Well, this is rather exciting! Today marks the launch of Sweet Sweet Ninety Seven, the debut novel by Catherine Summers, the lovely lady behind the much-loved fashion and lifestyle blog Not Dressed As Lamb.
I’ve been following Catherine for well over ten years, ever since I first ventured into the world of over-40 style blogging. I’ve always loved her blog, her fabulous outfits and her down-to-earth approach to life, so you can imagine how excited I am to see her embarking on an entirely new adventure. And this time, it’s as an author!
Catherine’s first novel, Sweet Sweet Ninety Seven, is a nostalgic romantic comedy with a rather intriguing twist: time travel!
The story follows Ellie Foster-Russell, who discovers that her husband is having an affair just days after their silver wedding anniversary. But instead of simply having to deal with the heartbreak, Ellie wakes up the following morning in 1997, aged 25 again, with the opportunity to revisit her past and perhaps make some very different choices.
Same flat, same job, same friends… and a certain Tom, the man she once shared a rather unforgettable New Year’s Eve kiss with.
With second chances, romance, 90s nostalgia and a healthy dose of female empowerment, it sounds like a rather wonderful combination to me!
And here’s where I come in. I’ve actually been lucky enough to receive an advance copy, and I’m currently reading it in preparation for a proper review here on the blog. I haven’t quite finished yet (I’ve slipped back into my ridiculously slow reading sloth habits again!), but I’m absolutely loving it so far. I promise I’ll share my full thoughts very soon.
I’m particularly excited about this new chapter for Catherine because I know how much work, time and love goes into creating a book. As someone who’s published a fair few novels myself, I appreciate just how much goes into getting that first book out into the world. It’s a huge achievement!
So, if you enjoy romantic comedies, a little time travel, second-chance love stories and a generous sprinkling of 90s nostalgia, do take a look at Catherine’s debut.
A massive congratulations to Catherine. Here’s to the first of many books, and to all the exciting adventures that lie ahead. I’m cheering you on all the way!
Find Sweet Sweet Ninety Seven:
Goodreads – Sweet Sweet Ninety Seven
Visit Catherine’s website and Substack
And keep an eye out for my full review coming soon!
About the author
Catherine Summers writes nostalgic, funny and emotional romantic comedies about second chances, fresh starts and the wonderfully messy business of finding your way — no matter your age.
Her debut novel, Sweet Sweet Ninety Seven, was inspired by a simple question: what if you could wake up in the year that changed your life and make different choices? Set against the backdrop of 1997 — a year of Britpop, landlines, friendship, and the unforgettable summer that marked the death of Princess Diana — the novel blends romance, humour and nostalgia with the hope that it’s never too late to rewrite your future.
Before becoming a novelist, Catherine spent fifteen years writing her award-winning blog, Not Dressed As Lamb, where she championed women over forty to embrace their individuality through her #IWillWearWhatILike movement. As blogging evolved and readers embraced long-form fiction once again, writing novels felt like the natural next chapter.
Much like her blog, Catherine’s books celebrate women whose most exciting stories are far from over. She loves writing about midlife, friendship, love, reinvention and the courage to choose happiness, because she believes women in their fifties, sixties and beyond deserve to see themselves at the heart of joyful, romantic adventures.
Originally from London, Catherine now lives in Devon, where she’s happiest exploring the countryside and coastline, listening to far too much Britpop, reading everything from Jane Austen to Stephen King, and happily having her life ruled by her beloved greyhound.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting another story, proving that the best chapters of life don’t always come first.
