A Random Act of Kindness

by Sophie Jenkins

‘Wonderfully uplifting’ Trisha Ashley

It only takes a moment, to change a life for ever…

Fern is too busy making sure other people feel good about themselves to give much thought to her own happiness. But somehow, without her noticing, life has run away from her.

Suddenly, Fern realises her vintage clothes business is struggling, and the casual relationship she’d always thought she was happy in doesn’t look so appealing.

But sometimes, karma really does come through. And when Fern goes out of her way to help 85-year-old Dinah, little does she realise their new friendship will change her life.

Dinah may have troubles in her past, but she’s lived and loved to the full. Can Dinah show Fern that even the smallest acts of kindness can make the world a better place?

If you liked Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine or How to Be Happy, you'll love A Random Act of Kindness.

Genres: Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Audiobook, Adult

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2019

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4

Fern sells vintage clothes from a stall at Camden Market in London. She had just lost her job as a personal shopper for a large department store. Her mother, Annabel has been a medal and her love for clothes had rubbed off on Fern.

A few of the characters felt a bit flat in this easy to read story that is all about vintage fashion. Although the storylines a bit predictable, it does have that feel good feeling about it and a happy ending. Whether your into any kind of fashion or not, the clothes are well described. A very pleasant read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Sophie Jenkins for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5☆ A Warm and Cosy Feel Good Read.
(Rounded up to 4☆)

A Random Act of Kindness is a story of Friendships, Self Discovery and lots of gorgeous vintage clothes.

Fern the main character and her passion is for all things vintage.
I really liked her zest for creating outfits for all women.
Fern sells Vintage Clothing on a market stall in Camden Market. She doesn't have it easy as her parents are judgemental and not supportive especially her mother who worked within the fashion industry and sees Fern as a disappointment.

I found the beginning quiet confusing I felt as though I was missing something almost like it was a continuation from a previous book.
It did take me a while to get into the story as it was a slower paced read but once I got into the story it definitely had a feel good feeling.

There is lots of wonderful Characters and Jenkins has really included an eclectic mix of ages and personalities which I loved. It's always refreshing to see the older generation represented.

There is a sprinkle of romance between Fern and the intriguing David who is also a new market trader.
But most of the passion comes from Fern's love of all things vintage. That is central love affair which was actually a nice change!

So if you're passionate about clothing, fashion and all things vintage, looking for a feel good, cosy read, then you will really enjoy A Random Act of Kindness.


Thank you to Avon Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.


My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful feel-good book about friendship, finding your true self, and the apparently life-affirming properties of vintage fashion. What’s strange is that I have no style, no interest in fashion and my idea of vintage is still happily wearing the clothes I bought in the 90s, (and I’m not talking designer labels here) but I still loved the descriptions of all the different outfits.

Fern Banks lives in her perennially disappointed parents’ London flat, and since losing her job as a style consultant in a department store, is running her own business selling pre-loved vintage clothes from a stall in the Camden market. She has a knack for finding just the right outfit for women of all ages, but isn’t much of a businesswoman. One day she stops to help Dinah, a beautifully dressed elderly Jewish lady who has dropped some money, and this sets off a chain of other encounters, making her some unusual and unexpected new friends, including the handsome blue-eyed David.

I loved how each chapter begins with an outfit, which becomes important to one of the characters. Fern was such a lovely character, I wanted her to be my friend - and not just so she could tell me how to look good - she’s warm, forgiving and optimistic, although I wasn’t impressed by her lusting after her friend’s boyfriend, not cool under any circumstances.

I also adored the older characters, especially Kim - it’s actually quite unusual to read books that feature the voice of retirees so this made a refreshing change, and the pain of his loss and gradual recovery were beautifully done. Dinah reminded me of my grandmother, who was German but moved to South Africa before the war as she was married to a Jew. Unfortunately Annabel also reminded me of my mother and I even found myself highlighting some sentences because they rang so true.

I didn’t even mind the romance, as it wasn’t the main point of the story - it’s pretty obvious, from the number of times we are told how deep blue David’s eyes are, that they will end up together. (Sorry, minor spoiler here.) I was hoping the author would surprise me and allow Fern to end up happy AND single, but I know I’m weird that way. (And happily married, in case I sound all bitter and twisted...)

Overall this was a Lovely Book that made we want to visit markets and browse for beautiful clothes - except I know I’d never wear them, or want to spend the money... It brought back memories of visiting the Camden Market on visits home to London during my student rock chick/biker chic phase!
4.5 rounded down for the first person present narration.

My thanks to NetGalley for the arc which allowed me to give an honest review.
A Random Act of Kindness is available now.

[Evelina | AvalinahsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Random Act of Kindness is a wonderful book. It's not one of those 'big' books about some big idea or theme – more like it's a slice of life story, which is easy to relate to, genuine and warm. And yet, it encompasses so much. There's topics of struggling with self-esteem, finding your passion and place in life, the power of friendship, and of course romance. But aside from that, there are also side themes, some of which are very deep – like WWII refugee experiences (not to spoil, but I literally cried after one of the passages about that... caught me unawares), lifelong love and talk about ways we protect ourselves from the adversities of life, and how we all have different ways to do that. So many things! It all weaves together and makes for a heart-warming and genuine story.

Something that is truly unique about this book is the main character's love for fashion and fashion history. We're not talking about a vain chasing of fads here – for Fern, the main character, as well as for some of the side characters, wearing special clothes is a way to defend against the outside, a sort of emotional armor. Myself, I am simple and practical and I could be said to be the last person to care about fashion. And yet, this reasoning of you becoming someone else as you wear your 'armor' really resonated with me. I feel like the love for style and fashion here is presented in a way that is accessible to nearly anyone, and if you're someone who has never understood why some people think it's so important, this book could show a whole new outlook on it.

Another thing I loved is how many middle aged or older characters this book had and how it didn't fear to show friendships between people of very different ages. It's often a no-no in society, which I don't really understand. Age shouldn't be a barrier for friendship. And there's more than that. I don't want to go and spoil it, but the book is progressive in an unexpected and heart-warming way. However, the story can be simplistic at times, it does solve some things in an fast and straightforward manner and a questionable outcome. But it's quite often the way in such books that things get resolved just because they have to, to fit the story, and since I knew the book was meant to be simple and uplifting, I didn't really mind that.

I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook through NetGalley in exchange to my honest opinion. Receiving the book for free does not affect my opinion.



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[Frenchorchidea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is unique, this book is so good! This is the second time I read a book from Sophie Jenkins. The other one was "The forgotten guide to happiness" which I really loved too, but this book "A random act of kindness" is even better! It's so unique, so well written, so intelligent, so beautiful. And if you are a haute-couture fashion addict (which I am not) you will love this book even more! It's incredible how one little random act of kindness can change the course of your life... I really recommend this book to you! I give it a 5 stars out of 5!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a heartwarming summer read? Try A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS. It’s a delight!

The story revolves around Fern Banks, a thirty-something woman whose passion is vintage clothing, which she sells from a stall in London’s Camden Market. She has rented said stall after being fired from her steady, regular-paying retail job. Why? Because she sold a dress from her private collection to an elderly client for whom nothing in the store was quite right but for whom her heart told her this particular dress was.

And this isn’t the only “random act of kindness” in the book. There are several, none hokey or trite, and each with different and charming repercussions.

Fern has a knack for sensing not only what people want, but what they need in their lives. As the story progresses, she gathers a coterie of unusual friends, all drawn to her because of her outspoken spunk and intrinsic goodness. This isn’t to say that her own life is perfect. Her love life is in shambles, her relationship with her mother is disastrous, and her business hangs by a thread. Literally.

We’re talking about vintage fashion here. Most chapters start with descriptions of a piece of clothing that suits someone or thing in that chapter.

A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS is modern, clever, and smart. It’s a story of self-realization, not only for Fern but for those closest to her as well. BTW, older characters play a prominent role in this novel, and they are hilarious.

I loved this book. Want to give it a try?

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come.....

[Dini - dinipandareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a fairly easy, fast and fluffy read. It's a heartwarming romance about finding yourself, learning to stand on your own two feet, letting go of fears and opening up your heart. It was an enjoyable, sometimes funny read that left me feeling content when I finished it.

I liked Fern's character and her passion for fashion (specifically her vintage wear). She's very focused on making other people happy by finding them the perfect fit to 'lift' them as she's a strong believer that how you dress yourself can change how you think and feel. However, she faces a lot of insecurities and really puts herself down mostly because of her parents (particularly her mother who, frankly, was really awful). While she was very tolerant and understanding of her mother who treated her so badly, I do wish that Fern had the strength to stand up for herself.

I wish that we got to learn more about David. As Fern's love interest, I felt he fell a bit flat. We don't really get to know him other than he's quirky, quite serious and maybe even boring, and that he's got model handsome good looks. I liked his character but wished that he was given more dimension.

There are a lot of characters and I sometimes felt myself getting confused at how they were being introduced and how they'd suddenly appear in Fern's life, however, I ended up really looking the eclectic bunch and I think Jenkins did a good job of including characters of all ages, genders and sexualities. For the most part everyone was also friendly, maybe sometimes almost perfectly so, but it really added to the 'feel-good' quality of the story. I also really enjoyed how the fashion was mixed into the story, although it was difficult for me to picture the clothes because I'm not that big on fashion; so I will say if you're not interested in the stuff, it might not be for you.

[MINOR SPOILER AHEAD]
One thing that I didn't particularly understand was why we got Kim's POV instead of Dinah's. I understand that Fern really made a big impact on Kim's life and that he was the reason the big show happened at the end. However, it felt a little bit random to me because so much of the story revolved around Dinah and Fern. I liked how everyone came together and became friends because of Fern, however, I felt a little unsure about Kim's chapters and (sorry but) I didn't feel it really added a whole lot to the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is now available in stores.

[Myn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good palate cleanser between heavier or deeper reading. Fun. Light. Sweet. With a lovely theme of friendship, community, and chosen family.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars.

Fern has a stall selling vintage clothes at Camden Market in London, having lost her job as a personal shopper for a large department store. She has always had a love of fashion, probably because her mother Annabel is a former model.

A random act of kindness to a stranger introduces Fern to: Kim; a pensioner buying a dress for his wife; Dinah, an 89 year old woman with an amazing haute couture wardrobe; and David. Told through sales blurb for different vintage clothes we see Fern find romance, friendship and a career.

For anyone who loves fashion the talk of Westwood, Biba, Chanel, Lagerfield et al is divine but it's also mixed up with Top Shop bargain finds and repurposing. Fern is a genius at seeing what people want from clothes, how they want clothes to make them feel, from a job interview outfit, to a mother-of-the-bride ensemble to a prom dress - she helps each of her customers feel better about themselves.

This is a feel good, fashion-forward, sweet romance, but TBH the romance is all about the clothes and our 'hero' is more of an afterthought.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Bumped for release.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The message behind the book was good. I liked the character Kim. But overall it was a bit of a lukewarm story. Nothing outstanding about it.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fern works as a personal shopper in an upmarket department, a job she really enjoys, but when a random act of kindness towards an elderly gentleman results in her losing her position, she takes on a small market small in Camden selling vintage clothes. Although she loves the thrill of discovering a vintage piece and helping her customers find the perfect piece for them, this is just one more reason for her rather snobbish mother to be disappointed in her. The stallholder next to Fern is David, whose girlfriend, Gigi, Fern was at school with. David sells light boxes which are custom made with star sign constellations in them. Other characters include the wonderful Dinah who has the most amazing collection of vintage designer clothes, her husband Moss a tailor who worked for the big fashion houses in his earlier years and Kim, recently widowed and coming to terms with his new life which also includes an interest in clothes.

Now, I am one of those women who really has very little interest in clothes. I've never been into fashion (some of the prices and styles both horrify and amuse me!) and clothes to me are just something practical. But even I was touched by the way that clothes seemed able to transform people in this book. They could make someone look entirely different and raise their confidence. As Fern says at one point though, it's not about how the clothes make you look but how they make you feel. Dinah's attitude to some of her precious clothes was really interesting especially when she found out something rather unexpected about them.

Random acts of kindness are peppered throughout the book. Although Fern losing her job near the beginning of the book doesn't seem like her kind act earned its just reward, we see through many other characters the ripple effect of random acts of kindness. Fern's kind acts and the acts of others really did have life-changing consequences for so many of the characters. It was sometimes quite emotional reading about what had happened in their lives, especially Dinah and Moss's story, and the way Kim felt able to come of his shell and be his true self, encouraged by people you might have expected to be so understanding.

This is such a gorgeous and uplifting tale about friendship, following your dreams and finding your true fit. And can I just say that I would love one of David's chopping boards. Trust me when I tell you that it would be a most romantic gift to get. For some people anyway! A Random Act of Kindness is a warm-hearted story, beautifully told and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good read.

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I didn't realise it was dual narrative and that;s one of my favourite features of a novel so that was a really pleasant surprise. This book also has some LGBTQ+ representation (which is spoilery so I won't mention what) but that was also great to find out and it was great that I read this during pride month. The final feature that I really enjoyed in this book that is NOT mentioned in the synopsis is that it has a real passion for fashion and we see that through the eyes of Fern.

fern is a great character to spend the book with because she isn't perfect. She is an optimist and she has flaws. Her random acts of kindness though do lead to friendships and certain events that drive the book forwards. She has a interesting relationship with some of the other characters in the book which is sometimes a little difficult to work out but I like the fact that she is a very positive person and someone who is a fan of being part of a community.

I also really liked the setting of this novel. Most of it takes place in and around Camden market, a great setting for a book because literally anything could happen there. There are all sorts of people an personalities that come through Camden market and just so much going on that it makes for an 'anything is possible' kind of atmosphere.

There is some romance in this book but it blew a little bit hot and cold for me in terms of the actual relationships and potential relationship formed. But the love affair with fashion and vintage fashion in particular reigns strong and if you have any interest in beautiful clothing, you will love this aspect of the storyline. Sometimes the pacing felt a little bit too fast or too slow, it would have been a slightly easier read if the pacing was more consistent but I don't feel like it harmed the general plot and so this was a good read for me.

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lively fun and want to be there read that just made me all fuzzy inside. Fern is like the typical girl next door but with a style of her own. Fern loves vintage clothes and finding not just that perfect look for herself but for others too. So after not so much losing her job as being asked to leave her personal assistant position in a classy store, she sets up a stall on the market.
Now, this is not something that her ex-model mother approves of. To say that their relationship is strained just doesn’t quite match the coldness her mother puts out to Fern. Image is everything to Fern’s mother and Fern isn’t living up to her standards.
This story is made up of quirky, weird and wonderful characters that jump off the pages. I loved Dinah, classy, confident and full of mischief, at 85 it should be compulsory. She has the most wonderful stories and married to a charming man. What a tremendous story they have.
I found myself looking forward to each new chapter, that wasn’t a chapter but a ‘lot’ consisting of descriptions of vintage clothes, each making the whole thing very visual. A super idea, so very classy. Then I soon found myself giggling away at what was to come, next, with the brilliant customers that swiftly became friends. Fern’s love life definitely had its dips but the high lights were just divine.
This is Fern’s time to blossom or wilt and what a journey it is. Beautifully written I simply didn’t want this story to come to an end. A pure joy to read!
I wish to thank NetGalley for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly

[Judy Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author, Sophie Jenkins. She has one other book published, according to what I could find out. I see a bright future as an author for her. She developed the characters and plot for this book excellently. I like that her story included characters of various ages. I especially like to read books with the older population to at least have a part of the plot. There is an older couple in A Random Act of Kindness that warmed by heart with their many years of marriage and love.

The main character, Fern Banks is at her core a designer of fashion and a true lover of vintage. Her world revolves around how the perfect outfit can change a person's day or life. If you do not like fashion or do not understand how it truly can change your mind-set, then this book probably is not for you. It does go on and on about clothes quite a bit. I did not mind that though. I do not dress in designer labels, but I do know what it feels like to put on that special item and it makes the day brighter.

I enjoyed this story and want to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for allowing me to read the ARC for this book.

[Stephie.lovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quirky read! Fern sells vintage clothes and they basically her life! One act of kindness that a stranger gave her propelled her to do one for her in return when she spots out in the street. This causes a domino affect in Ferns life.
.
We get to meet so many quirky and fun characters in this book! All Fern knows is that she loves clothes but she also feels lost in her professional life and personal one. Along the way people whose lives she’s helped intertwine and help her realize that she shouldn’t give up her dreams! It shows how one act can spiral into something we could never have imagined. You get what you give.
.
.
Thanks to @netgalley and @avonbooksuk for my review copy. It’ll be available June 13th in the U.K.!

[Sally Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Fern loses her job as a personal shopper she takes a stall at Camden market selling vintage clothes, next to David that she was at school with. Through various acts of kindness we meet Dinah and her husband Moss and Kim a cross dressing widower.

A nice easy reading book, not a lot really happens but the characters and laid back storyline make it worth reading, especially if you are interested in vintage clothes

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Not what I was expecting, but nevertheless really enjoyed this heartfelt, feel-good read.
Very much enjoyed the focus being on a woman's career and passion. Also loved the other intertwining stories, all maintaining rich character development and dealing with important topics such as religious discrimination, refugees, bereavement and gender oppression

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Random Act of Kindness was a cute, fun, heartwarming book. After meeting some of the characters, I wasn't completely sure where this book was going, but as the stories all started coming together it was an enjoyable book.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for an ARC of this title.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

This is a really easy read with a good blend of humour and romance.
Ideal for a holiday read and even better if you are into vintage clothing.

[Grass monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blurb :
Fern is too busy making sure other people feel good about themselves to give much thought to her own happiness. But somehow, without her noticing, life has run away from her.
Suddenly, Fern realises her vintage clothes business is struggling, and the casual relationship she’d always thought she was happy in doesn’t look so appealing.
But sometimes, karma really does come through. And when Fern goes out of her way to help 85-year-old Dinah, little does she realise their new friendship will change her life.
Dinah may have troubles in her past, but she’s lived and loved to the full. Can Dinah show Fern that even the smallest acts of kindness can make the world a better place?

My Thoughts :
We meet Fern Banks, when she loses her job as a personal shopper in a department store, she sets about running a vintage clothes stall in London’s Camden Market.
One day she meets and helps Dinah, who is an old Jewish lady in her 80s. Things take a turn and life is about to change for both of them. Can one small act of kindness change the path of life we are on?!.
Although clothing and fashion is not my thing, I found this to be a very interesting story and I liked how each chapter was started with a description of a fashion garment, a nice little touch to the overall story.
There are some great descriptions, and visualisations of the clothes being sold and worn, along with a little romance and friendships.
I loved the market setting and getting to know the supporting characters.
I am looking forward to Sophie Jenkins next release.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, it's one of those books where you wish you knew the characters in real life. A warm and cosy read.

[Cheriese · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the descriptions of all the outfits!

[Emeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

L'histoire est belle mais il y a pas de suspense, on peut deviner la fin dès les premières pages...
C'est quand même une super leçon de vie et la fin est belle même si elle s'éloigne de la réalité...

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was from an author unknown to me. I read a lot of chick-lit, and this came up there with Keyes and kelk’s
books. The story was believable, and I loved the way the characters learn some lessons that makes life different.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this a 3.5.

Overall, this is a sweet book. It is a slower book, meandering a bit around a few central characters but told from the perspective of Fern -- a young woman who specializes in dressing people in vintage clothes -- and Kim -- an older widower who really likes dressing in women's clothing but feels ashamed. Other characters are interspersed -- Dinah and her husband Moss, German immigrants who know fashion, David, Fern's just out of reach love interest, and Fern's parents, a wealthy couple who are always disappointed in Fern.

This was a light read where, honestly, not much happens. One random act of kindness from Dinah to Fern begets another random act of kindness from Fern to Kim, and without those two acts, there is no story. An interesting premise, I just wish a bit more would have happened. I might have enjoyed it even more if I was into fashion or knew anything about fashion, but overall, it was a nice summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book. It has not influenced my review.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was just something off about this book. The premise was good but the execution didn’t work for me. I felt like Fern was just a bratty whiny pushover and I couldn’t see how or why David would be interested in her. But then again why would he ever date Gigi? Ferns relationship with her mother was abusive, but the writer seemed to be ok with this.

I was really confused by Fern being “cured” of her lifelong fear of dogs after one brief therapy appointment.

Dinah and Moss were ok characters but honestly Dinah’s treatment of Moss after she found out the “secret” was just despicable. Then all of a sudden she’s ok and he’s her sweet loving husband again, because he got sick.

The best story in this book was that of Kim and his new widow friends. I’d rather have read all about them than Fern and her whiny self.

My copy was provided by NetGalley for review.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fern has just been fired from her job as a personal shopper and her life seems to be going nowhere. She decides to open a stall in Camden market to sell vintage clothes and soon meets a few people who start to help her have a different outlook on things.
This was okay but nothing groundbreaking. The characters are all generic and I will probably forget what the story was about after a while away from it. However, saying that, it was a nice, cozy, quick read that I did enjoy. 2.5*

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fern is one of those people who really likes to help others. Not in the normal holding the door open kind of way, although she is that kind of person too, but in that she likes to help them find their inner happiness through the clothes that they wear. She has a gift for finding the perfect outfit to match her clients and for helping them to believe in themselves enough to give her recommendations a whirl. Her keenness to help others often comes at the expense of her own livelihood - giving out advice for free doesn't help pay the bills after all - but it also comes with a whole dose of warmth and good feeling that lifts those around her.

This book isn't just about fashion and a young women who runs a vintage clothes stall in Camden Market though. This is a book all about friendship and hope and having the belief to follow your dreams. Fired from her dream job (sort of dream job), Fern finds her life changed when she meets the stylish, effortlessly elegant and slightly quirky Dinah, not once but twice. It seems fated as on their second meeting she also gets an unexpected introduction to David, the man who is soon to become her next door neighbour, on the market pitch at least. It appears that Fern's one good deed could be about to cost her almost everything, but a misunderstanding soon turns to friendship and more.

I loved the mixture of characters in this book. First up there is Fern, our heroine of the hour and someone it is very easy to grow to like. I'll admit I know nothing about fashion and am as interested in vintage dresses and designers as I am Premiership football, which is to say not at all. To me clothes are the things you have to wear to prevent some very unfortunate scenes in public. Not that that always works anyway ... That said, what I did like and identify with in Fern was her big heart. The way in which she was so sure of others, so able to lift their spirits while all the time her own were being trampled by a doomed relationship, an overbearing and high achieving former fashion model mother, and a rather unfortunate incident involving her neighbours indoor sauna. Despite everything, she seldom gave up, giving more to others than she ever seemed to herself. Yes, you could label her a pushover, but she had a faultless generosity which really warmed the heart.

Dinah. Where to even begin. A larger than life character, one who challenges Fern in all the best ways and who brings a real life and spirit to the story. Eight five years young, and as obsessed with fashion and Fern, they make an unlikely and yet perfect pairing and there are so many moments which will make you chuckle when Dinah is around. She has a tragic history but is not defined by it and her seventy year relationship with her husband, Moss, is beautiful to see, if steeped with challenge at one point. Then there is Kim, an old man who comes to Fern for help to find his wife a dress and inadvertently costs her a job. Kim is hiding a secret of his own, one that both Fern and Dinah, and a couple of his wife's friends, help him to come to terms with and accept. His story is touching and believable and I really grew to like him too.

And then for eye candy, as there should always be eye candy in this kind of book, there is David, Fern's new market neighbour. David has left a high powered, high pressure job, to follow his dream, crafting wooden light boxes. He is tall, handsome, kind ... and already taken, sadly, by one of Fern's old high school friends, Gigi. That's okay as Fern is taken too, partners in a casual romance with a guy who perhaps doesn't understand her like he should, and there is one awfully embarrassing vacation involved that proves it. There is a clear chemistry between Fern and David, as well as moments where they seem to be at complete odds, but the author keeps the reader on tenterhooks as to whether the inevitable should and will happen. You know you want it, want to see Fern have a little happiness of her own, but can it really happen?

This book is a story of hope. Of friendship and family. Of how taking one small step can change your life. And most of all, how doing one small deed, one random act of kindness, can lead to some beautiful and enduring friendships and a wave of positivity that will extend well beyond the original good-doer. This is the perfect summer read with a blend of humour, romance and feel good stories and it if doesn't leave you with a smile on your face, nothing will.

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

2.5/2.75

Overall, this was a refreshing, fun read. I love how we get thrust into the vintage clothing scene, specially since the main character sells it in a non-conventional way. It was lovely to see how having a stall made her meet so many characters that became her found family, and so many clients whose stories we got to take a peek at. In that aspect, it reminded me of Everything leads to you by Nina Lacour, because it presented me with a profession that I'm not familiar with and it made me appreciate it immensely.

However, I think it has some flaws that can't be looked over.
The amount of times the main character said something like she was saying it for the first time, even though it was like the third or fourth time being mentioned, was insufferable. Her friends Dinah and Moss have been married for seventy years, and every time someone tells her that she goes "seventy years!! that's a lot!!! a whole life!!!!", like she JUST found out when, in fact, she didn't. She also has a phobia of dogs and goes on a very annoying monologue anytime she has to confront one, which would be okay if she didn't say the same three things over and over. Dogs smell fear, so she knows they're coming for her because she's afraid. And dog owners say their dog doesn't bite when every dog bites. And, also, dog owners don't understand why she's so afraid of dogs. But she's afraid because they can smell fear and come to bite her. And so on.
The dog phobia was also a subplot that seemed like it was going somewhere until the very end. She went to a hpynotherapist ONCE and she was cured. Bitch I study psychology and I'm mad as fuck. Hypnosis as a whole hasn't been widely used for a while because it's a suggestion thing and there are some people that just can't fall into it. And when someone does, it's only after A LOT of speech sessions, because their therapist might want to be sure they can get hypnotised. And the thing you're afraid of, or the thing you forgot or whatever is NOT going to come to you in your first hypnosis. It's way more likely for your first hypnosis to be a waste of time. So, under no circumstances can you make an appointment TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE YOU NEED IT, show up in your new therapist's doorstep and have them IMMEDIATELY hypnotise you and walk out thirty minutes later completely cured. That's just not a thing.
Also, the main character was way too naive around her parents, specially her mother. And it felt like she was acting it, so I felt like maybe she didn't actually feel like this, but that was never talked about so I guess this super wonky way of being was supposed to be her being genuinely scared of her mother?????

THE OLD PEOPLE IN THIS WAS SO CUTE!!! There's a cis man that crossdresses a lot and he's my favorite, even though I think his gender journey could've been written a bit more in-depth.

I do recommend this book, but don't go in expecting a masterpiece.