Cora Hendricks, a check-in assistant who plays Cupid to the passengers on her London-Dublin flight, has a heart of gold. I was immediately charmed by her attempts to find regular 'Row 27'ers' Ingrid and Aiden their perfect matches, and laughed along with them as some of their matches didn't quite turn out how they expected!
However, although the book's humour keeps its message light, making it an easy and enjoyable read, Cora's personal heartbreak with Friedrich and her story of coming to terms with her mother's Alzheimers provides a depth to Cora which makes her actions as 'Cupid' at Aer Lingus more meaningful for the reader. Eithne Shorthall successfully demonstrates that, while love is hard and often seems impossible, it will always come to those who deserve it. Cora is the perfect example.
The ending (without giving any spoilers!) was one I had been championing from the very beginning. I cried at Cora coming to terms with her mother's illness, but I closed the last pages feeling warm at the strength of love and how it crops up when you least expect it.
A witty, charming and heartwarming novel that I will read time and time again.
However, although the book's humour keeps its message light, making it an easy and enjoyable read, Cora's personal heartbreak with Friedrich and her story of coming to terms with her mother's Alzheimers provides a depth to Cora which makes her actions as 'Cupid' at Aer Lingus more meaningful for the reader. Eithne Shorthall successfully demonstrates that, while love is hard and often seems impossible, it will always come to those who deserve it. Cora is the perfect example.
The ending (without giving any spoilers!) was one I had been championing from the very beginning. I cried at Cora coming to terms with her mother's illness, but I closed the last pages feeling warm at the strength of love and how it crops up when you least expect it.
A witty, charming and heartwarming novel that I will read time and time again.