Dances and Dreams on Diamond Street by Craig Revel Horwood Blog Tour

 Now I'll start this blog tour post with a bit of honesty, I'm not always a fan of books written by celebrities (I know I shouldn't judge). However, when I was given the chance to be a part of the tour for the paperback release of Craig Revel Horwood's debut novel, after reading the blurb I felt compelled to read it.

Dances and Dreams on Diamond Street is described as ‘Heartwarming, funny and FAB-U-LOUS!’ and after reading it myself, I whole heartedly agree.

Set against the colourful boho backdrop of London’s Camden in the 1990s, Dances and Dreams on Diamond Street, tells the story of an unlikely family of friends who each rent a room in a ramshackle six-bedroom, four-storey townhouse. Like any family, the residents of Diamond Street sometimes fight and often act up but when the chips are down, they’re there for each other in an instant – usually brandishing a cheap bottle of booze, and the offer of an impromptu kitchen disco.

Presided over by the wise-cracking but warm-hearted patriarch of the family, Danny Hall, a professional dancer turned choreographer, the novel follows a year in the life of the inhabitants of Diamond Street, rough diamonds one and all, as they try to achieve their dreams – with unexpected, heart-warming and sometimes hilarious results.

This novel is a pure joy to read.

Taking a look at a snippet of life in the 90's, this is a story about friends, family and frolics.

We are introduced to a delightful, entertaining cast: housemates, perhaps couples and definitely companions for life.

Danny, Lachlan, Cat, Pete, Jewel and my favourite, Lil. 

All so very different, each one tackling their own struggles in life, navigating day to day living whilst lending a shoulder to one another and providing much needed comfort and positivity.

The debut novel from Strictly’s very own Craig Revel Horwood, this book will make you laugh, make you cry, and everything in between.

Now this isn't a tale of purely hearts and flowers, tougher issues are covered in a sensitive manner. The subjects include homophobia, discrimination and mental abuse.

These topics weren't forced, in fact they highlighted things that unfortunately still happen now, well done to the author for not shying away from these.

Refreshing to see such honesty and I was also impressed with reading the romance from the male perspective as well.

Craig Revel Horwood is an Australian-British dancer, choreographer and theatre director in the United Kingdom.

The plot is simple yet meaningful and the layout easy to follow making it an utter joy to read.

Each and every character is quirky in their own way and thoroughly likeable. I felt like Craig's own personality really shone through too.

Everything combines to make a story that flows effortlessly.

Although sad in parts, by the end I was left smiling and with a feeling of having been a part of the 'family' and 27 Diamond Street.

That's what I thought, do join the rest of the blog tour to see more thoughts, reviews etc, be prepared to fall in love with Diamond Street's residence: