Carole Matthews Welcome to the Real World

Welcome to the Real World

Carole Matthews

Red Dress, Sep 2006, $21.95

ISBN 0373895909

London bartender and lounge singer Fern Kendal dreams of making it to the big time in the music industry, but reality is that with two jobs and three males depending on her income, she will never leave the bar scene. Fern is tired, but knows that her asthmatic nephew needs full time care which is tendered to him by his father. That she is okay with; she resents funding her father's gambling addiction as he resides in her flat eating her food, etc.

Fern manages to obtain a position as personal assistant to opera singer Evan David; they are immediately attracted to one another. Meanwhile her former high school sweetheart and pianist Carol persuades Fern to try out for a spot on talent show Fame Game; Evan is one of the competitors so she hides her efforts from her boss. Surprising herself, she is invited back by the show producers, but without Carol at a time when an opera diva makes a sexual attempt to reel in Evan

The relationships between Fern and the two men in her life are strong and fun to follow as the audience wonders who will end up with the girl that is if one does. The story line can turn sappy, but Fern's run for fame while having two men desire her makes for a solid fine tale with a rival Lana Rosita adding jealousy and humor to the mix. Fans will enjoy this delightful London swings contemporary romance.

Harriet Klausner