I have a few books on TBR that would tick off this category but settled on A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood. I have loved all her books, and I really enjoyed A Snowfall of Silver last year.

What it’s about?

Growing up in her sleepy Cornish village dreaming of being a writer, seventeen-year-old Lou has always wondered about the grand Cardew house which has stood empty for years. And when the owners arrive for the summer – a handsome, dashing brother and sister – Lou is quite swept off her feet and into a world of moonlit cocktail parties and glamour beyond her wildest dreams.

But, as she grows closer to the Cardews, is she abandoning her own ambitions… And is there something darker lurking at the heart of the Cardew family?

What I think:

This is one of my favourites of the year.

I love all of Laura Wood’s books. They are beautiful and written, and the characters are always complex, endearing, and witty.

Lou is wonderful. Witty and clever, she is destined to be a writer. She immerses herself in reading and stories. And she has the perfect inspiration with the mysterious but oh so glamorous Cardew family.

While she feels stifled in a small Cornish village where the expectation is that she will get married to a local boy and have children, the Cardews are young, bright things, drinking champagne and wearing fabulous clothes.

But as Lou gets to know Robert and Caitlin Cardew, she realises there is a lot more to their lives than leisure and glamour. The Cardews may have money, but that brings its own challenges. And their family also has expectations about their futures.

This is a book that is all about growing up, learning who you are and where your happiness lies, and having the courage to follow your dreams.

There is romance and drama, race and LGBTQ+ and its all done beautifully.

Loved the book and the cover is stunning.