‘Just Bea’ by Deborah Klée is her second novel. Having read and blogged her first book (The Borrowed Boy), I was quite happy to be offered a place on this tour as well. Deborah Klée has again, created a story that draws you in immediately with fully rounded characters that you feel you really need to understand and want to get to know.
Bea, works in Hartley’s Department store in the lingerie section. A possibility of being promoted to Head of the department is enough to make her overjoyed, until the day her dreams crumble at her feet even though she has the highest sales figures that isn’t enough. Her boss feels she lacks empathy and the people skills required in a leader. She sets out to prove herself. A chance meeting with a total stranger shows that life works in wonderous ways.
She meets Ryan, who is handing out flyers because his friend has gone missing and they discover the missing friend is also Bea’s friend, Declan.
Ryan is homeless as is Declan and Bea has a very uncomfortable feeling that she could very well be responsible for Declan’s homelessness and is unwilling to share this with Ryan. Bea decides to help Ryan search for Declan. Ryan stays with Bea and begin to form a friendship as he shows Bea how to enjoy life, make friends and most important of all, just how dangerous being homeless actually is. Can this unlikely duo find their friend? Can Bea show that she is worthy of the promotion and prove herself?
These two characters are at first, like chalk and cheese but the more time they spend together the more, Bea particularly, found her self confidence. Ryan is one of those characters that you just love, his back story and just his situation makes you want to sweep him up and give him a big hug.
A story that is all about self-discovery, second chances, friendships and love with a touch of mystery and a few light-hearted times. The highlighting of homelessness and the dangers attached to it is one that is more important than anyone would think. This story is only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak and I personally applaud Deborah Klée for including it in the story. Too many people try to sweep it under the carpet…when we should be shouting from the rooftops!
A heartwarming and emotional story that hits home a serious issue of today’s society. Thank you Deborah Klée.
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Deborah Klée for the copy of the book.
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