Title: The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance
Author: Kirsty Greenwood
First published April 1, 2015
400 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781447247326 (ISBN10: 1447247329)
Rating: 4.19
Overview
Meet Jessica Beam, a wild party girl who is down on her luck. After losing her job and her home, Jess turns to her long-lost grandmother, Matilda Beam, for help.
But things aren’t going well for Matilda either – her vintage romance guides are out of print and her mortgage payments are piling up. That is until a London publisher offers them a lifeline.
Together, they must revamp the vintage guides and transform Jess from a modern rebel into a demure vintage lady, all to capture the heart of London’s most notorious playboy, Leo Frost. With nerves of steel and a seriously pointy bra, can they pull off this makeover and prove that vintage romance still works?
Join Jess and Matilda on a hilarious and heartwarming journey of love and self-discovery in The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance by Kirsty Greenwood.
About the Author
Meet Kirsty Greenwood, an author who has earned her place as a top ten bestseller by writing romantic comedies that are both funny and fearless. Her books tell the stories of extraordinary love in a fast-paced style that keeps readers hooked.
When Kirsty isn’t busy writing, she enjoys composing musicals and testing out new recipes (with varying degrees of success). She loves taking walks in the blustery hills near her home, buying glittery eyeshadow, singing to her beloved dog, and reading as many books as she can get her hands on.
If you’re interested in staying up-to-date on Kirsty’s latest releases and discounted books, you can sign up for her newsletter. You can also connect with Kirsty on Instagram (@kirsty_greenwood) and Facebook (KirstyGreenwoodBooks), where she loves to chat with her fans.
So don’t be shy – say hi!
Editoral Review
Kirsty Greenwood’s novel, The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance, is a charming and witty exploration of love, self-discovery, and the power of vintage clothes. Greenwood is a British author who has gained a reputation for writing delightful romantic comedies, and this book is no exception.
Published on April 1, 2015, the novel is set in the vibrant city of Leeds in the UK and tells the story of Jessica Beam, a quirky and vivacious vintage clothing expert who sets out to turn a hopeless romantic into a dashing hero. The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and style.
The novel’s plot centers around Jessica helping a shy and awkward man, Matt, find love by creating a “vintage romance plan” that involves dressing him in retro clothes and teaching him the art of wooing. The story is full of twists and turns as the unlikely duo navigates the treacherous waters of love, with Jessica finding herself unexpectedly falling for Matt along the way.
The vintage clothing theme adds a delightful touch of nostalgia to the story, creating a unique and charming atmosphere that readers will love. One of the strengths of Greenwood’s writing is her ability to create lively and memorable characters.
Jessica is an endearing protagonist, full of sass and humor, while Matt is a relatable and lovable underdog. Supporting characters, such as Jessica’s best friend and vintage clothing aficionado, Martha, add depth and richness to the story.
The setting of Leeds, with its vibrant nightlife and quirky vintage shops, is also expertly described and adds to the novel’s charm. The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance is not only a delightful romp but also touches on deeper themes of self-discovery and empowerment.
Jessica’s journey towards self-acceptance and self-love is a poignant reminder of the power of embracing our quirks and idiosyncrasies. The novel also explores the modern dating scene and the ways in which technology has changed the way we interact with each other, adding a contemporary edge to the vintage theme.
However, the novel does have a few weaknesses. The pacing of the story is uneven, with some parts feeling rushed and others dragging.
Additionally, the resolution of the story feels a bit rushed and could have been more satisfying. Finally, while the vintage clothing theme adds charm and personality to the story, it may not be for everyone, and readers who are not interested in retro fashion may find it distracting.
Overall, The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance is a well-crafted and delightful novel that is perfect for fans of romantic comedy and vintage fashion. Kirsty Greenwood’s writing is witty, charming, and heartfelt, and her characters are memorable and lovable.
While the novel has its flaws, it is still a delightful read that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and heartwarming read.
Rating: 4/5