Freya's Gold - Fiona Longmuir

Freya loves the B&B she lives in with her Gran, and she loves the seaside town where they live. It may not be modern and it's definitely quirky and that's what makes it. So when Ms Oleander comes sniffing round, Freya knows something is amiss immediately. Then when she claims to be buying  the pier to renovate and modernise it, Freya knows she has to act. But she is terrified of speaking in public so how on Earth is she going to put a stop to everything?

I loved Looking for Emily when I read it (you can read my review here) so I was thrilled when Freya's Gold arrived in the post.  

Like Looking For Emily, there is so much to love about this book: the seaside setting and the community there; the characters (both good and evil!); the determination of the characters to sort things out; the magic soup!  It's a book that you can happily get lost in.

Set in Edge, the B&B where Freya lives with her Granny sounds like somewhere you would always be welcome.  In fact, the entire town sounds rather wonderful - why would anybody want to tear the pier down in order to create a modern alternative that none of the locals could afford?  Freya takes an instant dislike to Ms Oleander when she arrives in the middle of February, a time when the B&B is usually empty.

From the beginning of the book, we discover that Freya has a fear of speaking in public, including giving presentations in front of her class, and even her best friend, Lin, can't seem to help her.  Freya is, however, very good at solving puzzles and logic.  When she realises that Ms Oleander may up up to no good, she needs to draw upon all of her skills, and her courage, to help the town and to save the life she has with her gran.

This is the most delightful book; a gentle read, it is brilliantly captivating and combines mystery, treasure hunting and an Indiana Jones-esque ending that will have you engrossed.  

Publishing on the 6th June, Freya's Gold is the perfect read for those long summer days.