Pomp and Circumstances

After a disastrous date with Eleanor, James wakes up to a house full of Royal Wedding fever. It may be a national holiday, but he’s in no mood for romance. His best friend Olly is anti-monarchy, but his loved-up parents are ready to party and his younger sister Faith sets off for Hyde Park to experience the atmosphere for herself. Somewhere across the city, in the crowd that James does not want to be part of, is a girl from a different kind of postcode who could change his world. When Hema heads for Buckingham Palace with her domineering boyfriend, she finds herself tempted to lose him there, amongst the thousands gathered to wave their flags. It’s a surprising place for a gentle girl to find a clear new voice – and alarmed to be alone, Hema can have no idea where independence might lead. For five young Londoners, circumstances are about to derail plans and overturn expectations. Set against a noisy and colourful backdrop of pomp and fanfare, their life stories will take new directions. There’s more than one way to celebrate, and a strange, reckless day will bring panic, grief and conflict, and risks worth taking. POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCES is Sue Hampton’s seventeenth novel. For details of her other work, for adults, teenagers and children, see www.suehamptonauthor.co.uk