Tuesday 11 April 2017

Book Review - The Choir on Hope Street by Annie Lyons

Amazon UK
Title:  The Choir on Hope Street
Author: Annie Lyons
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: HQ Digital 
Publication Date: 6th April
Rating: 4.Stars


The best things in life happen when you least expect them
Nat’s husband has just said the six words no one wants to hear – ‘I don’t love you any more’.

Caroline’s estranged mother has to move into her house turning her perfectly ordered world upside down.

Living on the same street these two women couldn’t be more different. Until the beloved local community centre is threatened with closure. And when the only way to save it is to form a community choir – none of the Hope Street residents, least of all Nat and Caroline, expect the results…

This spring, hope is coming!

The words no woman ever wants to hear from her husband are " I don't love you any more" but that is just how the book starts, and it sends Nat into a tailspin, as she thought their marriage was rock solid and working really well. 

While reeling from this bombshell, she meets Caroline who lives at the "posh" end of Hope Street. Caroline then ropes Nat into the campaign to save the Hope Street Community Centre, which involves them forming a community choir. 

Nat is a children's book writer, and has her son Woody to look after. She likes a bit of a drink and generally seems up for a laugh, when she isn't confused as to what is happening between her and Dan. Caroline on the other hand seems to be all about appearances, doesn't have a job outside the home, but does have her mother who suffers from dementia in a care home. However it is becoming harder for the care home to cope with the mother's behaviour, and Caroline is put into a tricky position given she had a troubled relationship with her mum. 

I loved the sense of community of Hope Street especially from the choir members, where new friendships are formed, and the members discover just how freeing singing can be.  I loved Guy the music teacher who steps up as choirmaster, and Doly who has a wonderful singing voice, and Pamela who provides all the cakey goodness you can need. 

The story is told in alternating chapters between Nat and Caroline's view points, and I had a good amount of sympathy for both ladies as neither of their current circumstances are particularly easy, and although they may not see it, it is clear that they could help each other out, if they can get past their differences. 

I reckon most people will recognise the music that the choir sings, as there is a mix of songs for all generations, and I could really imagine them singing the songs. I loved the journey of self discovery Caroline especially was one, as she learns more about herself and her family. 

The Choir on Hope Street is an uplifting book, guaranteed to brighten up  a horrible day. It is an enjoyable story and one I didn't really want to finish. 

Thank you so much to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

1 comment:

  1. Totally agree about it being such an uplifting book! Fab review Rachel x

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...