Summary of Counting Chimneys: A Novel of Love, Heartbreak and Romance in 1960s Brighton, by Sandy Taylor

Dive into the emotional rollercoaster of love and heartbreak in 'Counting Chimneys' by Sandy Taylor, set in the vibrant 1960s Brighton.

Welcome to the swinging sixties! If you thought your Tinder dates were traumatic, you've clearly never been to Brighton in the 1960s, where love is just as fleeting as the British sun! In Counting Chimneys, the latest entry in the Brighton Girls Trilogy, author Sandy Taylor takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions - think love, despair, and more love, but most importantly, a good old dose of heartbreak.

Set against the backdrop of Brighton, a place where the sea might be beautiful but the relationships are murky, the story embarks on a journey that's as unpredictable as a game of Monopoly played with your drunk uncle. Our protagonist, the delightful and stubborn Jess, is not just counting chimneys (although, honestly, she could probably use a hobby); she's also counting the throes of love and the heartaches that accompany them.

So what's the deal with Jess? Well, she's navigating her way through the emotional chaos of young adulthood - grab a tissue, folks, this is going to get messy. One moment she's swooning over a charming man and the next, she's grappling with the reality that love sometimes feels like a game of Whac-A-Mole, where new problems pop up just as you think you've smacked the last one down.

As we shuffle through Jess's escapades, expect a cast of characters that would make even Friends look like a bunch of introverts. There's the dashing suitor who sweeps her off her feet, only for him to reveal that he's about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. Then we have the pesky ex - because what's romance without a little baggage, right? Just when you think love could blossom, heartbreak takes center stage, flipping the script faster than a dramatic soap opera.

And spoiler alert - just when you think Jess has secured her happily ever after, prepare for a twist that'll leave you gasping into your tea (or, you know, whatever beverage you prefer). Can she finally find her place in the world of love without losing her sanity? Or will she be left with just the chimneys to count?

While the narrative weaves through the complexities of romance, heartbreak, and ultimately self-discovery, it does so with a humorous tone that makes you chuckle even as your heart aches for Jess. If you've ever needed a reminder that love can be as complicated as putting together IKEA furniture, this book's got you covered.

So, grab your favorite blanket, a cozy spot, and maybe some comfort food, because by the time you finish Counting Chimneys, you'll feel like you've been on a romantic rollercoaster - one that you can't help but get back on again. Just remember, love in the sixties was less about swiping left and right and more about figuring out which way to turn when your heart gets tangled in the chimneys. Happy reading!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.