Billy and Me is not a new novel, but it is one that i cannot help but keep coming back to as i dive in to the world of Sophie and Billy again and again. I released i’ve read it so many times but not actually reviewed it yet. The cause for my reread this time is the upcoming release of Always With Love, which is set to give us more antics from my favourite literary couple.
Title: Billy and Me
Author: Giovanna Fletcher
Genre: Chick-Lit, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: 23rd May 2013
Pages: 396
Summary: Sophie May has a secret.
One that she’s successfully kept for years. It’s meant that she’s had to give up her dreams of going to university and travelling the world to stay in her little village, living with her mum and working in the local teashop.
But then she meets the gorgeous Billy – an actor with ambitions to make it to the top. And when they fall in love, Sophie is whisked away from the comfort of her life into Billy’s glamorous – but ruthless – world.
Their relationship throws Sophie right into the spotlight after years of shying away from attention. Can she handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with Billy? And most of all, is she ready for her secret heartbreak to be discovered and shared with the nation?
Sophie is happy staying in her small village, surrounded by her mother and close friend Molly as she works at Tea-On-The-Hill day in and day out. That is until a film crew rolls in to the village and gets heads turning as gossip descends about the stars who will be coming to their home. Billy Buskin was once a teen movie star, and his upcoming role in Pride and Prejudice is set to make him the big Hollywood name that he deserves. However when he arrives at Tea-On-The-Hill one morning, Sophie May might be the little bit of normality he is craving.
I’ve reread this novel so many times i think i’m going to have to buy myself another copy to stop the cover falling apart. I have never been afraid to say that i love this little burst of happiness and so many times i have recommended it in posts on this blog, it’s because it’s absolutely fantastic.
Sometimes you just need a really nice, relaxing contemporary novel to take you away from the rest of the world, this is what Billy and Me offers. It lets you imagine a life where you’re involved with a film star, attending all these swish parties and also keeps you grounded with a great family. The characters are incredible and you truly feel a part of this book when you’re reading.
Every time i read it i forget about the heart breaking scenes that lie ahead. It does deal with some serious topics. Depression, death and loneliness are all incorporated in to this story which adds a much needed reality check when you realise you’re reading about a young nobody attending the BAFTA’s. It’s written in very cleverly.
I’ll always be the first person to tell you that Giovanna’s writing is no Shakespeare, but it doesn’t make me love her novels any less. She creates fun stories with loveable characters without fail, and Billy and Me is just the start of a string of great novels. I cannot wait for the release of Always With Love, i will start reading the moment i get my hands on a copy.
If you enjoy chick-lit with a bit of humour and a bit of depth, i wouldn’t hesitate to pick up Billy and Me. Giovanna is easily my favourite chick-lit author.
The Little Contemporary Corner 