Finding Margo by Susanne O'Leary

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This is my third outing with Susanne.  I have read her excellent A Woman’s Place and Sonja’s Place.  I love her style.  Finding Margo did not disappoint.

The trouble with husbands, Margo finds, despite their skills in plastic surgery, is that they can become snippy, bad-tempered, verbally abusive, and generally a pain in the proverbial.  Margo’s husband goes a little too far whilst driving to Cannes for a medical conference, and his reaction to her deficient map-reading skills is the straw that breaks the camel’s back.  Impulsively, bravely, and perhaps a little uncharacteristically, she leaves her irritating husband of ten years when they stop at a motorway filling station.  With no real clue where to go or how to get there, this action marks the start of Margo’s French ‘adventure’ and the path to self-awareness, confidence, and love.

Paris and the French countryside with its majestic and charming châteaus provide the perfect romantic setting.  The dishy love interest is, of course, French, and the world of immaculate French ‘chic’ is provided by Monsieur Gorgeous’ mother.  A little clichéd, perhaps?  Maybe, but Margo’s development, her courage, her tolerance and perseverance, are compelling, and your support for her is unfailing throughout.

There’s a delightful mix of characters – French, English and Irish – each with very individual style and personality.  Susanne is a pleasantly easy-to-read author – her style is crisp, clean and sharp.

This is a delightful rites-of-passage, soft and mellow romance, and I thoroughly recommend it.