Not Quite Nice

February 15, 2015

Theresa is starting over--divorce, corporate downsizing, and diabolical grandchildren have pushed her to the limit. Moving from Britain to a charming and carefree life in France sounds perfect. Until a naked man falls into her courtyard. Nearly caught by his wife in flagrante, he gratefully accepts Theresa's blanket and makes off in a hurry; little does Theresa know she'll soon have a run-in with said wife. Local expats rally around Theresa, and her days are quickly filled with socializing and strategizing her new cooking club. After a spate of burglaries, Theresa finds out who her friends truly are. A cinematic denouement followed by an equally dramatic conclusion ties it all in a bow. Actress (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) Imrie's lighthearted first novel touches on real-world financial, occupational, and familial concerns of older readers in a way that's genuine and yet reminiscent of old Hollywood movies. The dominance of the dialog is a roadblock to connecting with the characters, and while there are some surprises, it's clear who some of the villains are early on. VERDICT Recommended for readers seeking a breezy read with a touch of romance and mystery and a heroine they can relate to.--Amy Brozio-Andrews, Albany P.L., NY

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2015
This charming first novel by British actress Imrie (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Calendar Girls) extols the virtues of retiring abroad, which, for one group of British ex-pats, means Bellevue-Sur-Mer, France. Just a short bus ride along the Mediterranean coast from Nice, this seemingly quaint, quiet village attracts an odd melange of characters who now spend their time laughing, sharing, eating, drinking, gossiping, and being very good neighbors. There's Theresa, who has left behind her bossy daughter and three annoying granddaughters; Sally, an ex-TV star who's taken up power-boating; and Carol, an American heiress, along with her ever-patient husband, David. Outgoing, popular William is there with his partner, Benjamin, who's fighting drug addiction. Readers also meet wealthy Zoe, who frequently indulges in plastic surgery techniques; business whiz Sian and her husband, Ted with the constantly-wandering eyes; Faith, a widow with a grown son greedy for her inheritance; and newcomer Brian, a mysterious loner who may or may not be pursuing Theresa. All in all, Imrie's funny, over-the-top romp reads like a screenplay. And who knows, maybe that's just where it's headed?(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)