The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker by Jenni Keer
Published 10th January 2019 (ebook), 21st March 2019 (paperback)
Published by Avon Books UK
Genre: Womens fiction/up-lit
400 pages
Having read the book description for this novel in the invitation from Rachel's Random Resources to read the book I felt it would be in a similar vein to one of my favourite books of 2018 The Lido by Libby Page due to the age difference between two of the main characters. I love the balance of a younger character befriending a pensioner in a story as you tend to get often contrasting views which complement the friendship to solve the issues life throws our way. That is pretty much where the similarities end though - apart from the fact that they are both very enjoyable reads.
Having read the book description for this novel in the invitation from Rachel's Random Resources to read the book I felt it would be in a similar vein to one of my favourite books of 2018 The Lido by Libby Page due to the age difference between two of the main characters. I love the balance of a younger character befriending a pensioner in a story as you tend to get often contrasting views which complement the friendship to solve the issues life throws our way. That is pretty much where the similarities end though - apart from the fact that they are both very enjoyable reads.
Book Description:
Meet Lucy, aged 25, and Brenda, aged 79. Neighbours, and unlikely friends.
Lucy Baker is not your usual 25-year-old. She is more at home reading and knitting in her cluttered little flat than going out partying and socialising.
79-year-old Brenda is full of wise and wonderful advice, but when she’s diagnosed with dementia her life begins to change. Before her memories slip away for ever, Brenda is desperate to fulfil one last wish – to see Lucy happy.
Gifting Lucy the locket that helped Brenda find her own true love, she hopes to push her reticent neighbour in the right direction. But is Lucy Baker ready for the opportunities and heartbreaks of the real world? It’s about time she put her knitting needles aside and found out…
The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker will be the most charming, heart-warming and feel-good novel you will read this year, perfect for fans of Ruth Hogan and Gail Honeyman.
My Review:
Introvert Lucy Baker is well and truly settled in her comfort zone. By day she works in an admin role at a local toy wholesaler and in the evenings she likes nothing better than to settle on her sofa in front of the TV with her crochet hook recreating the characters of the program she's watching (currently Poldark) in fabulous woolly form.
Her neighbour and close friend Brenda Pethybridge is 79, and while she likes to see the wonderful creations Lucy makes with her yarn related talent, she can't help but think that there should be something more in Lucy's life - like a nice young man for starters. Cue the arrival of dour yet tall, dark and handsome George Aberdour who moves into the beautiful, vacant neighbouring property. Sadly things don't get off to a great start between Lucy and George as he blocks her car in with his removal van for no less than 3 hours. Lucy however is far too nice to cause a fuss despite feeling mightily frustrated that he is stopping her from fetching her vital craft supplies. And while Lucy tells herself that she couldn't possibly be attracted to such a rude man, her interest is piqued and she can't help keeping one eye on George's comings and goings over the next few days.
Jenni Keer has crafted a lovely cosy 'will they,won't they' romance but while this is a strong main thread in the book there is far more going on in Lucy and Brenda's lives. With a shocking diagnosis of dementia for Brenda, Lucy's high-flying career minded sister (who can do no wrong and still have everything)
announces that as well as a fabulous work opportunity she is now expecting baby number 3 and the arrival of a loveable rogue of a stray cat causing chaos in Lancaster Road Lucy wonders just how much she can deal with. She just wants a quiet life. The final straw is the arrival of a new supervisor at work who is overseeing the restructure of the office, and Lucy feels her whole life is going to topple like a delicate house of cards.
Brenda however sees it all differently, and decides to give Lucy a helping hand. Not in a conventional way, oh no. Brenda is a very spiritual person, an apothecary, and starts using more quirky methods to get Lucy to see that confidence comes from within. I must admit I had my doubts about this part of the story but it's so nicely written that I found I could suspend my doubts and go with the flow.
There are some fabulous comedy moments throughout the book especially between Lucy, her best friend Jess (who I wasn't overly keen on) and the mysterious George. These are balanced by events later on which had my heartstrings well and truly pulled on and I have to admit that the pages went a bit blurry a few times as I read some of the scenes. Top tip: keep a tissue handy because you will need it (unless you have a heart of stone).
Jenni Keer has crafted a lovely cosy 'will they,won't they' romance but while this is a strong main thread in the book there is far more going on in Lucy and Brenda's lives. With a shocking diagnosis of dementia for Brenda, Lucy's high-flying career minded sister (who can do no wrong and still have everything)
announces that as well as a fabulous work opportunity she is now expecting baby number 3 and the arrival of a loveable rogue of a stray cat causing chaos in Lancaster Road Lucy wonders just how much she can deal with. She just wants a quiet life. The final straw is the arrival of a new supervisor at work who is overseeing the restructure of the office, and Lucy feels her whole life is going to topple like a delicate house of cards.
Brenda however sees it all differently, and decides to give Lucy a helping hand. Not in a conventional way, oh no. Brenda is a very spiritual person, an apothecary, and starts using more quirky methods to get Lucy to see that confidence comes from within. I must admit I had my doubts about this part of the story but it's so nicely written that I found I could suspend my doubts and go with the flow.
There are some fabulous comedy moments throughout the book especially between Lucy, her best friend Jess (who I wasn't overly keen on) and the mysterious George. These are balanced by events later on which had my heartstrings well and truly pulled on and I have to admit that the pages went a bit blurry a few times as I read some of the scenes. Top tip: keep a tissue handy because you will need it (unless you have a heart of stone).
Overall a nice book to snuggle up with - after all, not everything that happens in life can be easily explained so maybe there are other forces at work to make us happy. Who knows eh?
Buy your copy here:
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About the Author:
Jenni Keer is a history graduate who embarked on a career in contract flooring before settling in the middle of the Suffolk countryside with her antique furniture restorer husband. She has valiantly attempted to master the ancient art of housework but with four teenage boys in the house it remains a mystery. Instead, she spends her time at the keyboard writing women's fiction to combat the testosterone-fuelled atmosphere with her number one fan #Blindcat by her side. Much younger in her head than she is on paper, she adores any excuse for fancy-dress and is part of a disco formation dance team.
Social Media Links:
Twitter @JenniKeer
Instagram jennikeerWebsite - https://jennikeer.co.uk/
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