Exclusive interview with author Giovanna Fletcher and a review of her novel about the complications when a celebrity falls for an ordinary girl
Rating: 3 Stars
By Gabrielle Pantera
“Back in 2011, I brainstormed a few different ideas, but this was the obvious one to run with as my debut novel,” says Billy and Me author Giovanna Fletcher. “My life has changed dramatically since writing this book. “I’ve got married, had two children, written three further novels, two novellas and signed deals for even more. Before writing this novel I was writing book reviews for magazines and little entertainment pieces here and there. Plus I already had a deep love of books, especially ones in this genre. That massively helped.”
Billy and Me is a charming delight, a fast read. It’s sweet and the characters are nice. They have a few flaws. Sophie is insecure and has been her whole life. Her employer Molly helps her come out of her shell. The misunderstandings and details about Sophie’s childhood create most of the drama. The romance builds rapidly between Billy and Sophie. Two people from different worlds, but the same. Billy is actually shy. A great beach or airport read. Released in the UK in 2013, this is the book’s first release in America.
Sophie May loves working at the local teashop. She’s happy in the small village she grew up in. She bakes. Someday she hopes to have her own teashop. When a production company comes to town to film a new version of Pride and Prejudice, the whole town is excited. Sophie has no idea that the cute guy who comes to the teashop is the hot actor who has the role of Mr. Darcy. Billy finds being around Sophie relaxing. Because she has no idea he’s a star, he can be himself. How will shy Sophie handle the pressure when she finds out her new beau is a famous actor? Fletcher believes in doing research as direct experience, in the first person. “My acting background allowed me to look at the writing process a little differently. I think life is one big piece of research. I listen to people, make note of conversations or places I’ve been. I try to be aware of how situations make me and others feel. Quite simply, I think being open and mindful are two of the most important tools in storytelling. Elsewhere, I’ve joined the crazy world of YouTube and become a roving reporter for a British morning TV show. It might not all be directly down to writing my books, but I definitely think that by creating these pieces of work I gave myself a voice.”
Fletcher writes a weekly blog for HELLO! magazine. She’s written the novels You’re the One That I Want, Dream a Little Dream, Always With Love and the novellas Christmas With Billy and Me and Dream a Little Christmas Dream.
Billy and Me has yet to be optioned for television or film. Fletcher says she may consider Billy and Me for theater. “I’m more confident and far happier than I was five years ago when I was chasing the dream of becoming an actor. I’d still love to act, but now I’ve found other things I enjoy and happen to be good at.”
Fletcher recently completed the page proofs of her fourth novel, Always With Love, a sequel to Billy and Me to release on Kindle on June 2nd, 2016.
Fletcher was born in Essex and now lives with her husband in Middlesex.
Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher, Hardcover: 352 pages, Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (April 5, 2016), Language: English, ISBN: 9781250077127 $26.99
Always With Love Kindle Edition by Giovanna Fletcher (Author)
File Size: 6804 KB Print Length: 392 pages, Publisher: Penguin (June 2, 2016)
Publication Date: June 2, 2016 $11.27
