Thirty-year-old Tessa Archer is an emotional eater who is full of self-loathing and lacking confidence – she’s a woman who is desperate to change if only she had the nerve.

Her cause isn’t helped by her family whose all-round lack of regard, belief and simple love make her life a whole lot harder. Unable to match up to her ‘perfect’ siblings, a brutal family dinner pushes Tessa to take the first tentative steps towards transformation. Inventing a girls’ weekend away, she plans a short break in Cornwall – alone. It’s a place where she hopes she can feel reinvigorated about life, even if she’s terrified of the prospect. This is a last-ditch attempt to prove to her family that she isn’t the scared, useless ‘lump’ they think she is.

Once in St. Ives, with no expectations or standards to uphold, Tessa finally feels as though she can breathe, and not just because the air is cleaner. She pushes herself to meet new people and finally concentrate on her own life. With the help of the Coastal Cahoots Club, a group of crazy elderly ladies, led by the indomitable Winnie, a new Tessa emerges. There’s even the possibility of love with Winnie’s sexy grandson Ben – if only he was willing to open up his heart.
Who knew a group of old aged pensioners, a sexy bar owner, a militant seamstress and a beautiful Cornish coastal town could bring such magic to a person’s life.

My Thoughts:

When reading the blurb on the back of this book, I knew it was a story I would enjoy and I did. Tessa is thirty and likes to eat, she is not really happy with her life and lacks confidence. She is desperate for a change so whilst on a short break in Cornwall she encounters Winnie who is an elderly lady, she shows her how to be more confident and gives her a job opportunity which she can’t refuse. Add in Winnie’s elderly friends who are just as crazy as Winnie, and Winnie’s very handsome grandson and you are in for a real treat. It does tackle some personal situations but the topic is dealt with sensitively. Tessa grew on me and I really hoped she found her confidence and it was wonderful to see her coming out of herself. I look forward to the next book by Victoria.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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