Lynne’s first book, Terrible With Raisins, is about Clair… who knew what was coming, ‘…something pretty terrible…Not just plain terrible. This was fancy terrible. This was terrible with raisins in it’.
Quote from Dorothy Parker (on turning fifty)
There’s a big birthday looming. Clair tries hiding from it on the Aegean island of Symi, Greece. Inevitably it catches up with her. But so do a couple of possibilities, interesting, attractive ones…Encouraged, she departs the Greek idyll to face the reality of her demanding daughter, her hypercritical mother, and the special person in Scotland who keeps her sane. But there’s a secret she keeps from them all. In the coming year, she will swallow a lot of raisins, sweet and sour, in England, Scotland and Florida. She will discover plenty – forget a few things (it was a BIG birthday), and, reluctantly, reveal her secret. Mother, daughter, niece, lover, reluctant teacher and neglected artist – will the real Clair Harkin please grow up?
Sample excerpt below… – Clair and her daughter, Jess, arrive at Symi…
CHAPTER TWO
CLAIR
Nothing too Terrible so far
… The bovine surge to collect belongings started well before the ferry nudged the quayside. We joined the herd at the back of the boat, sweat settling in every crease. Our bags, of course, were under a mammoth turd of luggage; our carefully ironed holiday clothes would look like the scrapings of Jess’s bedroom floor. This was not a propitious start. Even so, shuffling to board the gangway, lungs clogged with body odour and ship’s diesel, I still felt the holiday excitement of a child. Of course, I had to think of Jess being parted from her boyfriend and suffering post AS level stress. I wasn’t the only one with something difficult to face. We could help each other through these two weeks.
As we stepped onto the stone quay, a green sort of fly’s eye on wheels slewed towards us and lurched to a halt, a chunky mermaid and ‘Symi Port Harbour Service’ stencilled on it. An ample Greek, white shirt straining, emerged from the tiny cab and landed solidly on sandalled feet. I nudged Jess matily.
‘Blimey, it’s Captain Pugwash!’
She reacted with one of those ‘you really should take your medication’ looks and continued clicking a response to Raz. To be fair, Pugwash was a generation before her time and didn’t wear a baseball cap or a Bugs Bunny tie. But I had tossed the ball lightly – it wouldn’t have hurt her that much to return it.
‘Kalispera Mixailis!’
Our travel rep, a sociable Scot, hailed Pugwash then turned to us, curving a corporate grin.
‘Clair and Jess Harkin? Kalos eelthate stin Symi. Welcome to Symi.’
At the airport, with all the world-weariness of her seventeen years, Jess had assessed and rejected the rep’s romantic potential in a split second. Peeping humbly through my burkha of desiccating hormones I decided there was no hope for me anyway and so no point in passing comment. He continued, jauntily unaware of our contrasting reactions.
‘Aphrodite Apartments, it’s no distance – if you’d just follow the folks over there, Pickfords have arrived.’
He nodded towards a mule being loaded with cases. Jess glanced up and her eyes bulged with indignation.
‘You mean that donkey’s got to carry all those bags?’
‘It’s a mule – it’s used to it. See you on The Giorgios in the morning?’
He winked at Jess and nodded at Pugwash.
‘I’ll give Mixailis your regards, aye? Unless you’d like his mobile number?’
eBook (ISBN 9781838533380) Paperback (ISBN 9781838533397)
AMAZON & GOODREADS REVIEWS
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A love of Greece and strong observations bring the story to life, you get gripped and feel you know the characters. Once into this book I was gripped and didn’t want it to end. If you want to escape to Symi, with a dose of Scotland and the cheekiness of two West Highland Terriers then this is the book for you. – Nina Geraghty, 2019
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A wonderful book about second loves. Lynne McVernon brings the island of Symi back to my mind vividly. Anyone who has spent any time in Greece will relate immediately to the Greek characters who are brought to life so well with their ‘kefi’ or passion for life. Wonderful descriptions
of Claire’s ‘passed his useby date’ boring English lover and fellow tourists are absolute gems. Many laugh out loud situations that could only happen in Greece. Travelling home to the UK brings real life back with a bang while Claire deals with the situations involving extended family that we all experience as we all get older. But Claire soldiers on and comes out the other side to a whole new world of love, laughter and ‘kefi’. Once I started this book, I could not put it down and now can’t wait to read Jigsaw Island. – Jillian Morton, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved TERRIBLE WITH RAISINS. It’s a cracking story about a pivotal make-or-break age, when heroine Clair has the baggage of a life lived and yet the chance to start over. It’s stacked with vivid characters you want to spend time with… through every messy, hilarious, unexpected and moving step they make. And (spoiler alert), you’ll find yourself rooting for unexpected romance…! I enjoyed the Bridget Jones series, but this has more besides, Lynne McVernon’s understated wisdom will stay with you long after the closing chapter. – Anonymous, 2013
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Terrible with Raisins” by Lynne McVernon explores the uncertain and, sometimes painful, world of loving human relationships and the obstacles that face the unwary lover. The novel is finely written and is a compelling read. The time is ‘now’ and the writer varies the tempo of the narrative by introducing moments of reflection as characters ponder the unexpected: emotions at times run deep. The novel’s locations introduce place and atmosphere changes ranging from sunshine in Symi in Greece and Florida, with its aged wealthy, to the changing temperatures and skies of dear old Guildford. The characters are believable, some are lonely and vulnerable, and the emotional relationships they live through are recognisable. Does the reader care about the characters? The answer is ‘yes’, for the challenges they face are known to most of us and we are curious to see how, or if, they will be resolved. The writer does not settle for a neat happy ending, but the reader who quests for the sublime in human relations will be curious to assess what might happen next. – Michael Gaunt-edwards, 2013
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very easy read with good dialogue and laugh out loud moments. Painful mirror reflections at times, which makes it very real as I would think a lot of people have had thoughts or situations similar as the characters. Sprinkled with some depth and allusions to other literature and culture trinkets set it apart from the normal ‘grab at the airport’ book. As a bloke it gives a good insight into how some females might think and act which, guys, is worth finding out and remembering. Hope to read more from this author at some point. – Julian Cope, 2013
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved the characters in Terrible with Raisins and felt completely in sync with Clair. I devoured the book over a weekend and just wanted to be on that Greek island. – Sharron Pardoe, 2013
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Set mostly on a sunny Greek island, this book’s definitely more than just a holiday read. The characters are well-rounded and wholly believable – I found myself easily immersed – and the rock-solid writing and sharp dialogue raise it above the usual Kindle crowd. As the story progresses you begin to feel you’re actually there on the island with the cast, and the book keeps you wondering until the end how it will turn out. Quality. – Mr Arnold, 2013
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A heroine for us all. This intricate and realistic examination of female relationships – seen through the eyes of a wonderful, trying-to-be-feisty heroine riddled with doubt – will strike a chord with all women readers. Not to mention a rocking love story and pure, delightful escapism in the book’s locations! McVernon has a clear and engaging voice, one we’re all hoping to hear again soon. -S J Pinkney, 2013
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good Holiday Read. Made me feel like I was back on the Greek Island of Simi where I have spent many wonderful holidays. – Natascha Baecher, 2013
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved this book! From the summary description I would never have picked it up, assuming it to be “chick lit” of the more amateur variety – but how wrong I was. Lynne McVernon has a wonderful style and uniquely dry sense of humour. I wish I’d written down some of her more pithy phrases to pass off as my own in conversation! I found it hard to put down the further I read, and still find myself caring about the characters and wondering what became of them. I recommend this wholeheartedly. – Fin, 2013
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A real treat of a debut read. Cleverly crafted, humorous, well written. With characters that react and stand out in an honest relational way. An absolute must for me. Lynne McVernon has captured the beautiful resort of Symi. Very strong ring of truth. – V P Simpson, 2016
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ So much more than a birthday with a zero at the end and a 5 at the beginning. This book is beautifully written, a story about much more than simply turning 50!
The story unfolds from several people’s point of view as the main characters journey between the beautiful Greek Islands, the suburbs London and remotest Scotland. It is incredibly funny in parts, subtle and I felt bordering on a Mike Leigh comedy script at times. It is also heart-wrenching as misunderstandings occur between people. Descriptive, rounded and real, warts and all I found myself really caring what happened to the various characters during the interactions between them. I think Lynne McVernon is an exquisite observer of human nature and I didn’t want it to end – I wanted more. – Nommie, 2017
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A complete surprise in a must read book. I picked this book up as a favour. In no time at all, I morphed from interested via hooked to engrossed. I didn’t put it down.
The characters came alive, they became likeable and so believable. The plot rattles along at a fair lick- different places and different times. Lynne handles this superbly, you never have to wonder where you are.
Lynne writes in the style I associate with women writers, her’s is a world seen through an authoress’ eyes. And Lynne does this superbly.
I can only repeat, so I will repeat; a surprisingly good book that you cannot put down. – Dr Benjamin, 2016
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Well worth reading. Thoroughly enjoyable….so far. Not yet finished reading this unusual book but find it engrossing. Very well done. – Susan Balchin, 2013
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A very fun–and funny–read! Main characters are well-developed and believable. Although mainly narrated by the main character, Clair, shifting the narrative to other characters (Fraser, Howard, Maggie) and viewing the same events through their eyes deepens the story nicely. McVernon also creates for the reader a very appealing setting for the Greek island, Symi. If many read this novel, Symi should brace for an influx of visitors. Frequently funny, the novel contains enough emotional depth to keep it from being frivolous and unreal while making it very enjoyable and worthwhile. I’m looking forward to her next one! – Ed Coble (Fort Worth, Texas), 2013
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Perfect Holiday Read. An absolute ‘must’ for ladies of a certain age, especially if you have a teenage daughter … and even better if you are familiar with package holidays and Greek islands! Men will love it too, I’m sure; there is lots of humour and Lynne has captured some wonderful moments. – Mrs V C White, 2013
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A laugh-out-loud, witty and endearing novel, charting the highs and lows of the life of one Clair Harkin, terrified of hitting the dreaded 5-0. I felt this would make an excellent tv comedy drama or short series, written as it is with several cliff hangers and epic comedy moments. McVernon’s character’s are easily visualised and I found myself casting them all! Needs to get taken up and made! – Ms S P Solomons, 2018
Like her lead character, Clair, Author Lynne McVernon, is a force to to be reckoned with. McVernon has created a sweeping blockbuster modern day melodrama that you won’t be able to put down. The book starts with Englishwoman Clair Harkins coming to grips with turning 50. Her Aunt Maggie treats Clair and Clair’s daughter Jess to a trip to Symi Greece with the idea that the change of scenery will help Clair cope with the big 5-0. We are then treated to a rollicking story of the Harkins lasses adventures in Greece. But there is more for each of the characters to discover than just sex and sun. As the story continues, we learn about Clair’s Aunt Maggie, Clair’s Greek lover Fraser the Scot and his family, Clair’s English lover Howard, Clair’s mother, Clair’s best friend, and other relatives and acquaintances. Theses stories manage to all come together by the end of book, a saga which at times is humorous, then sad and emotional, then caring and contemplative. Did I enjoy it? Yes, I loved this book. The only caution for readers is that the author does not use quotation marks for conversation, which confused me a little, and there are many English colloquialisms which are fun, but were also at times hard for this non-Brit to understand. I urge you to go immerse yourself in the life and times of Clair- you will have a blast with this book! – Jena Henry, 2019
Lynne McVernon 