This one was a major yawner, though it did have a happy, if extremely far-fetched, ending---on several fronts. It started out slow, was still boring by page 100, and by about page 150 I stopped to write in my notes, "Why am I compelled to continue reading this series?" I decided it's because I'm curious about the lives of these people. It's like watching soap operas---or Downton Abbey. The writing is horrendous with the occasional brilliancy, many of the situations are unbelievable, many of the characters are unlikable, but one just can't let go of the story. It's gossip, plain and simple, and it's all in our minds.

I suppose I do also appreciate that these are relatively clean and the "mysteries" don't involve murder. However, they don't really involve mystery either...they're pretty much stories of Lori beginning each situation with naive preconceived notions about people and being made out to be a fool and usually a jerk, too, in the end. Lori is not funny nor cutesy---if I stop trying to like this main character, I might enjoy the series more. ( )

Oh my gosh this one has me fondly remembering the first in the series....the magic is definitely going strong in her writing of this tale! ( )

This was a lot fluffier than I remember the series to be. Lori is concerned that the vacant cottages in town are not selling and thinks the realtor may be in cahoots with a developer to keep the houses vacant and drive down the price of the house so the developer can swoop in and turn them into summer homes. There was a secondary plot line that was just as frivolous. I doubt I will continue with this series as it has gotten too cozy for my tastes. ( )

This is one of those series I keep reading out of loyalty to the love I have for the first few. They're still good, but they're not the great they used to be. Cozy morality tales for adults, these would play so much better of the MC Lori didn't have to be such a blooming idiot in order for the author to make her point. How are you independently wealthy with advance degrees, live in the UK for 10 years and not know what "freehold" property is?

Still, I'm addicted to the village of Finch and the incredible secondary characters Atherton creates. I'd give a lot to live in a village with the Summer King; he's exactly what I'd love to be when I grow up.

I'll keep reading these, but I have to resign myself to the author turning her protagonist into a simpleton, I suppose. It's worth the price to keep visiting everyone else in Finch. ( )

Love the Summer King! Love love love Lori and Finch. I want more more more Aunt Dimity and the Summer King. I could have read another 100 pages easy.
Too short! Wrapped up too fast, not enough Hargreaves. ( )