In the small village of Edgecombe St. Mary in the English countryside lives Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired), the unlikely hero of Helen Simonson’s wondrous debut. Wry, courtly, opinionated, and completely endearing, the Major leads a quiet life valuing the proper things that Englishmen have lived by for generations: honor, duty, decorum, and a properly brewed cup of tea. But then his brother’s death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. Drawn together by their shared love of literature and the loss of their spouses, the Major and Mrs. Ali soon find their friendship blossoming into something more. But village society insists on embracing him as the quintessential local and regarding her as the permanent foreigner. Can their relationship survive the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition?

This book has been mailed to Chania of Kokkola, Finland as a Christmas surprise.

I hope you enjoy this book, Chania.

Thank you so much, tabby-cat-owner! This was such a great surprise, totally! The book looks so lovely, as well as the Christmas teabags!

Beautiful, emotional story! About the old ways and the modern life, cultural differences and courage and love! Loved it!

Enjoy the book!

Arrived safely in Helsinki. My wife is planning to read it first!
Thanks a lot!