review by Babs Simpson on show 16th June
I suppose Erica James's novels would be described disparagingly as Chick-Lit but I have to say that any book that is well written, has a good story and interesting characters doesn't deserve to be denigrated and Erica James' work has given me a great deal of pleasure over the years.
HiddenTalents is about a writer's group set up in a small Cheshire village and the various characters it attracts. Dulcie, who has the idea in the first place, is 63 and has been leading a double life for many years, then there is Beth whose only son is just about to leave home for University, Jack whose wife has just left him for his best friend, Jaz, 17, who comes from a large family with no understanding of her longing for intellectual stimulation, and finally, Victor and opinionated know-it-all who claims to be writing the blockbuster novel every publisher will be clamouring for.
Their lives become intertwined and the resulting story is very entertaining and satisfying. If you want a really good read, give Erica James a try. I'm very glad I did.
review by Babs
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Erica James. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Erica James. Sort by date Show all posts
Monday, 27 June 2011
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Lucy Dillon - The Ballroom Class
review by Babs Simpson on show 23rd feb.
Thanks to a friend, I have found a new author! I was lent Walking Back To Happiness by Lucy Dillon and enjoyed it so much I ordered another from the library. This was even better and will be welcomed by anyone who enjoys reading Maeve Binchy or Erica James.
Th Ballroom Class is about Angelica Andrews, a former ballroom champion, who comes back to her home town to sort out her old family home following her mother's death. Now in her fifties, Angelica revisits the Longhampton Memorial Hall where she danced as a little girl with her father and remembers the excitement of those days, the smells of perfume, the swirling dresses, the french chalk on the sprung floor, and decides to see if anyone would be interested in using her expertise to learn ballroom dancing.
Several couples, some already proficient, some complete novices, turn up in response to her posters and the novel is all their stories, their marriage problems, their search for a partner, learning to dance so the first dance at a forthcoming wedding will look good. It is very well told with penty of humour and pathos and the reader wants to stay with them all, as well as Angelica herself, to find out what happens.
Anyone who enjoys Strictly Come Dancing will love it. I don't follow that programme, but I loved it too. A really enjoyable relaxing read and I can't wait for the next Lucy Dillon to turn up at the library!
Thanks to a friend, I have found a new author! I was lent Walking Back To Happiness by Lucy Dillon and enjoyed it so much I ordered another from the library. This was even better and will be welcomed by anyone who enjoys reading Maeve Binchy or Erica James.
Th Ballroom Class is about Angelica Andrews, a former ballroom champion, who comes back to her home town to sort out her old family home following her mother's death. Now in her fifties, Angelica revisits the Longhampton Memorial Hall where she danced as a little girl with her father and remembers the excitement of those days, the smells of perfume, the swirling dresses, the french chalk on the sprung floor, and decides to see if anyone would be interested in using her expertise to learn ballroom dancing.
Several couples, some already proficient, some complete novices, turn up in response to her posters and the novel is all their stories, their marriage problems, their search for a partner, learning to dance so the first dance at a forthcoming wedding will look good. It is very well told with penty of humour and pathos and the reader wants to stay with them all, as well as Angelica herself, to find out what happens.
Anyone who enjoys Strictly Come Dancing will love it. I don't follow that programme, but I loved it too. A really enjoyable relaxing read and I can't wait for the next Lucy Dillon to turn up at the library!
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