The Party Season - Book Review

This is Sarah Mason's second book. Now unfortunately second books can sometimes tend to be rushed out and often signal a definite drop in standard which thankfully is resolved by the third and then subsequant books. It was with this in mind that I felt a sense of concern as I began to read this book - I really didn't want for it to fall victim to this pattern...

Isabel Serranti had the pleasure of spending some of her childhood years living on the Monkwell country estate. She and her sister Sophie grew up alongside the two Monkwell boys, Simon and Will. It all went swimmingly until one day Simon changed from the sweet boy she was so close to into a horrible bully. Now they're grown ups, and Simon receives a lot of press as a successful entrepeneur. Unfortunately this press is rarely complimentary and party planner Izzy is sure that Simon hasn't changed. So when Monty, Simon's father, asks her to help host a charity ball on the estate she worries about the past coming back.

As Izzy and her best friend Dominic arrive at the country estate she is surprised to quickly find that things aren't quite as she remembers. This coupled with the company of Monty, his mad sister Aunt Flo, the stern housekeeper Mrs Delaney and her son Harry (currently in the middle of bob-a-jobbing - no job too large or small), and Izzy's own aunt Winnie begin to help Izzy to put some of the demons of her childhood behind her. That is however until Simon returns prematurely from his business in America and Izzy finds herself face to face once more with the boy who hurt her so badly.

The plot is fast paced and surprisingly believable (if not a little far-fetched at times). I could easily see it becoming a well-received Brit Flick. The characters all work well together and you really find yourself routing for them - even the ones you don't expect yourself to.

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and conceived. Thankfully Mason doesn't fall victim to the second book syndrome - this just carries on from where 'Playing James' left off. Definitely worth a read!

Like this? Try 'Divas Las Vegas' by Belinda Jones

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