Matson Taylor

A fabulous tale set in Yorkshire in the 1960s with interludes in previous decades. It’s mainly told through the eyes of the wonderful Evie who is such a lovable and delightful character. She’s sixteen and a half years old and lives with her father, Arthur, and his ‘housekeeper’, Christine, on a farm. Christine has dubious intentions towards Arthur and Evie is worried that she may become her (evil?) stepmother.

This is a beautifully written, highly engaging and humorous story with some laugh out loud moments. There is a whole cast of fascinating and vibrant characters and what an eclectic, vividly depicted bunch they are! The author did a great job of bringing them alive on the page for me. It’s also a nostalgic read and harks back, in my opinion, to a gentler era. It was such a joy to read and I was so sad to turn the last page. I absolutely loved it! I was easily transported to Evie’s world and will miss her dreadfully. I, for one, cannot wait for the sequel!… (meer)

July 1962 and Evie has completed her O-levels, the rest of her life before her. Should she go to 6th form or get a sensible job as a hairdresser? Her widowed father's new fiancee Christine obviously wants Evie out of the way but Evie is convinced that the blousy woman is just after her father's money. Evie is closer to her older neighbour who knew her mother. Really all Evie wants to do is to experience the bright lights and marry Adam Faith.
This book is a real joy! Obviously as I am a Yorkshire lass I have a soft spot for this tale but really it's just a lovely lightweight summer read. Every cliche about Yorkshire is in there but it doesn't matter, Evie is a gauche and loveable character and the setting in the early sixties is well-imagined. The reviews for this book are well-justified!… (meer)