A Rather Lovely Inheritance (Penny Nichols)

A delightful book--a perfect summer read. A tad predictable? At a high level, yes--but there were enough plot twists to keep me reading as fast as I could. Richly developed characters, witty dialogue. I will be seeking out more books by this author!

A frothy, entertaining first novel. My grandaughter and I enjoyed the mystery, the excitement of being in several exciting cities. The author has a sence of humor and a style that I will look for again. When will she write another?

From the day I first held this book in my hands, I could barely wait to read it. It drew me in somehow with its very pretty and tasteful cover. But because something told me it would be good, I forced myself to save it until I'd have time to savour it properly. I began it one evening shortly before going to a restaurant with a friend. I took it with me, and the meal lasted at least twice as long as usual. Just as well my friend had a book too. I guess it was a literary dinner. I turned page after page, trying not to soil them with splashes of soup or spaghetti sauce. Need I mention that I finished it that same evening? Penny, having inherited a garage in the south of France, discovers that the situation is far more complex than anyone knows. In a stunning sequence of action, the author kept me riveted as mysterious secrets came to light in an endless flow of family history, hidden affairs, alternate bloodlines, art theft, and continual savvy comments on life in the modern age. Just when I thought there were no more surprises, the next one would pop up - whether in London, Paris, Rome, the French Riviera, or on the journey somewhere in between. In fact, this is as much a mystery as it is a romance, combining both in leaps and bounds that vary between hilarity and mortal danger, yet always hopeful and with good humour. This is delightfully written, light-hearted and sharp, witty and sassy, rather more like a movie than a book. It wasn't just the happy ending that satisfied me - it was the thoroughly enjoyable process of getting there and seeing each scene through the author's imaginative eye. Landscapes, cities, countries spring out of the pages. I also very much enjoyed the author interview included at the back, and noted with pleasure that she claims swimming in the Mediterranean invariably prods her inspiration to write!

I enjoyed this book very much. I read it in one day because I was so curious to find out what was going to happen! I love that the heroine beat Rollo at his own game but she was still willing to be kind to him. The heroine was very likable and easy to relate to. I look forward to the next book by Belmond!

Penny Nichols works as a freelance historical researcher and set design consultant for Pentathlon Productions cable TV company that shoots almost exclusively in New York. While on location overlooking the Hudson, her mother calls to inform her that her Great-aunt Penelope, whom she met only one time, died in London. Now that would mean very little to the American even if she is named after her great-aunt; yet for some odd reason, perhaps the name, Aunt Penelope included her niece in her will as well as penny's mom. Representing her mom and herself, Penny travels to London for the reading of the will where she re-meets her cousins Jeremy Laidley and Rollo. She learns that her inheritance is inside the garage attached to her late aunt's French villa. She and Jeremy travel across the Channel to the South of France to see what is inside as family members come out of the woodwork as a bi-coastal Atlantic Ocean war over ownership explodes. Though a bit light in terms of a mystery and the relationship between Jeremy and Penny fans will appreciate this inheritance war because of the élan of the visiting American who hooks everyone (except Rollo and Mrs. Laidley) with her klutzy optimism. Readers will root for Penny who keeps the tale moving with her need to know the truth about Aunt Penelope and her willingness to compromise with Jeremy and battle nasty Rollo. Fans will enjoy the lighthearted breezy story line as the Yank takes England, France, and Italy. Harriet Klausner