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Made In Essex
Champagne, cat-fights and a very tricky love triangle …
Life is pretty good for Jade. She’s happily settled with her gorgeous boyfriend Sam and the bikini business she’s set up with her best friend Kelly is going from strength to strength.
You could say that Jade’s life is almost too good to be true – at least that’s what her old acquaintance Adele thinks and Adele is sick of Jade getting all the attention. But Adele’s not too worried – she has a secret – a powerful secret – one that could pull Sam and Jade apart and destroy everything that Jade has worked so hard for.
With friendships and relationships falling apart, just how far will Adele go to get what she wants?
Addictive chick-lit with bite– Made in Essex will have you hooked from the get-go. Perfect for fans of Paige Toon and Sophie Kinsella.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2014
3 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Laura Ziepe
6 books21 followersLaura Ziepe was born in Essex and has lived there all her life. She had a small part in the first series of The Only Way is Essex but decided a life in front of the cameras wasn’t really for her; she much preferred the dramas she could dream up on her laptop! When she’s not writing, she loves to read, travel, cook and spend time at home Essex with her fiancé and two Chihuahuas, Dolly and Dusty.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 20, 2014
If this was not to my taste why an earth did I decide to read and review this you must be asking. Well I do have an eclectic taste and I do sometimes find this genre makes for a relaxing read. I should have known better with a title 'Made In Essex' but for some reason I thought this might be funny. Sorry I did not find it at all amusing, in fact it just irritated me the majority of the time. I know there are many jokes about Essex girls but seriously! Maybe I should also mention that I have never seen the programme 'The Only Way Is Essex', which apparently is the inspiration for Laura Ziepe's novels.
As a sequel to 'Essex Girls' (although it does not matter if you have not read), the story is a continuation of the previous novel with the same main protagonists. Life for Jade is looking good, she is happy with not only her love life, but the bikini business she has recently set up with her best friend Kelly. An old acquaintance Adele, rather an unpleasant one at that, turns up in her life unexpectedly, she immediately causes trouble between Jade and her boyfriend Sam. With a secret that is a powerful one she seems determined to ruin their relationship. Does she succeed though? Well not one for giving away spoilers I leave you to find out for yourself, that is if this appeals to you.
Although not to my personal liking, Laura Ziepe as an Essex girl herself has written a chick lit novel that will appeal to the many keen readers of this genre and I wish her well with her writing.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
As a sequel to 'Essex Girls' (although it does not matter if you have not read), the story is a continuation of the previous novel with the same main protagonists. Life for Jade is looking good, she is happy with not only her love life, but the bikini business she has recently set up with her best friend Kelly. An old acquaintance Adele, rather an unpleasant one at that, turns up in her life unexpectedly, she immediately causes trouble between Jade and her boyfriend Sam. With a secret that is a powerful one she seems determined to ruin their relationship. Does she succeed though? Well not one for giving away spoilers I leave you to find out for yourself, that is if this appeals to you.
Although not to my personal liking, Laura Ziepe as an Essex girl herself has written a chick lit novel that will appeal to the many keen readers of this genre and I wish her well with her writing.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
July 19, 2023
I have mixed feelings about 'Made in Essex'. It's o.k. There's nothing wrong with it. Just no. That's the best I can do. It's really not my bag [designer or not].
I found the plot poor and predictable. The writing style depends heavily on dialect [think TOWIE] and some of Kelly's [*ahem*] 'jokes' were abysmal and exasperating. The characters have no depth and because of this I found it difficult to connect with them. Underneath the glittery surface ... there's nothing. Nothing.
The pace is very slow. I'm amazed that I made it to the end - it took a lot of perseverance.
My review is merely a reflection of my literary taste and is not a reflection of the author in any way.
In summary, 'Made in Essex' will appeal to fans of TOWIE - who will probably love this book. It's just not my thing.
I found the plot poor and predictable. The writing style depends heavily on dialect [think TOWIE] and some of Kelly's [*ahem*] 'jokes' were abysmal and exasperating. The characters have no depth and because of this I found it difficult to connect with them. Underneath the glittery surface ... there's nothing. Nothing.
The pace is very slow. I'm amazed that I made it to the end - it took a lot of perseverance.
My review is merely a reflection of my literary taste and is not a reflection of the author in any way.
In summary, 'Made in Essex' will appeal to fans of TOWIE - who will probably love this book. It's just not my thing.
February 11, 2023
If you think you've seen Towie then you need to read this book, after all the author was originally offered a spot on the show and turned it down to write this.
The entire book is pure Towie vibes, not really up my street, and what I think was supposed to be comic relief just ended in an eye roll instead.
The entire book is pure Towie vibes, not really up my street, and what I think was supposed to be comic relief just ended in an eye roll instead.
November 8, 2020
An easy read, probably a good one for a holiday, but not my cup of tea.
July 4, 2025
just like watching an episode of towie
February 23, 2014
3.5 stars.
Made in Essex is the second book in the series about Jade, Kelly and Lisa. I haven't read the first novel but this book can be absolutely read as a stand - alone one. There were some mentions to the previous adventures of the three friends but if you haven't read the first book, it doesn't actually matter.
To write this review has taken me over a week. I think it is a world record, or at least it is my personal record. Why so long? Because I am torn: between my thoughts about this book and the fact that I really did enjoy this read. I know what you can think after reading this review: that I have little good to say about this book, so why 3,5 stars? Because although the book seemed too shallow for my liking, I found the story entertaining and light.
To be honest, when I started to read this book I had big eyes and a question mark above my head asking what the hell am I reading? Where is substance, essence, what is this book about? Please do not get me wrong and I am writing about my personal feelings here. The characters in this story were your typical blondes (no offence, I am also blonde), with no depth, having no real problems, thinking only about fake tan, long nails and extensions and buying dogs on impulse.
There were a lot of moments where the plot was too easy and much too predictable, especially when it comes to Adele and to the well - known idea of Karma: all good and bad things come back. In this case, only bad things. I would expect it to be more complicated and a little more difficult for all of the girls.
The story follows three girl - friends: Jade, Kelly and Lisa, all young and carefree, trying to stand on their own legs and make career. Jade and Kelly have just started their own bikini business and I just loved the name of it: Vajazzle My Bikini. They have great plans, for website, shows, launching the business but something is wrong: somebody has stolen their idea, projects and clients. I am not going to spoil it here when I say that it is Adele, because we know from the beginning that she was this person. Adele, jealous (jell!!! See? here is the next thing. Jell instead of jealous, hun instead of honey, yes, it is the way the young communicate with each other but it just so, so, so plays on my nerves) of Jade and actually of all that other girls have and she doesn't have: boyfriends, friends, dogs, bikinis etc and competes in almost everything: who has darker fake tan, longer hair, longer lashes, higher heels, shorter skirts... You have the picture. And Adele will do everything to destroy Jade's life and happiness.
There are some other sub - plots in the book considering other girls. Kelly is trying to help her boyfriend and Lisa... Actually, I am not sure what Lisa was doing, except maybe buying the little chihuahua and only then wondering who is going to take care of the dog when she is at work.
Probably the intention of the author was to show us that deep down the girls were brave, nice, open - minded and clever, but I couldn't stop thinking that they are just too silly and trivial. Yes, they were able to start, hold and support their business, yes, Kelly could be a brilliant Sherlock Holmes but altogether they were too childishly behaving, they were too carefree to take them seriously. I felt often desperate about Kelly and the ditzy things that she used to say and they were such simple that it was actually not funny any more.
But. This book was wonderfully written. The writing was very engaging and the author was able to describe every situation, even the simplest one, in a funny, interesting way. Do you see my dilemma??? It looks like it is possible to have some issues with the characters and the plot but overall enjoy the writing and the story - it has rescued this book for me. It was your typical fluffy read and if you want something funny and not too serious, give this book a go.
I received a copy of this book from publisher in exchange for a review.
Made in Essex is the second book in the series about Jade, Kelly and Lisa. I haven't read the first novel but this book can be absolutely read as a stand - alone one. There were some mentions to the previous adventures of the three friends but if you haven't read the first book, it doesn't actually matter.
To write this review has taken me over a week. I think it is a world record, or at least it is my personal record. Why so long? Because I am torn: between my thoughts about this book and the fact that I really did enjoy this read. I know what you can think after reading this review: that I have little good to say about this book, so why 3,5 stars? Because although the book seemed too shallow for my liking, I found the story entertaining and light.
To be honest, when I started to read this book I had big eyes and a question mark above my head asking what the hell am I reading? Where is substance, essence, what is this book about? Please do not get me wrong and I am writing about my personal feelings here. The characters in this story were your typical blondes (no offence, I am also blonde), with no depth, having no real problems, thinking only about fake tan, long nails and extensions and buying dogs on impulse.
There were a lot of moments where the plot was too easy and much too predictable, especially when it comes to Adele and to the well - known idea of Karma: all good and bad things come back. In this case, only bad things. I would expect it to be more complicated and a little more difficult for all of the girls.
The story follows three girl - friends: Jade, Kelly and Lisa, all young and carefree, trying to stand on their own legs and make career. Jade and Kelly have just started their own bikini business and I just loved the name of it: Vajazzle My Bikini. They have great plans, for website, shows, launching the business but something is wrong: somebody has stolen their idea, projects and clients. I am not going to spoil it here when I say that it is Adele, because we know from the beginning that she was this person. Adele, jealous (jell!!! See? here is the next thing. Jell instead of jealous, hun instead of honey, yes, it is the way the young communicate with each other but it just so, so, so plays on my nerves) of Jade and actually of all that other girls have and she doesn't have: boyfriends, friends, dogs, bikinis etc and competes in almost everything: who has darker fake tan, longer hair, longer lashes, higher heels, shorter skirts... You have the picture. And Adele will do everything to destroy Jade's life and happiness.
There are some other sub - plots in the book considering other girls. Kelly is trying to help her boyfriend and Lisa... Actually, I am not sure what Lisa was doing, except maybe buying the little chihuahua and only then wondering who is going to take care of the dog when she is at work.
Probably the intention of the author was to show us that deep down the girls were brave, nice, open - minded and clever, but I couldn't stop thinking that they are just too silly and trivial. Yes, they were able to start, hold and support their business, yes, Kelly could be a brilliant Sherlock Holmes but altogether they were too childishly behaving, they were too carefree to take them seriously. I felt often desperate about Kelly and the ditzy things that she used to say and they were such simple that it was actually not funny any more.
But. This book was wonderfully written. The writing was very engaging and the author was able to describe every situation, even the simplest one, in a funny, interesting way. Do you see my dilemma??? It looks like it is possible to have some issues with the characters and the plot but overall enjoy the writing and the story - it has rescued this book for me. It was your typical fluffy read and if you want something funny and not too serious, give this book a go.
I received a copy of this book from publisher in exchange for a review.
March 3, 2014
Also posted here: http://lilmissvixreads.blogspot.co.uk...
I received an advance copy of this book via Goodreads first reads. To be honest, this book is not my usual
taste, but I decided to give it a go as something light to read in between more demanding books.
The story follows three friends, Jade Kelly and Lisa, and their arch rival Adele through the trials and tribulations of love, life and business. It is VERY stereotypical, designed to appeal, unsurprisingly, to fans of the hit ITV2 show The Only Way is Essex, a category which I don't fit into. That said, Made in Essex is well written with well developed characters; it follows on from another of Ziepe's book called Essex Girls but it made perfect sense to me without having read the other novel. Ziepe was offered a part in the first series of TOWIE so she knows the world that she's writing about inside out, and it shows.
However, the constant use of the famous Essex colloquialisms ('totes amaze' 'jel' and of course 'reem') really grated on me, as did Kelly's frequent 'blonde' moments which seemed forced into the narrative, and a little out of character considering how clever she was at other moments in the plot. I was hoping for more than just a reinforcement of the Essex stereotype, and in this respect I was disappointed.
3/5 stars: If you like TOWIE then you'll love this, but it's just not my thing.
I received an advance copy of this book via Goodreads first reads. To be honest, this book is not my usual
taste, but I decided to give it a go as something light to read in between more demanding books.
The story follows three friends, Jade Kelly and Lisa, and their arch rival Adele through the trials and tribulations of love, life and business. It is VERY stereotypical, designed to appeal, unsurprisingly, to fans of the hit ITV2 show The Only Way is Essex, a category which I don't fit into. That said, Made in Essex is well written with well developed characters; it follows on from another of Ziepe's book called Essex Girls but it made perfect sense to me without having read the other novel. Ziepe was offered a part in the first series of TOWIE so she knows the world that she's writing about inside out, and it shows.
However, the constant use of the famous Essex colloquialisms ('totes amaze' 'jel' and of course 'reem') really grated on me, as did Kelly's frequent 'blonde' moments which seemed forced into the narrative, and a little out of character considering how clever she was at other moments in the plot. I was hoping for more than just a reinforcement of the Essex stereotype, and in this respect I was disappointed.
3/5 stars: If you like TOWIE then you'll love this, but it's just not my thing.
March 5, 2015
Not much of a blurb is it? I don't mind that though as half of the time I don't read them, but I know a lot of people do.
Anyway, have you ever read a book that's so predictable and has so much drama in that you just roll your eyes and think oh really? Well this is one of them books. Well, to me it is anyway, try it you might like it if you like reality TV and that awful programme The Only Way Is Essex. I hate all that crap and as soon as I started Made In Essex I had to grit my teeth and try not to roll my eyes at the overuse in Essex dialogue. Yeah I get it's a plot based in Essex, but come on not every single person overuses the words Hilair, Reem, Babe, Jell, Beauts, Totes, it's absolutely ridiculous. I just couldn't get past it all to be fair and it became apparent that it was nothing but drama, bitch, drama, bitch, drama, bitch. That's not for me at all.
1/5
Anyway, have you ever read a book that's so predictable and has so much drama in that you just roll your eyes and think oh really? Well this is one of them books. Well, to me it is anyway, try it you might like it if you like reality TV and that awful programme The Only Way Is Essex. I hate all that crap and as soon as I started Made In Essex I had to grit my teeth and try not to roll my eyes at the overuse in Essex dialogue. Yeah I get it's a plot based in Essex, but come on not every single person overuses the words Hilair, Reem, Babe, Jell, Beauts, Totes, it's absolutely ridiculous. I just couldn't get past it all to be fair and it became apparent that it was nothing but drama, bitch, drama, bitch, drama, bitch. That's not for me at all.
1/5
March 15, 2014
An very lighthearted and entertaining read, perfect to get lost in as i couldn't put it down.
I always look forward to reading books by different authors and i wasn't aware that this was the second book following Jade, Kelly and Lisa but didn't find that i was losing out on any of the book having not read the first one beforehand, and i will be reading that one very soon!
Although i found that i was able to see what was coming next throughout the book, it was written in such an amusing way it didn't matter in the slightest.
Highly recommended, i look forward to reading more books by Laura Ziepe in the future.
I always look forward to reading books by different authors and i wasn't aware that this was the second book following Jade, Kelly and Lisa but didn't find that i was losing out on any of the book having not read the first one beforehand, and i will be reading that one very soon!
Although i found that i was able to see what was coming next throughout the book, it was written in such an amusing way it didn't matter in the slightest.
Highly recommended, i look forward to reading more books by Laura Ziepe in the future.
February 23, 2014
I found this hard to get into at first - too much babe and dressing up dogs for my liking, but then I was drawn into the characters, especially Adele who you just love to hate - complete materialist bitch but a super character.
If you love TOWIE you will not be disappointed, I couldn't put the book down, it was so easy to read - Great holiday read - However if your looking for a gritty novel, this will not be for you.
Can't wait for the next book - looking forward to the next instalment of Kelly, Jade and Lisa's lives.
If you love TOWIE you will not be disappointed, I couldn't put the book down, it was so easy to read - Great holiday read - However if your looking for a gritty novel, this will not be for you.
Can't wait for the next book - looking forward to the next instalment of Kelly, Jade and Lisa's lives.
August 8, 2014
This was a giveaway from Goodreads. Love this book from the start. It is a good holiday read. Loved the characters and the setting. Looking forward to reading Essex Girls to see what they get up to next
February 13, 2014
Absolutely hilarious and fun-filled!
March 1, 2014
Easy fun read with I can't believe Adele said or did that and the complete opposite of Kelly's hilarious one liners.
March 3, 2014
I tried to like this book and i really tried to enjoy it, but i found it dull. Maybe seeing essex in the title had already made up my mind for me, with shows like towie being on my hate list.
April 8, 2014
It's a good chick flick... Would love to watch a movie based on this book. :)
April 19, 2014
A lighthearted read! A perfect holiday read!
July 12, 2014
if you are a TOWIE fan, then you will love this book!
March 18, 2014
Funny and lighthearted read! Couldn't put it down.
February 8, 2015
brilliant follow up to Essex girls
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews