Nothing to Lose - Tapa blanda

Our third exhilarating novel from the author of Walking on Air.

Christina Jones specialises in robust yet romantic heroines, unusual situations like acrobatic flying or fairgrounds, and remarkable casts of supporting players who are highly realistic – indeed very similar to one’s lunatic uncle for example – but rendered with great affection. As so many of her readers say – one always feels a great deal better for reading a Christina Jones novel.

Here Jasmine Clark inherits on the death of her grandfather, various bits of his businesses, including to the horror of her family, his bookie’s pitch at a local greyhound stadium, as well as his council-condemned beach-hut. The stadium may look rundown, but there are plans afoot and it’s a prime site close to the sea-front.

April Pagett, single mother, has been nursing her bar job, and any other work she can get, including debt collection, to survive until one day, in lieu of payment, she is given Cair Paravel, allegedly a champion greyhound. The owner scarpers and April is left to conceal the dog from her landlord. So is he a winner?

Debt collectors and developers, posh relations and bookmakers, possible husbands, and bar-owners, the owners and the punters, and of course the girls and the greyhound are all involved in a wonderful chase – with nothing to lose.

Imagine that someone – in payment for a debt – gave you a greyhound. What would you do?

April Padgett, single mum, decides that she will keep the dog she has been given, and what's more she will train and race him. There are a few snags – April has no money, she knows nothing about training greyhounds, and her housing has a no-animals clause. But she has nothing to lose by trying her dog in a small local race.

Imagine that you are left – in the will of a beloved but distinctly unrespectable relation – a bookmaker's pitch at a rundown greyhound stadium. What would you do?

Jasmine Clegg, almost engaged to a suitable young man, decides to abandon a career with perks, and to take her place at the bookmaker's stand. She has nothing to lose if she can work out the odds.

Two women, two life-changing moments, totally unrelated. Or are they? Two determined women who by themselves can cause confusion, together can bring mayhem – to the dogs and the punters, to the stdium and to their working lives, and to those they love.

Any Christina Jones novel makes you feel elated, exhilarated and exuberant. 'Nothing to Lose' will make you feel a winner.