Stage Kisses on Halfpenny Lane (Halfpenny Lane #2) by Clodagh Murphy

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two old flames. One small stage. Trouble is just waiting in the wings …

Mimi and her sisters are still struggling to keep their beloved Halfpenny Lane Theatre afloat.

So when Hollywood heartthrob Rocco Agnew wants a part in their upcoming production of Private Lives it promises to be a lifesaver. Rocco sets hearts racing and ticket sales soaring wherever he goes.

The only problem: Rocco is Mimi’s ex – the one who broke her heart – and she’s slated to play opposite him in a role that will bring them far too close for comfort.

They can’t turn down Rocco. Mimi doesn’t want to bow out. Will the little theatre be big enough for both of them?

This is the second book in the Halfpenny Lane series, but it is a complete story and can be enjoyed as a standalone.

MY REVIEW

I have become a fan of second-chance romances and am always interested in a new premise. Though this storyline isn’t new to me, there are engaging descriptions of how a theater production is promoted and run as well as the thrill of being on stage. Speaking from personal amateur theater experience, I could relate to the exhausting rehearsals and joy of pretending to be someone else for a little while.

This second book in the Halfpenny Lane series is told in the third person from Mimi’s perspective. It follows hardworking actress Mimi who, along with her sisters, Aoife and Sive, are scraping by to keep their Halfpenny Lane Theatre running in the black. Little did she know the director of their next play had a surprise up her sleeve. Rocco Agnew, famous Hollywood actor and ex-boyfriend of Mimi who left home and broke her heart four years ago is the co-lead to Mimi’s character. His participation will be a great plug for the theatre, but a disaster for her personal life.

There is a lot of drama going on and off of the set as Mimi tries to stay professional with Rocco who happens to have a famous girlfriend, but her heart is breaking. I had to hand it to her for finding the courage of agreeing to be just friends with the man she loves and sticking with it. Rocco is really a nice guy and I couldn’t dislike him with his charming personality and kind gestures. One could tell the two lovers still had a wonderful chemistry that was hard to deny. But deny they must, because he was taken and so was she, sort of. In the end, there is more to Rocco’s return than it seems and the truth is finally revealed.

The ensemble of fun and compelling characters, from Mimi’s lovely supportive sisters to the charismatic cast and crew of the theatre, is a great addition.

I recommend this delightful escape into the world of theatre and a love that endures.

Thank you to Ms. Murphy for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Halfpenny Lane Series

1. The Little Theatre on Halfpenny Lane (2022)
2. Stage Kisses on Halfpenny Lane (2023)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Clodagh (rhymes with Yoda) is an Irish author of funny, feel-good romantic comedies. She lives in Dublin and writes in a cabin in the garden. Her latest release is the second book in a series of standalones set in the world of theatre.