This is a new novel from the author of Billy and Me about love and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. Maddy, dressed in white, stands at the back of the church. At the end of the aisle is Rob - the man she's about to marry. Next to Rob is Ben - best man and the best friend any two people ever had. And that's the problem. Because if it wasn't Rob waiting for her at the altar, there's a strong chance it would be Ben. Loyal and sensitive Ben has always kept his feelings to himself, but if he turned round and told Maddy she was making a mistake, would she listen[unk] And would he be right? Best friends since childhood, Maddy, Ben and Rob thought their bond was unbreakable. But love changes everything. Maddy has a choice to make but will she choose wisely? Her heart, and the hearts of the two best men she knows, depend on it...Praise for Billy and Me: "A gorgeous, gloriously romantic read with buckets of charm - I absolutely loved it!". (Jill Mansell). "A sweet and sparkling debut from a lovely lady. Sure to be a hit". (Carole Matthews). "Only the most hard-hearted could fail to root for Sophie as she falls for A-lister Billy and must take on the mad, bad world of showbiz. This sweet debut reminded me of Last Night at Chateau Marmont". (Louise Candlish). "Wonderfully warm & cosy. The perfect comfort read to curl-up with and enjoy". (Ali McNamara). "If you're looking for a romantic read and a summer treat that'll take you on a journey and leave you feeling like you've made a new friend, you'll love Billy and Me". (Vanessa Greene). "Warm and romantic, this charming read will certainly brighten up your day". (Closer). "This is one juicy read". (Now). "Tons of charm and genuine warmth". (Star Magazine). Actress and freelance journalist, Giovanna is married to Tom Fletcher from McFly. She grew up in Essex with her Italian dad Mario, mum Kim, big sister Giorgina and little brother Mario, and spent most of her childhood talking to herself (it seems no one wanted to listen) or reading books. Giovanna is a firm believer in the power of magpies and positive energy. Her debut novel, Billy and Me, is also published by Penguin.
This book has cleverly been written from two points of view; that of Maddy and Ben. The story begins with Maddy walking down the aisle to marry her fiance, Robert Miles, but her eyes drift towards the best man, Ben Gilbert, to who she still also loved. The book is about their childhood and growing up, going off to university and the relationships between the three of them. I loved reading the story from two points of view - it added depth to the story and also saw it from the male/female point of view, a style that Giovanna has cracked fantastically.
I did enjoy the book, it felt a completely different style of book from Giovanna's first book, Billy and me, but I still enjoyed it. The emotions that I went through while reading this book was almost full circle - there were times that I wanted to shout at both boys to open their eyes and realise what their own emotions really were. It is not a straight forward love triangle - the story is so much more than that and add into it flashbacks to school life in the 1980/90s and music and it was a great book.
The final outcome of the book for me was the right one and I hope other readers feel the same way too - I recommend it to all to read this summer.
I found myself loosing hours reading this book - it kept me hooked and wanting to read just a little more each night. The storyline was totally believable and I am sure that there are a number of Maddy, Ben and Robert's around the country.
Thank you to the publishers, Penguin, for sending me the book to review.
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