Art & Soul: A heart-warming, uplifting romance served with a generous slice of cake

by Claire Huston

• ISBN13: 9781911505655
• Publish Date: 23 April 2021
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Goldcrest Books Int Ltd
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 395
• Language: English

Reviews

[Pigpen.Reads]

Art and Soul is Claire Huston’s debut novel. She did a fantastic job with the writing, the details, and the flow of the story. I would consider this read a slow burn, but a light-hearted kind. I was hooked from page one and once I started, I struggled to put it down. The whole “one more chapter” lie played a part in reading this! I really enjoyed the point of view from both characters. I liked reading what each one thought or felt. The balance from humorous to seriousness was spot on, an absolute rom-com. This was a fun, fast paced, and creative read. The only thing I will give you a heads up on is this: have a slice of cake with you while reading!!

[Lynn]

Art and Soul is a story which creeps under your skin and hooks you in.

Rebecca 'Becky' Watson is a professional fixer and Charlie Handren is a reluctant new client after his sister asks Becky to help out her sibling. It's a tough job, but with her trademark confidence, she's positive she can work her magic...she just has to convince the less than enthusiastic artist.

Charlie doesn't need anyone fixing his life and career, so when his sister contacts a professional fixer to get his life back on track, he's unenthusiastic and sceptical. On meeting the woman, he's pleasantly surprised by her positivity and energy and grudgingly agrees to employ her. He knows it's a risk but agrees anyway. Only her presence in his life creates far greater consequences even he could ever imagine.

When they meet, sparks fly but can Becky turn artist Charlie's career around so he can regain the success of his past? I sympathised with Charlie because Becky is a formidable whirlwind of productivity and ideas. She's a confident woman, but sometimes lacks insight as to how her skills will impact others. Her heart is one-hundred-per cent invested in the decisions she makes for Charlie but not all are clearly thought out.

You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours as one contract easily presents itself after another. Therefore it's admirable how Becky effortlessly floats between assignments yet, her work is unpredictable and equally challenging as she juggles her work and life as a single parent. It's also a common link she shares with Charlie and provides a foundation for their relationship.

Art and Soul is a stellar début novel by Ms Huston who has written a captivating novel with fascinating protagonists, intriguing secondary characters and a cleverly crafted narrative to keep readers engaged throughout. I liked how I was pulled into the story, feeling the emotions of the characters in the situations they get themselves into. All the while cheering them along to a happy ending.

To sum up, I can see Art and Soul ending up in my top five favourite books for 2020! 

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***