A Kiss, a Dare and a Boat called Promise

Imagine losing your home – and just as the summer holidays begin. This would be bad enough, but when your home has been a boat where you have lived all your life and now you have to move into a city to live above a pub, the shock is even greater. This is what Josie faces. Their lovely boat, her home, Promise, has been condemned and sent to the scrap yard. Or has she? When Josie learns that a boat that looks like Promise is still at the boat yard and is being sold, she determines to rescue her. But she will need help. Can she trust the gorgeous Leon?

Looking for a light-hearted read? Then look no further. Aimed at the ‘tweens’ – young readers aged c10 and up, this would be ideal. There is nothing original here – but that is not necessary. Foden has created a well crafted story that combines a believable real life adventure with a little gentle romance. Her characters may be conventional but they are acceptable, even if Leon is a little too good to be true, and will satisfy young fans. As is the norm, we are offered a one parent family (father has died) but supportive; dysfunction is not the main theme. Rather this is a gentle right-of-passage story with a neat happy ending.

There is plenty of room for well made stories of this type and Foden is establishing a reputation as an author who can deliver.