Although this is another book set in Pendruggan, and I did love my return to Trevay, this is definitely a standalone book, and the few recurring characters that were present really were there in a minor way this time around. The pace and involvement is much better towards the end of the story. I have to say, this is not a book I’ll be wanting to read again soon, but it may well appeal to you more than it did to me. It could have been just me in the wrong frame of mind for it or just not my cup of tea in the first parts- but I did finish it, so it isn’t that bad! I’ve read others by this author in the past and thoroughly enjoyed them so it won’t put me off reading more from her in future. I love programmes for gardeners on TV and radio. There are so many areas to be covered and tastes to suit. I’d like to do a programme about winter gardening. Not just the beauty of the things that survive and thrive through the winter but how to add light and sound and mirrors to turn it into a magical winterland. Fern Britton cleverly mixes the modern-day story with that of the disappearance of Sennen all those years ago, she also tells how Adela and her husband Bill met and fell in love. This is seamlessly done and I particularly enjoyed Adela and Bill's story; a true and endearing story that really captured my imagination. There are the difficult topics of post natal depression, suicide and mental illness. They are sensitively presented. I think all Mums will be able to identify with the feelings of overwhelming love for our newborns coupled with tears and feelings of unable to cope, whilst trying to present a composed front to the world. The main character really came alive for me as I empathised completely.

The Big Allotment Challenge was a wonderful show to work on. I really loved learning from Jim Buttress. He is not only a gardener through and through but he is a great storyteller and hugely funny. I rather fell in love with him! Also Jonathan Moseley is THE man when it comes to flowers and creating incredibly beautiful arrangements. He’s a real gardener too and knows the names of everything. He’s also a great giggler! And who the hell thinks inviting your new family to a huge event for your old (abandoned) family without mentioning it yo anyone is a good idea?! Apparently I'm the only one who thinks that's not normal behaviour. The characters in the book certainly acted as if it was normal... well apart from Henry... (See my next comment)Everyone has secrets. Secrets can become a burden over time. They need to be shared or they will break the person carrying them, with their weight. There is always something very lovely about curling up with a new Fern Britton book. They never fail to make me smile and I devour them greedily in one sitting. I need to confess something. I am actually quite disgusted with myself. Promise you won't hold it against me? This review is part of The Postcard blog tour. Thank you very much to HarperCollins for sending me the book.

I was delighted when I found out I had been approved by Harper Collins and netgalley to receive a review copy of The Postcard written by one of my favoured authors, Fern Britton. I have read some of Fern’s earlier work which I have thoroughly enjoyed as her descriptions of Cornwall where the books are set are absolutely spot on and make me crave for a coastal retreat every time I read them. The Postcard' is set in the incredibly popular place of Cornwall, and I'll be honest, I feel as though I could write my own book on Cornwall itself, due to how poular that particular setting is in the bookworld this year. Yes, there has been that many. However, the setting of 'The Postcard' didn't bother me this time as it wasn't the main focus of the storyline. Instead, it was a rather beautiful addition and the author had let the characters do the talking, as opposed to everything being centred around Cornwall. Don't get me wrong, it does sound like a beautiful place! I loved how Fern Britton used the setting to add depth to her storyline instead of making it the main focus.You can feel her desperation to be reunited with her children and her shopping trip to buy some more traditional clothing is particularly bittersweet. She is an individual but wants to create the right impression with her children. Fern Britton, broadcaster, presenter and author, has released her sixth novel “The Postcard”. We caught up with her to find out what inspired the story and how gardens help her unwind.