ABOUT THE BOOK
Nell Chapman has always assumed that one (or the other) of her twin sons would help run her antique shop once they finished university. The boys, however, have other plans, when they announce they’re going backpacking for a year, leaving Nell feeling bereft and lonely.
Not only that but with their father (her lying, cheating ex-husband) back on the scene and demanding half of the business, there might not be anything left for her boys to help manage when they return.
However, she hasn’t counted on the unexpected support of local landscape artist, Silas Long. And neither has she considered the possibility she might fall in love again – especially since Silas is so distant and moody, and has his own cross to bear.
Should Nell take a chance and risk her heart, or should she leave well alone? And why has Silas painted her portrait if he doesn’t feel anything for her?
A perfect romantic read for fans of Heidi Swain and Sarah Morgan
MY REVIEW
I have been a big fan of Liz Davies since reading The Summer of Going Topless and The Ticklemore Tattler. Her stories are poignant and emotional with realistic characters dealing with powerful matters of the heart.
The Ticklemore Treasure Trove is a heartwarming look into a mother’s life as an empty nester trying to keep her business afloat and a grieving man trying to find a life again after a tragic loss.
Nell’s hope of having her twin sons stay with her after college before finding jobs is dashed when she hears of their crazy plan to travel the world for a year. Filled with fear, loneliness, and envy for her sons, she goes on with the running of her antique shop only to find out her shady, cheating ex-husband wants to railroad her into taking half of her business. In the meantime, when local painter and gallery owner, Silas Long, spots a rare painting in her store, he kindly offers to have it appraised for her and a friendship grows between them. As they become better acquainted, Nell starts to develop feelings for Silas, but he only wants to remain friends though clearly, his actions speak differently. What is he hiding?
Silas is extremely private and feels he is not relationship material due to a loss he cannot get over. He is in emotional limbo and has given up caring about anything other than painting nature scenes until he sees a very emotional Nell alone on a bridge and is compelled to paint her portrait. Concerned about her and attracted to her at the same time, he builds a friendship with her that could be much more, but he refuses to move on and tell her his story. He believes she doesn’t deserve someone like him.
Nell is a kind soul who would give the shirt off her back to help someone. Instead of accepting all of the money from the sale of the rare painting in her shop, she decides to donate half of it to a charity unknowingly dear to Silas’s heart and splitting the rest with Silas for his help in getting it appraised. I find the idea of discovering the stories behind the antiques she buys is a fascinating selling point. Silas is frustratingly obtuse, but he is equally kind in his undeniable assistance with the rare painting and with the difficulties Nell has with her ex. Most importantly, I love how Silas senses Nell’s sadness over his own as he walks by and then feels compelled to paint her. He didn’t paint people….ever. The moment is priceless. It’s like he slowly falls for her as his painting of her comes to life discovering her true beauty and her strength and selfless generosity. I treasured their moments of happiness and silliness together as well as their awkward and delicate moments filled with misunderstandings and longing.
As for supporting characters, I was happy to see familiar faces from The Ticklemore Tattler. Hattie is a nosy busybody, but you gotta love her matchmaking abilities. She also comes up with a brilliant idea to start up apprenticeships with local business owners and college kids to give them real-life experiences before finding a job after graduation.
Overall, this is a captivating character-driven story set in a lovely village with an intriguing plot. A great addition to the series that I couldn’t put down.
Thank you to Ms. Davies for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Ticklemore Village Series
1. The Ticklemore Christmas Toy Shop (2020)
2. The Ticklemore Tattler (2021) – My review
3. The Ticklemore Treasure Trove (2021)
4. The Ticklemore Tavern (2021)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love.
She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat – she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days.
She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper can and travel the world in it.
Follow Liz on her website, Twitter, and Facebook.
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