Jane and I are both members of the Book Connectors group on Facebook. I’d read, and enjoyed, her short story collection, A Modern Life: Sweet and Salty Short Stories. So when I ran into her at the Triskele Literary Festival in London on the 17th September, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s always fun to meet someone in person who you’ve only chatted to online.
Jane was manning a table of her lovely books at the festival and, as they looked so intriguing, I gave into temptation and purchased one. Of course, Jane was lovely too. 🙂
I chose a limited edition hardcover of Jane’s first novel, The Changing Room (edition at back). As you can see from the above photo, the cover was later changed (front-most edition) and, while I do find the new cover attractive, it also looks similar to another cover I’ve seen somewhere. The cartoon on the hardback version drew my attention right away and made me question what the book was about. I have to admit, I’ve never seen anything quite like it before. Also, now having read the book, I think this cover suits the story better.
The back cover is nicely decorated too.
What do you think of Jane’s two covers, and which would you have chosen? I’d love to hear so do consider leaving a comment below.
Here’s my review of The Changing Room.
My review:
“Parenthood is one long journey of discovery isn’t it? I’d better go,” I say, snatching a look at Mum. “My mother’s keeping a watchful eye on me.”
As Sandy Lovett’s mother becomes increasingly confused and disoriented due to her Alzheimer’s, Sandy has to step up and take on a caring role for her. When, one night, Sandy enters her mother’s home to find her huddled underneath the table in the dark, fearing the arrival of German forces—her mind is often stuck in World War 2—Sandy realises her mum needs full time care. Not yet ready to put her mum in a home, Sandy decides to quit her job at Hendersons furniture store to look after her full time, in addition to her responsibilities to her three children.
Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t be worse for husband Dave’s small scale building business. He’s struggling to get by and refuses to lay off any of his workforce in order to increase profits (good on Dave). When Sandy’s friend and fellow PTA-member Deidre offers her a part time sales job at The Herald, Sandy jumps at the chance—she can sell anything and working out of the office will mean she can spend more time with her mum. But, despite Sandy’s excellent sales record, the job still isn’t lucrative enough to support Dave’s ailing business. Luckily, phone sales isn’t the only line of work Deidre has to offer. What she proposes next will heat things up in more ways than one.
With a colourful cast of well drawn characters and a fantastic sense of humour, Turley’s The Changing Room was just the kind of book I’d hoped it would be and more. I admired Sandy’s strength and tenacity in choosing the right battles to fight and, sensibly, letting the others go. Of course, I also appreciated her witty reflections on those around her and, indeed, on herself.
Turley’s writing is hilariously funny in parts as well as poignant. Her empathy for her characters shines through at all points. I found The Changing Room to be both uplifting and refreshing–a story about working families makes for a welcome change. I look forward to reading whatever Jane Turley chooses to write next.
Readers can purchase The Changing Room from Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Changing-Room-British-Comedy-Laughter-ebook/dp/B0160Q1YFC/
Amazon U.S.: https://www.amazon.com/Changing-Room-British-Comedy-Laughter-ebook/dp/B0160Q1YFC/
And where all good books are sold.
Visit Jane’s website, The Witty Way’s of a Wayward Wife: http://www.janeturley.net/
Follow her on Twitter: @turleytalks
Like her page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaneTurleywriter/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf#
Kendra Olson 