What do you think?
Rate this book
Annie May's Black Book
Entries from Annie May's Black Book: October 15th, 1974: Miss Baker for telling me how to blow my nose and not believing when I still couldn't do it. February 6th, 1977: David Llewellyn for saying my landscape painting looked like a pig's trough and then making honking noises every time he saw me. April 12th, 1987: Peter Elton for 'borrowing' my cigarettes and never buying any of his own. 9th February, 1988: BEN SEYMOUR FOR EVERYTHING FOR EVER In her Black Book, Annie May has recorded the name and offence of everyone who has ever done her wrong. The greatest transgressor of them all was Ben Seymour: the man who jilted her at the altar seventeen years ago. Now he's moving into a house round the corner ...
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2007
7 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Debby Holt
19 books32 followersDebby Holt lives with her husband in Bath. She started writing short stories when her five children were small. She wrote her first novel, The Ex-Wife’s Survival Guide in 2006. Since then, she has written three more: Annie May’s Black Book, The Trouble with Marriage and Love Affairs for Grown-Ups. Having been a spectacularly useless teacher in the past, she is fully aware of how lucky she is to be doing something she loves.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 6, 2015
The cover of this was super glizy with gold stars, fancy writing and an enticing title "Annie May's Black Book' and it even started off well enough. The story is a flimsy one and not well-told. Every single cliched situation that fit the story line was included: man in coma expected to die makes a full recovery, shy, plain jane trumps over her more-beautiful rival by a display of great talent, annoying stepchild tries to break up family, lady with heart broken once resolves never to fall in love again... And the black book - funny, but the story wouldn't have been better or worse without it. The last few events that lead up to the climax of the story were perhaps the worst cliches of all. The fact that the book is populated with a vast cast of scarcely-differentiated determinedly middle-class English characters with names like Cressida, Fizzie, Bella and Clement who live in rooms with flowing curtains and always drink good wines with their meals was not well-written enough to add anything other than confusion to the story. It made me wonder if the author really has no original thoughts in her head or if it was written on a dare - to include as many literary cliches as possible and still come out with a publishable book. That's how it reads anyway.
I didn't hate it and I did finish it, which is why it gets two stars and not one.
I didn't hate it and I did finish it, which is why it gets two stars and not one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2018
An excellent chick-lit - nicely predictable on the whole, but with at least one twist that I didn't see coming. It has moments of laughter and some poignancy. Annie May is likeable - despite the fact that she is so unhappy - and I enjoyed reading her exploits. Yes, it is chick-lit - so you know how the story will end (although there are a couple of close calls along the way). This does not detract from the enjoyment of the story. The characters are well-written and the plot moves at a steady pace. A good holiday read.
September 7, 2016
It got four stars for being a nice quick easy read....but seriously...no...just no. I could not at all take Annie seriously a woman who gas held grudges particularly against the man who stood her up at the altar would just decide to be civil to him....I felt she needed to get a grip. Really liked her sister lily am outspoken yet delicate character. I quite like this authors books but just felt this one lacked enough reality and I hated the ending.
March 3, 2016
Ok, so I didn't mind it. The plot was predictable and there were, it seemed like, a trillion characters! The thing I could not yet passed and had no idea how it was missed in editing... Adam Chandler. That is all.
November 9, 2023
I bought this because of the blurb . I'm always a sucker for a 'gimmick' and thought this might be interesting but the black book entries are mainly just chapter headings and only play a minor part in the story. Struggled to get through this. Lots of characters in various locations, a lot of them superfluous. And I obviously missed or forgot something because the last line of the book made absolutely no sense to me at all.
March 15, 2021
A brilliant chick-lit that takes a little time to get going but is brilliant once it does. I loved this book and there are one or two twists along the way that added to the story. The characters were well written, and it was easy to get on with Annie May even though she can come across as irritating. I am looking forward to reading more by this author
May 29, 2023
Funny in places- sometimes a little ridiculous. TW- an unnecessary amount of fat-phobic comments from the main character which was certainly uncomfortable, although understandable considering when it was written.
October 30, 2017
Funny. Good for some light reading on an easy afternoon.
December 31, 2017
I finished this book yesterday. It's funny! I love it and the characters are well defined.
May 17, 2019
Terrible!
October 6, 2020
Chick lit. Pleasant read I found in a charity shop.
August 30, 2021
I found it impossible to put down without knowing how it would end.
October 13, 2022
I didn't dislike this book as such though the main character sometimes felt like a less funny less relatable Bridget Jones.
June 5, 2024
Predictable but funny and endearing book. The characters kept me wanting continue reading and although the ending was anticipated I enjoyed following the story.
July 25, 2024
Charming and hilarious, a jilted woman takes her grudges very seriously, any slight earns the person a spot in her black book. Similar feel to Bridget Jones I think.
September 5, 2024
Very good fun and full of heart. One extra star for all the references to 2007 and fashion in the noughties, was very fun to read in 2024 for the first time
October 11, 2024
A delightful read, Annie is a great character and I enjoyed reading her story.
September 16, 2009
Looking at my rather large TBR pile today I decided to give Debby Holt’s Annie May’s Black Book a whirl. Having never read a book of Debby’s I didn’t know what to expect but I’m pleased to report I enjoyed Annie May’s Black Book!
In 1988 Annie May was jilted at the altar by Ben Seymour. He was subsequently entered into her black book (full of all the names and offences of those who have done wrong to her) and his offence was by far the worst! 17 years later he’s moving into a house around the corner from Annie…
I really enjoyed Annie May’s Black Book and found it quite amusing in parts. I liked how the plot was woven together and how all of the characters seemed to gel really well. You would think somebody who kept a little black book of all wrongdoings might come across as bitter but I didn’t feel that from Annie. She was very enjoyable to read about and I loved how close-knit her family and friends were to her.
Being introduced to some many characters in the first few pages made me wonder if I’d be able to keep up with who was who but after a while I stopped having to flick back a few pages to check. Although the story was written in third person it was focused solely on Annie – she was in every scene yet I still felt we had a good understanding of all of her friends and family.
In particular, I loved Sidney (her sister’s son), and Bella (a girl she teaches drama to) and I also liked Grace (Annie’s best friend). I thought all of the characters were well fleshed-out and I felt sympathy for Josephine and all she was going through with her evil step-daughter.
Of course I can’t not mention Ben, the man who jilted Annie. Until he came into the book I felt angry on Annie behalf but as we got to know more about him I started to like him. Even Annie admitted she’d been a tad bit wrong with her anger with him.
Along the way there were some unexpected shocks – I didn’t see the Bella and Ben thing coming although I think it’s something I should have seen coming! There was also the unexpected attack on William, Lily’s (Annie’s younger sister) husband, I was willing him to pull through!
It was a really enjoyable read and I’ll be definitely on the lookout for more of Debby’s novels!
Rating: 4/5
In 1988 Annie May was jilted at the altar by Ben Seymour. He was subsequently entered into her black book (full of all the names and offences of those who have done wrong to her) and his offence was by far the worst! 17 years later he’s moving into a house around the corner from Annie…
I really enjoyed Annie May’s Black Book and found it quite amusing in parts. I liked how the plot was woven together and how all of the characters seemed to gel really well. You would think somebody who kept a little black book of all wrongdoings might come across as bitter but I didn’t feel that from Annie. She was very enjoyable to read about and I loved how close-knit her family and friends were to her.
Being introduced to some many characters in the first few pages made me wonder if I’d be able to keep up with who was who but after a while I stopped having to flick back a few pages to check. Although the story was written in third person it was focused solely on Annie – she was in every scene yet I still felt we had a good understanding of all of her friends and family.
In particular, I loved Sidney (her sister’s son), and Bella (a girl she teaches drama to) and I also liked Grace (Annie’s best friend). I thought all of the characters were well fleshed-out and I felt sympathy for Josephine and all she was going through with her evil step-daughter.
Of course I can’t not mention Ben, the man who jilted Annie. Until he came into the book I felt angry on Annie behalf but as we got to know more about him I started to like him. Even Annie admitted she’d been a tad bit wrong with her anger with him.
Along the way there were some unexpected shocks – I didn’t see the Bella and Ben thing coming although I think it’s something I should have seen coming! There was also the unexpected attack on William, Lily’s (Annie’s younger sister) husband, I was willing him to pull through!
It was a really enjoyable read and I’ll be definitely on the lookout for more of Debby’s novels!
Rating: 4/5
August 21, 2016
Reading in the summer holidays is always frustrating for me as I don't get as much time as I would usually, so it's unusual for me to ever finish a whole book, therefore Annie May's Black Book, it should be noted, must be a good one as I made time to read it whenever I could. Including when sat down around the family and all the distractions that come with them--definitely the mark of a good read when I can concentrate with so much going on around me.
Yes it's another chic-lit book, but I really do hate that term. When I took from the story was the message that it's not good to dwell on a past which has caused you so much pain, forgive, forget and move on.
Annie May is a 30-something, who, according to her lovely but concerned family, should be married and settled by now in stead of dodging relationships the minute they get to serious. But there's something huge from Annie's past that's stopping her from committing; it's something that has shaped the woman she has become by hanging over her for the past 17 years... And when that something crops up in her present it throws everything in Annie's perfectly sculpted life into chaos.
Led by a series allegations in Annie's infamous black book, where she records every wrongdoing ever made against her, it's a funny, endearing and ultimately satisfying read.
Annie's relationships with her two sisters in particular is honest and well presented in a way that makes you appreciate the dynamics of a close family against the rest of the world. And every character has a distinct part to play in Annie's life, drawing you in and keeping you turning those pages.
A thoroughly enjoyable story.
Yes it's another chic-lit book, but I really do hate that term. When I took from the story was the message that it's not good to dwell on a past which has caused you so much pain, forgive, forget and move on.
Annie May is a 30-something, who, according to her lovely but concerned family, should be married and settled by now in stead of dodging relationships the minute they get to serious. But there's something huge from Annie's past that's stopping her from committing; it's something that has shaped the woman she has become by hanging over her for the past 17 years... And when that something crops up in her present it throws everything in Annie's perfectly sculpted life into chaos.
Led by a series allegations in Annie's infamous black book, where she records every wrongdoing ever made against her, it's a funny, endearing and ultimately satisfying read.
Annie's relationships with her two sisters in particular is honest and well presented in a way that makes you appreciate the dynamics of a close family against the rest of the world. And every character has a distinct part to play in Annie's life, drawing you in and keeping you turning those pages.
A thoroughly enjoyable story.
January 2, 2023
Il libro nel complesso è piacevole, ma ha dei grossi problemi: prima di tutto, ci sono troppi personaggi e, a parte quattro o cinque, dovevo continuamente spremermi le meningi per ricordarmi da dove uscisse quella tale persona.
Il secondo grosso problema è che la parte romance non coinvolge quanto dovrebbe, anzi, non coinvolge affatto. E dato che questo libro è spacciato per romanzo rosa, è un guaio (SPOILER - La metafora del trifide è una delle cose più brutte e raccapriccianti di cui abbia mai letto in un romanzo rosa. MA PERCHÉ DEBBY HOLT, PERCHÉ).
Il terzo e ultimo problema sono le scene "erotiche" - perché erotiche non sono, la realtà è che Annie, la protagonista,in certi momenti si mette a pensare solo al sesso - buttate lì un po' a caso. E poi dai (SPOILER) quando va a Budapest solo per una scopata (sto citando il libro) con Robbie. Cioè, no.
Nel complesso gradevole, ma per me è no.
Il secondo grosso problema è che la parte romance non coinvolge quanto dovrebbe, anzi, non coinvolge affatto. E dato che questo libro è spacciato per romanzo rosa, è un guaio (SPOILER - La metafora del trifide è una delle cose più brutte e raccapriccianti di cui abbia mai letto in un romanzo rosa. MA PERCHÉ DEBBY HOLT, PERCHÉ).
Il terzo e ultimo problema sono le scene "erotiche" - perché erotiche non sono, la realtà è che Annie, la protagonista,in certi momenti si mette a pensare solo al sesso - buttate lì un po' a caso. E poi dai (SPOILER) quando va a Budapest solo per una scopata (sto citando il libro) con Robbie. Cioè, no.
Nel complesso gradevole, ma per me è no.
March 9, 2013
I just wish the ending was a bit different :/ I'm glad of the way the story turned out but the way the author did it just didn't seem right...
Despite this I was very much involved with the story. It is really easy to empathise with Annie and all those that involved in her life. You understand her point of view completely and even when it's hard to agree with her you still see her reasoning behind it. I definitely think she is a hard character to truly like because of how she is all negative but you understand and still feel for her. There were definitely some twists that I did not expect and I always enjoy stories that mean you learn things along with the person who the story follows. Definitely suggest you read if you enjoy quick, lighthearted, fun stories that always have a little something to keep your attention.
Despite this I was very much involved with the story. It is really easy to empathise with Annie and all those that involved in her life. You understand her point of view completely and even when it's hard to agree with her you still see her reasoning behind it. I definitely think she is a hard character to truly like because of how she is all negative but you understand and still feel for her. There were definitely some twists that I did not expect and I always enjoy stories that mean you learn things along with the person who the story follows. Definitely suggest you read if you enjoy quick, lighthearted, fun stories that always have a little something to keep your attention.
April 20, 2012
A cut above other chicklit stories and I really enjoyed it. Annie is jilted at the altar and seventeen years later - most of which she's not very happy - her ex comes back into her world. I like the way Annie is so stroppy about talking to Ben, the man who jilted her. The cast of supporting characters was great, relationships interesting and well thought out. There was one - oh my God - moment that I hadn't seen coming and I LOVE when that happens. The device of the black book - detailing the name and offence of everyone who does Annie wrong, was a neat way of tying everything together and a clear indication of the baggage Annie has dragged around with her for all this time. I read this sitting in the sunshine and it was perfect for that!
August 5, 2012
So i picked this book because the title sounded interesting and i really liked the fact that the main character kept a little black book of all the people that had done wrong to her, oh yeah and it was $2. I admit that i have done the same thing throughout my entire life but i keep the running tally in my brain. The book was mediocre, i would give it 2.5 stars but it did give me some moments where i laughed out loud. Very simple story. Jumped around a fair bit so got a little confusing sometimes. Otherwise, a cheap, easy read.
August 3, 2014
Do you want a good laugh? Enjoy romantic drama? If you do this book is a good read! Or to listen to the audio book version - which is read by Debbie Holt. Formatted in a "black book" diary format, it recounts all the small injustices suffered by Annie, including the biggest one of being jilted on her wedding day. Normally not a fan of humorous fiction, this book literally had me in "stitches"!
August 30, 2009
A quick fluffy read...but was too cliched (even for this genre) and I got confused and then decided it didn't matter (which it didn't) with Annie's friends names, they were all interchangable middle class, who cares?! I know it's set in Bath but it was all a bit smug...
November 3, 2010
I am only sorry that it took me so long to get around to reading this.
A great book with a fantastic twist that means you cannot put it down.
How do peoples actions affect us, are we really a good friend or self obsessed and if you hold onto anger who rearly suffers and is it worth it?
A great book with a fantastic twist that means you cannot put it down.
How do peoples actions affect us, are we really a good friend or self obsessed and if you hold onto anger who rearly suffers and is it worth it?
October 6, 2015
Sorry but i really tried to finish it but i just can't.
Its getting more rediculous as i proceed mu reading. And it got to much of events going on and a lot of characters. Maybe i am not that challenging enough for this read.
Its getting more rediculous as i proceed mu reading. And it got to much of events going on and a lot of characters. Maybe i am not that challenging enough for this read.
June 28, 2009
Not a bad book. Good to read when you don't want something too challenging.
March 15, 2010
excellent girly book ,couldnt put it down.
August 24, 2011
I liked this novel because it is set in Britain and I used to live there. I thought the ending was a little unbelievable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews