We’re up to book number 23 of my Goodreads Reading Challenge (and book number 4 of the big holiday read) – The Year of Taking Chances by Lucy Diamond.

‘Because love is always worth the risk . . .

It’s New Year’s Eve, and Gemma and Spencer Bailey are throwing a house party. There’s music, dancing, champagne and all their best friends under one roof. It’s going to be a night to remember.

Also at the party is Caitlin, who has returned to the village to pack up her much-missed mum’s house and to figure out what to do with her life; and Saffron, a PR executive who’s keeping a secret which no amount of spin can change. The three women bond over Gemma’s dodgy cocktails and fortune cookies, and vow to make this year their best one yet.

But as the months unfold, Gemma, Saffron and Caitlin find themselves tested to their limits by shocking new developments. Family, love, work, home – all the things they’ve taken for granted are thrown into disarray. Under pressure, they are each forced to rethink their lives and start over. But dare they take a chance on something new?’ (Blurb taken from Amazon – thanks!)

Gemma, Saffron and Caitlin meet by chance on New Years Eve, each with their own hidden problems, but feeling hopeful for the year ahead.  This novel is told from each of their points of view, as we learn more about the secret demons they face whilst forging a budding friendship with each other.

This novel has everything a chick lit novel should have: main characters faced with adversity, female solidarity, family issues and a will they/won’t they romance.  Lucy Diamond certainly ticks all the boxes with The Year of Taking Chances.  There are no surprises in this novel, however sometimes that is what we want from a novel.  This is a great beach read, showing just what women are capable of when they pull together and help one another.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars