should be free on a magazine
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This book is "ok at best" if you want some mindless entertainment - just to read without having to think. But it is packed with a LOT of clichés. You can just see it's written for a market of unsatisfied, late 30 something women who want to believe that their dull lives will be transformed miraculously, and (of course) Prince Charming will just turn up next door and fall at their feet.
The characters are quite two dimensional. They slot into their unoriginal and predetermined roles very easily - the brash adulterer, the head-strong teenager, the workaholic husband, the obsessive PTA meeting wife and mum etc. etc. The main character wasn't developed enough either, she seemed quite content to while away her time in a small life and not build a new one for herself alone after her (workaholic) husband dies. The most unused and interesting character was the main character's best friend - a self-confident and sassy Italian woman, who could have blown the other characters away, if she didn't have only about five pages worth of plot in the whole story.
The outcome was predictable from reading the first page, and the rest of the plot offered no surprises. I was willing the author to give me something more, a twist to mean it wasn't just another middle aged woman's book. However, sadly, she didn't. I doubt I'll be reading this book again.
Imagine sitting in the sun with a glass of wine and reading something so you're occupied while your tan builds. Not something that will change the world, but will just occupy your mind enough for a few lazy hours.
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Cosy book
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This was quite a nice wee story. I liked the English village setting which reminded me of all the Enid Blyton I loved in my childhood. No depth though; just a gossipy chatty book.
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It lacks that little something
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I have read three Erica James books before I read this one, so thought I would have an easy and enjoyable read. While her other books - Garden of Delight, Love and Devotion, and The Holiday have all been page turners this lacked that little something. If you have read her other books and enjoyed them you may be disappointed with this one.
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A Breath of Fresh Air
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the novel is delightful in a sort of pastoral idyll type of way. the characters are well drawn and the plot is just about believable in a wish-fulfilment mode. recommended.
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Easy and light read
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This was the first book I had read written by Erica James and found the story funny and light and an easy read. I read it within a day and although I wouldnt say its my favourite book I would reccomend it. It would be good for taking on a short break away it will be finished by the time you come back but wouldnt keep you from doing other things
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