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Six Geese A-Laying
In Six Geese a-Laying, Christmas is approaching, and Ginny is looking forward to the birth of her first baby. It's a pity her partner Dan is so useless, and she has to keep reminding him where he's going wrong. Luckily she's enrolled into the most exclusive antenatal class going - all the highest achieving, smartest mothers-to-be aspire to be taught by the legendary Petal Harmon. Like the other five women in the class, Ginny already knows exactly what she wants, and how she's going to handle motherhood.But when they turn up for the final class it isn't quite what they expect. As Ginny discovers what parenthood is really going to be like, she begins to realize the things that really matter...
27 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2011
197 people are currently reading
9651 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Kinsella
183 books44.4k followersSophie Kinsella had sold over 40 million copies of her books in more than 60 countries, and she had been translated into over 40 languages.
Sophie Kinsella first hit the UK bestseller lists in September 2000 with her first novel in the Shopaholic series – The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (also published as Confessions of a Shopaholic). The book’s heroine, Becky Bloomwood – a fun and feisty financial journalist who loves shopping but is hopeless with money – captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Becky has since featured in seven further bestselling books, Shopaholic Abroad (also published as Shopaholic Takes Manhattan), Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic & Sister, Shopaholic & Baby, Mini Shopaholic, Shopaholic to the Stars and Shopaholic to the Rescue. Becky Bloomwood came to the big screen in 2009 with the hit Disney movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.
Sophie had also written seven standalone novels which have all been bestsellers in the UK, USA and other countries around the world: Can You Keep A Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, and My Not So Perfect Life, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Best Fiction in 2017.
In 2014 she published a Young Adult novel Finding Audrey about a teenage girl with social anxiety and her madcap family, and in January 2018, Sophie published her first illustrated book for young readers about the charming adventures of a mother-daughter fairy duo, Mummy Fairy and Me (also published as Fairy Mom and Me).
Sophie’s novel, Surprise Me, published in February 2018, presents a humorous yet moving portrait of a marriage—its intricacies, comforts, and complications. Surprise Me reveals that hidden layers in a close relationship are often yet to be discovered.
Sophie wrote her first novel under her real name, Madeleine Wickham, at the tender age of 24, whilst she was working as a financial journalist. The Tennis Party was immediately hailed as a success by critics and the public alike and became a top ten bestseller. She went on to publish six more novels as Madeleine Wickham: A Desirable Residence, Swimming Pool Sunday, The Gatecrasher, The Wedding Girl, Cocktails for Three and Sleeping Arrangements.
Sophie was born in London. She studied music at New College, Oxford, but after a year switched to Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She lived in London, UK, with her husband and family.
Visit Sophie's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SophieKinsell...
Series:
* Shopaholic
Sophie Kinsella first hit the UK bestseller lists in September 2000 with her first novel in the Shopaholic series – The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (also published as Confessions of a Shopaholic). The book’s heroine, Becky Bloomwood – a fun and feisty financial journalist who loves shopping but is hopeless with money – captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Becky has since featured in seven further bestselling books, Shopaholic Abroad (also published as Shopaholic Takes Manhattan), Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic & Sister, Shopaholic & Baby, Mini Shopaholic, Shopaholic to the Stars and Shopaholic to the Rescue. Becky Bloomwood came to the big screen in 2009 with the hit Disney movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.
Sophie had also written seven standalone novels which have all been bestsellers in the UK, USA and other countries around the world: Can You Keep A Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, and My Not So Perfect Life, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Best Fiction in 2017.
In 2014 she published a Young Adult novel Finding Audrey about a teenage girl with social anxiety and her madcap family, and in January 2018, Sophie published her first illustrated book for young readers about the charming adventures of a mother-daughter fairy duo, Mummy Fairy and Me (also published as Fairy Mom and Me).
Sophie’s novel, Surprise Me, published in February 2018, presents a humorous yet moving portrait of a marriage—its intricacies, comforts, and complications. Surprise Me reveals that hidden layers in a close relationship are often yet to be discovered.
Sophie wrote her first novel under her real name, Madeleine Wickham, at the tender age of 24, whilst she was working as a financial journalist. The Tennis Party was immediately hailed as a success by critics and the public alike and became a top ten bestseller. She went on to publish six more novels as Madeleine Wickham: A Desirable Residence, Swimming Pool Sunday, The Gatecrasher, The Wedding Girl, Cocktails for Three and Sleeping Arrangements.
Sophie was born in London. She studied music at New College, Oxford, but after a year switched to Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She lived in London, UK, with her husband and family.
Visit Sophie's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SophieKinsell...
Series:
* Shopaholic
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
December 19, 2014
I downloaded this short story for free via Amazon few months ago.
Yesterday I was in the mood for something Christmas related so I decided this would be a perfect choice since I love Sophie Kinsella's work.
Oh, how wrong was I!
This short story had the most arrogant main character I have ever read about in my whole life!
I hated Ginny from the very beginning.
I have no idea what would make her think she is so much better then everyone around her.
What kind of pregnant woman would tell everyone that the father of her unborn child is useless when he is obviously helping her as much as he can?
And what kind of pregnant woman would be so unsupportive to another scared pregnant woman?
Not to mention this story had nothing to do with Christmas except for the information that the due date is around Christmas day.
If you ask me, it could be summer, it wouldn't make any difference.
I understand the story is inspired with Christmas ghost of the future, but it is done so poorly I lost the words to describe how poorly it was.
Who would I recommend this story to?
To everyone who want to irreparable throw away 20 minutes of their life.
Yesterday I was in the mood for something Christmas related so I decided this would be a perfect choice since I love Sophie Kinsella's work.
Oh, how wrong was I!
This short story had the most arrogant main character I have ever read about in my whole life!
I hated Ginny from the very beginning.
I have no idea what would make her think she is so much better then everyone around her.
What kind of pregnant woman would tell everyone that the father of her unborn child is useless when he is obviously helping her as much as he can?
And what kind of pregnant woman would be so unsupportive to another scared pregnant woman?
Not to mention this story had nothing to do with Christmas except for the information that the due date is around Christmas day.
If you ask me, it could be summer, it wouldn't make any difference.
I understand the story is inspired with Christmas ghost of the future, but it is done so poorly I lost the words to describe how poorly it was.
Who would I recommend this story to?
To everyone who want to irreparable throw away 20 minutes of their life.
November 15, 2015
I can never resist anything Sophie Kinsella so I jumped into reading this the minute I found out about it. (It's free on her website btw).
It's not super Christmas-y, just set around Christmas. Since it's so short, saying anything will give it all away sooo... I'll just say that it only took a good 5-10 minutes of my time and even gave me some smiles. Cute, quick read for Sophie fans.
It's not super Christmas-y, just set around Christmas. Since it's so short, saying anything will give it all away sooo... I'll just say that it only took a good 5-10 minutes of my time and even gave me some smiles. Cute, quick read for Sophie fans.
February 16, 2022
Seasonal, Quick, charming.
There isn't much I can say about this short story without giving away the whole story as it is only twenty seven pages long.
I would definitely recommend this short story if your looking for a short story set around Christmas time or a quick read to add to your reading challenge. I generally always enjoy books by Sophie Kinsella so if your a fan then jump right in. It was a 3 star read for me.
There isn't much I can say about this short story without giving away the whole story as it is only twenty seven pages long.
I would definitely recommend this short story if your looking for a short story set around Christmas time or a quick read to add to your reading challenge. I generally always enjoy books by Sophie Kinsella so if your a fan then jump right in. It was a 3 star read for me.
January 22, 2021
It's been a long time since I read the shopaholic books and I wasn't sure I would remember the characters but as soon as I started reading it all flooded back to me . Becky is such a funny character. I enjoyed this short addition to the series.
January 5, 2017
Liked this short story. i like sophie kinsella's novels.
Though i was looking for a christmasy story but its very short like took only 15 mins to finish but was not enough christmasy .
Anyways a decent short story !
Though i was looking for a christmasy story but its very short like took only 15 mins to finish but was not enough christmasy .
Anyways a decent short story !
February 13, 2019
The best thing I can say about this story is that it is very short.
December 30, 2020
A nice little holiday short story about 6 moms to be and how even while confident in our knowledge, life choices and what we want for our children and ourselves, we may be very wrong. On the other hand, while lacking confidence in ourselves to care for a little life, everything may come together with experience.
It's not that Christmas-y, though it is set during that epoch.
It's not that Christmas-y, though it is set during that epoch.
December 17, 2015
Published: 16/12/2011
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Edition: Kindle
I found this very short story (27 pages) on the Kindle Store for free and so as I love Sophie Kinsella books I just had to read it! I thought that this was a very sweet little story to read. In this book Ginny is looking foward to the arrival of her baby, she joins an antenatal class with 5 other women but the class isnt quite what she thought it was going to be like. It is a fun read, one that is perfect if you have a few spare moments. This novella was perfect to read while I was waiting for the next book by Sophie Kinsella it just filled the gap nicely.
I dont generally like novellas as it sometimes feels like the author could have made it into a full length novel, and this one definately fits the ticket I think that this novella would have worked really well as a full length novel as it would have been nice to have known more about the characters and know them more in depth. It isn't a novella that is too christmassy it is just set around christmas time but it still gives you a nice warm christmas feeling!
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Edition: Kindle
I found this very short story (27 pages) on the Kindle Store for free and so as I love Sophie Kinsella books I just had to read it! I thought that this was a very sweet little story to read. In this book Ginny is looking foward to the arrival of her baby, she joins an antenatal class with 5 other women but the class isnt quite what she thought it was going to be like. It is a fun read, one that is perfect if you have a few spare moments. This novella was perfect to read while I was waiting for the next book by Sophie Kinsella it just filled the gap nicely.
I dont generally like novellas as it sometimes feels like the author could have made it into a full length novel, and this one definately fits the ticket I think that this novella would have worked really well as a full length novel as it would have been nice to have known more about the characters and know them more in depth. It isn't a novella that is too christmassy it is just set around christmas time but it still gives you a nice warm christmas feeling!
February 11, 2012
This cute little free Kindle offering from Sophie Kinsella will keep fans going until I’ve Got Your Number comes out, especially as it has the first chapter of that novel included. The Six Geese are Ginny (the narrator), Grace, Gina, Georgia, Geraldine and Gabby, all mums-to-be, all personally chosen by the famous Petal Harmon for her exclusive pre-natal classes and all, except Grace, feeling smug about it. Ginny’s husband Dan is useless at everything from putting the cradle together to finding the street the classes are in, and she lets him know it. Petal Harmon’s classes are supposed to be life changing, but so far, Ginny’s not all that impressed. But tonight’s the last class, and this will be something different. A short, fun dose of Kinsella magic.
December 17, 2011
i don't like short stories anyway but as this one was from an author I like I gave it a go.
Wish I hadn't bothered, it was not Christmassy like I was expecting and only about half of the download was the story, the rest being a preview of a future book which I didn't even bother with.
The plot was basically a bunch of women at a special ante-natal class, and the final lesson is basically a look into the future for their child. Over before it started, glad it didn't take long to read.
Wish I hadn't bothered, it was not Christmassy like I was expecting and only about half of the download was the story, the rest being a preview of a future book which I didn't even bother with.
The plot was basically a bunch of women at a special ante-natal class, and the final lesson is basically a look into the future for their child. Over before it started, glad it didn't take long to read.
September 16, 2015
Cute little Christmas story.
Read
December 3, 2020A different read... not going to give it any stars as it was a bit weird and im not sure if i liked it or not hahahaha
January 3, 2015
This is a short story from Sophie Kinsella. It is in part a retelling of `A Christmas Carol' but centers on six pregnant women (the 'geese') who are visited by a spirit who shows them the `ghost of babies' future' at their maternity class.Their sense of smugness then disappears as they discover that they were not chosen because of their high powered careers, money or social status...there is a deeper message.
I think this is a clever book and I like the way that Kinsella uses the classic Dickens' story as a springboard for her modern tale.
It's only 27 pages long and will only take about 10-15 minutes to read...oh and it's free! (I downloaded on my phone)
I think it suitable for year 6. It would be lovely if ipads were available for paired or small group readings, but if not, I think it is still an option for a whole class reading.
It would be a good resource for National Curriculum KS2 En2 Reading - in particular Literature 4: develop understanding and appreciation of literary texts - and also - Breadth of study 8(f) traditional stories - as it links nicely with Dickens.
Looking at the draft curriculum - it would link with year 5-6 comprehension study by maintaining positive attitudes to reading and understanding,discussion and building on technical terms.
I think this is a clever book and I like the way that Kinsella uses the classic Dickens' story as a springboard for her modern tale.
It's only 27 pages long and will only take about 10-15 minutes to read...oh and it's free! (I downloaded on my phone)
I think it suitable for year 6. It would be lovely if ipads were available for paired or small group readings, but if not, I think it is still an option for a whole class reading.
It would be a good resource for National Curriculum KS2 En2 Reading - in particular Literature 4: develop understanding and appreciation of literary texts - and also - Breadth of study 8(f) traditional stories - as it links nicely with Dickens.
Looking at the draft curriculum - it would link with year 5-6 comprehension study by maintaining positive attitudes to reading and understanding,discussion and building on technical terms.
December 22, 2011
A very short story set at an exclusive ante-natal class full of "mum to be" sterotypes: critical of hubby mum, working mum, nervous mum, all natural, no pain relief mum, making baby-Einstein mum and they all get a Dickensian type experience of motherhood to come! I'd say it's a good natured, easy going read over your tea-break.
December 30, 2011
I thought this story was pretty poor. It was centred around a group of women at a pre-natal class and had a "ghost of Christmas future" kind of element to it.
Not my cup of tea.
Not my cup of tea.
January 14, 2023
Read if you like unrealistic and caricatural characters.
December 31, 2019
The characters in this were really annoying and Minsella used the word "smug" so many times in such a short story, it got old quickly. Ginny, the narrator was irritating and I didn't really 'get' the point of the story...
March 25, 2017
Nice easy quick read nothing Sophie Kinsella ever writes is a disappointment
December 30, 2018
Oh, what a load of rubbish. I had the opportunity to read this little short story and, being a Kinsella fan, thought this would be one for me. Coupled with the fact that this was marked as a Christmas read, I thought this would be a great little story. I was terribly wrong.
So the premise of this novella is that the ‘six geese’ are six pregnant ladies attending an exclusive antenatal class. Compromised of very different characters, on their final session, a shadowy figure shows them the possibility of what may happen with their labour, baby and future, should they continue on their current paths. I guess it’s supposed to be like the Ghost of Christmas past, but it really doesn’t feel like that.
Each of the ladies’ predicted future shocks them into wanting to be better people. What a win. But suddenly, just as it begins, it well and truly finishes. As a result, it felt like Kinsella was writing out an idea she had playing in her head - not creating a convincing short story. True, it is a reflection of Kinsella’s writing style, but that’s as far as it goes.
With the backdrop of snow and a Christmas due date, these are the only things that remotely link this to December. You could read this short story at any time of the year and not be overwhelmed by tinsel and turkey but, to be honest, I just wouldn’t bother at all.
So the premise of this novella is that the ‘six geese’ are six pregnant ladies attending an exclusive antenatal class. Compromised of very different characters, on their final session, a shadowy figure shows them the possibility of what may happen with their labour, baby and future, should they continue on their current paths. I guess it’s supposed to be like the Ghost of Christmas past, but it really doesn’t feel like that.
Each of the ladies’ predicted future shocks them into wanting to be better people. What a win. But suddenly, just as it begins, it well and truly finishes. As a result, it felt like Kinsella was writing out an idea she had playing in her head - not creating a convincing short story. True, it is a reflection of Kinsella’s writing style, but that’s as far as it goes.
With the backdrop of snow and a Christmas due date, these are the only things that remotely link this to December. You could read this short story at any time of the year and not be overwhelmed by tinsel and turkey but, to be honest, I just wouldn’t bother at all.
November 29, 2016
A super quick novella which took me ten minutes max to read - it ended at 52% and was then followed by a preview of another Kinsella book. I downloaded this for free but I still wish authors would say when a book ends that early, you think you're part way through enjoying a story and the next second, BAM, it's over!
This is a take on Dicken's A Christmas Carol, jumping ahead to the Ghost of Christmas to come for six women who are all expecting. They've all been selected for the invite only exclusive pre-natal classes given by eminent Petal Harmon, but what they weren't expecting was to have each of their flaws reflected back at them and to leave the class with a different view on how they'll handle childbirth and the future. 3.75 stars.
This is a take on Dicken's A Christmas Carol, jumping ahead to the Ghost of Christmas to come for six women who are all expecting. They've all been selected for the invite only exclusive pre-natal classes given by eminent Petal Harmon, but what they weren't expecting was to have each of their flaws reflected back at them and to leave the class with a different view on how they'll handle childbirth and the future. 3.75 stars.
December 19, 2011
I wanted to download to my kindle but its only available via Amazon UK, which I dont have so I read on her website..
It was a short story alright, basically over as soon as it began. Several women going thru meeting with their midwives, talking about names of their babies, and all the insecurities that most parents are going thru right before having their precious bundle of joy!
It was a short story alright, basically over as soon as it began. Several women going thru meeting with their midwives, talking about names of their babies, and all the insecurities that most parents are going thru right before having their precious bundle of joy!
January 4, 2012
Loved every word of this short story, but then when could Sophie disappoint? Well actually she can but not with this short story. Not so much of a Christmas story, more like a baby or pregnancy story with Christmas thrown in, but bloody brilliant none the less. A good story to dip into Sophie if your not sure if you would like her writing.
December 2, 2018
Found this story online, very quick read! It was okay, I liked the Christmas theme and how it taught you that you should see how your action affect others. I would like for this to be a full fleshed out story, but it was an okay read. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, only those that love Sophie Kinsella and want to read all of her books. It's just a little extra story she wrote for the holiday!
April 8, 2018
Ik had geen zin om vanavond nog aan een nieuw boek te beginnen, aangezien ik er net een heb uitgelezen. Daarom heb ik even een kort verhaal uitgekozen. Het is een verrassend verhaal. Het laat zien hoe je toekomst kan verlopen als je bepaalde beslissingen neemt.
December 12, 2018
This is a lovely short story that is the perfect lunchtime escape during a busy day.
The story, whilst fun, is also touching and comes to a conclusion with a brilliant twist that will leave you wanting more!
More reviews on www.momobookdiary.com
The story, whilst fun, is also touching and comes to a conclusion with a brilliant twist that will leave you wanting more!
More reviews on www.momobookdiary.com
September 7, 2020
This is just a cute retelling of a Christmas Carol but with 6-women who are enrolled in a prenatal Lamaze style workshop. It employs the usual tropes of new motherhood, but it still has the charm and happy ending of a Sophie Kinsella novel.
May 20, 2023
Cute very short story
I realized this was a short story but not that short.
It's cute but took only ten minutes to read.
It teaches us to look at the bigger picture
I love Sophie Kinsella but this was a bit of a disappointment
Kerry Kennedy Author
I realized this was a short story but not that short.
It's cute but took only ten minutes to read.
It teaches us to look at the bigger picture
I love Sophie Kinsella but this was a bit of a disappointment
Kerry Kennedy Author
December 31, 2018
A nice cautionary tale about having a baby.
December 17, 2020
Why did I cry? I am just too emotional lool
Not very Christmasy as it only included one ghost of Christmas future! I would have loved to see a past and present one too
Not very Christmasy as it only included one ghost of Christmas future! I would have loved to see a past and present one too
February 25, 2021
Enjoyable read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews