The Long Weekend is the seventh stand-alone novel by British author, Veronica Henry. Claire Marlowe and her partner, the charismatic chef, Luca Ramsay, own the Townhouse by the Sea, a boutique hotel in Pennfleet, Cornwall, and are gearing up for a busy long weekend: six young men for a stag weekend as well as assorted other guests will keep them on their toes. Trevor & Monique Parfitt, sleeping partners in the hotel, always need extra attention, and have a special project to put to Claire and Luca; Colin Turner is on his annual guilt trip with his ex-mistress, Karen and Chelsey, the daughter that his wife, Alison, and his family know nothing about; Laura Starling has come to Pennfleet with her boyfriend, the laid back and down-to-earth Dan, hoping to find out if artist, Tony Weston is the father that her mother, Marina, has refused to identify all her life. Assistant Manager Angelica has long been in lust with Luca, but finds herself becoming Claires confidant when the groom in the stag party turns out to be a long-lost boyfriend. Once again, Veronica Henry gives the reader a cast of seemingly stereotypical characters who soon develop depth and appeal. This novel is filled with everyday problems: infidelity, cancer, missing teenagers, secret love-children, post-natal depression, single parenthood and secrets, lots of secrets. The atmosphere of Cornwall is richly portrayed, there is heartache and humour, and as a special bonus, Veronica Henrys tips for the perfect long weekend, including recipes, a reading list and a playlist. A wonderful, heart-warming read.