Review – Midsummer Dreams by Alison May

Four people. Four messy lives. One night that changes everything … 

Emily is obsessed with ending her father’s new relationship – but is blind to the fact that her own is far from perfect. Dominic has spent so long making other people happy that he’s hardly noticed he’s not happy himself. 

Helen has loved the same man, unrequitedly, for ten years. Now she may have to face up to the fact that he will never be hers. Alex has always played the field. But when he finally meets a girl he wants to commit to, she is just out of his reach. 

At a midsummer wedding party, the bonds that tie the four friends together begin to unravel and show them that, sometimes, the sensible choice is not always the right one. 

Now here’s a turn-up for the books – today I’m reviewing a lovely book published by Choc Lit, not because they’ve asked me to, but because I really wanted to! Midsummer Dreams by Alison May was published as an e-book on 12th June. I’m a big fan of Alison’s writing. I’ve previously reviewed both Holly’s Christmas Kiss and Cora’s Christmas Kiss (I loved them both): and I’m sure I’ve told you before how much I enjoy reading Alison’s blog, where she talks about everything under the sun and frequently makes me laugh and nod in agreement (if you’re not already following it, I’d really recommend you do…).

This book was sheer enjoyment from the first page to the last. She’s quite wonderful at bringing characters to life – I particularly adored Helen, and my heart ached for her as her dream moved further and further from her grasp. Alex is equally adorable – immoral and irreverent, but quite wonderfully funny and so immensely likeable. Emily, however, is eminently slappable – but she has her reasons for being that way. As for Dom(inic) – quite perfect! And it’s not just the main characters, the lesser ones are fantastic too – Theo, the wonderful Tania, Nick who attends lectures in his underpants… 

You don’t really have to know much about A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it won’t stop you enjoying it – but being an ex English student I know the play well, and this is such a clever re-telling of the story with a 21st century twist. 

And as for the writing – it really sparkles, gentle humour, a little slapstick along the way, and the odd very unexpected tear in the eye. Wonderful stuff – don’t overlook this one whatever you do, you’ll be missing a few hours of unadulterated fun and enjoyment – I really loved it.

My thanks to netgalley and the publishers Choc Lit for my advance reading e-copy.

Alison May was born and raised in North Yorkshire, but now lives in Worcester with one husband, no kids and no pets. There were goldfish once. That ended badly.  Alison has studied History and Creative Writing, and has worked as a waitress, a shop assistant, a learning adviser, an advice centre manager, and a freelance trainer, before settling on ‘making up stories’ as an entirely acceptable grown-up career plan. 

Alison is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and won the Elizabeth Goudge Trophy in 2012. She writes contemporary romantic comedies, and short stories. 

Find out more about Alison at her website: she is also active on both Twitter and Facebook.