Book request: I started reading this in 2010-2012 (it may be slightly older). I was in the middle of moving house, and it got lost along the way, and I was halfway through, and it's driving me crazy! The edition's front cover is a rendered house with a window and a purple-flowered climbing plant.One of the main characters is the niece of the owners of the retreat (whose name I can't remember). I do, however, remember one character called Marnie (who comes from a wealthy family from the US, and another called Christopher ( who is haunted by an accident where he hit someone with his car while drunk). The book starts with a flashback of a young child around 4-5 years old talking with an eccentric lady in the Caribbean. The rest of the story is set in England (I think)

Matching book description: Determined to start a new life, Louisa Forrester has come to Scotland in search of adventure, new relationships and a second chance. She has enrolled on a creative writing course at the renowned Glendrochatt Arts Centre. It is here that she meets Marnie Donovan, a young American woman who has travelled to Scotland in search of the childhood home of her eccentric benefactre Determined to start a new life, Louisa Forrester has come to Scotland in search of adventure, new relationships and a second chance. She has enrolled on a creative writing course at the renowned Glendrochatt Arts Centre. It is here that she meets Marnie Donovan, a young American woman who has travelled to Scotland in search of the childhood home of her eccentric benefactress, hoping for answers to questions that have haunted her all her life.Isobel Grant, who runs the centre with her husband Giles, is facing the greatest challenge of her life but must put on a brave face for everyone's sake. Initially Louisa and Marnie dislike each other, especially when both women are drawn to the same man. And Isobel must keep the peace.But enigmatic Christopher Piper carries his own secrets from the past and in their brief encounter all are forced to confront the truth about themselves and the choices they have made.Told with warmth and insight,  is a beautifully written story of three women and how they learn to embrace the future, however uncertain ... ...more