Decent writing. I thought I'd enjoy this more, given the setting, but it was a bit heavy. Every character was dealing with hard things and there was nDecent writing. I thought I'd enjoy this more, given the setting, but it was a bit heavy. Every character was dealing with hard things and there was no true break when the sun shone through and I could have a good laugh for a reprieve. The MC was very obsessed with how she came across and wasn't very likeable, even after her supposed transformation, and everyone in the family group was trying to stop being miserable throughout the book. Granted, the book opened with a dying and then buried mom. I skipped through all the mom's journal entries because they didn't really move the story forward and felt like filler. Everyone was suddenly a better person in a 12-month timeframe. Cute little twist at the end. Just overall, too much for me. Deep thinkers who love all the details of what goes through someone's mind might enjoy it though....more
This was adorable, and I suspect it will quickly be optioned for movie rights because the dialogue is already crackalacking. The story sped along withThis was adorable, and I suspect it will quickly be optioned for movie rights because the dialogue is already crackalacking. The story sped along with no real slumps, and there were no dumb parts where if someone had just said something, there would be no story.
The humor and one-liners are hilarious, with Walsh somehow able to write what every woman feels - when she has loads of thoughts and fears and emotions - and make readers laugh and squirm in the process.
Loads of readers have already written about the plot, but imagine yourself spending a few days in close proximity to a single man you love being with in five countries and how that might make you throw off all your defenses, especially when said man is a "bit of a divil" when it comes to pretending he's not interested and you're burning up. Readers who prefer to read clean romances will appreciate the fade-to-black scenes.
Well done, Catherine Walsh. I can't wait to read your other books, and I think you'll be the Irish Sophie Kinsella in no time at all (only even funnier because you're Irish, where one-liners are their own art)....more
Claire's writing is superb - so much said in a few words. I was instantly brought back to my childhood in the '80s All the Christmas preparations, theClaire's writing is superb - so much said in a few words. I was instantly brought back to my childhood in the '80s All the Christmas preparations, the shop windows, clothes, food, weather talk, nuns; everything is all beautifully and succinctly done.
Such an important topic too. I'm delighted that control the CC had is gone and respect now has to be earned rather than expected.
It's a quick read and well worth taking the time to do so. Bravo....more
It's hard to believe that Goodreads invites authors to rate and review their own books, but in this world of blatant cries for publicity, I mustn't joIt's hard to believe that Goodreads invites authors to rate and review their own books, but in this world of blatant cries for publicity, I mustn't join in. Or not. I will ignore the review that said "This book did not wow me" and replace it with my dazzling five smackers for posterity.
This is my debut novel. :) It's still on NG. Audiobook coming soon. I pick up the galley copy daily, run that velvety matte cover across my cheek (like Molly Shannon in Superstar with a tree), dip my eyes in a current of words, and grin like a lunatic. I hope reading it leaves your day(s) brighter too....more
