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Der Prinz in meinem Märchen
Als Anne den Buchladen von Longhampton übernimmt, erfüllt sich ihr großer Traum. Und nicht nur, weil sie damit zumindest zeitweise ihrer Rolle als ungeliebte Stiefmutter entkommen kann. Anne liebt Bücher – und die Geschichten von Märchenprinzen, bösen Hexen und verwunschenen Gärten erfüllen die Räume der kleinen Buchhandlung bald mit neuem Zauber. Ein Zauber dem selbst Annes beste Freundin, die taffe Karrierefrau Michelle, erliegt. Doch deren Vergangenheit wirft dunkle Schatten, und eine Krise bahnt sich an. Ist das Glück der Freundinnen in Gefahr?
608 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
136 people are currently reading
4307 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Dillon
20 books970 followersLucy Dillon was born in Cumbria, worked for a while in publishing in London, and now lives in the Wye Valley with her husband and their Border terrier. She has written eight novels set in the fictional Midlands town of Longhampton, which looks a bit like Hereford, although the inhabitants tend to sound rather more Northern than that.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews
February 9, 2016
Not sure how I feel about this book.
Hmm,I have a love-hate relationship with this book.I love the fact that library and books are a big part of this story,but on the other hand I don't think I really liked any of the characters.I'm quite fond of Anna,but she can be annoying sometimes.There's a lot of things I didn't like,including the ending,but I'm giving this book 3 stars because I enjoyed reading it and I loved Anna's step-children and Pongo,of course.
Things I liked:
1.) Like I said,I really liked the fact that the library and books are a big part of this story.I love all the books that are mentioned and I also love the dogs in this story!How cute is Pongo,tho?
2.) I also like Lucy Dillon's writing style and the fact that this book has dual POV.
3.) I have to mention the fact that there is a Doctor Who reference here! *squeeee*
Things I didn't like:
1.) I didn't really like Michelle.Through the whole book I was hoping that we would see the depths of her fears but that didn't happen.I just couldn't connect with her and I didn't even like her friendship with Anna,it didn't seem real to me since Anna basically doesn't know anything about Michelle.
2.) I liked Anna but her obsession with children's books was quite annoying honestly.I understands that she likes reading but I never met a person who only read children's books and constantly cries while reading them.And it seems like everyone in their town is fond of children's books.I mean,come on,read something else.
3.) The ending.Ugh,I got really irritated at the end of this book.
Overall,Comme ci,comme ça.
I'll leave you with this gif.
Favourite quotes:
“Books matter. They are an inspiration, an escape. Something bigger than we are...”
“Don't worry about what you did yesterday, he said, often, worry about what you haven't done today.”
Hmm,I have a love-hate relationship with this book.I love the fact that library and books are a big part of this story,but on the other hand I don't think I really liked any of the characters.I'm quite fond of Anna,but she can be annoying sometimes.There's a lot of things I didn't like,including the ending,but I'm giving this book 3 stars because I enjoyed reading it and I loved Anna's step-children and Pongo,of course.
Things I liked:
1.) Like I said,I really liked the fact that the library and books are a big part of this story.I love all the books that are mentioned and I also love the dogs in this story!How cute is Pongo,tho?
2.) I also like Lucy Dillon's writing style and the fact that this book has dual POV.
3.) I have to mention the fact that there is a Doctor Who reference here! *squeeee*
Things I didn't like:
1.) I didn't really like Michelle.Through the whole book I was hoping that we would see the depths of her fears but that didn't happen.I just couldn't connect with her and I didn't even like her friendship with Anna,it didn't seem real to me since Anna basically doesn't know anything about Michelle.
2.) I liked Anna but her obsession with children's books was quite annoying honestly.I understands that she likes reading but I never met a person who only read children's books and constantly cries while reading them.And it seems like everyone in their town is fond of children's books.I mean,come on,read something else.
3.) The ending.Ugh,I got really irritated at the end of this book.
Overall,Comme ci,comme ça.
I'll leave you with this gif.
Favourite quotes:
“Books matter. They are an inspiration, an escape. Something bigger than we are...”
“Don't worry about what you did yesterday, he said, often, worry about what you haven't done today.”
January 28, 2012
The Secret of Happy Ever After revolves around a bookstore. Anna is given the chance at her dream job and run a bookstore leased by her friend Michelle. In the course of the year, many events happen, and they both (predictably) come out better for it.
I think what made this book really great was Michelle. It's easy to write a book that's full of book lovers, so the inclusion of an extremely business minded person like Michelle made for a great contrast. I can actually understand her arguments, and I quite admire some of her tactics - like selling reading accessories (e.g. blankets) along with books in order to boost the profit margin.
But even though this book has a bookstore at the centre, it doesn't actually revolve around it. The main focus are the lives of Anna and Michelle. Anna wants children. Very badly. Instead, she has three (not-so) lovely stepchildren, and her husband intends to break his promise to let her try for a baby. On the other hand, Michelle is running away from her husband, who abused her emotionally.
What I liked about the book was the melding of the two things - the bookstore (which is quite clearly the catalyst for change) and the two ladies. It seems that as the bookshop flourishes (in terms of customers coming in, not sales), the two ladies lives are changed more and more. This isn't a purely bookshop book, there are books about that (I think. I haven't had the chance to read many of them), but the bookshop is prominent. Basically, I like how the bookshop is a large feature of the book.
While I have to return this book, I think I'll be keeping an eye out for it in the future, because I want a copy. After all, one of my dreams is to have my own bookshop. (My other dreams are/were to be a CEO and/or a stockbroker. Yes, I had weird dreams).
(First published at http://www.allsortsofbooks.blogspot.c...)
I think what made this book really great was Michelle. It's easy to write a book that's full of book lovers, so the inclusion of an extremely business minded person like Michelle made for a great contrast. I can actually understand her arguments, and I quite admire some of her tactics - like selling reading accessories (e.g. blankets) along with books in order to boost the profit margin.
But even though this book has a bookstore at the centre, it doesn't actually revolve around it. The main focus are the lives of Anna and Michelle. Anna wants children. Very badly. Instead, she has three (not-so) lovely stepchildren, and her husband intends to break his promise to let her try for a baby. On the other hand, Michelle is running away from her husband, who abused her emotionally.
What I liked about the book was the melding of the two things - the bookstore (which is quite clearly the catalyst for change) and the two ladies. It seems that as the bookshop flourishes (in terms of customers coming in, not sales), the two ladies lives are changed more and more. This isn't a purely bookshop book, there are books about that (I think. I haven't had the chance to read many of them), but the bookshop is prominent. Basically, I like how the bookshop is a large feature of the book.
While I have to return this book, I think I'll be keeping an eye out for it in the future, because I want a copy. After all, one of my dreams is to have my own bookshop. (My other dreams are/were to be a CEO and/or a stockbroker. Yes, I had weird dreams).
(First published at http://www.allsortsofbooks.blogspot.c...)
July 14, 2016
E tão bom leres livros assim, cheios de ternura,com personagens simpáticas e também os de quatro patas:)
Muito bom.
Muito bom.
Read
March 6, 2017I have just finished forcing my way through to the end of this book, and have quickly jumped on here to read other people's reviews as I found that I really didn't enjoy this book and want to hear what other people think. All the reviews seem really positive, so I am wondering what I am missing?
My experiences of this story come down to three points of view.
1. The writing itself, several times I had to go back and re-read sentences/paragraphs as they didn't make sense.
2. Michelle. Such a snob, were we meant to feel empathy for her? She judged people based on how clean/messy they were, yet her whole issue about not revealing her past was because she didn't want people to think differently of her?
3. The book could have been about 200 pages shorter. I understand keeping the audience in suspense, but getting to the point sometimes just makes it a much better read. Example (spoiler alert!) When Becca initially gets upset at the old folks home, I guessed pretty quickly that she was pregnant, taking 5 pages of pointless conversation between Becca and Anna was just a tad infuriating.
I did enjoy the book, but I found that these 3 issues I had killed it for me. Please tell me I wasn't the only one to feel this way?
My experiences of this story come down to three points of view.
1. The writing itself, several times I had to go back and re-read sentences/paragraphs as they didn't make sense.
2. Michelle. Such a snob, were we meant to feel empathy for her? She judged people based on how clean/messy they were, yet her whole issue about not revealing her past was because she didn't want people to think differently of her?
3. The book could have been about 200 pages shorter. I understand keeping the audience in suspense, but getting to the point sometimes just makes it a much better read. Example (spoiler alert!) When Becca initially gets upset at the old folks home, I guessed pretty quickly that she was pregnant, taking 5 pages of pointless conversation between Becca and Anna was just a tad infuriating.
I did enjoy the book, but I found that these 3 issues I had killed it for me. Please tell me I wasn't the only one to feel this way?
March 22, 2013
Nice book...nothing great, nothing bad. Ending is a bit abrupt and a little too "happily ever after". I was expecting a little more fireworks at the end. While I like kids books, the references were a bit too much of it for my tastes. I have a 9 year old daughter and sorry, in today's world, they just aren't enthralled with Little Women (and neither was I 40 years ago.)There are many many amazing books written by wonderful children's authors today and the March sisters just aren't relatable.
SORT OF SPOILER: Seems to me that I wanted Rory and Anna together even though I knew that would not happen. Lot of stuff going on. You knew there was going to be a BIG reveal for Michelle but I'm not sure that it was effective. She had to have something bad but nothing that could have been Michelle's fault. Many unlikable family charcters and I don't think I liked the way she wrapped them up. I wanted them to get their due a bit. Ended soft.
SORT OF SPOILER: Seems to me that I wanted Rory and Anna together even though I knew that would not happen. Lot of stuff going on. You knew there was going to be a BIG reveal for Michelle but I'm not sure that it was effective. She had to have something bad but nothing that could have been Michelle's fault. Many unlikable family charcters and I don't think I liked the way she wrapped them up. I wanted them to get their due a bit. Ended soft.
December 27, 2013
I enjoyed this book. It was a nice, easy read and there wasn't anything really "wrong" about it. I wouldn't call it a favourite but it was a good one to spend a few days of Christmas break on.
I liked that there was a bookstore, and at first I thought all the references to old childrens books were fun. I, too, loved such books when I was a kid, so I really enjoyed this at first! I haven't read all of the books mentioned, but most of them. I loved Little Women and books like that, and I can definitely relate to the nostalgia. The problem with all of this, though, is that it gets too much after a while. A bit unrealistic. Anna is a librarian and described as a book lover - I do find it strange that ALL she cares about are these really old books she read as a child, and that most women who comes to her store seem to be the same way. In a way, this is related to her longing for a child (somebody she could share all those old books with) but it's not just that. While I did re-read one of Edith Nesbit's books recently when I was at a library with nothing else to do (except studying...), I go back to those old books sometimes as little trip down memory lane, but only occasionally. I would probably be happy if my child (if I had one) liked those books as much as I did, but I would never expect it. Most kids just don't like that kind of books these days. When I re-read something like that (like the Anne of Green Gables series that I read parts of two years ago, for the first time as an adult) I react to some of the old-fashioned values and things I didn't really think of as a child; there are parts of old literature for children that are just out of date in today's world and that kids might not even understand, much less relate to. There are wonderful parts of those books as well, but I feel that Anna is just too uncritical. Especially when it comes to those school books. I haven't read the Malory Towers series but other similar books. I completely understand Anna's and the others' fascination, because I felt the same way as a child. But now, as an adult, I feel that Anna is very naive for being surprised when Michelle doesn't speak well of her school experience.
The most modern titles mentioned are, I think, The Sweet Valley Twins series. (I read those too, but didn't enjoy them half as much as the older books.) I'm quite surprised that Chloe doesn't like Twilight (at least the movies) and that Anna doesn't have an opinion on it. And is there a reason why they're so into romance books (I don't know anything about Jilly Cooper but as far as I understand the novels were somewhat "daring" in young Michelle's eyes) but never talk about 50 Shades? Is it that Dillon just doesn't want to write about her present day fellow writers?
Well, enough of the books. I did like the characters most of the time. I didn't always understand them; sometimes their reasoning didn't make sense to me... but on the other hand, people aren't always very rational. I didn't understand why Michelle wouldn't try to explain to her family about Harvey, but on the other hand... emotional scars run so deep sometimes and it can be hard to know just what to do. I've known a person sort of like Harvey and I know that it's not easy to handle emotional abuse - in Michelle's case it's very hard because her mother is extremely unhelpful. Most of the time I just wanted to tell her to shut up and stay out of her grown up child's love life...
As for Anna, she's sweet and likeable, but with her, too, I was also a little bit annoyed for not speaking up for herself. But again, on second thought, I can understand it - it's hard to do for a person who'd rather be hurt than to risk hurting anybody else... It's hard to see just what made her like that, though. Her strong desire to have a baby is highly relatable, in my opinion.
The supporting characters were sometimes a bit like caricatures, or just... not very well fleshed out? They felt like just the expected characters! I think Michelle's issues with her past and with her mother would have been more nuanced and more painful if the mother had been more like a normal person and not like someone you wanted to punch in the face. Evelyn was a bit too mean. Phil's girls were okay, I guess, but I was a bit puzzled by Becca. I thought she was like a combination of Jane and Lizzie Bennett, and I couldn't figure out if Dillon had made her like that on purpose or if it was just me...
I found Anna's and Phil's life fairly interesting (I do think Phil was rather realistic, even though his reasoning made me sad), but the thing with Rory was just too predictable in my opinion. I think it would have been better if Michelle hadn't disliked him so much in the beginning. The irresponsible Owen who found the inspiration to change because of his true love for the good girl Becca... that, too, was very cliché. If only Owen had been more like a person and less like a "type", it would have worked.
Now it sounds like I'm just complaining, but I do have high standards, and like I said in the beginning, I did find this an enjoyable read.
I liked that there was a bookstore, and at first I thought all the references to old childrens books were fun. I, too, loved such books when I was a kid, so I really enjoyed this at first! I haven't read all of the books mentioned, but most of them. I loved Little Women and books like that, and I can definitely relate to the nostalgia. The problem with all of this, though, is that it gets too much after a while. A bit unrealistic. Anna is a librarian and described as a book lover - I do find it strange that ALL she cares about are these really old books she read as a child, and that most women who comes to her store seem to be the same way. In a way, this is related to her longing for a child (somebody she could share all those old books with) but it's not just that. While I did re-read one of Edith Nesbit's books recently when I was at a library with nothing else to do (except studying...), I go back to those old books sometimes as little trip down memory lane, but only occasionally. I would probably be happy if my child (if I had one) liked those books as much as I did, but I would never expect it. Most kids just don't like that kind of books these days. When I re-read something like that (like the Anne of Green Gables series that I read parts of two years ago, for the first time as an adult) I react to some of the old-fashioned values and things I didn't really think of as a child; there are parts of old literature for children that are just out of date in today's world and that kids might not even understand, much less relate to. There are wonderful parts of those books as well, but I feel that Anna is just too uncritical. Especially when it comes to those school books. I haven't read the Malory Towers series but other similar books. I completely understand Anna's and the others' fascination, because I felt the same way as a child. But now, as an adult, I feel that Anna is very naive for being surprised when Michelle doesn't speak well of her school experience.
The most modern titles mentioned are, I think, The Sweet Valley Twins series. (I read those too, but didn't enjoy them half as much as the older books.) I'm quite surprised that Chloe doesn't like Twilight (at least the movies) and that Anna doesn't have an opinion on it. And is there a reason why they're so into romance books (I don't know anything about Jilly Cooper but as far as I understand the novels were somewhat "daring" in young Michelle's eyes) but never talk about 50 Shades? Is it that Dillon just doesn't want to write about her present day fellow writers?
Well, enough of the books. I did like the characters most of the time. I didn't always understand them; sometimes their reasoning didn't make sense to me... but on the other hand, people aren't always very rational. I didn't understand why Michelle wouldn't try to explain to her family about Harvey, but on the other hand... emotional scars run so deep sometimes and it can be hard to know just what to do. I've known a person sort of like Harvey and I know that it's not easy to handle emotional abuse - in Michelle's case it's very hard because her mother is extremely unhelpful. Most of the time I just wanted to tell her to shut up and stay out of her grown up child's love life...
As for Anna, she's sweet and likeable, but with her, too, I was also a little bit annoyed for not speaking up for herself. But again, on second thought, I can understand it - it's hard to do for a person who'd rather be hurt than to risk hurting anybody else... It's hard to see just what made her like that, though. Her strong desire to have a baby is highly relatable, in my opinion.
The supporting characters were sometimes a bit like caricatures, or just... not very well fleshed out? They felt like just the expected characters! I think Michelle's issues with her past and with her mother would have been more nuanced and more painful if the mother had been more like a normal person and not like someone you wanted to punch in the face. Evelyn was a bit too mean. Phil's girls were okay, I guess, but I was a bit puzzled by Becca. I thought she was like a combination of Jane and Lizzie Bennett, and I couldn't figure out if Dillon had made her like that on purpose or if it was just me...
I found Anna's and Phil's life fairly interesting (I do think Phil was rather realistic, even though his reasoning made me sad), but the thing with Rory was just too predictable in my opinion. I think it would have been better if Michelle hadn't disliked him so much in the beginning. The irresponsible Owen who found the inspiration to change because of his true love for the good girl Becca... that, too, was very cliché. If only Owen had been more like a person and less like a "type", it would have worked.
Now it sounds like I'm just complaining, but I do have high standards, and like I said in the beginning, I did find this an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2019
En perfekt feelgoodbok för en bokälskare. Stor del av handlingen kretsar kring böcker, läsande och böckers betydelse.
Gillar historien som växlar mellan Michelle och Anna. De har en fin vänskap men är rätt olika personer och båda brottas med sina dilemman.
Gillar historien som växlar mellan Michelle och Anna. De har en fin vänskap men är rätt olika personer och båda brottas med sina dilemman.
December 26, 2013
Mysig bok med en gnutta romantik och värme. Och mycket kärlek till böcker som får en bokmal som mig att må bra :-)
April 12, 2018
Um livro doce, emotivo,arrebatador e reconfortante..
Uma história de amor e de amizade no seu melhor com um ambiente maravilhoso que só uma livraria nos pode transmitir.
Uma história de amor e de amizade no seu melhor com um ambiente maravilhoso que só uma livraria nos pode transmitir.
April 16, 2022
Den store lykke” er den syvende bog af forfatteren der er oversat til dansk, det er enkeltstående historier som foregår i Longhampton, men også denne gang støder vi på nogle af personerne i de tidligere bøger og så er der(selvfølgelig) hunde med i historien. Bogens forfatter er en stor hundeelsker og det kan man sagtens fornemme gennem hendes bøger. Denne bog foregår omkring en boghandel og der er mange referencer til bøger, så som læsehest føler man sig i godt selskab. Bogen er i feelgod genren og hvis du endnu ikke har læst noget af forfatteren kan jeg varmt anbefale dig at gå i gang.
Jeg vil anbefale bogen til alle der elsker en god historie, den er sød, hyggelig og giver stof til eftertanke.
Jeg vil anbefale bogen til alle der elsker en god historie, den er sød, hyggelig og giver stof til eftertanke.
December 22, 2011
Lucy Dillon - my new favourite author! This is the first of her books I have read and I will be serching out her previous ones asap!
I was captivated even before I started the story because Lucy Dillon is a woman after my own heart who mentions her love of Enid Blyton, Malory Towers, Chalet School, Ballet Shoes, Mrs Pepperpot - oh, numerous books that were the very heart of my own childhood - and of many more like us. Her knowledge and love of these childhood stories shouts from the pages and I am sure I am not the only reader who thought 'I AM Anna!'....
Anna...a dreamy librarian, struggling to be the perfect step-mother, always caught in the middle of her her own family dreams and the ready made family she has.
Michelle - brilliant business woman, steely and determined but with something dark and mysterious lurking in her past, runs a prosperous home furnishing shop and seeking to buy the shop next door for expansion learns that to do so she must first run it as the bookshop had been. Michelle rises to the challenge and, with friend Anna's help, develops every book lovers ideal bookshop - believe me I was drooling for this bookshop!
This sets the central stage for the story but we learn, bit by bit, more about Michelle's previous life and about Anna's difficulties with her step-family and her longing for her own baby. Family features very strongly in this wonderful, touching novel. The characters are very realistic with faults and good points. Problems with children, aged parents, interfering parents, ex-partners, dogs and over sexed brothers make the story funny, witty, sad, touching and sometimes quite scarily real.
I came to really care about the characters and when we find out what Michelle's past is really about, I defy any reader not to shed a tear. I can quite honestly say that this is one of the best novels I have read. All the personal and family life details combined with the luscious memories of books that I have read and loved make this novel something really special.
I was captivated even before I started the story because Lucy Dillon is a woman after my own heart who mentions her love of Enid Blyton, Malory Towers, Chalet School, Ballet Shoes, Mrs Pepperpot - oh, numerous books that were the very heart of my own childhood - and of many more like us. Her knowledge and love of these childhood stories shouts from the pages and I am sure I am not the only reader who thought 'I AM Anna!'....
Anna...a dreamy librarian, struggling to be the perfect step-mother, always caught in the middle of her her own family dreams and the ready made family she has.
Michelle - brilliant business woman, steely and determined but with something dark and mysterious lurking in her past, runs a prosperous home furnishing shop and seeking to buy the shop next door for expansion learns that to do so she must first run it as the bookshop had been. Michelle rises to the challenge and, with friend Anna's help, develops every book lovers ideal bookshop - believe me I was drooling for this bookshop!
This sets the central stage for the story but we learn, bit by bit, more about Michelle's previous life and about Anna's difficulties with her step-family and her longing for her own baby. Family features very strongly in this wonderful, touching novel. The characters are very realistic with faults and good points. Problems with children, aged parents, interfering parents, ex-partners, dogs and over sexed brothers make the story funny, witty, sad, touching and sometimes quite scarily real.
I came to really care about the characters and when we find out what Michelle's past is really about, I defy any reader not to shed a tear. I can quite honestly say that this is one of the best novels I have read. All the personal and family life details combined with the luscious memories of books that I have read and loved make this novel something really special.
July 19, 2012
This started as a really fun and mostly quite light slice of life/romance novel, set around a small town and bouncing between two POV characters, one of whom runs a homewares store and the other of whom winds up managing the bookstore next door. All the delightful wallowing in books - especially the kids books - was really great and totally up my alley, and I also really enjoyed that the author did a great job showing an existing relationship and how both parties had to work at it, rather than just building a new relationship or having it need to be blown up and replaced.
Trigger warnings:
One POV character was raped as a teenager and this comes out in the latter part of the book. It's described in flashback, so please be aware of this if you are reading and may need this warning. The same character is also recovering after having left an abusive/controlling relationship, and there was vague allusion to physical assault as well. I didn't enjoy that narrative arc at all and I think the book would have been better off without it. The author didn't handle it particularly badly, but it did feel like it was part of the character's backstory to provide drama and ~angst in the way that has been so badly overdone by so many novels (especially SF/Fantasy) and as such, I would've enjoyed this book so so much more if the author had gone a less problematic route to provide some narrative force.
I finished the book and largely enjoyed it, but the last quarter or so were definitely far tougher going. I did at least enjoy it enough to give the author another try and see if her other books can avoid the issues I had with this one.
Trigger warnings:
One POV character was raped as a teenager and this comes out in the latter part of the book. It's described in flashback, so please be aware of this if you are reading and may need this warning. The same character is also recovering after having left an abusive/controlling relationship, and there was vague allusion to physical assault as well. I didn't enjoy that narrative arc at all and I think the book would have been better off without it. The author didn't handle it particularly badly, but it did feel like it was part of the character's backstory to provide drama and ~angst in the way that has been so badly overdone by so many novels (especially SF/Fantasy) and as such, I would've enjoyed this book so so much more if the author had gone a less problematic route to provide some narrative force.
I finished the book and largely enjoyed it, but the last quarter or so were definitely far tougher going. I did at least enjoy it enough to give the author another try and see if her other books can avoid the issues I had with this one.
November 15, 2016
Liked. Did not love.
I guess I could pin that down to reading 2 books in a row by the same author, but I know it had nothing to do with it.
I identified a lot with Michelle, yet I feel like I never really broke down the walls she built up around herself. Oh, the irony is not lost on me, believe me. I loved her relationship with Rory – she thinks he’s messy, he thinks she has a “Knick-Knacks” shop - and how it evolved throughout the book!
I felt a huge sympathy for Anna. She’s like this Superwoman handling everything on her own: house, chores, work, stepdaughters, dog, lazy-ass husband. Always putting everyone’s needs ahead of her own. No wonder she feels like an appendix to the family. I loved her interaction with the girls but as you can tell I didn’t really like the guy because Phil, MAN-UP goddammit!
But I think both storylines were bogged down by too much domestic drama, two unplanned pregnancies (really? one wasn’t enough?!), and the old story of the perfect man in the eyes of parents vs reality.
Positive thinking: delicious writing, lovely little snippets of characters from previous books. Natalie, Rachel, George, Juliet, Lorcan, and even Coco were mentioned if I’m not mistaken. That always puts a smile on my face.
This was definitely a more character than doggie-driven book.
P.S.: She did both so well in Walking Back to Happiness.
I guess I could pin that down to reading 2 books in a row by the same author, but I know it had nothing to do with it.
I identified a lot with Michelle, yet I feel like I never really broke down the walls she built up around herself. Oh, the irony is not lost on me, believe me. I loved her relationship with Rory – she thinks he’s messy, he thinks she has a “Knick-Knacks” shop - and how it evolved throughout the book!
I felt a huge sympathy for Anna. She’s like this Superwoman handling everything on her own: house, chores, work, stepdaughters, dog, lazy-ass husband. Always putting everyone’s needs ahead of her own. No wonder she feels like an appendix to the family. I loved her interaction with the girls but as you can tell I didn’t really like the guy because Phil, MAN-UP goddammit!
But I think both storylines were bogged down by too much domestic drama, two unplanned pregnancies (really? one wasn’t enough?!), and the old story of the perfect man in the eyes of parents vs reality.
Positive thinking: delicious writing, lovely little snippets of characters from previous books. Natalie, Rachel, George, Juliet, Lorcan, and even Coco were mentioned if I’m not mistaken. That always puts a smile on my face.
This was definitely a more character than doggie-driven book.
P.S.: She did both so well in Walking Back to Happiness.
April 9, 2017
I would have given this novel two stars, but for the delicate way Dillon presented being a stepmother, and feeling as though you are a bit part in your own story. Really effectively done, and particularly poignant for me as I find myself in this position these days.
What failed to light this novel up was the balance. There wasn't masses of plot to begin with, but it was stretched so thoroughly over 450 pages that it became thin, and then everything was tied up with neat ribbons in just a few pages, comparatively. Also, we were told a lot that Phil was not a good person, that he wasn't acting as a father and husband should - to the point where I actively disliked him; then we were asked to disregard all of that for the sake of the happy ever after ending. It felt very contrived.
It should be borne in mind that Dillon is one of those authors who have improved immeasurably since her early novels. Although I can't really recommend this novel by her, do, do, do pick up her later novels once she found her stride and her voice more thoroughly. She is an excellent writer, but this wasn't the best example of that.
What failed to light this novel up was the balance. There wasn't masses of plot to begin with, but it was stretched so thoroughly over 450 pages that it became thin, and then everything was tied up with neat ribbons in just a few pages, comparatively. Also, we were told a lot that Phil was not a good person, that he wasn't acting as a father and husband should - to the point where I actively disliked him; then we were asked to disregard all of that for the sake of the happy ever after ending. It felt very contrived.
It should be borne in mind that Dillon is one of those authors who have improved immeasurably since her early novels. Although I can't really recommend this novel by her, do, do, do pick up her later novels once she found her stride and her voice more thoroughly. She is an excellent writer, but this wasn't the best example of that.
February 28, 2017
Apesar das personagens e das histórias de cada uma delas, ser uma grande atração no livro, o que eu gostei realmente foi o cenário onde a acção se desenrola. Se ao início o foco era apenas a loja de Michelle, a partir do momento em que entra no espaço, a livraria da Anna, o enredo torna-se muito melhor. Porque tudo é muito melhor com livros, e um livro sobre livros é quase perfeito.
opinião completa - http://cronicasdeumaleitora.blogspot....
opinião completa - http://cronicasdeumaleitora.blogspot....
February 20, 2014
Um romance fofinho que termina da forma que imaginamos quase desde as 1ªs paginas, mas à vezes sabe bem ler um livro assim, que não nos dê muito que pensar... Podia ser um pouco mais pequeno, não era preciso ser tão longo pois tive a sensação de que a escritora estava a fazer render o peixe mas foi sem duvida uma leitura agradável.
December 28, 2018
There was a lot of things that bothered me, including the conclusion of the story!
August 11, 2021
Un libro rassicurante, di quelli che ti fanno sentire a casa, ti permette di staccare la spina e smettere di pensare.
Si legge benissimo e velocemente, ma la cosa ancora più bella è che i personaggi, che sono tutti caratterizzati in modo fantastico, sono persone come noi, con i loro pregi e difetti, con le loro sfide quotidiane da affrontare. Sfide vere, che possiamo trovare nella vita di tutti i giorni, non sono persone troppo belle, ricche e perfette ai limiti del vero.
Un libro perfetto da leggere sotto l'ombrellone.
Adoro Anna, è l'amica e la mamma che tutti vorrebbero, e mi ha fatto anche rivalutare i libri per ragazzi!!
Si legge benissimo e velocemente, ma la cosa ancora più bella è che i personaggi, che sono tutti caratterizzati in modo fantastico, sono persone come noi, con i loro pregi e difetti, con le loro sfide quotidiane da affrontare. Sfide vere, che possiamo trovare nella vita di tutti i giorni, non sono persone troppo belle, ricche e perfette ai limiti del vero.
Un libro perfetto da leggere sotto l'ombrellone.
Adoro Anna, è l'amica e la mamma che tutti vorrebbero, e mi ha fatto anche rivalutare i libri per ragazzi!!
March 4, 2021
A sweet story of two women and the challenges they face. One with a past story that still haunts her and is preventing her from reaching her true self. Another married to a man she loves and the challenges of three stepdaughters. A couple of dogs thrown in and a bookshop. And a Scotsman.
June 8, 2018
Loved this book! Great storyline with interesting characters. A Lucy Dillon novel never fails to grab you, such an enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
June 25, 2013
Gosto de um bom livro aconchegante. De uma história que se destaque pela beleza da escrita e pelas imensas voltas e reviravoltas do enredo, mas que, no final, me deixe com um sorriso perpétuo nos lábios. Acima de tudo, gosto de percorrer vivências incompletas que buscam, fervorosamente, aquele pedacinho de felicidade, de aceitação, de conforto que, demasiadas vezes, vemos escapar-nos das mãos. Este livro é assim... purificante, enternecedor, um autêntico bálsamo para a alma.
Segredos para um final feliz é, definitivamente, um romance de pormenores, de vidas que, embora não perfeitas, nunca perfeitas, são comuns, e, por isso, deixam uma marca, uma réstia de esperança, um consolo para todos aqueles que desistem ao primeiro obstáculo, que se resignam com um «não» e que, muitas vezes, se renunciam de procurar o que os faz feliz.
Lucy Dillon foi uma estreia profundamente avassaladora. A sua escrita é pontuada por uma beleza e ritmo incríveis, sustentando-se ora na essência dos problemas que as suas protagonistas vivem e encontram, ora na complexidade que o próprio futuro, e também o presente, acarreta. As suas descrições são de se louvar aos céus e a magnitude que confere a cada personagem, aperfeiçoando os detalhes, esculpindo as várias facetas, é absolutamente cativante.
O começo de cada capítulo, em Segredos para um final feliz, é como um novo despertar literário para todas aquelas narrativas que outrora conhecemos, e todas aquelas figuras que, com certeza, viremos a descobrir mais para a frente, numa compilação de pequenos cartões, pequenas recordações e pedaços de memórias, sugestões, não só dos próprios intervenientes ficcionais do enredo em si, como, e atrevo-me a dizer, do gosto pessoal da autora—algo que acho magnífico. Mas uma verdadeira história de encantar, para leitores experientes, tem obrigatoriamente de possuir um leque interessante de personagens, e este romance, sem dúvida, transborda excelência também nesse aspecto.
Anna e Michelle captaram por completo a minha atenção. Os constantes dilemas que a primeira enfrenta, e o seu forte desejo de ser mãe, assim como o passado turbulento que a segunda se esforça por esconder por detrás de uma personalidade mais rígida e controladora, são situações, pessoas, que facilmente poderiam existir no meu círculo de amigos. Presenciar o desenvolvimento e desabrochar de ambas, através das suas paixões e medos, foi indiscutivelmente mágico, e ainda sentir a companhia de outras presenças singulares como Pongo e Tavish—adorei a abordagem canina da autora—, as irmãs Lily, Chloe e Becca—de feitios tão distintos—ou até o próprio Owen, Rory ou Evelyn, foi como a cereja no topo de um bolo já incrivelmente apetitoso.
Um livro especial, construído de afectos, é como vejo Segredos para um final feliz. Não estou certa de que contenha, por entre as suas muitas páginas, e pelo menos não abertamente, a fórmula secreta para o eterno happy ending que todos nós buscamos, mas acredito, e isso sim, que, com as várias mensagens que transmite e os diversos ensinamentos que oferece, indica o princípio absolutamente necessário, a abertura imprescindível, para a sobrevivência a uma vida que, nem sempre, é justa ou fácil. Mas, estar-se vivo é isso mesmo, é chorar com os amigos, sorrir com a família, descontrair com aquilo de que mais gostamos e, claro, reconciliarmo-nos com a ajuda ao outro que, muitas vezes, demasiadas vezes, fica esquecida.
Gostei particularmente das existências paralelas ao enredo principal que a autora, Dillon, tão sabiamente vai reproduzindo um pouco ao longo de toda a história. A Butterfields, por exemplo, e tudo o que ela significa enquanto instituição, marcou-me sobremaneira. É deveras poderoso assistir, ainda que superficialmente, à solidão insistente sentida em idade mais avançada, quando a nossa mente e o nosso corpo já não funcionam em uníssono, e quando a responsabilidade que antes sabíamos ter por nós mesmos deixou, simplesmente de existir. Enterneceu-me a percepção que Michelle acabou por retirar deste casulo exteriormente belíssimo, e o modo como essa destreza de pensamento, com o tempo, se foi materializando numa mudança (gradual) de atitude e confiança, que, por sua vez, culminou numa renovada, e mais aberta, personalidade errante. Mas também Anna aprendeu com as pessoas à sua volta, com as gravidezes constantes, com os comportamentos indisciplinados e com as incontáveis sensações desconfortáveis por se «estar a mais» ou «se ser dispensável»—e isso faz-me pensar: não foi bonita a forma como cada peça, no final, acabou por encaixar no seu devido lugar?
Opinião completa, em:
http://pedacinho-literario.blogspot.p...
Segredos para um final feliz é, definitivamente, um romance de pormenores, de vidas que, embora não perfeitas, nunca perfeitas, são comuns, e, por isso, deixam uma marca, uma réstia de esperança, um consolo para todos aqueles que desistem ao primeiro obstáculo, que se resignam com um «não» e que, muitas vezes, se renunciam de procurar o que os faz feliz.
Lucy Dillon foi uma estreia profundamente avassaladora. A sua escrita é pontuada por uma beleza e ritmo incríveis, sustentando-se ora na essência dos problemas que as suas protagonistas vivem e encontram, ora na complexidade que o próprio futuro, e também o presente, acarreta. As suas descrições são de se louvar aos céus e a magnitude que confere a cada personagem, aperfeiçoando os detalhes, esculpindo as várias facetas, é absolutamente cativante.
O começo de cada capítulo, em Segredos para um final feliz, é como um novo despertar literário para todas aquelas narrativas que outrora conhecemos, e todas aquelas figuras que, com certeza, viremos a descobrir mais para a frente, numa compilação de pequenos cartões, pequenas recordações e pedaços de memórias, sugestões, não só dos próprios intervenientes ficcionais do enredo em si, como, e atrevo-me a dizer, do gosto pessoal da autora—algo que acho magnífico. Mas uma verdadeira história de encantar, para leitores experientes, tem obrigatoriamente de possuir um leque interessante de personagens, e este romance, sem dúvida, transborda excelência também nesse aspecto.
Anna e Michelle captaram por completo a minha atenção. Os constantes dilemas que a primeira enfrenta, e o seu forte desejo de ser mãe, assim como o passado turbulento que a segunda se esforça por esconder por detrás de uma personalidade mais rígida e controladora, são situações, pessoas, que facilmente poderiam existir no meu círculo de amigos. Presenciar o desenvolvimento e desabrochar de ambas, através das suas paixões e medos, foi indiscutivelmente mágico, e ainda sentir a companhia de outras presenças singulares como Pongo e Tavish—adorei a abordagem canina da autora—, as irmãs Lily, Chloe e Becca—de feitios tão distintos—ou até o próprio Owen, Rory ou Evelyn, foi como a cereja no topo de um bolo já incrivelmente apetitoso.
Um livro especial, construído de afectos, é como vejo Segredos para um final feliz. Não estou certa de que contenha, por entre as suas muitas páginas, e pelo menos não abertamente, a fórmula secreta para o eterno happy ending que todos nós buscamos, mas acredito, e isso sim, que, com as várias mensagens que transmite e os diversos ensinamentos que oferece, indica o princípio absolutamente necessário, a abertura imprescindível, para a sobrevivência a uma vida que, nem sempre, é justa ou fácil. Mas, estar-se vivo é isso mesmo, é chorar com os amigos, sorrir com a família, descontrair com aquilo de que mais gostamos e, claro, reconciliarmo-nos com a ajuda ao outro que, muitas vezes, demasiadas vezes, fica esquecida.
Gostei particularmente das existências paralelas ao enredo principal que a autora, Dillon, tão sabiamente vai reproduzindo um pouco ao longo de toda a história. A Butterfields, por exemplo, e tudo o que ela significa enquanto instituição, marcou-me sobremaneira. É deveras poderoso assistir, ainda que superficialmente, à solidão insistente sentida em idade mais avançada, quando a nossa mente e o nosso corpo já não funcionam em uníssono, e quando a responsabilidade que antes sabíamos ter por nós mesmos deixou, simplesmente de existir. Enterneceu-me a percepção que Michelle acabou por retirar deste casulo exteriormente belíssimo, e o modo como essa destreza de pensamento, com o tempo, se foi materializando numa mudança (gradual) de atitude e confiança, que, por sua vez, culminou numa renovada, e mais aberta, personalidade errante. Mas também Anna aprendeu com as pessoas à sua volta, com as gravidezes constantes, com os comportamentos indisciplinados e com as incontáveis sensações desconfortáveis por se «estar a mais» ou «se ser dispensável»—e isso faz-me pensar: não foi bonita a forma como cada peça, no final, acabou por encaixar no seu devido lugar?
Opinião completa, em:
http://pedacinho-literario.blogspot.p...
November 2, 2011
Last year I read my first Lucy Dillon novel when I read Walking Back To Happiness. I loved it, it was warm and it was just the perfect book to curl up with during the colder Tenerife months. (Yes, Tenerife has colder months!) So when I received a copy of her new novel The Secret of Happy Ever After I was looking for yet another warm and enjoyable read, not to mention some loveable dogs (it’s all about the dogs for me; who needs likeable characters when you have loveable, cute dogs?) and I’m pleased to let you know The Secret of Happy Ever After was indeed another Lucy Dillon hit.
When you’re reading a new book by an author who’s written a few books you have expectations. I expect Sophie Kinsella to make me laugh; I expect Marian Keyes to tackle some difficult issues; and from Lucy Dillon, even though I’ve only read one of her books, I know I’ll be getting a great book setting (Longhampton in this case, also the setting of two of her previous books: Walking Back To Happiness and Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts), some dog characters I want to adopt (Pongo! Tavish!) and I know it’ll make me happy when I read it, that it’s really heartwarming and warm. Some authors can just easily tap into a book that warms the heart, some can’t, some do it differently, and The Secret of Happy Ever After is the sort of book you curl up with (if you’re the curling sort; I don’t curl up with books, personally) and you can’t put down.
What really made the book for me was the book shop. Lots of Chick Lit books give their characters jobs as hairdressers, as writers, as whatever else is in vogue at the time, but rarely do Chick Lit books feature book shops. (I know – weird, right?) But in The Secret of Happy Ever After, there’s a book shop. A book shop that sound divine, quite frankly. Whenever I dream of running my own bookshop (I own tons of books, I love books, it’s a natural progression!) I imagine it’s somewhat like the bookshop Anna runs. Although I would add in sofas to my bookshop and it would perhaps look a bit like Central Perk. What I mean is, it was cosy. It was homey. It added to the novel. It was like a character in itself. Yes, the characters had their troubles – Anna struggling to be a good stepmother whilst longing for her own baby and Michelle struggling with her past, but sometimes it’s the extras in novels that make it what it is. Having a good plot, having good characters, is all excellent but the added scenery is even better and the book shop gives the book a bit more of a kick.
I spend a lot of my reviews saying I find characters fascinating (really, I do) but there aren’t many other words to describe characters if I’m honest and so, it is inevitable that I say I found the characters in the book fascinating. I’m loathe to say I enjoyed Anna and Michelle’s struggling, as that’s not the right way to put it, but I enjoyed their plot lines, I enjoyed seeing Anna do her very best to not try and take over becoming Becca, Chloe and Lily’s mother, I liked how Michelle was this strait-laced businesswoman intent on making money and keeping her life in order down to a T. I found it even more interesting how two seemingly rubber-and-glue-type people became friends, as Anna and Michelle did. I actually really liked Anna’s step-family, I was prepared to hate them for being mean to Anna, but the kids weren’t that bad, really, and Lily and Becca in particular had their sweet moments (the jury is still out on Chloe). I wasn’t a bit fan of Phil, Anna’s husband, who was a bit on the spineless side but thankfully, there was a male around worthy of mentioning in the shape of Rory Stirling. I loved Rory, he really lit up the book when he appeared.
I very much enjoyed The Secret of Happy Ever After. I’m not entirely convinced it was as good as Walking Back To Happiness, but I found myself reading it quickly nevertheless and I liked the characters and the dogs and the bookshop. I liked the return of some previous characters, too, which was a nice added bonus. Lucy Dillon just seems to have this natural storytelling ability, this natural way of just making you fall in love with her book until you get to the very end and the addition of the pets makes it all the more. This is definitely a book you’ll want as the nights draw in faster. I generally don’t go for the whip-out-a-blanket, pour-a-cup-of-hot-chocolate stuff the publishers like to go with, but if I was that’s what I’d suggest you do with The Secret of Happy Ever After. Don’t forget the fire, too, for added wintery affect!
When you’re reading a new book by an author who’s written a few books you have expectations. I expect Sophie Kinsella to make me laugh; I expect Marian Keyes to tackle some difficult issues; and from Lucy Dillon, even though I’ve only read one of her books, I know I’ll be getting a great book setting (Longhampton in this case, also the setting of two of her previous books: Walking Back To Happiness and Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts), some dog characters I want to adopt (Pongo! Tavish!) and I know it’ll make me happy when I read it, that it’s really heartwarming and warm. Some authors can just easily tap into a book that warms the heart, some can’t, some do it differently, and The Secret of Happy Ever After is the sort of book you curl up with (if you’re the curling sort; I don’t curl up with books, personally) and you can’t put down.
What really made the book for me was the book shop. Lots of Chick Lit books give their characters jobs as hairdressers, as writers, as whatever else is in vogue at the time, but rarely do Chick Lit books feature book shops. (I know – weird, right?) But in The Secret of Happy Ever After, there’s a book shop. A book shop that sound divine, quite frankly. Whenever I dream of running my own bookshop (I own tons of books, I love books, it’s a natural progression!) I imagine it’s somewhat like the bookshop Anna runs. Although I would add in sofas to my bookshop and it would perhaps look a bit like Central Perk. What I mean is, it was cosy. It was homey. It added to the novel. It was like a character in itself. Yes, the characters had their troubles – Anna struggling to be a good stepmother whilst longing for her own baby and Michelle struggling with her past, but sometimes it’s the extras in novels that make it what it is. Having a good plot, having good characters, is all excellent but the added scenery is even better and the book shop gives the book a bit more of a kick.
I spend a lot of my reviews saying I find characters fascinating (really, I do) but there aren’t many other words to describe characters if I’m honest and so, it is inevitable that I say I found the characters in the book fascinating. I’m loathe to say I enjoyed Anna and Michelle’s struggling, as that’s not the right way to put it, but I enjoyed their plot lines, I enjoyed seeing Anna do her very best to not try and take over becoming Becca, Chloe and Lily’s mother, I liked how Michelle was this strait-laced businesswoman intent on making money and keeping her life in order down to a T. I found it even more interesting how two seemingly rubber-and-glue-type people became friends, as Anna and Michelle did. I actually really liked Anna’s step-family, I was prepared to hate them for being mean to Anna, but the kids weren’t that bad, really, and Lily and Becca in particular had their sweet moments (the jury is still out on Chloe). I wasn’t a bit fan of Phil, Anna’s husband, who was a bit on the spineless side but thankfully, there was a male around worthy of mentioning in the shape of Rory Stirling. I loved Rory, he really lit up the book when he appeared.
I very much enjoyed The Secret of Happy Ever After. I’m not entirely convinced it was as good as Walking Back To Happiness, but I found myself reading it quickly nevertheless and I liked the characters and the dogs and the bookshop. I liked the return of some previous characters, too, which was a nice added bonus. Lucy Dillon just seems to have this natural storytelling ability, this natural way of just making you fall in love with her book until you get to the very end and the addition of the pets makes it all the more. This is definitely a book you’ll want as the nights draw in faster. I generally don’t go for the whip-out-a-blanket, pour-a-cup-of-hot-chocolate stuff the publishers like to go with, but if I was that’s what I’d suggest you do with The Secret of Happy Ever After. Don’t forget the fire, too, for added wintery affect!
July 6, 2014
Okay so, so many thoughts about this one.
First off, found out about this while browsing through GR.
So thank you for the suggestion for book related books about....books.
And the summary had me at: bookshop.
So of course this would be my kind of read right? Well, let's just say I was surprised with this one.
You have two different women, Michelle a businesswoman who starts a shop called Home Sweet Home and then the shop next door which was already a bookshop.
She then has the book shop running again and appoints her new friend Anna as manager.
It helps that Anna is a bookworm through and through. As the story goes along, the both of them have their own stuff their dealing with in their everyday lives.
I thought the tone would be somewhat lighthearted with some drama thrown in. But I was surprised where it was vice versa.
You really feel for the two ladies. While I was annoyed in some moments, especially Phil, you get at least what he's going through. Not exactly but he has his reasons.
Anyway, dogs Pongo and Tavish sound freaking adorable. And of course love, LOVE, the book title references.
Especially the list of books at the end. I recognize some, read some and some I never heard of.
I also thought I was going to like reading about Anna and the bookshop.
But found myself wanting to read more about Michelle and of course Rory.
Oh Rory. ^_^
Couldn't help but picture James MacAvoy.
If ever they make this a movie...
And yes Anna and her at the bookshop mostly.
I mean who couldn't relate with Anna and her love of books, having it be a dream come true to run her own bookshop? Who doesn't love those places, from the small shops to bigger shops.
Something about shelves lined with books you know? Anyway, this was a surprising but good read to just take your time with.
First off, found out about this while browsing through GR.
So thank you for the suggestion for book related books about....books.
And the summary had me at: bookshop.
So of course this would be my kind of read right? Well, let's just say I was surprised with this one.
You have two different women, Michelle a businesswoman who starts a shop called Home Sweet Home and then the shop next door which was already a bookshop.
She then has the book shop running again and appoints her new friend Anna as manager.
It helps that Anna is a bookworm through and through. As the story goes along, the both of them have their own stuff their dealing with in their everyday lives.
I thought the tone would be somewhat lighthearted with some drama thrown in. But I was surprised where it was vice versa.
You really feel for the two ladies. While I was annoyed in some moments, especially Phil, you get at least what he's going through. Not exactly but he has his reasons.
Anyway, dogs Pongo and Tavish sound freaking adorable. And of course love, LOVE, the book title references.
Especially the list of books at the end. I recognize some, read some and some I never heard of.
I also thought I was going to like reading about Anna and the bookshop.
But found myself wanting to read more about Michelle and of course Rory.
Oh Rory. ^_^
Couldn't help but picture James MacAvoy.
If ever they make this a movie...
And yes Anna and her at the bookshop mostly.
I mean who couldn't relate with Anna and her love of books, having it be a dream come true to run her own bookshop? Who doesn't love those places, from the small shops to bigger shops.
Something about shelves lined with books you know? Anyway, this was a surprising but good read to just take your time with.
April 30, 2016
A book that mentions other books, is always going to be a winner with me. I'm also a sucker for Listopia on Goodreads, so I thought I would use my little cat shaped post its to keep track of all the books mentioned to make a list when I was finished. Well, I was getting through a lot of post its and even had to commit the cardinal sin of turning the pages down(something I would NEVER do under normal circumstances). Turns out there is a list of the books in the back......however it doesn't list ALL the books so I didn't entirely waste my time.
The book wasn't a waste of time because I absolutely loved it. Anna was my favourite character and the one I had the most fondness for. She just did so much for her husband and his kids and she seemed lovely. When Phil came out about not wanting a baby, my heart was in my throat and I sobbed.
I did also like the other main character Michelle, but she could be a little harsh and cold sometimes which makes you keep your distance, which I think is what the author intended.
And a bookshop was involved in a big way, what an awesome setting! And they talked about books, especially children's books, which take you back down memory lane. Makes me want to dig out the Roald Dahl books! This is the perfect book to cosy up to when it's dark outside, would really recommend.
The book wasn't a waste of time because I absolutely loved it. Anna was my favourite character and the one I had the most fondness for. She just did so much for her husband and his kids and she seemed lovely. When Phil came out about not wanting a baby, my heart was in my throat and I sobbed.
I did also like the other main character Michelle, but she could be a little harsh and cold sometimes which makes you keep your distance, which I think is what the author intended.
And a bookshop was involved in a big way, what an awesome setting! And they talked about books, especially children's books, which take you back down memory lane. Makes me want to dig out the Roald Dahl books! This is the perfect book to cosy up to when it's dark outside, would really recommend.
August 5, 2013
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. I found it sweet and cozy and wanted to read more about the great book shop. However, there were times that I disliked every character, or maybe it was just the way they were acting at the time. I guess this makes it more true to life though - everyone acts badly at one time or another, and relationships don't go smoothly all the time. As the title of the book says though, by the ending things were working out happily for everyone. I would love to revisit these characters sometime and see how things are a few years down the road...
October 8, 2013
I was babysitting my sisters children while they were sick, so I found this book and since I had some time while they were napping, I started to read.
I was a story about Anna and Michell. You couldn't find any more different people. Anna a booklover (something I can totaly indentify!), dreamy/naive 30sh stepmother and Michell very rational storeowner.
1) I hate Phil.
2) Not ever understood the desperate need to have children (Anna...), though I kinda get her point on this, but I think she took it too far.
3)Michelles family and Harvey? what a horrible way they treated her.
I was a story about Anna and Michell. You couldn't find any more different people. Anna a booklover (something I can totaly indentify!), dreamy/naive 30sh stepmother and Michell very rational storeowner.
1) I hate Phil.
2) Not ever understood the desperate need to have children (Anna...), though I kinda get her point on this, but I think she took it too far.
3)Michelles family and Harvey? what a horrible way they treated her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2021
I personaggi di questo libro col passare della storia diventano amici del lettore e riscaldano il cuore.
Storia piacevole e scorrevole che ti spinge a divorare le pagine.
È uno dei miei libri preferiti e merita assolutamente una seconda lettura.
Storia piacevole e scorrevole che ti spinge a divorare le pagine.
È uno dei miei libri preferiti e merita assolutamente una seconda lettura.
June 18, 2013
Adorei o final e sem dúvida quero ler o livro "Corações sem Dono" *.*
October 21, 2018
Rating: 4.5 / 5
September 24, 2018
I’ve heard many good things about this author, and this is the first time I’m reading one of her books. I got slightly confused at times, as I felt there were characters being mentioned that hadn’t been introduced (or that I’d completely missed the introductions), but from reading the reviews I now get that they are characters from Dillon’s other books. They were all minor characters anyway, it didn’t bother me that much, and I could accept that they were other people in the universe of the characters who didn’t feature prominently enough to warrant a description.
Overall this was a nice enjoyable read (who wouldn’t like being whisked away to a virtual bookstore during bedtime?), especially for me as I love hanging out in bookstores just browsing and picking up the odd paperback or two. I realise how difficult it is for brick-and-mortars to compete with the likes of Amazon, and taking into account how much I enjoy going to bookstores I try to patronise as much as possible, but I do agree with Michelle’s approach of diversifying as a means of making the store profitable as a whole. The characters were likeable, it’s difficult to imagine someone as super-woman-ey as Anna existing in real life but I’m sure they’re out there somewhere.
My major issue with this book is the balancing of plot pace, it felt like absolutely nothing happens in the first 200 pages or so, and then everything happens and is magically tied up in a bow in the space of just a few chapters. I’ve read other reviews suggesting that there were one-too-many domestic issues in the McQueen household (suggesting 2 unwanted pregnancies was unnecessary) but in a way I did think I liked that angle as (a) a teenager getting pregnant is very different from her mother who already has three children, albeit with a different father and (b) I thought it really banged home the point of how much Anna wanted a child of her own but couldn’t because of Phil’s indesire for one. After clouding Michelle in this massive cloud of mystery, including on the blurb on the back, there was disappointingly little revealed. Yes, the details of the event which turned her into the person she is was eventually revealed, but I had hoped for a bit more of a drawing out – both Michelle out of her shell (by Anna as well as Rory!) and teasing out the details of what happened that night. I thought the way that Harvey was dealt with seemed also very brush-offy, and I can’t see him just accepting the outcome given how he was described in the first three-quarters of the book.
That aside, it was a wonderful weekend read that I did enjoy, where I did relate to the characters and could imagine myself in Longhampton visiting the bookstore or going along for one of Anna’s read aloud sessions. 3.5 stars, 3 on Goodreads.
Overall this was a nice enjoyable read (who wouldn’t like being whisked away to a virtual bookstore during bedtime?), especially for me as I love hanging out in bookstores just browsing and picking up the odd paperback or two. I realise how difficult it is for brick-and-mortars to compete with the likes of Amazon, and taking into account how much I enjoy going to bookstores I try to patronise as much as possible, but I do agree with Michelle’s approach of diversifying as a means of making the store profitable as a whole. The characters were likeable, it’s difficult to imagine someone as super-woman-ey as Anna existing in real life but I’m sure they’re out there somewhere.
My major issue with this book is the balancing of plot pace, it felt like absolutely nothing happens in the first 200 pages or so, and then everything happens and is magically tied up in a bow in the space of just a few chapters. I’ve read other reviews suggesting that there were one-too-many domestic issues in the McQueen household (suggesting 2 unwanted pregnancies was unnecessary) but in a way I did think I liked that angle as (a) a teenager getting pregnant is very different from her mother who already has three children, albeit with a different father and (b) I thought it really banged home the point of how much Anna wanted a child of her own but couldn’t because of Phil’s indesire for one. After clouding Michelle in this massive cloud of mystery, including on the blurb on the back, there was disappointingly little revealed. Yes, the details of the event which turned her into the person she is was eventually revealed, but I had hoped for a bit more of a drawing out – both Michelle out of her shell (by Anna as well as Rory!) and teasing out the details of what happened that night. I thought the way that Harvey was dealt with seemed also very brush-offy, and I can’t see him just accepting the outcome given how he was described in the first three-quarters of the book.
That aside, it was a wonderful weekend read that I did enjoy, where I did relate to the characters and could imagine myself in Longhampton visiting the bookstore or going along for one of Anna’s read aloud sessions. 3.5 stars, 3 on Goodreads.
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