An Obstinate Vanity is the debut novel by Keddie Hughes and
is a tale of love, friendship and betrayal.
Beth has worked hard to get where she is in a male-dominated
industry and is no stranger to public controversy. One day she wakes up with
Bells Palsy and one side of her face is paralysed. This, she fears, will become
a serious issue in her “quick to judge” job at The Agency.
Beth is set to judge the Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Competition and the winner, Benjy McKinnon, had no idea what he will be thrust
into. McKinnon is not an uncommon name in those parts of the world, but the
name sticks with Beth. Little does she know that Benjy’s father Dougie, is the
man she was once engaged to.
As Beth, Benjy and Dougie have to work with and around the
media on this project, they encounter a number of people that will have a
significant impact on their lives. Some may be positive and some may be
life-changing, but all will be remembered. Sometimes life is filled with
questions that just don’t have the right answers for them.
For a debut novel it is a well-written book with a rather
sweet story. It shows us how unrequited love can hurt, how betrayal can damage
and how love sees no faults. I can relate to Beth and her frustration with
Bells Palsy as I had it when I was 18, but was lucky enough to catch it in time
and get electro therapy quickly enough that within a month there were no
lasting effects. I enjoyed the simple yet complex characters, the beautiful
settings and the stark look at business behind the scenes and not always in a
good way. A good, satisfying read that leaves you with a smile on your face.
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