This debut novel from Jenni Keer is a charming and engaging story that will leave you feeling warm all over. Lucy Baker is 25 years old and is a homebody who loves to knit. One of her closest friends is her 79 year old neighbor Brenda whose only wish in life is to see Lucy happy.
At the start of this book, the reader is pulled right in with the opening two sentences— “Bloody hell. There’s a cat back here.” What cat? Back where? Who is speaking and who is listening? Why bloody hell? Now what happens?
We meet Lucy Baker at an inopportune moment in her life — her car is blocked for more than two hours by the moving truck delivering a new neighbor’s possessions. Because she doesn’t assert herself, Lucy keeps quiet while silently lamenting that the craft store is going to close before she can get there. Here we are on the first page and already, much of the story is set up — a handsome new male neighbor, a cat and a meek protagonist. In fact, that stray cat plays a central role in this book and has more of an impact than it first seems. Between a black cat and a magical locket, the story is a whimsical tour de force.
The reader spends a lot of time with Lucy at home as well as at her job with a toy company. Lucy struggles not just with a lack of confidence but an uncertain career path and the absence of a significant someone in her life. This absence is felt even more acutely because her mother is planning her own big birthday bash and Lucy will need a boyfriend in her life soon so she will have someone to accompany her to the party.
Lucy is a caring and endearing character who is extremely likable and personable. Her friendship with Brenda is touching and the reader cannot help but feel grateful that the two women have each other. Throw a handsome albeit socially awkward new neighbor George into the mix and an enchanting story ensues. The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker is a book that will warm your heart and touch your soul.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
No comments:
Post a Comment