When newly heartbroken, michelin-starred chef Millie Harper is
offered a job overseeing the setup of The Paradise Cookery School she
jumps at the opportunity. Leaving London and her memories of
heartbreak behind she hops on a plane to the hilltop cocoa plantation
in St Lucia.
But this beautiful island break might be more work than she’d
expected…. With only two weeks to have the kitchen installed,
cocoa pods going missing from the plantation and the notoriously
relaxed island workmen to contend with, she’s going to need some
help. Gruff but charming estate manager Zach Baxter, is only too
happy to offer his opinions. As the two clash heads can they remain
focussed on the job in hand and get the cookery school finished in
time?
Pack your bags and jump right into the sun and secrets of The
Paradise Cookery School. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jenny
Oliver and Kat French.
What did I think?
At long last, I've read my first (but definitely not last) Daisy James book. If ever a book should be read on holiday, it is Sunshine and Secrets but for those of us who don't have sun-friendly skin it's a perfect getaway to distant lands we can only dream of from the comfort of our favourite armchair.
Amelia (known as Millie) Harper has just the right thing to take her mind off her broken heart: an opportunity to set up The Paradise Cookery School on the Caribbean island of St Lucia. As if Millie's wet welcome to St Lucia wasn't funny enough, her drenching leaves her with big hair akin to Monica Geller when the Friends go to Barbados. Picturing Millie like that was enough to get me sniggering like a schoolgirl.
As well as trying out gorgeous recipes, Millie has to try to get the local laid-back workmen to stick to their schedule, which is easier said than done with the sun blazing down and the ripples of the swimming pool causing a temptation that's impossible to resist. Local cook, Ella, and Estate Manager, Zach, are on hand to help Millie and, after a stand-offish start with Zach, Millie finds her pulse racing - Zach could be the perfect cure for her broken heart.
What really surprised me about Sunshine and Secrets was the added mystery of the disappearing cocoa pods. Rather than succumb to the easy-going pace of the Caribbean vibe, it made me look at the characters a little more closely as I tried to gather clues.
Sunshine and Secrets is so full of sunshine that I needed my Factor 50 on just to read it. I felt as if I was on St Lucia with Millie, sitting drinking an Andy's Blast cocktail in the beachside Purple Parrot cocktail bar. Naturally, I didn't want to leave, although in real life I would have been burnt to a crisp!
My rating:
Buy links:
About the author:
Daisy James is a Yorkshire girl transplanted to the north east of England. She loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. When not scribbling away in her summerhouse, she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something pink and fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea - china plates and teacups are a must.
Twitter:
@daisyjamesbooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daisyjamesbooks/.
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