Reviewed by Lynn on
Jen Attison's life is organised...just as she likes it even though she wouldn't have chosen her current job if she's been honest. Taking on the guardianship of her younger sister meant responsibility far beyond her years and personal sacrifice. Life has been tough. As a consequence, she's making the best of life in an easily predictable way. So when her long-term boyfriend surprises her by proposing, she accepts her fate. Only, her sister, Lydia and their friends have other plans...a premature 'hen-do' in Copenhagen and a mystery man none of them envisaged but overwhelmingly glad he showed up when he did.
Jen is a woman of our current times...micromanaging her hectic life and responsibilities by relying on phone apps, lists and spreadsheets. She's a control freak...it works for her but it also makes her dull and predictable. By stark contrast, her sister is a ray of positivity. Lydia, maybe the younger sister, but she's insightfully refreshing. They clash as siblings do but for once, it is Lydia who is the wise one, pointing out where her older sister is going wrong in her life. For the sisters, it is a long overdue turning point in their relationship, freeing them both to follow their passions in their own unique way.
I can wholeheartedly say is, I was one hundred per cent invested in Jen's Danish distraction. As a reader it wasn't difficult, to fall for this fine specimen of Nordic swoon-worthy masculinity. He oozed sincere charm in a too-good-to-be-true way. As a result, I was sure this novel would be a five-star read for me. However, I felt a bit let down after the end of chapter 31...not because of his dramatic departure but because he didn't re-appear again until chapter 38! I was distraught!
Stand out elements of the narrative are the author's ability to bring her protagonists to life enabling the reader to feel their emotions. Additionally, an integral piece is this novel is passion and Ms Hughes does a fantastic job of drawing these intense reactions from the characters in both a positive and negative way. The dialogue is witty, the humour is subtle...just as I like it. Then there're the contrasting backdrops...Copenhagen, small town, England and the fascinating insight into the craft beer industry. With the latter offering some useful tips.
Last but not least, I haven't read any novels by any of the authors mentioned in the blurb so I haven't a clue if this novel is a good comparison. What I can say is, the author is new to me and one I'll be looking out for again. Skål!
4.5 stars
***arc received courtesy of HarperImpulse via NetGalley***
Reading updates
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 9 April, 2019: Reviewed