If you thought that glitz and glamour don’t mix with rural country living you must read this new book. Anna Nicholas has written an account of how a high-powered P.R Company owner, in the heart of London, became lured by the charm of simple things and rustic life.

Having gone on holiday to Mallorca after hearing hers sisters’ Mallorcan au pair say that it was the most beautiful place on earth, she returned home having bought a run-down farmhouse – on impulse.

Anna tells her highly entertaining tale of commuting to London while living in her Mallorcan restoration project, learning the language and training for the London Marathon.

With trainers and bare-feet becoming more common than high heels, the beauty and simplicity of rustic living begins to pull her away from her life in the fast lane. Her trips to London become a chore rather than her life’s blood, and even she is surprised at the changes in herself.

The mañana effect works for her and the stress, hustle and bustle of work begins to lose it´s pull. Big decisions need to be made, with each trip to London becoming less inviting. Even her fear of flying hasn´t been the reason to stop commuting, the desire to leave her new found existance and way of life is.

Anna proves it is possible to live in one country and work in another, but where will she go from here? This is a lively and highly entertaining read, Anna walks us through her marathon training and a half-marathon run in the Spanish sun. She takes us through high finance functions in London and her regular chats with her worldly-wise toad in her back yard in Mallorca.

I thoroughly enjoyed Anna’s graphic account of her drastic change of lifestyle, she proves wholeheartedly that it’s a possible quest. To live in London and work in the Canary Islands is possible if that’s what you want. Anyone contemplating such a move would be wise to read this book. But be warned, it might be a change of lifestyle that draws you too, away from a life of stress altogether.

If there is to be a sequel then I’ll be on the list to read it. Well-done Anna, a great piece of writing, a great achievement, especially as she was afraid of flying (well who isn’t, even if it’s a only a little) and a fine admission.


I've been assured by Anna that another book is on the way and I for one am looking forward to it.