NEW RELEASE
A Night on the Orient Express - Veronica Henry (2013)
Meet Archie, a man who has just lost his best friend, and Emmie, a milliner who is struggling after a betrayal in her last relationship. They have been chosen as part of a matchmaking competition that they were entered into by their nearest and dearest to journey together on the Orient Express. Joining them on board are Riley and Sylvie, long-time friends who have stuck by each other as their careers have taken off and who are now entering their golden years. Simon and his partner, Stephanie, are also travelling on the Orient Express with Simon's two teenage children, Jamie and Beth, and like any modern family the journey is fraught with conflict, not least as Jamie and Beth both have big announcements. Finally on board is Imogen, travelling on behalf of her grandmother Adele to the mysterious Jack Molloy to collect a painting for her 30th birthday that reveals her grandmother's secret past but that will also help Imogen on her future path. For this eclectic group of passengers, this journey will certainly be one to remember for very different reasons. Whilst there is a fairly large cast of characters, the multiple storylines were really interesting and engaging but for me it was Adele and Jack's story which rather frames the whole narrative that was both the most developed and endearing. I felt I wanted to know more about the Riley/Sylvie storyline and I felt the outcomes in the Stephanie/Simon family story were a bit too simplistic. Although each storyline had a happy ending, it was nice to read something uplifting and uncomplicated and it is certainly a book to recommend for a charming, feel-good read. (JC)
In A Night on the Orient Express, by Veronica Henry, these passengers are prepared for a journey of a lifetime. The summary says: "It's a frosty night in November as a group of passengers climb aboard the Orient Express for the journey of a lifetime from London to Venice. As they settle into the luxury of their cabins and take their first sips of champagne, they all have different hopes and expectations. Some have waited a lifetime for the experience, for others, it is a surprise; for many, a celebration. One thing is certain, the journey won't be uneventful. As they share lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails and dinner to the tinkling of the grand piano, there are revelations, confessions and assignations. As the train sweeps on, stories unfold against the most romantic and infamous setting in the world." A Night on the Orient Express is out in July 2013.