Two Scoops of Gelato by Johanna Cogbill

 Engaging, Intriguing, Absorbing

Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance

Two Scoops of Gelato by Johanna Cogbill - Author

1989: Laura knew that it had probably been foolhardy to get involved to any extent, with either of these beguiling men, but if she'd let her condition dictate her life as her parents would have her do, she would never do a thing. She was now on the cusp of following her dream, with a man who totally encouraged her to do so, and not only that, but was happy to join her in shouldering the responsibility of something she herself hadn't even made provision for.

At 'Nice Ice' Mario employs a teenage Nicola, and all is well until her family drop a bombshell spelling the end of her career in the confectionary sector. However, an even bigger event is about to occur in Nicola's life, the consequences of a decision made at a vulnerable age, that when she is put in a position where she is forced to disclose it, causes catastrophic consequences for her family and friends.

There is relationship upheaval, for both father of two Mario, when the Ice cream entrepreneur finds himself rather smitten with an ambitious young woman, an artist and free-spirit, who is certainly not looking to settle down.....and Carol is left high and dry when the father of her unborn child turns out not to be as trustworthy as she had hoped. Is the support that she receives, a sign of things to come?

2022: Nicola's son Nat, now in his twenties, has a very lively birthday party, at which, Nicola makes an error in very drunken judgement that she'd rather forget. Unfortunately and unbeknown to her, more than just the person whom she has chosen to confide in, is aware of it.

Nat is introduced to Si, brother of his friend Joe. Their connection takes them all to a far different 'place' than the one they had perhaps anticipated, when Nicola makes a discovery.

Isabella has finished university and arrives at Porthcawl, attracting a lot of male attention. Her existing links between her sister back in her home country and two of the locals, have secured her a job at the local ice-cream parlour, and an unintentional accident ignites an interest in the local GP. Is it reciprocated? When her stay in the picturesque seaside town comes to an end, will she choose to forge on with travelling plans, or will the new spark of romance keep her in Porthcawl?

Meanwhile, Connie, currently back in her home town with her young daughter, is feeling the strain of being a lone parent. Alex and Jared, return home undecided about their plans, until it becomes clear that Connie needs her best friend more than ever, and Alex's future career plans are almost decided for her, when she is left alone with a very pregnant Connie. However, when Jared suggests that they make their arrangements more permanent, Alex's future is diverted, and she finds herself back where she started.

It was good to get back to the residents of the small town on the South Coast of Wales. I really enjoyed 'Ciao Cariad' last year and being a big character based reader, I had really taken to Johanna's cast, particularly Connie and Alex, who took the lead in the first book. In this 'prequel sequel', all the characters, of which there are a great deal, appear to be happy to share the spotlight.

I was extremely eager to read the prequel part of 'Two Scoops', wanting the back story on Laura, Connie's mam and her Italian love triangle. It was good to get to know 'Aunt Con' as she passes away during 'Ciao Cariad', leaving Connie her large London home. I loved eccentric Aunt Con with her trusty sidekick, Mildred. I thought she was a lively addition to Laura's story, lending her unwavering support to her young neice, as Laura's parents are obviously very set in their ways, with Mary wanting to wrap her daughter up in cotton wool. However, I was hoping for and would really like to read the part of Laura's life leading up to and including her untimely demise, as anyone who has read 'Ciao Cariad', will know that Connie only has mum until her mid teens. Although, the first book went someway to exploring the time of Connie growing up with a parent experiencing health issues. I would welcome an additional, perhaps novelette covering this period. I will leave that with the Author to think about.

Nicola's back story was Intriguing to discover, and the consequences of her lack of honesty, very sad. I felt for her having her world turn upside down as it did, through one awful co-incidence that could have been made so much more complicated. An exploration of how her story develops would be interesting.

As much as I love following up on existing characters in sequels, the introduction.of new characters can throw me slightly. This was the case with Isabella. However, when I read further and found out how she links to 'Ciao Cariad' I warmed to her. I initially felt the same about Joe and Si, but they were a necessary part of Nat's journey which, whilst it made for an amazing and very unexpected twist, it did feel to me, like a bit of an afterthought as it was nearing the conclusion to the story, and you might have reasonably expected, some exchanges between Jo and Alex prior to the drop of the bombshell, with it being a small town. Anyway, despite my misgivings about how this turn of events was written, it was indeed, a very well concocted curveball.

All in all, a very enjoyable narrative, with extremely likeable characters. The presentation of the writing and attention to grammatical errors, could be improved upon, but the story was for me, an exceedingly comfortable and familiar place to re-visit which I would love to do again.

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