This is Lucy Robinson's debut novel, and I didn't really know what to expect when I bought it, but I really enjoyed it once I got reading.
The book starts with the lead character Fran, having just been dumped by her boyfriend, on the day she thought he was going to propose which also happened to be her thirtieth birthday!
Not only did this announcement come completely out of the blue but her now ex-boyfriend Michael didn't even give a reason - only telling her not to contact him for three months. Understandably Fran doesn't take this well and the story begins with her wallowing in her grief (and own filth!) and drowning her sorrows in any alcohol she could get her hands on.
Eventually, with the help of her friends, 'the eight-date rule' and some very unsuitable men Fran manages to pull herself together; but not before almost losing her job, her dignity and her mind!
The supporting characters really make the story, from the eccentric and mysterious next door neighbour and Fran's alcoholic mother to her dependable best friend Dave and the disapproving Duke Ellington (Fran's cat). Although Michael himself isn't present for the majority of the book, we do learn about him through various flashbacks. We learn how Fran and Michael first met, and how she fell madly in love with him.
With a few unexpected twists an turns, a fair number of secrets, and (of course) a few 'happy coincedences' the story keeps you interested, and although not exactly 'un-put-downable' I did read it fairly quickly. I wanted to find out whether or not Fran and Micheal would get back together or if one of her Internet dates would win her heart.
I'm not sure I could say this was 'The Greatest Love Story of All Time...' but Lucy has a great writing style with plenty of humour and well developed characters. It was a good read and I'd happily recommend it to others, I'll be looking out for Lucy's next novel.
8/10
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