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Catching Up
To live in the shadows or join her generation in the bright lights of 1925 – this is Caroline’s dilemma as she stands on the edge of turning twenty-one.
After negotiating a small allowance from her father for the following year, Caroline resolves to accept any invitations that might come her way, principally from her two old school friends. She becomes a photographer’s assistant, but a threat of a scandal means she is forced to leave. Concerned that she won’t meet the terms of her father’s allowance, Caroline secures another position enabling her to mix more with the lower classes, to her mother’s exasperation.
Caroline’s adventures continue, taking her across the country and into contact with some colourful characters. Will she end the year with money in the bank? Or will she give up her new freedom and settle down with one of her admirers?
After negotiating a small allowance from her father for the following year, Caroline resolves to accept any invitations that might come her way, principally from her two old school friends. She becomes a photographer’s assistant, but a threat of a scandal means she is forced to leave. Concerned that she won’t meet the terms of her father’s allowance, Caroline secures another position enabling her to mix more with the lower classes, to her mother’s exasperation.
Caroline’s adventures continue, taking her across the country and into contact with some colourful characters. Will she end the year with money in the bank? Or will she give up her new freedom and settle down with one of her admirers?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2022
About the author
Mary Lay
11 books9 followersBorn in 1970 in the English county of Berkshire, Mary now finds herself in the Cotswolds via Devon and Cornwall. She enjoys gardening, art and listening to classical music.
Mary’s favourite colour is green and her favourite city is Copenhagan.
Mary’s favourite colour is green and her favourite city is Copenhagan.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 12, 2022
I so enjoyed joining Caroline on her adventures as she travels and meets all kinds of exciting new people. This is a relaxing, cozy read with a relatable main character, and I very much appreciated the appearance of several LQBTQ+ characters. We need more books like this, and I look forward to reading more about Caroline in the future.
October 24, 2022
I really loved this booked. Felt so authentic for the period. Great descriptions of everything from places to clothing and events. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Would definitely recommend if you enjoy a nice historical cozy read.
December 13, 2023
After 7 years of living under her mother's shadow and haunted by the pall of a brother lost at war, Caroline finds herself socially stunted when compared to her peers and yearns to find who she is in changing world of England's 1920s.
This book is near historical and yet refreshingly modern, thanks to Author Lay's incredible openness and what she in turn projects onto her leading character. Caroline is oblivious and naive (especially to the romantic interludes of the men around her) but also gracious and open-minded regarding the perceived cultural notions of society. Caroline is not only "Catching Up" to her peers, but she is connecting with people, old and new friends alike. The fringes of society are just people who are different to her, and reinforces the example of how the old ways of her mother are not the ones Caroline wishes to exemplify. At the core, it's a slice-of-life story of a girl stepping out to find her own person and a conflict with the old that holds her back.
The one niggling issue for me is drops in commas where they're needed. Other than that, the storytelling is charming and full of hope and sincerity that I just loved. The historical elements and the reflection on the Edwardian Era culture were well executed and fleshed out the world very well. Some readers might be frustrated with the romance elements not paying out immediately, but this is also a series and all aspects build according to the timeline of a series. In that sense, Author Lay is one heck of a tease.
Book wasn't in my genre, but I can feel the sincerity written in its narrative. It's a book full of heart. I'm contented and happy to have read it. You should too!
This book is near historical and yet refreshingly modern, thanks to Author Lay's incredible openness and what she in turn projects onto her leading character. Caroline is oblivious and naive (especially to the romantic interludes of the men around her) but also gracious and open-minded regarding the perceived cultural notions of society. Caroline is not only "Catching Up" to her peers, but she is connecting with people, old and new friends alike. The fringes of society are just people who are different to her, and reinforces the example of how the old ways of her mother are not the ones Caroline wishes to exemplify. At the core, it's a slice-of-life story of a girl stepping out to find her own person and a conflict with the old that holds her back.
The one niggling issue for me is drops in commas where they're needed. Other than that, the storytelling is charming and full of hope and sincerity that I just loved. The historical elements and the reflection on the Edwardian Era culture were well executed and fleshed out the world very well. Some readers might be frustrated with the romance elements not paying out immediately, but this is also a series and all aspects build according to the timeline of a series. In that sense, Author Lay is one heck of a tease.
Book wasn't in my genre, but I can feel the sincerity written in its narrative. It's a book full of heart. I'm contented and happy to have read it. You should too!
October 20, 2022
I am impressed. Lay has constructed a realistic slice of life historical novel with characters who just jump off the page. But they are not your typical historical novel fodder.
The author does not shrink from engaging with racism, homophobia and class differences - and we see those happening even when Caroline the main character does not.
This story is about Caroline on her journey to discover herself, a year when she says yes to everything, if you will. And oh she grows. She is such a marvellous heroine.
I recommend this to all who like fiction set in the 20s and to those who enjoy a great coming of age novel. This story will satisfy all the corners that a good Jean Plaidy does and then some. It's seriously very very good.
The author does not shrink from engaging with racism, homophobia and class differences - and we see those happening even when Caroline the main character does not.
This story is about Caroline on her journey to discover herself, a year when she says yes to everything, if you will. And oh she grows. She is such a marvellous heroine.
I recommend this to all who like fiction set in the 20s and to those who enjoy a great coming of age novel. This story will satisfy all the corners that a good Jean Plaidy does and then some. It's seriously very very good.
June 23, 2022
A wonderfully gentle story of a girl trying to find herself. The mid-1920s was an era of change and the book reflects this. I enjoyed following along with Caroline’s adventures as she tried to make up for lost time and stepped from the threshold of the old world into the new. The ending left the door open for a sequel, so hopefully, this will not be Mary Lay’s last book about Caroline and the many friends she made.
August 21, 2023
I bought this book from a Devon bookshop which specialises in authors from the South West. I was initially attracted by the cover: it reminded me of the illustrations used for the Penguin series of Evelyn Waugh books and as a lover of all things Deco, it immediately appealed.
In the early stages, I found 'Catching Up' a little flabby and somewhat 'borrowed'. For example, the death of Caroline's brother, Freddie, in the 'last push' crossing the Sambre Canal in the final stages of the Great War, mirrors the demise of the war poet Wilfred Owen.
However, things pick up when the protagonist decides to explore more of the world (her mother has kept her tied to her apron strings since the death of her brother six year before) and she accepts a challenge set by her father which will provide some freedom: an allowance, the sum of which must be maintained for it to extend beyond the 'experiment' of a year.
This means that Caro must earn as she ventures beyond her middle-class suburban confines in Cheltenham. Her adventures see her mixing with different social strata: from the girls at an engineering works to the feckless bright young things of party society.
Her naivety is replaced by first hand experiences against which she must establish her own attitudes, to sexuality, race and class.
It is littered with detail: things and places which accurately place it within 1925 and it is that which pulls you further into Caro's journey as she seeks to make up for lost time and 'Catch Up' with her peers.
Despite the need for an edit - it is littered with split infinitives - I did find the story compelling and liked how each chapter was based on a new acquaintance.
There isn't a huge story arch but we complete the circle through time...the book concludes at the end of the first year.
In many ways, it is a charming read and I enjoyed being taken on the voyage of discovery and immersing myself into mid-20s life - so much so, that I immediately ordered the follow-ups and will look forward to following her story.
In the early stages, I found 'Catching Up' a little flabby and somewhat 'borrowed'. For example, the death of Caroline's brother, Freddie, in the 'last push' crossing the Sambre Canal in the final stages of the Great War, mirrors the demise of the war poet Wilfred Owen.
However, things pick up when the protagonist decides to explore more of the world (her mother has kept her tied to her apron strings since the death of her brother six year before) and she accepts a challenge set by her father which will provide some freedom: an allowance, the sum of which must be maintained for it to extend beyond the 'experiment' of a year.
This means that Caro must earn as she ventures beyond her middle-class suburban confines in Cheltenham. Her adventures see her mixing with different social strata: from the girls at an engineering works to the feckless bright young things of party society.
Her naivety is replaced by first hand experiences against which she must establish her own attitudes, to sexuality, race and class.
It is littered with detail: things and places which accurately place it within 1925 and it is that which pulls you further into Caro's journey as she seeks to make up for lost time and 'Catch Up' with her peers.
Despite the need for an edit - it is littered with split infinitives - I did find the story compelling and liked how each chapter was based on a new acquaintance.
There isn't a huge story arch but we complete the circle through time...the book concludes at the end of the first year.
In many ways, it is a charming read and I enjoyed being taken on the voyage of discovery and immersing myself into mid-20s life - so much so, that I immediately ordered the follow-ups and will look forward to following her story.
April 8, 2023
Wonderfully written tale of life and adventure in the 1920’s.
After the shadows of grief and war are cast over ‘Caroline’s’ life and family she eventually finds a way to move forward and ‘catch up’ in this adventurous life tale.
Set in 1920’s England, Mary Lay does a fantastic job in presenting a story that takes readers back while also being written in a style that immersed me in the various trials, adventures and experiences shared in this story. With youth and life on her side, ‘Caroline’ is given a kind of challenge by her father to go an explore beyond the comfort of her quiet home life and try to move forward but there is a slight catch. The allowance she is given must be earned back in that time. What ensues is charming and sometimes heart-warming story of society, exploration, work and travel that embodies the 20’s but with a modern easy to read feel.
From taking various opportunities of employment to visiting old school friends and travelling by train – a visual element captured well by the striking book cover, the tone is perfect for the adventure of discovery our main character embarks upon. She meets new acquaintances along the way and finds her place with opportunity and in society. Its enjoyable to very end which is left open for more keepsakes to be collected by Caroline – something I’d definitely be open to exploring in the near future.
‘It was not an immediate future that Caroline intended for herself; she had far too much of the world to explore…’
After the shadows of grief and war are cast over ‘Caroline’s’ life and family she eventually finds a way to move forward and ‘catch up’ in this adventurous life tale.
Set in 1920’s England, Mary Lay does a fantastic job in presenting a story that takes readers back while also being written in a style that immersed me in the various trials, adventures and experiences shared in this story. With youth and life on her side, ‘Caroline’ is given a kind of challenge by her father to go an explore beyond the comfort of her quiet home life and try to move forward but there is a slight catch. The allowance she is given must be earned back in that time. What ensues is charming and sometimes heart-warming story of society, exploration, work and travel that embodies the 20’s but with a modern easy to read feel.
From taking various opportunities of employment to visiting old school friends and travelling by train – a visual element captured well by the striking book cover, the tone is perfect for the adventure of discovery our main character embarks upon. She meets new acquaintances along the way and finds her place with opportunity and in society. Its enjoyable to very end which is left open for more keepsakes to be collected by Caroline – something I’d definitely be open to exploring in the near future.
‘It was not an immediate future that Caroline intended for herself; she had far too much of the world to explore…’
April 2, 2023
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction and I’ve not enjoyed one for a while so I was ready to delve into this lovely book.
Right from the start I could tell the author has extensively researched for the book and it really shows as it’s richly laced in detail.
I loved learning all about Caroline and her family and all the troubles they’ve endured and how life changed for them during the Great War, so it’s only fitting for Caroline to want to branch out and go her own way once she hits 21.
What follows is Caroline coming of age and learning all about the world on her own and making mistakes and learning from them and more importantly having adventures!.
This is a lovely story that will keep you entertained and i feel that it could be enjoyed by anyone with a love for reading.
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction and I’ve not enjoyed one for a while so I was ready to delve into this lovely book.
Right from the start I could tell the author has extensively researched for the book and it really shows as it’s richly laced in detail.
I loved learning all about Caroline and her family and all the troubles they’ve endured and how life changed for them during the Great War, so it’s only fitting for Caroline to want to branch out and go her own way once she hits 21.
What follows is Caroline coming of age and learning all about the world on her own and making mistakes and learning from them and more importantly having adventures!.
This is a lovely story that will keep you entertained and i feel that it could be enjoyed by anyone with a love for reading.
May 27, 2024
Catching Up by Mary Lay transports readers to the vibrant world of 1925, where Caroline faces the age-old dilemma of whether to embrace the bright lights of her generation or remain in the shadows. As she approaches her twenty-first birthday, Caroline navigates her newfound independence, determined to make the most of it despite her limited allowance. From becoming a photographer's assistant to mingling with the lower classes, Caroline's adventures lead her across the country and into encounters with colorful characters. As she grapples with financial concerns and romantic interests, Caroline's journey is a captivating exploration of identity, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness in a rapidly changing era. Catching Up is a compelling historical fiction novel that immerses readers in the rich tapestry of 1920s society.
March 14, 2023
The author transports the reader back to 1920s England as we follow the story of Caroline. She has led a sheltered life and is determined to catch up with her peer group. The research completed to bring this story to life is detailed and you really can imagine the way society operated at that time. Caroline is an adorable character, a mix of determination and naivety. I would recommend this book and I have already purchased the second in the series. An absolute gem of a story.
September 22, 2022
A lovely gentle story following Caroline. At age 21 in 1925 Caroline decides the world is oyster and embarks on a journey of independence. The era jumped out of the pages and Caroline's naivety to the world meant we were experiencing everything for the first time with her. A lovely read for anyone who loves that time period!
September 30, 2022
A hug in a book
I was fortunate to receive a signed copy of Mary’s book and wanted to purchase the Kindle version too. This is such a lovely and enchanting read. The Frampton’s family home is so welcoming, homely and cosy, it’s like a glimpse into your favourite National Trust property.
I am so intrigued to read the next books and I am secretly rooting for one suitor in particular to win Caroline’s affections.
The 2nd book is on order and I am so looking forward to it arriving.
Mary you are such a fantastic and enchanting writer
I was fortunate to receive a signed copy of Mary’s book and wanted to purchase the Kindle version too. This is such a lovely and enchanting read. The Frampton’s family home is so welcoming, homely and cosy, it’s like a glimpse into your favourite National Trust property.
I am so intrigued to read the next books and I am secretly rooting for one suitor in particular to win Caroline’s affections.
The 2nd book is on order and I am so looking forward to it arriving.
Mary you are such a fantastic and enchanting writer
January 19, 2023
I got this book as well as the 2nd one (The Price of Coal) for Christmas and couldnt put the books down they are that good. An easy read perfect to read after a long day. Cannot wait for the next book to come out to see what Caroline does next. 100% recommend.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews