‘Wonderfully uplifting’ Trisha Ashley It only takes a moment to change a life for ever… Fern is too busy making sure other people feel good about themselves to give much thought to her own happiness. But somehow, without her noticing, life has run away from her. Suddenly, Fern realises her vintage clothes business is struggling, and the casual relationship she’d always thought she was happy in … always thought she was happy in doesn’t look so appealing.
But sometimes, karma really does come through. And when Fern goes out of her way to help 85-year-old Dinah, little does she realise their new friendship will change her life.
Dinah may have troubles in her past, but she’s lived and loved to the full. Can Dinah show Fern that even the smallest acts of kindness can make the world a better place?
If you liked 59 Memory Lane or The Library of Lost and Found, you’ll love this feel-good book!
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Looking for a heartwarming summer read? Try A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS. It’s a delight!
The story revolves around Fern Banks, a thirty-something woman whose passion is vintage clothing, which she sells from a stall in London’s Camden Market. She has rented said stall after being fired from her steady, regular-paying retail job. Why? Because she sold a dress from her private collection to an elderly client for whom nothing in the store was quite right but for whom her heart told her this particular dress was.
And this isn’t the only “random act of kindness” in the book. There are several, none hokey or trite, and each with different and charming repercussions.
Fern has a knack for sensing not only what people want, but what they need in their lives. As the story progresses, she gathers a coterie of unusual friends, all drawn to her because of her outspoken spunk and intrinsic goodness. This isn’t to say that her own life is perfect. Her love life is in shambles, her relationship with her mother is disastrous, and her business hangs by a thread. Literally.
We’re talking about vintage fashion here. Most chapters start with descriptions of a piece of clothing that suits someone or thing in that chapter.
A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS is modern, clever, and smart. It’s a story of self-realization, not only for Fern but for those closest to her as well. BTW, older characters play a prominent role in this novel, and they are hilarious.
I loved this book. Want to give it a try?
Exceptionally well-written book with wonderful characters and a powerful message that sneaks up on you in a way that’s really delightful.
This is the first book that I have read by this author, Sophie Jenkins. She has one other book published, according to what I could find out. I see a bright future as an author for her. She developed the characters and plot for this book excellently. I like that her story included characters of various ages. I especially like to read books with the older population to at least have a part of the plot. There is an older couple in A Random Act of Kindness that warmed by heart with their many years of marriage and love.
The main character, Fern Banks is at her core a designer of fashion and a true lover of vintage. Her world revolves around how the perfect outfit can change a person’s day or life. If you do not like fashion or do not understand how it truly can change your mind-set, then this book probably is not for you. It does go on and on about clothes quite a bit. I did not mind that though. I do not dress in designer labels, but I do know what it feels like to put on that special item and it makes the day brighter.
I enjoyed this story and want to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for allowing me to read the ARC for this book.