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One Night Only
Funny, sharp and deeply poignant, One Night Only explore the pitfalls of fame, friendship and family secrets and gets under the skin of why looking back is not an easy thing to do... sPECIAL LOW PRICE FOR A LIMITED PERIOD TO DISCOVER SUE WELFARE'S LATEST NOVEL. Fame and fortune can't hide the secrets of her past... When fading soap star, Helen Redford, goes back to her old home town to make a TV show about her glittering career she catches a glimpse of the might-have-beens that drove her to leave in the first place. Ex boy friends, old scores to settle, friendships gone sour, chances not taken, and secrets about Helen's family that have haunted her since she was a little girl. Will Helen be able to put her past to rest?
- GenresChick Lit
392 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
27 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Sue Welfare
26 books61 followersSue is an award winning and Times best selling author. She’s published around thirty novels under various pen names including Gemma Fox and Kate Lawson and written erotic fiction under a couple of others.
Sue was among the winners of the Channel 4 SitCom Fest and was the first ever BBC local radio Story Laureate.
Sue lives in Norfolk with her husband and two dogs.
When not writing she loves gardening, singing, cooking and making things – her current passion is making mosaics, which involves smashing crockery with a big hammer.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 22, 2012
What a flipping ace read!! Sue takes the reader on a journey like no other. I suppose i could relate to Helen as i didnt know my father till well into my teens and could sympathise with the feelings that brings. The feelings of that and having a TV camera in your face are so accurate that i did wonder if Sue has been amazing at research or been in Helen's shoes. This is a book that looks harmless but packs a huge punch and will keep you on your toes while reading it. If you miss it, you'll be missing a gem of a story!
March 22, 2023
The story follows a really likeable character through the two POV’s of then and now as she attempts to relaunch her career whilst filming for a reality show to get back to her roots.
However, so many of the characters were unlikeable in this book it made me want to throw it at times. The redeeming factor is that some of those unlikeable characters do attempt to apologise and right their wrongs later on.
I don’t love a miscommunication trope and there were several within the plot which just left me feeling frustrated at how the story could have been different if these hadn’t have occurred. I also felt like once a lot of these miscommunications had been settled, it was very quickly skimmed over and not addressed again which I didn’t enjoy.
Overall this was a really quick read that wasn’t difficult to follow- for the most part. However, I did feel as if there were too many twists crammed into a very small section of the book which lead to me feeling quick underwhelmed with the overall ending.
Not my cup of tea unfortunately ☕️
However, so many of the characters were unlikeable in this book it made me want to throw it at times. The redeeming factor is that some of those unlikeable characters do attempt to apologise and right their wrongs later on.
I don’t love a miscommunication trope and there were several within the plot which just left me feeling frustrated at how the story could have been different if these hadn’t have occurred. I also felt like once a lot of these miscommunications had been settled, it was very quickly skimmed over and not addressed again which I didn’t enjoy.
Overall this was a really quick read that wasn’t difficult to follow- for the most part. However, I did feel as if there were too many twists crammed into a very small section of the book which lead to me feeling quick underwhelmed with the overall ending.
Not my cup of tea unfortunately ☕️
March 17, 2020
Loved it. So down to earth and realistic. Loved Helen who had integrity and horrible sleazy characters that I wanted to boo and hiss at. Lovely ending too!
March 22, 2012
The story centre’s around the life of celebrity Helen Redford who I surprisingly warmed to in the first few chapters, when I had read the synopsis of the book I was expecting some glitz and glam from the character which is what is usually brought to us with storylines revolving around celebrities but this couldn’t be further away from what to expect from Helen. At times during the book I forgot that Helen was a celebrity as she was such a warm and down to earth character.
Helen has reached a point in her career where the work seems to have reached a lull so when her agent Arthur approaches her with the offer to take part in the show “Roots” she reluctantly takes the opportunity which will delve into her past and follow her with cameras at each point capturing her re-living each moment of her past. It is time for Helen to go back to her home town after many years, back to a shed load of emotional memories.
The book switches between Helen’s past and present life which gives us a real insight into Helen’s life as she grew up having a mum that had walked out on her and a dad who didn’t show her the love she craved. She was part of a double singing act with her friend Charlotte (or Kate who she likes to be known as!) but I instantly found I took a dislike to this character and I think that is because we feel how lonely Helen feels in the earlier part of her life so you just want her to have a friend there for her but the way Charlotte treats Helen makes us develop an instant dislike to the character. I have to say my favourite character alongside Helen was Harry a close friend from Helens past I was hoping that there would be a different ending for the two characters.
I loved the way that as we were uncovering various parts of Helens life at no point was there ever a time when I could predict what was going to happen next and this is what really kept me turning page after page.
There was something else which stuck out for me with One Night Only, now I read this in Kindle format so I am unsure if this is also in the paperback but at the end of the book Sue Welfare writes that she was unsure if to write more detail between Helen and a certain character (sorry but it will be a spoiler if I say who!) or to leave it as it was leaving the reader to use their own imagination, and so she gives us a deleted scene if you like to be able to read what the author had in mind for the conversation between the two characters.
I did find that the book got off to a very slow start and I was unsure if I was going to carry on but after a few chapters in the book started to grab my interest as we went back to Helen’s childhood so I am glad that I did persevere with the slow start. The book does continue at a very relaxed pace and really is a gentle and cosy read ideal for Sunday reading in the sun!
Helen has reached a point in her career where the work seems to have reached a lull so when her agent Arthur approaches her with the offer to take part in the show “Roots” she reluctantly takes the opportunity which will delve into her past and follow her with cameras at each point capturing her re-living each moment of her past. It is time for Helen to go back to her home town after many years, back to a shed load of emotional memories.
The book switches between Helen’s past and present life which gives us a real insight into Helen’s life as she grew up having a mum that had walked out on her and a dad who didn’t show her the love she craved. She was part of a double singing act with her friend Charlotte (or Kate who she likes to be known as!) but I instantly found I took a dislike to this character and I think that is because we feel how lonely Helen feels in the earlier part of her life so you just want her to have a friend there for her but the way Charlotte treats Helen makes us develop an instant dislike to the character. I have to say my favourite character alongside Helen was Harry a close friend from Helens past I was hoping that there would be a different ending for the two characters.
I loved the way that as we were uncovering various parts of Helens life at no point was there ever a time when I could predict what was going to happen next and this is what really kept me turning page after page.
There was something else which stuck out for me with One Night Only, now I read this in Kindle format so I am unsure if this is also in the paperback but at the end of the book Sue Welfare writes that she was unsure if to write more detail between Helen and a certain character (sorry but it will be a spoiler if I say who!) or to leave it as it was leaving the reader to use their own imagination, and so she gives us a deleted scene if you like to be able to read what the author had in mind for the conversation between the two characters.
I did find that the book got off to a very slow start and I was unsure if I was going to carry on but after a few chapters in the book started to grab my interest as we went back to Helen’s childhood so I am glad that I did persevere with the slow start. The book does continue at a very relaxed pace and really is a gentle and cosy read ideal for Sunday reading in the sun!
March 10, 2012
Helen Redford is someone everyone once knew. She used to be a soap star on a well known soap but lately she has faded back into the distance of the general public’s minds. For some people though she has remained in the forefront in the hope that she well never return to her roots.
To reintroduce herself, Helen decides to go on the television programme called Roots which deals with exactly that – the roots of Helen Redford, her family, her name, her home town and how it all began. Think Who Do You Think You Are merged with a copy of OK magazine.
Unsure, Helen makes that first step back and we begin to see what Helen gave up and left behind when she found fame and fortune. She was on her own back then, she is on her own now as she goes back. Feeling vulnerable and unsure of everything, Helen is really looking for one answer why her mother left her all those years ago?
The answer Helen finds throws turmoil into more than her own life and past loves and friends all collide and it is all being captured on television. Should such revelations be made so public when they only concern a few? Has the media always got an ulterior motive no matter whether the answer is morally correct or not? Sue Welfare actually raises these points rather cleverly in this novel weaved both in the story based in the present and the story of Helens past - of her roots.
A novel that goes along between past and present with ease and you are charmed with the storyline when all of a sudden this bombshell is dropped into the characters lives it also shocked me, I did not see it coming and that was a good thing. This is not a fluffy and happy ever after type of book, reading between the lines it makes many wry observations on the way fame is dealt with at the beginning and right through a career. It might not necessarily be all it is cracked up to be.
A good light read with meaning.
To reintroduce herself, Helen decides to go on the television programme called Roots which deals with exactly that – the roots of Helen Redford, her family, her name, her home town and how it all began. Think Who Do You Think You Are merged with a copy of OK magazine.
Unsure, Helen makes that first step back and we begin to see what Helen gave up and left behind when she found fame and fortune. She was on her own back then, she is on her own now as she goes back. Feeling vulnerable and unsure of everything, Helen is really looking for one answer why her mother left her all those years ago?
The answer Helen finds throws turmoil into more than her own life and past loves and friends all collide and it is all being captured on television. Should such revelations be made so public when they only concern a few? Has the media always got an ulterior motive no matter whether the answer is morally correct or not? Sue Welfare actually raises these points rather cleverly in this novel weaved both in the story based in the present and the story of Helens past - of her roots.
A novel that goes along between past and present with ease and you are charmed with the storyline when all of a sudden this bombshell is dropped into the characters lives it also shocked me, I did not see it coming and that was a good thing. This is not a fluffy and happy ever after type of book, reading between the lines it makes many wry observations on the way fame is dealt with at the beginning and right through a career. It might not necessarily be all it is cracked up to be.
A good light read with meaning.
April 20, 2012
For One Night Only readers we have presented Helen Redford in today's episode of UK hit programme "Roots". Authoress Sue Welfare has taken into the vast amount of reality tv shown these days and from that has produced a fictionalized version of a TV show called "Roots". The show takes celebrities - mainly ones that are has-beens and are washed-up and nearing the "hollywood" retirement age and gets them back to their home roots, where they came from. Singer Helen Redford has signed up for the show with the slight chance that they maybe able to reunite and find her mother who disappeared when she was younger , but things are never what they hope to be especially in the life of reality TV. Especially when she arrives in her hometown of Billingsfield hoping to catch up with a few friends only to discover that the whole town thinks she abandoned her son Adam , the only catch though is that Helen has never given birth to any children. Once Helen arrives in Billingsfield, "One Night Only" starts to flip from a Then and Now perspective as we learn about how Helen became a star and what the dealio with Henry, Charlotte is and how the son that Henry raised thinking it was Helen's fits in. The big question though, that kept me guessing and will do the same is - will Helen met her mum and what will happen if they come face to face ?
Find out all this and more and be in quick as it's all on for "One Night Only" by Sue Welfare.
Find out all this and more and be in quick as it's all on for "One Night Only" by Sue Welfare.
May 23, 2012
Helen Redford used to be a big soap star, but now her star is fading fast. So when the opportunity presents itself, for Helen to take part in a prime time television reality television show called ‘Roots’. A show which will take a look into Helen’s past, back to her roots and to her hometown where her show business career started. Helen knows this may just be a great way for her to get noticed again and could be her way back into television.
But with ex boyfriends, old friendships and a shock finding uncovered by the television show, will Helen regret going back to her past?
One Night only, is a wonderfully well written story. Which has warm humour that makes you really warm to the book and the main character, Helen Redford is very likeable. You can not predict what is going to happen in the storyline, which as a reader gives me so much more enjoyment from a book. Cleverly written so the story weaves together beautifully and comes to a satisfying conclusion. A perfect read.
But with ex boyfriends, old friendships and a shock finding uncovered by the television show, will Helen regret going back to her past?
One Night only, is a wonderfully well written story. Which has warm humour that makes you really warm to the book and the main character, Helen Redford is very likeable. You can not predict what is going to happen in the storyline, which as a reader gives me so much more enjoyment from a book. Cleverly written so the story weaves together beautifully and comes to a satisfying conclusion. A perfect read.
May 11, 2012
Helen Redford is in need a kick start to get her fading career back on track. A reality tv show might just do the trick. Surely this will be easy, after all she knows all the skeletons in her closet and there are no nasty surprises. It might be quite healing to revisit her past. She may even find out the truth about why her mother left her as a child.
Only, Helen does not realise that the TV producers are looking for a deep dark secret to give the viewers value for money. They have a few surprises to spring on Helen.
The only little niggle I had was that I found the scenes from the Talent show, in the past, slow, but it was worth staying with it.
Another entertaining read from Sue Welfare. I really enjoyed it!
4 out of 5 for me!
Review copy
Only, Helen does not realise that the TV producers are looking for a deep dark secret to give the viewers value for money. They have a few surprises to spring on Helen.
The only little niggle I had was that I found the scenes from the Talent show, in the past, slow, but it was worth staying with it.
Another entertaining read from Sue Welfare. I really enjoyed it!
4 out of 5 for me!
Review copy
March 27, 2012
I won this book from a competition with Bookshelf on Facebook. I really enjoyed this book it's about Helen Redford (ex Cannon Square actor) who used to be very well known she is asked to appear in Tv Series "Roots" which takes her back to her home town of Billingsfield, she's not too sure at first but is persuaded by her Agent Arthur, it should be her way back into the nations hearts again however with painful memories has Helen done the right thing?
This book goes between past and present I was worried I wouldn't be able to follow it but it's easy to read and follow I couldn't put it down. It was funny and sad definetely recommend. Thanks again to Bookshelf for this great book.
This book goes between past and present I was worried I wouldn't be able to follow it but it's easy to read and follow I couldn't put it down. It was funny and sad definetely recommend. Thanks again to Bookshelf for this great book.
March 13, 2015
It was on its way to a 3-star rating: pleasant and enjoyable, but in a same-old/same-old, I've-seen-this-TV-movie before. Then a surprising reveal sends it to a more compelling level, one that made me race to the conclusion. A wonderful, comfort-food novel that will leave an exceptionally warm glow in your heart. The world occasionally needs more happy endings like this...there's only so much cynicism one can deal with. "One Night Only" is a perfect antitode to any bleak day life can throw at you.
May 26, 2013
I'm a huge Catherine Alliott fan so when the blurb on the back of this book advised this was a perfect read for followers of CA, I picked it up with a huge sense of anticipation, much rubbing of hands and fairly cackled with glee.
The story is better in some places than others. For example I far more preferred reading about the main character when dipping into her past - there was more edge and pace.
The story is better in some places than others. For example I far more preferred reading about the main character when dipping into her past - there was more edge and pace.
June 10, 2012
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, it had been a while since I'd downloaded it so had forgotten the main premise of the story, but soon picked it up!
I felt an affection for Helen as soon as I got to know her character, and had no idea where the whole journey to find her "roots" was going to take her. The chapters describing her past were well thought out and really showed just how far she had come.
An enjoyable read and one I would reccomend/read again.
I felt an affection for Helen as soon as I got to know her character, and had no idea where the whole journey to find her "roots" was going to take her. The chapters describing her past were well thought out and really showed just how far she had come.
An enjoyable read and one I would reccomend/read again.
November 23, 2015
This book doesn't move very quickly. I'm never motivated to pick it up and continue reading because I don't feel like I'm dying to know what happens next. It's definitely a light "chick-lit" style of narration, but nothing really exciting is happening. I don't like to leave a book unfinished, but this one will have to be put on hold indefinitely!
Maybe it'll be easier to get through it in the summer, on a beach somewhere, when I have nothing better to do.
Maybe it'll be easier to get through it in the summer, on a beach somewhere, when I have nothing better to do.
October 28, 2012
Helen Redford is a fading star. She reluctantly agrees to be part of a reality show called Roots which take her back to her home town, forcing her to face the ghosts in her past.
A funny, exceptionally honest book. The characters are engaging, flawed and fun. It's a great read.
A funny, exceptionally honest book. The characters are engaging, flawed and fun. It's a great read.
January 12, 2013
A hard book to get into a first but after the first few chapters it becomes very interesting. There are alot of twist and turns and moments when you have that "ohhh now I see moment" not a bad read and it was only 3.95 on my nexus tablet so that was a plus...
March 6, 2012
Yay!
Just not my cup of tea.
Just not my cup of tea.
April 23, 2012
Another good read that I enjoyed on my kindle. A bit predictable and I really wanted to give that Charlotte a good slap! As chick lit goes, it was not bad at all.
September 28, 2013
Loved this book. Really good plot
February 22, 2014
this is such a sad story.. friendship gone wrong, first love and fame.. read this while listening to sad songs you'll be in tears
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July 30, 2016Lovely book
It took me a while to get into it but once I did I couldn't put it down
Although I would have liked to know more about her mum and dad
It took me a while to get into it but once I did I couldn't put it down
Although I would have liked to know more about her mum and dad
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews