New Map of Love

How can you pack for the journey of a lifetime?George Baxter has settled for a comfortable life, content as the years unfold predictably - until Win, his wife of twenty-six years, dies.With his loyal dog Monty by his side, George throws himself into his work as an antiques dealer. His business is at the heart of the village and all sorts pass through the doors, each person in search of their own little piece of history. When George meets local widow Sylvia Newsome, he imagines a different kind of future. But life has more revelations to offer him. Over the course of an English summer George uncovers some unexpected mysteries from his past, which could shape his tomorrows . . .

Both funny and poignant, George Baxter is one of those rare characters in a novel that you feel you’ve known all your life. Full of hilarious set pieces and moments of tender reflection, A New Map of Love sneaks up on you, the last page is as lovely as the first. I loved it., A New Map of Love is an acute and beguiling study of life, love and the endless flat footed dance of men and women., Poignant, funny and ultimately uplifting, Think Midsomer without the murders and you'll come close to this charming, old-fashioned story

Abi Oliver has spent much of her life in the Thames Valley. She studied at Oxford and London Universities, has worked for a charity, as a nurse, on Indian Railways and as a writer. She has also raised four children and lives in Purley-on-Thames. This is her first novel as Abi Oliver.