There's something about this story that reminds me really strongly of Mary Stewart's books. It has the same old world feeling and gentle romantic suspense.

If you're looking for a modern story, this isn't it, as it is slow and dated. But if you're looking for atmosphere and something that is a little old fashioned, this might suit you perfectly. 4.5 stars with a nostalgic bonus to make it 5.

Some of this is a bit odd, and some of it isn't all that relevant to a NZ home (I won't be putting my washing up outside to dry because it would just clutter up the deck and we have a dishwasher). I also definitely don't agree with throwing things away (what's wrong with recycling?), but on the whole it made a lot of sense to me.

I will keep my spare buttons (I'm a crafter and they DO get used and DO spark joy), and I will do a brief clear out to make space before a thorough tidy, but clearing things out wholesale instead of bit by bit will definitely work for me and feel freeing.

And I do understand the 'spark joy' bit. For example, none of my kitchen utensils exactly spark joy, but some feel good to hold and use and others don't.

I'm only on page 25 but I can't remember the last time I read a book that started so well.

Finished, and I absolutely loved this. Funny, clever and just plain wonderful.

Wow. This was completely unputdownable. The format is amazing (I got a paper version from the library so I could appreciate it more), and really does add to the story. I was in tears more than once and loved the ending. Best book I've read this year so far.

I've been wanting to read this for ages. I actually listened to it as an audiobook, which isn't my favourite way of 'reading', but it was still good enough to get 5 stars. (Well, 9 stars but tipping towards 10 rather than 8, hence the 5.) It's a fairly standard time-slip romance, and I found it quite obvious who was who, but it is very well written and very enjoyable.