Bad Penny

by Michele Gorman

"Original, emotional, funny and addictive!" Holly Martin

“There was a lot of heart and emotion in this read, making it an easy five-star experience!” 5* Chick Lit Central

Penny’s life is one big, fat secret… and everyone is about to find out

Penny isn’t the girl she used to be, or the woman everyone thinks she is now. At 19, she bolted for London and never looked back. Nobody there knows who she was - not her care home colleagues, her boss, her clients or even her best friend and flat-mate. Auntie Mags is her only connection to her past, and she’s keeping schtum.

Oli can’t believe his luck. Not only is he about to fulfill his dream of really making a difference (assuming he wins his seat in the upcoming general election), now he’s met the perfect woman. Within a few dates he’s sure he wants to spend the rest of his life with Penny, and it’s all he can do not to shout it from the rooftops.

But Penny has hidden her secret by not shouting from any rooftops. In fact, the quieter, the better. So when Oli’s campaign swings into gear and the reporters start circling, it’s not only her future that’s about to come crashing down.

How can she find a happy ending with Oli when her past will definitely ruin his future, yet living with the lie will ruin their future together?

Then Penny’s past gets out of prison, and he’s about to turn up like a... bad penny.

What readers are saying

“A story full of warmth, romance and quirky characters. A delight.” 5* B for Book Review

“Fun, original and a definite page turner. The characters are interesting and I reaaaallly like that Oli isn’t your typical do-no-wrong-not-a-hair-out-of-place love interest.” 4* A Part of Your Book World

“A fun, original and witty romantic comedy. It had me giggling plenty of times with characters that I couldn’t help but connect with. I read it in a day. An escapist read that I loved escaping with!!” 4* Vine Voice - Beyond the Books

“So many lovely, funny bits filled with love, turning a perhaps darker story in a wonderful romantic tale about two people with their own burdens, finding each other and trusting in love again.” Tizis Book Review

“I loved every minute of reading this book. It was nice to hear a man’s view of dating and how nervous he seemed. a lovely romance with dating, secrets, and love.” 5* Jenny Lou’s Book Reviews

“I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time. This book made me smile, made me chuckle and a couple of times made me well up.” 5* Ginger Book Geek

“An emotional, uplifting, and entertaining story about friendship, family, love, and second chances.” 4* Books with Dan Sam End

“If you like a fun, fresh, romantic tale with wonderful characters and packed with fabulous friendships, this could definitely be the book for you.” Jen Med Book Reviews

“The author has created such a wonderful story around the two main characters, and also their families. It does make for some heartwarming and also sad moments. These are balanced brilliantly with some great shenanigans, one-liners and mishaps.” 5* Yvonne – Me and My Books

“I really enjoyed this book and loved that it gave me a fair few surprises along the way. Really unique, it has its own distinct style that I really enjoyed.” Malloch Books

“Packed with charm, humour and emotional drama, a satisfying tale with engaging and brilliantly drawn characters it is impossible not to care about.” 4* Bookish Jottings

Genres: Romance

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2021

About the author

Michele writes books packed with heart and humor, best friends and girl power. She also writes cozy comedies under the pen-name Lilly Bartlett. Lilly’s books are full of warmth, romance, quirky characters and guaranteed happily-ever-afters.

Three-emails-a-year NEWSLETTER here: http://eepurl.com/dr5RGX #prizes #freecontent #giveaways

FACEBOOK here: https://www.facebook.com/MicheleGorma...

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MicheleGormanUK

INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/michelegorm...

She is both a USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author, raised in the US and living in London with her husband.

Reviews

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are after a romance with some humour, mismatched characters and secrets then you really should consider picking up Bad Penny. The title is rather intriguing as the impression you get of Penny is far from bad, so what is going on here!

What a great job the author has done with Penny, she is just a lovely character and one that seems to go out of her way to help people, especially those she cares for. Penny lives with her total opposite, Fi. Where Penny is happy in dungarees and flats, Fi wouldn't be seen dead in them - well unless they had a designer label on them. Even though this pair are very different they are also the best of friends.

It is Fi that pushes Penny out of her comfort zone and into a dress, heels and make-up for a fund raiser that she has been invited to. There is a candidate for election there, Oli, he runs a charity shelter for dogs and isn't quite sure how or why he was chosen to run for election. The chance to help those in need though should benefit from the additional publicity.

The characters of Penny and Oli are pushed together by well-meaning friends, and while there are sparks, neither thinks they are worthy. Why these two are so down on themselves is gradually told in their back sotries. Parents are not the go-to people for either of them, instead, it is friends and other family members that are sought for solace and advice. These also make for some more brilliant characters that you will get to meet.

The author has created such a wonderful story around the two main characters, and also their families. It does make for some heartwarming and also sad moments. These are balanced brilliantly with some great shenanigans, one-liners and mishaps. The author has brought together many different traits to her characters and blended them so well within one another that there is a natural flow and banter between them.

A story where the rich rub shoulders with the working class and with no obvious stereotypes. I really enjoyed this story and if you are a fan of family dynamics, romance, heartwarming and also fun reads then this is one I would definitely recommend.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I've read by this author, definitely not going to be my last. It was the lighthearted piece of escapism I needed to cheer me up, whilst I'm isolating with covid.

A highly entertaining, romantic comedy with some loveable characters, and you couldn't help but fall in love with the blossoming relationship between Penny and Oli.

Remind yourself of the heady days of falling in love and the emotional roller-coaster ride it takes you on.

Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Michele’s work for a while now. I have read and loved each and every book that she has released to date. I read the synopsis for ‘Bad Penny’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of read I have come to expect from Michele – a fun, light hearted, at times an emotional and ultimately feel good story. I couldn’t wait to start reading and so without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for a fun afternoon of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Bad Penny’ but more about that in a bit.
I initially picked this book up only intending to read a couple of chapters to say that I had made a start on the book. The only problem was that I soon became addicted to the story and I was still sat there over two hours and several chapters later. I was like an addict in need of her next book. Part of the reason why I became addicted to the story was the fact that I took so well to the characters of Oli and Penny. They came across as being genuine people. I began to consider them as friends and I genuinely cared about what happened to them, so I had to keep reading to discover if the story panned out as I suspected it would and what implications that meant for the two characters. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Bad Penny’ and I had to say goodbye to Penny and Oli. I found ‘Bad Penny’ to be a funny and ultimately feelgood read.
‘Bad Penny’ is well written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Michele Gorman. She has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Michele’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Michele certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into a compelling story. Michele creates adorable lead characters who you can’t help but take into your hearts. Michele clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. Michele describes them so well that they seem just as real as you and I. This was certainly an emotional read at times and I would feel myself welling up on occasion. I love the way in which Michele makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action. Ultimately this book made me smile, made me chuckle and a couple of times made me well up.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Bad Penny’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Michele’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Love cope with what happened in the past? 

Penny ran to London at the age of 19, wanting to forget her past. Her only link to it is her lovely Aunty Mags, the only person she trusts unconditionally. 
No one of her friends, colleagues, or clients know who she once was. But having a best friend as Fi, dragging her to parties, being invisible or unnoticeable is impossible.
And it’s thanks to Fi and her poking around, that Penny meets Oli.
Oli, who dreams about making a difference in the world, and is trying to win a seat in the upcoming general elections. And Oli knows just after a few dates that Penny is his perfect woman.
But how longer can Penny’s secret be kept hidden? And what consequences will this have for the both of them, and Oli’s plans to be elected? 

When I am reading a book where there is a secret kept hidden, and the secret isn’t even known to the reader, I overuse my imagination and I think of the craziest things our main character could be hiding.

So even while Penny seems like a real nice person, not knowing what she did, kept me a bit suspicious. 
But the better I knew Penny, and see her taking care of her clients, being a great friend, and a loving niece to her Aunty Mags, made me wonder if it truly was something that terrible that was in the past. 

Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed reading how Penny and Oli met, and even if the first date was fabricated, seeing how they just clicked, was marvellous.

Both Penny and Oli aren’t perfect, smooth characters, making them more real. The first date wasn’t a perfect one, and even later on, what they do or say isn’t the best thing to do or say.
But that is how things go in real life… we don’t meet the perfect person and everything goes smoothly.
Sometimes we need interference of a sister or a best friend, pushing us in the right direction, showing us what could be.
And no matter how long you know someone, when you know, you just know… 

Slowly the author lets us discover Penny’s past. And while I wasn’t completely flabbergasted by it (once we get into the flashbacks, it’s rather easy to discover what happened to Penny), I understood why Penny wanted to remain under the radar. 

This was indeed an amazing romantic story, but it shows us also how the past can scar us. Penny did the things she did because of her love for her father, and while she knows better, her love for him too big.

The other beautiful thing about this story is, is the reminder that second chances can be given. When the truth is out, obviously that affects Penny’s and Oli’s relationship. But is the past reason enough to throw away the beautiful relationship these two people have?

And once someone has paid for the made mistakes, can a restart really take place? And can broken relationships be healed? No matter how much the person that should be caring about us, hurt us, is it possible to slowly rebuild what has been broken? 
There are a lot of heavy topics addressed in this lovely book. And while the author doesn’t minimalize what happened, she surrounded them by so many lovely, funny bits filled with love, turning a perhaps darker story in a wonderful romantic tale about two people with their own burdens, finding each other and trusting in love again. 
This was my first encounter with this author, but if all her other stories are like this one, I am sure she quickly will find herself a new Belgian fan!  

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional, uplifting, and entertaining story about friendship, family, love, and second chances. It is told in a dual point of view which I love as we get a deep insight into both main characters.

Penny and Fi are best friends, they are opposites – Penny is a carer and enjoys curling up with a book, whereas Fi is a make-up artist to the rich and famous and a social butterfly. We see how they bring out the best in each other and compliment each others’ lives. They are warm, friendly and relatable characters that draw you into the story.

Oli works for a charity and wants to be a politician to be able to shape and change social policy and make a real difference. He has a strong bond with his Mum and sister, and is an endearing, kind and likeable character. We learn he had a difficult childhood – his father left one day and never came home, and Oli has had no contact since.

Oli and Penny meet by chance, and with the help of matchmaker Clarissa, end up on a dinner together. There’s an instant attraction, a genuine connection, and they unexpectedly hit it off. Even though Penny would like to see Oli again she’s reluctant to go on another date, and we see she doesn’t want to get close to anyone, but why?

As the story unfolds we see flashback chapters, Penny’s Mum died when she was a child and her Dad is grieving. He meets a wealthy woman who showers them with grand gifts. All is not as it seems, and as the enlightening flashbacks continue we can start to put the pieces together and solve the mystery of her past.

I enjoyed seeing Oli and Penny’s relationship evolve and blossom. They are so well matched and their happiness is sprinkled through the pages. They complete each other and feel stronger individually knowing they have the other in their life. We know Penny is hiding a part of herself from those she loves the most, and as her past catches up with her, will she be able to hold on to her present?

When the truth of Penny’s past is revealed by the very person that caused the damage it’s a shock and a betrayal to those closest to her. Trust is broken, damage and hurt ensues, and we are left wondering if there can be a happy ending.

I enjoyed Mags and Clarissa as side characters. Mags is loyal and always there for Penny looking out for her best interests, and Clarissa offers such support to Penny when the truth comes to light and notes that everyone lies about their past, which is a thought-provoking notion.

This story beautifully depicts falling in love and the emotional rollercoaster it entails, especially when outside forces are in play. The writing flowed seamlessly like a tranquil river on a summer’s day and I breezed through the pages. Gorman creates a fun, feel-good escape, with some mystery and uncertainty woven through the story.

With thanks to @rararesources and @MicheleGormanUK for a place on the tour and the opportunity to read and review this book

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michele Gorman’s Bad Penny is a fun, fresh, witty and original romantic comedy about putting the past to rest, rebuilding your life and falling in love.

Penny is a woman with a secret. A big secret she has gone to great pains not to reveal to anyone. As a teenager, Penny had bolted for London and thought that she had buried her past for good. Nobody – not even her closest friends or colleagues – knows who she truly is or what she’s done in the past. The only person who knows the real Penny is her Aunt Mags who has been sworn to secrecy. Penny thinks she’s covered her tracks pretty well and that her secret is safe – until Oli comes into her life. Will falling for Oli end up bringing to light the real Penny?

Oli is on top of the world. It looks like all of his dreams are about to come true. Not only is he set to win a seat in the upcoming general election and be able to make a difference in society, but he has fallen head over heels in love with the woman of his dreams. Penny is Oli’s perfect woman and he cannot wait to spend the rest of his life with her. He wants to shout about his love for Penny from the rooftops. However, Penny has a very good reason for wanting to keep a low profile…

As reporters start circling around her, Penny begins to panic. With a little bit of digging, her past could end up splashed all over the tabloids putting her entire future in jeopardy. As the paparazzi begin to comb over every single detail of her life, Penny doesn’t know which way to turn. And as if things aren’t bad enough already, her past is about to come out of prison!

With Penny’s happy ending in doubt, will she ever manage to vanquish old ghosts and move forward with her life? Or is it all going to end in tears?

A delightful romantic comedy that will make readers giggle, Bad Penny is an enjoyable, appealing and fun tale I absolutely loved. Packed with charm, humour and emotional drama, Michele Gorman’s Bad Penny is a satisfying tale readers will struggle to put down as it is packed with engaging and brilliantly drawn characters it is impossible not to care about.

A brilliant romantic read from a talented writer, Michele Gorman’s Bad Penny is not to be missed.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)

I couldn’t help but feel for Penny. There are some legitimate reasons as to why she doesn’t want anyone in her current life, other than her Auntie Mags, to know about her past. She’s done well at turning her life around and moving on–a wonderful career that helps others, coworkers who care about her, and a best friend she lives with. I don’t blame her for wanting to keep her childhood a secret from the world, at all cost.

Oli and Penny are cute together. Regardless of how much Penny tries to keep up walls and protect herself from ever revealing the truth on who she really is, she can’t help but fall head over heels for Oli, and it’s obvious that Oli feels the same. But I could tell that Penny struggles with that, considering that the person he’s in love with isn’t at all who he thinks she is. At least, not entirely. It really boils down to whether she has any sort of moral obligation to let him know about her sordid past or not.

Having Oli as someone who is out there front and center and in the public eye was a nice way to add another difficult layer to all of this. If anyone were to find out that he was involved with someone like Penny, the real Penny, it could end up becoming detrimental to his career. But is Penny’s past really her fault? That was something I struggled with while reading Bad Penny, because she admits to her blame in all of it, but I didn’t entirely agree with her sentiments. We often do a lot for those we love, and given how lonely and starved Penny had been for love and affection, particularly from motherly figures, I can see how those lines between right and wrong would become blurred.

If you really love someone, do you love all of them–the good parts and the bad? That’s what Bad Penny asks its readers. Through it all, I really pushed for the relationship between Oli and Penny, because they both deserved their own happily-ever-after, and when the moment comes where everything comes crashing down, I was just as devastated as the main characters. There was a lot of heart and emotion in this read, making it an easy five-star experience!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy a Michele Gorman book. Makes a nice change of pace from my usual crime fiction reads. Bad Penny is a wonderful story of friendships, romance and why it is never a good idea to keep secrets from the people you love the most. Because Penny Wilson has a pretty big secret - and it's not just that she shares her name with her old family pet ... Penny is hiding in plain sight, with a job she loves and a flat mate who is also her best friend - something that all could come to an end when she meets wannabe MP, Oli Wright.

This is not a case of love at first sight, but it's certainly a case of there being a spark and a real chemistry between the two characters right from the off. Their first 'date' may have been contrived by a well meaning friend, and as a Manager of an animal charity who is running for a seat in parliament, destined to be the next big thing, and care home assistant who avoids the limelight at all costs, they don't appear to be a natural pairing. But both Oli and Penny have really warm and caring personalities, and michele Gorman has done a brilliant job of creating that special spark that marks them as being a truly great couple. But as in all great stories, their future is not entirely certain, and it is really all Penny's fault. What Oli values, over all else, is honesty, the one thing he doesn't get from Penny, only not because of any malicious reason. And the reason really is the crux of this story.

Whilst most of the story is set in the present, as we witness the burgeoning romance between the pair, there are many scenes that take us into penny's past, slowly revealing the one thing she is keeping quiet about. Sort of. As Michele Gorman builds up the picture of Penny's childhood, it doesn't take a genius to work out what is happening and what Penny is hiding. But even though I thought I knew it all, there are still plenty of surprises to be sprung, and the timing of some of the reveals could not be worse. It adds a touch of drama to a truly sweet and fun romance, further complicated by Oli's mother who, whilst not entirely domineering, does have a real influence over how Oli thinks and reacts.

This really is a case of the path of true love not running smoothly. Oli and Penny really are a brilliant couple, perfectly drawn and entertaining to the last. their little personality quirks make them very endearing, Oli especially, but there were times I just wanted to shake the pair of them. Penny for not being honest, Oli for not telling his mother to shut up. Amongst all the humour and the romance there are quite a few poignant moments where the author explores the importance of family, moments where you hope the characters will wake up and realise what is really important. It makes you wonder if some lies are just too big to forgive, or if, by the time you realise that they aren't important, it might just be too late.

If you like a fun, fresh, romantic tale with wonderful characters and packed with fabulous friendships, this could definitely be the book for you. Do Oli and Penny find their happy ending? Well you'll have to read to find out, but the book kept me with a smile on my face throughout and I was completed invested in the characters from start to finish. Fans of the author will love it.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I have read by Michele Gorman and one I enjoyed so much that I will be looking at her other books soon enough. Bad Penny is such a fun, original and witty romantic comedy that is about bring able to put your past where it belongs and move forward to rebuild your life and allow yourself to fall in love.
Penny had a secret, one that's so big only one other person knows of it. She has kept the real Penny buried since moving to London. She is happy to keep her that way as well...buried. Along comes Oli, his ambition to be an MP looks like it will be realised and he has found the one for him, Penny.
As the reporters start to hone in on Penny. She begins to panic, it wouldn't take much digging to unearth her past self. Then to put the cherry on top, her past is coming out of prison! Will it all end in tears or will Penny be able to withstand the secrets and move on with her life?
I loved the synopsis for this book and I am so glad I read the book. It is such a delightful romantic comedy. The kind of story that had me giggling plenty of times with characters that I couldn't help but connect with and care for as the story unfolds. I felt for Penny as I got to know her. Every character is detailed enough to bring depth as well as charm to the story.
This may be a romantic comedy but Michele Gorman doesn't just bring romance and fun, she has even managed twists too. I was in my element reading this. The fact I read it in a day was because I couldn't wait to see how it all worked out. An escapist read that I loved escaping with!!

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me ask you a question? Are you superstitious?

Do you find a penny and pick it up for luck? Or are you more ‘a bad penny always turns up’ kind of person?

Hmm, makes you think… doesn’t it?

*shrugs* I know you’re sitting there thinking to yourself that I’ve clearly lost the plot this time, but I swear to you I haven’t. Well, no more than usual *snorts*.

Penny’s story just made me think about what I would’ve done in her shoes. Would I have made the same decisions as her? ‘What decisions?’, I hear you cry. *crosses arms* I can’t give away the story now, can I?

You can just feel this yearning emitting from Penny. She has kept herself closed off for so many years. Her circle of friends is small by design and even then, she still holds herself back… just in case. However, warmth just exudes from her. To care is at her core.

Yet, Oli’s arrival changes all that. He makes her want things that scare her.

I confess to having a complicated reading relationship with Oli. He’s adorable in his awkwardness. I fell a little in love with him right along with Penny. I can’t blame him for some of the choices he made as events occur, but I was… I dunno disappointed and hurt (as daft as that sounds). What was that? Did he redeem himself? If I said I shed a happy tear or two at the end, would that answer your question?

Bad Penny was an emotionally intense read. Certainly more angsty than my usual romcom reads. Nonetheless, I think BP was a great introduction to the author for me.

*blows out breath*

Right, I’m off to raid my secret chocolate stash…

[Nicola Malloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Michele Gorman and Rachel’s random resources for gifting me a digital copy of Bad Penny in exchange for an honest review; this book is really unique, I can’t quite pin point what is different but it has its own distinct style that I really enjoyed. Bad penny had a lot of twists and turns that I never saw coming (which is rare for me, I can normally predict the plot of books and films within the first quarter so was genuinely shocked by some of the plot twists). I enjoyed following Penny on her journey and loved the relationships between her and her clients as a carer. Major John broke my heart, I wanted to bundle him up and give him a cuddle just as much as I wanted to thump her father. Overall I really enjoyed this book and loved that it gave me a fair few surprises along the way and can’t wait to read more books by Michele Gorman.

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.

Bad Penny is a wonderfully entertaining and heartwarming story, full of some lovely characters, with a sprinkling of romance and some funny moments it made for a very enjoyable read.
Penny lives with her best friend Fi and they are the complete opposites of each other. Fi gets Penny to come out of her comfort zone and dresses her up for a Fundraiser, where she meets Oli and their heartwarming story begins.
This was a lovely, escapist read with wonderful characters that you can’t help falling for!!
A great, fun, feel good story that I really enjoyed…..

[Jenny McClinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy of ‘Bad Penny’ by Michele Gorman in return for my honest review.

Penny is happy in her job as a carer at the Golden Years Care Home, as well also looking after a couple of private clients.

Oli runs a charity Paws for Good and is in the running to become the new local MP.

When a friendly deed brings Penny and Oli together, they both find themselves unexpectantly falling for each other.

However, with Oli’s interfering mother and with Penny having a secret past which she doesn’t wish to reveal, how will this affect their relationship?

What is the past Penny is hiding? Will the truth come out?

I loved every minute of reading this book. The main character Penny is quite relatable in how her character is, although her past may not be.

I really enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Oli and Penny developed, and it was nice to hear a man’s view of dating and how nervous he seemed. You always hear the woman’s side, but not so much from the man, and it was nice to see they get nervous too.

The friendship between Penny and Fi was also lovely, and she really helps Penny bring herself out to be more social.

Overall, a lovely romance with dating, secrets, and love.

[Vicki (chaptersofvicki) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book I really liked Penny and her best friend Fi. They were complete opposites Penny loves her dungarees where Fi much prefers designer labels.

This is such a heart warming story although there are sad moments too. Lots of laughs along the way too.

As we get further into the story we begin to learn of the big secret she is hiding. Can Penny have her happy ending? You will have to read to find out.

This was my first Michele Gorman novel and I’ll definitely read more.

[Mel Garraghan-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiding from who she once was.

A fun read. Likeable characters with difficult secrets that threaten to derail everything from friendships to careers. Keeping something hidden forever is a very tall order.

[Olivia+Laila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Penny Was Awesome

I really enjoyed this book as I have all of Michelle Gorman’s books. It was romantic, comical and had a few teary moments, too!

[Kim de Ronde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penny ran away from her past to start a new life in London. She left behind everyone she knows except for her aunt Mags. She’s settled in to her job as a cater which she loves. She lives with her bestie Fi, life is good. She doesn’t have time for relationships and doesn’t have much of a social life outside of work.

After being invited to a charity ball by her bestie Fi she grudgingly goes along for the support. Fi is a make up artist to stars and it’s at the ball that Penny meets Clarissa.

Clarissa takes matters in to her own hands regarding Penny’s love life and wins her an auctioned off dinner with a handsome stranger.

When Penny and Oli meet sparks fly. Penny usually to be found in dungarees and flats and is very laid back. When Penny ran London she kept her past secret from all those she cares about. She hasn’t even told Fi about her background.
Is her past about to catch up with her?

I enjoyed this book. It had a great mix of romance and comedy. At times had me smiling at the developing love story between Penny and Oli. Penny was written as a down to earth, no airs and graces sort of character. Thoroughly enjoyable story perfect for the bright spring days we are having.