3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4

Fern sells vintage clothes fron a stall at Camden Market in London. She had just lost her job as a personal shopper for a large department store. Her mother, Annabel had been a model and her love for clothes had rubbed off on Fern.

A few of the characters felt a bit flat in this easy to read story that is all about vintage fashion. Although the storyline is a bit predictable, it does have that feel good feeling about it and a happy ending. Whether you are in to any kind of fashion or not, the clothes are well described. A very pleasant read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Sophie Jenkins for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review

This is a book about several characters finding their paths and discovering who they truly are. The author used fashion and the history of fashion to connect and interweave the many different characters and their stories together.

I really enjoyed this quick, fun read while on vacation. The Author drew me into Ferns (MC) world and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. As David (SC) says “No good Deed ever goes unpunished” was the twists and turns of this book show the ups and downs of those good deeds.

A Random Act of Kindness is a wonderful book. It's not one of those 'big' books about some big idea or theme – more like it's a slice of life story, which is easy to relate to, genuine and warm. And yet, it encompasses so much. There's topics of struggling with self-esteem, finding your passion and place in life, the power of friendship, and of course romance. But aside from that, there are also side themes, some of which are very deep – like WWII refugee experiences (not to spoil, but I literally cried after one of the passages about that... caught me unawares), lifelong love and talk about ways we protect ourselves from the adversities of life, and how we all have different ways to do that. So many things! It all weaves together and makes for a heart-warming and genuine story.

Something that is truly unique about this book is the main character's love for fashion and fashion history. We're not talking about a vain chasing of fads here – for Fern, the main character, as well as for some of the side characters, wearing special clothes is a way to defend against the outside, a sort of emotional armor. Myself, I am simple and practical and I could be said to be the last person to care about fashion. And yet, this reasoning of you becoming someone else as you wear your 'armor' really resonated with me. I feel like the love for style and fashion here is presented in a way that is accessible to nearly anyone, and if you're someone who has never understood why some people think it's so important, this book could show a whole new outlook on it.

Another thing I loved is how many middle aged or older characters this book had and how it didn't fear to show friendships between people of very different ages. It's often a no-no in society, which I don't really understand. Age shouldn't be a barrier for friendship. And there's more than that. I don't want to go and spoil it, but the book is progressive in an unexpected and heart-warming way. However, the story can be simplistic at times, it does solve some things in an fast and straightforward manner and a questionable outcome. But it's quite often the way in such books that things get resolved just because they have to, to fit the story, and since I knew the book was meant to be simple and uplifting, I didn't really mind that.

I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook through NetGalley in exchange to my honest opinion. Receiving the book for free does not affect my opinion.

This was a heartwarming story, rather than funny or exciting; which is not really my thing. I need a bit more conflict. Well written, though,, and an easy read.

Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun, light read about finding your own path in life, and how a random act of kindness can have outworkings both for the recipient and the giver. I liked the way the main character's story was complemented by a cast of quirky acquaintances and friends, cutting across generational lines. This is nominally billed as a love story, but the real love interest here is fashion and how it can change a person's day or life. I particularly liked the way "fashion" wasn't defined as cutting edge haute couture, but about dressing how you feel - I don't do designer labels, but I do know what it feels like to put on a special item that makes my day brighter.

Goodreads review here (direct link not possible): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2759854131

Such a lovely, heartwarming book. A fun, sweet read that gives you warm fuzzy feelings. It has a cast of adorable, quirky loveable characters and a plot that twists but pulls everything together at the end. A great read.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for the an honest opinion

A Random Act of Kindness was a cute, fun, heartwarming book. After meeting some of the characters, I wasn't completely sure where this book was going, but as the stories all started coming together it was an enjoyable book.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for an ARC of this title.

A fun, sweet, chick-lit read, with an engaging cast of quirky characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was an easy reading, quite light-hearted story about Fern and her vintage clothing business, but with a couple of quite eccentric side characters that really lifted the story.

Fern used to work for a department store but got sacked when a delighted customer wrote a glowing review for a sale she made, but unfortunately it was for a dress that she'd sold from her own vintage clothes collection outside of work. So she then decided to set up her own business with a market stall at Camden Market.

Fern currently lives in her parents flat (her Father used to stay in it during the week when he was working) and is struggling to make ends meet. Her parents were a bit odd really, even though they let her use the flat they were a bit distant and her Mother especially was a right pain, a very selfish sort of woman, nothing was ever good enough for her and she felt as though Fern was a disappointment to her, especially as she used to be a model in her youth. She really looked down her nose at Fern's market stall and her life choices in general.

I actually preferred a couple of the side characters more than the main ones I must admit. Fern's inspiration to start her vintage clothes business was a very stylish woman she'd bumped into a while ago, Dinah. She had also recently bumped into her again and actually got to know her and her husband Moss, a tailor. The other great side character was Kim, an elderly guy who was the one who actually got her sacked (unbeknownst to him), when buying a dress for his wife (supposedly). But his wife had just died and he was spreading his wings and not hiding his true personality anymore.

There is also a slow burning romance with another stall holder, and he was nice enough but just a bit... boring I suppose.

This book is most definitely all about vintage fashion so there are lots of clothes descriptions, especially at the beginning of each chapter, but Fern's whole life revolved around what she was wearing so I suppose it was hardly surprising. All in all a pleasant, easy read, but with the side characters being much more interesting than the main character!

This one is a light read and those who enjoy the fashion world might find it really interesting. I liked the short description of a vintage dress or outfit at the beginning of each chapter as it helped to flesh out the main character's passion for quality clothing. Her struggle to find her way in the business world is front and center and a random act of kindness helps give her the boost she needs. Unfortunately, the pace of this was a little slow for me, but it's still a good story.

A real feel good book. Each chapter begins with the description of an outfit and Fern lives her life thinking about clothes and envisioning what would suit people. I have to say it made me want to go out shopping although, admittedly more to the high street stores than vintage sellers.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
It's a fairly easy read once you get into it, with a few quirky characters you get to know quite well. The main character Fern, actually has a few issues that are similar to Louisa Clark in 'Still Me' by Jojo Moyes. Fern, like Louisa, loves fashion and becomes friends with an older lady who has a few well kept pieces.
The references to the past are actually really interesting and thought provoking, giving the story more heart. This novel isn't solely focused on romance, but about different aspects of love for characters in the book. Losing love, rekindling love, and finding love.
The ending seemed rushed but overall a lovely story.
3.5-4 stars

I read this book on holiday and would definitely recommend it as a nice light beach read. Fern is constantly trying to please her parents and after losing a job in personal shopping sets up her own vintage clothing stall at Camden market. The book manages to hold your interest throughout, has likeable characters and the storyline isn’t completely over the top. It’s a little bit fluffy but overall enjoyable!

A lovely read a perfect summer romance lovely characters wonderful surprises a book to curl up with.#netgalley #avonbooksuk

Fiona lives in North London in a small flat that belongs to her parents who said that she could stay there until she got on her feet and saved enough to get her own place. Never happened. Her mother, a former model, is beautiful and has no hesitation in letting Fiona know what a disappointment she is to her. Her father, newly retired is kinder but not by very much. Such is Fiona’s timid nature that she has failed to let them know that she has lost her job as a personal shopper in a department store and has set up a vintage clothing store in Camden Lock. Clothes are Fiona’s forte; that and her intuitive flair that her design background, and her instincts with her customers.

Add to the mix David who runs a neighbouring stall, his girlfriend Gigi (a school friend of Fiona), Dinah and Moss an elderly German couple, another group of elderly people and a dealer who helps Fiona source her vintage clothes.

I absolutely loved this book. Each chapter was prefaced with a description of a garment and the legendary designers, Chanel, Dior, Norman Hartnell, Biba, et al. The range was all encompassing and I had pleasure in picturing them, particularly the 50’s and 60’s. I thought this was an imaginative plot, well-developed (if somewhat predictable) and I loved the characters. One bit in particular (relating to lipstick – trying to avoid a spoiler here) made me cry.

I also loved Fiona. A sensitive soul who worried when somebody called her shallow even though she was kindness herself to others. A nice, easy read but actually much, much more than that. Perhaps I could call it a little treasure of a find. Read it, enjoy it. I did.

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book: it's well written and entertaining.
I liked the fleshed out characters, the plot, and the style of writing.
It's perfect for a lazy afternoon and will surely improve your mood.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

A sweet summer read for people who enjoy positivity and fashion; this won’t change the world but will keep you smiling for a while.

The characters were as quirky as their professions. The love story happened in the background, one moment it wasn't there and the next it was a happily ever after for the couple.

The fashion theme was fascinating in the story.

A light romance with acts of kindness throughout. Enjoyable and entertaining.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Three and a half stars.

Fern has a stall selling vintage clothes at Camden Market in London, having lost her job as a personal shopper for a large department store. She has always had a love of fashion, probably because her mother Annabel is a former model.

A random act of kindness to a stranger introduces Fern to Kim, a pensioner buying a dress for his wife, Dinah, an 89 year old woman with an amazing haute couture wardrobe, and David. Told through sales blurb for different vintage clothes we see Fern find romance, friendship and a career.

For anyone who loves fashion the talk of Westwood, Biba, Chanel, Lagerfield et al is divine but it's also mixed up with Top Shop bargain finds and repurposing. Fern is a genius at seeing what people want from clothes, how they want clothes to make them feel, from a job interview outfit, to a mother-of-the-bride ensemble to a prom dress - she helps each of her customers feel better about themselves.

This is a feel good, fashion-forward, sweet romance, but TBH the romance is all about the clothes and our 'hero' is more of an afterthought.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.