Almost everybody can relate to a "grass is greener" moment or two in their lives. It seems that it is part of being human to feel envy towards a friend, relative or even stranger who has or is doing something that we want to do. In this aptly titled book best friends Bronwyn and Claudia are facing that exact dilemma. Bronwyn has a position at a prestigious law firm and a great apartment in Perth but has no passion for her career. Instead she yearns to be at her best friend Claudia's family vineyard. Meanwhile Claudia is feeling major resentment that her legal career has been stifled to keep the family business afloat and would give anything to be where Bronwyn is. Then one day they get the opportunity to make it happen.
It's not exactly a straightforward life swap. Bronwyn is treated as a guest at the vineyard rather than the manager she wants to be and Claudia has to resort to a white lie to get her foot in the door of the law firm of her dreams. There are several other conflicts along the way for Claudia and Bronwyn, with each coming across hurdles in their respective paths. But both women push through these barriers, determine to finally create the life they want.
The Grass Is Greener is written in Loretta Hill's usual warm and witty style, with a cast of well drawn characters against a backdrop of the wild and beautiful Western Australian landscape. Although a seemingly "neat" solution, the plot is plausible and the elements relating to the legal world and wine making come across as true to life. Romance also features strongly in the storyline, with seemingly unsuitable suitors for both women appearing to complicate things a little further. Themes of family estrangement, loyalty, guilt, parental expectation and ultimately love and togetherness round out this satisfying story.
All in all The Grass Is Greener is an easy and enjoyable read that will leave you eagerly awaiting Loretta Hill's next title.
The Grass Is Greener is written in Loretta Hill's usual warm and witty style, with a cast of well drawn characters against a backdrop of the wild and beautiful Western Australian landscape. Although a seemingly "neat" solution, the plot is plausible and the elements relating to the legal world and wine making come across as true to life. Romance also features strongly in the storyline, with seemingly unsuitable suitors for both women appearing to complicate things a little further. Themes of family estrangement, loyalty, guilt, parental expectation and ultimately love and togetherness round out this satisfying story.
All in all The Grass Is Greener is an easy and enjoyable read that will leave you eagerly awaiting Loretta Hill's next title.
