The Back Up Plan: Giving up? Or moving on?

Firstly, I need to mention the stunning cover which fits the story perfectly (although I may be biased because my daughter is a redhead too). As someone who lives in landlocked Wiltshire in the middle of the global pandemic, a glimpse of the sea was much appreciated.Marsaili (rhymes with parsley) grew up in rural Scotland with a loving family but is living and working in Glasgow looking for a dream acting role. This book follows how her life starts to change after meeting her baby niece for the first time. There are some great comic moments, some romantic opportunities and plenty of drama, not just on the stage of the theatre.I enjoyed the writing style of the story, full of detail to transport the reader to the theatre, a train, a wedding or a restaurant. The characters quickly became real and the story flowed over the pages. I was able to read the book over a quiet day at the weekend.I love how Marsaili enjoys helping at her friend Isla's Primary School - nice to see a positive story about helping/working in a school.If you enjoy reading books about family, friendship and romance, and would like a virtual visit to Scotland, then please read a copy of the Back Up Plan. I'm looking forward to reading Elsie's next book, which is released later this year.

This was a sweet, lighthearted novel. It was easy to empathize with Marsaili, the main character, and the struggles she faces trying to become an actress. I liked the insight into the acting world and what happens behind the curtains. I also loved the descriptions of Scottish landscape (I think I want to visit Scotland now), and the humor (who knew there was a lake called Loch Lochy?). Of course I loved Will, because he was a real man with weaknesses and wasn't ashamed to cry and reinvent himself.All in all, a pleasant read to evade from the real world and close the book with a smile.

I was thrilled to find a new author (and a SCOTTISH one at that!) as my thirst for rom com style chick lit is never ending. I was even more chuffed to discover that Elsie McArthur delivers the same warm wit and humour as my favourites: Katie Fforde, Lindsey Kelk and Jenny Colgan.I love reading about gorgeous scenic places, and I bloody love a good love story (who doesn't?) but I also need decent characters, with depth and guts, who are funny and relatable and live (flaws and all) firmly in the recognisable real world. I want to escape in a book, be so engrossed that I don't realise what time has passed. I want to giggle and snort out loud with laughter. Elsie McArthur definitely delivered!As a Glasgow girl myself, I loved the glimpses of my home city woven within the story. Aside from my mental stumble over the lead characters name (as others have said, as soon as it was described in the book itself, that's the wee rhyme I said to myself each time I read her name!) I loved the characters in this book. The relationship with her family, friends and workmates rang so true to me, and reminded me of folk I know. The back and forth between Marsaili and her work mate in particular was like listening to my own friends!This book delivered exactly what I was after - it was as funny and fierce as they come. I devoured it in 2 sittings, brilliant escapism from covid 19 lockdown. As soon as I finished it, I recommend it to numerous friends and my many aunties, which just goes to show how much I enjoyed it.I can't wait for more from Elsie McArthur. Here's hoping lockdown has meant her next offering is on its way soon

Marsaili has always wanted to be an actress but now she finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Her career hasn’t panned out the way she’d hoped but she feels that not doing it would be a failure. She feels as though she is stuck. Should she try again?The writing in this book is excellent as we learn more about Marsaili and hope that things turn out for her.Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed Elsie's debut book. She has a lovely, natural writing style and the story of Marsaili and the twists and turns of her love life really kept me wanting to read on. I can usually tell within a couple of chapters (sometimes a couple of pages) if I'm going to carry on reading - and I'm not afraid to put a book down if it doesn't hold my interest, but I looked forward to going to bed each night to read the next instalment. It's easy to read but not fluffy if you know what I mean - a great bit of chicklit romcom escape during lockdown. Looking forward to the next book from Elsie.

"Marsaili, like parsley!" I loved this story. From the glorious settings to the relatable characters, McArthur leads us on a journey of hopes and dreams. I felt like Marsaili's friend as I turned each page, willing for everything to fall into place for her. How special it was to discover that the dream she was chasing was maybe always going to be a little out of reach, but another dream, kept in the shadows as she didn't dare to hope, would be the one to come true. This is a must-read as it is thoroughly enjoyable and leaves you feeling a little sad that it has to come to an end.

This first novel by Elsie McArthur is sweet, sensitive and sassy all at once and speaks to the heart of what it is to be a modern young woman making her way in the world amid all the dreams and opportunities life can offer.The way that McArthur develops her warm and charming characters is both refreshing and humorous, providing some real laugh out loud moments. By the end of the novel you really feel like you know these characters well.The settings are in contrast; the city and the quiet life of the Highlands, and both are described in idyllic detail, enriching the story and the reader's mental image. Both give a snapshot into the Scottish way of life.A wonderful debut which allows you to escape and dream...