On a Night Like This, a modern Cinderella story by Lindsey Kelk

Title: On a Night Like This
Author: Lindsey Kelk
Publication: Harper Collins, paperback, 2022 (published in 2021 in UK)
Genre: Fiction/Chick Lit
Setting: England and Italy

Description: Francesca Cooper is a temp without a current gig and has a fiancé who has lost interest in her. They have an arrangement that she won’t take out-of-town gigs lest he be tempted to cheat on her – ugh! Let's help her find someone better! Fran is clearly in a rut, longing for a decisive moment that would help her figure out how to improve the situation when she is offered a high-paid week as acting assistant to a celebrity singer - on a yacht in the Mediterranean, en route to the glittering Crystal Ball, where the world’s rich and famous are gathering.

When she – quite literally – bumps into a handsome American called Evan, the adventure begins. She and Evan agree: no last names, no life stories, just one unforgettable night. Yet Evan belongs at the Crystal Ball and Fran is a gatecrasher. They may have instant chemistry, but their homes are an ocean apart, and their lives a world apart. They’ll never meet again – unless, on a night like this, everything can change forever . . .

My Impression: This is an escapist modern Cinderella story that is romantic and beyond improbable but entertaining. Fran takes pride in her work as a temp which is necessary to the story because otherwise why wouldn’t she have an actual career that uses her undoubted skills. Between assignments as Christmas approaches, she is tempted by a short-term prospect that is out of town and decides she needs to take it. There are warning signs from the start but when Fran reaches the yacht where her new employer, a famous singer who goes by just a first name, she relaxes and enjoys the luxury and is charmed by Juliette. However, Juliette is a moody diva and when she unexpectedly decides to blow off her gig singing at the Crystal Ball and turns on her new assistant, Fran is left stranded on an island in Sicily where the event is taking place. Resourcefully, Fran checks into the hotel and takes advantage of Juliette’s suite and the ballgowns waiting for her, and crashes the ball – where Prince Charming, I mean, rich American Evan, awaits!

This is not my usual kind of book but it was a fun read and, fortunately, there was enough humor to leaven all the treacle! I enjoyed the description of the ball where Fran has to avoid the security guards and guests who suspect she does not belong, as well as Fran’s return to Yorkshire and determination to regain control of her life. Evan is too good to be true but that is why we have romantic comedies and fairy tales, right?

Purchase Links: Bookshop * IndieBound * Barnes & Noble * HarperCollins * Amazon * Audible

Source: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and TLC Book Tours for review purposes.   Interestingly, the audio version of this book is read by actress Carrie Hope Fletcher - I am in the middle of Fletcher's book, Into the Spotlight.

Query:  Why do editors not correct sentences that begin, "Me and Stew . . . "?   Are they clueless or is it a misguided belief that characters should speak authentically?  Do publishers just not bother with copyediting any more?