Synopsis
After a spate of terrible boyfriends, Jess is sure she’s found her perfect man in dependable – but occasionally dull – Tim. But when her grandmother, tasks her with retrieving a family heirloom from a local auction she finds herself face to face with a charming stranger, Guy.
Guy has already bought her grandmother’s precious necklace and whilst Jess desperately tries to buy it back from him, he somehow convinces her to go out on a date instead.
Ridiculous. But Guy has the necklace and Jess’s grandmother’s health is declining rapidly. Jess has no choice but to indulge Guy and go on a date with – if only to get the necklace back.
Will saving the necklace risk disrupting Jess’s happily-ever-after? And will she care if it does?
My review
This is a fast-moving, interesting romance that revolves around a vintage butterfly necklace.
Jess makes for a lovely heroine. She’s strong-willed, yet also lacking in confidence due to boyfriend disasters and an accident that has left her walking with a stick. Aggie, her sister, is the perfect foil. They’re chalk and cheese but united by family loyalty and love.
The two main male characters of dependable boyfriend Tim and the charming, impulsive newcomer Guy – well, we’ve met them a hundred times before in other romcoms, but that doesn’t make them any less effective here. They fulfil their roles splendidly, and Guy is definitely multi-faceted and fascinating.
The opening setting of an auction room is excellent, a real eye-opener to those of us who’ve never ventured into one. The recurrent themes of art nouveau and jewellery are equally attention-grabbing, and really set the book apart.
The plot keeps a tight hold of the reader’s attention, so this is certainly a very entertaining book, as sparkly as some of the gems we come across within its pages.
About the author
Louisa Leaman was born, raised and now lives near Epping Forest. She studied Art History at Leeds University before becoming a teacher working with children with special needs. After winning the Times Education Supplement’s New Writer’s Award, she turned her hand to writing books for children. Louisa currently writes content for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, but has also been published in the Guardian, the Observer, the Independent and The Times Educational Supplement. Her interest in the arts is often inspiration for her plots and her first book, The Perfect Dress, was inspired by the V&As large wedding dress collection and fulfils her dream of writing romantic fiction. When she isn’t busy writing or rearing her three lively children, she paints portraits, takes long walks and spends far too long browsing vintage clothing shops.
‘Meant To Be’ is published by Penguin.
