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Looking for Fireworks
When her father becomes ill, single city girl Laney Barwell moves to the Cotswolds to look after him. She’s been looking for fireworks in her love life ever since she broke up with her predictable ex-boyfriend Giles, but she has no thoughts of kindling the spark she’s looking for here. If she can’t find love in a big city like London – with all its internet dating, singles nights, and socials – how can she ever hope to meet the man of her dreams in the tiny village of St Pontian? But there are two prospects when she gets there: Martin who can always be depended on for a kind word of advice. And Toby, who is distant, but who sets her heart ablaze. When it comes to love, should Laney trust the logic of her head or the racing of her heart?
- GenresFiction
370 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2012
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90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 16, 2012
The cover is simply beautiful! The colours are vibrant, it’s very appealing, and when I saw it, I could not tear my eyes away from it. The title is equally dazzling, hinting at sparks, romance and life to the story, so I could not wait to get stuck in!
City girl Laney is on a horrendous blind date when suddenly she takes a phone call from her father Nate – who reluctantly tells her he has suffered a minor stroke. Escaping clutches of her terrible dinner date, Laney ups and moves to St Pontian, a tiny little country village to be with her father. Laney has many testing times ahead of her, including attempting to run her fathers B&B as he gets back on his feet, learn the way of the village life, attend committee meetings and hopefully there might be time for love.
Firstly there’s Martin, a sweet, kind man who is always there to lend a helping hand or give a bit of advice, but the downside is there’s not even a flutter of butterflies in the initial meeting. Or there’s Toby, a dark, brooding, devilishly handsome farmer who has a cling on ex-girlfriend and doesn’t seem interested, yet he sets her heart on fire. Will she find that spark she’s desperately searching for?
I have to say I absolutely LOVED this book. From the beginning I could not put it down, the storyline was so exciting and interesting that I was hooked to the pages. Holly Cavendish has created the perfect tone to the story – It has the right level of romance, friendship, and laughter blended together. Throughout the story I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with the eligible bachelors and I cringed at some of the situations Laney found herself in.
The characters were brilliant. Laney was the perfect heroine, a normal, everyday girl who moves to the country and has to find her feet in a new village where everybody knows each others business, leaving Laney the hot gossip amongst the villagers. I found I could relate to Laney, as I’m sure many other readers will, and as the story progressed I really got behind her and I desperately wanted things to go right not only for her, but for her father too, and for Laney to find acceptance in the village, and if it wasn’t too much to hope for, then for Laney to find a man who created that sizzle and passion that she so very much longed for. Maxine, Laney’s first real friend in the village was wonderful, I loved the friendship and loyalty between the two of them, and I quite wanted to have a friend like her in real life! Martin and Toby…Where do I start with them? Martin was a lovely man, the type you’d take home to meet your Nan, and I liked his kindness. I fell in love with Toby and his charms, he was a perfectly written as a love interest for Laney.
However, it’s not all light and one big fairytale, there are a few surprises in store and some dramatic moments to keep the reader gripped and involved with the story. There were a few parts in the book that I did not see coming, and it made the story more interesting and added depth to the story, as we were given side-stories which ran alongside the story of Laney.
One thing I have to say that I particularly liked was that the village acted very much like a close knit community. I liked that Holly Cavendish gave a voice to some of the villagers and I a enjoyed the small but valuable parts that they played, Vince especially had me laughing as he tried to arrange all of his committee meetings and control health and safety at all times. Isla and Alyssa were also very well-written. Though at times I disliked their characters, after I had finished the book I missed them, and wish there had been more of Isla and Alyssa in particular. Maybe a side novel focusing on different members of the village is an idea for any future releases?
As I’ve said before, I very much enjoyed Looking For Fireworks and I cannot wait to see what Holly Cavendish brings out next! A definite favourite of mine – Perfect for curling up on the sofa with!
City girl Laney is on a horrendous blind date when suddenly she takes a phone call from her father Nate – who reluctantly tells her he has suffered a minor stroke. Escaping clutches of her terrible dinner date, Laney ups and moves to St Pontian, a tiny little country village to be with her father. Laney has many testing times ahead of her, including attempting to run her fathers B&B as he gets back on his feet, learn the way of the village life, attend committee meetings and hopefully there might be time for love.
Firstly there’s Martin, a sweet, kind man who is always there to lend a helping hand or give a bit of advice, but the downside is there’s not even a flutter of butterflies in the initial meeting. Or there’s Toby, a dark, brooding, devilishly handsome farmer who has a cling on ex-girlfriend and doesn’t seem interested, yet he sets her heart on fire. Will she find that spark she’s desperately searching for?
I have to say I absolutely LOVED this book. From the beginning I could not put it down, the storyline was so exciting and interesting that I was hooked to the pages. Holly Cavendish has created the perfect tone to the story – It has the right level of romance, friendship, and laughter blended together. Throughout the story I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with the eligible bachelors and I cringed at some of the situations Laney found herself in.
The characters were brilliant. Laney was the perfect heroine, a normal, everyday girl who moves to the country and has to find her feet in a new village where everybody knows each others business, leaving Laney the hot gossip amongst the villagers. I found I could relate to Laney, as I’m sure many other readers will, and as the story progressed I really got behind her and I desperately wanted things to go right not only for her, but for her father too, and for Laney to find acceptance in the village, and if it wasn’t too much to hope for, then for Laney to find a man who created that sizzle and passion that she so very much longed for. Maxine, Laney’s first real friend in the village was wonderful, I loved the friendship and loyalty between the two of them, and I quite wanted to have a friend like her in real life! Martin and Toby…Where do I start with them? Martin was a lovely man, the type you’d take home to meet your Nan, and I liked his kindness. I fell in love with Toby and his charms, he was a perfectly written as a love interest for Laney.
However, it’s not all light and one big fairytale, there are a few surprises in store and some dramatic moments to keep the reader gripped and involved with the story. There were a few parts in the book that I did not see coming, and it made the story more interesting and added depth to the story, as we were given side-stories which ran alongside the story of Laney.
One thing I have to say that I particularly liked was that the village acted very much like a close knit community. I liked that Holly Cavendish gave a voice to some of the villagers and I a enjoyed the small but valuable parts that they played, Vince especially had me laughing as he tried to arrange all of his committee meetings and control health and safety at all times. Isla and Alyssa were also very well-written. Though at times I disliked their characters, after I had finished the book I missed them, and wish there had been more of Isla and Alyssa in particular. Maybe a side novel focusing on different members of the village is an idea for any future releases?
As I’ve said before, I very much enjoyed Looking For Fireworks and I cannot wait to see what Holly Cavendish brings out next! A definite favourite of mine – Perfect for curling up on the sofa with!
February 5, 2022
Easy to read romantic novel. Enjoyed but a tad predictable.
January 4, 2022
2.5
I think this book is fine for what it is. It's a cheesey romance novel and it generally delivers on that. However, it had some serious pacing issues. I think the author could've shaved off about 100 pages and nothing would've been lost. That said, I did enjoy this book. It was cute and the characters were fun.
I think this book is fine for what it is. It's a cheesey romance novel and it generally delivers on that. However, it had some serious pacing issues. I think the author could've shaved off about 100 pages and nothing would've been lost. That said, I did enjoy this book. It was cute and the characters were fun.
December 11, 2017
Such an easy read and a lovely romantic story. You can’t help but to like the characters since the beginning.
And if you are a fan of the lovely Uk countryside then you always feel you’re there with them. 😊
And if you are a fan of the lovely Uk countryside then you always feel you’re there with them. 😊
May 11, 2022
No real fireworks for me with this one. Admittedly the lack of spice was a turn off, especially with the campy banter. The insta-chemistry was there, but it’s hard to believe it was something other than chemistry. Idk, the female characters were wonderful and genuine. The males fell flat.
November 8, 2018
A very easy read of a romantic English countryside novel.
September 2, 2020
Charming romance
This is my first Holly Cavendish novel and it’s a charming and fun holiday read. I feel as if I could be in the Cotswolds enjoying village life.
This is my first Holly Cavendish novel and it’s a charming and fun holiday read. I feel as if I could be in the Cotswolds enjoying village life.
December 31, 2016
For me to not look it up from google before start reading is actually paid-off, because as promising the book cover was (it is really beautiful) and the written quotes that said
' when it comes to finding love, every girl is Looking for Fireworks'
the story was that good, probably the best chick-lit that I truly enjoyed after Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella. I did not even skipped a word in this book.
After her dad had TIA she went to live at a small town of St. Pontian to look after him. Then Laney met two potential guys that may burst a fireworks within her. I hate love triangle but this one is exception because it is not much of a triangle when Laney is soo cool, she is careful in giving people hope. In other words she is not flirting towards each guy just so both may fall for her.
Laney is looking for a guy that would make her heart race, jelly, and from what Catherine said
Aside for her romance, she made friends and also several haters along the line, I think it made the story more interesting than normal cliche chick-lit, surprisingly for me who prefer a hot sex scene in a book, I still enjoy this story, really recommended for a laid back story during free time. Made me relax and stress-free. Except the middle part of the story where some drama occur.
I loved all the character from the book, and most of it, I found the love story between Vince and her wife Maxine is really adorable. I swear that I tears up at the surface of my conjunctiva when their sweet make-up comes up (which I rarely done no matter how sad it is). I don't know why but they got me. Totally contributing towards the rating!
Ratings: 4.0/5.0 star
Genre: Romance, Chick-lit
Sex-scene: None
Would I like to read more of the author'e works: Yes
October 19, 2022
⭐️⭐️
could tell what was going to happen at like page 50 😦
could tell what was going to happen at like page 50 😦
July 5, 2014
So I just finished this book and can I just say, Cavendish, you need to write more books, you are an amazing writer! I seriously felt like I was one of the characters in the book, and it was a very British Chick Lit, with references that a so British that I would LOVE to see an American read it just to see what they thought the slang meant! For instance'Big Girls Blouse'!
I also loved that the book was set in the country side as it makes me want to take it to Uni with me so I can bring a small part of the country side with me! I particularly liked the character Catherine as the 'best friend' role as she seriously reminded me of my friend Izzy who always lectures me about 'getting myself out there' more.
Aspects which I didn't particularly connect with was that the overall theme of the story line is very general. The structure to the story line is the same as every other Chick Lit I've read which isn't very encouraging to me for the future.However, while I say this, this isn't a negative or positive point, more a statement than anything else. This book was a great book to read in the back of my garden in the sun (with a lot of suntan lotion on, don't want what happened in Portugal to happen again).
I also should mention that I got so caught up in it that I have been reading it straight since starting it, as well as taking it in the bath with me, as mentioned before, outside in the garden, indoors, watching the dogs and cooking dinner. Basically everything apart from when I went to work!
In addition, the main character Laney, I found to be a little oblivious at times, though I guess for the plot to unfold, she sort of had to be, but this also didn't pt me off as Cavendish made up for it with the subtle romantic gestures (especially at the end and the epilogue)and creating a feel good book!
I definitely recommend this book for a summer read, and if not, as it is based around Fireworks Night (if the title didn't give it away), read it around Christmas time, or the Autumn half term!
And finally, the author has a snappy writing style with a lot built in the 370 pgs (not the 300 as stated on the Goodread pg, just saying)as deserves an applause for writing a book that when Im home sick at Uni, I can pick up a book and be transported back there.
I also loved that the book was set in the country side as it makes me want to take it to Uni with me so I can bring a small part of the country side with me! I particularly liked the character Catherine as the 'best friend' role as she seriously reminded me of my friend Izzy who always lectures me about 'getting myself out there' more.
Aspects which I didn't particularly connect with was that the overall theme of the story line is very general. The structure to the story line is the same as every other Chick Lit I've read which isn't very encouraging to me for the future.However, while I say this, this isn't a negative or positive point, more a statement than anything else. This book was a great book to read in the back of my garden in the sun (with a lot of suntan lotion on, don't want what happened in Portugal to happen again).
I also should mention that I got so caught up in it that I have been reading it straight since starting it, as well as taking it in the bath with me, as mentioned before, outside in the garden, indoors, watching the dogs and cooking dinner. Basically everything apart from when I went to work!
In addition, the main character Laney, I found to be a little oblivious at times, though I guess for the plot to unfold, she sort of had to be, but this also didn't pt me off as Cavendish made up for it with the subtle romantic gestures (especially at the end and the epilogue)and creating a feel good book!
I definitely recommend this book for a summer read, and if not, as it is based around Fireworks Night (if the title didn't give it away), read it around Christmas time, or the Autumn half term!
And finally, the author has a snappy writing style with a lot built in the 370 pgs (not the 300 as stated on the Goodread pg, just saying)as deserves an applause for writing a book that when Im home sick at Uni, I can pick up a book and be transported back there.
October 11, 2012
Well, it is the next book written by Ruth Saberton under another name, and the next that I didn't really enjoy. I don't know why but Ruth writing as Ruth is just brilliant, and Ruth writing under pseudonym is just... bad.
I have started this book with many expectations, as always, and found myself reading, reading, reading, turning the pages and feeling nothing. Then I just started to skip some descriptions and didn't have the feeling that I miss anything. It was boring. All totally predictable, any depth, everything just on the surface, I don't know, as if it was written just to be written. OK, Laney was not bad, but I just couldn't warm to her enough to really like her, all her problems were so unimportant (except this with her father of course), and then this cat and mouse play with the boys, he likes me, he doesn't like me... I had a feeling that we are children again, back to the kindergarden.
I have really tried, but no more Ruth under any other name but her own.
I have started this book with many expectations, as always, and found myself reading, reading, reading, turning the pages and feeling nothing. Then I just started to skip some descriptions and didn't have the feeling that I miss anything. It was boring. All totally predictable, any depth, everything just on the surface, I don't know, as if it was written just to be written. OK, Laney was not bad, but I just couldn't warm to her enough to really like her, all her problems were so unimportant (except this with her father of course), and then this cat and mouse play with the boys, he likes me, he doesn't like me... I had a feeling that we are children again, back to the kindergarden.
I have really tried, but no more Ruth under any other name but her own.
March 4, 2013
What can I say about this book...its predictable from start to end. If your into chick lit then this is the book for you, if you are looking for something with a bit more depth then perhaps carry on past it even though its cover is quite eye catching.
Laney as a character was ok, I neither hated nor loved her and that I think is not great for a character. You should either love or hate the characters you are reading about its what makes them memorable.
I felt at times I was re-living my teenage years..he loves me, he loves me not etc etc !! and the book had a certain playground mentality and once is enough to have gone through the teenager thing without re-living it through the books we read I feel.
All in all a miss for me.
Laney as a character was ok, I neither hated nor loved her and that I think is not great for a character. You should either love or hate the characters you are reading about its what makes them memorable.
I felt at times I was re-living my teenage years..he loves me, he loves me not etc etc !! and the book had a certain playground mentality and once is enough to have gone through the teenager thing without re-living it through the books we read I feel.
All in all a miss for me.
April 2, 2016
This was a very random pick up at the Book Fair.
First of all let us all take a minute to appreciate the beauty of the cover; i L O V E D it! it felt soooo nice to touch!
The story was not so bad. I liked the whole village-farm setting and the biggest winner were the horses and piglets. Sometimes i wanted to punch Laney in her face for being such a drama queen !
it was a fun, quick read. A simple love story with lots of fireworks - LITERALLY! ;)
First of all let us all take a minute to appreciate the beauty of the cover; i L O V E D it! it felt soooo nice to touch!
The story was not so bad. I liked the whole village-farm setting and the biggest winner were the horses and piglets. Sometimes i wanted to punch Laney in her face for being such a drama queen !
it was a fun, quick read. A simple love story with lots of fireworks - LITERALLY! ;)
January 19, 2013
Well, what can one expect from a chick-lit book... Some are really nice and funny, but this one's average - too predictable and cliche-y.
January 8, 2013
This book has a beautiful attractive cover....unfortunately that is the best thing about it. The plot is predictable, the characters have no depth and I really didn't care what happened in the end.
January 18, 2013
2nd most romantic book I read . OMG I LOVED IT SOO MUCH. Great story o;
September 4, 2013
Loved it!
March 6, 2016
2,5 stars
Gorgeous cover!
Gorgeous cover!
November 10, 2025
i acc loved, i was so entertained
December 20, 2012
Great book!!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews