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
Georgie Hart is a personal shopper at Carringtons, the grandest department store in her home town of Mulberry Bay. She runs the luxury handbag concession selling coveted designer handbags, while her best friend Sam runs the Carrington's cafe upstairs, making her signature red velvet cupcakes with buttercream icing. The two of them, together with Georgie's gay best friend Eddie generally enjoy working at the store. Until, that is, Maxine arrives. Her glamourous appearance belies her ambition. She's here to make drastic changes to Carringtons and nothing is going to get in her way.
Georgie's colleague Ciaran is jealously guarded by his fiance Tina, who is certain Georgie has set her sights on him, and all she can talk about is their approaching wedding on St Valentine's Day that no one seems enthusiastic to attend. However, Georgie has bigger concerns than keeping on Tina's good side and her life isn't all about work. She has a past that refuses to stay hidden, a problematic relationship with her father and together with the loans that are doing their best to sink her, she rarely is free from worry.
Thankfully, she has Eddie to make her laugh, as well as Sam and Sam’s kind father, Alfie, who are always there for her as she tries to find solutions to her money difficulties, job problems and her non-existent lovelife. She isn't sure who she can trust at work, is confused by her flirtatious, but married boss James, and isn't sure if Tom, the gorgeous new employee, is genuine or not. She doesn't even know if she'll have a future at Carringtons for much longer.
This book is funny, at times a little dark, but always enjoyable. When tragedy strikes, Georgie has to rethink what is important. I loved Georgie's character and her relationship with Sam, Alfie and Eddie. I don't want to give any spoilers, so won't comment on James or Tom, except to say how gorgeous they both are and I think I'll take up golf! The best thing about this book are the words, 'to be continued' on the last page. I can't wait…
9/10
Alexandra Brown's Interview with Novelicious.