Dan and Gemma have found their dream first home, but the asking price is the stuff of nightmares. The only way they'll ever save enough for the deposit is by moving in, rent-free, with Dan's mum.
It's a desperate solution, but it's only for six months. And Gemma's determined to make it work, no matter how bad things get.
But between Dan's mum's kitchen karaoke, her constant innuendos, irrepressible argumentative streak and - worst of all - her ham and pineapple curries, life back at home would test the patience of two saints. Which Dan and Gemma most definitely are not.
Then, as they're trying to convince themselves it will all be worth it, Gemma's past comes back to haunt her. And suddenly the foundations of their entire relationship are shaken to their core…
As a big chick lit fan I am very ashamed to admit I've somehow never actually read one of Jane Costello's novels. I have a copy of almost all of her books lying around my home, but I never actually got to picking one of them up and reading it. So, when I was contacted about Jane's newest release 'The Love Shack', I knew there was no way I was going to miss out on another one of her books, especially not after having read so many positive things about her writing over the past couple of years. As soon as I found the gorgeous paperback copy of the novel on my doorstep, I decided to temporarily ignore my pile of review books, find a bit of extra time and dive in straight away!
Dan and Gemma have been together for several years and, both at the end of their twenties, have decided it is time to buy their first house together. After having looked around for quite some time without any luck, they one day visit Pebble Cottage and straight away know it's their dream home. The house, however, is quite a bit over their budget and will need some work. Gemma and Dan decide to go for it and in order to save the money they need, they give up their rented flat and move in with Dan's mother. Temporarily, until they've saved that bit of extra money. Yet, moving in with your mother/mother-in-law brings some troubles with it, especially when these come at the same time as the stress of buying a house and just the trials and tribulations of every-day life in general...
You know a novel is a great one if you don't want to put it down because you're enjoying reading it too much to go and do something else. I have to say I loved absolutely everything about 'The Love Shack'; from its gorgeous book cover to the captivating storyline and the simply wonderful group of characters. Jane Costello is a fabulous author and born storyteller and I couldn't get enough of her latest release. This is one of those books that makes you forget about real life for a few hours and smile and feel with the characters in it. The two main characters from whose point of view the story is told, Gemma and Dan, were both easy to like and warm to (they make a lovely couple), and I suspect many readers will be able to relate to them and the situations they find themselves in.
Next to Dan and Gemma, there are several wonderful secondary characters who really added their own touch to the story, such as Dan's mother Belinda and grandmother Flossie, estate agent Rich, and both Dan's and Gemma's colleagues at work. I can't believe this is my first Jane Costello read and I already can't wait to pick up more of her novels, which I'm sure I'll enjoy as well. 'The Love Shack' is a simply amazing, witty, warm, light-hearted read which I couldn't get enough of. A read that comes highly recommended to chick lit/rom com fans; I hope you will end up enjoying it as much as I did!
Rating:
10/10Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
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