Half the World Away by Rebecca Banks
Divorced and
keeping a heart-breaking secret, Abbie Potter is sleep-walking
through her life as a publicist at a London football club. She seems
to spend more time covering their scandals than celebrating their
wins, and has had enough. Though she’s already prepared for a fresh
start, some shocking news pushes her to take an opportunity even
further from home - in Salt Lake City.
The first morning
of her new life, Abbie bumps into Kyle Miller. He’s persistent, and
Abbie’s more than intrigued by him. Everything else seems to fit
into place too: she has a fulfilling job, is on a journey of
self-rediscovery, and has revived her love of music thanks to a
new-found friendship.
She can’t risk
losing what she’s built for herself, but how can she stop it from
slipping through her fingers without shattering the façade she hides
behind?
It's some time since I read a sports-themed novel and Half the World Away has whetted my appetite for more.
Abbie Potter's offered a dream job, only it's in Salt Lake City, Utah! A divorcee, she's ready to move away from the scandal-ridden football team she works for. So, she packs up her life in London and flies across the pond, to a new life and opportunities. Her first impressions seem too good to be true and as she settles into her new job and life. Over time she discovers someone isn't who she thinks they are, whilst others like Rose and Kyle are people to keep in her life.
New beginnings and coming to terms with the past, Abbie's life-changing decision to move thousands of miles from family and friends is an opportunity to rebuild her life and meet new people. Kyle Miller comes across as an all-American guy. He's handsome and charismatic and it's easy to understand how Abbie eventually fell for his charms. However, romance isn't the main theme of this novel. Relationships in all shapes and forms are the focus whether working, friendship or more. Therefore we don't get many details about the man who eventually becomes significant in Abbie life.
As a heroine, Abbie is someone to aspire to. She's ambitious and independent and a person willing to take a chance with her life. She's not perfect and has made mistakes too, which makes her very likeable and relatable.
This début novel is entertaining with fun, likeable and diverse characters, yet it also covers some tough topics too. The romance is slow burn, a favourite trope of mine. The contrast between the heroine's interests is refreshing and adds an unexpected dimension. Sport and music are a perfect combination and I enjoyed how they blended together.
The author's descriptions of the Utah backdrop definitely sold the state to me as a place to visit. The overall feel of this book is light-hearted and I read it in one sitting.
***arc received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***
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Rebecca Banks
owns a boutique public relations agency specialising in sports and
entertainment, and has 20 years of experience in PR and events.
She is also a
freelance journalist. For over a decade she has written features from
celebrity interviews and human profile pieces to motoring and travel
reviews. Half the World Away is her debut novel.
Check out her
website: www.rebecca-banks.com
Instagram:
@rebecca_banks
Twitter:
@rebeccabanks
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