Book Review: Acts of Kindness by Heather Barnett*

The book was initially inspired by Heather witnessing commuters helping a woman who’d fallen down the stairs at Paddington station and by her driving past some grand stone gateposts in Wiltshire, and wondering what was behind them.  This combination of care and curiosity created the story of Bella Black, who arrives at her lovely new home in a Wiltshire village, looking for a fresh start after her recent divorce.

Bella has been unexpectedly offered a job at the well-known Acorn Consulting and finds out that she may also have the chance to work for the firm’s charitable concern, the OAK Institute. Apart from the promise that “its aims are for the good of humanity all over the world”, Bella knows nothing about the mysterious institute until she passes her Acorn probation and is invited to take a role at the charity. Amongst her new colleagues are handsome, unflappable Ben; young, innocent Lauren and clumsy but charming Oscar. In contrast to Bella’s recent life in London, this group, and all of the institute’s employees, seem happy, friendly and fulfilled in their work. Bella also fits right into the village – despite repeated appearances of the unfortunately named Maggie Thatcher, who seems a little too keen to get to know her.

The founder of the OAK Institute insists it needs to maintain a low profile in order to achieve its mission effectively. However, when maps are changed to protect its locations; mysterious meetings take place behind closed – and even hidden – doors and people start to disappear, Bella wonders if OAK is as wholesome as it seems. Unsure who to trust amongst her new colleagues, neighbours and friends, Bella must put her desires, doubts and fears aside and make the right decisions before it’s too late.

What I thought of the book 

‘Acts of kindness’ begins by quoting one of my favourite snippets of poetry, so I felt I was going to enjoy this novel from the very beginning. As you might expect, the book also has kindness at its heart but asks some interesting questions about why we behave in this way and who it benefits.

Initially, the plot seems like a light-hearted modern romance – a woman reeling from a divorce makes some brave changes to her life and opens herself up to new, exciting possibilities. A few pages in, the real story begins and it’s clear that there’s more to it than first meets the eye. Although this book isn’t a traditional crime or detective novel, Bella Black finds herself caught up in a mystery and, although reluctant, realises that she has to try and uncover what’s happening, in order to help her friends and a vulnerable lady that she’s met in her new home.

As with most of the books I enjoy, the characters in ‘Acts of kindness’ are one of its main strengths. They could easily have become stereotypes, as the romantic lead, humorous sidekick, no-nonsense businesswoman and nosey neighbour all appear. However, Heather Barnett gives most of the characters realistic personalities and motivations, so the reader recognises them and follows their stories within the novel as a whole. I warmed to Bella, her excitement, worries and weaknesses (I will definitely be using my phone camera to help me out with directions) as the story developed. Without giving too much away, Gladys was my favourite of the people Bella meets and it was lovely to see a larger than life, older character being written with sympathy and humour – and being given a substantial role in the story. Heather Barnett lists comedy as one of her interests, and Gladys allowed her to show that wonderfully in her writing.

The other strength of ‘Acts of kindness’ is the balance it achieves. Some of the settings are rural & traditional, some slick & modern and others exotic. Some of Bella’s friends and colleagues are very serious and others are friendly warm characters. At times the plot is gentle and conversational, at others dramatic and gripping. This balance works to make the novel genuinely enjoyable to read and to give it mass appeal. It also means that the story flows at the perfect pace; hooking and encouraging the reader. So, the twists and turns which disrupt the balance are utterly effective,  catching the reader off guard and giving the story real intrigue. ‘Acts of kindness’ made me laugh, think, gasp and was ultimately a hopeful and uplifting book – be kind to yourself and read it!

How much is the book and how can you buy it?

The paperback retails for £9.19 and the Kindle ebook for £3.99. You can buy them via this link.

About the author

Heather Barnett gained a degree in English and French from the University of Leeds and has written ever since – from copywriting to stand-up comedy, and now with a focus on novels. ‘Acts of kindness’ was kick-started with the help of sessions at the Faber Academy and Arvon Foundation, and then regularly impeded by Heather’s two attention-seeking cats. The author was delighted to sign with Serpentine Books, sharing with them a love of literature that is out of the ordinary.

Heather is head of marketing at an agency near Oxford and lives by the river Kennet in Berkshire. Aside from writing, her interests are classic literature, the afore-mentioned cats and – unsurprisingly for someone who lists Douglas Adams, Jane Austen and P.G. Wodehouse amongst her writing influences – comedy.   Heather’s second novel, Lord seeks wife, is a romantic comedy, and will be published in Summer 2021.

About the book

Title: Acts of Kindness
Author: Heather Barnett
Publisher: Serpentine Books Ltd.
ISBN: 978-1913874056
Pages: 288

Review by: Sharon Corbally

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