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Working Wonders
Laughs, love, office life. And a little touch of magic…
Gwyneth Morgan loves her job. And she's good at it – she's never faced a challenge she can't handle – until she meets Arthur Pendleton and his motley crew.
Gwyneth sets Arthur a challenge that makes his heart sink. His team can't even find their own desks, let alone win a prestigious competition.
Pitted against his ex-girlfriend, as well as his love rival and deadly enemy, Arthur is forced to break the law and overcome massive obstacles as he embarks on his quest to achieve the impossible – and maybe, just maybe, win the heart of the enchanting Gwyneth.
As Gwyneth learns some surprising revelations about the man she'd once considered just an inept colleague, she's forced to reconsider. Is it possible that Arthur is her knight in shining armour?
Gwyneth Morgan loves her job. And she's good at it – she's never faced a challenge she can't handle – until she meets Arthur Pendleton and his motley crew.
Gwyneth sets Arthur a challenge that makes his heart sink. His team can't even find their own desks, let alone win a prestigious competition.
Pitted against his ex-girlfriend, as well as his love rival and deadly enemy, Arthur is forced to break the law and overcome massive obstacles as he embarks on his quest to achieve the impossible – and maybe, just maybe, win the heart of the enchanting Gwyneth.
As Gwyneth learns some surprising revelations about the man she'd once considered just an inept colleague, she's forced to reconsider. Is it possible that Arthur is her knight in shining armour?
327 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
33 people are currently reading
1495 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Colgan
122 books11.7k followersJenny Colgan is the author of numerous bestselling novels, including 'The Little Shop of Happy Ever After' and 'Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery', which are also published by Sphere.' Meet Me at the Cupcake Café' won the 2012 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance and was a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller, as was 'Welcome to Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop of Dreams', which won the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2013.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 27, 2019
Have always loved Jenny Colgan's book and this didn't let me down I enjoyed it and a quick easy read full of laughs, office love and a touch of magic. Worth reading for sure.
Arthur has going through a very dull stage of his life at the moment and something magical will happen to change that a piece of magic turns up in his life in the name of Gwyneth. She challenges Arthur to be on rye team management for doing the impossible and making Coventry the new European city of culture. Aether thinks he has no chance of succeeding bit then amazing things happen and Gwyneth becomes interested in him so will they do the impossible or not.
Arthur has going through a very dull stage of his life at the moment and something magical will happen to change that a piece of magic turns up in his life in the name of Gwyneth. She challenges Arthur to be on rye team management for doing the impossible and making Coventry the new European city of culture. Aether thinks he has no chance of succeeding bit then amazing things happen and Gwyneth becomes interested in him so will they do the impossible or not.
March 28, 2015
Sorry Jenny Colgan, but I can think of nothing good to say about this book so I shall say nothing at all.
June 15, 2012
They kill Sven. Phew, there I said it if no one else will.
This book is totally redunculous. Its a cosmo book, so I was expecting lets just say a little smut. There's none. Also based on the cover I expected the main character to be a woman with a phone habit. It is not. There's no sysnipsis on the back cover, there's no "about" anywhere. You're left having to make judgements based on what you see and whoa this book is one hundred per cent opposite what you see.
I can't say that there's a plot really. There's a passel of strongly stereotyped characters, including a dog. There's a whack job psychologist slash spirit guide who doesn't really exist - trust me not all that interesting as her character is given a seriously minor role. There's also some "bad guys" or maybe the antagonists are better called assholes instead. Yeah that sounds better. The assholes are not developed well.
There's also an arthurian legend. The main character is supposed to be a direct descendent and how his task is important, blah blah. Hmm, red herring, no story there either.
This book is touted as being funny. Yes I pulled a couple funny lines that I will be adding to quotes. But, on the whole, not a funny book.
Sven's death is rather pointless, random, out of the blue and doesn't affect the storyline whatsoever. So yes, while it is true to being death-like in that way, it rather detracts from ... I'd say the story, but there isn't really one.
The guy doesn't even get the girl in the end. It ends with everyone going their separate ways and never hearing from them again. Ooh yay, how nice and resolved (I hope you can hear the sarcasm)
To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I found it a hard read right from the beginning and put it down several times. I was at least hoping to find something redeemable about it to make up for that, but ... didn't.
On the upside, at least I'm finished and done with it now.
This book is totally redunculous. Its a cosmo book, so I was expecting lets just say a little smut. There's none. Also based on the cover I expected the main character to be a woman with a phone habit. It is not. There's no sysnipsis on the back cover, there's no "about" anywhere. You're left having to make judgements based on what you see and whoa this book is one hundred per cent opposite what you see.
I can't say that there's a plot really. There's a passel of strongly stereotyped characters, including a dog. There's a whack job psychologist slash spirit guide who doesn't really exist - trust me not all that interesting as her character is given a seriously minor role. There's also some "bad guys" or maybe the antagonists are better called assholes instead. Yeah that sounds better. The assholes are not developed well.
There's also an arthurian legend. The main character is supposed to be a direct descendent and how his task is important, blah blah. Hmm, red herring, no story there either.
This book is touted as being funny. Yes I pulled a couple funny lines that I will be adding to quotes. But, on the whole, not a funny book.
Sven's death is rather pointless, random, out of the blue and doesn't affect the storyline whatsoever. So yes, while it is true to being death-like in that way, it rather detracts from ... I'd say the story, but there isn't really one.
The guy doesn't even get the girl in the end. It ends with everyone going their separate ways and never hearing from them again. Ooh yay, how nice and resolved (I hope you can hear the sarcasm)
To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I found it a hard read right from the beginning and put it down several times. I was at least hoping to find something redeemable about it to make up for that, but ... didn't.
On the upside, at least I'm finished and done with it now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
This is a modern day twist of the Arthurian tale.
Arthur works as a town planner and due to a "Personality/Career test" at work is given a promotion as Manager. Unfortunately, Arthur gets into an argument with Sven, his co-worker, and out of frustration throws the photocopier out of the window. His behavior gains him sessions with Lynne, the company psychotherapist. Gwyneth, is the consultant, hired to assist him. Arthur is tasked with a large project to turn Coventry into the European City of Culture. First thing he does is put together a team of ragtag employees (Cathy, Marcus, Rafe, Sven, and Sandwiches, the dog) in order to accomplish this task.
I enjoyed the storyline but thought Sandwiches was an annoying character.
Arthur works as a town planner and due to a "Personality/Career test" at work is given a promotion as Manager. Unfortunately, Arthur gets into an argument with Sven, his co-worker, and out of frustration throws the photocopier out of the window. His behavior gains him sessions with Lynne, the company psychotherapist. Gwyneth, is the consultant, hired to assist him. Arthur is tasked with a large project to turn Coventry into the European City of Culture. First thing he does is put together a team of ragtag employees (Cathy, Marcus, Rafe, Sven, and Sandwiches, the dog) in order to accomplish this task.
I enjoyed the storyline but thought Sandwiches was an annoying character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2019
This is quite possibly the worst book I have ever read.
- Pointless characters and plot;
- Factually inaccurate, e.g. encountering wolves in Denmark (yes, there have been recent sightings, but none in the 200 years or so up to 2012, so none when the book was written/set);
- So instantly forgettable that I read it again a few years later and only realised some way in that I'd read it before. Oops.
- Pointless characters and plot;
- Factually inaccurate, e.g. encountering wolves in Denmark (yes, there have been recent sightings, but none in the 200 years or so up to 2012, so none when the book was written/set);
- So instantly forgettable that I read it again a few years later and only realised some way in that I'd read it before. Oops.
January 19, 2019
Loved this book, couldn’t put it down. So different than any other Jenny colgan book however I really enjoyed the fantasy side to this book.
February 20, 2022
Meh book
January 11, 2022
It took me a while to work out that this was a modern retake on the Arthurian legend, but it was a lot of fun. Quite a while since I read it now (I’m writing my reviews in January 2022), but I remember laughing a lot when reading it. Arthur Pendleton – seems a boring character just from his name, but it’s a slight twist on the original – lives in Coventry with his girlfriend Fay and works as a town planner.
So far, so boring, until everything hits the fan at work when staff have to apply for their own jobs. Arthur finds himself having sessions with the council’s staff psychologist (anyone else have them? Thought not!) and discovers something really quantum about himself that you have to suspend disbelief to continue with the story.
Though it’s a funny story, it’s quite deep at times and resonates with sadness. I know it has received mixed reviews (the dog Sandwiches got on my nerves I have to say) but Jenny has to be congratulated in making Arthur into a hero from a town planner and lead a team whose task is to turn Coventry into the European City of Culture 2003, with no team management skills whatsoever!
But the annoying thing for me was I got to the end of the story, and the final pages were ripped out! I don’t know how it actually ended! I even contacted Jenny and she couldn’t remember, as the book was 18 years old when I read it.
The descriptiveness was great towards the end, when Arthur is walking by the river at an ice carnival with Lynne – in July - and sees a white shape moving between the trees – and that’s it! If anyone can tell me the ending, please do!
So far, so boring, until everything hits the fan at work when staff have to apply for their own jobs. Arthur finds himself having sessions with the council’s staff psychologist (anyone else have them? Thought not!) and discovers something really quantum about himself that you have to suspend disbelief to continue with the story.
Though it’s a funny story, it’s quite deep at times and resonates with sadness. I know it has received mixed reviews (the dog Sandwiches got on my nerves I have to say) but Jenny has to be congratulated in making Arthur into a hero from a town planner and lead a team whose task is to turn Coventry into the European City of Culture 2003, with no team management skills whatsoever!
But the annoying thing for me was I got to the end of the story, and the final pages were ripped out! I don’t know how it actually ended! I even contacted Jenny and she couldn’t remember, as the book was 18 years old when I read it.
The descriptiveness was great towards the end, when Arthur is walking by the river at an ice carnival with Lynne – in July - and sees a white shape moving between the trees – and that’s it! If anyone can tell me the ending, please do!
September 4, 2021
I think I must have gotten this with a magazine I bought here in Mallorca, and for years I was convinced I'd actually read it once upon a time. Now, picking it up, I realized I had not in fact, read it.
In these days of looming Brexit it's more than slightly dated, with Coventry and Slough slugging it out to see who will carry the European Culture Capital crown... and yet, I found it strangely, unexpectedly moving. A good sense of the Arthurian legends does not go amiss. The book is currently stored, where it was purchased, in Mallorca.
That was the review I wrote in 2018 when I first read this. Ironically I seem to have enjoyed it more than I remembered enjoying it.
I have since become quite the fan of Jenny Colgan's books and did not have fond memories of this, so decided to give it a second chance.
The second half is decidedly better than the first. I am not sure why I like this less than her other books - I almost wonder if it isn't the male protagonist?
At any rate the book has now made its way up to France.
In these days of looming Brexit it's more than slightly dated, with Coventry and Slough slugging it out to see who will carry the European Culture Capital crown... and yet, I found it strangely, unexpectedly moving. A good sense of the Arthurian legends does not go amiss. The book is currently stored, where it was purchased, in Mallorca.
That was the review I wrote in 2018 when I first read this. Ironically I seem to have enjoyed it more than I remembered enjoying it.
I have since become quite the fan of Jenny Colgan's books and did not have fond memories of this, so decided to give it a second chance.
The second half is decidedly better than the first. I am not sure why I like this less than her other books - I almost wonder if it isn't the male protagonist?
At any rate the book has now made its way up to France.
October 19, 2018
Having red all of Jennies later works I have been reading her very early works. As Jenny Coogan and yet to read the Class books under either name. This is very different than her later years. The cupcake, sweet shop and bakery series. The bookshop. The earlier books show her youth.
With that said this was hard to slog through in first half. Nut i stuck with it. Its just different. For those hating it I am sad. This book requires ability to imagine and to believe have faith. . Somethings those readers lack.
With that said this was hard to slog through in first half. Nut i stuck with it. Its just different. For those hating it I am sad. This book requires ability to imagine and to believe have faith. . Somethings those readers lack.
August 1, 2016
Not Jenny Colgan's best, so if this is your first one of hers don't let it put you off her other books. I usually enjoy them but this just didn't do anything for me. The main character was a bit wet, and the romance just was too far in the background.
January 7, 2014
The only Jenny Colgan book i didn't love
February 26, 2015
This was rubbish for a jenny colgan book!
January 26, 2018
1.5
Very weird book. The cover claims that she (the author, I assume) is "very, very funny." Maybe she is, but I didn't see it in this book.
Very weird book. The cover claims that she (the author, I assume) is "very, very funny." Maybe she is, but I didn't see it in this book.
July 17, 2021
Unlike Jenny Colgan's usual light, village-based novels, this is mostly set in a rather depressing office in Coventry. While the main character, Arthur, is somewhat likeable, most of his colleagues are caricatured and unbelievable, and there use of 'strong' language became tedious after the first few pages.
There's also a very bizarre surreal side to the book, involving legends related to King Arthur. This doesn't fit at all with the rest of the book, and there's no explanation - other than, perhaps, Arthur going crazy. But that doesn't seem to be implied.
I'd have given it three stars but for a very unpleasant event towards the end of the book, with no foreshadowing and no apparent reason for its happening.
Really not recommended.
Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
There's also a very bizarre surreal side to the book, involving legends related to King Arthur. This doesn't fit at all with the rest of the book, and there's no explanation - other than, perhaps, Arthur going crazy. But that doesn't seem to be implied.
I'd have given it three stars but for a very unpleasant event towards the end of the book, with no foreshadowing and no apparent reason for its happening.
Really not recommended.
Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
August 2, 2020
DNF
This was a free book with a magazine I have had on my book shelf for the last several years. I finally got round to reading it but ......
This was a disappointment and I did not finish. I did not feel any passion for Coventry and Slough competing against each other for the European City of culture. It was very boring. I also had a lack of interest in the character’s and could not have cared less about Arthur and his ex or his developing relationship. I did not find any part of this funny just very dull.
This was a free book with a magazine I have had on my book shelf for the last several years. I finally got round to reading it but ......
This was a disappointment and I did not finish. I did not feel any passion for Coventry and Slough competing against each other for the European City of culture. It was very boring. I also had a lack of interest in the character’s and could not have cared less about Arthur and his ex or his developing relationship. I did not find any part of this funny just very dull.
January 16, 2019
This is a re-read for me. I first read this book when I was 17 and I loved it. I have picked it up again at 30 and it is even funnier than I remembered! It is so well written and is very witty. I keep imagining Arthur to be Simon Pegg which makes it even funnier. All in all a fun read, its silly but very entertaining.
June 13, 2023
It took me two days. Honestly, Its 5 stars for me, I haven't read a book like this for a while because I was reading classics and fantasy books. I really liked it but there is few details I didn't like. Sven's death doesn't have any point tbh. Also I didn't like that Arthur doesn't end up with anyone on the end, but its not that big of a deal
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2018
I usually love Jenny Colgan, but I just couldn’t get into this one. I liked the idea for the story, but just got bored with it - did not finish it as I struggled to pick it up again every time I put it down. Sorry, it just wasn’t for me.
February 6, 2021
This was a strange book, I’m left wondering what on earth it was, it started off quite promising, but went rapidly downhill.
I was half expecting the ending to have just been a dream, or they were all aliens or god knows what.
I was half expecting the ending to have just been a dream, or they were all aliens or god knows what.
August 22, 2021
Really weird, but strangely meaningful!
Not sure what to say about this book really. An unusual mixture of fantasy and rom com is the nearest I can get! I was addicted to keep reading, and feel strangely left at sea at the end…
Not sure what to say about this book really. An unusual mixture of fantasy and rom com is the nearest I can get! I was addicted to keep reading, and feel strangely left at sea at the end…
September 11, 2023
Grey- this is how I feel reading this book. The characters and city are grey.I was disappointed, struggled to get to 60% of the book. None of the characters were likeable. The Arthurian twist made me persevere to this point, but I'm now bored.
April 10, 2025
I think I’ve read nearly every book by Jenny, but this one was just so hard to read, far-fetched and too close a resemblance to actual work (hence the title). Give me a cupcake shop in Scotland over this any day!
September 3, 2025
What the hell did I just read?
This book’s plot makes no sense whatsoever… the main character is so basic and stupid I can’t stand him
All the camp they had to do to gain the subvention wtf was that? Honestly the end is just so absurd I didn’t understand it
Don’t waste your time
This book’s plot makes no sense whatsoever… the main character is so basic and stupid I can’t stand him
All the camp they had to do to gain the subvention wtf was that? Honestly the end is just so absurd I didn’t understand it
Don’t waste your time
June 2, 2017
I enjoyed this King Arthur retelling - Arthur is very likeable, does what everyone fantastized about doing to a horrible boss and is a hero in the end. fun read
November 15, 2018
Awful! Every chapter was more of the same... Sorry!
June 1, 2019
Really unusual book. Lots of fantasy type stuff but warm and engaging.
June 25, 2019
Note written in 2019: my! A book with a rating below '3' on GoodReads. It must have been bad! As I recall, I got this book free with a copy of Cosmo.
June 29, 2019
Cheesy predictable and a feel good book that worked very well when I needed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews