Friday 7 October 2016

Book Review - The Singalong Society for Singletons by Katey Lovell

Amazon UK
Title: The Singalong Society for Singletons
Author: Katey Lovell
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Author supplied review copy
Publisher: Harper Impulse
Publication Date: 7th October 2016
Rating: 5 Stars


A charming, feel good novel about the healing powers of friendship…and Frozen!

Monique and Issy are teachers, housemates and lovers of musicals! Their Friday night routine consists of snacks, wine and the Frozen DVD. So when Monique’s boyfriend moves to America for a year and her sister Hope moves in because of her own relationship woes, Friday nights get a new name… ‘The Singalong Society for Singletons’!

It’s a chance to get together, sing along to their favourite tracks from the best-loved West End shows, and forget the worries of work, relationships and love (or lack of it). But when Issy shares the details of their little group further afield, they get some unexpected new members who might just change their opinions on singledom for good….

The Singalong Society for Singletons is the feel-good book of the year. I couldn't stop smiling from cover to cover, especially after seeing the list of musicals right at the start that were going to be featured. So many favourites of mine. 

If you are a fan of musicals, then you will without a doubt adore this book, if you aren't then don't worry as you aren't expected to know the shows inside out, and there is a fantastic story of friendship and romances within the singalong society. 

The only slightly small niggle I had with the book was the amount of times I had to stop reading to double check I had a sound track on my ipod, or in the case of one DVD mentioned, rushing to Amazon to check it really existed - sorry didn't realise the Shrek Musical had, had a DVD release...may have to add that to my collection, since I love the show and soundtrack! 

The only other slight problem you may have with this wonderful book is if you are like me, you will end up with various songs running through your head as you read the story. For me its so refreshing for me to know the majority of what would be the soundtrack to a book. In fact I loved how occasionally the lyrics from some of the films would just make their way into the regular descriptions and dialogue - very clever by the author! 

The overwhelming feeling I had while reading this book was just how much Katey Lovell must have enjoyed researching this book, everything about it is spot on, and I loved the night out at Rocky Horror, which is one of my all time favourite shows to see live. The cult atmosphere of the show was summed up perfectly, complete with the dressing up...with the exception of Monique , I loved all the other's costumes, especially Liam. 

But what is a Singalong Society for Singletons you may be wondering at this point? Well after Monique, Issy and Hope were watching Frozen and belting out Let I t Go, they realised just how much better they felt just by singing along. They decide to meet each Friday evening and to watch musicals, catch up as friends and generally have a good time with the songs. They invite their other close friend Connie to join in and since they were all single at the time the society was born. 

Within a couple of weeks Ray and Liam are added to the group, and they provide a massive burst of energy to the rest of the book. Two straight guys with a love of musical theatre, and both appearing to have more to them than meets the eyes, and they are both single too, so fitted in brilliantly. 

The story is told as a series of weekly Friday meetings, and we catch up with what everyone has been up to during the week, as well as their chatter while they watch the chosen musical of the week. Always loads of snacks are available, and early on there are some fantastic conversations during The Lion King, sparking all manner of changes with one of the Singletons. 

I honestly didn't want this book to finish ever, there were so many more musicals that could have been incorporated but on the whole I think the majority of people will recognise a large amount of these shows, they are generally classics whether you have seen them on stage or screen. 

All that is left for me to say is that this book proves what I thought earlier in the year when reading other shorter works by the author, and that is Katey Lovell is a rising talent, and is one to watch in the upcoming years as she produces more hopefully wonderful escapist stories. 

Thank you so much to Katey Lovell for the opportunity to have an early review copy. This was my honest opinion. 

Happy Publication day Katey. The Singalong Society for Singletons is out now in ebook, and in paperback in December. 

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