JUDGING a book

Change was definitely on Tiffany’s agenda, but was the village ready for what she had in mind?

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So, what did we think of the Regency romance?’ Josie asked the members of the book group seated at her dining table.

‘Enjoyable. The characters came to life,’ Maggie said.

Cath giggled. ‘I wouldn’t mind a duke sweeping me off my feet!’

New member Tiffany took a deep breath. ‘It wasn’t my thing at all, I’m afraid. I prefer novels that challenge perceptions and reflect real life. How about something more literary next time? The latest Booker, maybe?’

She went on to enthuse about several prize-winning novels. ‘We could write our own reviews and take turns in reading them out,’ Tiffany continued.

Her suggestions were met with silence and bemused expressions. Tiffany blushed and bit her bottom lip. ‘I mean… only if you want to.’

Josie glanced at the stack of library books ready to hand out as the next read. Cornish Cove Café might not have won any prizes, but it was by an author they’d read before and enjoyed. Frivolous cover illustrations and titles often belied poignant plots. She hoped Tiffany would give it a chance.

Josie cleared her throat. ‘Well, that’s certainly worth thinking about. Now, who’d like a cup of tea?’

After the meeting, while Josie was washing up, her thoughts drifted to three weeks previously. From her bedroom window, she’d watched a removal lorry draw up outside the house opposite and a small car pull into its driveway.

A lad, five or six years old, she guessed, and a young woman got out and hurried into the house. A few hours later, Josie knocked and introduced herself.

‘Nice to meet you,’ the young woman said. ‘I’m Tiffany Meadows.’ She turned to the boy hovering in the hallway. ‘And this is my son, Lucas.’