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A sweet and heartfelt reminder that life is short, and the love of family and good friends a joy that must be captured, as quickly as it reveals itself.

The fifth in the “Escape to the Lake” series by this wonderful and prolific author, I read this charming novel as a standalone story.

Yvonne Kellerman is about to turn sixty years old, and is still struggling in the aftermath of her recent widowhood. Both alone and lonely, Yvonne has no friends to speak of (with the sole exception of Trevor, her cheeky and much-loved African Grey Parrot) and a whole lot of kindness to share, which becomes apparent when she finds and unexpectedly (for her) joins a “cake and craft” club. As Yvonne learns to open her heart to welcome friendship and even love, the smallness of her world shifts, and it’s clear to the reader that a much-needed transformation is looming.

Without giving the plot away, this is a story that shines with life-stories of ordinary people, their lives and losses, and shameful secrets, too long hidden. And the magic that can appear, suddenly and without notice, with life-changing possibilities carried along beside it.

A wonderful story, with vulnerable characters and a lovely setting, this is an uplifting and cozy read, sure to warm even the most wintry of hearts.

A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.