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Changing Grooms
Strapping bachelors, juicy secrets and swooning first love. Welcome to the village of Appleton... Take a gorgeous country pile much in need of funds.
Add a glamorous film-star couple planning the Wedding of the Year.
Sprinkle a host of unforgettable characters, each with a juicy secret.
one long, hot summer of very, very bad behaviour... Meet the Forbes-Henry family of Appleton Manor. Aristocratic, attractive - and decidedly down on their luck. When eldest son Will decides to turn the Manor into a luxury wedding venue, he hopes to attract the rich and famous and save his family from financial ruin. But has he put the family in more danger than ever?
Add a glamorous film-star couple planning the Wedding of the Year.
Sprinkle a host of unforgettable characters, each with a juicy secret.
one long, hot summer of very, very bad behaviour... Meet the Forbes-Henry family of Appleton Manor. Aristocratic, attractive - and decidedly down on their luck. When eldest son Will decides to turn the Manor into a luxury wedding venue, he hopes to attract the rich and famous and save his family from financial ruin. But has he put the family in more danger than ever?
512 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2009
15 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 3, 2020
An enjoyable read !
October 25, 2023
Hmm, joar, ne... xD
Also anfangs dachte ich, dass es nach einem lustigen Buch klingt, vorallem durch die interessante Gestaltung der Familie, aber die war gar nicht so interessant sondern hat sich die ganze Zeit wiederholt.
Keine Ahnung, irgendwie ging es nur darum, wie die Charaktere sich gegenseitig belügen und fremdgehen und dabei auch komplett auf die Altersunterschiede pfeifen... Teilweise dann durch Behauptungen verschlimmert, dass den Leuten das junge Alter nicht angesehen wurde... Like, sie ist 16, wenn du es nicht siehst, dann merkt man es doch deutlich im Verhalten, vorallem bei India!
Generell war der Plot also A geht B fremd und eigentlich ist A in C und B in D verliebt, oder noch verheiratet oder was weiß ich.
Das alles spielt vor einer Hotelrenovierung und einer Reportage, aber irgendwie waren die nur dazu wichtig, zu begründen, dass alle Charaktere an einem Ort sind und danach wurde sie eigentlich nicht mehr so groß aufgegriffen und von Bedeutung waren sie erst Recht nicht.
Der Grund, warum das Buch von mir nicht einen sondern zwei Sterne bekommt ist, weil ich die vielfältigen Sichtweisen in der Erzöhlung mochte, das war es aber auch echt schon.
In Summe würde ich also allen raten die Finger davon zu lassen, außer ihr habt eine lange Bahnfahrt vor euch und nichts Besseres mit eurer Zeit anzufangen.
Also anfangs dachte ich, dass es nach einem lustigen Buch klingt, vorallem durch die interessante Gestaltung der Familie, aber die war gar nicht so interessant sondern hat sich die ganze Zeit wiederholt.
Keine Ahnung, irgendwie ging es nur darum, wie die Charaktere sich gegenseitig belügen und fremdgehen und dabei auch komplett auf die Altersunterschiede pfeifen... Teilweise dann durch Behauptungen verschlimmert, dass den Leuten das junge Alter nicht angesehen wurde... Like, sie ist 16, wenn du es nicht siehst, dann merkt man es doch deutlich im Verhalten, vorallem bei India!
Generell war der Plot also A geht B fremd und eigentlich ist A in C und B in D verliebt, oder noch verheiratet oder was weiß ich.
Das alles spielt vor einer Hotelrenovierung und einer Reportage, aber irgendwie waren die nur dazu wichtig, zu begründen, dass alle Charaktere an einem Ort sind und danach wurde sie eigentlich nicht mehr so groß aufgegriffen und von Bedeutung waren sie erst Recht nicht.
Der Grund, warum das Buch von mir nicht einen sondern zwei Sterne bekommt ist, weil ich die vielfältigen Sichtweisen in der Erzöhlung mochte, das war es aber auch echt schon.
In Summe würde ich also allen raten die Finger davon zu lassen, außer ihr habt eine lange Bahnfahrt vor euch und nichts Besseres mit eurer Zeit anzufangen.
August 4, 2014
I loved it! It was funny to read, perfectly translated in dutch so a very huge thumps up for the translator of the story.. Well it's perfectly written. I loved the characters, from Milly, to JB, from Austin to Ruby! Everyone indeed had their share of secrets. I loved the way Sasha stayed true to the charasteristics from her characters. I mean somewhere i believed that Caro would get back together with Jack, but franckly when i was thinking about them, i believed the feelings from Jack were more pure and went deeper then Caro's. Plus Caro wasn't a person for a family. It was said in the story that she never had motherly feelings, and though it may have started as a 'mistake' from Caro, i believe that she loved Jack, but that she loved her freedom more then anything. It was heartbreaking the moment she chose for JB in front of everybody. but that was actually what her character would do she loves the excitement and it was really just what she would do. 'reading to the end, she went on with JB, but was already flirting with her neighbour ;). what I disliked (but not that bad) was how in the end everyone just made a switch in partners, like no one stayed with the same man ;) but oke that's true love ;) so that made me just dislike it less ;)
It made me also think about things. Like how just being stubborn or being just a minute to early to see the actual truth of a scene? like with Sofie and Tristan. they 'throw' 5 years away because of a misunderstanding... it definetly makes me think twice that when someone wants to explain a surtain situation, i probably will try to listen and give them the benefit of the doubt. I thought it was sad that the story ended. Because I really loved the family Henry - Forbes. Aunt Henny definetly belonged there, she was so caring and I loved it that she finally felt good,that she was worthy? I loved the moment she found the confidence to stand up against Caro (and even then worrying about she might be to rude...) then she found the confidence to meet her man. Even though it wasn't her Bob, she know she had a good catch ;)
I was really intriged by Clemmie. her strenght to keep going in difficult times, making sure that the outside world don't see what was really going on. How she felt guilty about the accident where she killed a woman. She struggled but she decided to make amends and changed herself and she made it work. she fought her whole life to get where she almost got: husband who she adored and a family of her own. I hate Rufus for cheating on her, because nothing was 'not to like' with Clemmie.
MAybe I will read it again in English, but I am curious how the story will get me ;).
Tessa... she did good with leaving England after de destroying text of her boyfriend. I loved her, she wanted to be a tough journalist, but she falls (just like me) for the Family Herny - Forbes. I think it's sad that I would probably never meet those familymembers, but I will meet them again, everytime I'll read this novel again.
It made me also think about things. Like how just being stubborn or being just a minute to early to see the actual truth of a scene? like with Sofie and Tristan. they 'throw' 5 years away because of a misunderstanding... it definetly makes me think twice that when someone wants to explain a surtain situation, i probably will try to listen and give them the benefit of the doubt. I thought it was sad that the story ended. Because I really loved the family Henry - Forbes. Aunt Henny definetly belonged there, she was so caring and I loved it that she finally felt good,that she was worthy? I loved the moment she found the confidence to stand up against Caro (and even then worrying about she might be to rude...) then she found the confidence to meet her man. Even though it wasn't her Bob, she know she had a good catch ;)
I was really intriged by Clemmie. her strenght to keep going in difficult times, making sure that the outside world don't see what was really going on. How she felt guilty about the accident where she killed a woman. She struggled but she decided to make amends and changed herself and she made it work. she fought her whole life to get where she almost got: husband who she adored and a family of her own. I hate Rufus for cheating on her, because nothing was 'not to like' with Clemmie.
MAybe I will read it again in English, but I am curious how the story will get me ;).
Tessa... she did good with leaving England after de destroying text of her boyfriend. I loved her, she wanted to be a tough journalist, but she falls (just like me) for the Family Herny - Forbes. I think it's sad that I would probably never meet those familymembers, but I will meet them again, everytime I'll read this novel again.
May 26, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, I needed a book that was light and interesting, and all the characters certainly kept me entertained!
The threads of their stories weave together nicely and make it an enjoyable read.
The threads of their stories weave together nicely and make it an enjoyable read.
February 20, 2015
leuk boek leest lekker vlot.......
May 22, 2020
Thank goodness that's over! 500 pages of pathetic drivel! No substance to any of the characters, frustrating couples/relationships. A badly written Soap Opera! Maybe I'm just too old for ChicLit! I've never come across so many ways to describe hair and eyes! Bare with me... dark-haired, long dark, tawny gold, sandy, platinum blonde, golden curls, blonde curls, ginger locks, golden honey hued, flame red, short dark gold, fresh smelling, highlighted, yellow, straw-like, glossy chestnut, artfully streaked, caramel coloured, polished gold, long ginger, and bohemian curls! (I've probably missed some!) And eyes... deep blue, limpid green, sage green, moss green, bright blue, hazel, lovely brown, startling blue, navy blue, baby blue, sexy black, cornflower blue, brilliant blue, steely blue, startling blue, wide-apart green, glazed, eyes, ice in her eyes, and last but not least - eyes like crushed blueberries!!! OMG! So let's drop in some Designer Brands - Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and of course Chanel No. 5.
The biggest shock of all was that Clemmie is actually Bobby-Sue Winterbottom!! Really! Sorry Sasha Wagstaff - I won't be keen to pick up another of your books! This is NOT an 'irresistible novel of glamour and scandal...
The biggest shock of all was that Clemmie is actually Bobby-Sue Winterbottom!! Really! Sorry Sasha Wagstaff - I won't be keen to pick up another of your books! This is NOT an 'irresistible novel of glamour and scandal...
August 31, 2021
A glamour filled romp for readers who are fans of Jilly Cooper. Will Forbes-Henry returns to the charming Cotswold village of Appleton to oversee the conversion of his family home Appleton Manor into a luxury hotel. However with squabbling parents, a heartbroken brother and extended family all under one roof not to mention financial worries the job is not going smoothly. Throw into the mix an upcoming celebrity wedding and the arrival of journalists it makes for one chaotic time. A fun and escapist read.
July 13, 2021
Just the adventure I needed
Took me away to the countryside and I Loved every minute reading this book !!!
From the drama , twist and turns to a beautiful ending ! My new favourite author!!
Took me away to the countryside and I Loved every minute reading this book !!!
From the drama , twist and turns to a beautiful ending ! My new favourite author!!
February 16, 2020
Fantastic
Could not leave this one down for a minute. The beginning was a little hard to get in to but once I was hooked I couldn't stop.
Could not leave this one down for a minute. The beginning was a little hard to get in to but once I was hooked I couldn't stop.
May 24, 2020
Enjoyed this one. Easy read and the characters were fun!
November 3, 2015
Well I am ashamed to say that although I have had this book a while, I STUPIDLY didn’t get around to reading it until very recently. After finishing this book in a day and a half I have immediately gone back to Amazon and ensured that I have the next of her books to read. When I picked up Sasha’s debut novel Changing Grooms I wasn’t aware quite how much I would love it. As I started to read I first met Tessa who was on her way to set up for a few months to Appleton Manor in the Cotswolds. She and her TV crew are preparing to film a documentary featuring the famous movie actress Clemmie and her fiancé Rufus in the lead up to their wedding.
The first few chapters pulled me straight in as we meet a whole host of people. Tessa and her crew were the first bunch of people followed shortly by the Forbes-Henry family who are quite possible one of the best families I have read in a long time. There are quite a lot of them but they are all very unique. The main players are Jack and Caro the weirdly eccentric parents who have an ‘open’ marriage, their two grown up sons Tristan and Will, Jack’s sister Henny and her two teenage. You also have Gil who is the interior designer for Appleton Manor which is being transformed into a Hotel and his fiancé Sophie. At first it may seem live a character overload but all of them played their part in this story and were all so engaging for different reasons. I found myself falling in love with all the characters and was swept along as their lives all start to get intertwined.
I don’t want to reveal any plot spoilers so would rather not mention the actual storyline, but suffice to say there is a lot going on. I found myself reading this at every opportunity and was waiting for the next shocking situation to arise. Don’t get me wrong this is not a though provoking book that is meant to have deep meaning (certainly not the sort of books I like). What Sasha Wagstaff has done is created a book that is ideal for somebody like me. She has created a book full of characters that people will love, with lots of naughty events popping up like flowers. Its full of scandal, sex and badly behaved people and completely transports you away from every day life and manages to take you on a deliciously engaging journey. I can honestly say that I loved this book from start to finish and was disappointed when I had finally come to the end. I am really looking forward to the next one by her and really hope it’s just as good as this one!
The first few chapters pulled me straight in as we meet a whole host of people. Tessa and her crew were the first bunch of people followed shortly by the Forbes-Henry family who are quite possible one of the best families I have read in a long time. There are quite a lot of them but they are all very unique. The main players are Jack and Caro the weirdly eccentric parents who have an ‘open’ marriage, their two grown up sons Tristan and Will, Jack’s sister Henny and her two teenage. You also have Gil who is the interior designer for Appleton Manor which is being transformed into a Hotel and his fiancé Sophie. At first it may seem live a character overload but all of them played their part in this story and were all so engaging for different reasons. I found myself falling in love with all the characters and was swept along as their lives all start to get intertwined.
I don’t want to reveal any plot spoilers so would rather not mention the actual storyline, but suffice to say there is a lot going on. I found myself reading this at every opportunity and was waiting for the next shocking situation to arise. Don’t get me wrong this is not a though provoking book that is meant to have deep meaning (certainly not the sort of books I like). What Sasha Wagstaff has done is created a book that is ideal for somebody like me. She has created a book full of characters that people will love, with lots of naughty events popping up like flowers. Its full of scandal, sex and badly behaved people and completely transports you away from every day life and manages to take you on a deliciously engaging journey. I can honestly say that I loved this book from start to finish and was disappointed when I had finally come to the end. I am really looking forward to the next one by her and really hope it’s just as good as this one!
December 13, 2010
Tessa is televisiemaker en werkt aan een documentaire die zich afspeelt in een landhuis. Er zijn twee broers, serieuze en prikkelbare erfgenaam Will en playboy kunstenaar Tristan. Hun innemende, onconventionele vader, Jack, heeft een open relatie met de onaardige Caro, maar het gaat niet goed tussen die twee. De focus ligt op het huwelijk van de Engelse acteur die Hollywood-acteur werd, Rufus, en zijn Hollywood-liefje-verloofde, Clemmie.
Het huwelijk zal worden voltrokken in het landhuis, want Rufus en Will zijn beste vrienden. Tristan is echter nog steeds verliefd op Sophie, die net naar het dorp is teruggekeerd met een andere man. Will is verloofd met de keurige Claudette, maar is er niet zeker van (vooral omdat hij wordt achtervolgd door beelden van Tessa die naakt aan het zwemmen is). Rufus vrijt nog steeds met alles wat een polsslag heeft, en Clemmie heeft een donker geheim. Tessa heeft overigens een sleutelpositie in het geheel, ze kijkt toe, of maakt gedeeltelijk onderdeel uit van de verschillende drama’s.
Dit is een idioot, kleurrijk en sexy verhaal, vol met fantastische personages die nooit saaie dingen doen. Iedereen is samen met de verkeerde persoon, maar aan het einde komt alles vanzelf goed. Pure ontsnappingslectuur en ik heb er tot aan het einde van genoten. Kleurrijk en leuk.
Het huwelijk zal worden voltrokken in het landhuis, want Rufus en Will zijn beste vrienden. Tristan is echter nog steeds verliefd op Sophie, die net naar het dorp is teruggekeerd met een andere man. Will is verloofd met de keurige Claudette, maar is er niet zeker van (vooral omdat hij wordt achtervolgd door beelden van Tessa die naakt aan het zwemmen is). Rufus vrijt nog steeds met alles wat een polsslag heeft, en Clemmie heeft een donker geheim. Tessa heeft overigens een sleutelpositie in het geheel, ze kijkt toe, of maakt gedeeltelijk onderdeel uit van de verschillende drama’s.
Dit is een idioot, kleurrijk en sexy verhaal, vol met fantastische personages die nooit saaie dingen doen. Iedereen is samen met de verkeerde persoon, maar aan het einde komt alles vanzelf goed. Pure ontsnappingslectuur en ik heb er tot aan het einde van genoten. Kleurrijk en leuk.
November 11, 2014
What a delicious book! I really regret not picking this book up sooner, because how many times had I seen this book when I worked at the library? Countless! And trust me, I’ve often thought about reading it. The plot attracted me, the cover was beautiful and even the name of the author promised something – despite the fact that I didn’t know her.
The book was very Tilly Bagshawe-ish. There’s a rich family with so many secrets they wouldn’t be having money problems if they lived of them. Tilly’s books are always raunchy and sexy and that’s a same here but it isn’t that exaggerated and that suited me well. The characters seem superficial at first but it turns out not all of them are like that and some of them would never ever change.
There were quite a few storylines but I had no trouble linking the characters and their stories. The book was also quite thick, but I enjoyed every paged and couldn’t put it down. After finishing it I wanted my own copy but unfortunately they don’t sell them here anymore. The next time I’m at the library I’ll be looking at Wagstaff again!
The book was very Tilly Bagshawe-ish. There’s a rich family with so many secrets they wouldn’t be having money problems if they lived of them. Tilly’s books are always raunchy and sexy and that’s a same here but it isn’t that exaggerated and that suited me well. The characters seem superficial at first but it turns out not all of them are like that and some of them would never ever change.
There were quite a few storylines but I had no trouble linking the characters and their stories. The book was also quite thick, but I enjoyed every paged and couldn’t put it down. After finishing it I wanted my own copy but unfortunately they don’t sell them here anymore. The next time I’m at the library I’ll be looking at Wagstaff again!
October 21, 2012
De reden dat ik dit boek wilde lezen, was de achterflap. Hierop staat niets anders dan een uitnodiging voor de grootste bruiloft van het jaar. De bijnamen van de bewuste personages gaven al een hint dat het geen normale bruiloft zal worden. En dat is het ook niet geworden. Het boek is vlot geschreven. Er komen heel veel personen naar voren, maar uiteindelijk heeft iedereen met elkaar te maken. Ook de vele verhaallijnen komen uiteindelijk samen en ze zijn niet allemaal even voorspelbaar. Het is een goede mix van hilarische en ontoerende taferelen. Ik vind dit een echte aanrader, het boek is ook net iets meer dan een normale Chicklit. De schrijfster heeft meerdere boeken, zag ik dus die staan bij deze alweer op mijn eeuwig durende nog te lezen lijst.
October 14, 2022
Appleton Manor is becoming a boutique hotel. And going to host the wedding of the century, that of two Hollywood celebrities. Will, the elder son, has invested all his saving to transform the manor to a sensational destination. Gil, the newly hired decorator, has all the right ideas, and no idea about a budget. Tristan, the younger, a successful painter, is nursing his broken heart, and breaking hearts. His parents are hippie like in their relationships. His aunt, Henny and her family, have been forced to move back home. And then descends ace breakfast presenter, Tessa, and her film crew to make a documentary on the celebrity wedding. It doesn't take long for everything to start unravelling.
June 9, 2013
rating : 2.5/5
I honestly totally lost interest half way through ,but I just kept reading till the end of the 600 pages because of that intoxicating English writing
I just really hated the over-used element of coincidence,
example : the moment Sophie comes back unexpected from London and goes inside Tristan's cottage is when Anna kisses him but if she had waited for 3 seconds she would've seen him pushing her away and then she runs away for 5 years
... i just didn't like that ,that and all the drama of course...
and personally i think she put all those (fantasticly well-written) sex scenes just to hide the imperfection and chinks in her plot
I honestly totally lost interest half way through ,but I just kept reading till the end of the 600 pages because of that intoxicating English writing
I just really hated the over-used element of coincidence,
example : the moment Sophie comes back unexpected from London and goes inside Tristan's cottage is when Anna kisses him but if she had waited for 3 seconds she would've seen him pushing her away and then she runs away for 5 years
... i just didn't like that ,that and all the drama of course...
and personally i think she put all those (fantasticly well-written) sex scenes just to hide the imperfection and chinks in her plot
February 1, 2018
I absolutely love this author, as I always know that when a read one of Sasha's books, I know that I'm in for a treat. Pure indulgence on so many levels, it's got everything.
I loved getting to know all of the different characters and there own individual stories which you get to discover as you progress through the book.
If you haven't read a her books before, then I highly recommend that you do.
I loved getting to know all of the different characters and there own individual stories which you get to discover as you progress through the book.
If you haven't read a her books before, then I highly recommend that you do.
January 6, 2013
Amazing! The first book by Wagstaff I have ever read. Hot characters glamour countryside setting and a fast paced thinking read. Excellent plot and very well written. Could not put it down. Perfect for Mansell and Fforde fans. Set in a Cotswold village but is suitable for fans of bonkbuster reads. Even though it doesn't have glamourous locations'
February 11, 2013
It was a fun read but what spoiled it for me was that I knew exactly how it was going to end after a chaper or two and not by sneakpeeking the last page.
Besides that, the characters were a lot of fun and well explained plus I liked how it all knitted together.
A fun read for a rainy Sunday afternoon but not really my cup of tea.
Besides that, the characters were a lot of fun and well explained plus I liked how it all knitted together.
A fun read for a rainy Sunday afternoon but not really my cup of tea.
November 18, 2013
Got it from a bargain sale for the incredible price of 50 eurocents!
The cover looked interesting, but was actually a little less exciting and funny than I thought. A bit cliche, a bit to be expected and a bit disappointing actually. But since I own it I will make sure to read it completely another time!
The cover looked interesting, but was actually a little less exciting and funny than I thought. A bit cliche, a bit to be expected and a bit disappointing actually. But since I own it I will make sure to read it completely another time!
May 27, 2014
I found this book to be deeply unsubtle and therefore became slightly a chore to read. There were some deeply unlikeable characters, and too many "couples" that needed resolving by the end, which meant it felt like a checklist of sorting them out. The writing style was okay, but the plot/characterisation needed a lot more work.
November 23, 2016
Romance, scandal, betrayal, changing grooms in chapel in front of vicar & joie de vivre. Welcome to the village of Appleton - a countryside Manor in the UK. What I learnt from this book is never ever make decision in anger or shock. Give another chance to people around you & avoid dishing the dirt on juicy secrets.
January 18, 2013
This book starts as it means to go on. From the first chapter I was hooked, I read the whole thing in 2 days! It's not your typical chic lit at the beginning but ends up just that. A great, easy read with some loveable characters.
April 3, 2016
Ik kocht dit boek bij een tankstation toen we onderweg waren op vakantie. Ik had gedacht dat ik er wel de hele week mee kon doen, maar na 3 dagen had ik hem al uit! De verschillende verhalenlijnen lopen door elkaar en linken aan elkaar! Echt een heerlijk boek om te lezen.
December 26, 2014
No big review today, I just want to say that this book is too long. And that it is either written quite bad or that it wasn't translated very well (I read the Dutch version). Some sentences were just really weird.
August 1, 2009
Loved it! In terms of style it's a bit of a cross between Jilly Cooper and Fiona Walker...lots of gorgeous, rich people in the countryside. Total holiday read, but excellent fun!
February 21, 2011
It was stated on the back of the book it was a romantic reads thought I'd give it a go... It was ok but found it lengthy and boring in places and not really that romantic?!?
April 11, 2011
I have to admit, I liked this book. The characters were likable, and it brought more than a few smiles to my face. Again, this is typical chick lit goodness, but I'd definitely reccomend it.
June 16, 2011
This book was very predictable clichéd at times but surprisingly
enjoyable it took me a while to get into it a good read to get lost in.
enjoyable it took me a while to get into it a good read to get lost in.
Read
July 30, 2011For her first book - a bit slow at the begining but it got good in the end - a very good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews