The Green Hills of Home by Emma Bennet

Gwen Jones, a young Welsh writer, is desperate to save the family farmhouse from being sold from under her critically ill mother and herself.

When she lands a lucrative three-book deal with an eminent publisher, she thinks her problems are all over.  However, Gwen's need to be near her sick mother means she's unable to travel to London to work with her devilishly desirable editor, John Thatcher, and he must come and stay with her in Wales.

Handsome and eminently capable, cosmopolitan John is used to getting his own way and has plans for the future which certainly don't include being distracted by pretty Welsh girls; nevertheless when he journeys into the country to work with Gwen it's not long before he finds himself falling in love with her, as well as the house she's so anxious to save.

But is John capable of loving anyone as much as his job?

And when he has to decide between his goals and Gwen, which will he choose?

The Green Hills of Home is Emma Bennet's debut novel that was independently published on 21 June 2013.

A heart-warming and sweet romance, this is an enchanting little story following the tried and tested tradition of boy meets girl, they overcome many obstacles in their way, they fall in love.

Although the story centres around the two main characters of Gwen and John, I felt that the real stars of this novel were the Welsh setting and Gwen's wonderful dog Oscar!    Gwen is an aspiring author, living in Wales with her mother in the house that she grew up in, she works shifts in the local tea-room in between penning her novel.  John is an editor, he is focussed on his work, more at home in the City than in the country and determined that he will not be swayed by his feelings for Gwen.   Gwen desperately needs this book deal, her home is about to be sold, her mother is in hospital after having a stroke, she feels responsible and carries a heavy burden on her shoulders.

As Gwen and John start to work together on her book, their relationship gradually changes.  John begins to enjoy the solitude of the beautiful Welsh countryside, walking the dog and becoming part of the small community.   Gwen realises that she doesn't have to be quite so independent, that there is the possibility that she may not have to shoulder all of her burdens alone.

This is the sort of story that is perfect for either reading in the sunshine, with a glass of something cool to accompany it, or alternatively tucked up on the sofa with a mug of tea and a packet of biscuits.  It's a get-away-from-it-all, feel good novel will raise the spirits and leave the reader with a warm feeling.

I'd like to thank my friend Joan who passed on a copy of The Green Hills of Home from Emma for review.

Emma Bennet grew up and lived in London, before falling in love and moving to Wales to be with her own hero.   Emma now lives with her husband, children and many animals in a small Welsh market town.  The beautiful landscape around her home gave her the inspiration for The Green Hills of Home.
Her second novel, The Spaniard's Secret Daughter will be available late 2013.
Emma likes (in no particular order); cake, books, Cary Grant films, prosecco, chocolate, guinea pigs, knitting, quilting and happily ever afters!

Find out more about Emma at her website www.emma-bennet.co.uk, her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter