Giovanna Fletcher continues the story of Billy and Sophie in her latest novel, Always With Love. The summary says: "Sophie's got used to being the girlfriend of Billy Buskin, the biggest movie star in the world. Sort of. But when she and Billy take a trip to visit his family in Los Angeles, she quickly discovers she's totally unprepared for the chaos of Hollywood, the paparazzi and Billy's controlling mother. And when Billy extends his stay in LA, leaving Sophie to fly home to Rosefont Hill alone, it seems there's more than just miles between them. Now Sophie must decide if they can overcome their differences for good. Because not every love story lasts the distance..." Always With Love is out in June 2016.
A tragedy in Sophie May's childhood has left her rooted to her home in the sleepy Rosefont Hill. Instead of uni, a gap year and having fun with her peers, she lives at home with her mum and works at a tea shop, owned by her best friend, the pensionable Molly. Her life seems to be moving gently along until the arrival of a film crew, who are filming a new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, and the leading man, Billy Buskin. When Billy starts frequenting the tea shop, the two strike up an attraction and the relationship blossoms with Sophie agreeing to move down to London with Billy where he is due to start a play. In London, Sophie is thrown completely out of her comfort zone but she tries to adapt to Billy's lifestyle and career. When his latest film sees him paired opposite a former girlfriend however, their relationship is tested to the limits. This is a sweet and charming debut. However, I felt the romance between Billy and Sophie was rushed and therefore that it lacked real intensity or interest and there were other elements of the plot that I felt were underdeveloped. Sophie's secret which is emphasised in the blurb and is hinted at throughout is also not particularly different or overwhelming. However I enjoyed Sophie's journey and also found the sections dealing with loss very moving. (JC)
Giovanna Fletcher has continued Billy and Sophie's story in a festive short story called Christmas With Billy and Me. The summary says: "Christmas has come to Rosefont Hill and it's destined to be a particularly special festive season for Sophie May. When a smitten stranger emails Sophie to ask her if he can propose to the woman he loves in her little teashop, the romantic in her finds it impossible to refuse. Even though Christmas is her busiest time of year she has her own sweetheart, Hollywood actor Billy Buskin, to lend a helping hand. How could she say no to making someone's dream come true? As Sophie and Billy work together to plan the perfect fairytale proposal for this couple, excitement in Rosefont Hill is mounting. Who is this mysterious man? And who is the lucky lady he's about to get down on one knee for?" Christmas With Billy and Me is out in November 2014.
Billy and Me, the debut novel by Giovanna Fletcher, is about the redemptive power of love. The summary says: "Sophie May has a secret. One that she's successfully kept for years. It's meant that she's had to give up her dreams of going to university and travelling the world to stay in her little village, living with her mum and working in the local teashop. But then she meets the gorgeous Billy - an actor with ambitions to make it to the top. And when they fall in love, Sophie is whisked away from the comfort of her life into Billy's glamorous - but ruthless - world. Their relationship throws Sophie right into the spotlight after years of shying away from attention. Can she handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with Billy? And most of all, is she ready for her secret heartbreak to be discovered and shared with the nation?" Billy and Me is out in May 2013. The actress and journalist is married to Tom Fletcher from McFly.