Meet Angie Shepherd who, after 24 years and 11 months of marriage, finds herself divorced and driven by friends and family to move on. From hangover to makeover, Angie steps firmly away from the sensible knitwear, and launches into every adventure on offer – from baking classes and book groups, to speed dating, and even 'The Granny-Okes', a 1980s tribute act and YouTube sensation.
But Angie needs more than a bar of galaxy and a night in with Murder She Wrote... what she dreams of is entrepreneurial success. Channelling her inner Richard Branson, the light bulb moment happens: it's time to take the plunge and invest her divorce settlement into The Mercury Travel Club, an exciting new business venture. But as the Travel Club gets going, things never go according to plan, and in this digital age a little chaos brings the fame she's been looking for.
Set in present-day Manchester, this classic mid-life journey features the 1980s soundtrack from Angie's youth, and sees her travel the world whilst coping with life after the Ex.Angie's journey is the catalyst her friends need to examine their own lives; as they start to find their true callings, will Angie find hers? Witty, entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny, this feel-good debut novel shows it's never too late for a second chance.
My Thoughts:
It is probably clear by now that a lot of the books I read are serious, crime thriller type reads. Sometimes I fancy something a bit different and this is the perfect antidote to seriousness.
Humorous, tender and real, I was laughing throughout. I really enjoyed this book.
In her 50's, Angie is recently divorced after her husband ran off with the caterer, she knows she need to move on but not quite sure how to do that. Although if the hilarious cast of characters that are her friends and family are concerned, moping around is not an option.
What follows is basically the story of the year Angie changed her life. It is when she puts herself first, does what makes herself feels good and pushes herself to have fun and achieves more than she thought was possible.
Angie works in a travel agency and this is where the idea for the Travel Club forms. I love the setting of the workplace and also the anecdotes from the trips taken. Angie's mum is also hilarious.
I found this book to be hugely entertaining, with a funny dialogue that had me chuckling on more than one occasion. There were a host of characters that on the whole were likeable. This is just one of those books that makes you feel good. I would love to read more by this author in the future.
Not without its serious moments, I found this book to be ultimately uplifting. Angie proved that life was for the taking and there is always time for a second chance, you just have to adjust your sails.
About the Author:
Helen Bridgett was born in the North-East and now lives in Manchester having stopped off at a few places in between. Following a career in Marketing, Helen took an MA in TV and Radio Scriptwriting and created short films before writing her first novel. She loves nothing more than a glass of wine and witty banter with friends; her love of dialogue feeds into her work and has given her the perfect excuse to eavesdrop on conversations. Helen lives with her husband and their chocolate Labrador, Angus; all three can often be found wandering the Cumbrian hills or in country pubs.
Follow Helen on Twitter @Helen_Bridgett
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I'm with you Leigh, sometimes you need a break from any one particular genre. I like the sound of this one, hadn't heard of it, thanks.
ReplyDeleteLainy http://www.alwaysreading.net
Thanks for stopping by! Leah x
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