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The Happiness Recipe
Previously published as Leftovers
A wonderfully uplifting novel about friendship, hope and the power of pasta.
According to a magazine, Susie is a ‘Leftover’ – a post-Bridget Jones 30 something who has neither her dream man, job, nor home. She doesn’t even own six matching dinner plates.
According to her friend Rebecca, Susie needs to get over her ex, Jake, start online dating – or at least stop being so rude to every guy who tries to chat her up.
But Susie’s got a plan. If she can just make it the 307 days till her promotion and bonus, she can finally quit and pursue her dream career in food, then surely everything else will fall into place. If only her love life wasn’t so complicated…
A sharp, witty and refreshing novel about love, friendship and enjoying what's left on the table.
A wonderfully uplifting novel about friendship, hope and the power of pasta.
According to a magazine, Susie is a ‘Leftover’ – a post-Bridget Jones 30 something who has neither her dream man, job, nor home. She doesn’t even own six matching dinner plates.
According to her friend Rebecca, Susie needs to get over her ex, Jake, start online dating – or at least stop being so rude to every guy who tries to chat her up.
But Susie’s got a plan. If she can just make it the 307 days till her promotion and bonus, she can finally quit and pursue her dream career in food, then surely everything else will fall into place. If only her love life wasn’t so complicated…
A sharp, witty and refreshing novel about love, friendship and enjoying what's left on the table.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2013
44 people are currently reading
764 people want to read
About the author
Stella Newman
11 books96 followersStella Newman studied English at Sussex University, then went on to work in advertising, at the BBC and then as a professional food taster. She is now a full time writer, based in London and has written three novels: Pear Shaped, Leftovers and The Dish, as well as the festive e-short story, A Pear Shaped Christmas.
She blogs about restaurants, food and writing at https://stellanewmansblog.wordpress.com/.
She blogs about restaurants, food and writing at https://stellanewmansblog.wordpress.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 18, 2016
A fun, flirty novel filled with humour. I was laughing on just about every page and really enjoyed reading this despite the weird looks when I was reading on the bus/train and laughed out-loud. Or snorted. On the plus side I have some recipes to try out, so bonus!
Stella Newman's brand of outrageous humour fits in so well with the story line. It's perfect. I identified so much with Susie; it was almost like I was reading about an older version of myself. I only wish that the whole Jeff thing was better explained, it felt as though he was dropped when he was no longer needed and then just forgotten about.
This story was passionate and well written, as were the characters.
The only downside of this read is that I now want to stuff my face with pasta, wine, banana bread and chocolate mousse. And to redesign my blog. But I have no baking or proper design skills so fingers crossed for the mess that will follow.
If you're looking for something with a happy ending and a hundred laughs to brighten your day, pick this up. My sides still hurt from laughing so much and I'm still getting funny looks from regulars on the commute.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads.
Stella Newman's brand of outrageous humour fits in so well with the story line. It's perfect. I identified so much with Susie; it was almost like I was reading about an older version of myself. I only wish that the whole Jeff thing was better explained, it felt as though he was dropped when he was no longer needed and then just forgotten about.
This story was passionate and well written, as were the characters.
The only downside of this read is that I now want to stuff my face with pasta, wine, banana bread and chocolate mousse. And to redesign my blog. But I have no baking or proper design skills so fingers crossed for the mess that will follow.
If you're looking for something with a happy ending and a hundred laughs to brighten your day, pick this up. My sides still hurt from laughing so much and I'm still getting funny looks from regulars on the commute.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads.
January 9, 2015
3.5/5
If any author could turn me onto chick lit it would have to be Stella Newman. This is the second book that I have read by her and just like the first it was filled with relatable characters, funny situations and clever dialogue.
I do have to make note though, for the first 30% or so of the novel I did get a strong feeling of Deja Vu, it was so similar to Pear Shaped that I honestly thought maybe I had already read this and that this book was simply a re-title of Pear Shaped.
After going back and flipping through I realized these were not the same book but it was a little troubling. HOWVER despite some similarities between the two I really enjoyed both of them. Its kinda like why you keep going to see the next Nicolas Sparks movie, yes they all follow a simple formula but you still love it.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict:Borrow ( just because of similarity to the previous book)
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
If any author could turn me onto chick lit it would have to be Stella Newman. This is the second book that I have read by her and just like the first it was filled with relatable characters, funny situations and clever dialogue.
I do have to make note though, for the first 30% or so of the novel I did get a strong feeling of Deja Vu, it was so similar to Pear Shaped that I honestly thought maybe I had already read this and that this book was simply a re-title of Pear Shaped.
After going back and flipping through I realized these were not the same book but it was a little troubling. HOWVER despite some similarities between the two I really enjoyed both of them. Its kinda like why you keep going to see the next Nicolas Sparks movie, yes they all follow a simple formula but you still love it.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict:Borrow ( just because of similarity to the previous book)
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2013
I only read this book as I won it via a goodreads giveaway. It's not something I would ever choose to read otherwise and this book reminded me why. It's pointless. There is no story. It's just 400 pages about a single woman who hates her job and eats pasta. It's the kind of book I imagine some might read whilst on holiday. A book that doesn't require any kind of thought process but that gives you something to do whilst sunbathing.
I've given it two stars because it's not awful but it really isn't my kind of book.
I've given it two stars because it's not awful but it really isn't my kind of book.
April 25, 2013
Susie is a ‘Leftover’, or at least, that’s what a magazine says – someone who doesn’t have their dream job, home, or man in their life. Susie works in advertising, but she wants more from her career – in an ideal world she’d love to quit and follow her dream career in food. All she has to do is last 307 days until her promotion and then she can quit and start on her dream – simple, right? But Susie has another problem, even though she and her ex-boyfriend Jake broke up a while ago, she still isn’t over him…
This is the first book that I have read by Stella Newman and let me just say, it will definitely not be the last! I loved everything about the book as soon as I had read the first page, and I raced through it and had finished the novel in the same day.
The characters were wonderful! Susie in particular was a fabulous character, I liked her from the first page – she was so believable that she seemed to jump from the pages into real life. Susie was so lifelike and I am certain that there will be MANY readers out there that can relate to Susie, her personality, aspects of her life or some of the situations she finds herself in! Susie had me laughing one minute, and feeling for her the next. I would truly love to have her as my best friend!
Leftovers is very funny – it had me smiling, and at times spluttering with laughter, which can only be a good thing! There are also a few serious moments in the book, but even so, it is a book that is easy to slip into and will have you hooked from the first few sentences! And if that wasn’t enough to make you want to rush out and buy it, there are even recipes included at the end! I will warn you all though – this book made me want to eat A LOT of pasta!
Leftovers is a brilliant novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and I was very sad to finish it. Leftovers is a very refreshing and original novel – full of humour, delicious food and entirely relateable characters! A splendid novel.
This is the first book that I have read by Stella Newman and let me just say, it will definitely not be the last! I loved everything about the book as soon as I had read the first page, and I raced through it and had finished the novel in the same day.
The characters were wonderful! Susie in particular was a fabulous character, I liked her from the first page – she was so believable that she seemed to jump from the pages into real life. Susie was so lifelike and I am certain that there will be MANY readers out there that can relate to Susie, her personality, aspects of her life or some of the situations she finds herself in! Susie had me laughing one minute, and feeling for her the next. I would truly love to have her as my best friend!
Leftovers is very funny – it had me smiling, and at times spluttering with laughter, which can only be a good thing! There are also a few serious moments in the book, but even so, it is a book that is easy to slip into and will have you hooked from the first few sentences! And if that wasn’t enough to make you want to rush out and buy it, there are even recipes included at the end! I will warn you all though – this book made me want to eat A LOT of pasta!
Leftovers is a brilliant novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and I was very sad to finish it. Leftovers is a very refreshing and original novel – full of humour, delicious food and entirely relateable characters! A splendid novel.
April 1, 2013
Really enjoyed reading this.
Stella seems to have the nack at creating books where you can 100% relate to the main character.
We've all been dumped, had stupid romances that we thought would last forever, and we've all sat on our sofa surrounded by junk food, tissues and rom coms that make us cry, and I guess that's why Stella's books are so believable, but most importantly the characters are believable.
Additionally, we all have friends like Polly, Dalia and Rebecca.
Ultimately Rebecca is the fittie magnet, when Susie Q (as nicknamed by Jeff) goes out with Rebecca, it is always Rebecca that gets notice and Susie is thrown to aside by the men. Then there's Dalia, EVERY GIRL has/had a friend who will ditch their friends for a man, though Dalia was a bit selfish for my liking, ditches her friends even bails at her best friends wedding.
Overall, brilliant book!
Can't wait for more :)
Stella seems to have the nack at creating books where you can 100% relate to the main character.
We've all been dumped, had stupid romances that we thought would last forever, and we've all sat on our sofa surrounded by junk food, tissues and rom coms that make us cry, and I guess that's why Stella's books are so believable, but most importantly the characters are believable.
Additionally, we all have friends like Polly, Dalia and Rebecca.
Ultimately Rebecca is the fittie magnet, when Susie Q (as nicknamed by Jeff) goes out with Rebecca, it is always Rebecca that gets notice and Susie is thrown to aside by the men. Then there's Dalia, EVERY GIRL has/had a friend who will ditch their friends for a man, though Dalia was a bit selfish for my liking, ditches her friends even bails at her best friends wedding.
Overall, brilliant book!
Can't wait for more :)
June 14, 2013
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
From the blurb it appealed to me due to the main character having an urge to leave her job and do her own thing, so I can relate to that.
But it didn't grab me. The main character appears in many other chick-lit novels under a different guise. Has the same kind of friends, the same problems etc. There was too much worrying about what to wear. Yes a lot of us do it, but I don't enjoy reading about it. I also think the author tried too hard to be witty with the prose but it fell flat for me and as I was reading I think my eyes glazed over, to the point at which, when an important character appeared near the end, I had no memory of him being mentioned in the story at all.
The storyline with the food was interesting and I wish more had been made of that than with her actual job. I know very little about the inside of the advertising industry but it played out like a bad comedy. The way in which Susie left her job at the end was unprofessional and this annoyed me.
Maybe I should stop reading books of this genre, but every so often I pick one up that I really enjoy. Unfortunately this wasn't one of them.
From the blurb it appealed to me due to the main character having an urge to leave her job and do her own thing, so I can relate to that.
But it didn't grab me. The main character appears in many other chick-lit novels under a different guise. Has the same kind of friends, the same problems etc. There was too much worrying about what to wear. Yes a lot of us do it, but I don't enjoy reading about it. I also think the author tried too hard to be witty with the prose but it fell flat for me and as I was reading I think my eyes glazed over, to the point at which, when an important character appeared near the end, I had no memory of him being mentioned in the story at all.
The storyline with the food was interesting and I wish more had been made of that than with her actual job. I know very little about the inside of the advertising industry but it played out like a bad comedy. The way in which Susie left her job at the end was unprofessional and this annoyed me.
Maybe I should stop reading books of this genre, but every so often I pick one up that I really enjoy. Unfortunately this wasn't one of them.
May 20, 2014
This is one of the saddest books I've read in a while. It's not the plotline itself that's sad (that whole "I can't survive without a man" storyline is sad in a whole other way, when can we read romcom about women who are happy to be single? Or lesbians? Or polygamous relationships?). No the sad bit is how society, the media & advertising view women over 35. Especially those who've had the audacity to put on an ounce or two. And the rubbish that gets marketed to them as food or diet advice. Jesus!
Stella Newman is a good writer with a point to make under the usual cliches of "girl looks desperately for boy" . Pear Shaped is better.
Stella Newman is a good writer with a point to make under the usual cliches of "girl looks desperately for boy" . Pear Shaped is better.
May 25, 2013
**Note: I got this book for free through PeerIndex, on the understanding that I might review it**
Having read some interesting reviews of Stella Newman's last book, I was a bit nervous about reading this one. Plus, at 32 I think I can safely say I'm at the older end of the chicklit target market and a bit past the 'ooh shiny bags and shoes!' stage.
The good news is that this book was better than a certain friend had darkly predicted, based on the last book! But, I have to be honest, I didn't completely blow me away either. There were brilliant moments, sure, but they felt like they were slightly constrained by a cookie cutter plot.
So, let's talk about the food. Clearly this is a central concept of the story. The heroine uses food to console, calm or excite herself, using it a bit like a drug to regulate her emotions - that's what I think it was aiming for. In some places it works - I can completely understand why certain dishes are suggested in certain situations in the story. But on the other hand, it tends to get a bit cringey in places (especially the
I'm also troubled by the romantic interludes - I'm not sure if Stella Newman wants us to feel the heroine's sense of confusion, or if the writer herself is finding keeping the pacing even a challenge. It just seems to me that despite moments of brilliance (I LOVED the bar chat-up ripostes) that things kept happening and the heroine kept going along with them for no discernible reason.
On to the good - as I've said above, there are several fantastic and believable moments in bars with sleazy guys that had me almost punching the air and saying "Yesssss!" when each, accurate and highly amusing, barb hit home. Also, the work environment described is, although obviously exaggerated as all things in this genre tend to be larger than life (except the female leads dress sizes) actually uite recognisable and plausible. Certainly some of the minor characters in the office seem very familiar - I think it's safe to say we've all met a few of them.
So, overall thoughts: This book is ok. It's funny in parts, interesting, you do see a big chunk of the ending coming, but there are still a couple of surprises. But, what I'd really like to see is Stella Newman maybe writing a different style that gives her a bit more license to push her characters, maybe something a bit more Wendy Holden-ish, because I think she could have a lot of fun with that.
Having read some interesting reviews of Stella Newman's last book, I was a bit nervous about reading this one. Plus, at 32 I think I can safely say I'm at the older end of the chicklit target market and a bit past the 'ooh shiny bags and shoes!' stage.
The good news is that this book was better than a certain friend had darkly predicted, based on the last book! But, I have to be honest, I didn't completely blow me away either. There were brilliant moments, sure, but they felt like they were slightly constrained by a cookie cutter plot.
So, let's talk about the food. Clearly this is a central concept of the story. The heroine uses food to console, calm or excite herself, using it a bit like a drug to regulate her emotions - that's what I think it was aiming for. In some places it works - I can completely understand why certain dishes are suggested in certain situations in the story. But on the other hand, it tends to get a bit cringey in places (especially the
I'm also troubled by the romantic interludes - I'm not sure if Stella Newman wants us to feel the heroine's sense of confusion, or if the writer herself is finding keeping the pacing even a challenge. It just seems to me that despite moments of brilliance (I LOVED the bar chat-up ripostes) that things kept happening and the heroine kept going along with them for no discernible reason.
On to the good - as I've said above, there are several fantastic and believable moments in bars with sleazy guys that had me almost punching the air and saying "Yesssss!" when each, accurate and highly amusing, barb hit home. Also, the work environment described is, although obviously exaggerated as all things in this genre tend to be larger than life (except the female leads dress sizes) actually uite recognisable and plausible. Certainly some of the minor characters in the office seem very familiar - I think it's safe to say we've all met a few of them.
So, overall thoughts: This book is ok. It's funny in parts, interesting, you do see a big chunk of the ending coming, but there are still a couple of surprises. But, what I'd really like to see is Stella Newman maybe writing a different style that gives her a bit more license to push her characters, maybe something a bit more Wendy Holden-ish, because I think she could have a lot of fun with that.
May 3, 2013
OK, so having recently read Pear Shaped and absolutely loved it, I was delighted to be able to read Stella new book so soon after. I was also delighted to find that, within the first few pages, there was a link between the two books, in that both the girls work for Fletchers in some way. Despite not liking pasta unless it comes in the form of a tin of Heinz spaghetti, I knew I was going to enjoy this book. The book is in a way very similar to Pear Shaped, in that there are similar characters, both girls have problems with their jobs, and have had a heartbreak in their lives.
Susie Rosen works in advertising at NMN, for Fletchers supermarket, and hates it; no one listens to her and she is not appreciated. She is determined that she will leave her job as soon as she gets promoted. She is described by a magazine quiz as being a 'leftover'- someone who doesn't have the dream job or man. What I love about Stella's books is how likeable and relatable the characters are, and I particularly love Sophie's inner thoughts- when she writes what she is thinking but does not speak it aloud. Stella also really knows how to make you relate to and feel emotion for the character.
Sophie's friend Rebecca is adamant that Sophie needs to get over her ex, and stop obsessing over his new girlfriend's facebook page. All of Sophie's friends, in fact, are keen for her to move on and find herself a new man. Sophie meets a number of men in this book, and you don't know which way it will go- will she get together with one of them, or not? I think one thing this book teaches you is that it's ok to not be in a relationship, unless there is someone you are truly happy with- for example, Sophie's friend Polly and new husband Dave, who are perfect together.
What is also so true about this book is how accurate Sophie's friends are- everyone has a group of friends like those, what with Rebecca being the one who gets all the guys, Dalia constantly cancelling on her friends in favour of a man.
Through the book we see Sophie struggle with her job and her colleagues, until she finds doing something she's really good at, and most important of all- she enjoys. I also loved Sophie's philosophy that there is a pasta to suit every mood, every occasion, every type of day- this is a running theme throughout the book.
If you liked Pear Shaped then definitely pick up a copy of Leftovers- it's just as good, if not better. Funny, interesting and altogether lovely.
Susie Rosen works in advertising at NMN, for Fletchers supermarket, and hates it; no one listens to her and she is not appreciated. She is determined that she will leave her job as soon as she gets promoted. She is described by a magazine quiz as being a 'leftover'- someone who doesn't have the dream job or man. What I love about Stella's books is how likeable and relatable the characters are, and I particularly love Sophie's inner thoughts- when she writes what she is thinking but does not speak it aloud. Stella also really knows how to make you relate to and feel emotion for the character.
Sophie's friend Rebecca is adamant that Sophie needs to get over her ex, and stop obsessing over his new girlfriend's facebook page. All of Sophie's friends, in fact, are keen for her to move on and find herself a new man. Sophie meets a number of men in this book, and you don't know which way it will go- will she get together with one of them, or not? I think one thing this book teaches you is that it's ok to not be in a relationship, unless there is someone you are truly happy with- for example, Sophie's friend Polly and new husband Dave, who are perfect together.
What is also so true about this book is how accurate Sophie's friends are- everyone has a group of friends like those, what with Rebecca being the one who gets all the guys, Dalia constantly cancelling on her friends in favour of a man.
Through the book we see Sophie struggle with her job and her colleagues, until she finds doing something she's really good at, and most important of all- she enjoys. I also loved Sophie's philosophy that there is a pasta to suit every mood, every occasion, every type of day- this is a running theme throughout the book.
If you liked Pear Shaped then definitely pick up a copy of Leftovers- it's just as good, if not better. Funny, interesting and altogether lovely.
September 15, 2013
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com
After writing her brilliant debut, Pear-Shaped, Stella Newman is back this year with Leftovers, another fresh novel about a lovable singleton, Susie. If you've read Pear-Shaped and loved it, I think you will enjoy this one!
Susie is trying to forget about some silly quiz she has done in a magazine which labels her as a "Leftover", but she can't help it if she's single, living in a flat which she shares its ownership with her brother and loathes her job. But she has a plan, if she can land herself a promotion, she would finally quit her retched job and pursue her dream career in food, well, if only she could make plans for her love life..
From the beginning, I was hooked on the book. Not by it's (pretty) cover, but by the way the book began. What captured me was Stella Newman's writing style, which I have to only tell you that it's fresh, sharp and incredibly witty. It's pretty obvious that every writer has their own voice, but for me, Stella Newman's writing voice stood out from the first chapter and I knew I would love Leftovers.
I warmed up to Susie immediately as I really adored how funny and original she is, as a character. I loved her witty bantering with her friend, Sam and her best friend, Rebecca was clearly a wonderful presence to read about. The other thing that made me enjoy this book was the pasta. Oh, gosh. Susie is part-Italian, hence, her love for pasta. Nothing like a food-themed book to put a smile on my face!
If you loved Stella Newman's incredible debut, Pear-Shaped, I can guarantee you that you will love Leftovers. And of course, some characters from Pear-Shaped will make a cameo appearance in this book. Hint: disgusting table manners. A fast-paced, modern story about a girl who finds her way through life, balancing friendship, love and work. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Lucy Robinson.
Rating: 8/10
After writing her brilliant debut, Pear-Shaped, Stella Newman is back this year with Leftovers, another fresh novel about a lovable singleton, Susie. If you've read Pear-Shaped and loved it, I think you will enjoy this one!
Susie is trying to forget about some silly quiz she has done in a magazine which labels her as a "Leftover", but she can't help it if she's single, living in a flat which she shares its ownership with her brother and loathes her job. But she has a plan, if she can land herself a promotion, she would finally quit her retched job and pursue her dream career in food, well, if only she could make plans for her love life..
From the beginning, I was hooked on the book. Not by it's (pretty) cover, but by the way the book began. What captured me was Stella Newman's writing style, which I have to only tell you that it's fresh, sharp and incredibly witty. It's pretty obvious that every writer has their own voice, but for me, Stella Newman's writing voice stood out from the first chapter and I knew I would love Leftovers.
I warmed up to Susie immediately as I really adored how funny and original she is, as a character. I loved her witty bantering with her friend, Sam and her best friend, Rebecca was clearly a wonderful presence to read about. The other thing that made me enjoy this book was the pasta. Oh, gosh. Susie is part-Italian, hence, her love for pasta. Nothing like a food-themed book to put a smile on my face!
If you loved Stella Newman's incredible debut, Pear-Shaped, I can guarantee you that you will love Leftovers. And of course, some characters from Pear-Shaped will make a cameo appearance in this book. Hint: disgusting table manners. A fast-paced, modern story about a girl who finds her way through life, balancing friendship, love and work. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Lucy Robinson.
Rating: 8/10
July 23, 2013
A good book and an easy read but not your usual chic lit.
Susie is a 'left over' in a magazine survey she did. It seems she doesn't fit into any other catagory she has a job but not the one she really wants and she is single living in an apartment owned by another family member. She thinks she knows what she wants out of life but she seems to have been left behind. She has friends who try and steer her in the right direction to no avail. She works in an advertising agency but the 'creators' seem to be useless and she has to give them help but she can't get promotion even though it is dangled in front of her she thinks it will be ok if she can just wait the 307 days till she gets her promotion then she can quit and it will turn out all right. She finds herself in an impossible situation and she decides to hit them where it hurts. A good book well worth the read.
Susie is a 'left over' in a magazine survey she did. It seems she doesn't fit into any other catagory she has a job but not the one she really wants and she is single living in an apartment owned by another family member. She thinks she knows what she wants out of life but she seems to have been left behind. She has friends who try and steer her in the right direction to no avail. She works in an advertising agency but the 'creators' seem to be useless and she has to give them help but she can't get promotion even though it is dangled in front of her she thinks it will be ok if she can just wait the 307 days till she gets her promotion then she can quit and it will turn out all right. She finds herself in an impossible situation and she decides to hit them where it hurts. A good book well worth the read.
September 29, 2017
A lovely, witty novel.
Susie Rosen, a thirty-six years old, single woman, unsatisfied with her life, still obsessed with her ex and his new younger girlfriend and according to a magazine test she is a leftover.
She keeps telling her family and friends that by Christmas she will quit her work (which she hates) but no one believes her. Susie has one passion in her live and is pasta, according to her grandmother there is nothing that pasta couldn’t cure. Susie has a recipe for every situation in life. Would a plate of pasta cure her heartache and give her courage to let go and start living?
It is written in a dairy form (ala Bridgette Jones) and somehow, it’s an inspiration for those young women that are not settled yet, and reminds us that is never too late to start living and dream.
Susie Rosen, a thirty-six years old, single woman, unsatisfied with her life, still obsessed with her ex and his new younger girlfriend and according to a magazine test she is a leftover.
She keeps telling her family and friends that by Christmas she will quit her work (which she hates) but no one believes her. Susie has one passion in her live and is pasta, according to her grandmother there is nothing that pasta couldn’t cure. Susie has a recipe for every situation in life. Would a plate of pasta cure her heartache and give her courage to let go and start living?
It is written in a dairy form (ala Bridgette Jones) and somehow, it’s an inspiration for those young women that are not settled yet, and reminds us that is never too late to start living and dream.
May 1, 2021
Wonderful book!! Also called the The Happiness Recipe. I read it in only 5 days. I got really attached to all the characters, each one had a unique and fun personality. The more I read, the faster I read. When I wasn’t reading, I found myself wondering what was going to happen next and thinking about the scenes and people of the story. My favorite character was Daniel, when he was brought in I really read faster, excited about what was going to happen next. The ending was very satisfying. I LOVE the food talk throughout and was so happy to find some recipes at the end.
March 5, 2014
Too many similarities to the first book, came across as lazy writhing, no need for the similarities, didn't bring anything to the book, it was just annoying.
Apart from this it's a good story. Decent read. And pulls you in towards the end.
Apart from this it's a good story. Decent read. And pulls you in towards the end.
September 7, 2018
I loved this book so much, I laughed out loud, I felt bad in other situation ..
and for sure I hated some of them!
but what makes me cut one star is the ending its self, don't get me wrong the ending was good, pretty good actually but I was expecting for more.
and for sure I hated some of them!
but what makes me cut one star is the ending its self, don't get me wrong the ending was good, pretty good actually but I was expecting for more.
May 2, 2013
Another great book by Stella Newman. Revolves around Susie, who vehemently denies she is a Leftover--left behind at work, by her friends, by her ex--at the beginning of the book, only to realize that she has allowed herself to become one. The journey she takes to reclaim her life and find what makes her tick again is funny, sometimes frustrating (you want to shake her a few times) and compelling. And she likes pasta just as much a I do. :)
April 28, 2013
I really loved this book even though i couldn't decide for ages what the under laying story was. This was due to there not being one hero, but possibly four!
Having said that, this is no love story, unless you love pasta! There is some fantastic recipes to go with the fantastic humor of this book.
A true heart felt book that everyone can enjoy with a good bowl of pasta.
Having said that, this is no love story, unless you love pasta! There is some fantastic recipes to go with the fantastic humor of this book.
A true heart felt book that everyone can enjoy with a good bowl of pasta.
April 30, 2013
Funny, relatable, well-written and heartfelt book. Not a typical romance at all and a very empowering ending. Loved it!
March 28, 2018
Really enjoyable and funny. Also a lot of what’s in the story, many girls actually relate to. Fun book!
April 14, 2013
Enjoyed this book and especially loved the recipes too
February 9, 2018
I received an advanced reader's copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Leftovers isn't your typical chick lit. Well, maybe it is. But it's not a romance-y girl meets boy and pines for boy until they finally end up together at the end. (Not a spoiler - just a typical chick lit theme example.) Instead, we meet Susie who is 30-something, in a dead-end job that's she's ready to quit but only until after she gets a promotion and bonus, reeling from a breakup for a long-term boyfriend, all while trying to navigate through single/dating life again.
Susie has ideas. Good ideas. But little confidence in herself and her own abilities. We see her struggle through many decisions and situations that could easily bring her to rock bottom. But what Stella Newman delivers is a strong female character who is able to talk herself out of bad situations that could turn worse and stick up for herself. This isn't just a book about finding the guy she is going to spend the rest of her life with. Rather, it is about Susie finding herself.
I appreciate the theme and the strength of the main character. Although it did take me a little bit longer than I would have wanted to finish reading, I was glad that I did pick it up finally and give it a chance.
The Leftovers isn't your typical chick lit. Well, maybe it is. But it's not a romance-y girl meets boy and pines for boy until they finally end up together at the end. (Not a spoiler - just a typical chick lit theme example.) Instead, we meet Susie who is 30-something, in a dead-end job that's she's ready to quit but only until after she gets a promotion and bonus, reeling from a breakup for a long-term boyfriend, all while trying to navigate through single/dating life again.
Susie has ideas. Good ideas. But little confidence in herself and her own abilities. We see her struggle through many decisions and situations that could easily bring her to rock bottom. But what Stella Newman delivers is a strong female character who is able to talk herself out of bad situations that could turn worse and stick up for herself. This isn't just a book about finding the guy she is going to spend the rest of her life with. Rather, it is about Susie finding herself.
I appreciate the theme and the strength of the main character. Although it did take me a little bit longer than I would have wanted to finish reading, I was glad that I did pick it up finally and give it a chance.
November 13, 2021
I forget how much I love foodie books. And this, one unlike Kitchens of the Great Midwest was actually full of nice simple recipes I could make easily. I often get left a bit disappointed with chick lit reads where the protagonist starts off as very relatable- single…not in their dream job…don’t quite have everything figured out- but then by the end this has all disappeared and she has met the gorgeous guy, achieved all of her goals and has had everything wrapped up perfectly in 350 pages or less. Plot spoiler, Leftovers is a different kind of book which shows that sometimes things don’t always work out the way you want and sometimes you have to push yourself and take the chance to make your own life better. Not always the most uplifting story but real. I would love to read more things like this. Exactly the kind of book I needed to ease me into the Autumnal weather.
April 9, 2020
A really enjoyable, easy read. I liked the characters and found myself immersed in the storyline so much so that when I wasn’t reading the book I found myself thinking about the characters and storylines. The main character, Susie, is relatable and very likeable. At times I found myself saying ‘Oh Susie!’ at some of her antics! I laughed, smiled and just loved this book!
April 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. I loved how it was set out and how the ending wasn’t a traditional love story.
It did make me sad that women of my age are defined by whether they are in a romantic relationship. I was lucky to find my hubby early on in life. But to think people value others on whether they have a partner makes me quite sad.
I loved the pasta stuff. And the pizza ads made me LOL
It did make me sad that women of my age are defined by whether they are in a romantic relationship. I was lucky to find my hubby early on in life. But to think people value others on whether they have a partner makes me quite sad.
I loved the pasta stuff. And the pizza ads made me LOL
August 21, 2025
Witty and full of great British humour that fondly reminds me of Bridget Jones. Absolutely devoured this after finding it in a charity shop. Will probably go on to invest in Newman's previous novel, Pear Shaped, to satisfy my need for more of her writing. Made me laugh, made me cringe, made me remember why I love chick-lit books. Solid 4.5/5 stars.
February 1, 2017
A Novel About Food
A cute story about Susie, a thirty something single girl who struggles to find happiness. The bits about pasta are an added bonus and I love that the author added recipes at the end.
A cute story about Susie, a thirty something single girl who struggles to find happiness. The bits about pasta are an added bonus and I love that the author added recipes at the end.
October 24, 2017
A fun book about feeling stuck in life and how you should just take a chance. I loved learning about the world of advertising and particularly enjoyed all the food references. The copy I read also had a few actual recipes in the back! I'll be checking out more from Stella Newman.
July 30, 2017
A quick read.
December 9, 2017
Entertaining, but far from original or unpredictable
December 16, 2017
there's so many types of pasta holy heck
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