Title: Life Skills
Author: Katie Fforde
First published January 1, 1999
352 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780312263539 (ISBN10: 0312263538)
Rating: 3.63
Overview
Looking for a fresh start after a breakup and job loss, Jane is drawn to a classified ad seeking someone who is athletic, outdoorsy, and great with people. Little does she know that this ad will lead her to a charming and comical adventure on the English canals aboard a quirky hotel boat.
As Julia navigates the twists and turns of the waterways, she must contend with challenging guests, a cramped kitchen, and an old flame. With narrow bridges and rattling tea cups, Life Skills by Katie Fforde is a delightful and humorous tale that doubles as a travel guide for exploring the picturesque canals of England.
A perfect read for fans of romantic comedy and those seeking a bit of adventure.
About the Author
Catherine Rose Gordon-Cumming, a renowned British author, was born on September 27, 1952. She is the daughter of Shirley Barbara Laub and Michael Willoughby Gordon-Cumming, and her grandfather was Sir William Gordon-Cumming.
Her sister, Jane Gordon-Cumming, is also a writer. Katie, as she is fondly called, tied the knot with Desmond Fforde, who is a cousin of another writer, Jasper Fforde, and they are blessed with three children named Guy, Francis, and Briony.
Katie did not start writing until after the birth of her third child. She has previously worked as a cleaning lady and in a health food cafe.
Since 1995, Katie has been publishing romance novels set in modern-day England. She founded the “Katie Fforde Bursary,” aimed at helping writers who are yet to secure a publishing contract.
In 2009, she was elected as the twenty-fifteenth Chairman of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, where she served until 2011. Katie was thrilled to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and she expressed her gratitude, saying, “Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair, and she’s a very tough act to follow.
However, I’ve been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do.”
Katie resides in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England, with her husband, some of her three children, and many pets. Recently, she has taken up new hobbies like singing, Flamenco dancing, and husky racing, which she claims keeps her fit.
She also enjoys reading romantic novels, and her favorite author in the genre is Kate Saunders.
Editoral Review
Life Skills by Katie Fforde is a heartwarming novel that explores the themes of love, family, and personal growth. Fforde is a British author known for her romantic fiction, and Life Skills is one of her earliest works, first published in 1999.
The novel follows the story of Julia Fairfax, a divorced mother of two who is struggling to make ends meet. Julia takes on a job as a housekeeper for Hugo, a wealthy businessman, and his two children.
As she navigates her new role, Julia also begins to develop feelings for Hugo, leading to a complicated romantic entanglement.
Fforde’s writing style is engaging and easy to read, with a focus on character development and interpersonal relationships. The novel is set in a small English village, which adds to the cozy and intimate feel of the story.
Although Life Skills was first published over 20 years ago, it still has relevance today. The novel deals with topics like single parenthood, financial struggles, and finding oneself, which are still prevalent in modern society.
Fforde’s portrayal of these issues is sensitive and nuanced, without becoming overly preachy or didactic.
One of the strengths of Life Skills is its character development. Julia is a relatable protagonist who is easy to root for, while Hugo is a complex and flawed love interest.
Fforde also excels at creating supporting characters who feel like real people, with their own hopes, fears, and quirks.
However, the novel’s plot can feel somewhat predictable at times. Readers who are familiar with the romance genre may find themselves guessing the outcome of certain plot points.
Additionally, some of the conflict in the story feels contrived or forced, which may detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel.
Despite its flaws, Life Skills is a charming and uplifting read that will appeal to fans of romantic fiction. Fforde’s writing is engaging and relatable, and the novel’s themes of personal growth and second chances will resonate with many readers.
Overall, I would recommend Life Skills to anyone looking for a heartwarming and entertaining read. While it may not be groundbreaking or innovative, it is a solid example of the romance genre and a testament to Fforde’s skill as a writer.
I would give this book a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
