A cruise, no matter how magical, can’t change your life …

“You had me at the word ‘cruise'” was my reaction when a press release for this book crossed my desk, to paraphrase the famous line from Jerry Maguire.

Bestselling author and master storyteller Tricia Stringer tackles troubled relationships, second chances and love old and new in this uplifting story of unlikely dining companions thrown together on a glamorous cruise. 

This paragraph sounded just like a recent experience when I was on a glamorous cruise and spent time with some incredible people; the type of people it is a privilege to meet at any time. And yes our first meeting was at a Table for Eight. Here the similarities cease, but nonetheless, I read on. To quote the press release from the publisher HQ Fiction:

Clever, charming dressmaker Ketty Clift is embarking on her final cruise from Sydney before she must make serious changes in her life. Supported by the ship’s all-powerful maître d’ Carlos, she has a mission: transform the lives of those who join her at her dining table every evening.

Not only can Ketty turn Cinderellas into princesses with her legendary style-eye, but she has a gift for bringing people together.

But this trip is different. As the glamour and indulgence of the cruise takes hold, and the ship sails further away from Sydney towards the Pacific Islands, it becomes clear that her fellow travellers – a troubled family, a grieving widower and an angry divorcee determined to wreak revenge on her ex – are going to be harder work than usual.

As Ketty tries to deal with her own problems, including the unexpected arrival on board of her long-lost love, Leo – the man who broke her heart – as well as troubling news from home, she begins to realise this might be the one cruise that will defeat her. 

Okay, I’m now well and truly hooked and requested a review copy from HQ Fiction

Now here’s the awesome news HQ Fiction offered 10 copies of Table for Eight, by Tricia Stringer to members of the Starts at 60 Club Book Club, in return for joining an online book club discussion. Click on the book club link above to see details of this competition, which is open to members only. 

Table for Eight, by Tricia Stringer, will be released by HQ Fiction in printed and digital editions after 26 September 2018.