One of three books I agreed to read for this year’s Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance shortlisting, I really enjoyed it! (A veil will be drawn over the other two as I didn’t even make it past chapter two of either – but then I’m not exactly target market for this kind of book.)

After 30+ years of marriage and approaching her 60^th birthday, Jeanie ‘suddenly’ realizes George isn’t the man for her any more. Triggered by encountering fellow grandparent, Ray, on . . . well, you’ve guessed that bit, and with a hidden secret in George’s past, the story moves along at a fair lick. Supporting characters prissy daughter Chanty (what on earth is that short for?) and feckless artist son in law Alex add a bit of spice and I raced through wanting a happy ending. Sure enough, most loose ends were duly tied. Probably not one for reading groups although the dynamics of the mother/daughter relationship might be fertile ground.

As for comedy romance - surely a difficult oeuvre - I can’t say I laughed out loud but will watch Ms Boyd’s progress with interest from now on. Not quite a debut as she’s written half a dozen non-fiction titles but quite accomplished in its field.