Book Review: The Little Theatre on Halfpenny Lane by Clodagh Murphy

It is my pleasure to welcome Clodagh Murphy to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her novel, The Little Theatre on Halfpenny Lane. 

 Aoife and her sisters know exactly what to do when they inherit their Great-aunt Detta’s theatre on Halfpenny Lane:

• Restore the dilapidated building to its former glory.
• Perform together on its stage to packed houses and rapturous applause.
• Live happily ever after.

But they didn’t count on Detta leaving a share in the theatre to her godson, Jonathan. Now they’ll have to persuade him to buy into their vision of stardust and magic – or find the money to buy him out.

As they fight to save the theatre, Aoife also battles her growing feelings for Jonathan. Because she can’t let herself fall for the man who’s about to bring the curtain down on their dreams.

*****

Aoife, Mimi and Sive have always had the impression that they’d inherit their Great-Aunt Detta’s theatre on Halfpenny Lane. However, they had not counted on Jonathan, Detta’s Godson inheriting a share.

Now, in order to save their beloved theatre and restore it to its former glory, they either have to convince Jonathan to remain a willing investor or buy him out.

Can they save their theatre or will they lose their dream?

This book was my introduction to Clodagh Murphy and I was excited to be invited onto the blog tour for the Little Theatre on Halfpenny Lane.

I read this novel in one sitting. I couldn’t stop reading. I instantly fell in love with these characters and the setting. I could picture The Halfpenny Theatre and the charm it holds. I could see the stage, the rows of chairs and the overall atmosphere. I wanted it saved.

The plot moves well and Clodagh Murphy’s writing style makes it easy to fall into this novel and get invested in the story. Will they or won’t they save the theatre?

The three girls were very different and all very likeable.

I had a lot of empathy for Aoife. Family tragedy means that, at a time where she should have been enjoying life, working out who she was and what she wanted to be, she instead became a guardian to her two younger sisters who didn’t always make it easy for her. She had to grow up quickly and become the responsible one.

She doesn’t resent her sisters which is something I loved. She was supportive of them and they were very much a team. Through the book, she becomes more aware that she holds onto the responsibility for her siblings, an act that may no longer be needed. I found her story arc interesting, heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time.

Mimi and Sive were wonderful. Both were confident in themselves and their ability without being arrogant. Both of them are capable, more than Aoife gives them credit for.

Jonathan is a mystery. Is he a nice, misunderstood man, like Mr Darcy or is he the villain? I was certainly guessing until the end on this front. What was he hiding? I needed to know!

I adored the overall feel of this book. There is so much warmth and charm, with likeable, relatable characters. It’s about love, family and allowing yourself to believe your dreams can come true. You just have to have enough faith, in yourself and others.

OK, no more spoilers. I am hoping I have not given too much away.

I am really hoping it’s not the last we see from these characters. I feel that there’s more to their stories, especially Mimi and her ex.

I have become a fan of Clodagh Murphy. If you’re looking for a lovely, romantic, whimsical escape, this book is perfect.

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and Netgalley for the advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review. 

About Clodagh Murphy: 

Clodagh Murphy lives in Dublin, Ireland. She has worked as a bar waitress, cleaner, secretary, editorial assistant, mystery shopper and movie extra. But she always dreamed of being an author, and after more jobs than she cares to (or can) remember, she now writes full-time. 

Say hello to Clodagh via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bookbub and Goodreads. 

Click to buy The Little Theatre on Halfpenny Lane on Amazon UK, Waterstones and Amazon US. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.