Book review: Joyful tale of self-discovery

Lucy Dillon worked as a fiction editor before becoming a best-selling author. ‘Is That You, Beth Cherry?’ is her 12th novel.

• Is That You Beth Cherry?
• Lucy Dillon 
• Hodder & Stoughton, £20.00 hb

Is That You, Beth Cherry? is the 12th novel from Lucy Dillon and is set in the fictional market town of Longhampton. 

As a recipient of a Romantic Novelists Association Award on more than one occasion, Dillon is a writer who clearly knows her target market.

With a cast of characters that come alive on paper, Is That You, Beth Cherry? is a heart-warming, relatable, and gentle story about self-discovery and finding one’s place in the world. 

Dillon is an advocate for rescue dogs and also a collector of, as she calls it herself, “dog-related junk” so it’s really lovely to see these parts of her own personality pop up throughout the story.

Beth Cherry had her life planned out. Following a difficult upbringing she thrived on routine with a strong relationship, a secure job, and a place to call home … until the moment her world imploded.

Fraser had been the one, her forever, but following an unexpected breakup, Beth soon finds herself floundering.

Working-from-home suits Beth perfectly as, unable to function properly, she slowly turns in on herself, disconnecting herself from social occasions and distancing herself from her work colleagues.

What should have been a time of reflection slowly descends into self-loathing and loneliness. 

Beth’s one constant in her life is Tomsk, her beloved rescue dog, who has become her anchor, the only one she can trust and rely on.

When her house share collapses, Beth has a real moment of fear about where she and Tomsk will live but rescue comes in the most unlikely form when Fraser’s mother, Martine, offers a solution, a temporary space over her garage that was once home to the family’s au pair.

Beth, on occasion, used to visit Longhampton and recalls happier times there with Fraser and his family, so, although briefly reticent, she accepts. 

Could this be a second-chance opportunity to rekindle her relationship with Fraser?

Beth has neither motivation nor energy and when she hears that her job is potentially on the line, she just wants to lock the door and ignore the outside world. 

With a gentle and discreet nudge, Martine encourages Beth to take part in a writing project for a local nursing home. 

Beth is initially reluctant but soon finds herself caught up in the lives of the residents with their fascinating stories of days gone by.

Beth is taken by surprise one day when she reads an anonymous letter, one that is full of passion for a love that could never be. 

Her intuition leads her down an unexpected path where past secrets slowly unfurl. But Beth is hesitant to expose any individual as a family’s glue could very easily become undone. 

As Beth becomes more immersed in this senior community, she begins to open up a little to people, becoming less invested in her own problems, until the day comes when big decisions have to be made.

With tender scenes and many heartfelt moments, Is That You, Beth Cherry? is a story that will resonate with many who have found themselves suddenly single and alone. 

Taking that first step to connect with new people can be a struggle as it can be extremely easy to lock the door and hideaway. 

Beth Cherry is a warm-hearted soul with a genuine and caring personality. 

Her character develops beautifully as the story unfolds with the introduction of an additional cast that could be straight out of a Richard Osman cosy mystery.

But there are no murders in this tale. Is That You, Beth Cherry? is an uplifting novel, a comforting story of personal growth, a joyful and sweet read.