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 in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.