I have said before that there is no such thing as a bad Claire Highton Stevenson book. And having read this latest one I just have to repeat myself.
This is an age gap romance set in a women’s football club . Now football is not really my thing – however it used to be when I was a kid. I had a Liverpool Football kit when I was about 8 and wanted nothing more for Christmas than a matching tracksuit. Opened a parcel on Christmas Day and I was confused. To my Liverpool shaped eyes it looked like a Spurs tracksuit. And it was my cousin who supported them. They tried to convince me it was a Liverpool away kit tracksuit – but I was smarter than that. In those days you had to be grateful for what you got so I had to wear it till it literally dropped off me. But anyway I digress.
You can clearly feel Claire’s love of the game in this book. And her knowledge of the game and the structure of women’s football.
She can describe the way the ball moves across the pitch as well as she can describe the multitude of emerging, often confusing feelings between Nora and Gabby.
They both have ‘issues’ with a prospective age gap relationship due to their previous experiences.
One of the interesting things in this story is how Gabby’s vulnerability has been highlighted. She’s big and bold in the world, full of confidence until she’s vulnerable.

Also of interest is another Art bar – Art Too. Great continuity in a familiar space.

I enjoyed this.