Bright Lights and Promises

by Pauline McLynn

It’s not easy being the mother of a twelve-year-old boy who’s in love with his babysitter and having trouble at school. Nor are matters helped by the unexpected arrival of an elderly mother who’s suddenly footloose and fancy free. There are times when Susie Vine wonders how she’ll ever survive.
At least she feels secure at Arland & Shaw, London’s leading theatrical agency, where her clients love her almost as much as they love themselves. But, as the New Year beckons, Susie feels there’s something missing. Then the man who broke her heart comes back into her life and she’s forced to ask herself whether she was right to leave him all those years ago. Or is the man for her waiting in the wings elsewhere…?

Genres: Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2007

About the author

Pauline McLynn (born 11 July 1962) is an Irish actress, comedienne and author, best known for playing Mrs Doyle on the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted. McLynn was born in Sligo but grew up in Galway. She studied History of Art and Modern English at Trinity College, Dublin. She was heavily involved in Trinity's Dublin University Players (college drama society). She is married to the producer and agent Richard Cook. She supports both Aston Villa and Bohemian F.C.

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay read

I've read a few books by this author and previous books have had me in tears as they were funny or emotional this in afraid is neither. I am sorry but didn't warm to the characters and found it a confusing read.

[Bronwyn Rykiert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story.

[Keris · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I realised the author of this book was accomplished actress Pauline McLynn of Father Ted fame (“Go wan, Go wan”), I have to admit I was surprised. Not only is she the author of this book but several others too – some people have all the talent eh?

Bright Lights and Promises is a lovely read introducing sassy main character Susie Vine, a deal making agent with successful London Theatrical agency Arland and Shaw. Susie’s already busy life is further complicated when her

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[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pauline McLynn continues to show us that as well as a talented comedic actress, she has a flair for book writing.

Though at times I found it hard to warm to the heroine, I found the stories and the situations of the other characters, especially her mum and her teenage son far more interesting.

Well worth a read, but I'd love it if Pauline could return to Leo Street with her next book!

[Ipswichblade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read from Pauline Mclynn. A good length at under 400 pages and full of believable characters that you at least cared about. The novel is set in a theatrical agency and the story centres around Susie Vine with both her son and mother playing equal parts in the story. The background to actors and agencies is very interesting and I imagine that the writer draws on her own experiences.

[Helen Maltby · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started off really well but I felt it lost its way about two thirds of the way through. I found that I had no interest in the sub-plots of Milo at school and Lola's quest for love. It became a case of just wanting to finish it. Have to admit though that an element of the ending was a shock.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt that this was a real missed opportunity to use a setting that McLynn must know well to tell a contemporary tale. I was ticked off, she's written far more interesting novels in the past and I was really looking forward to this one. Never finished it.

[Kristyh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chick Lit is so good when done well and Pauline McLynn has done a great job here. So hard to reconcile Mrs Doyle from Father Ted to the author of Bright Lights and Promises though. Really well constructed look at how the growing up process continues until death. Loved it.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another light holiday book, for girls. Not too bad but nothing really special.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read all her books, the Leo Street series is my favourite. This book is a bit chicklit but well written.

[Preet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

[Sonya Couch · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok not my usual type of book a very chick lit tale

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into the story and engage with the characters. Susie seemed a tad whiny and needy. But eventually the story grabbed me. Most of the characters were very interesting, and the fates of them kept me wanting more. The last part of the book had elements that I felt were unnecessary, but on the whole the ending was satisfying. It certainly gave a good insight into the lives of agents.