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A Drop of Golden Sun
It's 1973 and 10-year-old Jenny is in shock. She's just been cast as one of the lead roles in a feature film. She's going to be a child actor! Soon she must jet off to France, to the idyllic Chateau Mouchotte, where she will join her film family: three other children and two renowned actors.
The glitz and glamour of being on set is a million miles away from Jenny's normal life, but showbiz is never straightforward and there's one fierce and famous actor that threatens the whole shoot. It's up to Jenny and her friends to keep the peace and save the film. Jenny is about to experience a life-changing summer in the spotlight!
The glitz and glamour of being on set is a million miles away from Jenny's normal life, but showbiz is never straightforward and there's one fierce and famous actor that threatens the whole shoot. It's up to Jenny and her friends to keep the peace and save the film. Jenny is about to experience a life-changing summer in the spotlight!
324 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
4 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Kate Saunders
77 books448 followersKate Saunders (born 1960) was an English author, actress, and journalist. The daughter of the early public relations advocate Basil Saunders and his journalist wife Betty (née Smith), Saunders has worked for newspapers and magazines in the UK, including The Sunday Times, Sunday Express, Daily Telegraph, She, and Cosmopolitan.
She has also been a regular contributor to radio and television, with appearances on the Radio 4 programs Woman's Hour, Start the Week, and Kaleidoscope. She was, with Sandi Toksvig, a guest on the first episode of the long-running news quiz program Have I Got News For You.
Saunders has also written multiple books for children and for adults.
She has also been a regular contributor to radio and television, with appearances on the Radio 4 programs Woman's Hour, Start the Week, and Kaleidoscope. She was, with Sandi Toksvig, a guest on the first episode of the long-running news quiz program Have I Got News For You.
Saunders has also written multiple books for children and for adults.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 27, 2024
I had to read this book. The Sound of Music is probably my favorite movie and from an even younger age I liked the record album of the stage play musical. This story is obviously based on that one. There are many such true stories so even though this one was entirely fictional it felt authentic, both the 1973 story and the WWII era story and its characters from WWII and in the present.
I read it as I would have at age 9 or 10. I don’t have to do this with every children’s book but it helped me to enjoy this particular book to do that. I had a lot of fun reading it.
I enjoyed the writing and the storytelling style.
There were some things I did not like but the only thing that I hated was the fat shaming and also the diet culture promoted by one of the characters. It was completely realistic though for 1973 and particularly in show business at that time.
I ended up not caring that much about the movie’s story that was so similar to The Sound of Music von Trapps story. I cared about the characters and and I loved getting introduced to the people that inspired the movie. This is all fictional but there are many real stories that are similar.
Everyone pretty much gets a happy ending and things are tied up in what are probably not entirely realistic ways but I don’t care. This was fun to read. I loved the film siblings and the movie making process. I loved the friendship & the family stories. I loved the settings. I thought it was well done how all the various friendships developed. I appreciated how the reader gets to gradually deeply know all of the characters and that they’re all three dimensional characters. I liked how the adult characters and the children characters are all fleshed out well and are all important to the story. In some children’s books the children are “given the best roles” but in this book everyone gets a good part.
From what I’ve read of the author she knew of what she wrote in this book. Sadly, this is her final book. She has since died and was working on this book while she was sick. This has to be read as it was written, as historical fiction. There are some trigger warnings in addition to the fat shaming. They include alcoholism and psychotic mental illness (in a couple of the adults) and some abandonment issues for the children.
3-1/2 stars
I was going to down-grade it to 3 stars because I didn’t like it as much as many of my 4 starred books but I know I would have given it 4 stars as a 9-10 year old so I decided to up-grade it.
I read this as a buddy read with Hilary.
I read it as I would have at age 9 or 10. I don’t have to do this with every children’s book but it helped me to enjoy this particular book to do that. I had a lot of fun reading it.
I enjoyed the writing and the storytelling style.
There were some things I did not like but the only thing that I hated was the fat shaming and also the diet culture promoted by one of the characters. It was completely realistic though for 1973 and particularly in show business at that time.
I ended up not caring that much about the movie’s story that was so similar to The Sound of Music von Trapps story. I cared about the characters and and I loved getting introduced to the people that inspired the movie. This is all fictional but there are many real stories that are similar.
Everyone pretty much gets a happy ending and things are tied up in what are probably not entirely realistic ways but I don’t care. This was fun to read. I loved the film siblings and the movie making process. I loved the friendship & the family stories. I loved the settings. I thought it was well done how all the various friendships developed. I appreciated how the reader gets to gradually deeply know all of the characters and that they’re all three dimensional characters. I liked how the adult characters and the children characters are all fleshed out well and are all important to the story. In some children’s books the children are “given the best roles” but in this book everyone gets a good part.
From what I’ve read of the author she knew of what she wrote in this book. Sadly, this is her final book. She has since died and was working on this book while she was sick. This has to be read as it was written, as historical fiction. There are some trigger warnings in addition to the fat shaming. They include alcoholism and psychotic mental illness (in a couple of the adults) and some abandonment issues for the children.
3-1/2 stars
I was going to down-grade it to 3 stars because I didn’t like it as much as many of my 4 starred books but I know I would have given it 4 stars as a 9-10 year old so I decided to up-grade it.
I read this as a buddy read with Hilary.
September 15, 2024
✰ 4 stars ✰
“Keep me here, where memories live forever.”
Kate Saunders' last novel before her death is an uplifting and beautifully well-written middle-grade novel about a cast and crew whose lives change when they have to work together, while shooting in the French countryside in the early '70s on an upcoming musical, The Music Makers, loosely-inspired by The Sound of Music, the inspirational true story of the fictional Daudet family and the challenges they faced during World War II. Over one unforgettable and memorable summer, ten-year-old Jenny and her movie siblings will grow closer than real siblings, bond over their shared family grievances, and learn to celebrate in the spirit of acting and the joys of new endeavors. ☀️🎵❤️
It is an inspiring and wholesome character-driven story that draws the readers in with a unique cast that invites you into their hearts. Rich in family and friendship, it touches upon many relatable themes, but in a gentle and comforting way with a multi-faceted and well-crafted cast that made them feel all the more believable in how they were tackled. 👍🏻👍🏻 The heartwarming and inspiring movie experience will help shape the futures of all those who work on this magical musical to help them overcome the challenges they face in their professional and personal lives that like a A Drop of Golden Sun shines upon their lives, brimming with the promise of happier and hopeful prospects and brimming with anticipation for a brighter future. 🌟
“Love lasts forever; it can survive the most terrible things.”
Jenny was a very honest and sincere protagonist whose heart was truly in the right place. Easy to befriend and aspiring to be a writer, she was honest to a fault and endeared to almost everyone who she befriended. ther, she respected her mother's desires to find love again, which was very endearing to see. ‘Whatever else you forget, you always remember the love and that’s the only thing that matters.’ I liked how she gained confidence in herself as an actress, her own passion for tap dancing, and her aim to do her very best for the camera.
She deeply cared for her onscreen siblings and her relationship with her mother was such a strong one, that its nurturing and steadfast presence was ultimately, at times, the glue that held the children and their own respective parents' together. Despite how she still felt the absence of a loving departed fa And it was not only the compassionate way in which she and her mother were so kind; it was about how the children and parents changed - for the better, by their kindness and consideration. It's never forced, but reprimanded in a gentle way that makes it all the more sincere and willing to accept, which resonated with me. 🥰
“Time moves on, whether I like it or not. I could not let it be my enemy.”
I loved the movie set moments; I loved that nothing was ever perfect, that there were insurmountable pressures that came from unrelenting and unsuspecting parties that made it a daunting task to complete. 📽️ ‘It’s going to be the most exciting and challenging project of my career.’ And it felt genuine; even when these alarming problems on the film set were resolved, the ill-will that had garnered was swept away with the tidings of being aware of what they were aiming to portray. 🥹🤍 The older cast each provided a unique take on their own portrayals that made it all the more entertaining to see their interactions with their younger cast. Horse, especially, proved to be such a magnanimous character - one that you wish you could see more of. He gave Jenny the courage and strength when she needed, much like the director, who proved to be an agreeable chap, who genuinely wanted to capture the lives of a remarkable family during a difficult and harrowing time. 🥺
One thing I would nitpick though is that I did not get the sense that it was taking place in the 70s; there was very little reference to the time period, save for a few handful moments of popular films or books (most which I have read and loved, so there is that. But, that ambience felt lacking here. 😕 I did appreciate, though, the World War II reference and how its impact was not as profound upon the children of that time. '... She had grown up hearing about the Second World War, but only in scraps. People didn’t talk about it much...' 😥 It touched upon a generation that did not fully acknowledge WWII or was even aware of its aftermath - was alarming, as well as the slight lingering contempt and prejudice existing between the Jews and French people. But, the magic of the movies is learning to overcome that resentment; to address the issues and find a way to make ends meet. And how the author captured that message of solidarity and companionship was done in a wholesome manner that mirrored the feelings of the children who wanted animosity not to exist between their co stars. 🙏🏻❤️🩹
“You’re all fabulous,’ said Stu. ‘You know, whatever you decide to do in the future, when you grow up, you’ll always be the stars of The Music Makers. In the movie, you’ll be young forever.’
‘And we’ll always be a sort-of family,’ said Harriet.”
For the children truly were the life of the party, so to speak. Each of the children offered something different that kept the story alive; something that made Jenny connect with each of them in a believable manner. Despite their age differences and personal backgrounds, Harriet, John, Jenny and Belinda interacted in a believable manner and enriched each other in a deeply moving and caring way - helping to overcome their own challenges they faced - be it on screen or in their daily lives '– but she had other people who didn’t want her to be lonely around her now, and that was lovely.' 🫂🫶🏻
They each had distinct personalities that made them a delight to behold. Belinda, especially, for all her vivacious spirit, did have a very gentle nature; for being so young and a rising child star definitely has its merits and demerits, and it showed with her own tenuous relationship with her mother. I did love how involved the parents were; in their own way, they truly cared for their children, despite their own troubled natures and personal problems. But, it came together as a whole that truly was lovely to see and made it such a wonderful reading experience for me, as well. 🌅💛
“Keep me here, where memories live forever.”
Kate Saunders' last novel before her death is an uplifting and beautifully well-written middle-grade novel about a cast and crew whose lives change when they have to work together, while shooting in the French countryside in the early '70s on an upcoming musical, The Music Makers, loosely-inspired by The Sound of Music, the inspirational true story of the fictional Daudet family and the challenges they faced during World War II. Over one unforgettable and memorable summer, ten-year-old Jenny and her movie siblings will grow closer than real siblings, bond over their shared family grievances, and learn to celebrate in the spirit of acting and the joys of new endeavors. ☀️🎵❤️
It is an inspiring and wholesome character-driven story that draws the readers in with a unique cast that invites you into their hearts. Rich in family and friendship, it touches upon many relatable themes, but in a gentle and comforting way with a multi-faceted and well-crafted cast that made them feel all the more believable in how they were tackled. 👍🏻👍🏻 The heartwarming and inspiring movie experience will help shape the futures of all those who work on this magical musical to help them overcome the challenges they face in their professional and personal lives that like a A Drop of Golden Sun shines upon their lives, brimming with the promise of happier and hopeful prospects and brimming with anticipation for a brighter future. 🌟
“Love lasts forever; it can survive the most terrible things.”
Jenny was a very honest and sincere protagonist whose heart was truly in the right place. Easy to befriend and aspiring to be a writer, she was honest to a fault and endeared to almost everyone who she befriended. ther, she respected her mother's desires to find love again, which was very endearing to see. ‘Whatever else you forget, you always remember the love and that’s the only thing that matters.’ I liked how she gained confidence in herself as an actress, her own passion for tap dancing, and her aim to do her very best for the camera.
She deeply cared for her onscreen siblings and her relationship with her mother was such a strong one, that its nurturing and steadfast presence was ultimately, at times, the glue that held the children and their own respective parents' together. Despite how she still felt the absence of a loving departed fa And it was not only the compassionate way in which she and her mother were so kind; it was about how the children and parents changed - for the better, by their kindness and consideration. It's never forced, but reprimanded in a gentle way that makes it all the more sincere and willing to accept, which resonated with me. 🥰
“Time moves on, whether I like it or not. I could not let it be my enemy.”
I loved the movie set moments; I loved that nothing was ever perfect, that there were insurmountable pressures that came from unrelenting and unsuspecting parties that made it a daunting task to complete. 📽️ ‘It’s going to be the most exciting and challenging project of my career.’ And it felt genuine; even when these alarming problems on the film set were resolved, the ill-will that had garnered was swept away with the tidings of being aware of what they were aiming to portray. 🥹🤍 The older cast each provided a unique take on their own portrayals that made it all the more entertaining to see their interactions with their younger cast. Horse, especially, proved to be such a magnanimous character - one that you wish you could see more of. He gave Jenny the courage and strength when she needed, much like the director, who proved to be an agreeable chap, who genuinely wanted to capture the lives of a remarkable family during a difficult and harrowing time. 🥺
One thing I would nitpick though is that I did not get the sense that it was taking place in the 70s; there was very little reference to the time period, save for a few handful moments of popular films or books (most which I have read and loved, so there is that. But, that ambience felt lacking here. 😕 I did appreciate, though, the World War II reference and how its impact was not as profound upon the children of that time. '... She had grown up hearing about the Second World War, but only in scraps. People didn’t talk about it much...' 😥 It touched upon a generation that did not fully acknowledge WWII or was even aware of its aftermath - was alarming, as well as the slight lingering contempt and prejudice existing between the Jews and French people. But, the magic of the movies is learning to overcome that resentment; to address the issues and find a way to make ends meet. And how the author captured that message of solidarity and companionship was done in a wholesome manner that mirrored the feelings of the children who wanted animosity not to exist between their co stars. 🙏🏻❤️🩹
“You’re all fabulous,’ said Stu. ‘You know, whatever you decide to do in the future, when you grow up, you’ll always be the stars of The Music Makers. In the movie, you’ll be young forever.’
‘And we’ll always be a sort-of family,’ said Harriet.”
For the children truly were the life of the party, so to speak. Each of the children offered something different that kept the story alive; something that made Jenny connect with each of them in a believable manner. Despite their age differences and personal backgrounds, Harriet, John, Jenny and Belinda interacted in a believable manner and enriched each other in a deeply moving and caring way - helping to overcome their own challenges they faced - be it on screen or in their daily lives '– but she had other people who didn’t want her to be lonely around her now, and that was lovely.' 🫂🫶🏻
They each had distinct personalities that made them a delight to behold. Belinda, especially, for all her vivacious spirit, did have a very gentle nature; for being so young and a rising child star definitely has its merits and demerits, and it showed with her own tenuous relationship with her mother. I did love how involved the parents were; in their own way, they truly cared for their children, despite their own troubled natures and personal problems. But, it came together as a whole that truly was lovely to see and made it such a wonderful reading experience for me, as well. 🌅💛
October 23, 2024
Boring. I really wanted to like it.
July 16, 2024
This novel, Kate Saunders' last, is a delightful account of children in the 1970s on a filmset, shooting a fictional musical, which is basically, but not quite "The Sound of Music." Each of the four children, who form a bond as movie siblings, has a personal problem which is more or less resolved by the close of the book. It is perhaps all a bit too sugar-coated, but it's done in a really lovely way, and the movie shoot setting is quite fun. The main character is Jenny, who plays the daughter who grows up to write the memoir of her family's escape from the Nazis which is the basis of the film. A stolid bookish sort, Jenny is an unlikely film star, but blossoms in a role that's just right for her. A Drop of Golden Sun has made me want to reread another book with a similar setting, The Painted Garden by Noel Streatfeild.
April 29, 2024
I was so excited to recieve this as a proof copy - I loved the sound of the story and was saddened to know this was Kate's last book before she died. I fell in love with this book completely - it's super awesome and I enjoyed every page.
Jenny is shocked and excited when she gets the part in a big movie! She and her 3 other 'screen siblings' fly to France to film alongside some other big actors. But when a famous actor threatens to mess up filming, Jenny and her new found friends will have to band together to hopefully save the shoot!
This book was an absolute winner for me. So many great aspects combined to make a lovely read. The main thing I loved was the whole concept. I've never read a children's book that goes behind the scenes of the movies and I'm sure it's something that will drawn others in too. I've actually worked on a lot of TV sets and I was glad to see how accurate and true it was to real life. The plot moved at a good pace; keeping the detail but moving on at a good speed to keep me interested - it worked brilliantly.
I also loved the characters - they made the book! I found I related to Jenny, our main heroine - she reads lots of books and struggles to make friends, which sounds a bit like me when I was that age. She was kind and compassionate to read about - simply lovely! I loved Belinda, the chaos monster too. All her antics and her brutal honesty when talking to anyone made me giggle - I thought I was going to hate her but she became quite charming after a while. Horst (or 'Horse', as he is affectionatly dubbed), was another favourite. He was so kind and I loved when he came to introduce himself to the children first, stating that though he was playing a baddie, he was lovely really!
The only reason I couldn't give this book 5 stars was the very obvious replacement of The Sound of Music. In the book it's now called 'The Music Makers' and has pretty much the same plot. I get that it couldn't be used as the actual basis for the film, as it isn't in the public domain yet, but the very obvious tie in just sort of made me roll my eyes every time. This is just a me thing though - I'm sure everyone else just giggles and moves on!
Overall, I loved this one! It was so wholesome whilst having an interesting and good paced plot. All the characters were exciting and the whole atmosphere of the book was so loving and wholesome, I stormed through it. I can't wait to get chatting to customers about this one; they're going to love it.
Jenny is shocked and excited when she gets the part in a big movie! She and her 3 other 'screen siblings' fly to France to film alongside some other big actors. But when a famous actor threatens to mess up filming, Jenny and her new found friends will have to band together to hopefully save the shoot!
This book was an absolute winner for me. So many great aspects combined to make a lovely read. The main thing I loved was the whole concept. I've never read a children's book that goes behind the scenes of the movies and I'm sure it's something that will drawn others in too. I've actually worked on a lot of TV sets and I was glad to see how accurate and true it was to real life. The plot moved at a good pace; keeping the detail but moving on at a good speed to keep me interested - it worked brilliantly.
I also loved the characters - they made the book! I found I related to Jenny, our main heroine - she reads lots of books and struggles to make friends, which sounds a bit like me when I was that age. She was kind and compassionate to read about - simply lovely! I loved Belinda, the chaos monster too. All her antics and her brutal honesty when talking to anyone made me giggle - I thought I was going to hate her but she became quite charming after a while. Horst (or 'Horse', as he is affectionatly dubbed), was another favourite. He was so kind and I loved when he came to introduce himself to the children first, stating that though he was playing a baddie, he was lovely really!
The only reason I couldn't give this book 5 stars was the very obvious replacement of The Sound of Music. In the book it's now called 'The Music Makers' and has pretty much the same plot. I get that it couldn't be used as the actual basis for the film, as it isn't in the public domain yet, but the very obvious tie in just sort of made me roll my eyes every time. This is just a me thing though - I'm sure everyone else just giggles and moves on!
Overall, I loved this one! It was so wholesome whilst having an interesting and good paced plot. All the characters were exciting and the whole atmosphere of the book was so loving and wholesome, I stormed through it. I can't wait to get chatting to customers about this one; they're going to love it.
May 29, 2024
I don’t read a lot of children’s fiction… I enjoy character driven stories with depth, and themes. With that in mind, I was delighted by “A Drop of Golden Sun”. This is very much a character driven story, with a wonderful dual overarching theme of community and chosen family. (With just the right dash of we are stronger together, and surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you.)
For decades the movie The Sound of Music has been a part of our cultural awareness, and this book capitalizes on our cultures awareness of the story. The result is we only need the broadest brush strokes of the movie that is being filmed to feel we know what it is about. The book takes us from when the children are auditioning, through months of filming, to the red carpet premiere, and while only a few songs and scenes are truly laid out for us, somehow we feel as though we know all about a two hour movie.
What I loved in this book was how initially four children were brought together to act as siblings… and gradually came to treat one another that way… but it didn’t stop there, the brought their chaperones / parents into the family, and overtime more of the cast and even the director. A bond of friendship grew in to something extraordinary in a believable way… and the children learned from one another, helped each other… and shared with the reader some truly important life lessons about Cancer, alcohol, loneliness, bullying, the challenges making new friends, jealousy, self-confidence, fear, and so much more.
For decades the movie The Sound of Music has been a part of our cultural awareness, and this book capitalizes on our cultures awareness of the story. The result is we only need the broadest brush strokes of the movie that is being filmed to feel we know what it is about. The book takes us from when the children are auditioning, through months of filming, to the red carpet premiere, and while only a few songs and scenes are truly laid out for us, somehow we feel as though we know all about a two hour movie.
What I loved in this book was how initially four children were brought together to act as siblings… and gradually came to treat one another that way… but it didn’t stop there, the brought their chaperones / parents into the family, and overtime more of the cast and even the director. A bond of friendship grew in to something extraordinary in a believable way… and the children learned from one another, helped each other… and shared with the reader some truly important life lessons about Cancer, alcohol, loneliness, bullying, the challenges making new friends, jealousy, self-confidence, fear, and so much more.
December 26, 2025
In many ways, A Drop of Golden Sun is an old-fashioned story. Slow paced and anecdotal, it immerses us in Jenny’s world, as she and her film siblings navigate through life, the filmmaking world, and a variety of eccentric and sometimes frightening people. I thoroughly enjoyed this story with its multi-faceted characters, and I liked how the narrative unfolds, giving us a glimpse of the lives of child stars who are all set to make history with a brand-new film.
With Jenny, we encounter complex family relationships, fragile egos and unexpected friendships in a sensitively told story. A Drop of Golden Sun doesn’t have the high drama of a thriller or the sense that you’re sitting at the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. Instead, it is one of those quiet, gently books that celebrates childhood, with all its joys and uncertainties.
With Jenny, we encounter complex family relationships, fragile egos and unexpected friendships in a sensitively told story. A Drop of Golden Sun doesn’t have the high drama of a thriller or the sense that you’re sitting at the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. Instead, it is one of those quiet, gently books that celebrates childhood, with all its joys and uncertainties.
March 17, 2024
I loved everything about this book, from the characters, to the story and the themes, this book was a pretty perfect read for me!
The story is set in 1973 where we find Jenny our main character shooting her first film in France during the summer. With a firm nod to a certain famous musical, I found myself completely caught up in Jenny’s world! As the filming progresses the cast start to form friendships that resemble more of family and Jennys new onscreen siblings start to feel like real siblings. Over the summer she learns about what it means to be part of a family and also learns how to find the good in people who on first appearances seem rather intolerable! Jenny was such a wonderful character she was thoughtful, kind but also suffered a little from imposter syndrome because she had never been on a film set before. Some of the themes were touched on lightly like mental health and there was little hints about neurodivergence too. The main theme was about family both found and actual family and of course the importance of friendship.
This book will be perfect for fans of Michelle Magorian, Noel Streatfield and Onjali Q Rauf everyone really needs to read this you won’t regret it!
The story is set in 1973 where we find Jenny our main character shooting her first film in France during the summer. With a firm nod to a certain famous musical, I found myself completely caught up in Jenny’s world! As the filming progresses the cast start to form friendships that resemble more of family and Jennys new onscreen siblings start to feel like real siblings. Over the summer she learns about what it means to be part of a family and also learns how to find the good in people who on first appearances seem rather intolerable! Jenny was such a wonderful character she was thoughtful, kind but also suffered a little from imposter syndrome because she had never been on a film set before. Some of the themes were touched on lightly like mental health and there was little hints about neurodivergence too. The main theme was about family both found and actual family and of course the importance of friendship.
This book will be perfect for fans of Michelle Magorian, Noel Streatfield and Onjali Q Rauf everyone really needs to read this you won’t regret it!
July 20, 2024
Very twee and old fashioned but delightful! Very cleverly written in a old fashioned style
June 19, 2024
There's a point in one of my books where one character asks another if they've read any Kate Saunders and that's because of two things: Beswitched, and also that everything in story is connected. At least, it is to me. I like to trace paths between stories, to feel the way that one author influences another, to trace the pulls from one narrative to another, and to kind of try to recognise that a little bit. Everything is part of everything else, all the stories touch.
I also gave Kate Saunders a shout out because Kate Saunders was really good and writing about her in the past tense makes me a little bit sad because we lost her far too soon but there is glory in what she left. A Drop Of Golden Sun was her final work, a love letter to film, to the seventies, to hot endless summers, and to the Sound of Music (though never explicitly named, the film in question is quite clearly inspired by this, all the way down to the lovely Julie Andrews and the Christopher Plummer-esque lead actors).
If you like Noel Streatfeild, then you should be on this. If you enjoy Jean Estoril, then you should also be on this. If you're into rich character led stories where kind of nothing much happens in the way of Highly Dramatic Stuff but kind of everything happens if you let yourself see it and it's just a pleasure to be part of it, to be here, you should be also also be on this. It's incredibly elegant and classic storytelling, full of slow and soft character moments where people just kind of figure out who they are in the world and how they feel about it and there's such a purity in that, it's a delight all the way through, it's the good stuff.
I also gave Kate Saunders a shout out because Kate Saunders was really good and writing about her in the past tense makes me a little bit sad because we lost her far too soon but there is glory in what she left. A Drop Of Golden Sun was her final work, a love letter to film, to the seventies, to hot endless summers, and to the Sound of Music (though never explicitly named, the film in question is quite clearly inspired by this, all the way down to the lovely Julie Andrews and the Christopher Plummer-esque lead actors).
If you like Noel Streatfeild, then you should be on this. If you enjoy Jean Estoril, then you should also be on this. If you're into rich character led stories where kind of nothing much happens in the way of Highly Dramatic Stuff but kind of everything happens if you let yourself see it and it's just a pleasure to be part of it, to be here, you should be also also be on this. It's incredibly elegant and classic storytelling, full of slow and soft character moments where people just kind of figure out who they are in the world and how they feel about it and there's such a purity in that, it's a delight all the way through, it's the good stuff.
September 20, 2025
4.5/5
This book is so uplifting and cheerful. It was a pleasure to read. Kate Saunders did a magnificent job at creating a heartwarming book that will live on in her legacy.
All the details, settings and characters are wonderful and the author really focused on the details. It was a really great read that I won’t forget quickly.
This book is so uplifting and cheerful. It was a pleasure to read. Kate Saunders did a magnificent job at creating a heartwarming book that will live on in her legacy.
All the details, settings and characters are wonderful and the author really focused on the details. It was a really great read that I won’t forget quickly.
March 21, 2024
Well that was absolute pleasure to read. I instantly fell in love with the style of writing. I loved getting to know the characters and watching them develop throughout. On a whole I just thought it was a lovely book that just filled me with warmth and comfort.
April 2, 2024
I’m a sucker for books set in time periods, and this was set in the 70s and the movie they film was during World War Two so it sucked me in straight away.
I just loved all the characters storylines so much!
I just loved all the characters storylines so much!
September 3, 2024
This is such a gentle, warm hug of a book. Just really evocative of a specific time and place in the characters’ lives. Kate Saunders died too young, but I think she’d be proud of this lovely story being her last book.
April 26, 2024
An uplifting and beautiful story. I laughed and I cried. Highly recommended.
May 18, 2024
A novel full of hope and brimming with childish comfort...a masterpiece.
May 19, 2024
Well written story for older children, but enjoyable for adults too who remember the early days of the Sound of Music. Themes of family, mental health and the importance of friendship.
July 25, 2024
Beautiful
February 5, 2025
a wonderfully engrossing and delightful book.
November 20, 2025
I loved this book great ending I was hooked
March 18, 2025
4.25 stars. Four children filming a movie that was a homage to Sound of Music. Although the children were dealing with a lot when it came to family relationships, the ending (and the entire book for that matter) vas very satisfying and uplifting. Interesting and unusual concept for a children's book, that came to me at the right time and made it all the more enjoyable.
August 21, 2024
Delightful Ballet Shoes/Sound of Music combination.
How sad to hear that this was the author's last book. I've read Saunders before and she's a wonderful children's writer. I had to read this. As last books go, this was absolutely marvellous. Nostalgic whilst still being so relevant and likeable. And it's really all about The Sound of Music, so I was ecstatic before I'd even begun.
The book is really about the filming of a major musical, about a family with a nanny and unpleasant-seeming father, with a large amount of children, who must escape from the Nazis. Sound familiar? With lots of songs, dancing and a family bonding and finding love and happiness, the casting of the four children is key to the success of the film. We join proceedings as tap-dancer Jenny is in the final auditions for the role as one of the family's four children.
The reader then watches the auditions, the children becoming colleagues and the filming of a slightly different Sound of Music (all known here by other names) in France. We get to see prima donnas, directorial outbursts, dancing rehearsals, and all the backstage action you would expect - gossip, friendships, parents on set, family troubles, cast fallings out, and the children at the heart of it.
A lovely group of kids, memorable parents and other cast members, and a fascinating look at the making of a classic film (that isn't really this one). It's all reimagined but done incredibly well. It's all so happy and a real contender for the Ballet Shoes of a generation who have more in common with young actors than young ballet dancers.
Set in 1973, that's hardly off-putting to any reader, as you would barely notice the year or the social context aside from the filming and the cast and crew stories.
I loved it. Sped through it and am really sad that it's the last book we'll get from the writer, who has given us some modern classics.
For ages 8-13.
How sad to hear that this was the author's last book. I've read Saunders before and she's a wonderful children's writer. I had to read this. As last books go, this was absolutely marvellous. Nostalgic whilst still being so relevant and likeable. And it's really all about The Sound of Music, so I was ecstatic before I'd even begun.
The book is really about the filming of a major musical, about a family with a nanny and unpleasant-seeming father, with a large amount of children, who must escape from the Nazis. Sound familiar? With lots of songs, dancing and a family bonding and finding love and happiness, the casting of the four children is key to the success of the film. We join proceedings as tap-dancer Jenny is in the final auditions for the role as one of the family's four children.
The reader then watches the auditions, the children becoming colleagues and the filming of a slightly different Sound of Music (all known here by other names) in France. We get to see prima donnas, directorial outbursts, dancing rehearsals, and all the backstage action you would expect - gossip, friendships, parents on set, family troubles, cast fallings out, and the children at the heart of it.
A lovely group of kids, memorable parents and other cast members, and a fascinating look at the making of a classic film (that isn't really this one). It's all reimagined but done incredibly well. It's all so happy and a real contender for the Ballet Shoes of a generation who have more in common with young actors than young ballet dancers.
Set in 1973, that's hardly off-putting to any reader, as you would barely notice the year or the social context aside from the filming and the cast and crew stories.
I loved it. Sped through it and am really sad that it's the last book we'll get from the writer, who has given us some modern classics.
For ages 8-13.
April 6, 2025
I bought this before we went on holiday as I love Children's fiction and this looked like my cup of tea. I needed something easier to read after Night Train to Lisbon so read this towards the end of my holiday.
Jenny is surprised when she is cast in a movie and has the best summer of her life filming but she and her cast mates have to do everything to save the film when things start to go wrong.
I absolutely loved this and was sad to read that Kate Saunders died not long after finishing the final edits to this book. Apparently Saunders based this on The Sound of Music which I also love and she writes fiction in a classic style which is something close to my heart. The book was full of joy as well as other darker moments such as dealing with grief, mental health and fear of not being good enough on the day of filming. I enjoyed how Saunders captured the difficulties on set when you have lots of egocentric people rubbing each other up the wrong way. The fact that Saunders started as an actor came shining through. I couldn't put this book down and will have to read her other books now.
A brilliant book about filming a musical and how an ordinary 10 year old adjusts to a different way of life. Full of life and joy as well as some good morals too. Perfect for children and adults like me who still love reading children's fiction.
Jenny is surprised when she is cast in a movie and has the best summer of her life filming but she and her cast mates have to do everything to save the film when things start to go wrong.
I absolutely loved this and was sad to read that Kate Saunders died not long after finishing the final edits to this book. Apparently Saunders based this on The Sound of Music which I also love and she writes fiction in a classic style which is something close to my heart. The book was full of joy as well as other darker moments such as dealing with grief, mental health and fear of not being good enough on the day of filming. I enjoyed how Saunders captured the difficulties on set when you have lots of egocentric people rubbing each other up the wrong way. The fact that Saunders started as an actor came shining through. I couldn't put this book down and will have to read her other books now.
A brilliant book about filming a musical and how an ordinary 10 year old adjusts to a different way of life. Full of life and joy as well as some good morals too. Perfect for children and adults like me who still love reading children's fiction.
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