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A Step in Time
The time of her life!
Following a (totally justified) ugly, public brawl with her love-rat boyfriend, soap star and paparazzi darling Amy Lavender's TV career is over.
Her agent assures her that winning a glitzy dancing TV competition will put Amy back on top. But Amy has two left feet, and her hot dance partner Patrick seems to think that she's behaving like a superficial spoiled brat (also totally justified).
At rock bottom, Amy is now living in a rented room when she encounters her upstairs neighbour, an elegant older lady with a mysterious, tragic air who knows more than a thing or two about the foxtrot.
But it'll take more than a couple of dance lessons to get Amy back on the leaderboard and ready to cha cha cha her way to glitterball glory!
Following a (totally justified) ugly, public brawl with her love-rat boyfriend, soap star and paparazzi darling Amy Lavender's TV career is over.
Her agent assures her that winning a glitzy dancing TV competition will put Amy back on top. But Amy has two left feet, and her hot dance partner Patrick seems to think that she's behaving like a superficial spoiled brat (also totally justified).
At rock bottom, Amy is now living in a rented room when she encounters her upstairs neighbour, an elegant older lady with a mysterious, tragic air who knows more than a thing or two about the foxtrot.
But it'll take more than a couple of dance lessons to get Amy back on the leaderboard and ready to cha cha cha her way to glitterball glory!
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First published October 19, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 28, 2015
Sparkly, fun, witty and deeper than expected.
I absolutely love this book. Set in London against a Strictly backdrop it is as gorgeous as a perfectly performed American Smooth. This book literally has it all. What started out as a quick peek lasted a lot longer because I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down. This is a book about living life to the full, following your dreams and being true to yourself whilst empathising with others.
Just like Amy there is far more to this book than glitter and sparkle. Another story runs throughout the book; Cora's story. Cora now in her nineties lost the man she loved at the end of war. It is the combination of both of these stories set against the Strictly glitter and glamour which gives it depth and makes this book so magical.
On the outside Amy seems to have it all. A buffed boyfriend, celebrating lifestyle and a good part in a soap. Amy has always loved acting but as she finds herself drawn more and more into the celebrity lifestyle she loses contact with her dream of being a serious actress. I really liked Amy she was so easy to emphasise with. Amy has two left feet but when she loses both her boyfriend and her job she accepts a place on Strictly. With no job and nowhere to live she acquires a low rent apartment agreeing to keep an eye on the old lady upstairs. Amy is walking disaster but there is more to Amy than meets the eye. Partnered with the equally buffed Patrick a love triangle of sorts emerges.
This is my first Kerry Bennet but it is so well written with a great plot, easy dialogue and well developed characters that I will be looking for more by this author.
There aren't enough stars for this fun, deeper than expected witty and relaxing read.
Highly recommended.
(Grateful thanks to the publisher and NetGallley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.)
I absolutely love this book. Set in London against a Strictly backdrop it is as gorgeous as a perfectly performed American Smooth. This book literally has it all. What started out as a quick peek lasted a lot longer because I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down. This is a book about living life to the full, following your dreams and being true to yourself whilst empathising with others.
Just like Amy there is far more to this book than glitter and sparkle. Another story runs throughout the book; Cora's story. Cora now in her nineties lost the man she loved at the end of war. It is the combination of both of these stories set against the Strictly glitter and glamour which gives it depth and makes this book so magical.
On the outside Amy seems to have it all. A buffed boyfriend, celebrating lifestyle and a good part in a soap. Amy has always loved acting but as she finds herself drawn more and more into the celebrity lifestyle she loses contact with her dream of being a serious actress. I really liked Amy she was so easy to emphasise with. Amy has two left feet but when she loses both her boyfriend and her job she accepts a place on Strictly. With no job and nowhere to live she acquires a low rent apartment agreeing to keep an eye on the old lady upstairs. Amy is walking disaster but there is more to Amy than meets the eye. Partnered with the equally buffed Patrick a love triangle of sorts emerges.
This is my first Kerry Bennet but it is so well written with a great plot, easy dialogue and well developed characters that I will be looking for more by this author.
'You messed it up a bit at the beginning,' he said.
'But you got it back and you delivered.
Amy Lavender, I smell something very sweet with you.'
There aren't enough stars for this fun, deeper than expected witty and relaxing read.
Highly recommended.
(Grateful thanks to the publisher and NetGallley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.)
October 29, 2018
Beautiful! Fun. Romantic. i cried, I laughed. I was disgusted. I was captivated and transpired to a new reality of greater respect for values and personal integrity.
December 6, 2015
The second I saw the stunning cover for this book revealed, I knew it would be one I wanted to read. My first thoughts of the title were of the Mary Poppins song "Step In Time" but thankfully I didn't have it running in my head as I read this.
A Step in Time is definitely a book for fans of Strictly Come Dancing, or other ballroom dance TV shows, and even if you aren't, like me, I was still able to enjoy the story, and wished I knew more about the various ballroom dances, to picture them fully as I read this.
After a public brawl with the reality TV star seen kissing Amy's almost fiancee, Amy is in public disgrace, and her soap opera drops her, and all the endorsements she had start drying up. Amy's only option according to her agent Babs, is to take part and preferably win a reality TV competition.
The problem is the only one that Babs can get Amy on is Strictly Stars Dancing, and Amy has two left feet. Added to the fact there may have been a slight incident with her dance partner the night before they are paired up, and Amy is off to a rocky start to repair her career.
Although Amy's story is light hearted and fun and by itself would have made an enjoyable book, but possibly lacking substance.. we are also treated to Cora's story. Cora is the older lady in the apartment above the one Amy has to move into. Amy has agreed to keep an eye on Cora, but if anything its the other way around, as Cora takes Amy under her wing.
In turn we learn about Cora, and her war time romance, which is really bittersweet. Cora is an elegant and wonderful character and also used to teach dance, so helps Amy a lot.
I really enjoyed seeing Amy's interactions with Cora, Patrick her dance partner, Matty the ex-boyfriend, as well as Cora's best friend. She clearly cares a lot about the people around her, and she is determined to put her career back on track, regardless of what others may think is best for her.
I thought A Step in Time was fabulous, glitzy story, that was a lot of fun to read, and thanks to Cora, had more depth than I was expecting, but very glad that it did.
Thanks to Netgalley and Carina for this review copy. This is my honest opinion.
A Step in Time is definitely a book for fans of Strictly Come Dancing, or other ballroom dance TV shows, and even if you aren't, like me, I was still able to enjoy the story, and wished I knew more about the various ballroom dances, to picture them fully as I read this.
After a public brawl with the reality TV star seen kissing Amy's almost fiancee, Amy is in public disgrace, and her soap opera drops her, and all the endorsements she had start drying up. Amy's only option according to her agent Babs, is to take part and preferably win a reality TV competition.
The problem is the only one that Babs can get Amy on is Strictly Stars Dancing, and Amy has two left feet. Added to the fact there may have been a slight incident with her dance partner the night before they are paired up, and Amy is off to a rocky start to repair her career.
Although Amy's story is light hearted and fun and by itself would have made an enjoyable book, but possibly lacking substance.. we are also treated to Cora's story. Cora is the older lady in the apartment above the one Amy has to move into. Amy has agreed to keep an eye on Cora, but if anything its the other way around, as Cora takes Amy under her wing.
In turn we learn about Cora, and her war time romance, which is really bittersweet. Cora is an elegant and wonderful character and also used to teach dance, so helps Amy a lot.
I really enjoyed seeing Amy's interactions with Cora, Patrick her dance partner, Matty the ex-boyfriend, as well as Cora's best friend. She clearly cares a lot about the people around her, and she is determined to put her career back on track, regardless of what others may think is best for her.
I thought A Step in Time was fabulous, glitzy story, that was a lot of fun to read, and thanks to Cora, had more depth than I was expecting, but very glad that it did.
Thanks to Netgalley and Carina for this review copy. This is my honest opinion.
December 31, 2015
This was a really enjoyable, funny read. It features a show based on Strictly Come Dancing which is currently on TV, making it extremely relevant.
Amy Lavender is instantly recognisable as being similar to more than a few 'celebrities' over the years. She makes a mistake, one which is caught on camera, and suffers professionally as a result. In order to try and gain her 'celebrity' status once more she is forced to take part in reality tv.
In order to achieve her goals Amy has to do things she really shouldn't, and at the same time learn to dance when she has two left feet. Misunderstandings ensue and she finds herself doubting her own decisions. But are they her decisions, or ones she has been forced to make?
I loved the character of Cora, Amy's upstairs neighbour. When Amy meets Cora she instantly bonds with her. Cora is able to help Amy in ways she couldn't have imagined. And, in a way, Amy repays that favour to Cora right at the end of the story.
The story becomes something more than Amy's as we begin to learn more about Cora's early life and what brought her to make the decisions which dictated how her life ended up. Cora's story is my favourite part of the book. Don't get me wrong, the book as a whole is a great read, Amy's antics are very funny, and her story is a good one. But Cora's story helped make this book, for me at least, what it is.
I recommend this book to fans of Strictly, and also to anyone who wants a feel good story with so much more depth to it than some I have read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Carina for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Amy Lavender is instantly recognisable as being similar to more than a few 'celebrities' over the years. She makes a mistake, one which is caught on camera, and suffers professionally as a result. In order to try and gain her 'celebrity' status once more she is forced to take part in reality tv.
In order to achieve her goals Amy has to do things she really shouldn't, and at the same time learn to dance when she has two left feet. Misunderstandings ensue and she finds herself doubting her own decisions. But are they her decisions, or ones she has been forced to make?
I loved the character of Cora, Amy's upstairs neighbour. When Amy meets Cora she instantly bonds with her. Cora is able to help Amy in ways she couldn't have imagined. And, in a way, Amy repays that favour to Cora right at the end of the story.
The story becomes something more than Amy's as we begin to learn more about Cora's early life and what brought her to make the decisions which dictated how her life ended up. Cora's story is my favourite part of the book. Don't get me wrong, the book as a whole is a great read, Amy's antics are very funny, and her story is a good one. But Cora's story helped make this book, for me at least, what it is.
I recommend this book to fans of Strictly, and also to anyone who wants a feel good story with so much more depth to it than some I have read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Carina for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2015
I have loved all of Kerry Barrett's books in the past, so I eagerly awaited the publication of A Step in Time and downloaded it on to my kindle as soon as it was available! I have to say I think that this is, without a doubt, the best book she has written to date.
It follows the ups and downs of Amy Lavender, disgraced soap star and media tart as she rebuilds her life after being fired from one of the country's biggest TV shows. The friendship with her new landlady and neighbour, Cora, brings a wonderful extra dimension to the story, as we're transported back to the 1940's and find out more about Cora's life along-side Amy's story.
It's all set against the backdrop of Strictly Stars Dancing, adding an extra element of glitz and glamour to the proceedings.
This is a great book that I devoured in two sittings and it's absolutely perfect for summer holidays or wintry days snuggled on the sofa.
It follows the ups and downs of Amy Lavender, disgraced soap star and media tart as she rebuilds her life after being fired from one of the country's biggest TV shows. The friendship with her new landlady and neighbour, Cora, brings a wonderful extra dimension to the story, as we're transported back to the 1940's and find out more about Cora's life along-side Amy's story.
It's all set against the backdrop of Strictly Stars Dancing, adding an extra element of glitz and glamour to the proceedings.
This is a great book that I devoured in two sittings and it's absolutely perfect for summer holidays or wintry days snuggled on the sofa.
February 23, 2016
Amy has always loved acting and dreams of becoming a serious actress but being a celebrity has sucked her into the fast lane. Even though she does have a good part on a soap opera. Eventually she loses her loser boyfriend and her job. Babs her agent gets Amy on Strictly Star Dancing. The only problem is Amy cannot dance in any stretch of the imagination. Amy has to take a low rent apartment and agrees to keep an eye on the old lady- Cora upstairs. Then we learn about Cora who does know a thing or two about dancing but also tells of the man Cora loved at the end of the war.
This was an excellent story and plot but actually two stories interacted together. I absolutely loved it. The characters were great especially Amy and Cora. All the ins and outs Amy goes through in this story especially trying to fix her career. Some parts of this story brought a tear to my eye while other parts made me chuckle I highly recommend.
I received an ARC for this story for an honest review.
This was an excellent story and plot but actually two stories interacted together. I absolutely loved it. The characters were great especially Amy and Cora. All the ins and outs Amy goes through in this story especially trying to fix her career. Some parts of this story brought a tear to my eye while other parts made me chuckle I highly recommend.
I received an ARC for this story for an honest review.
May 1, 2016
I absolutely loved this book, not my usual choice but a rave review from a friend, an intriguing book cover and the need to read something different brought me to it.
Clearly based on SCD, even head judge Len and Kristina Rhianoff are in their in disguise, but both Amy and Cora had me interested and turning pages. It made me want to scream at Amy at times which is always a good sign!
There are passages in this book that had me in tears because it was so similar to conversations I had had with my own mother about my Dad (not the same scenario obviously!) which clearly shows the author has a handle on reality and real people.
Despite the tears I loved it and quite looking forward to reading some more of her books when I get through some more of Mt To Be.
Clearly based on SCD, even head judge Len and Kristina Rhianoff are in their in disguise, but both Amy and Cora had me interested and turning pages. It made me want to scream at Amy at times which is always a good sign!
There are passages in this book that had me in tears because it was so similar to conversations I had had with my own mother about my Dad (not the same scenario obviously!) which clearly shows the author has a handle on reality and real people.
Despite the tears I loved it and quite looking forward to reading some more of her books when I get through some more of Mt To Be.
October 20, 2015
What a fantastic read for fans of Strictly Come Dancing. A very enjoyable page turner.
Amy, a celebrity, is trying to recover from some bad publicity and finds herself signed up for the dancing show- even though she has no sense of rythym . She’s trying to raise her profile again with the public even though the dancing isn’t coming naturally.
We’re introduced to the other characters who add lovely interest to the story. Cora is her neighbour and we learn how her early life has shaped the way she lives now.
A great book to curl up with whilst you try to guess who is going to win the dance competition.
With many thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read this book.
Amy, a celebrity, is trying to recover from some bad publicity and finds herself signed up for the dancing show- even though she has no sense of rythym . She’s trying to raise her profile again with the public even though the dancing isn’t coming naturally.
We’re introduced to the other characters who add lovely interest to the story. Cora is her neighbour and we learn how her early life has shaped the way she lives now.
A great book to curl up with whilst you try to guess who is going to win the dance competition.
With many thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read this book.
February 27, 2016
Cute story of a British soap opera actress who suffers an embarrassing scandal, leaving her jobless and homeless. She accepts an offer to compete on a reality television dance competition, and coincidentally moves into the basement flat of an elderly former dancer. The novel alternates between the two women's stories, and is most interesting, with moments that are poignant and compelling, when describing the older woman's life as a WWII performer for the troops stationed in London. I did enjoy the make-believe inside look at life inside a production like "Dancing with the Stars," though. An easy, lightweight read.
October 18, 2015
This is a charming story. I started it on a Sunday morning and read it in a day! Being a fan of Strictly Come Dancing, I really enjoyed the book and the characters.
I'm not a fan of reality TV, Strictly and Bake Off aside, and the reality stars in this book merely cemented my beliefs. Amy was so much nicer than Matty and Babs to start with, and Patrick was just plain gorgeous!
I liked the way Cora's story was interspersed with Amy.'s and a tear in my eye on more than one occasion! As for the winner of the dance show - you'll have to be patient and read the book!
I'm not a fan of reality TV, Strictly and Bake Off aside, and the reality stars in this book merely cemented my beliefs. Amy was so much nicer than Matty and Babs to start with, and Patrick was just plain gorgeous!
I liked the way Cora's story was interspersed with Amy.'s and a tear in my eye on more than one occasion! As for the winner of the dance show - you'll have to be patient and read the book!
November 1, 2015
This is a modern, easy to read, romance. I enjoyed it. Amy is a soap star with a famous boyfriend. When they fall out, over his infidelity, Amy loses her home and job. She ends up in a flat in Clapham where, for cheap rent she agrees to pop in now and again to her upstairs neighbour, 89 year old Cora. Amy gets a place on a glitzy dancing competition and falls for her dancing partner, Patrick. We read on as Amy decides her future and Cora takes us back in the past. The book is very up to date and easy to read. Really good.
November 21, 2015
I love when books are written from more than one persons perspective and in different times too. Going through Amy's big change in life is interesting but my favourite part of the book was looking back at the past life of Cora. Things that happened so many years in the past shaped the wonderful person she became and she was obviously loved by so many. Sometimes heartbreak can form a strong and great person.
April 11, 2016
A Step in Time is a funny, heartwarming read. It is perfect for fans of Strictly Come Dancing and for anyone who loves a sweet romance with main characters that you'll want as your best friends and / or dance teachers. The story made me laugh, cry and want to put on my dancing shoes! Kerry Barrett is a seriously talented writer with a lovely, warm author voice and the ability to completely immerse the reader in her engaging prose.
December 16, 2015
I enjoyed this even more than I thought I would. It brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion and was a great page turned!
May 6, 2018
I picked up the book in the Nook store on my tablet because it seemed interesting and it was on sale for $1.99. My personal review of the book is as follows:
The writing style of the book made me feel like I was in London with the characters, I thought that the use of time jumps was well done. I personally preferred “Cora’s” love storyline to that of “Amy’s” especially with all of the “will they won’t they” moments.
I definitely think that you should pick up this book if you enjoy watching “Dancing with the stars” in my personal opinion it really is a cute romance. Overall I personally rate this book a 5 out of 10.
The writing style of the book made me feel like I was in London with the characters, I thought that the use of time jumps was well done. I personally preferred “Cora’s” love storyline to that of “Amy’s” especially with all of the “will they won’t they” moments.
I definitely think that you should pick up this book if you enjoy watching “Dancing with the stars” in my personal opinion it really is a cute romance. Overall I personally rate this book a 5 out of 10.
October 11, 2020
Great and Light read if you're looking for something to read in between series or to read.
Barrett provides you with life consequences of actions taking if you allow anger and jealousy to cloud your judgement.
Everyone you feel has your best is not always in your corner cheering you on. People are placed in your life for a reason, season or lesson which Barrett provides within "A Step In Time."
Barrett provides you with life consequences of actions taking if you allow anger and jealousy to cloud your judgement.
Everyone you feel has your best is not always in your corner cheering you on. People are placed in your life for a reason, season or lesson which Barrett provides within "A Step In Time."
July 15, 2018
So much fun!
Loved this book! Part Bridget Jones, part WW 2 war romance, I read it all nearly in one sitting. Likeable characters, enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. It is a LITTLE predictably awkward in the middle but then she gets back on track most satisfyingly. Looking forward to reading other books by this author.
Loved this book! Part Bridget Jones, part WW 2 war romance, I read it all nearly in one sitting. Likeable characters, enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. It is a LITTLE predictably awkward in the middle but then she gets back on track most satisfyingly. Looking forward to reading other books by this author.
June 18, 2018
10 stars! I was hooked right away! This was an amazing tale of finding oneself. Of realizing what's important. of learning to stand on your own. And of the importance of those people who stand by us. I couldn't put it down. a MUST read for sure!
March 6, 2024
The suspense about what happened in the past had me holding on more, over the predictable what happens in the present but it was still a sad but fluffy ending and i really liked that. I had 5 chapters to go and gave up an early night to see it out.
December 14, 2017
loved it
April 30, 2018
Fans of Dancing with the Stars will enjoy!
Fun, easy read. Fans of Dancing with the stars will enjoy it.
Heroine is relatable but the best character is 89 year old Cora.
Fun, easy read. Fans of Dancing with the stars will enjoy it.
Heroine is relatable but the best character is 89 year old Cora.
May 31, 2018
Light, fun read. I loved the characters and the joy in this book.
June 20, 2018
Delightful read
Good summer read. The interaction between the generations poignant and an interesting blend of the lives of Amy and Cora.
Good summer read. The interaction between the generations poignant and an interesting blend of the lives of Amy and Cora.
June 21, 2018
Very light and very predictable. It was a break from the WWII historical fiction I have been reading.
July 2, 2018
This is a fun, quick, easy read. A good summer novel.
July 6, 2018
Enjoyed this a lot
It was a fun book to read. Predictable. But well written and fun.
Love Barrett’s characters and her storytelling. It makes them so real.
It was a fun book to read. Predictable. But well written and fun.
Love Barrett’s characters and her storytelling. It makes them so real.
August 20, 2018
Conflicted about this one. Loved Cora but hated Amy. Still, good overall read.
August 30, 2018
Fun story, although I did want to give Mary a shake. Seriously, girl, THINK FOR YOURSELF! I really liked Cora, although the "mystery" of Donnie was quite silly.
September 6, 2018
Easy, light read. Kind of cheesy bu nice book to blow through when you want a beach read.
December 5, 2018
Great Read
A great read. I kept smiling the whole time I was reading the book. I also highly recommend this authors other books.
A great read. I kept smiling the whole time I was reading the book. I also highly recommend this authors other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews