A Promise Between Friends
A saga set in the 1950s, this tells the story of Ruby, an attractive but naive young girl from an East End family whose life has been overshadowed by the suicide of her much-loved brother. Keen to seek independence, she moves in with her friend, Kath, and her brother, Bernie. Her path crosses that of the glamorous Anna, who offers her a dream job as a model, and she meets the older, worldlier Nick. Dazzled by their lifestyle, she moves away from her old friends and her job in a poodle parlour to a more complex and often shadier world.
Ruby has her trials and tribulations and is often a poor judge of character but in the end realises the importance of family and friendships to win a happy ending. For me, the whole plot was a bit predictable, but the book is a pleasant and undemanding read. Carol Rivers evokes the morals and lifestyle of the Fifties with some skill. I am sure that her many fans will be delighted by the book.
