This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
REVIEWED BY DEBS CARR
Charlotte works for the Arts Council and has the misfortune of not only working in the same office as her ex-husband, Richard, but also his girlfriend, Suzie, who happens to be her boss as well as the woman he left her for. Recently Charlotte was told at her sister-in-law Zoe’s hen night that, ‘Love will come through hope alone’. She can’t see how this prophecy could possibly happen, as she’s single, feels pretty unlovable, and doesn’t imagine her circumstances will be changing any time soon.
Charlotte is sent with Richard on a working trip to Yorkshire to inspect two charities who are in desperate need of funding. The Young Offenders Reform Company is run by Heath, a brooding widower with three stepchildren, who, Charlotte soon learns is devoted to helping the youngsters in his company. The other project The Hope Foundation is run by volunteers who aim to bring arts to children living in rural countryside. Charlotte is hopeless with children and within minutes of arriving at the Hope Foundation has upset the children and is causing chaos. Paul, a single father tries to assure her that she’s not as useless as she thinks, despite what Richard keeps telling her.
Richard insists that he’s having second thoughts about being with Suzie, and still feeling raw about their split only eight months before, Charlotte begins to think that maybe she shouldn’t have been so quick to divorce him. She starts to wonders if they really do have a future together after all.
Having been recalled by Suzie, Richard returns to the Arts Council without saying goodbye leaving Charlotte to deal with the inspections herself. She inadvertently gets involved in Paul’s awkward separation from his wife, and when a young, troubled teenager confides in Charlotte and swears her to secrecy, she soon becomes embroiled in more trouble than she could have anticipated. Even though she tries to do the right thing, she ends up causing trouble for those she’s trying to help. Charlotte’s growing confusion about her feelings towards Richard, and her attraction to Heath makes her question the choices she should be making.
This is the third book in the Hen Night Prophecies series following five girls and I loved it. Charlotte is determined and fiery, whilst at the same time lacking in self-confidence. The uncertainty about the restarting of her relationship with Richard, Paul’s interest in her and Heath’s ferocious protectiveness of the youngsters in is charge make this an excellent story.
I loved it 9/10