Book Review: Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop by Abby Clements

Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop by Abby Clements

Published by: Quercus (23rd May 2013)

Received a copy for review from the publisher, thank you!

The blurb:

When Imogen and Anna unexpectedly inherit their grandmother Vivien’s ice cream parlour, it turns both their lives upside-down. The Brighton shop is a seafront institution, but while it’s big on charm it’s critically low on customers. If the sisters don’t turn things around quickly, their grandmother’s legacy will disappear forever. 

With summer looming, Imogen and Anna devise a plan to return Vivien’s to its former glory. Rather than sell up, they will train up, and make the parlour the newest destination on the South Coast foodie map.

 While Imogen watches the shop, her sister flies to Italy to attend a gourmet ice cream-making course. But as she works shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best chefs in the industry, Anna finds that romance can bloom in the most unexpected of places...

What I thought about it:

OH. MY. GOD. Gorgeous cover alert! I don't know how I can describe the feeling when I first laid eyes on the cover of Abby Clements's new book, Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop. All I knew was it is one of the prettiest, most stunning covers I've ever seen. Period. Cover aside, let's focus on the beautifully written story in it.

First of all, if you haven't read Abby Clements's wonderful debut novel, I strongly urge you to. Not only I enjoyed the heartwarming story between two friends, but the cover is spectacular and Christmassy! Secondly, if you see this gem in any shelves of any bookstores, DO NOT hesitate to pick it up. Because if you don't, you'll regret it.

Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop follows the story of two close-knit sisters, Anna and Imogen McAvoy. They are different in every way; Anna is strong, practical and sensible, whereas Imogen is free-spirited, adventurous and brave. The only thing they share is their grandmother, Vivien's flailing ice-cream shop, inherited by them when she dies.

The thing about Abby's books is, you'll never know you've reached the epilogue of the book until you flip to it. Her writing has a certain flow which will enchant you to flip pages after pages. I was so riveted by the plot, I didn't even want the book to end. In fact, I was gutted when it did. The way Abby describes the beauty of the setting, mainly Italy, with such flair, it has got me pining for a trip to the beautiful, scenic country where the best gelati are served! And don't get me started on the ice-cream.

I loved both the McAvoy sisters, though they are both different, but to me, they carried themselves throughout the plot really well. I really liked how Abby managed to contrast both characters to create both lovable and really sweet heroines. The characters in the book were really lovely to read about. To be honest, I was extremely sad when Vivien died. I really warmed up to her utmost kindness in the first few chapters. And the men, oh my! Let's say I will spend all my savings on a trip to Italy to learn how to make gelato.

Verdict:

My first summer read of the year and it has become my favourite. I love summer reads, and this book has got me wanting more of summer. Throughout the book, I had the strongest craving for ice-cream and I only have Abby to blame. Seriously, my kittens. You have to read this. It's an emotional rollercoaster which will leave you with a warm, gooey feeling in your stomach. After all, everyone deserves their happy ending, right?

A brilliantly written tale of sisterhood, family ties and love (for another being and of course, ice-cream). I highly recommend it to everyone who is anyone. They deserve this little slice of heavenly chick lit.

Rating: 5/5

ROSAMUND PIKE as Anna

I think Rosamund is simply elegant. She's sophisticated and gorgeous. Don't you think so?

CAMERON DIAZ as Imogen

Although the name Imogen doesn't suit Cameron, but she certainly fits the role. Free-willed and full of life!