Game of Scones by Samantha Tonge

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Oh, this one brings some angst and is not typically all romantic and sweet. A feel-good one, not entirely in story per se but, in the form of the village life, its beauty and people, as well as the drool-worthy delicious scones and Greek cuisine.

In her rather cheeky voice, Samantha Tonge hits it right about the nostalgia of the carefree summer days of childhood which linger with us through our adult years (especially in the middle of dreary jobs or the tired urban jungle). Game of Scones is humorous in narrative, flavored with angst (though hardly a Greek romantic tragedy) and filled with heartwarming characters, food and sunshine.

The lulling charm of the Greek countryside and its residents may be the high point for me. I like that it was also complimented by practical views in that living away from the city isn't all idyllic and sort of escapist but also hard, almost brutal. Yet the rewards (hearing the birds, the smell of the sea, the natural vistas) appear exhilarating and fuller.

Pippa is witty and always game, passionate even and yet stuck in a predicament, a methodical career and lackluster emotional attachment to her beau. The main characters were okay. Their conflicts distracted me a little in appreciating the surroundings (because I am hurrying for them to patch things up) (hey, you can't blame me for looking forward to sweet time). I think the villagers are the ones who really won me over. I wanted to visit Demetrios's pottery, taste Pandora's pastries, play with Theo, hang out at the taverna with Grandma and buy Mrs. Dellis's cheese among other things.

Though I thought it wasn't really necessary to resort to the extreme to ruin a friendship as a means to an end. A friendship is a friendship but I guess, let's just say, Pippa lost her marbles somewhat. I shall say no more except if you are looking for a summer read with a little something, pick this one up. Me, I am left with daydreams of countryside living in a Greek villa.

Summary

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... 

If you're a fan of Lindsay Kelk or Lucy Diamond then don't hesitate to step into Samantha Tonge's truly delightful tea shop.

Title: Game of Scones
Author: Samantha Tonge
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Women Fiction
Published: April 20, 2015
Publisher: Carina UK
Rating: ♨♨♨ 1/2 ( 3 and a half cups - A contemporary romance with a slather of angst and practicality yet brimming with countryside charm.) 


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