Published By: HarperCollins
Pages: 400
Released On: 14/04/2022
Harriet Hatley is the most in-demand wedding photographer in town, but she doesn’t believe in romance, loathes the idea of marriage, and thinks chocolate fountains are an abomination. Which is why, when her long-term partner proposes, she panics. Suddenly Harriet is single…and living down the hall from her ex. she needs a new apartment, like, yesterday.
Enter Cal Clarke, a hopeless romantic who just experienced his own wedding-related disaster. Harriet and Cal are like chalk and cheese, but as they go from strangers to roommates to friends, it becomes clear they’re both running from something. When Harriet’s most heavily guarded secret comes to light, her world implodes. And Cal, with his witty humour and gentle advice, is a surprising source of calm at the centre of the storm.
With her career, friendships, and reputation on the line, Harriet must finally face her past in order to take control of her future. Because if she’s willing to stop playing it safe and risk everything to share the truth, real love and happiness may be waiting on the other side.
*****
Thanks to HarperCollins for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I came across Mhairi’s work last year with “Last Night”, and was instantly drawn to her writing. She has this great balance between funny, light-hearted parts, and a heavy quality; there’s a number of serious conversations. This is definitely a book of two halves; the first being quite frivolous, and the second being much more serious.
Where I think Mhairi excels is her character writing. Whether the character is a “goody” or a “baddy” or tween, they are fully rounded and never over-the-top just for entertainment purposes. It is quite light on plot, but it means the emphasis can be mainly on the characters and their development. Some of the things the characters did or said maid me a little uncomfortable and embarrassed for them – almost as if they were real people and I was being regaled their trials and tribulations.
If I’m honest, there is a certain amount of predictability about the ending, which can be taken in a positive and negative light. But for me, I know what I’m getting when I read a Mhairi McFarlane book, and I’m never disappointed by what I get.
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