Art and Soul by Claire Huston – Book Review
Art and Soul by Claire Huston – Book Review
Art and Soul
Author – Claire Huston
Publisher – Goldcrest Books International
Pages – 395
Released – 20th April 2020
ISBN-13 – 978-1911505655
Format – ebook, paperback
Review by – Jenna
Rating – 4.5 Stars
I received a free copy of this book.
This post contains affiliate links.
There’s no problem Becky Watson can’t fix. Except her own love life…
Struggling single mother Becky Watson longs to revive her career as a life-fixer, working miracles to solve her clients’ problems, no matter how big or small. Since the birth of her two-year-old son she has been stuck preventing wedding fiascos for the richest and rudest residents of the Comptons, a charming, leafy area of southern England known for its artistic heritage.
So when semi-reclusive local artist Charlie Handren reluctantly hires Becky to fix his six-year creative slump, she’s delighted to set him up with a come-back exhibition and Rachel Stone, the woman of his dreams.
Though they get off to a rocky start, Becky and Charlie soon become close. But as the beautiful Rachel becomes Charlie’s muse, Becky is forced to wonder: will giving Charlie everything he wants mean giving up her own happily ever after?
Claire Huston’s debut novel, Art and Soul is a heart-warming, pleasant read. It’s a perfect escape romance with a confident (and scheming… in a good way) female lead. Huston writes like a seasoned author. I was surprised that this was her first publishing effort.
Charlie is a renowned local artist who is unfortunately in a huge slump. He’s been in this runt since a scathing review of his work some years ago. Enter Becky the fixer. Yes, that’s her job, she fixes things. The two strike up a work agreement to improve his career and love life.
The characters in this story are fun and vivid. The author writes cute, likeable people. I feel this will be a trademark of her future stories. I was in the mood for an easy romance comedy with mature characters and that is exactly what I got. The couple are in their 40s and 50s. Their life details will fit in with many reader’s situations. If an author can make me smile constantly without going over the top, I’m sold.
The setting is a small, but affluent town. The snobby residents are spot on and extra snooty. They made me smile all the more. We are also presented with sassy friends and a rambunctious toddler. Oh so good.
Becky and Charlie work together to bring him out of his gloomy situation. The storyline progressed in a way that I found myself rooting for him and his teenage daughter.
The novel was a bit longer that it needed to be. It felt a little cumbersome at times and drawn out. I’m not sure what I’d suggest cutting out since it was all so good. Perhaps she had the makings of a series.
If you are looking for a feel-good story, pick up Art and Soul. I will definitely read more from this author.
Book Reviewer – Jenna
Purchase online from:
Amazon.co.uk – Amazon.com – Amazon.in –
About the Author
Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire with her husband and two children. Art and Soul is her first novel.
A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for all the cakes mentioned in Art and Soul on her website along with over 100 other recipes. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.
Loving the sound of this one – excellent reviewing!
I love that this features a mature couple. Quite refreshing.
Seemed like just a bit of a miss.
Thanks for reading my review. I love romances with mature couples. And funny books too.
Jenna