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The Pilates Class
Roger is a down-to-earth builder type, Judy is the harassed single mother of four teenage boys, and Thelma is a librarian who usually looks as though she's been sitting on a wasps' nest for most of her life. Neville is on the lookout for a woman (any woman will do), and Julian just wants to be young again. Edie is the wrong side of 70, and Roz is a size zero fitness queen.
These characters, together with one very overweight Alice, all meet up for the first time at their local Pilates class. Petra, the class instructor, has no idea what she has let herself in for!
These characters, together with one very overweight Alice, all meet up for the first time at their local Pilates class. Petra, the class instructor, has no idea what she has let herself in for!
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2013
1 person is currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Stevie Turner
54 books181 followersStevie Turner is a British author of suspense, paranormal, women's fiction family dramas, and darkly humorous novels. She has also branched out into the world of audio books, screenplays, and translations. Her third novel 'A House Without Windows' gained the attention of a New York media production company in December 2017, and her screenplay 'For the Sake of a Child' won Silver in the 2017 Depth of Field International Film Festival.
More recently Stevie's novel 'His Ladyship' made the finals and Longlist of the 2021 Page Turner Award, and her book 'Falling' reached the finals of the 2022 Page Turner Award. Her (as yet unpublished) novella 'Holding Hands' was shortlisted for the 2025 Page Turner Writing Award.
To quote reader Roberta Baden-Powell: 'I'm looking forward to reading your new book and find your books the best so far. The style you write in has given me a new perspective and a renewed inspiration in reading once again.'
Stevie can be contacted at the following email address: info@stevieturner.uk You can also find her website at www.stevieturner.uk and her blog at www.steviet3.wordpress.com
Don't forget to sign up to Stevie's mailing list for new publications, events and giveaways! http://eepurl.com/dvNklL
More recently Stevie's novel 'His Ladyship' made the finals and Longlist of the 2021 Page Turner Award, and her book 'Falling' reached the finals of the 2022 Page Turner Award. Her (as yet unpublished) novella 'Holding Hands' was shortlisted for the 2025 Page Turner Writing Award.
To quote reader Roberta Baden-Powell: 'I'm looking forward to reading your new book and find your books the best so far. The style you write in has given me a new perspective and a renewed inspiration in reading once again.'
Stevie can be contacted at the following email address: info@stevieturner.uk You can also find her website at www.stevieturner.uk and her blog at www.steviet3.wordpress.com
Don't forget to sign up to Stevie's mailing list for new publications, events and giveaways! http://eepurl.com/dvNklL
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 21, 2014
Petra's Pilates class sounds like one I would join with no hesitation. Full of delightfully diverse, riveting, real-life characters it made me feel as though I was there, a part of the fun, the bubbling interaction, the feisty dialog. As I read I found myself giggling, or laughing out loudly, or just nodding vigorously in agreement as all those quirky characters, don't we meet them all too, on a daily basis? A fun, wonderfully entertaining read!
January 3, 2026
A varied mix of characters find themselves signed up for a Pilates class. Over the course of the book we learn more about each of them, their lives and see how their relationships develop.
The story itself happened very quickly. We get a rather superficial look at all the characters, dipping into their lives but not really spending much time with them. There were odd humorous moments, and some of the characters were certainly more engaging than others.
I picked this up to fulfil one of the more random PopSugar 2026 prompts, and can't say I would have read it otherwise.
The story itself happened very quickly. We get a rather superficial look at all the characters, dipping into their lives but not really spending much time with them. There were odd humorous moments, and some of the characters were certainly more engaging than others.
I picked this up to fulfil one of the more random PopSugar 2026 prompts, and can't say I would have read it otherwise.
October 25, 2014
LOL!!!
Once again, Stevie Turner did not disappoint with THE PILATES CLASS. I just love her sideways take on reality. This novel is chock-full of humorous characters that will have you laughing the moment you crack the book. With the aim of rehabilitating his injured shoulder, Roger Harvey’s doctor prescribes several free sessions in a Pilates class, and this where the fun begins. You will totally relate to the varied and idiosyncratic personalities of the class members. This read is definitely worth your while.
Once again, Stevie Turner did not disappoint with THE PILATES CLASS. I just love her sideways take on reality. This novel is chock-full of humorous characters that will have you laughing the moment you crack the book. With the aim of rehabilitating his injured shoulder, Roger Harvey’s doctor prescribes several free sessions in a Pilates class, and this where the fun begins. You will totally relate to the varied and idiosyncratic personalities of the class members. This read is definitely worth your while.
January 7, 2014
*Extended review can be found on "Unleashed Speaks on The Pilates Class".*
I was first introduced to this writer when she submitted her work, The Porn Detective for The Review Board to review. Not too long ago, I saw her latest work, The Pilates Class was available so I decided to grab it based on my enthusiasm for her previous work.
Disclaimer: Slight spoilers
Blurb: The Pilates class is a humorous look at the lives and loves of several different characters attending a Pilates exercise class for the first time.
There is a bit more than meets the eye with this blurb, and that is what I adore about this short, yet delightful write.
Plus so much more!
Pleasant Hook: I really like how the author doesn’t waste any time in luring the reader into the story, yet she is able to outline each of the main participants in the story without it feeling overly rushed.
Consistent Conflict: Amidst the comedy, there was quite a bit of individual conflict with the characters as well as group conflict once certain characters began getting deeply involved with each other.
Engaging Characters: I really like that a lot of the characters went beyond how they were stereotyped by Petra (the fitness lady). I loved Roger. He was rough around the edges, yet I really adored how down to earth he was. He never censored himself for the sake of others. I had a lot of respect for Neville’s character. You hear so much about guys that don’t care about the substance of a woman if she tends to look good. He really seemed to know what he was looking for. I’m also glad that the author dared to make him a virgin. You rarely hear about guys his age being one. Each character invoked some type of emotional response from me, and that is a sign of awesome writing.
Setting/Mood: As I was reading this work, I found myself trying to pull “in my navel” and “my pelvic floor”. (Well, the mental image of me was trying to.) That is how engaged I was in the book. I was actually at the Pilates class, watching Roger tumble off his ball, and Edith looking in disdain.
The comedic value, intermingling storylines, and inviting characters make The Pilates Class a definite win for me. Although it is marketed as women’s fiction, I could see something in there for the men, too, due to how narrative strength of the male characters.
From her bravery to address the issue of pornography in The Porn Detective to the lighthearted zeal of The Pilates Class, Stevie Turner is effectively demonstrating her range as a writer. She is definitely an indie writer to be on the watch for, and I will wait in anticipation for her next work.
I was first introduced to this writer when she submitted her work, The Porn Detective for The Review Board to review. Not too long ago, I saw her latest work, The Pilates Class was available so I decided to grab it based on my enthusiasm for her previous work.
Disclaimer: Slight spoilers
Blurb: The Pilates class is a humorous look at the lives and loves of several different characters attending a Pilates exercise class for the first time.
There is a bit more than meets the eye with this blurb, and that is what I adore about this short, yet delightful write.
Plus so much more!
Pleasant Hook: I really like how the author doesn’t waste any time in luring the reader into the story, yet she is able to outline each of the main participants in the story without it feeling overly rushed.
Consistent Conflict: Amidst the comedy, there was quite a bit of individual conflict with the characters as well as group conflict once certain characters began getting deeply involved with each other.
Engaging Characters: I really like that a lot of the characters went beyond how they were stereotyped by Petra (the fitness lady). I loved Roger. He was rough around the edges, yet I really adored how down to earth he was. He never censored himself for the sake of others. I had a lot of respect for Neville’s character. You hear so much about guys that don’t care about the substance of a woman if she tends to look good. He really seemed to know what he was looking for. I’m also glad that the author dared to make him a virgin. You rarely hear about guys his age being one. Each character invoked some type of emotional response from me, and that is a sign of awesome writing.
Setting/Mood: As I was reading this work, I found myself trying to pull “in my navel” and “my pelvic floor”. (Well, the mental image of me was trying to.) That is how engaged I was in the book. I was actually at the Pilates class, watching Roger tumble off his ball, and Edith looking in disdain.
The comedic value, intermingling storylines, and inviting characters make The Pilates Class a definite win for me. Although it is marketed as women’s fiction, I could see something in there for the men, too, due to how narrative strength of the male characters.
From her bravery to address the issue of pornography in The Porn Detective to the lighthearted zeal of The Pilates Class, Stevie Turner is effectively demonstrating her range as a writer. She is definitely an indie writer to be on the watch for, and I will wait in anticipation for her next work.
December 6, 2013
* I received this book for free, in exchange for an honest review. *
Who knew a Pilates class could be so interesting?
Each person who attends Petra's Pilate class at the local gym has their own story. Their own reason for being in the class. Roger and Julian their arms aren't working properly and they need to stretch it. Judith because she needs to get away from all the boys in her life! Edie, she needs something to do. Neville to pick up chicks cause he is striking out. Thelma, because she is a spinster who needs to get away from her mum. Roz, well because she is addicted to exercising.
But as the book goes, their lives entwine. The people change from resistant to the Pilates class to enjoying it because they have grown. Each character has their own wit and charm. I love Roger for being a clout. The things that he thinks of in class are a RIOT! His part alone made the book. I was upset that Edie just faded away, I thought for sure she'd be in the thick.
This is a quickie, but a good quickie! I was surprised at some of the ending. Not shocked, just didn't want it to end that way.
Who knew a Pilates class could be so interesting?
Each person who attends Petra's Pilate class at the local gym has their own story. Their own reason for being in the class. Roger and Julian their arms aren't working properly and they need to stretch it. Judith because she needs to get away from all the boys in her life! Edie, she needs something to do. Neville to pick up chicks cause he is striking out. Thelma, because she is a spinster who needs to get away from her mum. Roz, well because she is addicted to exercising.
But as the book goes, their lives entwine. The people change from resistant to the Pilates class to enjoying it because they have grown. Each character has their own wit and charm. I love Roger for being a clout. The things that he thinks of in class are a RIOT! His part alone made the book. I was upset that Edie just faded away, I thought for sure she'd be in the thick.
This is a quickie, but a good quickie! I was surprised at some of the ending. Not shocked, just didn't want it to end that way.
November 4, 2019
A fun read about a motley cast of characters who meet at a pilates class. They couldn't be more different. A builder, a librarian, a banker, a single mother, a senior citizen, a trendy housewife and a gay couple. Each has his or her own story and reason for joining the class. As the reader gets to know each character, it is evident there is more to them than meets the eye. Romances bloom, relationships flounder, friendships form and lives change after joining the pilates class. Some laugh out loud moments as they try to balance on the exercise ball. For anyone who has attended a pilates class and for those who haven't, this is an entertaining book.
October 24, 2014
A quirky story with quirky characters that we can all relate to in a setting that would otherwise be mundane. You should always write about what you know and Stevie Turner has done it again with an easy to read story that is fun with well developed characters such as Thelma who definitely reminds me of somebody. An excellent read.
August 20, 2023
The Pilates Class by Stevie Turner is about the lives of a group of people who join a Pilates class at a gym. An entertaining and fun book which I enjoyed more than I thought I would. A group of very diverse characters with different wants and needs.
July 25, 2022
The Pilates Class was an enjoyable and comical story that made me laugh out loud at the antics of the some of characters in the class. The author has a wonderful sense of humor and displayed this in the cast of people she created in this tale.
There are several characters, both men and women, who interact in this story, some more favorably than others. They connect and get together while others cannot stand to be in the same room. Each has their own story to share which makes for an intriguing read.
I would recommend this lovely short story.
There are several characters, both men and women, who interact in this story, some more favorably than others. They connect and get together while others cannot stand to be in the same room. Each has their own story to share which makes for an intriguing read.
I would recommend this lovely short story.
October 23, 2014
Having recently enrolled in a pilates class, I found this read to be so much fun. The author has done a great job of avoiding clichés and stereotypes, and as a result, I found myself being able to relate to most of the characters in the story. In this humorous book, we get a glimpse inside of characters that are very much like you and me. They all have their strengths as well as weaknesses, and everything that falls in-between those two polarities. If you're in a pilates class, this is a hilarious read and definitely something that could brighten your day. What made me rank this book so high is merely because I found the storyline to be so unique, as well as the author's ability to convey ordinary, mundane, yet complex feelings and emotions in a clear and relatable way. I'm glad I got to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2014
Humorous light reading. Four characters meet at a Pilates class: Roger, Thelma, Judy, Edie, Roz, Julian, and Neville: You expect Neville and Roz to get together, but I won't tell you if they do. These characters range from predatory male to fitness queen, librarian, mother, and more. The glue that binds these characters into a story is that they share the same instructor, called Petra.
Not the most subtle look at everyday life and the humans who you'd find at a Pilates class, but engaging and easy to read.
Not the most subtle look at everyday life and the humans who you'd find at a Pilates class, but engaging and easy to read.
December 19, 2020
I loved this book for many reasons. It was light reading yet very captivating & the pace was quick and even. All the characters and their individual stories were believable, detailed and brought to their logical conclusions. The book made me chuckle, reflect & nod along. The writing is funny and descriptive without wasting words. A thoroughly enjoyable read !
November 1, 2014
Stevie Turner is a great author and always enjoy reading her lovely books. This read is so much fun with twists and turns that kept me reading on. Humorous and light reading. Loved this book!
(Gifted to me for an honest review)
(Gifted to me for an honest review)
October 21, 2014
This charming and witty book made me wish I was in the Petra's Pilates class with Stevie Turner's delightful characters and their snappy dialogue! An irreverent and humorous ensemble tale that's sure to delight lovers of lighthearted fiction.
October 23, 2014
A lot of fun and, at times, very funny, this harks back to the good old 80s that gave us Stripes in the army, Moving Violations in traffic school, and Police Academy in, well, a police academy. Just a whole heap of fun. As life should be. Recommended.
October 23, 2014
Very interesting and fun book to say the least.
October 24, 2014
Too funny. I loved it! Wish my pilates class had a few of these characters! Highly recommend!!
February 15, 2016
Very entertaining read based round attendees at a Pilates class.
March 22, 2016
An easy read which cheered me up in some places while others were sad. But worth a short amount of time to read.
May 3, 2022
It is an interesting story with a diverse cast of characters who meat at a Pilates Class.
August 29, 2023
Quick and easy feel-good read.
December 30, 2017
I listened to the audio book. It is an interesting story with interesting characters, the story follows a about 8 ( or more cause some interesting characters pop up towards the end) who all meet in a pilates class with their instructor Petra. They are all individually going through challenges in their lives and for most of them they have a happy ever after. The reason i gave this three stars was because of two reasons. minor spoilers ahead( or rather major)
Other than that i liked it. My favorite character being Rodger.
Other than that i liked it. My favorite character being Rodger.
May 9, 2023
Author Stevie Turner and I have been following each other’s blogs. Recently, she offered a promotion code on Smashwords that would allow readers to get The Pilates Class for free. I took her up on this and am glad I did.
This book definitely has some humor. Although I didn’t care for some of the characters, I liked how others evolved in the course of the story and how some connected with others as a result of the class. I would like to have seen a more satisfying outcome for a couple of
the participants. But overall, the ending isn’t bad.
The Pilates instructor does an excellent job describing the various moves. You could try some of them at home before joining a class. But even if, like me, you’re happy with your current workout, you’ll find this book highly
entertaining.
This book definitely has some humor. Although I didn’t care for some of the characters, I liked how others evolved in the course of the story and how some connected with others as a result of the class. I would like to have seen a more satisfying outcome for a couple of
the participants. But overall, the ending isn’t bad.
The Pilates instructor does an excellent job describing the various moves. You could try some of them at home before joining a class. But even if, like me, you’re happy with your current workout, you’ll find this book highly
entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2016
We read this book for our first book in our book club. I was so happy with this choice, although not a lengthy book it had lots of depth of it's characters and was a super fun read. I intend on reading more of Ms. Turner's books as she was a great way of writing and getting you interested right away.
November 13, 2023
BOOK:-THE PILATES CLASS BY STEVIE TURNER
BOOK REVIEWER -OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
I got a free copy purchased on Smashwords.
A love and romance fiction that dicusses a wide range of topics from non commiserate earnings with responsibilities that lead to a pile up of waiting responsibilities;the flooding of paper media with sex(sea ex) as Pilate class;the flooding of and making the music world synonymous with nudity(nu for "and" in Igbo,do for "eat" in effik and Ibibio and "t" for perfect in English together as "and perfect eat";evening classes as Pilate classes;eating chocolate as poison and Pilate;discusses punctuality;sex devoid of baby interruptions as pilate;amongst others
BOOK REVIEWER -OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
I got a free copy purchased on Smashwords.
A love and romance fiction that dicusses a wide range of topics from non commiserate earnings with responsibilities that lead to a pile up of waiting responsibilities;the flooding of paper media with sex(sea ex) as Pilate class;the flooding of and making the music world synonymous with nudity(nu for "and" in Igbo,do for "eat" in effik and Ibibio and "t" for perfect in English together as "and perfect eat";evening classes as Pilate classes;eating chocolate as poison and Pilate;discusses punctuality;sex devoid of baby interruptions as pilate;amongst others
March 21, 2017
I don't often do book reviews, but felt I should do one for this book. The book had gotten very high ratings so I ordered it. The book itself is quite short with a lot of different character stories going on in quick sequence. It is also rough around the edges and could use some professional editing and polish.
A lot of reviewers use the word funny to describe this book and I'm not sure why. The author has potential, but the current ratings for this book are not accurate in my opinion. Classic comedy writers, such as PG Wodehouse, might deserve a rating this high, but this book does not fall into that category.
A lot of reviewers use the word funny to describe this book and I'm not sure why. The author has potential, but the current ratings for this book are not accurate in my opinion. Classic comedy writers, such as PG Wodehouse, might deserve a rating this high, but this book does not fall into that category.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews