Keeping up with the Kershaws

by Helen Buckley

5 out of 5

Synopsis

What do you do when your life becomes more dramatic than reality TV?

As the devoted carer for famous antique expert Harold Kershaw, Karrie Morgan was always happy to keep a professional distance from his four spoilt grown-up children, who rarely made time for their father. But then a surprise involving Harold’s Will means Karrie is flung headlong into a press scandal, and into the chaotic world of the surviving Kershaws.

With the support of her trusted childhood friend Andrew, mild-mannered Karrie must face down ruthless ice queen Portia, master manipulator Gabriel, Botox fanatic Arabella, and ladies’ man Rafe, star of reality TV show Raised in Richmond … although perhaps not as fake and flashy as he initially seems?

As vicious rumours circulate and Karrie’s past comes back to haunt her, she struggles to know who to trust. Can she keep up with the Kershaws’ schemes?

Review

Karrie is content with her quiet life; but it is all thrown into uproar when her charge Harold leaves her his entire fortune. Her best friend Andrew is there to help; and she also has a surprising ally in the Harold's youngest son, Rafe.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the 4th book in the Spotlight series; but each is a stand-alone, with only a few side characters from previous books.

The narrative is split between Karrie, Andrew and Rafe.

Karrie has dedicated the last seven years to looking after Harold Kershaw, as a full-time carer. She has put her needs on hold. She has never dated, and leads a very simple life. She has enjoyed working for Harold though, and has learnt some life-skills along the way.

Now Harold has gone, Karrie is lost, and at the mercy of his vile children. Her first instinct is to turn to Andrew, her oldest and dearest friend. But she also starts to enjoy spending time with the youngest Kershaw - Rafe. A ridiculously good-looking celebrity, who seems strangely interested in her, too.

Andrew has always prioritised Karrie's happiness; but when he comes to stay to help with the will, he's forced to analyse how deep his feelings for Karrie run. Especially when she seems taken in by Rafe, whom he doesn't trust at all.

Rafe has never gotten along with his siblings; but when their father's carer wriggles her way into being the sole beneficiary of the will, it gives them a common enemy. Rafe is instructed to charm Karrie into giving them what they want. Except... he starts to enjoy talking to her, and can see why his father was so terribly fond of her...

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the love triangle was done very well. It keeps you guessing throughout what direction the story will take.

I thought the Kershaw siblings were perfectly vile. They start off as reasonable, mature people, who are a little entitled. Then the story builds to show all the things they've done, and said to Karrie and Rafe, and you can really understand why Harold would refuse to give his treasures to his own children.

I thought each of our narrators had their own growth throughout the book.

Karrie was probably the most subtle, but the little mouse finally starts standing up for herself, and I was so proud.

Rafe was really sweet. He's made such an effort to portray someone who looks perfect, and living the perfect life in his reality tv show; but he's starting to see how hollow parts of it are.

I thought Andrew's story was simple, but equally important, and it just rang so true. He's cast off his foster-home childhood, and has built a life for himself. It's not the most glamorous life, but he begins to see the cracks around his lack of honesty.

This was a really fun book to read, with a couple of twists thrown in. I really like how it ended, and thought Karrie had made the right choice.

That being said, I really hope there will be a sequel/spin-off with a certain someone...

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