Book Review: Game of Scones by Samantha Tonge

Title: Game of Scones
Author: Samantha Tonge
Format: eBook, NetGalley
Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads | Twitter

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Blurb: A story of icing and flour…and how love doesn’t always go to plan!

Growing up, Pippa Pattinson’s summers were spent in the idyllic Greek island fishing village of Taxos. There she spent many long hazy days determinedly ignoring thoughts of the life her parents had mapped out for her (a dreary-but-secure banking job and obligatory sensible husband!) Instead she daydreamed of running her own tea shop – serving the perfect scones –with mocha-eyed childhood friend Niko by her side…

Arriving back in Taxos for the first time in years, with suave boyfriend Henrik, Pippa barely recognises the tired little town – but is relieved to catch glimpses of the quaint, charming village she’s always loved. Together Niko and Pippa put together a proposal to save Taxos from tourist-tastic ruin, and at the heart of their plan is Pippa’s dream project – The Tastiest Little Tea Shop in Taxos. It’s time for Pippa to leave her London life behind and dust off her scone recipe that’s guaranteed to win over both locals and visitors. And amidst the rolling pins and raisins, it seems romance is blossoming where she’s least expecting it…

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Review: I have seen so many amazing reviews for this book and was instantly drawn in by the stunning cover and the promise of warm, exotic locations, hot Greek men and of course, a whole array of mouth-watering scones. Pippa has returned to Taxos, a small Greek village where she spent many childhood days with her parents and Greek friend, Niko. She goes back with her new rich and charming boyfriend, Henrik only to find out Henrik has other plans. Plans to turn the cute, quaint and idyllic village into a tourist location of bars and hotels. Pippa meets Niko again and along with the locals they try and think of ways to save perfect little Taxos and Pippa’s dreams of running her own tea shop may be just on the horizon.

I have never read a book before that captures quite so wholesomely the essence of another country. The weather, the streets, the community spirit – everything about little Taxos came to life and I was instantly caught up in the drama and the way of life of these Greek locals. Oh and the review wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the scones! I’ve never quite craved scones as much as I do right now but the descriptions of Pippa’s scones with all their different flavours and ingredients made my mouth water. The setting of this book is what done it for me and whilst reading, I was no longer in my bed, I was standing on the beach with the Taxos residents or sitting in Pippa’s teashop.

I lived and breathed through Pippa whilst reading this book and embraced her every move, every thought and every feeling. I rarely agree with a character 100% throughout their story but I felt a connection to Pippa and stood by her whole-heartedly throughout the whole thing. Niko was a perfect book boyfriend – I would have loved to have read more scenes with him. Not even particularly romantic ones; I could have read about him cleaning his shoes for all I care! Along with the scones, he too was mouth-watering. This was the ultimate summer read and I enjoyed every page and every word. A little slice of paradise.

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