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Table for Eight
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. Readers of Liz Byrski, Monica McInerney and Rachael Johns will love this book. 'A delightful, wise and heart-warming novel about second chances that celebrates friendships old and new. I devoured every page.' Rachael Johns A cruise, no matter how magical, can't change your life. Can it...? 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 maitre 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.
790 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2018
123 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Stringer
29books370followersTricia Stringer is a bestselling and award-winning author. Among others, her books include commercial fiction titles Table For Eight, The Model Wife and The Family Inheritance, the rural romances A Chance of Stormy Weather and Come Rain or Shine and historical sagas Heart of the Country, Dust on the Horizon and Jewel in the North, set in the 19th Century Flinders Ranges. Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
July 30, 2019
A fun read that sees Ketty, a fashion designer, go on a cruise from Sydney to the South Pacific islands. This is the last voyage of her favourite ship, the Diamond Duchess, and possibly her last cruise as well as her business isn't doing so well. Her old friend Carlos is maitre d' in the dining room and he seats her at a table with eight people, hence the book's title. Her dining companions are a varied bunch, all with their own reasons for cruising and some with their own agendas. As we meander through the tropical islands we get to know them and their foibles very well, laughing, loving and often cringing along side them, (as well as eating, drinking, partying, etc).
I really enjoyed this book, especially as I have cruised the area myself and it was fun to read about the ports I'd visited. Tricia Stringer really brings the characters to life, and we have a very vivid sense of cruising, which I found to be authentic. Most of the characters are flawed, but likeable, with a couple of exceptions, one of which I wanted to throw overboard! All in all a wonderful, warm book that I feel most readers would enjoy.
My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, HQ & Mira for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, especially as I have cruised the area myself and it was fun to read about the ports I'd visited. Tricia Stringer really brings the characters to life, and we have a very vivid sense of cruising, which I found to be authentic. Most of the characters are flawed, but likeable, with a couple of exceptions, one of which I wanted to throw overboard! All in all a wonderful, warm book that I feel most readers would enjoy.
My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, HQ & Mira for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2023
EXCERPT: She recalled her reason for booking the cruise and her spectacular tumble on the stairs. She pressed her fingers to her lips but couldn't stop the laugh that erupted.
Jim looked at her in surprise.
She took a sip of water and composed herself. 'My ex is on this cruise.'
'Really?' Jim glanced around as if he was about to meet Ed.
'The thing is, I knew he was going to be here with his new wife.'
ABOUT 'TABLE FOR EIGHT': 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 maitre 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 defeats her�
MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed my cruise around the South Pacific with Ketty Clift and the group of people at her table for eight. There are strained relationships; grief in a few different forms; people looking for love, or something resembling it; people determined to avoid any and all emotional entanglements; and one person intent on revenge.
I love Ketty's character. She is a woman who has endured great sorrow in her life, but she is a battler and never lets circumstances keep her down for long. With current financial problems weighing heavily on her mind, she has some difficult decisions to make. Is the reappearance of ex-lover Leo just the distraction she needs, or just another problem for her to deal with?
Table For Eight was full of surprises. Initially I thought it was going to be predictable, but that was just the author lulling me into a false sense of security. Tricia Stringer weaves a few deft twists into the story and it ends in a completely different way to what I had expected.
The characters are not spring chickens which adds another dimension to the storyline, one that I liked. The story is told from multiple points of view by the different people at the table, so sometimes we are given more than one view of events. But Tricia Stringer does this well and it is never repetitive or boring.
I enjoyed this warm-hearted shipboard drama which focuses on friendship and second chances.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.2
#TableForEight
I: @triciastringerauthor @hqstories
T: @tricia_stringer @HQstories
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #friendship #romance #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
DISCLOSURE: I borrowed a copy of Table For Eight by Tricia Stringer published by HQ Fiction from the Waitomo District Library. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my ŷ.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Instagram and my webpage
Jim looked at her in surprise.
She took a sip of water and composed herself. 'My ex is on this cruise.'
'Really?' Jim glanced around as if he was about to meet Ed.
'The thing is, I knew he was going to be here with his new wife.'
ABOUT 'TABLE FOR EIGHT': 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 maitre 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 defeats her�
MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed my cruise around the South Pacific with Ketty Clift and the group of people at her table for eight. There are strained relationships; grief in a few different forms; people looking for love, or something resembling it; people determined to avoid any and all emotional entanglements; and one person intent on revenge.
I love Ketty's character. She is a woman who has endured great sorrow in her life, but she is a battler and never lets circumstances keep her down for long. With current financial problems weighing heavily on her mind, she has some difficult decisions to make. Is the reappearance of ex-lover Leo just the distraction she needs, or just another problem for her to deal with?
Table For Eight was full of surprises. Initially I thought it was going to be predictable, but that was just the author lulling me into a false sense of security. Tricia Stringer weaves a few deft twists into the story and it ends in a completely different way to what I had expected.
The characters are not spring chickens which adds another dimension to the storyline, one that I liked. The story is told from multiple points of view by the different people at the table, so sometimes we are given more than one view of events. But Tricia Stringer does this well and it is never repetitive or boring.
I enjoyed this warm-hearted shipboard drama which focuses on friendship and second chances.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.2
#TableForEight
I: @triciastringerauthor @hqstories
T: @tricia_stringer @HQstories
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #friendship #romance #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
DISCLOSURE: I borrowed a copy of Table For Eight by Tricia Stringer published by HQ Fiction from the Waitomo District Library. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my ŷ.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Instagram and my webpage
September 16, 2018
Stepping aboard the Diamond Duchess at the dock in Sydney, Ketty Clift felt the familiar excitement of embarking on a cruise. Ketty had been on quite a few over the years, and although leaving her business, Ketty Clift Couture, in the hands of her staff for the next ten days, Ketty knew she needed to consider her business� future. This cruise was the final for the Diamond Duchess, and probably Ketty’s as well.
Ketty was greeted at the dining room that evening by maitre d' Carlos, now a dear friend, as she had met him on previous cruises. She was delighted Carlos was also onboard the Diamond Duchess. After settling her at a table for eight, Ketty wondered who she would meet this time; who would benefit from her special brand of care in the next ten days as they cruised the South Pacific. Celia, Christine, Bernard, Frank and Jim were at the table on the first night, to be joined by Josie and Leo the following night. Josie was familiar, as Ketty had met her on previous cruises, but it was seeing Leo that shocked her to the core�
As the days passed both at sea and docked at South Pacific islands, the grief of some and bitterness of others came to the fore; friendships were made, fun and new experiences were enjoyed. But Ketty felt out of sorts. Some things weren’t going as she had expected. Could Ketty sort out what was troubling her � as well as help the other members of her table for eight?
Table for Eight by Aussie author Tricia Stringer is a moving story of strangers coming together on a cruise ship and the trials and tribulations that affect each and every one. The characters are of the older generation, so have the experience of life behind them. But still, there is grief, strength, second chances and the hope of the future which ripples through them all. An absolutely delightful, feel good story which I thoroughly enjoyed (and having also cruised the same area, it felt wonderfully familiar), Table for Eight is another winner for this author in my opinion, and one I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
Ketty was greeted at the dining room that evening by maitre d' Carlos, now a dear friend, as she had met him on previous cruises. She was delighted Carlos was also onboard the Diamond Duchess. After settling her at a table for eight, Ketty wondered who she would meet this time; who would benefit from her special brand of care in the next ten days as they cruised the South Pacific. Celia, Christine, Bernard, Frank and Jim were at the table on the first night, to be joined by Josie and Leo the following night. Josie was familiar, as Ketty had met her on previous cruises, but it was seeing Leo that shocked her to the core�
As the days passed both at sea and docked at South Pacific islands, the grief of some and bitterness of others came to the fore; friendships were made, fun and new experiences were enjoyed. But Ketty felt out of sorts. Some things weren’t going as she had expected. Could Ketty sort out what was troubling her � as well as help the other members of her table for eight?
Table for Eight by Aussie author Tricia Stringer is a moving story of strangers coming together on a cruise ship and the trials and tribulations that affect each and every one. The characters are of the older generation, so have the experience of life behind them. But still, there is grief, strength, second chances and the hope of the future which ripples through them all. An absolutely delightful, feel good story which I thoroughly enjoyed (and having also cruised the same area, it felt wonderfully familiar), Table for Eight is another winner for this author in my opinion, and one I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
December 30, 2018
*
Ketty Clift loves cruising and helping people so naturally she combines the two on her numerous cruises.
Ketty’s fashion design business has taken a recent downturn and she had thoughts of cancelling her cruise on the Diamond Duchess’s farewell voyage but it seemed fitting that what may be her last cruise is also the last voyage for this magnificent ship.
Ketty loves to observe people and her table of eight each night for dinner id the perfect opportunity to get to know her fellow passengers; their strengths and foibles.
One cruise. Twelve days. Eight strangers. (well almost strangers, there is a husband and wife with the wife’s father in the group).
Stringer skilfully develops her characters. There are characteristics you will see in yourself and the people around you which draws the reader in, quickly becoming invested in the characters� lives, eager to learn more.
Stringer uses the backdrop of a luxury cruise liner to explore issues of broken relationships, love, loss, grief, family relationships, self image and second chances.
I’ve never been on a cruise and Stringer’s luscious descriptions of the opulence of the ship, the activities available, the night life and the beautiful islands they visited brought it all to life on the page. If you have cruised before I am sure it will bring back memories in vivid detail.
I loved that the characters were older (aged between 40 and 69) and how they formed friendships and relationships in a different way than younger people. Table for Eight confirms that age is no barrier to love and the need to have companionship and feel wanted.
The story is told in multiple POV so we get a well rounded view of what the characters think and feel. This also helps to explore the different ways that people see the same situation.
The main character, Ketty, is a people watcher and she loved giving people a nudge toward love, healing or a change of direction. Some may see Ketty as a meddler or a busy body but she always had good intentions.
Each character has their own reasons for being on the cruise and heartbreak, secrets and jealousies are slowly divulged throughout the story.
Stringer’s move from her highly successful Rural Fiction stories to the Contemporary Fiction market has been an outstanding success.
*This review is part of the Beauty and Lace book club. You can see the original review
Ketty Clift loves cruising and helping people so naturally she combines the two on her numerous cruises.
Ketty’s fashion design business has taken a recent downturn and she had thoughts of cancelling her cruise on the Diamond Duchess’s farewell voyage but it seemed fitting that what may be her last cruise is also the last voyage for this magnificent ship.
Ketty loves to observe people and her table of eight each night for dinner id the perfect opportunity to get to know her fellow passengers; their strengths and foibles.
One cruise. Twelve days. Eight strangers. (well almost strangers, there is a husband and wife with the wife’s father in the group).
Stringer skilfully develops her characters. There are characteristics you will see in yourself and the people around you which draws the reader in, quickly becoming invested in the characters� lives, eager to learn more.
Stringer uses the backdrop of a luxury cruise liner to explore issues of broken relationships, love, loss, grief, family relationships, self image and second chances.
I’ve never been on a cruise and Stringer’s luscious descriptions of the opulence of the ship, the activities available, the night life and the beautiful islands they visited brought it all to life on the page. If you have cruised before I am sure it will bring back memories in vivid detail.
I loved that the characters were older (aged between 40 and 69) and how they formed friendships and relationships in a different way than younger people. Table for Eight confirms that age is no barrier to love and the need to have companionship and feel wanted.
The story is told in multiple POV so we get a well rounded view of what the characters think and feel. This also helps to explore the different ways that people see the same situation.
The main character, Ketty, is a people watcher and she loved giving people a nudge toward love, healing or a change of direction. Some may see Ketty as a meddler or a busy body but she always had good intentions.
Each character has their own reasons for being on the cruise and heartbreak, secrets and jealousies are slowly divulged throughout the story.
Stringer’s move from her highly successful Rural Fiction stories to the Contemporary Fiction market has been an outstanding success.
*This review is part of the Beauty and Lace book club. You can see the original review
August 17, 2018
*
Take a trip across the high seas from Sydney and sail to the Pacific region with Tricia Stringer, a much valued Australian storyteller. Table for Eight is Stringer’s latest read and it is pleasing to see Stringer, an author I have followed closely since her first release, branch further afield. Table for Eight is set on a cruise liner, the ‘Diamond Duchess�, which is a complete change from Stringer’s usual rural based settings. Time spent with the delightful passenger and crew based cast, led by Ketty Clift on her farewell voyage, is the closest a reader can get to cruising on board a luxury liner. Stringer’s inviting new novel is sprinkled with moments of self refection, relationship building, friendships and love. Stringer’s carefully placed setting illumination ensures that we get an insider’s view of life on board a cruise ship. Life on board is gently combined with Ketty’s personal journey, which comes with plenty of secrets, resurfaced memories, family dynamics, broken hearts, regret and loss. The stunning backdrop of the Pacific region, lovingly portrayed by Stringer, ignites new memories, friendships, sparks relationships and induces life changes. Table for Eight is a solid addition to the Tricia Stringer collection.
*I wish to thank Better Reading for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Table for Eight, is book #99 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
Take a trip across the high seas from Sydney and sail to the Pacific region with Tricia Stringer, a much valued Australian storyteller. Table for Eight is Stringer’s latest read and it is pleasing to see Stringer, an author I have followed closely since her first release, branch further afield. Table for Eight is set on a cruise liner, the ‘Diamond Duchess�, which is a complete change from Stringer’s usual rural based settings. Time spent with the delightful passenger and crew based cast, led by Ketty Clift on her farewell voyage, is the closest a reader can get to cruising on board a luxury liner. Stringer’s inviting new novel is sprinkled with moments of self refection, relationship building, friendships and love. Stringer’s carefully placed setting illumination ensures that we get an insider’s view of life on board a cruise ship. Life on board is gently combined with Ketty’s personal journey, which comes with plenty of secrets, resurfaced memories, family dynamics, broken hearts, regret and loss. The stunning backdrop of the Pacific region, lovingly portrayed by Stringer, ignites new memories, friendships, sparks relationships and induces life changes. Table for Eight is a solid addition to the Tricia Stringer collection.
*I wish to thank Better Reading for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Table for Eight, is book #99 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
January 11, 2020
Dressmaker Ketty Clift, owner of Ketty Clift Couture, sets off for her final cruise. This cruise from Sydney touring the South Pacific is also to be the last cruise of the cruise ship, the Diamond Duchess. As one who takes regular cruises, Ketty is welcomed back by the maître d Carlos and other stewards and staff she has met on previous cruises. Ketty has a knack for bringing people together and helping people make the best of themselves. This time though she has been seated at a table with seven others. Among the mix, there seem to be many problems, including a troubled family, a grieving widower end an angry divorcee. And then Ketty is confronted on board by Leo, her lost love from many years ago. How will she respond to Leo’s presence in her life? And could it be that she will not be able to work her usual life-changing gifts this time? Meanwhile she has left her trusted assistant in charge of Ketty Clift Couture. But who knows what will happen when she returns as her business is in trouble. That will be an issue she will have to face when she returns home.
This is a gentle, easy read, as it introduces each of the characters and their situations. Some the reader will take to instantly. Others it will take much longer to warm to, or maybe not at all. Over the course of the ten day cruise, friendships are formed and family relationships are put in peril by jealousy, greed and other newly formed relationships. The majority of those at the table, like Ketty, are in the over sixty generation, except for Bernard’s daughter Christine and her husband Frank. It’s enjoyable to read about those who have experienced a lot of life.
I have read several of this author’s other novels but they have been in the area of rural fiction, so this was a significant departure. But it comes off. The way relationships are explored and the way people interact come to the fore. Only occasionally I thought facts were repeated when they didn’t need to be, but that is a just a minor quibble. On the whole, this was an interesting read and I very much enjoyed my time cruising with Ketty and the others. Loss, secrets, family dynamics, grief and second chances are all themes explored in this charming read. It is a book that definitely engaged my emotions throughout.
This is a gentle, easy read, as it introduces each of the characters and their situations. Some the reader will take to instantly. Others it will take much longer to warm to, or maybe not at all. Over the course of the ten day cruise, friendships are formed and family relationships are put in peril by jealousy, greed and other newly formed relationships. The majority of those at the table, like Ketty, are in the over sixty generation, except for Bernard’s daughter Christine and her husband Frank. It’s enjoyable to read about those who have experienced a lot of life.
I have read several of this author’s other novels but they have been in the area of rural fiction, so this was a significant departure. But it comes off. The way relationships are explored and the way people interact come to the fore. Only occasionally I thought facts were repeated when they didn’t need to be, but that is a just a minor quibble. On the whole, this was an interesting read and I very much enjoyed my time cruising with Ketty and the others. Loss, secrets, family dynamics, grief and second chances are all themes explored in this charming read. It is a book that definitely engaged my emotions throughout.
October 27, 2018
Having finished this book I feel like I have just got back from a cruise and met a lot of new people. This story revolves around Ketty, a fashion designer who is about to turn 65 and treats herself to a cruise, her favourite way to holiday. At dinner she is seated at a table for eight and meets a group of people, each carrying their own baggage. As they all get to know each other some ugly untruths surface that bring several very personal issues to a head. Jim is a grieving widower, literally feeling at sea on the cruise, Christine is her Daddy's princess and expects everyone to jump when she snaps her fingers, including her husband Frank.
This is a story that is well told and enjoyable. One annoyance was the characters of Celia and Maude who are 'bowls friends' on the cruise, I kept picturing a couple of 70+ ladies with blue rinses, but they were in fact much younger, being in their early to mid-fifties. I could not shake the 'older image' of these two so at some points the characters seemed to not ring true.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA HQ for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is a story that is well told and enjoyable. One annoyance was the characters of Celia and Maude who are 'bowls friends' on the cruise, I kept picturing a couple of 70+ ladies with blue rinses, but they were in fact much younger, being in their early to mid-fifties. I could not shake the 'older image' of these two so at some points the characters seemed to not ring true.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA HQ for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 7, 2019
3.5 stars
In my pre-children years I worked at Club Med on an island in the Whitsundays. My days were spent looking after children at the kids club, and my nights were spent mingling with their parents and the other guests. We got to know the guests through dining with them (compulsory and I’m sorry to every person I ever sat my plate down next to), saying hello as we made our way around the island, and joining them for activities in our spare time. I made some incredible memories there, and I’ll never forget the friends I made, but the resort is now closed. I can never go back, but Table for Eight is the closest thing.
It was interesting to read about resort life from the guests perspective, and boy did we get a lot of perspectives.
The book is mostly set aboard cruise ship the Diamond Duchess, and dressmaker and frequent floater, Ketty Clift, can’t pass up the opportunity to join it on its last voyage.
She is seated at a table for eight, and quickly sets to work doing what she loves to do on cruises, changing peoples lives for the better.
But she soon realises that this cruise will not be the relaxing experience she’s used to. Ketty can try and bury them, distract herself with the affairs of others, but she has her own problems, and they arise throughout the ten day cruise.
She must juggle the problems of her table mates, the stress of a failing business, and a blast from the past that threatens her good time, all while out at sea.
I’ll start by saying that I don’t think I’m the target audience for this book. I think maybe it would have been suited more to someone in or nearing retirement, and most of the characters fit that age group too. It was very obvious the whole time that I was reading about older people, from how they spoke to what they did, and age was mentioned a lot.
That being said, I did actually enjoy it. It was slow to hook me in, but when I got to know the characters a bit I was keen to know more about their lives.
Some of the characters fell flat to me, and I didn’t find myself particularly rooting for anyone. I did, however, find that I was rooting against some people, and the people I’m meant to root against which I suppose is good.
Ketty, the main character, was nice enough, but that’s just it. She was our eyes, our ticket to the lives of the others dining at her table.
Everything came together in the end and all ends were tied, but it still fell a bit flat for me.
All in all, it was a nice easy read which made me want to book a cruise and pack my bags � until I came to my senses and remembered I’m terrified of cruising. Maybe if the ship was smaller. And on land. And shaped like a building.
A hotel. I’m thinking of a hotel.
In my pre-children years I worked at Club Med on an island in the Whitsundays. My days were spent looking after children at the kids club, and my nights were spent mingling with their parents and the other guests. We got to know the guests through dining with them (compulsory and I’m sorry to every person I ever sat my plate down next to), saying hello as we made our way around the island, and joining them for activities in our spare time. I made some incredible memories there, and I’ll never forget the friends I made, but the resort is now closed. I can never go back, but Table for Eight is the closest thing.
It was interesting to read about resort life from the guests perspective, and boy did we get a lot of perspectives.
The book is mostly set aboard cruise ship the Diamond Duchess, and dressmaker and frequent floater, Ketty Clift, can’t pass up the opportunity to join it on its last voyage.
She is seated at a table for eight, and quickly sets to work doing what she loves to do on cruises, changing peoples lives for the better.
But she soon realises that this cruise will not be the relaxing experience she’s used to. Ketty can try and bury them, distract herself with the affairs of others, but she has her own problems, and they arise throughout the ten day cruise.
She must juggle the problems of her table mates, the stress of a failing business, and a blast from the past that threatens her good time, all while out at sea.
I’ll start by saying that I don’t think I’m the target audience for this book. I think maybe it would have been suited more to someone in or nearing retirement, and most of the characters fit that age group too. It was very obvious the whole time that I was reading about older people, from how they spoke to what they did, and age was mentioned a lot.
That being said, I did actually enjoy it. It was slow to hook me in, but when I got to know the characters a bit I was keen to know more about their lives.
Some of the characters fell flat to me, and I didn’t find myself particularly rooting for anyone. I did, however, find that I was rooting against some people, and the people I’m meant to root against which I suppose is good.
Ketty, the main character, was nice enough, but that’s just it. She was our eyes, our ticket to the lives of the others dining at her table.
Everything came together in the end and all ends were tied, but it still fell a bit flat for me.
All in all, it was a nice easy read which made me want to book a cruise and pack my bags � until I came to my senses and remembered I’m terrified of cruising. Maybe if the ship was smaller. And on land. And shaped like a building.
A hotel. I’m thinking of a hotel.
September 25, 2018
4.5 This book was slow to grow on me, but all of a sudden I was completely absorbed in the lives going on on this cruise ship. The characters were all so different, there were a few at the beginning that I wasn't keen on but throughout the story all but one grew on me and I was delighted in following their journey. Ketty was a wonderful character who bound everyone together and throughout the cruise underwent some changes she had not expected, I was really hoping for a particular outcome for Ketty and by the end of the book I was happy to see that Tricia Stringer had fulfilled my wishes. All of the characters underwent many changes on board the ship and most learnt their lessons and formed new friendships. The ending of the book was perfect and left me with a smile on my face and hope for all the characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia & MIRA for a copy in return for an honest review
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia & MIRA for a copy in return for an honest review
November 4, 2018
This is the first book of MS Stringer’s that I have read and I need to remedy that, this is a fabulous story, a story set on a cruise ship sailing out of Sydney and as it happens I read this one while on a cruise that sailed from Sydney, this is the story of fashion designer Ketty Clift, who has sailed on quite a few cruises and makes friends with the people she shares her dinner table with, more than friends really she has such a generous nature that she helps people, but this cruise on the Diamond Duchess opens up a lot of memories for Ketty this time.
Ketty’s designer company in Paddington Sydney is struggling to make ends meet these days you see Ketty prefers the personal touch with her customers rather than the online business that seems to be taking off and she is just about to celebrate her sixty fifth birthday and she is treating herself to a cruise, on one of her favourite ships, she has enjoyed many cruises over the years and made many friends, this time around there is someone on board that she has not seen in many years, someone who caused big changes in her life, can they overcome wat happened or will Ketty learn more about this man that meant so much to her.
While Ketty is dealing with her own problems she is always there for the friends at her table, the grieving widow, the divorced wife trying to prove something, the spoilt daughter firstly trying to rekindle her marriage and win her father over, the older man who falls for the fun loving Lady. All of these people come together different personalities but together they all discover things about themselves and each other while travelling around the beautiful Island in the Pacific.
I really enjoyed this story it was moving and the characters so real, the descriptions about the ship were fabulous and bought memories of the places I have visited back to me, but I loved the friendships that were developed the help that they gave to each other and Ketty is just such a beautiful person, this is a story that I highly recommend, it really is a page turner, thank MS Stringer for a fabulous story.
Ketty’s designer company in Paddington Sydney is struggling to make ends meet these days you see Ketty prefers the personal touch with her customers rather than the online business that seems to be taking off and she is just about to celebrate her sixty fifth birthday and she is treating herself to a cruise, on one of her favourite ships, she has enjoyed many cruises over the years and made many friends, this time around there is someone on board that she has not seen in many years, someone who caused big changes in her life, can they overcome wat happened or will Ketty learn more about this man that meant so much to her.
While Ketty is dealing with her own problems she is always there for the friends at her table, the grieving widow, the divorced wife trying to prove something, the spoilt daughter firstly trying to rekindle her marriage and win her father over, the older man who falls for the fun loving Lady. All of these people come together different personalities but together they all discover things about themselves and each other while travelling around the beautiful Island in the Pacific.
I really enjoyed this story it was moving and the characters so real, the descriptions about the ship were fabulous and bought memories of the places I have visited back to me, but I loved the friendships that were developed the help that they gave to each other and Ketty is just such a beautiful person, this is a story that I highly recommend, it really is a page turner, thank MS Stringer for a fabulous story.
July 18, 2019
4.5 stars. While I personally don't like cruising or cruise ships, I fear my prejudice slipped into my thought processes for the first few chapters of the book, and I soon found myself warming up to some of the characters. The story lines drew me in, and I enjoyed how they intersected, coming together to a climax that I felt could have reached a bit further. I was also a little disappointed at how little resolution there was, I would have liked to have had other story lines given a little bit more finality.
January 15, 2019
The queen of rural fiction, Tricia Stringer, is back with her first contemporary novel, Table For Eight. If you are in desperate need of a hoiday, this is one to get your hands on as Stringer takes readers aboard the Diamond Duchess for her final voyage in the South Pacific. Told in the third person, this is a story about friendship, family, starting over and running away from your problems with a perfect cast of characters.
The main protagonist is the gorgeous Ketty Clift, a single woman in her mid sixties. Ketty is the owner of a dress shop owner who prefers to conduct her business traditionally, one with a personal touch. Sales are down though and Ketty has to make some tough decisions about embracing technology in the twenty first century. Taking the opportunity to go on her 21st cruise gives Ketty the time to think about her future. It was a delight getting to know Ketty on board the Diamond Duchess as she is a lady in the real sense of the word. Ketty always takes pride in her appearance, delighting in clothes and their transormative powers for all women. Though she is not a mother to her own children, Ketty deeply cares for others and discretly helps them however she can. With such a beautiful personality, Ketty has made many friends on her numerous cruises and her last is no exception.
Ketty's good friend is fellow cruise mate, Josie. Josie too is a single woman with a few marriages under her belt. I liked Josie because she was honest and straight talking. Josie takes no nonsense from anyone and believes in herself. Despite the numerous heartbreaks she has experienced, Josie hasn't given up on love. The Diamond Duchess provides the chance for new love for Josie but will a someone destroy her chance at happiness?
Christine, Frank and Bernard are a family in crisis. Bernard is a widow of twenty years who has enjoyed single life. I appreciated how Bernard embraced the good times because he was a reminder that being old doesn't mean you have to stop having fun. His daughter, Christine, is less then impressed with Bernard's life style. Coming across as manipulative and spiteful, Christine is determined to derail her father's happiness, even at the expense of her own marriage to Frank. While I wasn't a fan of Christine, I did like Frank. He stood up to his wife when he needed to and refused to get involved in the games that Christine was playing. Frank was defiantly in a tricky position.
Jim is a widow of two years. Even though he and Bernard have being widows in common, the two men are like chalk and cheese. While Bernard has enjoyed his life, Jim is still grieving. Jim was meant to embark on the cruise with his son, who pulled out at the last minute, leaving Jim by himself on the Diamond Duchess. It's Jim's good fortune that he is placed at the same dinner table as Ketty, Josie and Christine's family as well as Cecelia and Maude, giving him the chance to find happiness once again.
Celia and Maude, in their fifties, are two friends on land with lawn bowls in common. However, they find their differences come to the forefront during their cruise. Unbeknown to Maude, Cecelia is on the Diamond Duchess to make her ex husband jealous while Maude is there to meet men. Like chalk and cheese, Cecelia has old fashioned morals and values and Maude in contrast, is less traditional. Maude often came across as a teenager, often putting Cecelia in awkward positions that would made this reader angry much faster then it did Cecelia! While Maude was the more fesity, I found myself warming to Cecelia and she quickly became one of my many favourites along with Ketty, Josie, Bernard and Jim.
Table For Eight is a heart warming read for fans who need to escape with rich, complex characters that put ones own problems into perspective.
#AWWC#2
The main protagonist is the gorgeous Ketty Clift, a single woman in her mid sixties. Ketty is the owner of a dress shop owner who prefers to conduct her business traditionally, one with a personal touch. Sales are down though and Ketty has to make some tough decisions about embracing technology in the twenty first century. Taking the opportunity to go on her 21st cruise gives Ketty the time to think about her future. It was a delight getting to know Ketty on board the Diamond Duchess as she is a lady in the real sense of the word. Ketty always takes pride in her appearance, delighting in clothes and their transormative powers for all women. Though she is not a mother to her own children, Ketty deeply cares for others and discretly helps them however she can. With such a beautiful personality, Ketty has made many friends on her numerous cruises and her last is no exception.
Ketty's good friend is fellow cruise mate, Josie. Josie too is a single woman with a few marriages under her belt. I liked Josie because she was honest and straight talking. Josie takes no nonsense from anyone and believes in herself. Despite the numerous heartbreaks she has experienced, Josie hasn't given up on love. The Diamond Duchess provides the chance for new love for Josie but will a someone destroy her chance at happiness?
Christine, Frank and Bernard are a family in crisis. Bernard is a widow of twenty years who has enjoyed single life. I appreciated how Bernard embraced the good times because he was a reminder that being old doesn't mean you have to stop having fun. His daughter, Christine, is less then impressed with Bernard's life style. Coming across as manipulative and spiteful, Christine is determined to derail her father's happiness, even at the expense of her own marriage to Frank. While I wasn't a fan of Christine, I did like Frank. He stood up to his wife when he needed to and refused to get involved in the games that Christine was playing. Frank was defiantly in a tricky position.
Jim is a widow of two years. Even though he and Bernard have being widows in common, the two men are like chalk and cheese. While Bernard has enjoyed his life, Jim is still grieving. Jim was meant to embark on the cruise with his son, who pulled out at the last minute, leaving Jim by himself on the Diamond Duchess. It's Jim's good fortune that he is placed at the same dinner table as Ketty, Josie and Christine's family as well as Cecelia and Maude, giving him the chance to find happiness once again.
Celia and Maude, in their fifties, are two friends on land with lawn bowls in common. However, they find their differences come to the forefront during their cruise. Unbeknown to Maude, Cecelia is on the Diamond Duchess to make her ex husband jealous while Maude is there to meet men. Like chalk and cheese, Cecelia has old fashioned morals and values and Maude in contrast, is less traditional. Maude often came across as a teenager, often putting Cecelia in awkward positions that would made this reader angry much faster then it did Cecelia! While Maude was the more fesity, I found myself warming to Cecelia and she quickly became one of my many favourites along with Ketty, Josie, Bernard and Jim.
Table For Eight is a heart warming read for fans who need to escape with rich, complex characters that put ones own problems into perspective.
#AWWC#2
July 21, 2018
Thank you to Better Reading and Harlequin Enterprises for the advanced reading copy of this book. An easy to read romance story set on a cruise ship out of Sydney going to the South Pacific. Initially the book reads like a travel brochure for a cruise liner as every facet of boarding a ship is pointed out and didn't enhance the story for me, but once we are introduced to the central eight characters, the story picks up and is enjoyable despite several unpleasant protagonists.
June 5, 2022
Loved this book! Easy to read and a great story with relatable characters. Highly recommend this book. Will be looking into more books by this author.
November 25, 2018
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Table for Eightby Tricia Stringer is the story of eight people who dine each evening aboard a cruise ship. Their lives, interactions, relationships, longings are all explored as they cruise from Australia around the Pacific Islands.
There is Ketty - a business owner who has a small fashion house - she is a mature woman just turning sixty five. As well there is her friend Josie and Josie's brother. It turns out that he has his eye on Ketty, but are his reasons above board?
As well there is Jim, still grieving the loss of his wife, Celia and Maude - two women sharing a cabin who are bowling buddies, and as well a father, his daughter and her hubby. Together they make up the table of eight. As the days go by, all kinds of developments take place in the confined spaces of a cruise ship.
I liked that these people all got a chance to confront their lives and take steps to make adjustments, some more than others. I liked the way friendships developed, and that Ketty who is really the catalyst for happenings, also was able to have some resolution as well.
If you have been on a cruise ship I think you'll picture well the daily life on the ship, if you haven't perhaps you'll find yourself looking forward to one.
Table for Eightby Tricia Stringer is the story of eight people who dine each evening aboard a cruise ship. Their lives, interactions, relationships, longings are all explored as they cruise from Australia around the Pacific Islands.
There is Ketty - a business owner who has a small fashion house - she is a mature woman just turning sixty five. As well there is her friend Josie and Josie's brother. It turns out that he has his eye on Ketty, but are his reasons above board?
As well there is Jim, still grieving the loss of his wife, Celia and Maude - two women sharing a cabin who are bowling buddies, and as well a father, his daughter and her hubby. Together they make up the table of eight. As the days go by, all kinds of developments take place in the confined spaces of a cruise ship.
I liked that these people all got a chance to confront their lives and take steps to make adjustments, some more than others. I liked the way friendships developed, and that Ketty who is really the catalyst for happenings, also was able to have some resolution as well.
If you have been on a cruise ship I think you'll picture well the daily life on the ship, if you haven't perhaps you'll find yourself looking forward to one.
April 12, 2020
Imagine this...
We are all in iso fearing systemic covid spread.
I’ve been tested for covid, diagnosed instead with rhino virus, covid’s little sister...aka flu.
The diamond princess was the centre of attention for early cruise ship covid issues.
And this is one of 8 books I’ve borrowed from buddies to help me through.
What are the odds?
A good ole holiday read, the author has clearly done her cruise homework and picked out the most annoying aspects of cruising to include in her book. Add to that the eternal dressmaker come fashionista commentary that includes Dior, doc martens and “work slacks�, snd you’ve got yourself a relaxing read. No strain on the brain cells. Hold those clothes jealousy thoughts. Just sit back and enjoy it.
Probably only worth 2 stars for the critical reader, but I’ll raise it to 3, because.....
We are all in iso fearing systemic covid spread.
I’ve been tested for covid, diagnosed instead with rhino virus, covid’s little sister...aka flu.
The diamond princess was the centre of attention for early cruise ship covid issues.
And this is one of 8 books I’ve borrowed from buddies to help me through.
What are the odds?
A good ole holiday read, the author has clearly done her cruise homework and picked out the most annoying aspects of cruising to include in her book. Add to that the eternal dressmaker come fashionista commentary that includes Dior, doc martens and “work slacks�, snd you’ve got yourself a relaxing read. No strain on the brain cells. Hold those clothes jealousy thoughts. Just sit back and enjoy it.
Probably only worth 2 stars for the critical reader, but I’ll raise it to 3, because.....
September 29, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book and discovering all the characters within. What I think I enjoyed most is the emotions that the author made me feel, from sadness to anger. A whole range throughout the book.
We follow a table of eight people who have Ben put together for dinner on a cruise to the South Pacific. They are all there for one reason or another, beyond just a simple holiday. It is through knowing one another that these 10 days change all of their lives.
Having been on a cruise earlier this year to most of the locations, it was really nice to re-live the adventure and my own special memories.
This book is a great read if you are looking for something that is an easy read, with a whole cast of characters, flaws and all, with a little mystery thrown in to boot.
We follow a table of eight people who have Ben put together for dinner on a cruise to the South Pacific. They are all there for one reason or another, beyond just a simple holiday. It is through knowing one another that these 10 days change all of their lives.
Having been on a cruise earlier this year to most of the locations, it was really nice to re-live the adventure and my own special memories.
This book is a great read if you are looking for something that is an easy read, with a whole cast of characters, flaws and all, with a little mystery thrown in to boot.
November 5, 2018
Tricia Stringer takes you on a cruise full of vivid characters. She handles the characters and their domestic lives with heartwarming care. You cannot help but care for them as well. Their limitations and struggles are so relatable. The simple prose used by Stringer when dealing with such difficult issues like grief, makes the story fluid. I could not put the book down. A beautiful book about people and their lives.
August 8, 2022
Table For Eight is an entertaining novel that involves eight people seated together for dinner on board the cruise ship the Diamond Duchess. The lives of these eight people become intricately involved and as we cruise the Pacific we learn more about their past histories.
A delightfully engaging book which brings the excitement and luxury of cruising to the reader.
A delightfully engaging book which brings the excitement and luxury of cruising to the reader.
January 22, 2020
Loved this book.
This is the first book I have read of Tricia’s
I loved all the characters especially Ketty.
I wish there was a sequel maybe awhile later to see what had happened to all the characters.
I would recommend this book.
This is the first book I have read of Tricia’s
I loved all the characters especially Ketty.
I wish there was a sequel maybe awhile later to see what had happened to all the characters.
I would recommend this book.
October 27, 2018
An absolutely delightful story set on board a cruise with a variety of skillfully drawn characters. Would definitely recommend to lovers of women's fiction!
December 5, 2018
I absolutely loved this book!! The whole time I was reading it I felt like I was on the cruise with the characters. Thank you for this wonderful book Tricia Stringer.
February 13, 2019
3.5 stars. I was going to give this book 3 stars, but on finishing it, I realised that even though it's not my style, I really did care about the characters too much to put it aside.
October 26, 2019
Loved it.
Bring on the next Tricia Stringer novel! :)
Bring on the next Tricia Stringer novel! :)
January 30, 2020
Not the most challenging of reads and very predictable, but in a nice way.
August 16, 2023
Listened to this as an Audio. I enjoyed this romance, drama on a cruise. It was an easy listen and also brought back some lovely memories for me as I have also been on the same Island hopper cruise.
January 16, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this story! Easy to read, light but compelling - page-turner. Fabulous holiday reading and characters nicely drawn.
October 10, 2018
A talented haute couture stylist on a mission to change lives, one luxury cruise at a time...
Ketty Clift has a fascinating talent. Not only is she a high-end couturier in the charming Sydney suburb of Paddington, but she also has the ability to transform dreary lives into Cinderella-like transformations thanks to her clever styling abilities as well as an uncanny knack in the art of matchmaking. She’s an avid cruise enthusiast, although unfortunately this latest trip around the South Pacific Islands may be her last as her business is in financial trouble and she is about to embark on some serious changes to her lifestyle.
Ketty adores the opportunity shipboard life brings with its fascinating array of characters all innocently awaiting her help. Those lucky enough to be seated at her dinner table every night are about to find their lives changed when this well-dressed mature-aged pocket rocket waltzes in to spin her magic.
Locked deep inside, Ketty still harbours an ongoing affection for Leo, a man who touched her heart and has remained there, even though they parted many years ago because of a shocking secret he had been hiding. On her first night in this floating hotel, memories of their love surround her, along with a host of poignant ‘what ifs�. Leo’s sister, Josie, is already well acquainted with Ketty from another voyage and as fate would have it, both brother and sister happen to have chosen this cruise for their holiday. Can that heady love be rekindled or has too much time passed � and what about that long-hidden secret?
Table For Eight has a fabulous mix of characters and all of them come with interesting stories ranging from lost love to new beginnings, revenge and forgiveness, sadness and long-held secrets, boredom, greed, desperate realms of despair along with touching glimmers of hope.
Several surprise twists, some welcome and others that make your blood boil, pop up just when you think things are getting sorted. These certainly ensure readers keep turning the pages to find out what is in store for this motley group of travellers. I often found myself anticipating something and then being pleasantly surprised at the twists � some totally unexpected and others cleverly hinted at in little morsels buried within the intertwining host of storylines.
Tricia Stringer has well-researched South Pacific cruise destinations and life on board a luxury floating hotel riddle each page and bring about a touch of envy to be onboard yourself while getting lost in her well-written imaginings. Her writing style flows effortlessly from one group of people or each individual situation to the next, and her description of shipboard life, as well as the islands of the South Pacific and their friendly people, take you right there.
I look forward to reading more from the pen of this talented Aussie author.
Ketty Clift has a fascinating talent. Not only is she a high-end couturier in the charming Sydney suburb of Paddington, but she also has the ability to transform dreary lives into Cinderella-like transformations thanks to her clever styling abilities as well as an uncanny knack in the art of matchmaking. She’s an avid cruise enthusiast, although unfortunately this latest trip around the South Pacific Islands may be her last as her business is in financial trouble and she is about to embark on some serious changes to her lifestyle.
Ketty adores the opportunity shipboard life brings with its fascinating array of characters all innocently awaiting her help. Those lucky enough to be seated at her dinner table every night are about to find their lives changed when this well-dressed mature-aged pocket rocket waltzes in to spin her magic.
Locked deep inside, Ketty still harbours an ongoing affection for Leo, a man who touched her heart and has remained there, even though they parted many years ago because of a shocking secret he had been hiding. On her first night in this floating hotel, memories of their love surround her, along with a host of poignant ‘what ifs�. Leo’s sister, Josie, is already well acquainted with Ketty from another voyage and as fate would have it, both brother and sister happen to have chosen this cruise for their holiday. Can that heady love be rekindled or has too much time passed � and what about that long-hidden secret?
Table For Eight has a fabulous mix of characters and all of them come with interesting stories ranging from lost love to new beginnings, revenge and forgiveness, sadness and long-held secrets, boredom, greed, desperate realms of despair along with touching glimmers of hope.
Several surprise twists, some welcome and others that make your blood boil, pop up just when you think things are getting sorted. These certainly ensure readers keep turning the pages to find out what is in store for this motley group of travellers. I often found myself anticipating something and then being pleasantly surprised at the twists � some totally unexpected and others cleverly hinted at in little morsels buried within the intertwining host of storylines.
Tricia Stringer has well-researched South Pacific cruise destinations and life on board a luxury floating hotel riddle each page and bring about a touch of envy to be onboard yourself while getting lost in her well-written imaginings. Her writing style flows effortlessly from one group of people or each individual situation to the next, and her description of shipboard life, as well as the islands of the South Pacific and their friendly people, take you right there.
I look forward to reading more from the pen of this talented Aussie author.
November 7, 2018
What a charming and delightful tale. We follow the passengers who are all seated at the same table for dinner during the final voyage of the 'Diamond Duchess' which leaves Sydney on a 9 day cruise.
Kerry Clifton is the main protagonist and is a veteran at cruising. She has a friendship with the maitre d' who likes to put her on tables with people who need a bit of 'help' in their lives in one way or another. Ketty's generous spirit is usually what these people need, but this time things may be different.
We are introduced to a number of characters each with their own problems, insecurities , or losses. There's flirty Bernie, his adult daughter, Christine and her husband Frank. There's divorcee, Celia who has come on board to make her ex-husband jealous, quiet widower Jim still grieving the loss of his wife, and eventually we meet Josie and her brother Leo, a man from Ketty's past.
In just a few short days with the landscape of the cruise ship and the South Pacific, these well rounded characters examine their lives and relationships in an artfully skilled interweaving of their stories.
Having done one short cruise, I felt transported to a cruise ship. In fact, the description of Celia and Maude's room in the bowels of the ship is a familiar one.
This is my first Tricia Stringer book (though I have others on my TBR pile) and it was exactly the book I needed to read right now. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book and fell in love with Ketty and her table for eight.
Disclaimer: while I know the author personally, this has no bearing on the star rating.
Kerry Clifton is the main protagonist and is a veteran at cruising. She has a friendship with the maitre d' who likes to put her on tables with people who need a bit of 'help' in their lives in one way or another. Ketty's generous spirit is usually what these people need, but this time things may be different.
We are introduced to a number of characters each with their own problems, insecurities , or losses. There's flirty Bernie, his adult daughter, Christine and her husband Frank. There's divorcee, Celia who has come on board to make her ex-husband jealous, quiet widower Jim still grieving the loss of his wife, and eventually we meet Josie and her brother Leo, a man from Ketty's past.
In just a few short days with the landscape of the cruise ship and the South Pacific, these well rounded characters examine their lives and relationships in an artfully skilled interweaving of their stories.
Having done one short cruise, I felt transported to a cruise ship. In fact, the description of Celia and Maude's room in the bowels of the ship is a familiar one.
This is my first Tricia Stringer book (though I have others on my TBR pile) and it was exactly the book I needed to read right now. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book and fell in love with Ketty and her table for eight.
Disclaimer: while I know the author personally, this has no bearing on the star rating.
November 5, 2018
Kitty Clifft 65-year-old a fashion designer, her business is struggling so she decides to take her last holiday trip on the Dutchess Diamond Cruise ship. It is also the ships last voyage as well. Carlos the maitre d' of the ship has known Kitty since her first trip who is retiring after the cruise. The book is based on Kitty's holiday on the ship and the people she meets at her dining table at night which are a table for eight there is Frank and his wife Christine a young couple, her father Bernie, Celia cruising with her friend Maude who end up at separate tables, Jim a widower, and then Josie and her brother Leo join the table as well.
We see the relationships evolve throughout the story as Christine cannot handle her father finding love again with Josie as she sees every woman a threat to her inheritance her relationship with her husband is difficult to. Jim and Celia also find each other with Kitty's help.
Leo is the lover Kitty never got over who was married when they fell in love all those years ago. We learn of Kitty's past with Leo. And the person Leo is now in which Kitty finds is not the man she once fell for in younger days.
I liked Tricia Stringer move into writing something different other than rural romance refreshing to read the only downside was Kitty never found love I would have liked her to find love again.
We see the relationships evolve throughout the story as Christine cannot handle her father finding love again with Josie as she sees every woman a threat to her inheritance her relationship with her husband is difficult to. Jim and Celia also find each other with Kitty's help.
Leo is the lover Kitty never got over who was married when they fell in love all those years ago. We learn of Kitty's past with Leo. And the person Leo is now in which Kitty finds is not the man she once fell for in younger days.
I liked Tricia Stringer move into writing something different other than rural romance refreshing to read the only downside was Kitty never found love I would have liked her to find love again.
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