I follow Louise on social media – so when I saw she had a new book coming out, I requested a copy from NetGalley. Having just given up on a ‘literary-type’ book as I just couldn’t get into it – I fancied what I suspected to be an easier read – and as this is out on 21 July 2022, it was perfect timing.

Here’s the blurb:

“Sometimes you have to go back, to move forwards.
Tabby is stuck. She still lives in the small town she grew up in . . . the town she’s barely ever left.
So, when her dad drops a bombshell over their weekly Sunday dinner, Tabby takes a look at her own life. She lives firmly in her comfort zone and doesn’t know how to break out. Sometimes she wishes she could go back and start all over again.
When she meets Bea, a free spirit like no one else she’s ever known with an ‘interesting’ sense of style, Tabby quickly befriends her, recognising in Bea the change she’s been craving. But soon it becomes clear that more has changed than her new friend. Somehow Tabby has been transported back to the 1980s.
With the chance to reinvent herself in another time, will Tabby finally manage to move forward?“

I enjoyed this from the start – liking Tabby as a ‘main character’. Her relationship with her parents, best friend (and best friend’s daughter) were all lovely – as was her developing friendship with her new mate Bea. Her crumbling relationship with her boyfriend was less good – but that was kind of the point. David was a dick!

The book runs through the two time lines – the present day, and back in the 1980s. I have to say I guessed some of the twists – but not all of them – so enough to feel smug but still entertained!

I felt like a secret squirrel for recognising that the shop that Tabby works in, ‘Pearls and Doodles’ – is what Louise calls her daughters in real life – gold star to me!! I also thought that Louise would have drawn on her own personal experiences to write some of the emotional scenes – but I can’t explain more without giving away plotlines – and I 100% won’t do that in a review.

The descriptions of the ‘vintage’ clothes – be that 80s or earlier – were great. Equally the night out chapter in the 80s was a reminiscent of my teenage nights out (albeit very early 90s for me!)

Overall it’s a lovely read – perfect for a sun lounger on holiday where you want to be entertained but not too mentally challenged whilst drinking cocktails at the same time.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy.