Two women. One unusual cookbook. And a friendship that will show them how to savour each moment . . .

Kate Parker is almost forty and settling for less instead of asking for more – more from her boyfriend, more from herself and more from life. It takes an encounter with ninety-seven-year-old Cecily Finn for Kate to start questioning her choices in life and determining how, and what, she will do to change it.

Encouraged by her friend, Kate reluctantly volunteers at Lauderdale House for Exceptional Ladies where she gives cookery lessons. Cecily heckles from the back of the room and Kate is at first annoyed, and then intrigued. As the two women get closer, Cecily teaches Kate how to live life to the full. She prescribes a self-help cookery book with a difference, which features menus for anything life can throw at the ‘easily dismayed.’

Too often older people are ignored, dismissed as having nothing to give – but Cecily rights the balance showing that older people can be full of wit and wisdom – and fun.

The book is inspired by the author’s grandmother, the real Cecily Finn who co-authored a book in the 1950s – Thought for Food – which I found made the story all the more enchanting.

The Woman who Wanted More is full of warmth and charm. It’s also uplifting and full of fun – and definitely one to pack in the suitcase.

Published by Zaffre £6.99