If a book could reach out and not only give you a cuddle but draw you into a world that you didn’t know you needed, then I want that book and The Faraway Inn is most definitely that book – a comforting, cosy fantasy set in a magical world that I didn’t want to leave behind.
After having her heart broken, sixteen-year-old Calisa has been sent to spend the summer holidays at her great-aunt’s bed-and-breakfast: The Faraway Inn. She hopes that working at the B&B and being away from the city will be the escape she needs and help her heal. However, far from the cosy inn and warm welcome she was expecting, Calisa discovers a run down inn and a tetchy Auntie Zee who clearly does not want her help. In fact, she doesn’t even want her there, but Calisa has no intention of leaving … especially as there’s an endearingly handsome groundkeeper’s son who can help her in her efforts to bring some love to the inn’s shabbiness.
It is not long before Calisa suspects that the inn and its guests are keeping secrets … magical secrets that, once revealed, will change her life forever.
I loved everything about this gorgeous story that served up a huge dollop of cosiness with a sprinkle of grumpiness and lashings of heart. I adored the wonderful assortment of guests at the Inn who come there when they need a place of respite, somewhere they can rest and recover. Each guest has a story and I loved how Calisa gives them space, advice and help as she becomes part of the Inn’s community.
Whilst I adored this story for its magical elements, I also loved the relationships that Calisa develops whether they were ones of family, friendship or romance. And then, there’s the baking and hot chocolate … and Steve (not at all what you might expect) … absolutely perfect, and perfectly adorable! This story is escapist bliss and it’s exactly what I, and I have no doubt, many others readers need right now.
Snuggle up with this deliciously warm and cosy book, a mug of hot chocolate and a generous slice of cake, and be prepared to be swept into its magic – perfect for readers of 12+.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
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