Cheryl's Book Nook

When iconic ballerina Beatrice Duvall died, a nation mourned – and a legacy was born. Sixteen years later, her daughter Ava comes to London to take part in a high-profile tribute to Beatrice, and to learn about the mother she never knew. There’s just one snag: the tribute is a ballet, Swan Lake . Which is infinitely painful for Ava, because she can’t dance. Won’t dance. Not since she quit the Royal Ballet School last year and walked away from everything that defined her. But this is London, colourful and crazy, and with actor Seb at her side, there’s so much to discover. Like Theatreland razzmatazz and rooftop picnics and flamingo parties. And a whole load of truths Ava never knew about her mother – and herself. When the time comes to take the stage, will Ava step out of the shadow cast by her mother’s pedestal? And who will be waiting for her there, in the bright lights? A coming-of-age novel about family and first love, in the city of hopes and dreams. My Review T...

The cake was homemade. Lopsided. Slathered in gloopy frosting. Judging by Adam’s previous attempts in the kitchen, it was safe to assume it would be inedible. Estelle loved it. ‘You baked? For me?’ She reached over and pulled Adam into a hug, awkward with the massive baby bump wedged between them. ‘Happy anniversary!’ he said. Estelle pulled back, frowning. ‘That’s tomorrow.’ A year since she had Become a Cerulean. A year since she had died. ‘I know,’ said Adam. ‘But I have a surprise for you. A… gift. And I wasn’t sure how you’d take it, so I thought: give it to you today, and if you… well, if it’s not what you want, then it hasn’t spoiled tomorrow.’ He smiled at her – nervously. ‘O-kay,’ said Estelle. She couldn’t fathom what gift she could potentially dislike that much. Unless he’d bought her something girlie. She didn’t do girlie. ‘Good,’ said Adam. He grabbed her hands. ‘Ready?’ She’d barely begun to nod when it happened… the picnic blanket, the beach, the ocean, all gone, ...