The Theatre of Dreams by Rosie Travers
Musical theatre actress Tara is down on her luck and in desperate need of a job.
When terminally-ill octogenarian Kitty invites her to take over the running of her former dance academy in the old-fashioned resort of Hookes Bay, Tara thinks she’s found her guardian angel.
But it soon becomes very clear Kitty is being far from benevolent.
Too late, Tara realises helping Kitty will signal the end of an already tarnished career, unless she can pull off the performance of a life-time...
When terminally-ill octogenarian Kitty invites her to take over the running of her former dance academy in the old-fashioned resort of Hookes Bay, Tara thinks she’s found her guardian angel.
But it soon becomes very clear Kitty is being far from benevolent.
Too late, Tara realises helping Kitty will signal the end of an already tarnished career, unless she can pull off the performance of a life-time...
What a treasure trove this novel is!! With adorable characters and a narrative containing lots of little plot twists, there's never a dull moment. Set in a seaside town situated along the southern coast of England, ActressTara Wakely takes on the starring role of a lifetime.
The descriptions of Hookes Bay are relatable and could apply to any number of places littered around the coastline of the UK. Growing up near to many such places, the writing generated nostalgia about seaside resorts I visited regularly as a child. Places, once the hive of activity in years gone by with their own theatres and must-see entertaining shows geared to the holidaymakers and townsfolk alike? With my own childhood littered with acting, and dancing lessons more memories came flooding back, which was an unexpected emotional result of reading Theatre of Dreams.
The two female protagonists are both strong and determined women. With theatrical backgrounds, they also share a talent for been economical with the truth, although in Tara case it is more out of necessity...a survival tactic. Kitty is a shrewd old bird. She has a vision which extends beyond her grave and with time running out, she's cast her leading lady to make both their dreams come true.
Highly entertaining, this is a commendable début novel by Rosie Travers. The narrative, told from both points of view has fun and witty dialogue...there is never a dull moment. With my attention held for the duration, I absorbed the intrigue as past incidents are uncovered and truths are finally aired. There's a villain, and a love interest for Tara..and Kitty too, who proves age has no boundaries when you want your own way.
Overall, a delightful, well-written novel by a new author with much promise for the future titles.
***arc generously received courtesy of the Publisher Crooked Cat Books***
The descriptions of Hookes Bay are relatable and could apply to any number of places littered around the coastline of the UK. Growing up near to many such places, the writing generated nostalgia about seaside resorts I visited regularly as a child. Places, once the hive of activity in years gone by with their own theatres and must-see entertaining shows geared to the holidaymakers and townsfolk alike? With my own childhood littered with acting, and dancing lessons more memories came flooding back, which was an unexpected emotional result of reading Theatre of Dreams.
The two female protagonists are both strong and determined women. With theatrical backgrounds, they also share a talent for been economical with the truth, although in Tara case it is more out of necessity...a survival tactic. Kitty is a shrewd old bird. She has a vision which extends beyond her grave and with time running out, she's cast her leading lady to make both their dreams come true.
Highly entertaining, this is a commendable début novel by Rosie Travers. The narrative, told from both points of view has fun and witty dialogue...there is never a dull moment. With my attention held for the duration, I absorbed the intrigue as past incidents are uncovered and truths are finally aired. There's a villain, and a love interest for Tara..and Kitty too, who proves age has no boundaries when you want your own way.
Overall, a delightful, well-written novel by a new author with much promise for the future titles.
***arc generously received courtesy of the Publisher Crooked Cat Books***
I like to write stories with a twist, a sprinkling of humour and a dash of tragedy. My aim is to entertain and raise a smile.
I’ve always had a very vivid imagination and my passion for writing began at a very early age. As a teenager I scribbled, then typed, numerous novels and short stories, none of which I was ever brave enough to show to anyone. My hobby was put on hold while mortgages, marriage, and motherhood took over. In fact, it stayed hidden for a good twenty or so years until I unexpectedly found myself with some spare time on my hands. In 2009 I left the UK to accompany my husband on an overseas work assignment to California. I started a blog about my life in the US, and from there everything mushroomed. I re-discovered my creative juices. I am a member of the Romantic Novelists Association New Writers Scheme and Hampshire Writers Society. I now live on the south coast of England with my husband and a very spoilt cat.
The Theatre of Dreams is my first novel.
Website: www.rosietravers.com
Twitter: @RosieTravers
