The Vintage Shop: 'Hot buttered-toast-and-tea feelgood fiction' The Times

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Newly divorced, 70-ish Maggie is now the sole-owner of her large family home but without anyone living there, she's horribly lonely. Would a shopping trip to the new vintage shop in town to reminisce about her past cheer her up a bit? There’s much to delight in this really easy escapist read such as the growing and much valued friendships that arise. The message is heartwarming too as it’s a lovely story of second chances and about finding new horizons when you least expect to. The novel takes you on a journey through the emotions. At times it makes you smile and gladdens your heart, others it’s heartbreaking so be sure to have a box of tissues at the ready! I fell in love with this story instantly and devoured it. After a couple of book DNFs it was a perfect read for me and I read over half the book in one afternoon. The characters were perfectly drawn and the storyline an intriguing one with a narrative interrupting the present day timeline with chapters from the past. Hometown girl, 30-ish Lou, deciding to remain in Frome after the death of her mother, opens a vintage clothing store. She loves everything vintage, wears 1950's style make-up, and dresses in the colors and patterns of vintage fashion. Can she make this risky venture a success?

This was a light read that inspired a lot of thought, and I thought it was beautifully written - I would highly recommend it, especially to those in their older years, because if there’s one thing this book taught me, it’s never to late to start, or start over.Libby has been a leading campaigner for fairer internships and has spoken on TV and in parliament in support of fair pay for interns. Libby has been writing from an early age and when she was 16 she wrote an illustrated book called Love Pink to raise money for Breast Cancer Care. For Maggy, she is facing life as a 70-something divorcee and while she got the house, she's not sure what to fill it with now her family have moved out. The new vintage shop in town sparks memories of her past and reignites a passion she's been missing...

First up we have Lou, the young and vibrant vintage shop owner, who is still coming to terms with her grief after losing her parents. Whilst trying to get her new shop up and running she finds herself needing a place to stay. In steps, Maggy, a recently divorced seventy-year-old whose loneliness is starting to get too much, offers Lou her spare room, and they strike up a good friendship. Across the pond, we then have Donna who has recently learnt a family secret that tears her life apart. She soon finds herself in Lou’s vintage shop with more questions than answers.I really enjoyed this, it was such a beautiful embodiment of female friendships, second chances at life, and reconnection. I really like the premise of this one especially the vintage shop element which gives opportunities for trips down memory lane with the likes of Mary Quant and Biba! The characters are all so easy to like and very relatable. Who couldn’t love Lou in all her colourful glory and also Maggie who resets her life. Donna seems spiky but a good heart beats underneath that armour! For Maggy, she is facing life as a 70-something divorcee and while she got the house, she’s not sure what to fill it with now her family have moved out. The new vintage shop in town sparks memories of her past and reignites a passion she’s been missing…

I liked all three main characters in The Vintage Shop of Second Chances. I had a real soft spot for Donna and her brusque manner. She could come across as rude or abrasive but I really liked her as a character and found myself empathising with her. The story of the three women was superbly woven together with drama and humour. At times it was an emotional read but overall it was just a gorgeous story of new discoveries, family, friendship and community. Lou’s fellow traders were a fabulous bunch, welcoming and helpful, especially in times of crisis. Even when the story moved away from Frome, my interest moved too – I was so invested into these characters lives. It’s amazing how much joy an article of clothing can bring you, and this single yellow dress connects 3 ladies across different generations. The author shared the street that this book was based on, you should go see it as it’s lovely to be able to picture the actual street in Frome.

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This was an absolute joy to read. I did have to stop a number of times as I couldn’t read through the tears, both sad and happy, as I was completely absorbed in the lives of Lou, Donna and Maggy.

I daresay it follows a predictable path but I find I don’t mind in the least as it’s a very diverting read which we all need at times probably particularly so now.

'Hot buttered-toast-and-tea feelgood fiction' The Times

I’d finished Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver before this one so it was certainly a change in pace! But sometimes you just want to read something uplifting and inspiring.