Aphrodite’s Closet by Suzy Turner
Influenced by her confident best friend, Coco, Agatha is soon convinced that there’s only one way to go: an adults-only sex shop.
While some of the townspeople are clutching their pearls in horror, others are open to the new experiences this shop offers. But not everyone in Frambleberry is convinced. Will the women soldier on in the face of violent threats or will their fears get the best of them—and their new venture—before it even gets off the ground?
This novel is such fun!
Shock is the only way to describe librarian, Agatha 'Aggie' Trout's reaction to finding out her late Aunt Petunia bequeathed a corner shop by her. The timing of the news is perfect, as she's about to lose her job as the library is closing. With a clause in the will which stipulates she can't sell the shop, she has no choice but to become a shopkeeper. As a mythology loving bookworm living in a town which already has two bookshops, it's a tough decision to make; What business should she open?
I can relate to Aggie and how she reacts to the suggestions made by her friend Coco. Although she only looking after her friend's best interests, Aggie feels pressured into following and agreeing with her idea and that's before dealing with the resulting embarrassment. However, we all need someone like Coco in our lives to give us a push when it's needed and as a pair, they work well and compliment each other as they realise the reality of opening Frambleberry's first sex shop!
Intrigue, mystery and romance are present within the narrative but the overall feelings are light-hearted and fun. There's humour and some tongue-in-cheek hilarity as the local town folk and their friends discover Aphrodite's closet. Not all is plain-sailing as a villain or two appear to spoil the fun for Aggie and co, thankfully, all problems and heartache are resolved satisfactorily with a happy-ever-after for all concerned. Additionally, I particularly enjoyed was the backstory about Aunt Petunia as discoveries about her life are found hidden away in the vast building which was her shop and home.
The narrative flows at a steady pace and kept my attention focused on the protagonists' antics the whole time. I admire how Aggie overcomes her inhibitions and along with sister Christie and Coco and the bond of friendship is cemented as their dream becomes a reality. Set against a northern English backdrop, an assortment of eclectic characters add interest to an already entertaining story. Suzy Turner is a new-to-me author and I'll definitely read more of her titles.
***review copy received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***
Shortly after completing her studies, Suzy worked as a trainee journalist for a local newspaper. Her love of writing developed and a few years later she took the job of assistant editor for the region's largest English language publisher before becoming editor of a monthly lifestyle magazine. Early in 2010 however, Suzy became a full time author. She has since written several books: Raven, December Moon, The Lost Soul (The Raven Saga), Daisy Madigan's Paradise, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, The Temporal Stone, Looking for Lucy Jo, We Stand Against Evil (The Morgan Sisters), Forever Fredless, And Then There Was You, Stormy Summer and her latest, Aphrodite’s Closet.
In 2015 she launched her popular 40+ lifestyle blog which continues to go from strength to strength, while just over a year later, she trained to become a yoga instructor. Suzy continues to write, blog and teach yoga in one of Portugal’s loveliest settings - the Algarve.
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