I always enjoy Jane Lovering’s books so I snapped this up when I saw it on Netgalley.
Single mum Libby is running away from a controlling relationship and has her two year old with her. She’s taking on part time work in order to make ends meet. She has been hired by the stressed out architect Ross, who wants her to persuade a squatter to leave a ramshackle house that’s on his property. Oh yes, and Libby has a terrible phobia of birds.
The job sound easy enough, but it turns out that Isobel, the squatter, is a tiny elderly lady, who can’t speak and she doesn’t want to move out. She also has a flock of ‘tame’ crows.
As Libby and Ross work together to persuade Isobel to leave, they grow closer … but Libby’s past is catching up fast.
As always, Jane Lovering’s characters feel like real people. I especially liked that the two year felt like a real two year old (rather than an adorable little moppet who was only there when it was convenient). Libby’s troubles juggling childcare and work felt realistic too.
I loved Isobel, who was sharp and acerbic when she wanted to be.
The book is set in autumn and is atmospheric. The old house is creepy and wreathed in shadows and falling leaves. This would make a great Halloween read – even though it’s not scary. It definitely gives sweater weather vibes.
I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.