The Scent of Scandal

This book is just pure fun, perfect for a beach or pool read, perfect for those times when you just don't want to think. Rose is an aromatherpist/masseuse who has removed herself from her life and career in London to settle down in a small village in order to recover from a romance gone bad. We like her right away; we like her quaint cottage, her sweet ways, and her fascinating job (courtesy of Jessmine Lovage and her encyclopedic information about aromatherapy!). But all is not QUITE well. Busybody Anise, a lady very much "on in years," is convinced that Rose is running a house of ill repute! She employs her more liberal sister Anjelica (of no small age either) and her swain, Basil, to spy on Rose 24/7. Actually, it's not Rose who is running a naughty house, but I won't spoil the story or the enormous humor in this book. Well, Rose meets Dan, a builder with the cottage charmingly named "Builder's Bottom," and sparks fly. But nothing seems to work out right for the couple... Find out what happens to Rose and Dan, Basil and Anise, and all the other remarkably fun villagers in this simply delightful book. It's one of those you can't put down for the sheer fun of it.

I found this to be one of the best Carole Matthews titles that I have read. Carole's books always present such interesting challenges faced by her protagonists when it comes to life and love, and this one is no exception. Set in a small village on the outskirts of suburban England, Carole does an excellent job in capturing what life is like in a small town, with neighbors watching your every move, speculating and spreading rumors that sometimes only have a sliver of truth to them. She even reveals how wrong people can be about what is innocent, and what isn't in a small town through hilarious antics of a housewife turned prostitute. The main character, Rose, is trying very hard to start a new life in a small town, but nobody wants to give her a break because they don't understand what she does as an aromatherapist, and mistakenly think she is a prostitute! As she settles in, she begins to fall in love with a local, who is going through his own relationship troubles. However, she is still torn by the affair that sent her fleeing from London. I couldn't stop reading as Rose tries so desperately to make the right decision, faltering for some time but eventually coming to terms with her feelings after a rather muddy encounter! A definite must for any fan of Carole Matthews, or British chic lit!

Rose Stevens has managed to fall in love with a married man. She flees London for the countryside and the small village of Great Brayford to set up her own aromatherapy business and escape her broken heart. Never mind that the townspeople aren't sure what an aroma therapist is - they are convinced that there's hanky panky going on at her cottage. Local building contractor Dan Spikenard never anticipated falling for the new lady that takes up residence in the house that "smells like a tart's handbag," but that is exactly what happens when he is summoned to repair her chimney. But the unthinkable happens -Hugh returns to the picture suddenly single and ready to settle down with Rose. What's a girl to do? Matthews has created a romantic story with twists and turns and has you rooting for the lead couple to find their way back to each other. Quirky residents, funny situations, and jealous lovers make this a quick and entertaining read!