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The Wake-Up Call by Beth O’Leary

Book Review | Dec 2023
The Wake-Up Call
Our Rating: (4/5)
Author: O'Leary, Beth
Category: Fiction, Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945)
Publisher: Quercus
ISBN: 75-9781529418255
RRP: 32.99
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Meet Izzy and Lucas, both working as concierges at Forest Manor Hotel. The hotel is suffering from financial difficulties, but when the roof crashes in after a storm, the hotel is now in dire financial trouble.

Following a miscommunication the year before, Izzy and Lucas can’t stand each other. However, now both need to put their differences aside to work together for the sake of the crumbling hotel – one they both love.

Aside from this colourful duo’s story, there is the addition of finding the owners of some special jewellery that has been left at the hotel over the years. What starts off as little healthy competition and some minor subterfuge, slowly changes as everyone pulls together to try and save the hotel and find the ring’s owners. Expect a few mishaps and shenanigans from all the characters, with perfectly crafted personalities that had me in stitches.

Told from both Izzy’s and Lucas’s point of view, I enjoyed hearing from them as we see a level of vulnerability, endearing them to me with their playful banter and clever dialogue.

While the first half was a little slow, it picked up by the second half. This adorable enemies-to-lovers rom-com takes place over Christmas and has just the right amount of festive vibes without being over the top.

The Wake-Up Call brims with emotions and entertainment, but also tackles feelings of deception, grief and emotional pain. I adored Izzy and Lucas and was cheering for them the whole way. Fabulous.

Reviewed by Linda Raiti

Beth O'Leary authorABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beth O’Leary is a Sunday Times bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than 30 languages.

She wrote her debut novel, The Flatshare, on her train journey to and from her job at a children’s publisher.

She now lives in the Hampshire countryside and writes full time.

Visit Beth O’Leary’s website

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