Second Thyme Around

July 16, 2001
British author Fforde's sixth novel is an extremely good-natured, if rather predictable, romantic comedy. "Well, at least I'm completely over him," Perdita, an unattached organic gardener who's approaching 30, prophetically mutters to herself when her ex-husband, Lucas, suddenly resurfaces as the local inn's new chef. She has remained single since the divorce, focusing more on building her business than on dating. The most important person in her life is her mother's godmother, Kitty, a sprightly 87-year-old who shares Perdita's love of gardening and has doted on her since she was a girl. Kitty, along with Perdita's other friends—mainly the colorful locals to whom she sells her produce—angle cheerfully for her to go out more, get a makeover and a boyfriend, to little effect. It turns out that Lucas is to be the star of a new cooking show, and its producers commandeer Perdita's kitchen—and Perdita herself, too, as cohost—thus throwing the fractured couple together again, much to her displeasure. Sparks start to fly before filming even begins. Perdita's interpretation of independence is exasperating at times (she figures the only way to show Lucas that she's over him is to find herself a new boyfriend), but Fforde (Life Skills; Stately Pursuits) infuses life into the story via other characters and subplots. Lucy, an old school friend, begs for help arranging the perfect English country Christmas; Janey, who works in Lucas's kitchen, develops a crush on him; illness forces the autonomous, free-thinking Kitty to relinquish control to various doctors and caretakers and a long-lost relative threatens to take away all that Perdita has worked for. There are few uncharted turns here, but the characters are all appealing, and romantics will be taken with Fforde's clever interweaving of love, friendship, horticulture and cuisine.

Starred review from June 1, 2001
This sixth novel by British author Fforde (Life Skills) is a good-natured and utterly charming romance about Lucas, a handsome, talented, somewhat prickly chef, falling back in love with his ex-wife, Perdita, whose small produce operation supplies fresh vegetables for his restaurant. Lucas and Perdita struggle to keep the past, and their increasing attraction to each other, under wraps. Various subplots and characters make this novel stand above run-of-the-mill romantic comedies. Thus, the elderly Kitty, who virtually raised Perdita, is losing her struggle to remain independent a predicament Fforde handles with candor and authenticity, as doctors, hospitals, home healthcare aides, and even greedy relatives appearing at the last minute cause Perdita and Kitty undue strain. The courtship between matchmaking Janey, one of Lucas's assistants, and William, an employee of Perdita, adds depth and a bit of suspense to the story. Fforde should find a U.S. audience among readers who relish Jayne Ann Krentz, Jennifer Crusie, or Patti Berg. Wholeheartedly recommended for all public libraries. Margaret Hanes, Sterling Heights P.L., MI

Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2001
Initially, this novel seems to be merely fluff: silly, light, and substance-free. Perdita, our heroine, confronts the appearance of her ex-husband in her peaceful life with a school-girlish response, pouting and flustered. A grower of exotic greens for the restaurant market, she finds her ex's new position as head chef in the kitchen of her best customer totally disruptive, then the unbelievable events that force them into a cooking show filmed at her house increase the friction to a catastrophic level. Their juvenile behavior is brought to a halt, however, by the failing health of Perdita's beloved godmother. The need to cope with hospitals, home care, increased debility, death, and the aftermath while still running her business force all other concerns out of the picture, so that the woman participating in the predictable romantic encounter at the end of Fforde's tale is far different than the one in the opening pages. Although not profound, the result is a pleasantly romantic if bittersweet read.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)