Billy and Me

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To be completely honest, my expectations weren't very high for this book. I adore Giovanna, but how often are debut novels really brilliant? I haven't come across many.

Billy is tempted by his celebrity status and Sophie sees that, sometimes in the media first. And Sophie works a lot, spends time with her mum and her mum’s fiancé Colin. Added to the picture then is Molly’s son Peter. Molly was very close to Sophie before she died and now Sophie is even more passionate about the shop. Well, Peter seems to become a great friend, can they just be friends?! The conversation, which ranges from exploring when Heidi and Chris first started supporting Leeds, to their stories and feelings about Bremner’s influence on their own lives, is captured in the video recording below. It was a memorable experience for all involved and was moderated by the our heritage Project Officer, Dr Karen Fraser.Only the most hard-hearted could fail to root for Sophie as she falls for A-lister Billy and must take on the mad, bad world of showbiz. This sweet debut reminded me of Last Night at Chateau Marmont' Louise Candlish AKT: No? Oh, you have to see it! And then you should see Nancy Buirski’s recent documentary on it and its times!

Jonathan Coe on the Wilder introduction for Emeric Pressburger: The Life and Death of a Screenwriter: “When I spoke to Kevin MacDonald, Pressburger’s grandson, about it, he said ‘Oh, he didn’t write it. We had to go to Hollywood and interview him and transcribe it.’” Photo: Anne-Katrin TitzeI had 7 years of not missing a Leeds United game home and away for 7 years and went abroad to see us play in the 70s and am still supporting Leeds for over 50 years now. Billy Bremner instilled in me the love and loyalty of watching my team, always giving 110%, never giving up and to keep fighting. That is something that I continue to do because of these values he taught me along with the Leeds United team of the 60s-70s and I will be forever grateful. I loved how Giovanna created a story where distance and love were so close. Both Sophie’s and Billy’s feelings came across beautifully and it was wonderful to read about them again. It might seem obvious what was going to happen, but it’s all part of their lives and Giovanna also added other elements to the story, which made it more exciting. Sophie’s mum got her story and I adored reading about the mother-daughter relationship. Billy’s family also added some sparks to it all. The characters are wonderfully written! Giovanna has put so much effort, love and care into her characters and it shows. Every single character seemed so realistic to me, they all sprang to life and I genuinely felt as though I had been transported to Rosefont Hill and was watching all the characters right in front of me. Recently I read - and loved! - Giovanna Fletcher's debut novel Billy & Me. It was fantastic, and I could hardly believe how long it took me to read it (I will forever be ashamed!) so I was ecstatic when a copy of Always With Love landed in my possession. I love that there's a sequel, and something tells me this might not be the last Sophie & Billy novel, too, which makes me even more excited. I could read about Sophie & Billy forever because they're so down to earth, and their relationship is so real. There's no messing around, no silly break-ups, it's a real relationship and sure they have hard times, but in a relationship that's what you do, you have ups and downs, and you try your hardest to make it through... When she does get a job, it's at a popular coffee shop chain called Coffee Matters. They have to wear a bright, ridiculous uniform and it's nothing like her old job. People don't go there to sit down and chat, they get their coffee and then leave. Sophie stays there because it's better than nothing, and she hopes something better will come along.

Over the past few years I have had the good fortune to make the acquaintance of Mr Wilder himself. I met him first as a director imploring him to act in Jerry Maguire (he said no, with relish), and later as an interviewer attempting Wilder’s first book-length question-and-answer session (he said yes, after much cajoling). Jonathan Coe on Fedora: “The imagery always reminds me of that Georges Franju film Eyes Without A Face.” And don't even get me started on Billy. His lines were so cheesy it was nauseating. I felt like I was reading fanfiction. (No offense, I know there are some good ones out there. I've definitely read a lot better than this published book.) Everything was so mediocre. JC: That was my suggestion, I mean it was and it wasn’t. It wasn’t because I suggested it that they did it, but obviously when he was their choice I was delighted that it had been my initial suggestion. I think he would be great, so I do hope it happens. At australia 247 our purpose is to help people find great local businesses like dentists, hair stylists, restaurants, bars, hotels, local businesses.

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The book is divided into three parts, spanning from the moment Sophie meets Billy, to their blossoming relationship towards the most heartbreaking ending. Billy And Me is such a delightful treat as I finished it in one day, totally immersed into the flow of the story. Some parts made me want to give poor Sophie a warm hug, others made me want to wonder if there are guys like Billy out there - romantic, kind and charming. Although the first part was light-hearted, romantic modern love story of how girl meets boys, but as the story progresses, it gets more emotional and heartbreaking. So don't judge the cover, guys! Narrator Suranne Jones is also a devotee: "My dad was a huge Billy fan and I grew up loving Billy. So, it's an honour to be involved in Billy Connolly & Me: A Celebration." Billy looks down at the floor and bites his lip. I knew he didn't want me to take this job on, probably for this exact reason, and he just didn't know how to say it without offending me or sounding snobby. Therefore, it's unfair of me to make him feel bad for something that is clearly not his fault. One that she's successfully kept for years. It's meant that she's had to give up her dreams of going to university and travelling the world to stay in her little village, living with her mum and working in the local teashop. I adored Sophie May. She is a rather lovely, warm heroine who you will want to root for, confide in and will lend you her shoulder to cry on. I really liked how Giovanna managed to create such a wonderful character with the kindest heart. On the other hand, Billy. *swoooooooon* Billy Buskin is not your average snobby film star. No, fame hasn't gone into his head and made him a total knob, so trust me, you will definitely want yourself a Billy. Please fantasise your favourite actor/celeb as Billy. Don't worry, you're allowed to do so! ;)