Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers

Small Pleasures offers the reader a lot of pleasure from its charming and evolving plot.

When Jean’s paper receives a letter from Gretchen Tilbury claiming she had a virgin birth, resulting in her super adorable daughter – Margaret, none of the journalists take it seriously, except Jean. This could be her big break and get her away from her ‘Household Hints’ column. Except when she meets the Tilbury family, she finds herself with not only a story but new friends.

Jean lives at home with her mother, who isn’t the easiest person to live with and has no obvious friends other than her work colleagues. So Howard’s, Gretchen’s and Margaret’s friendships shake up her life and wake up her feelings. She’s no longer in a rut, she’s ready for change. As she continues to investigate Gretchen’s claims. she becomes closer and closer to them… will this end well?

This story has the perfect balance of lightness and darkness, it’s both joyful and heartbreaking. I loved the array of emotions that this story evoked in me, it really cleanses the mind of any other emotions, leaving you feeling refreshed and revived by Chambers’ words.

The characters are so wonderfully depicted that you fall in love with every one of them despite their faults… even Jean’s mother!

I’m sure you can gather that I absolutely adored Small Pleasures – it is a remarkably captivating and moving story that will remain in my heart forever.

P.S. Remember I said I experience an array of emotions whilst reading it? Don’t be surprised if you shed a few tears at the end!

Small Pleasures is out now in hardback and eBook versions from W&N.

Until next time, Chloé x

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