The Gin O'Clock Club by Rosie Blake

 

Lottie is always in a hurry, rushing through her days ticking tasks off her to-do lists. Teddy is worried about his granddaughter - and he knows that his late wife, Lily, would have known exactly what to say to make things better. Now that Lily has gone, it's up to Teddy to talk some sense into Lottie.

With the help of Arjun, Geoffrey and Howard, the elderly reprobates who make up his Gin O'Clock Club, Teddy makes a plan to help Lottie find her way back to the things that really matter - family, friendship and love. But as Lottie balances a high-powered job with her reluctant attendance at whist drives, ballroom dances and bingo, Teddy wonders if she's really ready to open up her heart to the possibility of true happiness...

I have previously read and enjoyed How To Stuff Up Christmas and How To Find Your ( First) Husband by Rosie Blake and it feels like an age since I was lost in her light hearted witty writing so I was looking forward to starting The Gin O’Clock Club which is her latest release. I love the cover of this novel and think that it is a step up from the previous look of Rosie Blake’s novels.

Lottie is career focused and determined to achieve her career goals but she is crumbling under the pressure of trying to juggle work, her relationship, her best friends upcoming wedding and supporting her recently widowed Grandfather Teddy.

Teddy misses his wife Cora dearly and is trying to adjust to life without Cora to take control. His Granddaughter Lottie and partner Luke seem to be losing their way and with the help of his friends Teddy has a plan for Lottie and Luke to try courting the old way.

This is by far my favourite book by Rosie Blake, her usual light hearted writing style flows through this novel but there is also an emotive element that touched my heart when dear Teddy writes to his wife, the love of his life who has recently passed away. Each letter Teddy writes shows his struggles as he is learning to live life without Cora and it was hard to see how much he misses her dearly and at times his letters are almost asking for help, guidance and forgiveness.

Lottie is extremely hardworking and passionate about her job which is commendable but I also found at times I wanted to throttle her and tell her not to take those around her for granted and dear girl get a diary, notebook and some highlighters and get organised!

Luke was a real gentleman and a real gem with a kind heart and the patience of a saint! He embraced each of the dating scenarios that were thrown at him just so he could spend some quality time with Lottie.

A wonderful light read with engaging characters that touches on grief, romance and looking at the importance and struggles of getting work and life balance right.