Seagulls in the Attic

This is the second of 3 books following Tessa and Ben and their family as they settle in Cornwall after moving from London, something many of us wish we could do. Tessa is still working as a post lady and we meet up with regulars from the first book plus some new ones. The family is settling in well although I must admit I sometimes feel Tessa tries a little too hard but she is keen to be accepted as a permanent member of the community. I have had the hardback books for some years and have read them several times and have now got them on my Kindle as well. I think that shows just how much I enjoy these books and recommend them to everyone who loves Cornwall.

Having enjoyed Up with the Larks a few years ago, I’ve actually had Seagulls in the Attic sat on my bookshelf for years waiting to be read. My husband bought from Amazon for me, so it was a pleasant surprise to discover it was a signed copy. As it’s Non-fiction November I thought I’d use this opportunity to finally pick this book up. I’ve chosen this book for the HOME category in the Non-fiction November 2017 challenge, seeing as I live in Cornwall these days.Whereas the first book focuses more of just arriving in Cornwall and getting to know the locals and their way of life, this book is more about being settled in the community, but trying to embrace the Cornish way of life more, which also includes having hens, vegetable growing, foraging, living a more humble life and a very cute, but cheeky baby seagull.In this book Tessa has hens for eggs and also starts growing her own vegetables. I love growing vegetables. I grew up with my dad growing all sorts of fruit and veg, as my parents have a large garden. He still grows vegetables to this day, and I have grown my own veg for a few years since leaving home too. However, it’s one of the things I’ve hardly done in the six years I’ve been living in West Cornwall. Just maintaining our garden is such hard work with all the brambles and nettles that insist on constantly taking over and attacking us each time we try to get rid of them. Cornish nettles are fierce! I have four raised vegetable beds, but they’re clearly not raised enough as they are almost permanently full of overgrown grass these days! It’s so much effort trying to clear them, I have to admit that over the last couple of years I’ve given up. Don’t get me wrong, I do love gardening, but I’ve taken to letting our garden do its own thing for now, with a bit of tidying up here and there. The vegetables will have to wait until I have more time, energy and motivation to face that challenge again.I giggled at anywhere north of the Tamar River being referred to as ‘up country’. It’s true. I’m not sure some of our neighbours can comprehend us travelling seven hours in the car to visit family up in Yorkshire. It seems travelling a whole six miles to Truro is somewhat of an extravagant adventure for these parts. I’ve never thought to ask, but I bet some of my neighbours have never even left Cornwall. Can you imagine?!I just loved Google the baby seagull. I’m afraid I’m one of those pesky outsiders who has a soft spot for seagulls and is guilty of doing the unthinkable by actually feeding them.This was a fun, easy read that had me giggling in places, and even tears in my eyes at one point. I definitely recommend this book if you have an interest in Cornwall, especially if you’re an outsider living in Cornwall like me.

I really enjoyed the first book and looked forward to reading this second book - sadly I found it very disappointing, but what really made me cross was, as I suspected would be the case, city dwellers expect the country to be all cream teas and fluffy lovleyness. It isn't, country living is hard and city folk with their rose tinted views ........I was also very annoyed at Tessa's habit of reiterating things from the first book - for the benefit of those who haven't read the first one no doubt, but absolutely infuriating for those who have, to have to read it all again.I don't think I shall bother with the third book, but others may well enjoy this book more than me.

Tessa Hainsworth has done really well to settle happily into her new life yet also to be able to clearly see it as it truly is thereby showing patience and adjustment along the way. This book is a pleasant, easy, generally sunlit read with her friendly, interested attitude shining through her words. 'Seagulls in the Attic' isn't difficult, demanding or challenging; all the better perhaps as no one would wish Tessa and her family any ghastly dramas. I personally find the mangled names of local places a small annoyance, I'd almost rather she used more vague labels such as the village, the cove, the hamlet, the beach as I find all her made up versions irritating. Oddly she is happy to use the names of Helston and Truro. There is a fair amount of repetition and labouring of points too, padding out the book but I forgive her this as altogether she is grateful for every day, enjoying the life she leads, learning all the while, and appreciating the quirky, eccentric, colourful customers she meets on her rounds. An attractive book with obvious appeal to those who dream of doing what Tessa and her family have successfully achieved. It could enjoyably be read by teenagers too so would suit a wide range of readers, being inoffensive, kind, even meriting a word I rarely use but feel it truly suits - 'nice'.

Good books but feel the author missed out a great deal of detail in each like how her family outside husband and kids felt about the move did they visit no mention of them very odd for people not to mention either side of the family and also too write three books I have read two atm and no mention of her writing anything let alone books. Surely you would mention your writing a book and the publishing all the details and excitement of that. Seems huge chunks of a persons life to leave out!

Yes this was the second book of the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. An easy read just right after you've read a heavy tome, it's the sort of holiday reading book that you can put down and pick up at leisure.

good read-thnx for swift delivery

Great read following Tessa Hainsworth first book. This one is written around her allotment challenge, a seagull called Google and other stock. Tessa has blended into Cornish lifestyle, it is funny and captivating. She uses a great way of writing that you feel you are with her. Look forward to reading her third book now.

alles prima gerne wieder........... .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The continuing story of a London family who disliked the rat-race and decided to move to lovely Cornwall with their family. Prices are high for homes in Cornwall as Londoners like to have second homes there for vacations and holidays. Jobs are also hard to come by especailly as her husband is an actor. But he is also a certified therapist as well as a good cook. Soon Mom and Dad manage to find jobs even if temporary. They are settling in and enjoying their new found freedom form the stress of London and their jobs. Here in Cornwall there is a gorgeous beach, lots of fresh air and many locals who don't mind talking/teasing/advising to their new postie. Tessa plants a garden and learns a few things about flora and fauna. Meanwhile her best friend, Annie has fallen in love with Pete and they plan to be wed in Cornwall in a few months where Pete lives.If you like stories about folks turning their backs to big cities and all the worries and competiveness, you will appreciate all the antics here. Her first book should be read before this one; it does help to do so. Tessa learns how to forage for food around in the wild land and on other folks properties, like sorrel, wild garlic and nettles. She carries a special rucksack for her goodies. You will laugh and cheer at times when you read about her cooking exploits. A jolly good read!

Well written and interesting book that details life in a small Cornish town, the author having moved from South east England. Makes one want to move to the same simpler life. All in all an interesting and fun account of a lifestyle change that most of us would envy!

very happy

Loved reading this book and didn't want it to end.

Love these books! I was given the first in the series and have enjoyed the later onesI've bought.