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Charley Lambert has a perfect life. She has The Job. The Wardrobe. And The Flat. Then she breaks her leg in three places and is forced to hand over her job to her nasty deputy while she recovers. Desperate for something to do, she discovers a talent for helping the lovelorn online. Then along comes William....
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2013
68 people are currently reading
1979 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Robinson
21 books283 followersThe Day We Disappeared is Lucy Robinson's fourth novel, following hot on the heels of the widely-acclaimed The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me - a Book of 2014 for several online and print media publications.
Lucy worked in theatre and then television documentaries before starting a blog for Marie Claire about her laughably unsuccessful foray into the world of online dating. She did not meet a man during this time but she did become a novelist: every cloud has a silver lining. She now lives in Bristol with her partner, The Man, whom she met when she took off to Buenos Aires to become a bohemian writer in 2010. She still works in television when time permits and does a lot of walking and strange healthy cooking, which you can laugh at via her social media channels:
TWITTER: @lucy_robinson
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/lucyrobinsonwriter
INSTAGRAM: @robinsonwriter
WEBSITE: www.lucy-robinson.co.uk
Lucy worked in theatre and then television documentaries before starting a blog for Marie Claire about her laughably unsuccessful foray into the world of online dating. She did not meet a man during this time but she did become a novelist: every cloud has a silver lining. She now lives in Bristol with her partner, The Man, whom she met when she took off to Buenos Aires to become a bohemian writer in 2010. She still works in television when time permits and does a lot of walking and strange healthy cooking, which you can laugh at via her social media channels:
TWITTER: @lucy_robinson
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/lucyrobinsonwriter
INSTAGRAM: @robinsonwriter
WEBSITE: www.lucy-robinson.co.uk
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November 15, 2018
Arkadaş zoruyla okudum büyük bir işkenceydi arkadaşınız bunu okuyacaksın demediği taktirde kitabı asla okumayın 😒😂
August 20, 2018
Ben yine nereden buldum, nasıl buldum da böyle bir kitap okudum acaba? Bazen gerçekten bir şanssızlık abidesiymişim gibi hissediyorum. Elime hakkında hiçbir şey bilmediğim bir kitap alıyor, ay galiba güzel bir şey buldum diye umutlanıyor ve kafamı duvara vurma isteğiyle kitabı bitiriyorum. Yoruldum hakikaten.
Yazarın neden bir kitaba bu kadar çok olay, karakter ve detay sığdırdığını hâlâ anlayabilmiş değilim. Size biraz tuhaf bir şekilde kitabı anlatmak istiyorum. Eğer sebebini anlarsanız, beni aydınlatın.
Charley 32 yaşında, kendine "İskoç Amazonu" diyen, çalışkan ve düzenli, mükemmeliyetçi, başak burcunu anımsatan bir kadın(yazara göre öyle en azından). Bir ilaç şirketinde iletişim müdürlüğü yapıyor. İşini ve çalışmayı deli gibi seviyor. Patronuna âşık. Adamı gördüğü gün ona âşık olduğunu anlıyor ve o sıralar sevgilisi olan adamdan ayrılmaya karar veriyor. Sevgilisinden 4 yıl sonra ancak ayrılıyor. Patronunu uzaktan sevmeye devam ediyor. Adama aşkının 7. yılındayız.
Sam, Charley'nin 14 yıllık arkadaşı ve aynı zamanda ev arkadaşı. Pasaklı, düşüncesiz, düzensiz, mahremiyet yoksunu, zampara, tembel, boş herifin teki. Ama aynı zamanda çok iyi kalpli olduğunu düşünüyor Charley. Sebebi? Bence kitabın ilk kısmında ortada bir sebep yok. Neyse.
Sam çapkın hayatını geride bırakıp nişanlanıyor ve Charley bunun kutlaması yapılırken düşüp kalça kemiğini ve bacağını kırıyor. Aylarca yatağa mahkum edilince işinden izin alıyor ve Sam ile evde takılırken bir site kuruyorlar. (Site fikri orijinal değil. Amerika'da var olan bir kurumu taklit ediyorlar. Kurum bununla ilgili niyeyse bir yaptırım yapmıyor ve Charley bu kurumun ve patronunun gıcık olduğunu falan düşünüyor ama somut bir sebebimiz yok. O mesele muamma.) Sitenin adı: Acil Randevu Hattı. İnternette birisiyle tanışıp derdini anlatmayı beceremeyen kadın ve erkekler, kendini anlatacak bir kişi ile anlaşıyor ve böylece Sam ya da Charley sizin adınıza, hoşlandığınız kişi ile sanal muhabbeti sürdürüp gerçek hayatta buluşmanızı sağlıyor. Çok üzgünüm ama duyduğum en aptalca şeylerden biri. Size sadece biyografisini gönderen birinin karakterine bürünüp karşınızdaki kişiyle nasıl bir ilişkiyi temellendirebilirsiniz ki? Her neyse.
Charley, ayağını kırdığında patronunun evlendiğini öğreniyor. 7 yıldır onunla flört eden, 3 yıldır evli bir kadınla ilişkisi olan ve çok iyi, karakterli, asil olduğunu iddia ettiği John evlenince epeyce yıkılıyor. Ancak açtığı sohbet sitesi sayesinde kendine benzettiği işkolik bir müşterisinin konuşmak istediği William isimli bir adamla tanışıyor. Birkaç yüzeysel mailin ardından aniden profesyonelliği bir kenara bırakıyor ve William'ın ruh eşi olduğunu, müşterisi Shelley yerine kendisinin onunla olması gerektiğini düşünmeye başlıyor. 7 yıllık platonik aşk anında bitiyor. Saçma sapan dümenler çevirip kendini ikna ediyor ve ilk buluşmalarından önce bir şekilde William'ı etkilemek için buluşmaya katılıyor. Birtakım olaylar olaylar. İnanın ben size şu an çok az bir parçasını anlatıyorum kitabın. Kitapta bitmek bilmeyen olaylar ve entrikalar dönüyor. Neyse.
Bu esnada arkadaşı Sam ve kız kardeşiyle mekanda karşılaşıyor. Birlikte alemlere akıyorlar. 14 yıldır tanıyıp güvendiği arkadaşına karşı tek bir uyarısı vardır yıllardır: Biliyoruz çapkınsın ama benim kız kardeşlerim olmaz falan. Neyse. Sam o gece onun bu kuralına nanik yapar. Çok güçlü, karakterli yetişkinimiz de onu şöyle uyarır: Bak, eğer bunu yaparsan bir daha asla seninle konuşmam. Arkadaşlığımız biter. Sam âdeta dil çıkarır. Kızımız eve gider ve ne görür? Meğerse William diye yazışıp âşık olduğu kişi aslında Sam'miş. William da onun yerine konuşsun diye Sam'i işe almışmış. Charley şok olur tabii ve der ki ıyk, o olamaz, iğrenç. Demek ki bu aşk değilmiş.
Charley iyileşir, kendini tekrar işine adamaya çalışır. Bir yandan yeni evli platonik aşkı John'ın flörtöz halleri, bir yandan yardımcısı Margot'nun işine göz dikmesi, bir yandan da aniden değişmeye başlayan Sam derken kafası karışır. Sam gittikçe düzenli, tertipli, sağlıklı ve sorumluluk sahibi bir insan oluyordur. Otuzundan sonra büyümeye başlamıştır falan. Ama tek gecelik ilişkiler de ara sıra devam etmektedir.
Buralarda yine dramlar, entrikalar. Ben size sadece yuh, dediğim kısımları anlatıyorum, özet bile diyemeyiz bence ya neyse.
John, Charley'e eşiyle mutlu olmadığını ve ayrıldıklarını, boşanacakları söyler. Aniden ne Sam kalır ne William. Charley yine 7 yıllık aşkına döner. Sam kariyeri ile uğraşır. Derken yine olaylar olaylar. Charley'nin işi sallantıdadır, psikolojisi bozuktur, John yalancıdır falan. Neyse ortada amazon kadını falan yoktur. İradesizlik, bencillik, kararsızlık, dilemma, haksızlığa uğrayınca ağzını bile açamama, arkadaşlarına karşı bile ezilip büzülme, kimseye hiçbir şey için hayır diyememe, istediği hiçbir şeyi yapacak gücü olmama amazon kadınları için kullanılıyorsa o ayrı. Charley nihayet işini bırakır, John'dan ayrılır ve büyükannesinin cenazesinde ailesiyle takılır. Ertesi sabah Sam'i görür. Sam ona veda eder ve evinden ayrılır. Kariyeri için farklı bir şehre taşınacaktır. Ayrı mekanlarda oldukları bir süre içinde Sam kadına e posta gönderir ve Charley şöyle olur: Sam'e aşığım. Bunu nasıl da anlayamamışım? William / Sam / Obama... Kim olduğu önemli değil. Önemli olan şu maili yazan kişi. Ben ona aşığım.
Sam gider. Charley tek kalır. Bu esnada daha da güçsüz, takıntılı, depresif birisi olmuştur. Derken Sam'in ilişikisi olduğu izlenimine kapılır. Ağlar zırlar. Bolca. (Ve bunlar, tekrar ediyor olacağım ama, cidden olayların çok az bir kısmı. Daha anlatmadığım bolca saçmalık var kitapta.) Neyse. Bir şekilde büyükannesinin eşiyle 70 yıl önceki mektuplarını bulur ve kendini gaza getirir, gidip Sam'e açılmaya karar verir. Sam de kabul eder ve mutlu son.
Şimdi diyeceksiniz ki bu yorum değil. Aslında bir bakıma öyle. Satır aralarındaki bıkkınlık, göz devirmeler, sinir, stres kitabı okurken hissettiklerimi yansıtıyor. Bunun dışında kolay okunan, bazı yerlerine güldüğüm, beni entrikasıyla bir hayli şaşırttığı için bitirdiğim bir kitap oldu. Şaşırmak derken iyi manada sanmayın lütfen. Gündüz dizisi tadında onlarca entrika okuyunca şey oldum biraz: Vay be, ne kafalar var şu dünyada. Bakalım daha ne kadar saçmalayabilirler?
Açıkçası nefret etmesem de beni bir hayli yoran bir kitap olduğu için bu kitabı tavsiye etmiyorum. Chick-lit dediğimiz tür kafa dağıtmak, eğlendirmek vs. için okunur. Bu kitap ne yazık ki kafanızı yalnızca duvara vururken dağıtabilir. Sevgiler.
Yazarın neden bir kitaba bu kadar çok olay, karakter ve detay sığdırdığını hâlâ anlayabilmiş değilim. Size biraz tuhaf bir şekilde kitabı anlatmak istiyorum. Eğer sebebini anlarsanız, beni aydınlatın.
Charley 32 yaşında, kendine "İskoç Amazonu" diyen, çalışkan ve düzenli, mükemmeliyetçi, başak burcunu anımsatan bir kadın(yazara göre öyle en azından). Bir ilaç şirketinde iletişim müdürlüğü yapıyor. İşini ve çalışmayı deli gibi seviyor. Patronuna âşık. Adamı gördüğü gün ona âşık olduğunu anlıyor ve o sıralar sevgilisi olan adamdan ayrılmaya karar veriyor. Sevgilisinden 4 yıl sonra ancak ayrılıyor. Patronunu uzaktan sevmeye devam ediyor. Adama aşkının 7. yılındayız.
Sam, Charley'nin 14 yıllık arkadaşı ve aynı zamanda ev arkadaşı. Pasaklı, düşüncesiz, düzensiz, mahremiyet yoksunu, zampara, tembel, boş herifin teki. Ama aynı zamanda çok iyi kalpli olduğunu düşünüyor Charley. Sebebi? Bence kitabın ilk kısmında ortada bir sebep yok. Neyse.
Sam çapkın hayatını geride bırakıp nişanlanıyor ve Charley bunun kutlaması yapılırken düşüp kalça kemiğini ve bacağını kırıyor. Aylarca yatağa mahkum edilince işinden izin alıyor ve Sam ile evde takılırken bir site kuruyorlar. (Site fikri orijinal değil. Amerika'da var olan bir kurumu taklit ediyorlar. Kurum bununla ilgili niyeyse bir yaptırım yapmıyor ve Charley bu kurumun ve patronunun gıcık olduğunu falan düşünüyor ama somut bir sebebimiz yok. O mesele muamma.) Sitenin adı: Acil Randevu Hattı. İnternette birisiyle tanışıp derdini anlatmayı beceremeyen kadın ve erkekler, kendini anlatacak bir kişi ile anlaşıyor ve böylece Sam ya da Charley sizin adınıza, hoşlandığınız kişi ile sanal muhabbeti sürdürüp gerçek hayatta buluşmanızı sağlıyor. Çok üzgünüm ama duyduğum en aptalca şeylerden biri. Size sadece biyografisini gönderen birinin karakterine bürünüp karşınızdaki kişiyle nasıl bir ilişkiyi temellendirebilirsiniz ki? Her neyse.
Charley, ayağını kırdığında patronunun evlendiğini öğreniyor. 7 yıldır onunla flört eden, 3 yıldır evli bir kadınla ilişkisi olan ve çok iyi, karakterli, asil olduğunu iddia ettiği John evlenince epeyce yıkılıyor. Ancak açtığı sohbet sitesi sayesinde kendine benzettiği işkolik bir müşterisinin konuşmak istediği William isimli bir adamla tanışıyor. Birkaç yüzeysel mailin ardından aniden profesyonelliği bir kenara bırakıyor ve William'ın ruh eşi olduğunu, müşterisi Shelley yerine kendisinin onunla olması gerektiğini düşünmeye başlıyor. 7 yıllık platonik aşk anında bitiyor. Saçma sapan dümenler çevirip kendini ikna ediyor ve ilk buluşmalarından önce bir şekilde William'ı etkilemek için buluşmaya katılıyor. Birtakım olaylar olaylar. İnanın ben size şu an çok az bir parçasını anlatıyorum kitabın. Kitapta bitmek bilmeyen olaylar ve entrikalar dönüyor. Neyse.
Bu esnada arkadaşı Sam ve kız kardeşiyle mekanda karşılaşıyor. Birlikte alemlere akıyorlar. 14 yıldır tanıyıp güvendiği arkadaşına karşı tek bir uyarısı vardır yıllardır: Biliyoruz çapkınsın ama benim kız kardeşlerim olmaz falan. Neyse. Sam o gece onun bu kuralına nanik yapar. Çok güçlü, karakterli yetişkinimiz de onu şöyle uyarır: Bak, eğer bunu yaparsan bir daha asla seninle konuşmam. Arkadaşlığımız biter. Sam âdeta dil çıkarır. Kızımız eve gider ve ne görür? Meğerse William diye yazışıp âşık olduğu kişi aslında Sam'miş. William da onun yerine konuşsun diye Sam'i işe almışmış. Charley şok olur tabii ve der ki ıyk, o olamaz, iğrenç. Demek ki bu aşk değilmiş.
Charley iyileşir, kendini tekrar işine adamaya çalışır. Bir yandan yeni evli platonik aşkı John'ın flörtöz halleri, bir yandan yardımcısı Margot'nun işine göz dikmesi, bir yandan da aniden değişmeye başlayan Sam derken kafası karışır. Sam gittikçe düzenli, tertipli, sağlıklı ve sorumluluk sahibi bir insan oluyordur. Otuzundan sonra büyümeye başlamıştır falan. Ama tek gecelik ilişkiler de ara sıra devam etmektedir.
Buralarda yine dramlar, entrikalar. Ben size sadece yuh, dediğim kısımları anlatıyorum, özet bile diyemeyiz bence ya neyse.
John, Charley'e eşiyle mutlu olmadığını ve ayrıldıklarını, boşanacakları söyler. Aniden ne Sam kalır ne William. Charley yine 7 yıllık aşkına döner. Sam kariyeri ile uğraşır. Derken yine olaylar olaylar. Charley'nin işi sallantıdadır, psikolojisi bozuktur, John yalancıdır falan. Neyse ortada amazon kadını falan yoktur. İradesizlik, bencillik, kararsızlık, dilemma, haksızlığa uğrayınca ağzını bile açamama, arkadaşlarına karşı bile ezilip büzülme, kimseye hiçbir şey için hayır diyememe, istediği hiçbir şeyi yapacak gücü olmama amazon kadınları için kullanılıyorsa o ayrı. Charley nihayet işini bırakır, John'dan ayrılır ve büyükannesinin cenazesinde ailesiyle takılır. Ertesi sabah Sam'i görür. Sam ona veda eder ve evinden ayrılır. Kariyeri için farklı bir şehre taşınacaktır. Ayrı mekanlarda oldukları bir süre içinde Sam kadına e posta gönderir ve Charley şöyle olur: Sam'e aşığım. Bunu nasıl da anlayamamışım? William / Sam / Obama... Kim olduğu önemli değil. Önemli olan şu maili yazan kişi. Ben ona aşığım.
Sam gider. Charley tek kalır. Bu esnada daha da güçsüz, takıntılı, depresif birisi olmuştur. Derken Sam'in ilişikisi olduğu izlenimine kapılır. Ağlar zırlar. Bolca. (Ve bunlar, tekrar ediyor olacağım ama, cidden olayların çok az bir kısmı. Daha anlatmadığım bolca saçmalık var kitapta.) Neyse. Bir şekilde büyükannesinin eşiyle 70 yıl önceki mektuplarını bulur ve kendini gaza getirir, gidip Sam'e açılmaya karar verir. Sam de kabul eder ve mutlu son.
Şimdi diyeceksiniz ki bu yorum değil. Aslında bir bakıma öyle. Satır aralarındaki bıkkınlık, göz devirmeler, sinir, stres kitabı okurken hissettiklerimi yansıtıyor. Bunun dışında kolay okunan, bazı yerlerine güldüğüm, beni entrikasıyla bir hayli şaşırttığı için bitirdiğim bir kitap oldu. Şaşırmak derken iyi manada sanmayın lütfen. Gündüz dizisi tadında onlarca entrika okuyunca şey oldum biraz: Vay be, ne kafalar var şu dünyada. Bakalım daha ne kadar saçmalayabilirler?
Açıkçası nefret etmesem de beni bir hayli yoran bir kitap olduğu için bu kitabı tavsiye etmiyorum. Chick-lit dediğimiz tür kafa dağıtmak, eğlendirmek vs. için okunur. Bu kitap ne yazık ki kafanızı yalnızca duvara vururken dağıtabilir. Sevgiler.
February 2, 2013
I enjoyed reading Lucy Robinson’s debut, The Greatest Love Story of All Time so when a finished copy of A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger arrive from Francesca Russell at Penguin/Michael Joseph I knew I was in for a treat.
From the very beginning the reader is made aware of Charley’s lifestyle … always on the go, organised, health conscious and with never a spare moment. It’s at the picnic she’s organised for lodger Sam (in a very short time and with very little sleep) to celebrate his engagement to Yvonne when best mate Hayley shows Charley an article about a US entrepreneur who has set up a ghost-writing business for online daters. Charley receives a text from her boss John which causes her to careen down Salisbury Crags. Waking up in hospital to find John sitting on her bed, her bubble is soon burst when ex Dr Nathan Gillies shares information that turns Charley’s romantic hopes upside down.
Not letting her injury and time off work deter her, she sets up First Date Aid and with the help of Sam, turns the ghost-writing into a viable business. It’s when responding to William for a client that she realises her client is very similar to herself … and during the emails, discovers things about herself (as well as falling in love with William).
Despite the predictability of the plot, the characters and how we arrive there are hugely entertaining. Charley entertained me with her approach to life and her interactions with Sam. At times I found myself snorting along with her … When she falls in love with William and comes to an understanding, her disbelief and then withdrawal only endeared her to me even more. Charley’s eccentric family and best friend Hayley round out the story with subplots and the rivalry between Charley and Margot at Salutech gives the reader the conflict and a character we love to detest. Margot really did make my skin crawl!
The attraction and intimacy with CEO John is quite electric and the ‘other’ romance (no spoilers!) is beautifully written. I loved the build-up to the scene at the Stage Manager’s desk, from Charley sat on the edge of the stage to the mad dash up the stairs and finally to the audience’s cheers that filtered up to them. The romance fitted perfectly with what we know about the personalities of the characters.
A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger is a well-paced and entertaining read with characters easy to identify with. You may well find yourself cheering, will definitely find yourself laughing/snorting and certainly you’ll be clenching your fists when Margot is around. You may have the odd tear too … At the end you will sigh and feel that all is right with the world. This is a story that will leave you with that feel-good factor.
I would like to thank the publishers for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
From the very beginning the reader is made aware of Charley’s lifestyle … always on the go, organised, health conscious and with never a spare moment. It’s at the picnic she’s organised for lodger Sam (in a very short time and with very little sleep) to celebrate his engagement to Yvonne when best mate Hayley shows Charley an article about a US entrepreneur who has set up a ghost-writing business for online daters. Charley receives a text from her boss John which causes her to careen down Salisbury Crags. Waking up in hospital to find John sitting on her bed, her bubble is soon burst when ex Dr Nathan Gillies shares information that turns Charley’s romantic hopes upside down.
Not letting her injury and time off work deter her, she sets up First Date Aid and with the help of Sam, turns the ghost-writing into a viable business. It’s when responding to William for a client that she realises her client is very similar to herself … and during the emails, discovers things about herself (as well as falling in love with William).
Despite the predictability of the plot, the characters and how we arrive there are hugely entertaining. Charley entertained me with her approach to life and her interactions with Sam. At times I found myself snorting along with her … When she falls in love with William and comes to an understanding, her disbelief and then withdrawal only endeared her to me even more. Charley’s eccentric family and best friend Hayley round out the story with subplots and the rivalry between Charley and Margot at Salutech gives the reader the conflict and a character we love to detest. Margot really did make my skin crawl!
The attraction and intimacy with CEO John is quite electric and the ‘other’ romance (no spoilers!) is beautifully written. I loved the build-up to the scene at the Stage Manager’s desk, from Charley sat on the edge of the stage to the mad dash up the stairs and finally to the audience’s cheers that filtered up to them. The romance fitted perfectly with what we know about the personalities of the characters.
A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger is a well-paced and entertaining read with characters easy to identify with. You may well find yourself cheering, will definitely find yourself laughing/snorting and certainly you’ll be clenching your fists when Margot is around. You may have the odd tear too … At the end you will sigh and feel that all is right with the world. This is a story that will leave you with that feel-good factor.
I would like to thank the publishers for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2013
oh I think I have a new favourite romcom author!!
December 6, 2015
I was so annoyed by this book that I don't really know where to start. Most of the time it felt as if it had too much text. This cannot be a good thing, regarding this is a book - and books consist of text. And when I thought it might finally be over soon, I went to check and boom - still 9384 pages left. Yay.
First the names. On the one side there are Gilly from the American online dating service, Dr Nathan Gillies as Charleys ex and Giles as another random sample client. What about this Gillinvasion? Very uncreative variety. On the other side are the nicknames for Charlotte. My fingers refuse to type any examples, but I can tell there were too many and they were not funny. And those awful names were repeated so often!
Repetition was a problem itself in general. Some things were repeated throughout the whole book too often. Like "knob" for example. I never really heard this expression before, but this was definitely enough to last for the rest of my life.
Sometimes it was just one expression repeated 34589 times in one paragraph. Just to be replaced by the next one. You could guess-while-reading what the next expression would be. Nice little game to pass time.
I kind of liked that it wasn't too obvious how the story would end. There were 3 or 4 potential guys, but they were all rather unsuitable to be THE ONE. (So it's not too bad that the summary is completely misleading.) They all had some major disadvantages. It was clear that at least one of them had to have a presumably unrealistic change, so I wasn't too disappointed when the changes actually came.
I wasn't sure what to think about John when he suddenly was in love with Charley for the whole time they knew each other. But in the aftermath I think it all turned out quite well. (Charley's reaction, however, was terrible. She thought about his declaration of love for 5 minutes with a lot of doubts in mind. And then suddenly just goes "all in" like a brainless idiot. Without any reason to behave this way. I was actually quite happy that he only messed around with her.)
Sam's change on the other hand was awful. Biggest scruff on earth turns to be an exemplary dream guy. Surely just because of some "romantic" mails. So not only his personal development but also the process of him being Charley's friend to the guy she is totally in love with went really poorly.
I think the skills of transmitting emotions of whatever kind were nonexistent in general. Happy/ emotional/ sad/ whatever situations were ALWAYS destroyed by conversations or events of the completely opposite nature. Everything is fine, only to be killed by some dramatic interjection of something totally out of context. That's exhausting.
For example, one day she quits her job and attends her granny's funeral. All of the sudden she grows deeper feelings for Sam. Out of nowhere. The next day she tells her dog: "Oh I'm so sad, I don't have a job any more." Then Sam joins her and tells her that he's got a job in London. Suddenly she's not able to be happy for him because she needs him so much/ wants to restart the business with him/ loves him/ blah although there weren't any hints in that direction before.
Later everything is overly happy with Charley's parents, her reconcilation with Hailey and their excitement for her little dating company. "But underneath the warmth of the moment sadness tugged insidiously at me. The sadness was called Sam." Blah blah. There was NOTHING to justify those kind of "deep thoughts" every 5 minutes.
There was actually a quite relevant passage at some point. Quite ironic, in fact. "This cycle - scrummy snoggy sugary thoughts followed by sharp and crushing disappointment - was killing me. [...] It was torment [...] the obsessive cycle." EXACTLY. That's how this entire book feels.
The next annoying point is, that everything was too exaggerated.
It was a very stressful up and down with her job, her family, friends and her love life. It was either completely over-perfect or totally down. Too many too highs immediately destroyed by total lows.
Also how Charley passionatly laughs in situations that really do not require that amount of laughter. Like when John brought her breakfast to bed just like she fantasized before she decided to sleep with him. How is that so hilarious? I'd rather classify such thing as "cool" instead of uproariously funny.
Or when she and Sam behaved like two stupid teenagers at the posh restaurant? How old are they? 32? That's ridiculous, especially as over-professional Charlotte has been in such places before. I don't really know how she got her job anyway. Why does she let herself be deflated by Margot's blackmailing? She's such a loser. I thought you have to be tough to become a major communications manager.
Sooo, as you can tell I was a little pissed of by this book. But the best thing came towards the end. OF COURSE did Charley find out, that her grandfather, whom she never got to know, had the same "talent" as her. OF COURSE did he write love letters on behalf of others back in WW2 and was respected by everyone for that skill. He wrote such touching letters to her granny. And as if that's not enough, Sam COINCIDENTALLY uses the same words in his "final revealing I-love-you speech" as Charley's grandpa wrote to her grandma. HOW ROMANTIC. It's destiny! Ksasdölf. I can't deal with it :D
As a final thought, to calm down a bit, I'd like to know why Shelley, who has no time to deal with such a trivial thing as online dating, suddenly has time to arrange such an exaggerated fuss to bring Charley and Sam together?
First the names. On the one side there are Gilly from the American online dating service, Dr Nathan Gillies as Charleys ex and Giles as another random sample client. What about this Gillinvasion? Very uncreative variety. On the other side are the nicknames for Charlotte. My fingers refuse to type any examples, but I can tell there were too many and they were not funny. And those awful names were repeated so often!
Repetition was a problem itself in general. Some things were repeated throughout the whole book too often. Like "knob" for example. I never really heard this expression before, but this was definitely enough to last for the rest of my life.
Sometimes it was just one expression repeated 34589 times in one paragraph. Just to be replaced by the next one. You could guess-while-reading what the next expression would be. Nice little game to pass time.
I kind of liked that it wasn't too obvious how the story would end. There were 3 or 4 potential guys, but they were all rather unsuitable to be THE ONE. (So it's not too bad that the summary is completely misleading.) They all had some major disadvantages. It was clear that at least one of them had to have a presumably unrealistic change, so I wasn't too disappointed when the changes actually came.
I wasn't sure what to think about John when he suddenly was in love with Charley for the whole time they knew each other. But in the aftermath I think it all turned out quite well. (Charley's reaction, however, was terrible. She thought about his declaration of love for 5 minutes with a lot of doubts in mind. And then suddenly just goes "all in" like a brainless idiot. Without any reason to behave this way. I was actually quite happy that he only messed around with her.)
Sam's change on the other hand was awful. Biggest scruff on earth turns to be an exemplary dream guy. Surely just because of some "romantic" mails. So not only his personal development but also the process of him being Charley's friend to the guy she is totally in love with went really poorly.
I think the skills of transmitting emotions of whatever kind were nonexistent in general. Happy/ emotional/ sad/ whatever situations were ALWAYS destroyed by conversations or events of the completely opposite nature. Everything is fine, only to be killed by some dramatic interjection of something totally out of context. That's exhausting.
For example, one day she quits her job and attends her granny's funeral. All of the sudden she grows deeper feelings for Sam. Out of nowhere. The next day she tells her dog: "Oh I'm so sad, I don't have a job any more." Then Sam joins her and tells her that he's got a job in London. Suddenly she's not able to be happy for him because she needs him so much/ wants to restart the business with him/ loves him/ blah although there weren't any hints in that direction before.
Later everything is overly happy with Charley's parents, her reconcilation with Hailey and their excitement for her little dating company. "But underneath the warmth of the moment sadness tugged insidiously at me. The sadness was called Sam." Blah blah. There was NOTHING to justify those kind of "deep thoughts" every 5 minutes.
There was actually a quite relevant passage at some point. Quite ironic, in fact. "This cycle - scrummy snoggy sugary thoughts followed by sharp and crushing disappointment - was killing me. [...] It was torment [...] the obsessive cycle." EXACTLY. That's how this entire book feels.
The next annoying point is, that everything was too exaggerated.
It was a very stressful up and down with her job, her family, friends and her love life. It was either completely over-perfect or totally down. Too many too highs immediately destroyed by total lows.
Also how Charley passionatly laughs in situations that really do not require that amount of laughter. Like when John brought her breakfast to bed just like she fantasized before she decided to sleep with him. How is that so hilarious? I'd rather classify such thing as "cool" instead of uproariously funny.
Or when she and Sam behaved like two stupid teenagers at the posh restaurant? How old are they? 32? That's ridiculous, especially as over-professional Charlotte has been in such places before. I don't really know how she got her job anyway. Why does she let herself be deflated by Margot's blackmailing? She's such a loser. I thought you have to be tough to become a major communications manager.
Sooo, as you can tell I was a little pissed of by this book. But the best thing came towards the end. OF COURSE did Charley find out, that her grandfather, whom she never got to know, had the same "talent" as her. OF COURSE did he write love letters on behalf of others back in WW2 and was respected by everyone for that skill. He wrote such touching letters to her granny. And as if that's not enough, Sam COINCIDENTALLY uses the same words in his "final revealing I-love-you speech" as Charley's grandpa wrote to her grandma. HOW ROMANTIC. It's destiny! Ksasdölf. I can't deal with it :D
As a final thought, to calm down a bit, I'd like to know why Shelley, who has no time to deal with such a trivial thing as online dating, suddenly has time to arrange such an exaggerated fuss to bring Charley and Sam together?
January 23, 2013
A heartrending, stirring novel that touches you with its deep meaning and truth-drawing clarity
This beautiful book tugs at the heartstrings of human emotion with such poignancy, sincerity and warmth. Lucy Robinson captures perfectly those butterflies within your stomach as ‘the moment’ transpires with one glance, to a detailed character-study of the ups and downs of any relationship. A romantic comedy complete with attractive, likable characters that you easily connect and relate to amidst an interesting plot that keeps you guessing throughout. I really enjoyed this delightful page-turner, which appeals to a wide-readership including those who enjoy classic fiction, romance and chick-lit. Gripping and utterly absorbing this compelling read will make you laugh-out-loud, gasp in shock and have you clutching the pages so tightly that your knuckles turn white. Charley Lambert typifies the workaholic woman, that when she suddenly looses all control becomes open and perceptive to all that surrounds her. It is when she lets her guard down that we can truly empathize, for no one is flawless nor is falling in and out of love unproblematic.
This realistic insight into the world of online dating, unrequited love and the ultimate pursuit of happiness. An outstanding novel by an accomplished author that I predict as this year’s bestseller, which in quintessence captures life and love in a snapshot. I am so impressed by this ingenuous novel that is full of warmth, optimism and fulfillment.
*I would like to thank ‘Real Readers’ for sending me an ARC of A passionate love affair with a total stranger by Lucy Robinson, to read and review.*
This beautiful book tugs at the heartstrings of human emotion with such poignancy, sincerity and warmth. Lucy Robinson captures perfectly those butterflies within your stomach as ‘the moment’ transpires with one glance, to a detailed character-study of the ups and downs of any relationship. A romantic comedy complete with attractive, likable characters that you easily connect and relate to amidst an interesting plot that keeps you guessing throughout. I really enjoyed this delightful page-turner, which appeals to a wide-readership including those who enjoy classic fiction, romance and chick-lit. Gripping and utterly absorbing this compelling read will make you laugh-out-loud, gasp in shock and have you clutching the pages so tightly that your knuckles turn white. Charley Lambert typifies the workaholic woman, that when she suddenly looses all control becomes open and perceptive to all that surrounds her. It is when she lets her guard down that we can truly empathize, for no one is flawless nor is falling in and out of love unproblematic.
This realistic insight into the world of online dating, unrequited love and the ultimate pursuit of happiness. An outstanding novel by an accomplished author that I predict as this year’s bestseller, which in quintessence captures life and love in a snapshot. I am so impressed by this ingenuous novel that is full of warmth, optimism and fulfillment.
*I would like to thank ‘Real Readers’ for sending me an ARC of A passionate love affair with a total stranger by Lucy Robinson, to read and review.*
June 24, 2015
I love books like that! It's about transformation and finding what's important in life, it's sweet and funny, and it's inspirational. Charley Lambert is a scary workaholic, so when she breaks her leg and is forced to slow down, she starts falling apart and slowly realises that the life she worked so hard to achieve is a list of chores and doesn't really make her happy. She starts helping hopeless daters online, and accidentally falls in love herself through a series of letters. Thoroughly recommended, this is a true feel good summer read :)
December 8, 2018
https://leiturasdelaura.blogspot.com/...
Está chegando o final do ano e com ele aquele estresse para fechar as metas do ano em todos os campos, inclusive os livros. Daí a melhor coisa a fazer é ler coisas leves. Primeiro porque chega de estresse, segundo porque coisas leves terminam mais rápido e facilitam atingir a meta de leitura.
Como quem lê minhas resenhas já percebeu, adoro ler um livro estilo chicklit quando preciso espairecer. E agora em dezembro tem uma maratona internacional de romances chamada #smutathon, que claro, eu pretendo seguir, então resolvi fazer um esquenta.
A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger não foi lançado no Brasil, e provavelmente não vai ser tão cedo, visto que não é nenhum Best Seller. Mas é divertido toda vida de ler. Charley Lambert é diretora de comunicação de uma mega empresa farmacêutica e uma workaholic, até que ela sofre um acidente e precisa ficar parada em casa por semanas antes do próximo mega lançamento da sua empresa. Como boa workaholic ela inventa o que fazer e cria um pequeno negócio de ghost writer para mulheres com dificuldade de paquerar pela internet.
A história é boba, muito boba, e em tanto datada. Não é tão viável em dias de Tinder você oferecer esse tipo de serviço, fora que a razão desse tipo de aplicativo hoje em dia não é exatamente o mesmo do início dos sites de encontros românticos. Mas isso não importa, porque o livro é engraçado.
Não tem todas as cenas picantes que eu esperava, infelizmente, mas ele compensa no humor. Tem umas questões que surgem de vez em quando de machismos estruturais meio escondidos, mas nada que grite na sua cara e faça você ter raiva do livro, o que é mais do que pode ser dito da maioria dos livros desse estilo hoje em dia, então ponto positivo.
Lucy Robinson não é uma autora genial, e A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger não é uma obra prima, mas a leitura é leve, divertida e rápida. Serve exatamente ao seu propósito, então, se você está procurando algo leve e divertido de ler essa é uma excelente opção.
Está chegando o final do ano e com ele aquele estresse para fechar as metas do ano em todos os campos, inclusive os livros. Daí a melhor coisa a fazer é ler coisas leves. Primeiro porque chega de estresse, segundo porque coisas leves terminam mais rápido e facilitam atingir a meta de leitura.
Como quem lê minhas resenhas já percebeu, adoro ler um livro estilo chicklit quando preciso espairecer. E agora em dezembro tem uma maratona internacional de romances chamada #smutathon, que claro, eu pretendo seguir, então resolvi fazer um esquenta.
A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger não foi lançado no Brasil, e provavelmente não vai ser tão cedo, visto que não é nenhum Best Seller. Mas é divertido toda vida de ler. Charley Lambert é diretora de comunicação de uma mega empresa farmacêutica e uma workaholic, até que ela sofre um acidente e precisa ficar parada em casa por semanas antes do próximo mega lançamento da sua empresa. Como boa workaholic ela inventa o que fazer e cria um pequeno negócio de ghost writer para mulheres com dificuldade de paquerar pela internet.
A história é boba, muito boba, e em tanto datada. Não é tão viável em dias de Tinder você oferecer esse tipo de serviço, fora que a razão desse tipo de aplicativo hoje em dia não é exatamente o mesmo do início dos sites de encontros românticos. Mas isso não importa, porque o livro é engraçado.
Não tem todas as cenas picantes que eu esperava, infelizmente, mas ele compensa no humor. Tem umas questões que surgem de vez em quando de machismos estruturais meio escondidos, mas nada que grite na sua cara e faça você ter raiva do livro, o que é mais do que pode ser dito da maioria dos livros desse estilo hoje em dia, então ponto positivo.
Lucy Robinson não é uma autora genial, e A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger não é uma obra prima, mas a leitura é leve, divertida e rápida. Serve exatamente ao seu propósito, então, se você está procurando algo leve e divertido de ler essa é uma excelente opção.
January 30, 2013
Review originally on I Heart.. Chick Lit.
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com
I loved Lucy Robinson's debut novel, The Greatest Love Story of All Time as it was absolutely hilarious. I loved how Lucy could express her voice through her character, Fran - her writing voice is really good - tinged with sarcasm and irony. Her voice is fresh, new and really funny. I actually loved the profanities in the book, as they made the book utterly hilarious!
When I was offered a chance to review her next book, A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger, I was so thrilled! I mean, this is Lucy Robinson we're talking about! Writer by day, slacker by night. Crap talker, all the time! Sorry, but she's really amazing and she's the amazeballs. You got to love her.
What I thought about it:
A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger is in fact, a love story. Yes, as much as it makes you recoil in disgust at the thought of mushy kisses and passionate snogs. It's not that kind of love story. It is a more complex love story, because the blurb might mention that Charley is captivated by William, that's just ONE part of the book.
Initially, I thought the book will revolve around Charley winning over William, her desperate attempts to find The One and of course, kick arse at her job. Well, you'll be surprised that, in fact, this is just a few key parts of the book. A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger has a very expansive plot. Once you get reading, you'll find out that the book does have a proper message in it, which is, finding love through online dating but some people are not what they seem when you meet in the cyberworld.
I loved the heroine, Charley, a lot. Mainly because I would like to be so proficient and good at my job. But no one likes a workaholic, I'm sure. Sadly, she is one, she deals with her problems by working. Work, I mean, she's practically a machine, I tell you. She can't sit still, relax or even keep calm, even when she broke her leg, she constantly thinks about her job and the launch of a very *VERY* important drug. For me, Charley started off as a strong, "Amazon" lady, rising to six feet with killer legs. Lucy describes her as a stunning, tall lady but instead, ironically, carries herself as a lanky night stalker. Sorry, Lucy. You're cool with this, eh? But as the story progresses, Charley starts to realise what she really wants in life and that's a wonderful story to read. I adored her friend and housemate, Sam! He's such a wonderful male friend as he may seem scruffy and unruly but has a golden heart! He helped Charley during her recovery from her broken leg - cook for her, be there for her, support her. If only guys like him do exist.
The pace of the book was what I needed. It was fast, upbeat and well-planned. I was recovering from my broken heart after reading The First Last Kiss, so A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger was a good distraction from mourning for the lost of a hero I loved so much. It was the perfect pick-me-up for me as it gave me the joyous boost, a reason to laugh and of course, enjoy what Lucy had to offer. It was mighty good and it reminded me why I loved Lucy's debut novel so much - nostalgia. Some parts of the novel made me cackling like an evil witch with a drinking problem and some parts made me want to give Charley a massive hug!
Verdict:
Overall, the book was a fantastic read. I loved it and managed to finish it in 2 days. I stayed up both nights and read it till the crack of dawn. That's how good it is! It was what modern women's fiction should be - funny, light, fluffy and can I say downright hilarious? Well, because the way Lucy writes, it is like she's sharing her anecdotes and persuade you to follow her characters' stories. I loved it as it was cleverly written and achingly funny, what else do you expect from a Marie Claire blogger?
Rating : 5/5
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com
I loved Lucy Robinson's debut novel, The Greatest Love Story of All Time as it was absolutely hilarious. I loved how Lucy could express her voice through her character, Fran - her writing voice is really good - tinged with sarcasm and irony. Her voice is fresh, new and really funny. I actually loved the profanities in the book, as they made the book utterly hilarious!
When I was offered a chance to review her next book, A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger, I was so thrilled! I mean, this is Lucy Robinson we're talking about! Writer by day, slacker by night. Crap talker, all the time! Sorry, but she's really amazing and she's the amazeballs. You got to love her.
What I thought about it:
A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger is in fact, a love story. Yes, as much as it makes you recoil in disgust at the thought of mushy kisses and passionate snogs. It's not that kind of love story. It is a more complex love story, because the blurb might mention that Charley is captivated by William, that's just ONE part of the book.
Initially, I thought the book will revolve around Charley winning over William, her desperate attempts to find The One and of course, kick arse at her job. Well, you'll be surprised that, in fact, this is just a few key parts of the book. A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger has a very expansive plot. Once you get reading, you'll find out that the book does have a proper message in it, which is, finding love through online dating but some people are not what they seem when you meet in the cyberworld.
I loved the heroine, Charley, a lot. Mainly because I would like to be so proficient and good at my job. But no one likes a workaholic, I'm sure. Sadly, she is one, she deals with her problems by working. Work, I mean, she's practically a machine, I tell you. She can't sit still, relax or even keep calm, even when she broke her leg, she constantly thinks about her job and the launch of a very *VERY* important drug. For me, Charley started off as a strong, "Amazon" lady, rising to six feet with killer legs. Lucy describes her as a stunning, tall lady but instead, ironically, carries herself as a lanky night stalker. Sorry, Lucy. You're cool with this, eh? But as the story progresses, Charley starts to realise what she really wants in life and that's a wonderful story to read. I adored her friend and housemate, Sam! He's such a wonderful male friend as he may seem scruffy and unruly but has a golden heart! He helped Charley during her recovery from her broken leg - cook for her, be there for her, support her. If only guys like him do exist.
The pace of the book was what I needed. It was fast, upbeat and well-planned. I was recovering from my broken heart after reading The First Last Kiss, so A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger was a good distraction from mourning for the lost of a hero I loved so much. It was the perfect pick-me-up for me as it gave me the joyous boost, a reason to laugh and of course, enjoy what Lucy had to offer. It was mighty good and it reminded me why I loved Lucy's debut novel so much - nostalgia. Some parts of the novel made me cackling like an evil witch with a drinking problem and some parts made me want to give Charley a massive hug!
Verdict:
Overall, the book was a fantastic read. I loved it and managed to finish it in 2 days. I stayed up both nights and read it till the crack of dawn. That's how good it is! It was what modern women's fiction should be - funny, light, fluffy and can I say downright hilarious? Well, because the way Lucy writes, it is like she's sharing her anecdotes and persuade you to follow her characters' stories. I loved it as it was cleverly written and achingly funny, what else do you expect from a Marie Claire blogger?
Rating : 5/5
February 3, 2013
I confess I'm getting a little jaded with the whole chick-lit genre, apart from Marian Keyes, so I wasn't sure how I'd feel about A Passionate Love Affair ....
Charley Lambert is a chronic over-achieving workaholic. Free time is anathema to her - every moment has to be filled with culturally enriching activities or exercise. She shares a flat with Sam, a womanising aspiring actor she has known since her university days and has a fabulously eccentric family to support her. When Charley breaks her leg in three places, sees her boss - subject of her embarrassing crush - propose to another woman,and has to hand her beloved job over to her odious deputy, she is bereft. Charley decided from her sick bed, that she'll start up a business helping hapless internet daters connect with each other. When one of her clients asks her to start e-mailing William on her behalf, Charley finds herself falling in love.
A Passionate Love Affair ... is a very easy read and is full of laughs. Lucy Robinson's characters are well rounded and highly believable and are also the type of people you would want to be friends with. I did enjoy it and tore through it at a very fast pace. Charley is by turns annoying and strangely vulnerable making you sympathise with her while simultaneously giving her a good shake.
However, the plot and situations are nothing new for the genre and it is obvious from the beginning who Charley would / should end up being with. If you are reading a chick lit novel, then you are probably not expecting the author to reinvent the literary wheel. But if you are looking for a fun read that will entertain and engage you, A Passionate Affair ... ticks all the boxes.
Charley Lambert is a chronic over-achieving workaholic. Free time is anathema to her - every moment has to be filled with culturally enriching activities or exercise. She shares a flat with Sam, a womanising aspiring actor she has known since her university days and has a fabulously eccentric family to support her. When Charley breaks her leg in three places, sees her boss - subject of her embarrassing crush - propose to another woman,and has to hand her beloved job over to her odious deputy, she is bereft. Charley decided from her sick bed, that she'll start up a business helping hapless internet daters connect with each other. When one of her clients asks her to start e-mailing William on her behalf, Charley finds herself falling in love.
A Passionate Love Affair ... is a very easy read and is full of laughs. Lucy Robinson's characters are well rounded and highly believable and are also the type of people you would want to be friends with. I did enjoy it and tore through it at a very fast pace. Charley is by turns annoying and strangely vulnerable making you sympathise with her while simultaneously giving her a good shake.
However, the plot and situations are nothing new for the genre and it is obvious from the beginning who Charley would / should end up being with. If you are reading a chick lit novel, then you are probably not expecting the author to reinvent the literary wheel. But if you are looking for a fun read that will entertain and engage you, A Passionate Affair ... ticks all the boxes.
July 1, 2015
Loved it! Absolutely loved it!
July 27, 2020
Bought this hoping it'd be a funny read but couldn't get into it. The characters annoyed me with their vulgarness and excessive swearing (Every second word doesn't need to be a swear word and I really hate it when books deliberately use vulgar terms unecessarily). I found the main character to be unrelatable, foolish and irritating. Her "down to earth" friend felt try-hard with excessive swearing as her dialogue to try make her seem grounded. Just not my thing at all.
August 6, 2024
I bought A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger from a secondhand bookstore, I read the summary and like the book cover. I had it on my TBR shelf for a couple of years, and as the premise of the plot, and the book cover fulfilled a couple of reading challenges I decided to read it.
Well, it wasn't my cup of tea, it felt blunt, and boring. Charley's inner thoughts were so not realistic, and as a character she is immature.
As Charley navigates the uncharted territory of online matchmaking, she finds herself entwined in a passionate affair with a mysterious stranger, William, who sparks a flame that threatens to upend her perfectly curated life. She must confront the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, she'll discover that the most unexpected connections can lead to the most profound transformations.
I finished the book because of the audiobook, and the challenges. Well, sometimes you win them and sometimes not so much.
Well, it wasn't my cup of tea, it felt blunt, and boring. Charley's inner thoughts were so not realistic, and as a character she is immature.
As Charley navigates the uncharted territory of online matchmaking, she finds herself entwined in a passionate affair with a mysterious stranger, William, who sparks a flame that threatens to upend her perfectly curated life. She must confront the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, she'll discover that the most unexpected connections can lead to the most profound transformations.
I finished the book because of the audiobook, and the challenges. Well, sometimes you win them and sometimes not so much.
February 12, 2013
A Passionate Love Affair With a Total Stranger is a love story, not your average soppy predictable love story; Lucy Robinson has brought a whole new meaning to love stories and it’s exciting, it’s not just about passion and romance it’s filled with mystery and abundant with hilarity.
This is a love story with a twist and without giving away the entire plot (which is rather expansive for a story of love) I can say that you will be guessing more or less until the end. You just couldn't predict exactly what is going to happen like you can with so many generic love stories.
What do you do when you’re a workaholic and you throw yourself down a massive bloody hill resulting in breaking your leg in three places?
If you’re name is Charley Lambert you’ll ignore your doctor’s orders for many weeks of rest and find a find a way to work from home.
As an outlet and use of her newly found free time, Charley sets up a business as a ghost writer for people who are terrible at trying to be romantic but want to meet people via online dating. It’s called First Date Aid.
The business is going really well, but when you start to fall for one of your clients love interests it can never be good. Charley finds herself falling helplessly in love and can’t control her feelings, but is William everything Charley thinks he is and more? How can she communicate with William as herself and not Shelley her hopeless romantic of a client without breaking all the rules of her new business?
She’s spent the last seven years in love with her boss John and this is the first time she has had feelings for somebody other than him.
Charley is on a journey of self discovery and realizes that maybe she doesn't love her life and her job as much as she thought, maybe she really just wants to sit back and be normal for a while and take care of her own needs before everyone else’s.
I particularly like Charley’s relationship with her friends and family, my favourite character is her house mate Sam who is a bit of a slob but overall a real sweetheart who is there in times of need just like a good friend should be. Throughout the story I could never trust John, her love interest of seven years and boss at the big corporate pharmaceutical firm she works for. He seemed a little sleazy to me and like he was always up to no good.
Margot my least favourite character is a colleague, she tries repeatedly to steal Charlotte’s job position from her while she is unable to work and in a vulnerable position as her life comes crashing down around her.
This was a great lesson in how people on the internet especially within dating aren't always going to be what they seem but that doesn't necessarily mean it’s going to be a bad thing!
It also shows you how easily you can be blind to what is going on around you, especially if you’re always caught up in work and not stopping to take a moment for yourself.
This is the first book I have read by Lucy Robinson and I really enjoyed it, so much that I would like to read her previous novel to see if it is as enjoyable as this one was.
I read this book over 3 days commuting to work and back, I even found myself spending my lunch hour sneaking in more as I was eager to know what was going to happen next. It’s a very witty light hearted novel and I found it to be a really relaxing read, perfect to put your feet up with on a weekend and just enjoy a few quiet hours.
This is a love story with a twist and without giving away the entire plot (which is rather expansive for a story of love) I can say that you will be guessing more or less until the end. You just couldn't predict exactly what is going to happen like you can with so many generic love stories.
What do you do when you’re a workaholic and you throw yourself down a massive bloody hill resulting in breaking your leg in three places?
If you’re name is Charley Lambert you’ll ignore your doctor’s orders for many weeks of rest and find a find a way to work from home.
As an outlet and use of her newly found free time, Charley sets up a business as a ghost writer for people who are terrible at trying to be romantic but want to meet people via online dating. It’s called First Date Aid.
The business is going really well, but when you start to fall for one of your clients love interests it can never be good. Charley finds herself falling helplessly in love and can’t control her feelings, but is William everything Charley thinks he is and more? How can she communicate with William as herself and not Shelley her hopeless romantic of a client without breaking all the rules of her new business?
She’s spent the last seven years in love with her boss John and this is the first time she has had feelings for somebody other than him.
Charley is on a journey of self discovery and realizes that maybe she doesn't love her life and her job as much as she thought, maybe she really just wants to sit back and be normal for a while and take care of her own needs before everyone else’s.
I particularly like Charley’s relationship with her friends and family, my favourite character is her house mate Sam who is a bit of a slob but overall a real sweetheart who is there in times of need just like a good friend should be. Throughout the story I could never trust John, her love interest of seven years and boss at the big corporate pharmaceutical firm she works for. He seemed a little sleazy to me and like he was always up to no good.
Margot my least favourite character is a colleague, she tries repeatedly to steal Charlotte’s job position from her while she is unable to work and in a vulnerable position as her life comes crashing down around her.
This was a great lesson in how people on the internet especially within dating aren't always going to be what they seem but that doesn't necessarily mean it’s going to be a bad thing!
It also shows you how easily you can be blind to what is going on around you, especially if you’re always caught up in work and not stopping to take a moment for yourself.
This is the first book I have read by Lucy Robinson and I really enjoyed it, so much that I would like to read her previous novel to see if it is as enjoyable as this one was.
I read this book over 3 days commuting to work and back, I even found myself spending my lunch hour sneaking in more as I was eager to know what was going to happen next. It’s a very witty light hearted novel and I found it to be a really relaxing read, perfect to put your feet up with on a weekend and just enjoy a few quiet hours.
December 23, 2012
This novel tells the story of Charley Lambert, a complete workaholic and go-getter who likes to be in control of every aspect of her life- until an event forces her to slow down and take a step back from the day job. Laid up in bed with a broken leg and pelvis, a frustrated Charley can only watch as her high-powered career is micro-managed by her work nemesis Margot, and as the man of her dreams (and her boss), marries another woman. Desperate for another project to channel her energies into, Charley takes a step into the online dating world, by managing an online venture called 'First Date Aid'- ghost-writing emails for clients unlucky in love and without the time (or wit) to write their own responses. Helped by her flatmate (and best friend) Sam, one of Charley's crucial assignments is in ensuring the handsome Doctor William falls for lovelorn Shelley, but after exchanging a few emails with William herself, Charley realises that she too, is in danger of falling in love with him...
In this romantic comedy of errors, there were some great characters who I completely adored- from Charley's madcap family to her cast of friends. The writing is pacey and the dialogue engaging, which ensured I was drawn into the story from the start. There were also some fantastic little twists that I didn't see coming at all, which made sure the plot stayed fresh and exciting. The premise itself was a great one- I have friends who have tried online dating themselves and it has made me think who is at the other side of that computer screen!
The main message that I took away from this book though, like Charley, is that it is immeasurable to really assess the important things in life and what makes you happy. Without giving away any spoilers, I loved the small incidents in this book that forced her to take a look at herself and whether or not her work and relationship was satisfying her. She undergoes a real journey in this book and though she is not without her flaws (she can be a little bit self-obsessed for one thing) I really liked getting to know her.
These sort of romance novels are few and far between in my opinion: the believable kind that leave you with a big smile on your face and feeling all gooey and fuzzy inside once you've finished reading them, which I definitely did when I got to the last page of this one. I read A LOT of chick-lit, but this is definitely one of my top contenders for my favourite romance novels read in 2012, which is quite a high accolade. It's also safe to say after picking this one up, that I will definitely be reading more books by Lucy Robinson in future.
In this romantic comedy of errors, there were some great characters who I completely adored- from Charley's madcap family to her cast of friends. The writing is pacey and the dialogue engaging, which ensured I was drawn into the story from the start. There were also some fantastic little twists that I didn't see coming at all, which made sure the plot stayed fresh and exciting. The premise itself was a great one- I have friends who have tried online dating themselves and it has made me think who is at the other side of that computer screen!
The main message that I took away from this book though, like Charley, is that it is immeasurable to really assess the important things in life and what makes you happy. Without giving away any spoilers, I loved the small incidents in this book that forced her to take a look at herself and whether or not her work and relationship was satisfying her. She undergoes a real journey in this book and though she is not without her flaws (she can be a little bit self-obsessed for one thing) I really liked getting to know her.
These sort of romance novels are few and far between in my opinion: the believable kind that leave you with a big smile on your face and feeling all gooey and fuzzy inside once you've finished reading them, which I definitely did when I got to the last page of this one. I read A LOT of chick-lit, but this is definitely one of my top contenders for my favourite romance novels read in 2012, which is quite a high accolade. It's also safe to say after picking this one up, that I will definitely be reading more books by Lucy Robinson in future.
September 26, 2013
Ogni tanto leggere qualche commedia romantica fa sempre bene e questo è il caso di "Niente è più vero di una bugia", commedia degli equivoci e del romanticismo non troppo smielato che ci racconta le avventure o forse dovremmo dire le sventure di Charlotte, una donna dinamica e maniaca del lavoro che non si ferma mai e che riempie ogni singolo secondo della sua vita con infinite attività...
Ed è proprio durante una gita da lei organizzata, che Charlotte si rompe una gamba e si trova a costretta a letto,senza potersi muovere o lavorare; per occupare il tempo fonda una società di incontri online, in cui Charlotte si offre di scrivere, per altre donne, e-mail spiritose, che le aiutino a conquistare gli uomini che affollano la rete...
Durante questo scambio di mail però Charlotte si innamora di William e tenta di fare di tutto per incontrarlo e per scoprire alla fine che neanche lui è quello che sembrava: perchè dietro alle mail di William c'è Sam, il suo sbandato coinquilino e presto Charlotte imparerà che l'amore è imprevedibile...
Il libro, nonostante il numero di pagine si presta a una lettura veloce e immediata, lo stile dell'autrice è quello tipico delle commedie romantiche: fresco, leggero e a tratti divertente.
La trama è ben sviluppata, anche se penso che potesse essere accorciata senza nulla togliere allo sviluppo della storia, infatti in alcune parti l'autrice si dilunga troppo o tende a ripetere le stesse cose. Per quanto riguarda i personaggi principali, mi sono piaciuti ma, forse ho apprezzato maggiormente tutti i personaggi secondari del romanzo, che danno un tono diverso alla storia e la rendono più frizzante!
"Niente è più vero di una bugia" è una lettura leggera e divertente, che ci insegna che non sempre l'amore arriva nel momento opportuno!
Ed è proprio durante una gita da lei organizzata, che Charlotte si rompe una gamba e si trova a costretta a letto,senza potersi muovere o lavorare; per occupare il tempo fonda una società di incontri online, in cui Charlotte si offre di scrivere, per altre donne, e-mail spiritose, che le aiutino a conquistare gli uomini che affollano la rete...
Durante questo scambio di mail però Charlotte si innamora di William e tenta di fare di tutto per incontrarlo e per scoprire alla fine che neanche lui è quello che sembrava: perchè dietro alle mail di William c'è Sam, il suo sbandato coinquilino e presto Charlotte imparerà che l'amore è imprevedibile...
Il libro, nonostante il numero di pagine si presta a una lettura veloce e immediata, lo stile dell'autrice è quello tipico delle commedie romantiche: fresco, leggero e a tratti divertente.
La trama è ben sviluppata, anche se penso che potesse essere accorciata senza nulla togliere allo sviluppo della storia, infatti in alcune parti l'autrice si dilunga troppo o tende a ripetere le stesse cose. Per quanto riguarda i personaggi principali, mi sono piaciuti ma, forse ho apprezzato maggiormente tutti i personaggi secondari del romanzo, che danno un tono diverso alla storia e la rendono più frizzante!
"Niente è più vero di una bugia" è una lettura leggera e divertente, che ci insegna che non sempre l'amore arriva nel momento opportuno!
February 5, 2013
This book hits the spot!!!
I received this book courtesy of RealReaders.
A passionate Love affair with a total stranger by Lucy Robinson and published by Penguin is a genuinely funny work of Fiction.
The story revolves around Charley, a thirty odd year old workaholic who really lives life in the fast lane. Suddenly, she is forced to fill her time after breaking her leg and has a go at ghostwriting for Internet daters. 'William' changes her whole world, while she tries to cling to her old life while realizing that Love really has other ideas for her.
It's a very well written book with laugh out loud moments peppered in along the way. I was really looking forward to sitting down with it and it never disappointed.
Check out my website review here
http://michellegeaney.weebly.com/blog...
I received this book courtesy of RealReaders.
A passionate Love affair with a total stranger by Lucy Robinson and published by Penguin is a genuinely funny work of Fiction.
The story revolves around Charley, a thirty odd year old workaholic who really lives life in the fast lane. Suddenly, she is forced to fill her time after breaking her leg and has a go at ghostwriting for Internet daters. 'William' changes her whole world, while she tries to cling to her old life while realizing that Love really has other ideas for her.
It's a very well written book with laugh out loud moments peppered in along the way. I was really looking forward to sitting down with it and it never disappointed.
Check out my website review here
http://michellegeaney.weebly.com/blog...
June 24, 2014
I've really tried to get away from reading this type of book lately...but there was something about this one that drew me in. Maybe the long catchy title...or quite possibly the price (daily deal on amazon!). Either way I'll admit that I kind of enjoyed this one. It really was laugh out loud funny, predictable at times but funny nonetheless. At one point I found myself asking "does this stuff really happen to people?" Pretty relatable main characters, i was able to find something personable about each one. The writing was pretty decent. Something about being written and edited in British English makes it seem a little more sophisticated, even for a beach read. One day this will make a hilarious rom com.
Read
May 18, 2015Not That Great
This book had a lot of hype. It was the number one best seller in the UK digital books. For me it was just so-so. The story had appeal and of course a happy ending. I think it was the development of the main character that didn't ring true. How can a so-called Scottish Amazon be such a wimp? This weakness ruined the book for me. Weakly recommended.
This book had a lot of hype. It was the number one best seller in the UK digital books. For me it was just so-so. The story had appeal and of course a happy ending. I think it was the development of the main character that didn't ring true. How can a so-called Scottish Amazon be such a wimp? This weakness ruined the book for me. Weakly recommended.
April 6, 2013
It is a nice book especially at parts. But as a whole it is not the kind of books that enslave you completely. But it is worth reading, it will make you laugh and question your whole attitude with perfection and reaching it and the famous question of what is happiness after all?
January 12, 2013
Fantastic!,
July 31, 2015
I love this book, its exactly what you need after a long day. light hearted, humorous with a touch of a romance :)
I would highly recommend this!
I would highly recommend this!
November 1, 2016
Fun and feel-good. Love with a modern day twist.
I enjoyed this! Predictable, yes - but so what.
I enjoyed this! Predictable, yes - but so what.
February 1, 2017
Really like this book, kept me gripped the whole way through and enjoyed it. I only gave it 4 though as the ending was very quick and abrupt and I wanted more. Otherwise was really good
May 23, 2016
Pretty boring, to be honest.
April 17, 2015
brilliant
August 31, 2024
I thought the idea sounded very cute. To write love notes for others only to have found your love who's destined for another. I thought it would be a story about Charley finding him but unfortunately not.
Charleys idea of life is intense. To work all hours for her job, petrified she'll lose it over little things (breaking her leg, falling in love with an employee, not giving 100% to her job at all hours) to consider herself a 'scottish amazon' but is quite a coward.
There are two best friends: Hailey (personality: having big tits) and Sam (personality: can't keep it in his pants and is a slob) their characters are 1 dimensional - as is Charley really (falls prey to bullying, doesn't stand up for her or her family, just genuinely seems scared of everything. Doing anything wrong and losing what she's built)
There are two love interests: John (who flirts a ridiculous amount) and William (who she writes to online) neither are great candidates, I think the love formed with one was horrendous from the start, red flags all around and the other I think should have stayed as friends - they were brought closer by what they shared and I think that was lovely, but the change was too sudden and I would've liked a third option.
Charleys idea of life is intense. To work all hours for her job, petrified she'll lose it over little things (breaking her leg, falling in love with an employee, not giving 100% to her job at all hours) to consider herself a 'scottish amazon' but is quite a coward.
There are two best friends: Hailey (personality: having big tits) and Sam (personality: can't keep it in his pants and is a slob) their characters are 1 dimensional - as is Charley really (falls prey to bullying, doesn't stand up for her or her family, just genuinely seems scared of everything. Doing anything wrong and losing what she's built)
There are two love interests: John (who flirts a ridiculous amount) and William (who she writes to online) neither are great candidates, I think the love formed with one was horrendous from the start, red flags all around and the other I think should have stayed as friends - they were brought closer by what they shared and I think that was lovely, but the change was too sudden and I would've liked a third option.
June 4, 2017
I did like this book. It was rather enjoyable if a tad predictable at times. It didn't have me enthralled that I couldn't wait to pick it up again n keep reading,it was too slow for that. I would read a bit n then get kinda bored but it did gradually pick up,when Charley started being a nicer person I think.
Charley wasn't always the nicest character and I hated the way she let Margot walk all over her,yea she had her backed into a corner but she did nothing to help herself. The whole John debacle was a sham really, I had guessed what was happening there!
I grew to like Sam,when he started to improve himself a bit and showed that he wasn't as pathetic a creature as he made out.
The other characters were only blowing in and out so nothing much to them.
It was a nice enjoyable read of which I give it 3 and a half stars.
Charley wasn't always the nicest character and I hated the way she let Margot walk all over her,yea she had her backed into a corner but she did nothing to help herself. The whole John debacle was a sham really, I had guessed what was happening there!
I grew to like Sam,when he started to improve himself a bit and showed that he wasn't as pathetic a creature as he made out.
The other characters were only blowing in and out so nothing much to them.
It was a nice enjoyable read of which I give it 3 and a half stars.
September 30, 2018
Such a refreshing read! I expected nothing but a fun, easy chick-flick, and it was what I needed.
Charlotte Lambert is a businesswoman, she's organised, neat and effective, and her entire life is her job. So when she has an accident that makes her stay in bed, she realizes that life is so much more than work.
I loved some of the characters here, Sam being by far my favorite (which I kept picturing as Joey Tribbiani, because love for Nutella and girls? Seriously. Joey!), and Shelley was interesting herself, Chas also had interesting motives. Didn't like John much, or her best friend (already forgotten the name). I was rooting for Charlotte to be happy finally once she let her work go, but it's a long way there.
It was a truly fun ride and enjoyed it immensely. Can't wait to read more from the author.
Charlotte Lambert is a businesswoman, she's organised, neat and effective, and her entire life is her job. So when she has an accident that makes her stay in bed, she realizes that life is so much more than work.
I loved some of the characters here, Sam being by far my favorite (which I kept picturing as Joey Tribbiani, because love for Nutella and girls? Seriously. Joey!), and Shelley was interesting herself, Chas also had interesting motives. Didn't like John much, or her best friend (already forgotten the name). I was rooting for Charlotte to be happy finally once she let her work go, but it's a long way there.
It was a truly fun ride and enjoyed it immensely. Can't wait to read more from the author.
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