Paper Daffodils by Titania Tempest is a Dawn & Rosie Adventure and a delightful romantic comedy set in the picturesque Lake District in England.
Is it ever too late for a love story? Dawn Clermont definitely doesn’t think so, while Rosie Bishop wholeheartedly disagrees. Divorcee Rosie wants no part in attending a Seniors Retreat in the Lake District but she’s cajoled by her well-meaning daughter and reluctantly agrees to go. She’s determined not to have any fun. Yet when an unexpected reunion with an old friend ruins her plans, Rosie’s armor is soon penetrated by widow Dawn’s spirited ways, and Rosie is quickly betrayed by her own sense of adventure, though she grumbles the whole time.
The more time Dawn and Rosie spend together, they find their bond runs deeper than their rekindled friendship and leaves them both wondering if it’s too late for love.
Writing
Titania Tempest has written an absolutely adorable romance between two feisty women in their early 60s. Rosie and Dawn’s misadventures are hilariously chronicled and I can’t tell you the amount of times I actually laughed out loud while shaking my head at the same time. These two women most definitely find trouble no matter if they’re kayaking, shopping, or searching for an elusive waterfall. The dialogue is full of charm and witty banter while the scenery surrounding their adventures of exquisitely detailed. There are so many zippy one-liners interspersed with profound words of wisdom that I found myself continuously highlighting. I look forward to looking back at them when I need a little pick-me-up.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
As two women in their 60s, Rosie and Dawn have both lived very full lives that haven’t always been easy. They have known each other for forty years, having met at university, and after twenty years apart, they both wind up at the same seniors retreat, sharing a double room, no less. It’s like no time has passed as they quickly fall back into the same rhythm they had together all those years ago.
Rosie’s gruff and grumpy demeanor is amusing and absolutely no match for Dawn’s bubbly and enthusiastic personality. Also, Rosie is simply unable to say no to Dawn. I absolutely adore the fact that trouble always seems to find them even while they’re doing the most mundane tasks. Who knew a simple walk in the woods could turn into such a cluster?
The dynamics between Rosie and Dawn are literal perfection. It’s clear how deeply they care for one another and as their true feelings come to light, their conversations are deep and meaningful. I adore the fact that they are always completely honest with one another and their ability to become vulnerable shows the level of trust they share.
The supporting characters, especially Liz, Pip, and Dr. Ed are fantastic and add so much to Dawn and Rosie’s adventures.
Heads Up
Rosie’s ex-husband Richard is a source of trauma for her.
The Conclusion
Dawn and Rosie’s story is a heartwarming tale that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. From friends to lovers, these two are perfectly suited and well-suited for one another, which goes to show you that it’s never too late for love. Rosie’s grumpiness is no match for Dawn’s sunshine and rainbows and the two will make you fall in love with them in no time. Their banter is witty and their adventures are hilarious. This book is a gem that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun and charming read!
Excerpt from Paper Daffodils by Titania Tempest
“Your itinerary is on the fridge,” Liz said, “but the activities are optional. You are quite welcome to simply relax and take in the scenery. Your booking’s for the whole package, though, so you can take advantage of any of the activities on offer.” She tipped Rosie a jaunty smile and turned for the door. “Enjoy your stay, Miss Bishop. I’m sure your roommate will be along shortly.”
“My… what?” Rosie dropped the TV remote she’d been inspecting and spun around, but Liz was gone. The door clicked softly closed and Rosie found herself alone, and furious. This was not what she’d agreed to! The odd group activity she could put up with, because, if she were honest, she loved being out in the country, but a roommate? That wasn’t part of the deal! She pursed her lips to a thin white line. No, she wouldn’t have it; she’d march back downstairs, catch that weaselly manager Pip by the scruff of his neck, and demand a solitary room. Three thunderous steps took her to the exit and she snatched at the handle – but the door swung inward before she could touch it. It bounced off her toes, making her yelp, and she skittered backwards with a hiss. An extended second passed before a woman’s confused face popped around the door to see what the obstruction was, and Rosie steeled for a skirmish.
But an odd feeling of déjà vu accosted her, and she wavered. Equally perplexed, the other woman’s hazel eyes widened beneath a thick fringe of silver hair. She took Rosie’s measure, and then her eyebrows lifted high.
“Good God… Rosie?” Recognition clanged through Rosie like a brass bell, and her jaw dropped. She stepped out of the way to let the door swing wide.
“Dawn?!”
Amazed, Dawn Clermont shook her head, tossed her suitcase aside and swept to engulf Rosie in a hug. “What in the bloody hell are you doing here?!”
Rosie laughed – oh, the first time she’d laughed in so long! – and returned her fierce squeeze. “What am I doing here? I’d never take you for a ‘seniors retreat’ kind of girl!”
Dawn pulled back with a grin. “I’m not, usually, but I won a free holiday at bingo night so—”
“Bingo?” Rosie interrupted with a splutter. “Not bingo, Dawn!”
“Honestly!” Dawn laughed. “I started playing a couple of years ago, not long after Jack died. I joined a few other clubs too; a book club, a gardening club – a gin-making club…”
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 978-1779332042
Publisher: Indie Author
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