Book Review: The Perfect Moment

By Becky Gulc

‘Is there ever a perfect moment to begin again in life?

Ever since tragedy threw her life into turmoil, Laura has taken refuge in her waitressing job at Valentino’s restaurant in Glasgow’s leafy Fairhill. Serving lattes and lunch specials means she’s too busy to think about all she lost or the dreams she was forced to abandon. So when her beloved boss announces she’s selling the business, Laura is devastated. Hatching a plan to set her up with the local pub owner, Laura hopes the two of them will make a connection that might just change her mind.

Recovering from betrayal and heartbreak, Bruce is also in hiding from the world and working in his uncle’s pub while he wonders how to restart his life. When Laura asks for help with her matchmaking scheme, he finds himself unable to refuse. She has a smile he can’t resist, no matter how much he wants to.

But as their plan is set in motion, the matchmakers begin falling for each other. Yet Laura thinks she’s happy with her dull boyfriend and Bruce won’t risk another broken heart. As the future of Valentino’s hangs in the balance, can these two lost and lonely people find the perfect moment to start their lives again together?’ (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon UK.)

This is a lovely debut novel by Alix Kelso. Whilst it’s not particularly exciting in terms of plot, I loved its simplicity and the focus on the characters whom I adored. The writing is excellent and seamless. I was drawn in from the very beginning and I found it hard to put down; utterly charming. I was reminded of authors such as Lucy Dillon when I read this (just missing a dog!) which to me is a great thing.

Laura and Bruce’s stories both pulled me in; they are both very warm characters that have been through difficult times. Whilst the focus is on them, there is also Natalie and Keith, whom I equally adored. I was so pleased to read we’ll have the opportunity to continue reading their stories in future Fairhill novels, as there was definitely more to explore with these lovely older characters.

I found this novel to be romantic, hopeful, and just an all-around feel-good read. The pace was just right and it just all felt refreshingly ‘grown-up’ in the interactions between the different characters. Normally you’re left berating at least one character in a novel, particularly exes or when a love interest gets the wrong end of the stick; this novel was quite refreshing in this respect. I loved it and can’t wait to read more.

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase links:
Amazon UK
Amazon US

Alix Kelso is the author of the Fairhill novel series. She’s happiest with her nose in a book and has been known to lash out dangerously if disturbed while reading. Having previously worked as a shop assistant, waitress, hospital cleaner and dishwasher, she eventually became a university lecturer. Although she loved the academic world of teaching and researching and helping her students, she always enjoyed writing stories in her spare time and finally decided to pursue her dream of publishing a novel and becoming a full time writer.

She lives in her home city of Glasgow with her husband and their rescue lurcher, Maggie. She enjoys pottering in the kitchen, walking in Glasgow’s many lovely parks, and is a firm believer in the therapeutic benefits of a long lunch with a big glass of wine.

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