Date of Reading: 24/10/2019
Author: Mary Jayne Baker
Publisher: Mirror Books
Publication date: September 21, 2018
Rating: 4/5
(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)
About the book:
After years living in London, costume shop owner Becky Finn is trying to build a new life for herself and fiancé Cole in her old home of Egglethwaite, a sleepy village in the Yorkshire Dales.
Keen to raise funds for the struggling village hall she loved as a child, Becky soon finds herself at the head of a colourful group intent on resurrecting Egglethwaite's Christmas pantomime. But, as she quickly discovers, there is more to panto than innuendo and slapped thighs.
As the opening night grows closer, Becky starts to wonder if her embattled panto will ever make it to the stage and, with handsome co-star Marcus on the scene, if she's picked the right man for her after all.
Review:
A small confession: I have never been to a pantomime. Oh! please don't put that horrified looks. Yes, I know this is new territory, but that didn't hinder me from enjoying it, thanks to Baker's writing skills and also to my powerful imagination.
Becky and her fiance Cole has moved back to her native village Egglethwaite and now she is determined to save their village hall through a pantomime. So while Cole is immersed in his creative pursuits as a painter, she is fighting her own demons by making a panto from scratch with handsome Marcus. Well, we could easily guess how this story goes from the blurb itself, but I was not prepared for the way Cole is presented. He is talented and loving, in the way a genius approaches love. So I was more invested in him than Marcus and loved how Baker has ended things amicably. And I so wish, we will have a sequel continuing Cole's story.
As with all Baker's novels, here too we find a gay couple and their adorable child named Pip who really charms everyone. We are not exempted. She is the fun resource and her words will put a smile on you as only a child can. Many of the characters from the previous book in the series ('A Bicycle Made for Two') find prominent roles here but the book can very well be read as a standalone. The panto rehearsals around which the story revolves are not only humorous but also quite refreshing. It made me so interested that I watched some pantos on youtube. Maybe one day I can watch them for real!
On the whole, a light-hearted rom-com set in a cosy community perfect for a relaxing weekend. So forget your worries and enjoy the panto because Christmas is near . . .
Meet the author:
Mary Jayne Baker grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.
Mary Jayne also writes uplifting, feelgood romances under the pen name Lisa Swift.
Review:
A small confession: I have never been to a pantomime. Oh! please don't put that horrified looks. Yes, I know this is new territory, but that didn't hinder me from enjoying it, thanks to Baker's writing skills and also to my powerful imagination.
Becky and her fiance Cole has moved back to her native village Egglethwaite and now she is determined to save their village hall through a pantomime. So while Cole is immersed in his creative pursuits as a painter, she is fighting her own demons by making a panto from scratch with handsome Marcus. Well, we could easily guess how this story goes from the blurb itself, but I was not prepared for the way Cole is presented. He is talented and loving, in the way a genius approaches love. So I was more invested in him than Marcus and loved how Baker has ended things amicably. And I so wish, we will have a sequel continuing Cole's story.
As with all Baker's novels, here too we find a gay couple and their adorable child named Pip who really charms everyone. We are not exempted. She is the fun resource and her words will put a smile on you as only a child can. Many of the characters from the previous book in the series ('A Bicycle Made for Two') find prominent roles here but the book can very well be read as a standalone. The panto rehearsals around which the story revolves are not only humorous but also quite refreshing. It made me so interested that I watched some pantos on youtube. Maybe one day I can watch them for real!
On the whole, a light-hearted rom-com set in a cosy community perfect for a relaxing weekend. So forget your worries and enjoy the panto because Christmas is near . . .
Meet the author:
Mary Jayne Baker grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.
Mary Jayne also writes uplifting, feelgood romances under the pen name Lisa Swift.
Excellent review. And I have never been to a pantomime either, lol.
ReplyDeleteNice Review, and thanks for letting me know about this book
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you liked it, I have this one on my list.
ReplyDeleteYou have never been to a pantomime, perfect time of the year to try one, although I'm not sure where in the world you are, as I think they are mainly in the UK. The book looks good. Great review.
ReplyDeleteIt is the first I am hearing about this book. I am glad to see you hada good time with it. I have been to a few pantomimes.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. The cover looks fun
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this book. Seem like an interesting read.
ReplyDelete