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Released: 28/08/2017

ISBN: 9781788032711
eISBN: 9781788030014

Format: Paperback/eBook

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At Reception

by Galahad Porter

A tale of self-discovery and transformation. Sally finds herself in a lonely world of her own making. Suffering psychological stress, unsupported and mistreated, she chooses to live alone, with only stuffed toy pets for company.

Unable to change her situation, she is locked in a cycle that’s impossible to escape and crippling her life. Lost in her own world, the arrival of a guest at the hotel where Sally works begins the challenging process of her opening up to the idea of a human relationship. Every day is a series of short interactions with guests and staff and each provide the basis of a series of short stories, which intertwine over the three days that the book is set. Sally’s interactions with the guests increasingly challenge her long-held opinions and self-image. Will John’s charm help her across the stepping stones of life and find herself willing to go on a serious date with him?

At Reception is a heartfelt debut novel from Galahad Porter that draws on the issues of loneliness and stress to encourage self-discovery.

Press Coverage

York Press

Gazette & Herald

That's Books

York Press

I Read Novels

Ryedale Gazette & Herald

Being Anne

Female First

Book Reviews

I wasn't sure I would like this book because of how the chapters were structured on a daily routine, but it works and I really enjoyed reading it. Sally is a receptionist for a large hotel and we find out how her childhood helped to shape the adult she grew up to be. The story centres around her life at work, her interaction with guests and employees and her own personal thoughts on every person she comes into contact with. It gives an honest and upfront account of what she is really thinking about in every aspect of life, which we can all relate to. It's different from anything I've read before, which made it a very interesting read.

by Therese Ferguson

Sally is a strange person formed by her past, where the story hints at abuse and neglect. She's been working the reception desk at a large hotel for 15 years and has a few unusual quirks.

Specific hair ribbons to match specific elements of her outfit.

Speaking to the flowers on her desk and the lobby mirror at work and her stuffed toys at home because they are her only friends.

The book covers three working days in Sally's life and her interactions and conversations, both out loud and internally, with guests checking in or out; hotel staff and of course her flowers and the mirror.

It's all pretty mundane events, but somehow you are kept interested in the bits of gossip and information Sally gathers over the course of the three days.

I honestly did not see the ending happening in the way it does. It sets the stage perfectly for the planned trilogy the author mentions he is planning. Am looking forward to reading those.

by Alison Scheppel

About the Author

Galahad Porter

Galahad Porter was born, studied and worked in the UK. He subsequently lived and travelled in many different parts of the world. 'At Reception' is his debut novel. He previously published non-fiction under the name Andrew D. Porter. "Pharmaceutical Equities: Evaluation and Trading" in 1993 and "Valuing Pharmaceutical Companies" with Karen Beynon in 2000. Both published by Woodhead Publishing Limited, United Kingdom. He is a member of The Society of Authors.