On a Night Like This- Book Review

On a Night Like This by Lindsey Kelk

Publication Date: 11th Nov 2021
Genre: Contemporary, Chicklit, Light Women’s Fiction 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Lighthearted, warm, and comforting. 

Fran Cooper is looking for a job that doesn’t require traveling. She’s been an assistant to various corporate personalities in the past. However, not finding any decent job makes her give a shot at being the PA of a mysterious celebrity for an event. 

The job takes her to a yacht that sails from London to Italy for The Crystal Ball event. Juliette, an international singer, is Fran’s boss and will be performing at the event. 

However, things don’t go as planned. Fran gets a chance to enjoy the ball, wearing a fabulous gown and having a time of her life. Despite her initial hesitation, Fran enters the ball and has adventures, some of which she could’ve done without. 

Yet, the event changes her. Helps her come to terms with things in her life and make decisions she should’ve made a long time ago. 

Many reviewers have pointed out the Cinderella-like feel of the story. In fact, there’s a reference to the fairytale a couple of times. The book is a lighthearted contemporary fiction that still deals with issues like relationships, friendships, knowing one’s true desire, and so on. 

The book is written in the first person from Fran’s perspective, and it was indeed a delight to read. She’s smart, funny, and caring; a little too caring, which leads to her suffering in silence and accepting less than what she deserves. The story takes us through her self-realization, her growth, and finally, her finding true love. 

Romance isn’t the central point of the book. We still have HEA, though. Fran’s been engaged to Stew, someone I’d gladly drown in a piping hot stew. I guess that explains the kind of guy he is. 

Luckily, Fran meets Evan in the second half of the book, and he’s such a sweet and understanding guy. His outlook about life and calling it a jigsaw puzzle was rather interesting to read. That guy is a keeper.

Other characters like Jess, Sarah, Juliette, and even Rachel (who’s there in the book for only a couple of chapters) are full of life and have defined personalities. Sure, the story relies on well-known tropes and doesn’t really have anything new to offer. 

Yet, it’s a warm and cheerful story to read. There’s comfort in picking up such books, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Not even when Fran says and does things that’ll make us roll our eyes (Such instances are not too many. Her arc is better than other ramblings heroines). 

To sum up, On a Night Like This is a funny, sweet, quirky, and light read. It’s a perfect breather between heavy books. It also has a great pace despite being 380+ pages long. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Collins, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.