Swallows & Robins: The Laughs And Tears Of A Holiday Home Owner

'It's absolutely brilliant, it made me laugh - in fact snort - out loud and then cry. Susie is a marvellous writer.' The Good Life France.

As the world's worst housekeeper, running holiday homes wasn't, with hindsight, a sensible idea. But two collapsing buildings on Susie Kelly's land would cost more to demolish than to restore. Thus she became a seasonal landlady.

But before the guests came the builders. No's 1, 2, 3 all started promisingly, but by builder No. 4, and with her first guests just hours away, Susie's patience was stretched to its limit.

Her summer and winter visitors couldn't, as they say, be made up, though, to spare their blushes some of them have been air-brushed. They brought with them laughter, tears, romance, friendship and occasional madness. And they all left behind jars of jam and pots of pepper. From them Susie learned that you don't need to travel to find adventure. If you run holiday homes it comes to your doorstep. Unfortunately for Susie, this included Ivy. The cleaning lady from hell.

'There are a handful of authors who will achieve that elusive trick of making you laugh out loud. For me it's James Herriot, Bill Bryson & Susie Kelly.' French Entree Magazine

'Reading a Susie Kelly book is like sitting down for a cuppa and a chat with your best friend... your funny, witty, generous, big-hearted, kind, eloquent, compassionate, intuitive, sometimes poignant, often hilarious best friend.' Author Tanya Bullock

'This is another Susie Kelly great read that often had me laughing out loud as we meet the various builders, her local friends, the good guests and the bad who popped into her life over a four year period.' French Village Diaries

'I really enjoy reading Susie Kelly's books and this one was no exception. I was really sorry that she no longer rents out the gites - I was ready to book one for a holiday just so I could meet her.' Goodreads

'I loved this book so much, I couldn`t put it down. I laughed and cried at all the characters. Excellent. I highly recommend it.' Goodreads

'Reading her books is like listening to relaxing music...'

The best in French travel writing. If you enjoy books by Bill Bryson and Chris Stewart you will love this tale of the ups and downs of holiday letting.