This was another hand on - so not a book I would have normally picked up of the shelf to read myself, but that is not a bad thing as you can often discover some interesting new authors in this way, ones which you become totally addicted to and totally loyal to.
Sadly with this book it wasn't going to happen. I am not sure if this is what is generally referred to as 'chick-lit' or not but it is not my normal genre of choice, in one line, a slightly more up-market grittier version of a Mills and Boon?
The book is about Maddy a night club singer, pregnant and involved with the crime lord who owns the club where she sings and a brute of a man. Denying his paternity he abuses Maddy and steals the singer from a neighbouring club bringing down the wrath of another local crime boss. After her lucky escape from an evening or murder and mayhem and blaming Maddy for his woes he sets out to find her and punish her for his problems.
The story tells of Maddy's journey to find safety and security for both her and her child, which she does with the help and sometimes hindrance of a number of people, some of whom have her best interests at heart and some who don't.
The ending of the had a few too many coincidences to bring about the denouement, which was not wholly satisfactory in my opinion, but the book was well written and the characters well drawn if a little naive in some cases. What I really enjoyed about the book was the parts set in and around Bedford, mentioning some places I was familiar with which added a degree or two of interest to the book. The book was also set in Blackpool, but a Blackpool of some time ago when it was the stag and hen haven of today!
From reading some other reviews of the book it appears this may not be one of her best titles, but sadly when you are disappointed with your first foray into an author's output then you can be quite reluctant to give another one a go. It may be that if this genre is your thing you will enjoy this book immensely, not dreadful but not one I am likely to return to.
Sue
XX
Reading challenge 13/16 - currently reading If I Was by Midge Ure
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