Friday 24 April 2020

Book Review - The Afternoon Tea Club by Jane Gilley

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Title: The Afternoon Tea Club
Author: Jane Gilley
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: 2nd April 2020
Rating: 5 Stars

Everyone’s welcome at The Afternoon Tea Club…
Marjorie, Stacy, Raymond and Dora each hold a different story to their chest – lost loves, abandoned dreams, crippling self-confidence issues, and simply feeling invisible. For each of them, the thought of letting those stories out is almost as terrifying as letting strangers in, and that makes for a very lonely life indeed.

But when these four strangers who have struggled to “fit in” end up on the same table for an event at their local community centre, little do they know that their lives are about to be entwined and changed forever because of an Afternoon Tea club.

Cue an unexpected journey of self-discovery, some unlikely new companions, and plenty of tea and biscuits along the way…

Heart-warming and poignant in equal measure, this is a story about loneliness, kindness, and the power of friendships that span generation, proving that the most simple of human connections unite us all. Perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village and The Keeper of Lost Things.

Having enjoyed Jane Gilley's previous book, I was looking forward to seeing what her new story was all about, and anything with afternoon tea in the title is always good at catching my attention. 

During the first meeting of the Afternoon Tea Club I did wonder if the concept was coming across as a little patronising, but once I got to know the main protagonists I was fully involved in this story. 

Marjorie, Dora, Raymond and Stacy are unlikely friends at first glance, but thanks to their attendance at the Afternoon Tea Club soon has them forging new bonds. 

I really enjoyed getting to know all four of these characters as well as Eileen from the community centre.  They all have a great deal of depth to them, and getting to know their backstories and then seeing how they develop is a joy to see. 

It really is a journey of self-discovery and finding out that no matter your situation, things can get better, if you just try to move out of your comfort zone. 

I really enjoyed reading this book while I was in hospital, and it was a great way for my mind to focus on other people's lives for a bit. 

Already interested to see what this author will write next. 

  Thanks to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

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