Review: The Tapestry of Love by Rosy Thornton
Reviewed by Poppy J.
The story within The Tapestry of Love centers on Catherine Parkstone who moves from England to a small village in France. She leaves her two grown children, Tom and Lexie, intent on having a fresh start in a new country. A divorced woman of 48, she tries to start a new upholstery business and seamstress service in the area. She summons enough courage to move to France alone, but has the typical problems and challenges of a new business owner in a foreign land.
Catherine makes friends easily and develops a close relationship with a local, Patrick Castagnol. When her younger sister Bryony pays a visit, Catherine realizes that their relationship is more one-sided than she would like to admit. She finds that they are both competing for Patrick’s attention, and the reader will easily take sides to see who will win this “prize”.
The rural provincial life in France is at once charming and rustic, and the reader will enjoy the real life description of what life would be like living full-time in that area. This is the France that tourists rarely get to see, but always wish they could experience. Who wouldn’t love to sell her house and go to keep bees in a small mountain village in France? I know I would if given the chance.
Catherine reaches out to others appropriately when she is lost, and turns retrospectively inward to settle her own mind to her confused feelings and desires during the story. Her descriptions of the scenery, as well her sewing, are magical, and allow the reader to at once dream and appreciate the beauty of the region.
Reading The Tapestry of Love is like looking at a beautiful and haunting painting and trying to find the words to describe the familiar feeling it gives, as well as the enjoyment it brings. I’d recommend the book to anyone wanting to read about celebrating leaving one life and starting again with no regrets.
After a decade of working in several NYC law departments and teaching, Poppy decided she enjoyed writing full-time. She currently works as a freelance writing consultant, and lives with her husband and sons on the East Coast.
Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Rosy Thornton. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.
Category: Contemporary, Literature & Fiction
“Reading The Tapestry of Love is like looking at a beautiful and haunting painting and trying to find the words to describe the familiar feeling it gives, as well as the enjoyment it brings.”
what a romantically eloquent description, Poppy. you have me adding this to my wishlist with one read of your review! just the kind of fantasy life i’d love to read about ~ thank you for introducing me…
FHC recently posted..In Leah’s Wake by Indie Author Terri Giuliano Long
It would be great to move and start over, but I would take my books and embroidery with me. I don’t want to be stuck in a lovely but lonely place, would rather be in a village with people. I am interested in the contest for Patrick and how it ends and the charaterization of the local people.
Carol Wong
This book sounds like it could be relieving for someone going through the same experiences and entertaining for someone who isn’t. It reminds me of Under The Tuscan Sun. I will definitely look for this one!
I enjoy reading novels with settings in other countries that describe life as it is there.
I would love to leave my life and start over, I think a lot of us would at some point in our lives. I don’t know about moving to another country to do it though. The one thing I read in the review that made me stop and re-read is she’s a bee keeper? I have a serious phobia of bee’s and as such reading about someone who keeps bee’s might just throw a dislike into the book I’m reading.
Great review, sounds like a good book. The cover of this book is just beautiful though.
mary kirkland recently posted..Snow
I have been here since few days ago and today I just realize that there’s no rating for each review.
I wonder why
But from you review I can assume how many stars would you give to this book. I caught a catchy enthusiasm on it.
I like the cover
Aleetha recently posted..Follow Friday 1-14
This si the second review I have read for this book. I think I must read this one. That cover alone is enough to draw me in. Great review!
Beth(bookaholicmom) recently posted..The Heroines Bookshelf
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Wow! That is a beautiful cover. Thats like something you would hang on your livingroom wall, well I would anyway!
I love to read about France. I would love to read this book. I’ve missed coming here. After the holidays it takes a while to get in step again, at least, for me.
Wonderful review!