Books like Design for Life by Essie Summers

New Zealand thriller writer Dane Inglethorpe is on a grueling signing tour in Britain when his publisher arranges a coveted appearance at the famed antiques shop Leonora’s in Surrey. The shop is showcasing New Zealand artifacts—and Dane finds himself drawn to the exquisite murals and the charming artist, Chloe, who happens to be Leonora’s granddaughter. While dining with the shop owner, Dane overhears a heated argument involving a red‑haired woman, and he is intrigued enough to document it. Returning to the shop, he discovers that the red‑haired woman is the same Chloe who painted the murals. Dane proposes that Chloe move with him back to New Zealand to help restore his pioneer home and transform her sister’s property into the restaurant she has dreamed of. As they begin to court, Chloe grows suspicious when she learns that Dane has taken notes on their earlier quarrel, wondering whether he is merely using her for story material or if he truly loves her.

First publish date: 1997