous books with Meg and her friends, you are still able to follow along. This one has Meg as the main character and I enjoyed it immensely. Definitely recommend this for any one looking for a nice easy read. Thank you #netgalley

I do not believe I have read any of Katie Fforde before and I admit I am always wary of reading new authors to me. I will be adding her to my list of books to look out for.

Meg, or Meggie as she is known to close friends goes to help her mother at a run down country house hotel who is a live in employee. Meg leaves her present job quickly to enable this to happen. She had already given her notice in as she was going to work in a kitchen in France.

Justin makes it clear from the onset that women chefs should not be allowed, he works at a hotel nearby which has everything, including a female receptionist, chef - I can do anything! - and claims to be engaged to Justin, but does not have a ring. An elderly lady resides at the hotel, she has been given a home for as long as she needs it by the owner (Grandfather of Justin) she does help around the hotel, arranging flowers and other small jobs.

When some friends of Meg come to stay one of them thinks it is an ideal setting to stage a play - A midsummer nights dream - in the extensive grounds. It is all set and a well known actress is to star.

Meg leaves for France, Justin and Laura come to work at the hotel. Laura cancels the play. Meg is sent an SOS as she is needed, the lady resident is in hospital and is asking for her. This is a lovely story, well written.

I have no hesitation in giving 5* and thank netgally & the publisher in giving me the chance to read it in exchange for a review which I freely give.

What can I say? This is the first book I have read in a while by Katie but it was like being greeted by an old friend. Katies books are always warm and cosy and she doesn't need to add "smut" to her stories. I am not a prude by any stretch but not all books need this. I liked the female feisty character and her relationship with her mother. Yes the ending is predictable but you know what you are getting.

Thank you for the advance copy

Another delightful book from Katie Fforde. The country house hotel is beautiful, and the sixties setting makes for interesting opinions - I’m so glad society has changed! The book should really come with a warning: don’t read it if you’re hungry! As Meg and Justin, two main characters, are chefs, food is also a major character in the book. The descriptions of meals are wonderful.

This book is such a cute, fluffy read and I could not put this down. Meg wants to be a professional chef and and in the current time period, a professional kitchen is male dominated. I love how Meg fights to be taken seriously about her passion and she will stand up to anyone Including the owners son Justin. I didn’t realise that this was third in a series of books, however I feel you could read this as a stand-alone. I will be going back and reading the first two so I have a better idea on the supporting characters.

It was interesting seeing how Meg and Justin developed together in terms of their relationship as it was a definite power struggle for Meg to be taken seriously. I loved watching how their dynamic changed slowly and it wasn’t rushed, especially with Laura in the picture. I loved the supporting characters so much, especially Louise and Ambrosine.

Very good read. Meg and Justin’s story is fantastic but everything felt a little rushed. I would have preferred a little more backstory of each character and a more gradual transition through Megs experience and a lot more telling of Justin’s story.

I have been a fan of Katie Fforde since Restoring Grace was released and I have loved her since. So, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book.

As always, it has some really strong female characters and one amazing story. This follows Meg, who dreams of being a professional chef. But it’s 1964 and the kitchens are full of men!

She goes home to Dorset to help her Mum who needs help in the hotel that she is running. Meg helps with an important banquet but when the owner’s son turns up, and tries to take over, Meg finds herself more determined than ever to keep cooking.

I loved this story and how Katie always makes you feel part of the story. Meg is an amazing character who you really want to do well. Knowing it was set in the 60’s where women were not always seen as equal, this story accurately depicts that but with a the power than you feel for Meg, pushing to show she is just as capable to the job that a man can!

If the story was not enough to draw you in, then the stunning cover will! For any returning readers or new fan of Katie Fforde, you will love this book!

I have read a few Katie Fforde novels so was excited to be given the opportunity to read her latest release. I enjoyed this one but unfortunately I wouldn’t call it a favourite out of all the ones I have read. It started off quite slow, I wasn’t as engrossed from the start as I normally am with a Katie Fforde book. I felt it didn’t really pick up the pace until almost halfway. The first few chapters felt a little disjointed and the characters lacked dimension. I am glad I persisted though as the second half was really rather good.

Although this is a standalone novel I think personally I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous novel(s) with some of the same characters. I did struggle a little to keep track of who all the characters were, in particular Meg’s friends.

If you like foodie novels, then this one is a sweet treat. A lot of the scenes are set around food, which makes perfect sense since the two main characters are chefs.

One Enchanted Evening is set in the 1960s, I did love the descriptions of Nightingale Woods hotel in the beautiful countryside of Dorset. The hotel was brought to life perfectly and I had no trouble imagining myself staying there in one of the charming rooms. Katie Fforde is excellent at creating worlds.

Being set in the 1960s it meant that some of the character's views were very off compared with today and I thought it was great to see how attitudes have mostly changed.

What I thoroughly loved about this story was the twist though, especially as it involved my favourite character. It added a little bit of mystery to the book, and it wove beautifully through the romance without seeming like a side quest.

This is definitely a good bit of escapism for the spring and would also make a perfect holiday read.

A light and entertaining feel-good romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK and Katie Fforde for the ARC of this novel.

Love Katie’s books…..One Enchanted Evening certainly lived up to all my Katie Fforde expections. This is the third book set in the 1960s loosely based around a group of young women who meet after attending a cookery class in London. Meg has been working in London restaurants and has managed to get some good experience, despite the overt sexism of the time. Meg’s mother is housekeeper at a stately home turned hotel in Dorset . The owner has had to go to France to sort out his late father’s estate, and in so doing left all his wonderful, long standing staff, at the whim of the officious chef. Meg arrives to help out, only to the chef walk out the night before their biggest lunch event for the year. If that weren’t enough to contend with, there’s Justin, the owners son, who also has very fixed ideas about women in the kitchen. What could possibly go wrong?
One Enchanted evening is everything you need in a novel when the weather outside demands you snuggle under a blanket with a good book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m loving this series from Katie Fforde, this is such an amazing group of friends, is there nothing they can’t do? It’s not what I would think of as a typical historical romance, I tend to think of them set further back in history (though I could be wrong, I’m not a reader of historical romance) , but you can see that these young women are on the precipice of change in history, the world is opening up to them and there are so many possibilities. Seeing how hard they fought to be a voice heard, to be accepted in a male dominated world, it’s eye opening, especially, for me it a world that my mother grew up in and must of had similar experiences. Brilliantly written.

Meg and Justin are a brilliant couple, I loved how now matter how hard he tried he couldn’t not love her, not help but appreciated her cooking and admit she was excellent at what she did. Louise and Andrew were a lovely couple too, the mother daughter relationship was written really well, especially with the age difference not huge.

It was great to see everyone reunited again, and even though Vanessa and Simon might be going to elope I hope we get to hear their story. I don’t want this to be the end.

Katie Fforde is a new author to me but I thoroughly enjoyed this book set in the nineteen sixties.
Meg had been about to to follow her dream and work at an exclusive restaurant in France, she wouldn't get paid but the experience would give her a good start in her chosen career.........this wasn't to be.
When Meg's mother, Louise, called and asked for help, Meg couldn't refuse. Louise was working at a beautiful Georgian hotel set in the equally beautiful Nightingale Woods in sleepy Dorset. The hotel owner had died and one of his his sons, Andrew, who Louise had more than a passing acquaintance with, had gone to France to sort out his estate, Meg was to take over the kitchen, she didn't know if she was up to this but the hotel didn't have many guests and the staff were brilliant.
.............enter Justin, Andrew's son and head chef at a nearby all singing, all dancing, fancy hotel that was close by. Grumpy, but devilishly handsome Justin couldn't believe that there was a woman in his fathers kitchen, women didn't belong in hotel kitchens and whats more she was the daughter of Louise who he was sure was a gold digger.
This story follows the uncertainty of the hotels future, Megs love of the beautiful old building, her often thwarted attempts to entice more guests and bring the building up to date without spoiling it's integrity, of Meg and Justin gradually falling in love, the heartbreak when she leaves for France, the love and support of her brilliant close band of friends.
This is a beautifully written story with just the right amount of angst.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.

Another lovely read from Katie Fforde and part of the 'A Wedding in the country', A Wedding in Provence' series. This novel focuses on Meg. She has always wanted to be a professional cook, and is one of the original characters attending the cookery course featured in book 1. Meg's mum is the manager of a small hotel in Dorset, and although charming it is loosing out to a new, flashier hotel in the area. Meg goes to help in the kitchen to help out her mum whilst the owner (David) is away. However, his son, Justin, appears on the scene and decides to take over. Things are further complicated as Justin has no real interest in hotel surviving beyond David's absence - because he running the kitchens for the competition! Things don't run smoothly although all comes together in the end. I liked the supporting cast, with a number of characters from the other books in the series making a return. A great summer or holiday read.

Another stunning book by Katie expertly written. Lovely range of characters and plot, penned in Katie's expert way. Loved it!

Another nice easy read, nice to 'see' the characters from a Wedding in Provence again.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.