The Shoestring Club

by Sarah Webb

Four girls, one remarkable dress and an extraordinary friendship. This title comes from the bestselling author of "The Loving Kind". Julia's best friend has always been Ed - they've grown up together. Ed is now engaged to the sophisticated, grown-up Louise. Julia should be happy for them - but she manages to make a complete fool of herself at his engagement dinner. She suddenly realises she doesn't want to lose him, and throws herself at him in front of everyone. When Louise organises a ball with her charity committee, Julia sees this as her last chance to get Ed back. When she spots the most incredible dress in Shoestring, the vintage clothes shop she runs with her sister, she knows she'll only be able to stagger through the evening if she's wrapped in its silky drapes. But the beautiful dress costs an absolute fortune...Arietty Pilgrim can't and won't attend her ghastly ten year school reunion unless she can arrive wearing exactly that same dress 'funked up' with her favourite cropped leather jacket. But looking after elephants in Dublin Zoo does not a millionaire make. After a chance meeting in the shop, Julia and Arietty set up The Shoestring Club to timeshare the dress - and start a life-altering friendship. There's just one problem. In order to buy the dress, they need more partners...

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Novels

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Sarah Webb is an award-winning children’s writer. Her books include Blazing a Trail: Irish Women who Changed the World (illustrated by Lauren O’Neill) and A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea: Favourite Rhymes from an Irish Childhood (illustrated by Steve McCarthy), both winners of Irish Book Awards.

Sarah also runs creative writing clubs for children and teens, reviews children’s books for the Irish Independent, and programmes children’s and family events for book festivals and MoLI (Museum of Literature Ireland). She also works part-time in a children’s bookshop.

Sarah is passionate about bringing children and books together and was awarded the Children’s Books Ireland Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Books in Ireland.
Her latest book, The Little Beekeeper of Henrietta Street (illustrated by Rachel Corcoran) was published in 2021.

www.sarahwebb.ie
Twitter: @sarahwebbishere
Instagram: @sarahwebbwriter

Reviews

[S.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, the synopsis did not give an accurate picture of what to expect from this book. The story wasn't really about four girls. It's more about Julia, her anguish at seeing her best friend and ex-boyfriend getting married and how she tried to get over it. Through most of the book, she ding-donged between trying to get over Ed and wanting him back, and in the process making a fool of herself. The other three women played only peripheral roles.

I didn’t like the book at first. Julia was not my ideal female protagonist. She lacked pride, ambition, discipline and got drunk frequently - in short, possessing qualities and a personality so unlike any main female character I’ve come across. I couldn’t empathize at all, probably because her lifestyle was far, far remote from mine (thank goodness)! How she could even fall in love with a man like Ed was beyond me. Instead of giving up reading, I soldiered on, mainly because I knew there would be a happy ending to such stories and I wanted so much to see Julia conquer her heartache, nightmares, alcoholism, self-pity etc etc.

I will not reveal more for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say that I’m glad I continued to read until the end. In fact, it was a good thing I read the last quarter of the book in the privacy of my bedroom, so no one saw my red swollen eyes and nose.

Sarah Webb did a good job with “The Shoestring Club”!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance, and after reading the blurb on the back of the book, it would be fair to assume that The Shoestring Club is going to be a light read, easy and maybe a bit fluffy. Julia Schuster (Jules to her friends) is the lead character of the story. Life is not going so well for Jules, she has no money, her job bores her, her sister bosses her around and her boyfriend Ed has announced his engagement to her (ex) best friend Lainy.
When a beautiful designer dress arrives at Shoestring; her sister's designer dress swap-shop, Julies knows that she just has to wear it to the wedding. Only that dress will get her through the day, and show everyone that can cope. The dress costs 1200 Euro - and Jules is broke. Enter Arietty; elephant keeper at Dublin Zoo - she needs a 'knock em dead' outfit too, so that she can attend her school reunion and show the bullies that she's done OK. Jules and Arietty devise a plan - they will time-share the dress, they just need two more members of the club and the dress will be theirs.


The Shoestring Club is a multi-layered story, and although at first Jules seems to be quite a shallow person, her main interests being clothes and how much she can drink, the reader soon realises that under that bright exterior is a sad, vulnerable girl. This is the real beauty of this book, one moment I was smiling, or sighing and the next I was gulping back the tears. The dress is the cover story, the real story is gently unfolded as Jules stumbles through life from one crisis to another - exposing her vulnerabilities, her sadness and most of all her strength of character.

The supporting cast of characters are excellently created - some adorable, some hateful, but all of them truly believable, each adding to the novel in their own special way.

I enjoyed every page of The Shoestring Club, it's warm and funny, and sad and uplifting - all at the same time.

[Prafula · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting yet soothing read. Storyline revolves around an entanglement btwn love ,friendship & betrayal..Old habits & influences need to break for a brighter furure. Only as one door closes can another open.With this a breath of fresh breeze swoons in, giving way to new beginnings.
An exclusive dress surmounts an extroadinary friendship and true romance gives light. Acceptance of bygones givesu true meaning to family relationships where love has no boundries .
I enjoyed this book tremendously.The characters were bubbly and kept the readers engrossed in chapter after chapter.

[SavageGrace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd have pushed Lainey's skanky, anorexic butt down the church steps (and she is not only black and blue from her head to her toes but also has something broken AND something sprained. Let's throw in a broken nose just to mess up that icky face, 'kay? KARMA! LOL) but only AFTER kneeing Ed in his STD-infected groin so hard he wouldn't be able to consummate the marriage for several months... only to then discover the damage is so bad that he and his hoe can't ever create little abominations together to further infect the world. Karma, you backstabbing toads! =P Yes - I hated them both ssoooooooooooo much!!

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book. Some of the people who have reviewed this book described it as "chick-lit", but I believe that it deserves a better label than this. Firstly, the tag "chick-lit" is in my opinion sexist and derogatory. Furthermore, this story, although it has elements of romance in it, runs far too deep to be given such a label. Julia, the main protagonist, was very difficult to like in the beginning. Her moral compass seemed horribly skewed, she was irresponsible and she drank far too much. Only as the book progressed did it become easier to understand that many of her problems stemmed from a complete lack of self esteem.

This book deals with betrayal, damaging secrets, alcoholism, depression and deep friendship. The characterization was excellent - one either loved, hated or felt indifferent to the characters that people this book. Ed was hateful and it seemed unbelievable that Julia could be so besotted with him, but her deep lack of self esteem made one understand that she didn't grasp that she was worthy of so much more.

The manner in which Julia consults a therapist really impressed me. She had kept so many things hidden from the people who loved her and had carried these heavy burdens all by herself from a very young age. The therapist treated her with respect and compassion and helped Julia to come to terms with the ghosts from her past.

I didn't like the ending because it was so unfinished, so I was delighted to see that there is a sequel to "The Shoestring Club".

The one aspect of the novel that I found disconcerting, was the way in which Julia and Jamie came together. It seemed incongruent that she could so quickly go from being enthralled by Ed, to realizing that he was a piece of slime, to realizing that she was in fact in love with Jamie, with whom she had shared a close friendship all her life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other readers.

[Iman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was the first book I have read of Sarah webb. And it really hooked me. I have exams still managed to complete it . Its a total chick flick..has what girls are gonna like and enjoy! Very light yet interesting! Loved how pandoras bird and julias relationship is described! Womanly relations are a blessing. .and so is a sister:) the only thing which stopped me from giving it 5 years is the ending! Firstly when she goes to the wedding , Julia didn't got much attention or neither any miracle with that dress on..and I hated the fact that Ed got so easily through everything and got married to lainay..he shouldn't have ..he should have got nothing in the end and should be punished for being a jerk!

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful read, pulled at my heartstrings a little & I did get a bit teary near the end. A truly heartwarming, entertaining and emotional story. I wasn't keen on the cliff hanger at the end of the book but luckily I have the next book The Memory Box (which I've been told is the follow on book) close by to read real soon.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should really read the synopsis before I decide to buy a book. This was just ridiculous.

[Ndikuo Thayû · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was my first Irish book and I must admit I'm impressed. I like the fact that I could actually relate with the characters and how it ended with Jules being with Jamie was perfect ending for me. She finally got the happiness she craved for right under her nose

It's an interesting read totally worth anyone's time.

[Sarah Stahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book even though it was quite predictable. I feel like the ending of the book was quite rushed and skimmed through areas that needed more conversations between the characters. Would be interested to know if this is a series to find out more.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun vacation read. I wish my name was Arietty! ;)

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book!

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatable

[Fiona Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good light hearted read

[Haash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it ... good read .

[Ava Schneider · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet bubble gum book… just the distraction I needed!

[Mo Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story & straight onto the sequel The Memory Box.

[Rosalind Legge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, easy read

[Martina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Protagonist becomes more likeable as you read on and get to know why she is the way she is. Too beat an ending - felt a little contrived.

[Emma Sargeant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read the sequel to this book first so wanted to read this one. It is an easy to read chick flick. It is a book that you can out down and not in a hurry to pick it back up but is enjoyable.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shoestring Club is a wonderfully warm and welcoming book that is perfect to curl up with and just get lost in! I devoured this book rather quickly and the end came all too soon. The fabulous characters will keep you entertained throughout and you will end up genuinely caring for most of them. Main character Jules is a real foot loose and fancy free kinda girl and I found myself envying her at times and feeling sorry for her at others. Most people I think will enjoy Jules as she is such a down-to-earth character that really did go on such a journey. The storyline is kept simple but it holds a lot of magic and sparkle which sets it apart from other books out there in the genre. Sarah Webb has filled this brilliant novel full of fun, wit, humour and best of all real emotion, not to mention really strong set of likeable characters!

Julia Schuster is going through a bit of a tough time in her life, her ex-boyfriend 'Ed' is getting married to her best-friend, she is struggling in the job department, she still lives in her Grandma's house and she has a bit of a drinking problem that she can't see. She has been invited to the wedding and she decides to go, hold her head up high, look fabulous and show everyone that she has moved on!

She spots the most amazingly beautiful, perfect silk dress in her sisters shop 'Shoestring' and it's well out of her price range but she is determined to wear that dress! So, she sets up The Shoestring Club, searching for 3 other girls to buy a share of the dress. When the girls come together and the dress starts going on outings the fun really does begin....

The ending is so good, unexpected and I promise anyone who reads it will have a little smile on their faces! I adored this emotional roller-coaster ride and I love how the author keeps things light and fun while still tackling tough, darker issues head on. The book really does have the perfect amount of light and shade! There is also a really amazing love story that doesn't overpower the book.

An all round must read book and I can easily say that I will be keeping an eye out for more works from Sarah Webb in the future!

*Special thanks to Pan Macmillan for the review copy*

4/5 Stars

Carly :)

[Aglaea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pff, well. The writing is good enough that I believe the characters to be as they are. It's just that when I pick up a novel in the chick-lit genre, I'm hoping for reasonably light topics covered. This fits the description of being more about friendship than romantic relationships (romance genre in that case), but what our heroine goes through is on the heavy side.

Substance abuse, family problems, etc. are important to write about and read, but when the story comes wrapped in a girly package, I feel a certain level of disappointment. Not necessarily that I've been deceived in any way, but that both book cover and synopsis are a tiny bit off-key in terms of hitting the nail on the head.

I end up feeling this should be more drama than chick lit, which was the case with another book, Christmas cookie club or some such. Come to think of it, the cover of this novel is equally cheerful and light, which usually is more on the publisher than author.

As for the ending, I hate cliffhangers, so yes, clearly this one's part of a series. I wasn't aware of it until finishing the book, and probably wouldn't have picked it to read since I won't have access to the rest of the series, however long it may be.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was really good as it was a really girly read.I liked the story of the book and how it flowed throughout.In this book there's Pandora and Her sister Jules who live together along with her grandmother, father and Pandora's daughter Iris.Pandora and Jules's mother died.Ever since Jules was young she always blamed herself for her mothers death.Pandora owns a shop called 'Shoestring' and hires her sister after she gets fired from her latest job, Jules is an alcoholic and tends ti run from her problems.She has recently witnessed her best friend engaged to her ex boyfriend Ed.She never wants to speak to her again.Jules proves that she's worthy of enployment and seem to be getting on well with Pandora.Jules spots this amazing dress that accompanies friendship and hard work.Her and a few other people including her sister time share the dress and take turns wearing it.She decides that she's going to wear it to the wedding and falls in live with her best friend Jamie.Things are finally looking up.This amazing dress made her dream come true
Really enjoyed this book*

[Lorelei · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suspect this is a better book than it seems to me at the moment. It was simply not what I was looking for. Having finished a really hard book about the Great Depression I wanted something light and fluffy and fun. This wasn't it. What it is is a fairly good tale of a young woman's journey to recovery. And, of course, the dress. :-) The characters are real enough to be likeable, or in a couple of cases thoroughly dislikeable, and there is a lot here that I think I might have found fun in another mood. So I would recommend it for anyone who likes modern novels, and I'll give it another try in six months or a year.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second time I have read this book and I loved it just as much as the first time. The synopsis on the back of the book does not do this book justice at all. It's about friends, love, family and most importantly self belief. I think you can learn a lot from this book and I believe every woman should read it at least once in their life time. I love this book ☺️

[Tonya Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed this more than most readers, going by the ratings here. I thought it was interesting, and it held my attention. It was the kind of book that I'd think about at work, wondering about what would happen next. I like the writer's style, and though it's not my favorite book of all time, I enjoyed reading it. Good author!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was fab fab fab! Sarah Webb at her best! I loved it from the very first word and just could not put it down. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me think about a few things going on in my life at the mo. A must read without a doubt

[Claire Sweeney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pure chick lit bliss - Sarah Webb at her finest!

[Lynn]

i thought this was very enjoyable a very good read :) the story was very interesting loved it.