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Ruby #1
Working It Out
Ruby Matthews has a plan. Twelve jobs in twelve months, until she finds the one of her dreams… After an unexpected redundancy, Ruby begins to question her priorities. Inspired by a quote from Kahlil Gibran about loving your work, she launches her mission to find the ideal job. Her year of gainful (and sometimes painful) employment include nannying for clients in the South of France; dealing with embarrassing ailments in a Harley Street Clinic; waiting tables in a buzzy Soho cafe; and meeting the celebs of years gone by in a home for retired actors. And even though love is no longer top of her list, relationships just start happening along the way – which sees her handing out some P45s of her own! But will any of the jobs or men she meets see her dreams come true? Or will Ruby just end up back where she started?
325 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2011
388 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Nicola May
28 books595 followersHello, I'm Nicola May, author of 18 romantic comedy novels.
I look forward to sharing all my heartfelt and fun books with you.
For further information on me, my books and to read reviews please do go to www.nicolamay.com.
Happy Reading!
I look forward to sharing all my heartfelt and fun books with you.
For further information on me, my books and to read reviews please do go to www.nicolamay.com.
Happy Reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 6, 2022
Didn’t enjoy this one , her other books are better 😊
June 26, 2020
I read this book through Prime Reading and I do not wish to criticise anyone's work too heavily. I was looking for something easy to read. It has all the elements of chick lit: a sassy friend, supportive neighbours and friends, a long term love interest, extreme coincidences and an interesting personal quest (12 jobs for 12 months).
February 24, 2014
The premise of Working It Out is great. Ruby loses her job and decides to take on 12 jobs in 12 months to try and find her passion.
Enter a quirky job hunter, a string of unrelated and obscure jobs all over England (and one in France), a cast of likeable and not-so-likeable characters, sexy men and hot sex, and you have the makings of an entertaining read.
And it was entertaining. But...
Ruby was immediately good at every job. Having worked across many industries myself, this was just not believable. A few months of dropping plates or messing up appointments would have added some fun and life.
Ruby also felt it was her job to exact revenge on anyone who wronged her, or one of her multiple employers. This left me feeling as though an otherwise good person was actually a manipulative Bitch. This seemed to happen at every job.
Lastly, although the book was from Ruby's point of view, very occasionally the author slipped over to George. This took me out of the story and reminded me strongly that this was a story being told by a third person. It interrupted the flow.
SPOILER ALERT
Ruby receiving Lucas's estate after knowing him for 4 weeks was ridiculous. Given he would have to have taken steps to change his will within days of meeting her it felt contrived, and as though it was in there purely to allow Ruby the opportunity to go back to study once she discovered her passion. While I love the old traditional happy ending, writing plot points that make no sense purely so you can have the ending you were after is just bad writing.
Overall I did enjoy the book. It was the secondary characters who made the book what it was though. Would I read another by Nicola May? Probably not.
Enter a quirky job hunter, a string of unrelated and obscure jobs all over England (and one in France), a cast of likeable and not-so-likeable characters, sexy men and hot sex, and you have the makings of an entertaining read.
And it was entertaining. But...
Ruby was immediately good at every job. Having worked across many industries myself, this was just not believable. A few months of dropping plates or messing up appointments would have added some fun and life.
Ruby also felt it was her job to exact revenge on anyone who wronged her, or one of her multiple employers. This left me feeling as though an otherwise good person was actually a manipulative Bitch. This seemed to happen at every job.
Lastly, although the book was from Ruby's point of view, very occasionally the author slipped over to George. This took me out of the story and reminded me strongly that this was a story being told by a third person. It interrupted the flow.
SPOILER ALERT
Ruby receiving Lucas's estate after knowing him for 4 weeks was ridiculous. Given he would have to have taken steps to change his will within days of meeting her it felt contrived, and as though it was in there purely to allow Ruby the opportunity to go back to study once she discovered her passion. While I love the old traditional happy ending, writing plot points that make no sense purely so you can have the ending you were after is just bad writing.
Overall I did enjoy the book. It was the secondary characters who made the book what it was though. Would I read another by Nicola May? Probably not.
January 30, 2018
This was a highly entertaining book. Probably meant for a younger generation than mine, thus my rating. It is full of wit as the main character deals with job loss and doing something different with a temp agency for 12 months. Those parts were exceptionally well written. For me, the relationship thing and my age comes in, however, even at nearly 70 I understood her need for love and trying to find it. After the murder thrillers I have been reading all month, this was a delightful break. Well written, fast paced and terrific light read.
July 30, 2011
I have just finished Working It Out by Nicola May. When this book arrived on my doorstep I had already started another book but it was hard not to just pick this one up and start reading I felt like the book was winking at me from the shelf! The cover of this book is very eyecatching, I was surprised to find out that Nicola May is self published as the quality of the book is as good if not better than some of the books which are in the paperback chart at the moment.
Plot
After an unexpected redundancy, Ruby begins to question her priorities. Inspired by a quote from Kahil Gibran about loving your work, she launches her mission to find the ideal job.
Her year of gainful ( and sometimes painful!) employment includes nannying for clients in the south of France; dealing with embarising ailments in a Harley Street Clinic; waiting tables in a buzzy Soho Cafe; and meeting celebsof years gone byin a home for retired actors. And even though love is no longer top of her list, relationships just seem to start happening along the way which sees her handing out some P45’s of her own!
But will any of the jobs, or men she meets, see her dreams come true? Or will Ruby just end up back where she started?
My Opinion.
I loved the whole concept of this novel. Who would know the idea of the 12 different jobs in 12 months could be such an entertaining read. Our heroine in this book is Ruby and she is such an easy character to connect with I think we all wish we had a friend like Ruby and I think there is a little part of Ruby or at least Ruby’s ideas, in each of us. Although the storyline is entertaining it truly is Rubys character that makes the book such a humorous read.
This book starts off at a quick pace and has us wrapped up in the storyline from the beginning. The story continues at an easy pace all the way through with no dull moments, I found the book had my full attention the whole way through and this is because there was always so much going on. Each job that Ruby takes on is completely different, some jobs we get to read more about her experiences than others but I feel each of the jobs are not over done as there is only so much that can happen in each job without the risk of the reader losing interest.
What I thoroughly enjoyed about this book was the humour. The humour was very much day to day humour so didn’t feel false and there were points in the story where I did laugh out loud. I do love a book that can make me laugh and this book had me in stitches in some parts.
Nicola is very clever in her style of writing because although most of the storyline is hilarious, she also manages to weave in more emotional parts in this book but she does this in such a way that it doesn’t dampen the storyline.
I loved the character of Ruby but another character I enjoyed was her brother Sam. Sam is blind and I think this is the first book I have read where a blind person appears so much in a book and he was such a great character, he also seems to have Rubys sense of humour, he just seems so determined to make the most of his life and I would say he has more of a social life than I do! I found with both of these characters they were so life like I had to keep reminding myself that this is fiction these characters are not real!
My one personal negative about this book is Ruby’s taste in men!! This girl is not fussy when it comes to men and boy there is a wide range of male totty in this book each completely different to the next it was like a bag of pick n mix!!
Nicola gives a great ending to the book which wrapped it up nicely which is the icing on the cake to this hilarious, entertaining read. I look forward to reading more books by Nicola May if this book is anything to go by.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough it is one of my top reads for 2011. A gripping storyline with likeable characters and a splash of humour what more can you want in a book?
Plot
After an unexpected redundancy, Ruby begins to question her priorities. Inspired by a quote from Kahil Gibran about loving your work, she launches her mission to find the ideal job.
Her year of gainful ( and sometimes painful!) employment includes nannying for clients in the south of France; dealing with embarising ailments in a Harley Street Clinic; waiting tables in a buzzy Soho Cafe; and meeting celebsof years gone byin a home for retired actors. And even though love is no longer top of her list, relationships just seem to start happening along the way which sees her handing out some P45’s of her own!
But will any of the jobs, or men she meets, see her dreams come true? Or will Ruby just end up back where she started?
My Opinion.
I loved the whole concept of this novel. Who would know the idea of the 12 different jobs in 12 months could be such an entertaining read. Our heroine in this book is Ruby and she is such an easy character to connect with I think we all wish we had a friend like Ruby and I think there is a little part of Ruby or at least Ruby’s ideas, in each of us. Although the storyline is entertaining it truly is Rubys character that makes the book such a humorous read.
This book starts off at a quick pace and has us wrapped up in the storyline from the beginning. The story continues at an easy pace all the way through with no dull moments, I found the book had my full attention the whole way through and this is because there was always so much going on. Each job that Ruby takes on is completely different, some jobs we get to read more about her experiences than others but I feel each of the jobs are not over done as there is only so much that can happen in each job without the risk of the reader losing interest.
What I thoroughly enjoyed about this book was the humour. The humour was very much day to day humour so didn’t feel false and there were points in the story where I did laugh out loud. I do love a book that can make me laugh and this book had me in stitches in some parts.
Nicola is very clever in her style of writing because although most of the storyline is hilarious, she also manages to weave in more emotional parts in this book but she does this in such a way that it doesn’t dampen the storyline.
I loved the character of Ruby but another character I enjoyed was her brother Sam. Sam is blind and I think this is the first book I have read where a blind person appears so much in a book and he was such a great character, he also seems to have Rubys sense of humour, he just seems so determined to make the most of his life and I would say he has more of a social life than I do! I found with both of these characters they were so life like I had to keep reminding myself that this is fiction these characters are not real!
My one personal negative about this book is Ruby’s taste in men!! This girl is not fussy when it comes to men and boy there is a wide range of male totty in this book each completely different to the next it was like a bag of pick n mix!!
Nicola gives a great ending to the book which wrapped it up nicely which is the icing on the cake to this hilarious, entertaining read. I look forward to reading more books by Nicola May if this book is anything to go by.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough it is one of my top reads for 2011. A gripping storyline with likeable characters and a splash of humour what more can you want in a book?
June 5, 2011
Ruby’s quest to find an ideal career that will leave her feeling fulfilled is fast paced and packed full of characters to hold your interest. Ruby’s story involves much more than the jobs she tries out and her sexual encounters as we also get involved in the community in Putney (where she lives) and also some of the people she meets through her jobs become a part of her every day life.
I have to admit that my first impression of Ruby left me feeling that I couldn’t identify with her. To me she came across as really shallow and being the central character, wasn’t sure how this would affect the rest of the story for me. Then we get to meet her brother Sam, her elderly neighbour Margaret and she becomes close to a resident in the home for retired actors …….. where Ruby becomes this very caring and self-sacrificing person. This made me think that there was more to Ruby than I was seeing on the surface but I couldn’t re-evaluate how I felt because I didn’t like the sexual choices she made when drunk (I was angry that she could make herself so vulnerable) or the way she sometimes showed a lack of respect for the men that came her way. It wasn’t until I was three quarters through the story that my feelings changed towards her and I liked her for who she was. Despite my dislike of Ruby for such a big part of her story, it didn’t stop me from enjoying all the different parts that make up her story! It’s good that a character provokes strong feelings in me whether negative or positive.
There are quite a few characters we meet as Ruby goes through the year but at no point did I lose who was who and why they were a part of the story. I’ve only realised recently that not all people remember characters/plots as I do. It was during a discussion between my husband, a friend and myself. Neither of them read because they put a book down and when they pick it up next they’ve forgotten what they’ve read before (and so magazines are their preferred choice of reading material). I am assuming that if you’re reading my review then you are a book reader but if you do get lost with characters, the characters that matter (I think) will stay in your mind because we meet them again and again.
Gorgeous George, a gardener who is a resident in Ruby’s road, is the man who really captures Ruby’s feelings. Although they both feel the same, life takes them off on different paths. Instead of a boring hello each time their paths cross in the mornings on their way to work, Nicola May has George holding a different item of gardening paraphernalia and they exchange witty banter. This made me chuckle.
There is plenty of humour scattered throughout the pages and I found myself laughing out loud at some of the antics.
I love it when things go full circle and tie-in and there’s plenty of that in Ruby’s different jobs. Nicola May has some characters Ruby meets in one job surfacing in another ……………….. and her previous love interests crop up while doing another job and she finds resolution. This makes the story whole as opposed to twelve different stories for the twelve different jobs. A clever concept!
I enjoyed reading about the different jobs and thought the one Ruby chose to take further was perfect for her seeing as she had such a natural flair for it!
This is a perfect book for a summer’s day or even for a day of snuggling up while the rain taps on the window. It will give you a much-deserved refreshing break from the stresses and strains of life.
I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy to review.
I have to admit that my first impression of Ruby left me feeling that I couldn’t identify with her. To me she came across as really shallow and being the central character, wasn’t sure how this would affect the rest of the story for me. Then we get to meet her brother Sam, her elderly neighbour Margaret and she becomes close to a resident in the home for retired actors …….. where Ruby becomes this very caring and self-sacrificing person. This made me think that there was more to Ruby than I was seeing on the surface but I couldn’t re-evaluate how I felt because I didn’t like the sexual choices she made when drunk (I was angry that she could make herself so vulnerable) or the way she sometimes showed a lack of respect for the men that came her way. It wasn’t until I was three quarters through the story that my feelings changed towards her and I liked her for who she was. Despite my dislike of Ruby for such a big part of her story, it didn’t stop me from enjoying all the different parts that make up her story! It’s good that a character provokes strong feelings in me whether negative or positive.
There are quite a few characters we meet as Ruby goes through the year but at no point did I lose who was who and why they were a part of the story. I’ve only realised recently that not all people remember characters/plots as I do. It was during a discussion between my husband, a friend and myself. Neither of them read because they put a book down and when they pick it up next they’ve forgotten what they’ve read before (and so magazines are their preferred choice of reading material). I am assuming that if you’re reading my review then you are a book reader but if you do get lost with characters, the characters that matter (I think) will stay in your mind because we meet them again and again.
Gorgeous George, a gardener who is a resident in Ruby’s road, is the man who really captures Ruby’s feelings. Although they both feel the same, life takes them off on different paths. Instead of a boring hello each time their paths cross in the mornings on their way to work, Nicola May has George holding a different item of gardening paraphernalia and they exchange witty banter. This made me chuckle.
There is plenty of humour scattered throughout the pages and I found myself laughing out loud at some of the antics.
I love it when things go full circle and tie-in and there’s plenty of that in Ruby’s different jobs. Nicola May has some characters Ruby meets in one job surfacing in another ……………….. and her previous love interests crop up while doing another job and she finds resolution. This makes the story whole as opposed to twelve different stories for the twelve different jobs. A clever concept!
I enjoyed reading about the different jobs and thought the one Ruby chose to take further was perfect for her seeing as she had such a natural flair for it!
This is a perfect book for a summer’s day or even for a day of snuggling up while the rain taps on the window. It will give you a much-deserved refreshing break from the stresses and strains of life.
I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy to review.
September 12, 2011
This is Ruby's story. Ruby is 30, and has just been made redundant from her high flying marketing job. She has the nice flat and the designer furniture, she's been living the good life and all of a sudden she is faced with unemployment. Ruby discovers a quote from Kahlil Gibran - the author of The Prophet, she realises how true it is and decides that she will no longer work long stressful hours in an unfulfilling job.
"Work is love made visible. And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy."
Ruby formulates a plan, in order to find a job that she loves, she will take 12 temporary jobs over the next 12 months. The novel follows Ruby from job to job, meeting her work colleagues, her friends, family and neighbours.
This is a clever idea for a novel and enables Nicola May to introduce the reader to a wide and varied cast. Some of the characters are more developed than others - some have only minor parts. Ruby takes on such a variety of jobs during her 12 months, but my favourite of her jobs was her first. She was a nursing assistant in a retirement home for elderly celebrities. It is during this job that the best characters were introduced, and where Ruby seemed to be very happy.
Working It Out is an easy read, it's fun and quirky and just a little bit different. However, it is not without it's faults. I liked Ruby as a character, she was genuine and kind hearted - spending time with her elderly neighbour and taking in an 'orphaned' dog. Every now and then though her character seemed to change altogether and it was usually where men were concerned. Ruby's kindness and goodness flew out of the window and she turned into what can only be called a slapper. Every man she came across fancied her - she almost jumped every one of them. It niggled me. Whenever the story turned just a little romantic, the language became crude and just didn't fit with the characters.
On the whole though, it's a great idea for a novel and it's easy to read and puts a smile on your face - I'd just prefer Ruby to get her mind and her language out of the gutter sometimes.
Thanks to Nicola May for sending a copy to me to review.
"Work is love made visible. And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy."
Ruby formulates a plan, in order to find a job that she loves, she will take 12 temporary jobs over the next 12 months. The novel follows Ruby from job to job, meeting her work colleagues, her friends, family and neighbours.
This is a clever idea for a novel and enables Nicola May to introduce the reader to a wide and varied cast. Some of the characters are more developed than others - some have only minor parts. Ruby takes on such a variety of jobs during her 12 months, but my favourite of her jobs was her first. She was a nursing assistant in a retirement home for elderly celebrities. It is during this job that the best characters were introduced, and where Ruby seemed to be very happy.
Working It Out is an easy read, it's fun and quirky and just a little bit different. However, it is not without it's faults. I liked Ruby as a character, she was genuine and kind hearted - spending time with her elderly neighbour and taking in an 'orphaned' dog. Every now and then though her character seemed to change altogether and it was usually where men were concerned. Ruby's kindness and goodness flew out of the window and she turned into what can only be called a slapper. Every man she came across fancied her - she almost jumped every one of them. It niggled me. Whenever the story turned just a little romantic, the language became crude and just didn't fit with the characters.
On the whole though, it's a great idea for a novel and it's easy to read and puts a smile on your face - I'd just prefer Ruby to get her mind and her language out of the gutter sometimes.
Thanks to Nicola May for sending a copy to me to review.
January 14, 2012
I loved the sound of this book – Twelve jobs in twelve months. And we’re not talking about any old boring jobs; we’re talking unique crazy jobs that will make you laugh! This variety allowed the reader to meet a vast array of characters from all different walks of life. I loved this aspect of the book – the characters weren’t all city-types or mums (you get the picture) – we meet so many different people! Gorgeous George earns every single letter of his name and the banter he and Ruby share throughout the book is fabulous! I also loved Sam, Ruby’s brother who is blind. He features throughout the book, and is portrayed so well!
At first I struggled with how short our encounters are with some of the jobs Ruby embarks on. Yet, as I read on, I discovered that we see just enough to make us laugh or maybe cry, to see how it impacts on Ruby’s life and then we can move on to her next encounter. If I had anything to criticise it would be that I would have liked to have known more about each job!
Amazingly, this book is self-published. Despite the vast number of characters, I never forgot who any of them were when they reappeared later. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments, and whilst you might guess the ultimate conclusion, it’s satisfying nonetheless.
This clever idea of a book is definitely worth a read, and I’m really looking forward to reading Nicola’s next book Star Fish which takes the same premise but applies it to dating. In Star Fish, we will meet Amy who is going to date her way through the twelve signs of the zodiac! Now, I’m not overly into horoscopes (I don’t believe I can live my life by them) but I do believe that your star sign affects who you are as a person (maybe some more than others).
At first I struggled with how short our encounters are with some of the jobs Ruby embarks on. Yet, as I read on, I discovered that we see just enough to make us laugh or maybe cry, to see how it impacts on Ruby’s life and then we can move on to her next encounter. If I had anything to criticise it would be that I would have liked to have known more about each job!
Amazingly, this book is self-published. Despite the vast number of characters, I never forgot who any of them were when they reappeared later. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments, and whilst you might guess the ultimate conclusion, it’s satisfying nonetheless.
This clever idea of a book is definitely worth a read, and I’m really looking forward to reading Nicola’s next book Star Fish which takes the same premise but applies it to dating. In Star Fish, we will meet Amy who is going to date her way through the twelve signs of the zodiac! Now, I’m not overly into horoscopes (I don’t believe I can live my life by them) but I do believe that your star sign affects who you are as a person (maybe some more than others).
January 28, 2021
I’d like to take a moment to thank the publishers and netgalley for an audio arc in exchange of an honest review.
Trigger warning for the book: rape.
Firstly, I did not get along with the narrator at all. I know someone can’t help their voice but I didn’t gel with it. It’s very high pitched and childish and it grated on me a lot. I couldn’t take a character seriously who’s meant to be a professional adult but they talk like a primary school teacher.
Secondly, the main character is incredibly irritating and just bothered me. Every five seconds she talks about how her nether regions react to people she meets which made me uncomfortable. Can she not think about sex for five minutes?
Also, it really bothered me that she meets an attractive Black man and immediately asks him where he’s from. He says Guildford and she says no really. Now, perhaps he’s supposed to have an accent or something but this isn’t mentioned so there’s no reason I’d assume he wasn’t just from London like her. Seems a bit unnecessary and racist.
Finally, I heard there’s a rape scene in this and therefore I’m bowing out because there should be warnings for this.
Trigger warning for the book: rape.
Firstly, I did not get along with the narrator at all. I know someone can’t help their voice but I didn’t gel with it. It’s very high pitched and childish and it grated on me a lot. I couldn’t take a character seriously who’s meant to be a professional adult but they talk like a primary school teacher.
Secondly, the main character is incredibly irritating and just bothered me. Every five seconds she talks about how her nether regions react to people she meets which made me uncomfortable. Can she not think about sex for five minutes?
Also, it really bothered me that she meets an attractive Black man and immediately asks him where he’s from. He says Guildford and she says no really. Now, perhaps he’s supposed to have an accent or something but this isn’t mentioned so there’s no reason I’d assume he wasn’t just from London like her. Seems a bit unnecessary and racist.
Finally, I heard there’s a rape scene in this and therefore I’m bowing out because there should be warnings for this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2013
Ruby`s plan is to find the ideal job in one year. He started with different jobs and funny works and in the end fond the good one. In every job she finds, meets different characters and began to fall in love with the prince charming of every work. When she was a nurse she became friend with Lucas, an old and seek man and after he die, she discover that Luca give her a huge and beautiful house, because he doesn't have any kids.
I want to thank to Nicola for this wonderful book and i know that Workng it out is a great book, full of powerful characters and most of all, a great story.
I want to thank to Nicola for this wonderful book and i know that Workng it out is a great book, full of powerful characters and most of all, a great story.
April 1, 2013
A real fun read, nothing more and nothing less. This book was a gift - as I normally don't read chick lit, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
August 20, 2012
This is SUCH a straight, chick-lit book. It's very fast paced and fun to read, although at times it was a bit too straight for me.
November 2, 2012
Simply brilliant. Could not put it down. Made me laugh.
February 14, 2023
I thought Ruby’s plan of twelve jobs in twelve months was a great idea. It is a great way to work out what career you would finally like to do or not do! The roles Ruby finds herself in couldn’t be more varied and I had to applaud her on doing some of them as there was no way I could have done them. Working in a funeral home is definitely one of them!
Ruby is a thirty year old woman who hasn’t really got her life together yet. She has just become unemployed and hasn’t found the person she would like to settle down with. She seems to spend her social life getting drunk and falling in and out of different beds but she knows this isn’t what she wants anymore. She certainly isn’t short of love interests although it’s finding the right one that is hard as well as committing herself.
There are some wonderful characters in this story. From Ruby’s neighbours, to her bosses and work colleagues in her new jobs, the lists go on, some of them are even of the furry kind! They all made this such a fun read and even endearing in some parts. It was like being surrounded by friends in this novel and there was never a dull moment with plenty to gossip about.
Working It Out was a laugh out loud read that was full of charm which had me cringing in some parts and laughing and even crying at others. Ruby’s life is quite hectic and was grateful that I was only part of the sidelines watching in as I was tired from all the running around she was doing for her jobs as well as helping others. The reader won’t only love Ruby but also the colourful array of characters that make this a feel good and fun read.
Ruby is a thirty year old woman who hasn’t really got her life together yet. She has just become unemployed and hasn’t found the person she would like to settle down with. She seems to spend her social life getting drunk and falling in and out of different beds but she knows this isn’t what she wants anymore. She certainly isn’t short of love interests although it’s finding the right one that is hard as well as committing herself.
There are some wonderful characters in this story. From Ruby’s neighbours, to her bosses and work colleagues in her new jobs, the lists go on, some of them are even of the furry kind! They all made this such a fun read and even endearing in some parts. It was like being surrounded by friends in this novel and there was never a dull moment with plenty to gossip about.
Working It Out was a laugh out loud read that was full of charm which had me cringing in some parts and laughing and even crying at others. Ruby’s life is quite hectic and was grateful that I was only part of the sidelines watching in as I was tired from all the running around she was doing for her jobs as well as helping others. The reader won’t only love Ruby but also the colourful array of characters that make this a feel good and fun read.
February 18, 2021
A charming romantic comedy
“If you cannot work with love but with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work.” - Khalil Gibran.
When Ruby Matthews is made redundant from her marketing job just a few days before Christmas she is naturally worried about her future. Inspired by the above quote from Kahlil Gibran she decides to sign with a temp agency and take on 12 jobs over a 12 month period, hoping to find one that she can love and commit to.
So during the rest of the novel Ruby does just this becoming an auxiliary nurse at a retirement home for actors, an advisor at a Harley Street clinic, a nanny, a waitress, an event planner, and more. Meanwhile, she is struggling with various romantic situations.
This was a pleasant romantic comedy with some very funny episodes, though there were elements of Ruby’s lifestyle that I felt were ill advised. Still, reflecting on some of my own choices when her age, I am hardly in a position to comment on the love life of a fictional character.
I felt that the audiobook’s narrator, Penny Scott Andrews, did a good job of voicing the wide variety of characters in the novel. Yet at first I found the high pitched and cutesy voice attributed to Ruby a bit distracting even though I know that some women routinely speak in this kind of ‘baby doll’ voice.
I don’t listen to a great many romantic comedy audiobooks so this may be normal for characters in lighter fiction. Overall, it didn’t effect my enjoyment of the novel or audiobook.
The cover art is adorable.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
“If you cannot work with love but with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work.” - Khalil Gibran.
When Ruby Matthews is made redundant from her marketing job just a few days before Christmas she is naturally worried about her future. Inspired by the above quote from Kahlil Gibran she decides to sign with a temp agency and take on 12 jobs over a 12 month period, hoping to find one that she can love and commit to.
So during the rest of the novel Ruby does just this becoming an auxiliary nurse at a retirement home for actors, an advisor at a Harley Street clinic, a nanny, a waitress, an event planner, and more. Meanwhile, she is struggling with various romantic situations.
This was a pleasant romantic comedy with some very funny episodes, though there were elements of Ruby’s lifestyle that I felt were ill advised. Still, reflecting on some of my own choices when her age, I am hardly in a position to comment on the love life of a fictional character.
I felt that the audiobook’s narrator, Penny Scott Andrews, did a good job of voicing the wide variety of characters in the novel. Yet at first I found the high pitched and cutesy voice attributed to Ruby a bit distracting even though I know that some women routinely speak in this kind of ‘baby doll’ voice.
I don’t listen to a great many romantic comedy audiobooks so this may be normal for characters in lighter fiction. Overall, it didn’t effect my enjoyment of the novel or audiobook.
The cover art is adorable.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
April 16, 2025
I thought this book was quite relevant at the moment as so many people have been left jobless and searching for anything they can get. This book starts with the main character losing her job and deciding she is going to try a new job every month for 12 months.
I enjoyed reading this book and I found it funny and entertaining. It isn't a long book and I finished it in one day, but I'm happy I read it.
I completely relate to trying to figure out what your dream job is and I admire the main character for going the extra mile and trying out so many.
I did find that there was a little too much going on in the book, not only does the main character work 12 jobs she also has several different relationships and I just felt as though in order to make everything fit in the one book it all happened a bit too quickly and often a bit too easily.
I don't know about you but when it takes the whole book for two people to even date and then within the space of a week or two they are engaged, I find that really ridiculous. I know in romance novels the authors want to make the reader believe the characters have met their one and only but to me, it seems too soon when they haven't even really been on a date yet.
I enjoyed reading this book and I found it funny and entertaining. It isn't a long book and I finished it in one day, but I'm happy I read it.
I completely relate to trying to figure out what your dream job is and I admire the main character for going the extra mile and trying out so many.
I did find that there was a little too much going on in the book, not only does the main character work 12 jobs she also has several different relationships and I just felt as though in order to make everything fit in the one book it all happened a bit too quickly and often a bit too easily.
I don't know about you but when it takes the whole book for two people to even date and then within the space of a week or two they are engaged, I find that really ridiculous. I know in romance novels the authors want to make the reader believe the characters have met their one and only but to me, it seems too soon when they haven't even really been on a date yet.
August 21, 2025
Working it out & Let Love Win by @author_nicola
What if losing your job was the best thing that ever happened and finding love was the hardest?
Working It Out – Nicola May
After being made redundant, Ruby Matthews doesn’t spiral she reinvents. Taking on 12 different jobs in 12 months, she dives into everything from dog-walking to waitressing, meeting unforgettable characters along the way. A feel-good read that reminds you it’s never too late to start again.
And just when you thought her story ended there…
Let Love Win – Nicola May
Ruby’s journey continues as she faces love, grief, and second chances. Volunteering at the charming “Bow Wow Club” (a support group for the widowed), she finds unexpected healing and a potential new romance in mysterious writer Michael Bell.
This sequel deepens Ruby’s story with more emotion, while still keeping the humor and heart that made Working It Out shine. It’s warm, witty, and quietly profound! A story about letting go, opening up, and letting love in. 💕🐾
Both were lighthearted feel good books that you’d be sure to love!
★★★★★
-Julie
What if losing your job was the best thing that ever happened and finding love was the hardest?
Working It Out – Nicola May
After being made redundant, Ruby Matthews doesn’t spiral she reinvents. Taking on 12 different jobs in 12 months, she dives into everything from dog-walking to waitressing, meeting unforgettable characters along the way. A feel-good read that reminds you it’s never too late to start again.
And just when you thought her story ended there…
Let Love Win – Nicola May
Ruby’s journey continues as she faces love, grief, and second chances. Volunteering at the charming “Bow Wow Club” (a support group for the widowed), she finds unexpected healing and a potential new romance in mysterious writer Michael Bell.
This sequel deepens Ruby’s story with more emotion, while still keeping the humor and heart that made Working It Out shine. It’s warm, witty, and quietly profound! A story about letting go, opening up, and letting love in. 💕🐾
Both were lighthearted feel good books that you’d be sure to love!
★★★★★
-Julie
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2020
I found this an enjoyable and easy read that I was able to get through over a couple of evening.
The premise is that Ruby has lost her job, not knowing what to do next she sets herself a challenge to undertake 12 jobs over 12 months.
A light hearted book with touching moments - mainly regarding older characters such a Lucas and Margaret - I felt there was opportunities for more humour that were missed. The job side of the book was often an after thought.
One thing that started to become irritating whilst reading was the need to mention the height of each of the Male love interests. Also, given that Gorgeous George has his own van, why does he feel the need to always enter stage running down the steps of his flat holding a hoe and occasional spade? We already knew that he was a gardener.
This would be a perfect summer holiday read.
The premise is that Ruby has lost her job, not knowing what to do next she sets herself a challenge to undertake 12 jobs over 12 months.
A light hearted book with touching moments - mainly regarding older characters such a Lucas and Margaret - I felt there was opportunities for more humour that were missed. The job side of the book was often an after thought.
One thing that started to become irritating whilst reading was the need to mention the height of each of the Male love interests. Also, given that Gorgeous George has his own van, why does he feel the need to always enter stage running down the steps of his flat holding a hoe and occasional spade? We already knew that he was a gardener.
This would be a perfect summer holiday read.
May 15, 2024
What a frolicking fun five-star read. Honestly this author is fast becoming a firm favourite, I will be honest I thought this was stand alone, but now I’m going to have to get my hands on Let Love Win as I adore Ruby, maybe because she reminds me so much of myself in my younger years. I didn’t make 12 jobs in 12 months, but I almost did, and it was wonderful having some different challenges along the way. Join Ruby, Ruby, Ruby (tell me you didn’t sing that in your head) along her journey to find herself and a job she loves. You will fall in love with the characters, those with two legs and those with four, Gorgeous George, is someone you cant help but fall for, but in all honesty it was Lucas who stole my heart. Ruby is such a well written character, she is one that you won’t be ale to forget.
March 2, 2024
Ruby's got a plan after losing her high powered marketing job. 12 jobs in 12 months, to see what type of job she's interested in going into longer term. All the while trying to work out how she really feels about younger neighbour George, and helping look after elderly neighbour (and matchmaker) Margaret.
The general gist of this book is ok, the characters are generally fine with good repartee between them, and some close friend and familial relationships.
But Ruby seems to also be working through the male population in each job, even if the men are way off for the type of person she should be with. It puts me off her as a character, and maybe George could do better than someone who just sleeps around with random people.
The general gist of this book is ok, the characters are generally fine with good repartee between them, and some close friend and familial relationships.
But Ruby seems to also be working through the male population in each job, even if the men are way off for the type of person she should be with. It puts me off her as a character, and maybe George could do better than someone who just sleeps around with random people.
April 5, 2019
Great read!
This book is such a tonic to read before and after busy days at work this week. I love how Nicola May pulls you into her stories and you get caught up in the lives of her characters. Loved the premise, Ruby finds herself and love after 12 jobs in 12 months. I thought Ruby was a great character; bubbly, determined and with a wicked sense of humour. So funny when she was working in the Nursing Home at the start. What I enjoyed about this book was her special friendship with Lucas. So sweet! Loved this book!
This book is such a tonic to read before and after busy days at work this week. I love how Nicola May pulls you into her stories and you get caught up in the lives of her characters. Loved the premise, Ruby finds herself and love after 12 jobs in 12 months. I thought Ruby was a great character; bubbly, determined and with a wicked sense of humour. So funny when she was working in the Nursing Home at the start. What I enjoyed about this book was her special friendship with Lucas. So sweet! Loved this book!
May 26, 2020
After Ruby Matthews loses her job, she decides she’ll spend a year doing a different job each month in hopes of figuring out her professional calling. The quirky cast of characters in her life help her through her year of exploration.
The premise of this book was phenomenal but the execution left a lot to be desired. The writing was jumbled and hard to follow at times. A lot of the plot lines weren’t very believable and/or didn’t make sense.
I desperately wanted to love this book because of how excited the concept made me, but this one was just a miss for me.
The premise of this book was phenomenal but the execution left a lot to be desired. The writing was jumbled and hard to follow at times. A lot of the plot lines weren’t very believable and/or didn’t make sense.
I desperately wanted to love this book because of how excited the concept made me, but this one was just a miss for me.
July 14, 2020
This book was perfect for some light reading. Some mistakes here and there, but overall a wonderful read.
Ruby is made redundant the week before Christmas, so for her New Year's Resolution she decides she's going to find what her calling is. She makes arrangements for 12 jobs in 12 months so she can try a bit of everything going.
Not only does she find what she loves doing, she also finds herself love. Recommend for some lighthearted romantic comedy!
Ruby is made redundant the week before Christmas, so for her New Year's Resolution she decides she's going to find what her calling is. She makes arrangements for 12 jobs in 12 months so she can try a bit of everything going.
Not only does she find what she loves doing, she also finds herself love. Recommend for some lighthearted romantic comedy!
August 1, 2020
This is a light hearted story about a ginger haired woman name Ruby who falls in love with neighbour George Stevens. It's basically they both love each other but she goes on what I can only call a shag fest. I found it a bit silly if you like someone why would you go around having sex and partners in front of the other person, this would show them you don't care about them. I found it humorous in parts but overall it's an average read .
November 10, 2024
Charming
Lovely story about finding your true path in life. Ruby decides to try twelve jobs in twelve months to find what she really wants to do. Along the way she makes new friends and new loves; finds and loses a true love and discovers what she truly desires.
A wonderful cast of characters fill the pages of this delightful story. I will long remember Bert, Lucas, Marjorie and Dorothy. Wonderful and supportive neighbors and friends. Thank you, Nicola.
Lovely story about finding your true path in life. Ruby decides to try twelve jobs in twelve months to find what she really wants to do. Along the way she makes new friends and new loves; finds and loses a true love and discovers what she truly desires.
A wonderful cast of characters fill the pages of this delightful story. I will long remember Bert, Lucas, Marjorie and Dorothy. Wonderful and supportive neighbors and friends. Thank you, Nicola.
July 13, 2020
This was terrible. I’ve read more recent books by Nicola May and loved them, but this was one of her much earlier works, and she’s so much better now.
If this was the first book I read by Nicola May, I wouldn’t read any more, however luckily it wasn’t, and so shall continue to read her books with pleasure. But not this one. This ones awful.
If this was the first book I read by Nicola May, I wouldn’t read any more, however luckily it wasn’t, and so shall continue to read her books with pleasure. But not this one. This ones awful.
August 18, 2020
Nicola May does it brilliantly. Easy reads, great story lines with loveable characters. I did this book on audio and it had me laugh h in places I shouldn't have, this was because of the narrator and her cringeworthy attempt at a Geordie accent! That said so, I think she's a great narrator and don't take the (welsh, indian,scouse geordie)mashup to heart!
April 14, 2020
A little haphazard but an easy read
If you are looking for an easy read then this is one. I wouldn’t say it was as gripping as Nicola’s other books, but story was light hearted and didn’t require too much brain power.
If you are looking for an easy read then this is one. I wouldn’t say it was as gripping as Nicola’s other books, but story was light hearted and didn’t require too much brain power.
August 10, 2020
Feel good
Great escapism read. Love the feel good factor of. Frustrating at times when two people who clearly love each are waiting for the other to say something. Came good in the end. Now going to find some more books by said author. Love your work
Great escapism read. Love the feel good factor of. Frustrating at times when two people who clearly love each are waiting for the other to say something. Came good in the end. Now going to find some more books by said author. Love your work
July 14, 2021
Good look into life style chances.
I'm a big fan of Nicola May. I love the Cockleberry books and have just read the latest one.I have also ordered her two next books one is due this month and the other in November.
I'm a big fan of Nicola May. I love the Cockleberry books and have just read the latest one.I have also ordered her two next books one is due this month and the other in November.
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