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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
A Ruth Hogan book is always a delight. I found this slightly harder to get into than some of her previous ones, possibly due to the dual timelines and lots of characters but once I found my stride I really enjoyed it.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
After the death of her parents, Billie is shocked to discover that she was adopted and that she has been left a trust fund by her birth mother. Then she is contacted by Imelda Burova, clairvoyant keeper of secrets, who claims to know about Billie's background. This is related to group of young people who worked at a holiday camp in Brighton in the 1970s, but Imelda Burova keeps secrets and she is sworn not to reveal everything she knows.
This is Ruth Hogan's fourth novel and there is no deviation from the formula. This has been describes as 'Up-Lit', uplifting stories of life. Weirdly that description would normally mean that I would not consider reading this type of fiction as the connotations of twee stories set in impossible social situations would irritate me no end. However I picked up one of Hogan's earlier books and was hooked. Yes, it is completely undemanding but it is also as warm as a cup of hot chocolate and sometimes that is what is needed!
This is Ruth Hogan's fourth novel and there is no deviation from the formula. This has been describes as 'Up-Lit', uplifting stories of life. Weirdly that description would normally mean that I would not consider reading this type of fiction as the connotations of twee stories set in impossible social situations would irritate me no end. However I picked up one of Hogan's earlier books and was hooked. Yes, it is completely undemanding but it is also as warm as a cup of hot chocolate and sometimes that is what is needed!
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This story is split between two time periods and centring around two main characters, Madame Burova herself and Billie.
The 1970s timeline introduces us to a younger Imelda Burova as she takes over the family Tarot and Clairvoyant booth on Brighton seafront and joins the team at nearby Larkins Holiday Park on a part-time basis.
While the modern day timeline follows Billie who has recently lost her father and is confronted with new information which shakes her very existence. She begins an investigation into her past which takes her to Brighton and reunites us with an older Madame Burova and friends to solve the mystery.
I loved the shifts in timeframe, which were seamlessly done, and seeing how the characters had grown and changed from the young people they used to be. The supernatural/psychic elements were also really nicely incorporated and not too over-the-top.
As well as Imelda and Billie (who I both loved), Ruth Hogan also introduces us to an array of fascinating background characters, from Imelda’s quirky and determined mother, Shunty-Mae, to dashing Wall of Rider, Cillian, and sweet piano player Henry.
Such a lovely, nostalgic novel – perfect to read on a cosy evening!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The 1970s timeline introduces us to a younger Imelda Burova as she takes over the family Tarot and Clairvoyant booth on Brighton seafront and joins the team at nearby Larkins Holiday Park on a part-time basis.
While the modern day timeline follows Billie who has recently lost her father and is confronted with new information which shakes her very existence. She begins an investigation into her past which takes her to Brighton and reunites us with an older Madame Burova and friends to solve the mystery.
I loved the shifts in timeframe, which were seamlessly done, and seeing how the characters had grown and changed from the young people they used to be. The supernatural/psychic elements were also really nicely incorporated and not too over-the-top.
As well as Imelda and Billie (who I both loved), Ruth Hogan also introduces us to an array of fascinating background characters, from Imelda’s quirky and determined mother, Shunty-Mae, to dashing Wall of Rider, Cillian, and sweet piano player Henry.
Such a lovely, nostalgic novel – perfect to read on a cosy evening!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really liked this book!
It stood on my shelf for over a year but I finally got around to reading it, and I reallllllyy liked it alot!
I really liked that it was set in two years, one in 1973/4 and one 'now'. It kinda felt like Malibu Rising in this way, which I liked alot.
I think some things were pretty predictable like that Vivienne is her mom but then there were also some plottwists
The many side stories were really nice and one was pretty sad.
I really liked the character Clive because he just seems so strange and interesting. I also really like Imelda Burova her relationship with her mom, her dog and her passion. I especially liked how she thought about her parents marriage. It was really nice.
It stood on my shelf for over a year but I finally got around to reading it, and I reallllllyy liked it alot!
I really liked that it was set in two years, one in 1973/4 and one 'now'. It kinda felt like Malibu Rising in this way, which I liked alot.
I think some things were pretty predictable
The many side stories were really nice and one was pretty sad.
I really liked the character Clive because he just seems so strange and interesting. I also really like Imelda Burova her relationship with her mom, her dog and her passion. I especially liked how she thought about her parents marriage. It was really nice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Abandonment, Sexual harassment
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No