Annabel Lewis (Bels) has two days to get to her wedding in Rome but her journey is beset with one disaster after another as fate takes its turn. Will the stranger she meets on the way get her to her wedding on time or will he change her life forever? Come with Bels on her humorous romantic journey to see if she marries Mr Right or if destiny takes her in different direction.
Lynda Renham has been writing for as long as she can remember and had her first work published in a magazine at age nine and has continued writing in various forms since. She has had several poems published as well as articles in numerous magazines and newspapers. Recently she has taken part in radio discussions on the BBC.
She has studied literature and creative writing and has a blog on her web page: www.renham.co.uk
Lynda lives with her second husband and cat in Oxfordshire, England. She is Associate Editor for the online magazine The Scavenger and contributor to many others. When not writing Lynda can usually be found wasting her time on Facebook.
This was the first book that I read by Lynda Renham and it will not be my last! This book has all the ingredients of good chick-lit, the heroine who is a walking disaster, the uptight fiancé, the best friend and the interfering mother, for whom no one is good enough for her daughter except of cours Mr Right! It is jam packed (pardon the pun!) with humour and if you want something that will make you laugh your socks off and you are in need of some serious cheering up, then this is the perfect book for you.
Most of the book was set in England, France and Italy and with some of the descriptions you felt like you were actually right there with them especially in the French countryside with the vivid scenic descriptions that Lynda gives us.
Annabel Lewis is on route to her wedding in Italy but every conceivable obstacle is about to get in her way. Starting off with her flight getting delayed for an annoying, yet handsome, passenger who is late, and then having to make an unscheduled stop in France for a medical emergency, it seems like Bels, will never make it to her very impatient fiancé in Rome. Unless, she takes up the offer of the handsome stranger who offers her a lift. But of course what Bels doesn't know is that after plenty of calamities (and there are a few!) her life is taken in a totally different direction and her love for her fiancé will be put to the test
This is a wonderful novel full of enjoyable characters and scenes that will just make you laugh out loud.
1.5 stars, and could've been a bit higher. Well, you get what you pay for...this book was $.99. I had hoped for mildly diverting and not requiring too much thought. I would have had that--it could've been a nice, light read. Yet, for some reason, the author decided that she doesn't like contractions! I don't know how other people think or talk, but I found it jarring and annoying to keep reading "I do not like to eat that food" (or whatever). They were having English paper conversations. That kept it from being light, as it was very distracting to read language that didn't flow smoothly. I wasn't (or, should I say, I was not) requiring fine literature or scintillating dialogue. But, I would've expected that someone would mention to a published author (especially, a previously-published author) that, in the real world, people don't talk or think like that. It doesn't make you sound more formal or sophisticated; it makes your characters sound like they've never been around other people.
If you love the perfect combination of romance and fun then you really would be hard pushed to find any better books than the ones this author writes.
In Croissants and Jam we meet Bels who is on her way to Rome to get married. After her flight has to make an unscheduled landing and she then misses the next flight, she ends up on a journey which leaves her doubting her relationship.
Bels is a great character who just seems to have constant bad luck. Everything around her just seems to fall apart. I did feel quite sorry for her in a smug kind of a way, as what was happening to her was quite funny. It's not all bad though as she gets stuck with the lovely Christian. Being stuck on a long car journey with him has the pair getting very well acquainted and I was very envious of the fabulous setting that they were driving through though I think these two only had eyes for each other!
Christian is just adorable and I found myself falling for him never mind Bels. Even though Bels really likes him, being her usual pig headed self she doesn't take the time to fully get to know him until it's nearly to late.
There are lots of laugh out moments along the pairs journey. I have to give a special mention to the talking fridge ornament as that really did have me doubled over in laughter and I so need one in my life right now.
This is just a fabulous read that made me laugh, smile and go awwwww. It's an uplifting read which was just perfect to help me through the January blues.
I've read books by this author before & found this one to be really funny in parts, Annabel is 30 & supposed to be marrying Simon a top lawyer who her mother thinks is Mr Right for her daughter purely because he's rich, he's a lawyer & he's eligible & she is worried about Annabel being left " on the shelf". I really liked Annabel as she was like so many ordinary people, a walking disaster zone when she's stressed, she has her natural remedies to battle her allergies so she doesn't keep falling asleep, she clearly adores a good meal yet Simon is so worried about her health that he often tells her not to eat this or that as "you don't want to get fat do you?" when actually it's clear it's Simon who wants her looking like a stick insect.
Then the disaster flight people stressed because the flight is held up, the various passengers getting more & more stressed, then the passenger who thinks life shouldn't be rushed, and come on ladies admit it how many times have you spilt something on yourself run to the ladies to try to clean it up & make it worse? There were a couple of parts I found a little predictable but I loved the tension between Annabel & Christian some people may say the book was badly written( yes I read a few reviews where I was tempted to suggest they stick to reading war & peace & heavy books like this if they don't like a bit of banter & does he/she doesn't he/she but I held myself back) can you honestly say that you haven't experienced a possible relationship like theirs, ok not with both parties being engaged, I know I have often felt too shy to make the first phone call in case he doesn't like me & have sat wondering if I should make a move on the man or not.
Then the meeting with your boyfriend's parents, oh boy no matter what your age this is scary yet I thought Lynda covered it well, the tension Annabel felt as Simon's parents are clearly very rich & she feels out of her depth. I absolutely loved this book & loved how Lynda brought the ending together can't wait to read another one of her very funny books.
My review originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com click is below:
This book was a fun read that kept my interest throughout with lots of outright belly laughter (by me) along with some tears. A lot of the book was set in England, France and Italy while alluding to New York as well and by some of the descriptions you felt like you were there with them in Europe, especially in the French countryside. The scenic descriptions were vivid and you could even taste some of the food and wine of which croissants and jam played a big part hence the title. There was a happily ever after but not what I expected and it took a very long time to get there. Chris and "Bels" were always in each others way, on different wavelengths much of the time, but you could tell how well they would fit together as a couple. Almost from the beginning you knew who they were even though they never fully introduced themselves but there were lots of clues that gave their connection away. I would have loved the book to continue on a little longer to see the "love story" play out, but it was not to be. I have not read books by this author before but will definitely look for others to add to my to be read pile. It was reminiscent to me of the "Rather" books by C.A. Belmond which I also enjoyed.
Favorite Quote: "Actually, I would like the Chianti Velaruse please. It is a delicate wine with a hint of vanilla and raspberry and a touch of black pepper. It goes well with pasta, I think," I say, recalling Luciano's exuberant description from the vineyard this morning. "Here, here," echo's Christian. Simon turns to me, his eyes blazing.
This book was a fun read that kept my interest throughout with lots of outright belly laughter (by me) along with some tears. A lot of the book was set in England, France and Italy while alluding to New York as well and by some of the descriptions you felt like you were there with them in Europe, especially in the French countryside. The scenic descriptions were vivid and you could even taste some of the food and wine of which croissants and jam played a big part hence the title. There was a happily ever after but not what I expected and it took a very long time to get there. Chris and "Bels" were always in each others way, on different wavelengths much of the time, but you could tell how well they would fit together as a couple. Almost from the beginning you knew who they were even though they never fully introduced themselves but there were lots of clues that gave their connection away. I would have loved the book to continue on a little longer to see the "love story" play out, but it was not to be. I have not read books by this author before but will definitely look for others to add to my to be read pile. It was reminiscent to me of the "Rather" books by C.A. Belmond which I also enjoyed.
Favorite Quote: "Actually, I would like the Chianti Velaruse please. It is a delicate wine with a hint of vanilla and raspberry and a touch of black pepper. It goes well with pasta, I think," I say, recalling Luciano's exuberant description from the vineyard this morning. "Here, here," echo's Christian. Simon turns to me, his eyes blazing.
I managed to read up to page 44 of this book. I haven't laughed once. Not even chuckled. In fact, I haven't even smiled a little. Further I am feeling no connection whatsoever to the characters or story. I'm finding the writing a little annoying and very unbelievable. The main character (who's name I have forgotten right now, that's how much of an impact she has had on me) and the predictable love interest, who predictably gets on her nerves (and vice versa) have thus far sat next to each other on a flight, have had lunch together, have argued more than once and are, as at current page, in the process of sharing a car journey, and yet she still refers to him in her head as 'Marc Jacobs jumper' because she has not yet found out his name. What woman would get into someone's car without finding out his name?!? At this point in time I can't be bothered to finish this book, its too irritating. For the reason that its unfinished ill give it 2 stars rather than 1, as it may pick up if I gave it a chance. Also because I read one of the authors other books (Pink wellies and flat caps) and did find it funny, which was what prompted me to download this one.
I took this with me on a much needed holiday a few weeks ago. I had been looking forward to devoting the time to losing myself in an entertaining read as my life is such that at present with the caring responsibilities I have to carry out, I don't get much 'me' time where I can read uninterrupted. This book did not disappoint, from the moment I started reading I didn't want to put it down. It was funny, very entertaining and made me laugh out loud (much to my husband's annoyance as he wanted to know what had happened every time I started laughing). I was sad to finish it so would just ask the author to please write MORE!! Frivolity over I had to turn to my next holiday read - back to reality with the factual book 'Contented Dementia' which was a lot easier for me to tackle once I had blown the cobwebs away by preceding it with 'Croissants and Jam'
What a fabulous book and well worth a read.. It had me laughing from start to finish. I had the pleasure of winning this book and feel honoured to have been able to have read it before it hits the shops.. When it is published you all must buy it.. If you need a chuckle and fancy a really good read.. BUY IT... also the added bonus are the recipes that Lynda has added too... WONDERFUL
What a fantastic book. I have now read a few of Lynda's books and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. They are brilliant stories and really funny. If your feeling down this book will lift your spirits as it did mine. I love all the characters and the storyline was the best. A really enjoyable book from start to finish. I think this one is a must read.
Croissants and Jam is a delectable romance between two people who should have never met but were always destined to meet. Bels is at an age when women believe they need to get serious in life and settle down and if not their conscience telling them that it's at least their mother's and Bel's mother is no less. She never let's up with the match making with unsuitable boys. When Bel meets Christian she is on her way to a her wedding- the fairy tale one she thinks she wants but she is not quite sure of, to the man of her dreams who she thinks she loves but she is not quite sure of. And then she meets Christian and bam! he irritates the hell out of her but she is also attracted to him as they bond over food, chocolate and wine and go one piling the calories and the romance. On the way to the wedding Bels is accused of being a robber, she pretends to be Christian's fiancee and then his wife but she has never had so much fun in her life so what if she has to miss her wedding rehearsal dinner. One last wine fling with Christian is worth it. But are things meant to work out with Christian? Or was he a a passing flirtation she is meant to forgot about about but she can't help being obsessed about. What will Bels do? Ah! Do I see a scary spider coming to the rescue?
A very British comedy romance (romantic comedy?) with a heroine obsessed by chocolate hobnobs and the urgent need to get to her own wedding in Rome. Everything stacks up against her until she finds herself in a beaten up car, travelling across France and Italy with the world's most annoying man. The leading lady is at times far too shallow and materialistic for my liking but Christian makes up for it.
I loved this book, funny, no even more so; hilarious. This is a real feel good read with lovable characters who you can envision from their first mention. 11/10
Hilarious! Great characters fast paced , delicious scenery romantic. Light afternoon read with nice ending. Makes you want to jump on a plane straight to France.
What a fabulous book and well worth a read.. It had me laughing from start to finish. I had the pleasure of winning this book and feel honoured to have been able to have read it before it hits the shops.. When it is published you all must buy it.. If you need a chuckle and fancy a really good read.. BUY IT... also the added bonus are the recipes that Lynda has added too... WONDERFUL
Merged review:
What a fabulous book and well worth a read.. It had me laughing from start to finish. I had the pleasure of winning this book and feel honoured to have been able to have read it before it hits the shops.. When it is published you all must buy it.. If you need a chuckle and fancy a really good read.. BUY IT... also the added bonus are the recipes that Lynda has added too... WONDERFUL
A little disappointing, I read pink wellies and flat caps, which is a later book, which I thoroughly enjoyed and found funny. I downloaded this and another of Lynda Denham books on the strength of that book, but think I'll leave a long gap before reading the next one in case it too follows a too similar theme. I felt there wasn't enough difference between the two books and that this one was almost mills & boon'ish in its storyline (but to be fair better written than most M&B books), it was also not as funny. I should possibly have read them in publishing order to see the progression rather than regression of writing...
This book was such a breath of fresh air. Utter, joyful, escapist fun, I could not put it down and read it in two sessions flat. I loved the quirky characters and particualry enjoyed the descriptions of France and the French countryside. It could not have been easier to visualize the hilarious adventures of poor old Bels with her penchant for saying just the wrong thing in just the wrong place. The perfect foil to a rainy afternoon or the perfect companion to a lazy lilo on a hot day at the pool. Loved it!
I really enjoyed this, after having read another book by this author recently.
It took me a while to get into it, but as I read on the situations became hilarious. The main character, Bels, rambles a lot and is constantly apologising (in her own head might I add) for everything from eating chocolate to her manners! The man who sets her life spinning, Christian, is funny and interesting on many levels. A rich man who makes a woman laugh - Love it! :)
Overall, a great ChickLit book with lots of cussing, but no indecency. A fab free read.
From the first page i was laughing my head off. The hilarious story of Bels and her trip to Rome just so remind me of life....that’s my life. If it can go wrong it will and to boot most people do end up laughing at me. The real jem of Lynda’s book is they remind you of lifes disasters and the way they pop up in life, but Lynda puts them in a way that no matter how bad the situation, there is so much humour there you will find yourself laughing out loud...A lot!!
I loved this book. It'll be a great summer read for anyone travelling down through France or Italy. Reminded me in a number of ways of Bridget Jones but not too similar that I felt that it had been done before. A good plot and some great humour. If anything, I just thought there was little bit too much internal thought process included but this shouldn't put anyone off buying it. I'll definitely be buying other books by Lynda.
The author contacted me after I had reviewed her other book and said I might like this one so I downloaded it to me kindle. It was a fun, easy read with a good plot. I would recommend it as a beach read if you like the type of read. It is about a woman who turns 30 and is about to marry this guy who she finds perfect and ends up in a mess with her life instead.
This book had me laughing at so many little mishaps that I would so easily make, and it kept me wanting to read on and find out what exactly was going to happen next.
I fell in love with the characters and the setting of the scenes really made me feel like I was with them on their journey, both physically and emotionally.
Our March book club book. Not to my tastes but it did prompt some lively debate. I got to do a Q&A with the author on behalf of the group who was a joy to communicate with. I found the writing from the mans perspective to be unrealistic and the characters a bit too fluffy and one dimensional, other than that it was a nice comfortable read and genuinely funny in places.
I thought this book had a lot of good things going for it. An interesting story line that moved at a decent pace. However the characterisation was disappointing, and it was hard to empathise with the protagonist. The chapters from the man's point of view were not good. I don't think any man would think or speak that way, thank goodness.