Covent Garden in the Snow by Jules Wake

 

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: HarperImpulse (16 Nov. 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0008221979
• ISBN-13: 978-0008221973
• Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 3 x 19.8 cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

Tilly Hunter has her dream job at the London Metropolitan Opera Company, a kind and caring Fiance, so life is looking good. But when her lack of IT skills lands her in trouble at work, she has to work with the new IT Director Marcus Walker.

Where as Tilly is artisitc, full of life and fun, Marcus is sharp-suited, serious and determined to get Tilly computer savvy. But opposites do attract and the more time they spend together, sparks begin to fly and when Tilly’s fiance betrays her it is Marcus who is there for her. Could Marcus be the perfect Christmas present for Tilly.
After all, the best presents are those you dont know you need.

Review

Covent Garden in the Snow is marketed as a feel good Christmas novel, obviously hoping to do well in the Christmas market. However, I think this is misleading, Christmas only makes a small appearance, mainly towards the end of the book. Even the snow is a bit misleading, yes there is snow in Covent Garden but again its not integral to the plot. For me this books could be read at anytime of the year, as it has a much wider plot line. The narrative follows Tilly as she seems to fall from one problem into another, from computer viruses to problems with emotional opera stars and personal issues. All of this dealt with in a warm and witty prose that will engage the reader.

Tilly is a very endearing character, she is quirky, sassy, artistic, kind and has a love for life. I did resonate with her technology problems as I am a terrible technophobe and have to admit that I have once or maybe twice used the disc drive as a coffee holder. Marcus is her complete opposite but over time, in his relationship with Tilly, a different side to him comes out. He is not so straight laced and business like, and they share similar interests. Of course he is also tall dark and handsome, as you would expect from a romantic hero. I also found Tilly’s sister Christelle an interesting character. Like Marcus she comes across as the complete opposite to her sister; she is a lawyer, and to Tilly is someone a lot more serious than her and they have little in common. Over the course of the novel it is lovely to see the interactions of the sisters and their closeness as they realise that they really don’t know each other that well. Tilly is one of those people that like to bury their head in the sand rather than deal with problems head on which has damages her relationship with her family and with Felix, the fiance who lets her down in every way.

Covent Garden in the Snow is a wonderful, warm and witty novel that is not just for Christmas. It has memorable characters, and sizzles with sexual tension throughout; the perfect book to loose yourself in.