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Just One Weekend
Sandy wants adventure.
Bored waiting for her husband to give up so they can travel the world, she jets off to New York with best friend, Isobel, chasing a slice of their youthful dreams at a reunion concert for The Brig - the pop group they fangirled over long past the age they should've known better.
But her meticulous sightseeing plans unravel when Isobel's virtual boyfriend makes a surprise appearance and Sandy is saddled with an inebriated passenger who has made her transatlantic flight a misery.
Stuck with this stranger - who turns out to be not such a stranger after all - Sandy embarks on a whirlwind weekend zigzagging across New York. As inhibitions fade and heartbreaks surface, the initial animosity between two lost souls gives way to a surprising connection from long ago.
Now, Sandy must decide if this unexpected adventure is the one she's been searching for.
Bored waiting for her husband to give up so they can travel the world, she jets off to New York with best friend, Isobel, chasing a slice of their youthful dreams at a reunion concert for The Brig - the pop group they fangirled over long past the age they should've known better.
But her meticulous sightseeing plans unravel when Isobel's virtual boyfriend makes a surprise appearance and Sandy is saddled with an inebriated passenger who has made her transatlantic flight a misery.
Stuck with this stranger - who turns out to be not such a stranger after all - Sandy embarks on a whirlwind weekend zigzagging across New York. As inhibitions fade and heartbreaks surface, the initial animosity between two lost souls gives way to a surprising connection from long ago.
Now, Sandy must decide if this unexpected adventure is the one she's been searching for.
222 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2024
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Aitken
3 books2 followersCatherine's background is in film and TV production and development, and her love of story has carried through to her books. Her debut novel is out now - The Liberation of Bella McCaa - and Just One Weekend will follow in September.
Her two favourite pastimes are reading and cinema, with travel, collages and making accessories when time allows.
Catherine lives in Edinburgh.
Her two favourite pastimes are reading and cinema, with travel, collages and making accessories when time allows.
Catherine lives in Edinburgh.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 24, 2024
Book Information
Just One Weekend
By
Catherine Aitken.
Genre - Romance Comedy.
Pages - 190 Pages.
Tropes -
Cheating
Finding themselves
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes, available now!
Available Formats - Kindle and Paperback.
Publishing Infomation -
Published on 29th August 2024 by Handbag Press.
Format in Which i Read - Paperback.
Where my copy come From - Love Book Tours.
POVs - There is a chapter from Jake's POV, but the rest is from Sandy's.
Dual Timeline - No.
1st or 3rd Person - 3rd Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - This is a book that ends in HEA, I just want more!
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, for example cheating, alcholism and child loss.
My Initial Thoughts
When i first started reading this, i couldnt put it down! The chapters are not to long and you can just breeze through it. I like how simple the cover is, nothing given away. "Life is what happens to you when you're making plans,' he said 'John Lennon said thatd.' 'No he didn't' she retorted 'He said life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans. Thats completely different'"
Plot
I loved the plot! i cant sum up just how much i loved the adventures, the laughs and the tears. The plot is well paced and has alot of humour within, however it does have very sad moments to. Not only did the plot make me laugh out loud because Jake and Sandy are absolutely a-MAZE-ing to witness, but i also shed tears of sadness and the very rare tears of happiness.
Characters
The characters was everything in this. Sandy is an very organised person, who likes beige as the colour of clothing and to follow plans down to the minute. You see her find herself within New York and have more of a sense of adventure, even when she is also just as grumpy as Jake. The banter between them is just everything. There is parts that i won't forget in a hurry because they was awesome. Jake is just swoon worthy when he isnt a drunk causing mischeif ha! " 'The whole fame, celebrity thing - it's brilliant for selling records, and in the early days it was great fun, we loved it. The other side is hellish."
Recommend
i recommend this to everyone! If romance and comedy are your thing, you'll love this with it's perfect mix of both.
Favourite Quotes
"I couldn't believe it when your face appeared, it was so out of place.' He mimicked a double take. 'Whacking him with his own tambourine. The vision will amuse me for a long time."
"I'm only saying, meeting you changed me and i think you changed a bit to. This is just one weekend out of hundreds of weekends in life we'll have; I thought it might be nice to spend it together."
"But that was mean and he wasn't mean, not him. He was a boofhead, a gowk and a dumbar se. That's what he was."
Favourite Chapter/s
Chapter 14!!!!!
It had me in stitches. "I am Mr Nincompoop and i challenge you to pen at dawn."
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect mix of romance and comedy.
Overall Wrap up
I just adored this so much. It was the perfect mix and honestly i needed the laughs that this book gave me. Catherine has a real nack for writing and making people feel seen. I will not be forgetting this one in a while, well unless you count me forgetting Jakes name and calling him Jack the second i finished the book, wooops. However not only does this book have the best main characters the side characters are rocking to, shout out to Jonjo and Etta!
Stars.
5
Spice.
Closed door.
Just One Weekend
By
Catherine Aitken.
Genre - Romance Comedy.
Pages - 190 Pages.
Tropes -
Cheating
Finding themselves
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes, available now!
Available Formats - Kindle and Paperback.
Publishing Infomation -
Published on 29th August 2024 by Handbag Press.
Format in Which i Read - Paperback.
Where my copy come From - Love Book Tours.
POVs - There is a chapter from Jake's POV, but the rest is from Sandy's.
Dual Timeline - No.
1st or 3rd Person - 3rd Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - This is a book that ends in HEA, I just want more!
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, for example cheating, alcholism and child loss.
My Initial Thoughts
When i first started reading this, i couldnt put it down! The chapters are not to long and you can just breeze through it. I like how simple the cover is, nothing given away. "Life is what happens to you when you're making plans,' he said 'John Lennon said thatd.' 'No he didn't' she retorted 'He said life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans. Thats completely different'"
Plot
I loved the plot! i cant sum up just how much i loved the adventures, the laughs and the tears. The plot is well paced and has alot of humour within, however it does have very sad moments to. Not only did the plot make me laugh out loud because Jake and Sandy are absolutely a-MAZE-ing to witness, but i also shed tears of sadness and the very rare tears of happiness.
Characters
The characters was everything in this. Sandy is an very organised person, who likes beige as the colour of clothing and to follow plans down to the minute. You see her find herself within New York and have more of a sense of adventure, even when she is also just as grumpy as Jake. The banter between them is just everything. There is parts that i won't forget in a hurry because they was awesome. Jake is just swoon worthy when he isnt a drunk causing mischeif ha! " 'The whole fame, celebrity thing - it's brilliant for selling records, and in the early days it was great fun, we loved it. The other side is hellish."
Recommend
i recommend this to everyone! If romance and comedy are your thing, you'll love this with it's perfect mix of both.
Favourite Quotes
"I couldn't believe it when your face appeared, it was so out of place.' He mimicked a double take. 'Whacking him with his own tambourine. The vision will amuse me for a long time."
"I'm only saying, meeting you changed me and i think you changed a bit to. This is just one weekend out of hundreds of weekends in life we'll have; I thought it might be nice to spend it together."
"But that was mean and he wasn't mean, not him. He was a boofhead, a gowk and a dumbar se. That's what he was."
Favourite Chapter/s
Chapter 14!!!!!
It had me in stitches. "I am Mr Nincompoop and i challenge you to pen at dawn."
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect mix of romance and comedy.
Overall Wrap up
I just adored this so much. It was the perfect mix and honestly i needed the laughs that this book gave me. Catherine has a real nack for writing and making people feel seen. I will not be forgetting this one in a while, well unless you count me forgetting Jakes name and calling him Jack the second i finished the book, wooops. However not only does this book have the best main characters the side characters are rocking to, shout out to Jonjo and Etta!
Stars.
5
Spice.
Closed door.
September 26, 2024
4.5 stars
This is the second book by the author and I flew through it.
Sandy is a woman who feels like her life is plodding along and she really wants adventure. Her husband is working and reluctant to give it up whilst she wants to travel and enjoy herself. She decides to go to New York with her best friend to see a reunion concert of a band they have both loved for so long.
Sandy does remind me a lot of myself the way she plans every last detail of the trip. When these plans get derailed by Isobel’s boyfriend turning up and getting stuck with a very drunk passenger she handles the situation so well. I loved seeing her handle each change and really develop. Sandy starts to reevaluate her life and have fun. You find yourself rooting for her whilst these adventures occur and she finds a surprising connection with the passenger who turned things upside down.
Catherine Aitkin has a way of writing characters that are both loveable and relatable. Her descriptions of New York were so good I really felt I was there which was a real treat.
This is the second book by the author and I flew through it.
Sandy is a woman who feels like her life is plodding along and she really wants adventure. Her husband is working and reluctant to give it up whilst she wants to travel and enjoy herself. She decides to go to New York with her best friend to see a reunion concert of a band they have both loved for so long.
Sandy does remind me a lot of myself the way she plans every last detail of the trip. When these plans get derailed by Isobel’s boyfriend turning up and getting stuck with a very drunk passenger she handles the situation so well. I loved seeing her handle each change and really develop. Sandy starts to reevaluate her life and have fun. You find yourself rooting for her whilst these adventures occur and she finds a surprising connection with the passenger who turned things upside down.
Catherine Aitkin has a way of writing characters that are both loveable and relatable. Her descriptions of New York were so good I really felt I was there which was a real treat.
September 27, 2024
What a ride! This book was a fast paced rollercoaster ride of fun and emotion. Cassandra has one weekend to try to complete her bucket list. She has everything perfectly planned out, including five laminated schedules. She and her best friend are headed to New York to see the boy band they crushed on way past when it was cool. Plans go awry, as they tend to do in these things and the adventure begins.
I really liked Cassandra. I get the way she liked to be so scheduled and planned. I also get how she felt when those well laid plans went astray. This is a very well written, enjoyable story that brings out lots of emotions. The characters were well developed, relatable and likeable.
I really liked Cassandra. I get the way she liked to be so scheduled and planned. I also get how she felt when those well laid plans went astray. This is a very well written, enjoyable story that brings out lots of emotions. The characters were well developed, relatable and likeable.
September 30, 2024
Sandy has just one weekend to fulfill her bucket list weekend in NYC and it is bulleted, organized down to the minute, and laminated. It sounds like a dream come true to me but it has not been my life lately. Because as Catherine Aiken so beautifully writes, the older you get, somehow the harder life seems to get and the more curveballs just seem to come your way. As Sandy and her best friend Isobel embark to the Big Apple, nothing on their list seems to go as planned. And in the course of everything going awry, Sandy finds herself in the midst of some major soul searching that absolutely pulls the reader into her journey and really tugs at the heartstrings. Just One Weekend is a wonderful reminder of sometimes life’s greatest adventures happen when we deviate from our itinerary and go with the flow…I could not put this one down!
We could all take notes from this beautiful book and I am working to improve my go with the flow attitude in my daily life. Though I do have to say that with my last few bucket list trips I have afforded myself flexibility and so the only reservations were the car and where to lay our heads at night…but you can bet the flexible itinerary was still laminated!
We could all take notes from this beautiful book and I am working to improve my go with the flow attitude in my daily life. Though I do have to say that with my last few bucket list trips I have afforded myself flexibility and so the only reservations were the car and where to lay our heads at night…but you can bet the flexible itinerary was still laminated!
September 26, 2024
Welcome to the Love Books Tours book tour for Catherine Aitken's latest novel "Just One Weekend."
Blurb: A woman in need of change; a reclusive, broken rock star and the city that never sleeps . . . What could possibly go wrong?
Sandy wants adventure. Bored waiting for her husband to give up work so they can travel the world, she jets off to New York with best friend, Isobel, chasing a slice of their youthful dreams at a reunion concert for The Brig – the pop group they fangirled over long past the age they should’ve known better.
But her meticulous sightseeing plans unravel when Isobel’s virtual boyfriend makes a surprise appearance and Sandy is saddled with an inebriated passenger who had made her transatlantic flight a misery. Stuck with this stranger - who turns out to be not such a stranger after all - Sandy embarks on a whirlwind weekend zigzagging across New York. Sandy must decide if this unexpected adventure is the one she’s been searching for.
Review:
I have some thoughts about this book and its plot that might not be popular, and I'm endeavoring to avoid spoilers. While I liked Sandy the planner whose plans are turned sideways, the plot, the characters, and the madcap situations that Sandy and Jake found themselves in, I did not love Sandy the wild child who threw her plans (and an important relationship) away. I felt a bit betrayed by a few of her choices. I mostly understand them, yet I don't agree with them.
I gave the book four stars for the creativity of the plot, the complexity of its characters, and the depth of emotion. I was NOT happy with the failure of a certain relationship (spoilers), and I was not a huge fan of Sandy's reckless side. Nevertheless, the book was well-written and certainly thought-provoking for this "woman of a certain age" reader.
Special thanks to the author, Kelly at Love Books Tours, and the publisher for a digital ebook for review. All thoughts about the book are my own.
@catherineaitkenauthor @lovebookstours #Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram
Blurb: A woman in need of change; a reclusive, broken rock star and the city that never sleeps . . . What could possibly go wrong?
Sandy wants adventure. Bored waiting for her husband to give up work so they can travel the world, she jets off to New York with best friend, Isobel, chasing a slice of their youthful dreams at a reunion concert for The Brig – the pop group they fangirled over long past the age they should’ve known better.
But her meticulous sightseeing plans unravel when Isobel’s virtual boyfriend makes a surprise appearance and Sandy is saddled with an inebriated passenger who had made her transatlantic flight a misery. Stuck with this stranger - who turns out to be not such a stranger after all - Sandy embarks on a whirlwind weekend zigzagging across New York. Sandy must decide if this unexpected adventure is the one she’s been searching for.
Review:
I have some thoughts about this book and its plot that might not be popular, and I'm endeavoring to avoid spoilers. While I liked Sandy the planner whose plans are turned sideways, the plot, the characters, and the madcap situations that Sandy and Jake found themselves in, I did not love Sandy the wild child who threw her plans (and an important relationship) away. I felt a bit betrayed by a few of her choices. I mostly understand them, yet I don't agree with them.
I gave the book four stars for the creativity of the plot, the complexity of its characters, and the depth of emotion. I was NOT happy with the failure of a certain relationship (spoilers), and I was not a huge fan of Sandy's reckless side. Nevertheless, the book was well-written and certainly thought-provoking for this "woman of a certain age" reader.
Special thanks to the author, Kelly at Love Books Tours, and the publisher for a digital ebook for review. All thoughts about the book are my own.
@catherineaitkenauthor @lovebookstours #Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram
September 24, 2024
Sandy is going to NY with her childhood friend to see their favourite band from back in the day, but they don’t count on Isobel’s online boyfriend arriving and taking her away for the weekend. So Sandy has to find something to do by herself - stick to the schedule or just wander and see what happens.
I really enjoyed this one, it was refreshing and easy to read. Sandy had a great weekend seeing NY from a different perspective than the tourist one and boy, did it change her. Read in one sitting, a fabulous book about how life can change in just one weekend. Keeping this author on my radar for sure.
I really enjoyed this one, it was refreshing and easy to read. Sandy had a great weekend seeing NY from a different perspective than the tourist one and boy, did it change her. Read in one sitting, a fabulous book about how life can change in just one weekend. Keeping this author on my radar for sure.
August 4, 2025
Book Information
Just One Weekend
By
Catherine Aitken.
Genre - Romance Comedy.
Pages - 190 Pages.
Tropes -
Cheating
Finding themselves
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes, available now!
Available Formats - Kindle and Paperback.
Publishing Infomation -
Published on 29th August 2024 by Handbag Press.
Format in Which i Read - Paperback.
Where my copy come From - Love Book Tours.
POVs - There is a chapter from Jake's POV, but the rest is from Sandy's.
Dual Timeline - No.
1st or 3rd Person - 3rd Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - This is a book that ends in HEA, I just want more!
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, for example cheating, alcholism and child loss.
My Initial Thoughts
When i first started reading this, i couldnt put it down! The chapters are not to long and you can just breeze through it. I like how simple the cover is, nothing given away. "Life is what happens to you when you're making plans,' he said 'John Lennon said thatd.' 'No he didn't' she retorted 'He said life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans. Thats completely different'"
Plot
I loved the plot! i cant sum up just how much i loved the adventures, the laughs and the tears. The plot is well paced and has alot of humour within, however it does have very sad moments to. Not only did the plot make me laugh out loud because Jake and Sandy are absolutely a-MAZE-ing to witness, but i also shed tears of sadness and the very rare tears of happiness.
Characters
The characters was everything in this. Sandy is an very organised person, who likes beige as the colour of clothing and to follow plans down to the minute. You see her find herself within New York and have more of a sense of adventure, even when she is also just as grumpy as Jake. The banter between them is just everything. There is parts that i won't forget in a hurry because they was awesome. Jake is just swoon worthy when he isnt a drunk causing mischeif ha! " 'The whole fame, celebrity thing - it's brilliant for selling records, and in the early days it was great fun, we loved it. The other side is hellish."
Recommend
i recommend this to everyone! If romance and comedy are your thing, you'll love this with it's perfect mix of both.
Favourite Quotes
"I couldn't believe it when your face appeared, it was so out of place.' He mimicked a double take. 'Whacking him with his own tambourine. The vision will amuse me for a long time."
"I'm only saying, meeting you changed me and i think you changed a bit to. This is just one weekend out of hundreds of weekends in life we'll have; I thought it might be nice to spend it together."
"But that was mean and he wasn't mean, not him. He was a boofhead, a gowk and a dumbar se. That's what he was."
Favourite Chapter/s
Chapter 14!!!!!
It had me in stitches. "I am Mr Nincompoop and i challenge you to pen at dawn."
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect mix of romance and comedy.
Overall Wrap up
I just adored this so much. It was the perfect mix and honestly i needed the laughs that this book gave me. Catherine has a real nack for writing and making people feel seen. I will not be forgetting this one in a while, well unless you count me forgetting Jakes name and calling him Jack the second i finished the book, wooops. However not only does this book have the best main characters the side characters are rocking to, shout out to Jonjo and Etta!
Stars.
5
Spice.
Closed door.
Just One Weekend
By
Catherine Aitken.
Genre - Romance Comedy.
Pages - 190 Pages.
Tropes -
Cheating
Finding themselves
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes, available now!
Available Formats - Kindle and Paperback.
Publishing Infomation -
Published on 29th August 2024 by Handbag Press.
Format in Which i Read - Paperback.
Where my copy come From - Love Book Tours.
POVs - There is a chapter from Jake's POV, but the rest is from Sandy's.
Dual Timeline - No.
1st or 3rd Person - 3rd Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - This is a book that ends in HEA, I just want more!
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, for example cheating, alcholism and child loss.
My Initial Thoughts
When i first started reading this, i couldnt put it down! The chapters are not to long and you can just breeze through it. I like how simple the cover is, nothing given away. "Life is what happens to you when you're making plans,' he said 'John Lennon said thatd.' 'No he didn't' she retorted 'He said life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans. Thats completely different'"
Plot
I loved the plot! i cant sum up just how much i loved the adventures, the laughs and the tears. The plot is well paced and has alot of humour within, however it does have very sad moments to. Not only did the plot make me laugh out loud because Jake and Sandy are absolutely a-MAZE-ing to witness, but i also shed tears of sadness and the very rare tears of happiness.
Characters
The characters was everything in this. Sandy is an very organised person, who likes beige as the colour of clothing and to follow plans down to the minute. You see her find herself within New York and have more of a sense of adventure, even when she is also just as grumpy as Jake. The banter between them is just everything. There is parts that i won't forget in a hurry because they was awesome. Jake is just swoon worthy when he isnt a drunk causing mischeif ha! " 'The whole fame, celebrity thing - it's brilliant for selling records, and in the early days it was great fun, we loved it. The other side is hellish."
Recommend
i recommend this to everyone! If romance and comedy are your thing, you'll love this with it's perfect mix of both.
Favourite Quotes
"I couldn't believe it when your face appeared, it was so out of place.' He mimicked a double take. 'Whacking him with his own tambourine. The vision will amuse me for a long time."
"I'm only saying, meeting you changed me and i think you changed a bit to. This is just one weekend out of hundreds of weekends in life we'll have; I thought it might be nice to spend it together."
"But that was mean and he wasn't mean, not him. He was a boofhead, a gowk and a dumbar se. That's what he was."
Favourite Chapter/s
Chapter 14!!!!!
It had me in stitches. "I am Mr Nincompoop and i challenge you to pen at dawn."
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect mix of romance and comedy.
Overall Wrap up
I just adored this so much. It was the perfect mix and honestly i needed the laughs that this book gave me. Catherine has a real nack for writing and making people feel seen. I will not be forgetting this one in a while, well unless you count me forgetting Jakes name and calling him Jack the second i finished the book, wooops. However not only does this book have the best main characters the side characters are rocking to, shout out to Jonjo and Etta!
Stars.
5
Spice.
Closed door.
September 6, 2024
I read The Liberation Of Bella McCaa by this author at the start of this year and absolutely loved it! So as soon as I saw this new release, I knew I had to read it!
The meticulous Sandy is heading off on a well planned adventure - with her friend Isobel and her 5 laminated schedules! Every minute of the trip accounted for.
Both excited to be exploring New York but also to be seeing The Brig, their favourite band from their youth for a one time reunion after 10 years away.
Things start to go awry right from the point that Sandy gets upgraded to business class on the plane out - and let's just say that from then on, they're going off-plan!
I really don't want to say anything else about the storyline because there was just so much going on from start to finish and my heart was racing - but you have to experience it for yourself!
I honestly feel as though I sped around every corner of New York along with them all.
I absolutely loved Sandy/Cassandra!
I'm around the same age as her and am definitely experiencing some of the feelings that she was.
Loving to be organised and having a plan for everything, but as soon as she experienced the other side of things, realising that this is what was missing from her life.
I'm not really in favour of some of the decisions made - or should I say the manner that they were carried out (eek....no spoilers!) but it's definitely something that many ladies of our age will relate to!
This was a madcap, crazy, rollercoaster which I found uplifting, motivating and so much fun.
The writing is brilliant and you can't help but be drawn right into the storyline.
This was such a fast-paced read which had me flipping those pages so quickly to see what was going to happen next and how things would conclude.
I felt every emotion whilst reading and that's definitely my sign of a great book!
Will be recommending this to all and can't wait to read more!!
The meticulous Sandy is heading off on a well planned adventure - with her friend Isobel and her 5 laminated schedules! Every minute of the trip accounted for.
Both excited to be exploring New York but also to be seeing The Brig, their favourite band from their youth for a one time reunion after 10 years away.
Things start to go awry right from the point that Sandy gets upgraded to business class on the plane out - and let's just say that from then on, they're going off-plan!
I really don't want to say anything else about the storyline because there was just so much going on from start to finish and my heart was racing - but you have to experience it for yourself!
I honestly feel as though I sped around every corner of New York along with them all.
I absolutely loved Sandy/Cassandra!
I'm around the same age as her and am definitely experiencing some of the feelings that she was.
Loving to be organised and having a plan for everything, but as soon as she experienced the other side of things, realising that this is what was missing from her life.
I'm not really in favour of some of the decisions made - or should I say the manner that they were carried out (eek....no spoilers!) but it's definitely something that many ladies of our age will relate to!
This was a madcap, crazy, rollercoaster which I found uplifting, motivating and so much fun.
The writing is brilliant and you can't help but be drawn right into the storyline.
This was such a fast-paced read which had me flipping those pages so quickly to see what was going to happen next and how things would conclude.
I felt every emotion whilst reading and that's definitely my sign of a great book!
Will be recommending this to all and can't wait to read more!!
September 26, 2024
I absolutely loved this book, to the point where I read it all in one sitting. It might be on the shorter side but it delivers so much fun and feeling and I finished it with a smile on my face.
In Just One Weekend, we meet Sandy — planner extraordinaire who does everything to the letter — who is heading to New York to see the boyband she used to love when she was younger. Along with her friend, she has a laminated schedule to see the city but when plans change, that’s when we see Sandy thrive. Despite being cautious at first, we see her develop as the mishaps keep occurring, her characters grows and by the end of the novel, you’re completely rooting for her to break free from the tight plan she has on life and do what she wants to do. And of course, you’re rooting for her to get the handsome guy at the end (despite initially not agreeing with a few choices she makes but we do realise and eventually understand.)
The premise of this book was fun and quick and everything you want a trip to New York to be — I’ve been there and so, I could picture everything that was happening in my head and it was wonderful. Catherine’s writing is lovely and flows so easily and she writes her characters well — Sandy, despite seemingly uptight at first, has a lot of layers that Aitken unravels as we go along with the journey and it’s all done so well. I loved the others characters too - they all felt like that had a purpose for Sandy on her journey, whether it was forcing her to change her plans, showing why she is the way she is or just letting herself feel free.
By the end, I wanted Cassandra Blue to thrive.
In Just One Weekend, we meet Sandy — planner extraordinaire who does everything to the letter — who is heading to New York to see the boyband she used to love when she was younger. Along with her friend, she has a laminated schedule to see the city but when plans change, that’s when we see Sandy thrive. Despite being cautious at first, we see her develop as the mishaps keep occurring, her characters grows and by the end of the novel, you’re completely rooting for her to break free from the tight plan she has on life and do what she wants to do. And of course, you’re rooting for her to get the handsome guy at the end (despite initially not agreeing with a few choices she makes but we do realise and eventually understand.)
The premise of this book was fun and quick and everything you want a trip to New York to be — I’ve been there and so, I could picture everything that was happening in my head and it was wonderful. Catherine’s writing is lovely and flows so easily and she writes her characters well — Sandy, despite seemingly uptight at first, has a lot of layers that Aitken unravels as we go along with the journey and it’s all done so well. I loved the others characters too - they all felt like that had a purpose for Sandy on her journey, whether it was forcing her to change her plans, showing why she is the way she is or just letting herself feel free.
By the end, I wanted Cassandra Blue to thrive.
October 1, 2024
With going to so many boy band concerts I found myself loving this story! Did you have a favourite boy band growing up who you used to follow and go to their gig? Have you ever been to their reunion boy band concert? Sandy who is much older, and now married to Mike to has to work, when Sandy is offered tickets that her best friend Isobel bought so they could see the reunion of a pop group The Brig. Excitedly, leaving, her husband to work, Sandy and Isobel, make their plans for the journey from Edinburgh to Newark. On the flight unexpectedly, Sandy has to deal with a drunken stranger on board their flight. Out of the kindness of Sandy’s heart, she helps this drunken man through passport control, with his bag and guitar to a hotel room, where Sandy discovers by looking at his passport he is the famous guitarist in the band The Brigs. How lucky Sandy is waking up with a famous guitarist, in her hotel room. Have you ever met a member of your idol in unusual circumstances? Married Sandy is having a wow of a time hanging out with Jake, a member of the band, The Brig. I absolutely loved reading about Sandy’s weekend adventure with her boy band idol, who now has a grey beard. Sometimes destiny really is written in the stars. For all fans that love music, boy bands. Or although theses fictional novels are on a different scale that I have read about the pop industry, I would really recommend Just One Weekend by Catherine Aitken if you have read the fiction novels, like, The Songs You’ve Never Heard by Becky James and Ellie Wyatt also the young adult fiction book Skylar and the K-Pop Headteacher by Lunan Goldie.
September 27, 2024
Wow, what a book! Where do I start?
It's not long but there is certainly plenty packed into it. I loved the fairly short chapters and read this over a day.
Sandy and Isobel’s girlie weekend to New York goes wrong right from the start between Isobel’s boyfriend turning up and Sandy landed with a drunken fellow passenger meaning her detailed plans have gone awry.
While spending time with the stranger (Jake, who is not so strange) and seeing the non touristy part of NY, she finds herself evaluating her life and what it's become. This is a soul searching and life changing time for her. I was initially disappointed in Sandy's decision but as more was revealed, it made more sense to me.
The relationship between Sandy and Jake was amazing, with them both being so grumpy with each other. The banter between them and the situations they found themselves in made me laugh out loud at times, especially their encounter with the Police.
This is a beautifully written book filled with happiness, sadness, humour, romance and life changing decisions and one I highly recommend.
This is the second book I've read by this author and loved and I feel she will be one of my go to authors in the future.
It's not long but there is certainly plenty packed into it. I loved the fairly short chapters and read this over a day.
Sandy and Isobel’s girlie weekend to New York goes wrong right from the start between Isobel’s boyfriend turning up and Sandy landed with a drunken fellow passenger meaning her detailed plans have gone awry.
While spending time with the stranger (Jake, who is not so strange) and seeing the non touristy part of NY, she finds herself evaluating her life and what it's become. This is a soul searching and life changing time for her. I was initially disappointed in Sandy's decision but as more was revealed, it made more sense to me.
The relationship between Sandy and Jake was amazing, with them both being so grumpy with each other. The banter between them and the situations they found themselves in made me laugh out loud at times, especially their encounter with the Police.
This is a beautifully written book filled with happiness, sadness, humour, romance and life changing decisions and one I highly recommend.
This is the second book I've read by this author and loved and I feel she will be one of my go to authors in the future.
September 29, 2024
I was delighted to be able to review Catherine's second book, having previously read and loved her first,The Liberation of Bella McCaa. And Just One Weekend did not disappoint. It was a really quick, fun read which I could not put down.
Catherine is extremely skilled at writing likeable, realistic and believable middle aged women, and as I'm fast approaching, that age (I refuse to admit that I'm there yet, middle age is of course my age +10) I find it refreshing to read about women having similar experiences to me.
The story of Just One Weekend was really good fun. When Sandy and Jake first met, all I could think was "this is why teenage crushes should stay in the past." I don't think I could cope with the crushing disappointment of discovering that the celebs I swooned over as a teenager had become anything other that what they were. Of course Jake didn't stay a disappointment, it would have been a really boring book of he had. Instead they had "just one weekend" of crazy adventures in New York, which i just loved reading about.
This was definitely a brilliant "palate cleanser" of a book, which I highly recommend. Especially to women of a certain age.
Catherine is extremely skilled at writing likeable, realistic and believable middle aged women, and as I'm fast approaching, that age (I refuse to admit that I'm there yet, middle age is of course my age +10) I find it refreshing to read about women having similar experiences to me.
The story of Just One Weekend was really good fun. When Sandy and Jake first met, all I could think was "this is why teenage crushes should stay in the past." I don't think I could cope with the crushing disappointment of discovering that the celebs I swooned over as a teenager had become anything other that what they were. Of course Jake didn't stay a disappointment, it would have been a really boring book of he had. Instead they had "just one weekend" of crazy adventures in New York, which i just loved reading about.
This was definitely a brilliant "palate cleanser" of a book, which I highly recommend. Especially to women of a certain age.
September 26, 2024
Following on from her debut novel, I thought it may be difficult to top it, BUT oh my, Catherine, you have smashed it!
The story follows Sandy as she ends up on a solo trip to New York City after her travel friend essentially ditches her for her online American boyfriend, and her husband just couldn't come.
While there, she meets a random guy who isn't as random as she thinks he is...
I absolutely adore Catherine's way of developing her characters! She starts with a character, and during the course of her story, you can see them developing, but they are always really relatable too. You can see them as friends and family members.
I loved the transformation of Sandy and Jake, plus their interactions were hilarious. They really made the story!
The story itself is heartwarming, eye opening, and just a work of art.
Once again, I absolutely loved reading this and can't stress enough that everyone needs to read this!
Highly recommend !
The story follows Sandy as she ends up on a solo trip to New York City after her travel friend essentially ditches her for her online American boyfriend, and her husband just couldn't come.
While there, she meets a random guy who isn't as random as she thinks he is...
I absolutely adore Catherine's way of developing her characters! She starts with a character, and during the course of her story, you can see them developing, but they are always really relatable too. You can see them as friends and family members.
I loved the transformation of Sandy and Jake, plus their interactions were hilarious. They really made the story!
The story itself is heartwarming, eye opening, and just a work of art.
Once again, I absolutely loved reading this and can't stress enough that everyone needs to read this!
Highly recommend !
September 1, 2024
What a beautiful story! I loved it so much! A weekend away to New York with a friend to see a band turns into so much more! Sandy and Isobel are life-long friends, going on a trip to see The Brig on their reunion gig. Sandy has so many things planned and booked for both of them. Time to spend together, a girly trip of a lifetime or so they think!
Sandy is a bit like me, likes to have a plan and a schedule but it soon changes when Isobel's Internet dating guy decides he wants to get involved by turning up and leaving Sandy on her own.
A unexpected plane ticket upgrade sees her meeting Jake, a member of Brig and her teenage crush! I like how fast paced this book is, Sandy's plans get changed pretty early on and she's taken on a completely different route to the one she thought she'd go on. Was it a blessing in disguise? Read it to find out!
Sandy is a bit like me, likes to have a plan and a schedule but it soon changes when Isobel's Internet dating guy decides he wants to get involved by turning up and leaving Sandy on her own.
A unexpected plane ticket upgrade sees her meeting Jake, a member of Brig and her teenage crush! I like how fast paced this book is, Sandy's plans get changed pretty early on and she's taken on a completely different route to the one she thought she'd go on. Was it a blessing in disguise? Read it to find out!
September 23, 2024
Having read another book by this author earlier this year, I knew I was a fan of her writing and that I'd be in for a treat with this.
We start off in bonnie Scotland - which is a positive in any tale! Then we jetset to New York where Cassandra embarks on a whirlwind weekend that changes everything!
Romcoms set in NYC have never let me down, and this definitely hits the mark.
The characters, relationships, setting, and storyline come together in an action-packed adventure you will love to get lost in.
It's a really quick read, at less than 200 pages, so you can easily devour it in one sitting (like me!). However, I definitely would have loved more and think there were a few things that could have been extended, dug into, to extend this into a more fuller novel.
I think all romcom fans who love to see a tale of personal awakening will enjoy this read.
We start off in bonnie Scotland - which is a positive in any tale! Then we jetset to New York where Cassandra embarks on a whirlwind weekend that changes everything!
Romcoms set in NYC have never let me down, and this definitely hits the mark.
The characters, relationships, setting, and storyline come together in an action-packed adventure you will love to get lost in.
It's a really quick read, at less than 200 pages, so you can easily devour it in one sitting (like me!). However, I definitely would have loved more and think there were a few things that could have been extended, dug into, to extend this into a more fuller novel.
I think all romcom fans who love to see a tale of personal awakening will enjoy this read.
September 29, 2024
This book revolves around a fun, frantic weekend to New York for Sandy and Isobel that is scheduled to the minute to fit in their plans to see everything in the Big Apple. Sandy, married to Mike, is looking for adventure and widowed Isobel, finds herself unexpectedly meeting up with her online boyfriend Chip. The women plan to go to a reunion concert of their childhood favourite band The Brig. Sandy meets a stranger on the journey out who turns her precise, timetabled plans on their head. With the sights of New York, retail therapy, smart hair cuts, cocktails and music this is a full on weekend with longer term decisions beyond the weekend. I really enjoyed the book, the writing style, the sense of adventure and the sentiment. I hope to go to New York myself one day but perhaps for more than the weekend!
September 30, 2024
I loved this! I loved this so much I finished it in one sitting! It was such a wonderfully written cosy read about not only romance but finding yourself. And that really resounded with me.
Sandy makes for the perfect lead female character. She thinks she knows exactly what she wants and needs and after the weekend in New York she is transformed. I really loved watching her character evolve with the help of Jake and I loved their chemistry right from the get go.
I loved the setting too. I have never been to New York but you can tell just how much research has gone in to the writing about it and it really made me feel like I was wandering the streets with them.
A real wonderful read that is full of slow burn energy, finding yourself and fun!
Sandy makes for the perfect lead female character. She thinks she knows exactly what she wants and needs and after the weekend in New York she is transformed. I really loved watching her character evolve with the help of Jake and I loved their chemistry right from the get go.
I loved the setting too. I have never been to New York but you can tell just how much research has gone in to the writing about it and it really made me feel like I was wandering the streets with them.
A real wonderful read that is full of slow burn energy, finding yourself and fun!
September 29, 2024
I love Catherine Aitkens writing style as much as I love her Characters. This was such a fun and heartwarming story which allow Sandy to find herself and do it in a new country as she is living in a rut of a life. She is a loveless marriage and it take a gruff Scottish Singer to be able to find the sense of herself that she thought she had lost. I have never been to New York and this book allowed me to imagine walking around the streets with Sandy and someone who helps her make a connection. Thank you for writing this story for everyone to read.
September 24, 2024
Sandy and Isobel should be heading off to NYC. A last big adventure before they both feel to old and crumbly to enjoy it! Although Sandy and her itinerary may be a bit too detailed for me!
A chance to see their favourite teenage band, The Brig, the excitement spurred them on. But before they even get to NYC all Sandy's well-laid plans start to unravel. Like Isobel going AWOL, getting stuck beside someone she can't help think looks familiar, tearing across NYC with her new found friend, trying to cram as much as she can into this last gasp of adventure.
I do have little bits of Sandy floating through my psyche. Not such an A type personality, but the wanting big adventures before I'm too crumbly I really get! Not all of her decisions are the smartest and some really made me squeak in terror but she sure showed some courage nonetheless.
Fast-paced, emotional rollercoaster with more than a few mad-cap antics!
A chance to see their favourite teenage band, The Brig, the excitement spurred them on. But before they even get to NYC all Sandy's well-laid plans start to unravel. Like Isobel going AWOL, getting stuck beside someone she can't help think looks familiar, tearing across NYC with her new found friend, trying to cram as much as she can into this last gasp of adventure.
I do have little bits of Sandy floating through my psyche. Not such an A type personality, but the wanting big adventures before I'm too crumbly I really get! Not all of her decisions are the smartest and some really made me squeak in terror but she sure showed some courage nonetheless.
Fast-paced, emotional rollercoaster with more than a few mad-cap antics!
September 24, 2024
Title: Just One Weekend by: Catherine Aitken
Genre: Romcom
Pages: 222
Rating: 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
✨This book was a great, quick read! This talks about life changing in the blink of an eye. This author did great job describing the characters, and scenery. The quotes were on point!
I found myself laughing out loud-literally! The bickering and back and forth were hilarious yet just the right amount of steamy! This was the first from the author but I’ll def be reading others of hers!
Genre: Romcom
Pages: 222
Rating: 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
✨This book was a great, quick read! This talks about life changing in the blink of an eye. This author did great job describing the characters, and scenery. The quotes were on point!
I found myself laughing out loud-literally! The bickering and back and forth were hilarious yet just the right amount of steamy! This was the first from the author but I’ll def be reading others of hers!
September 26, 2024
If you like a fast paced and captivating read then this is the one for you!
I very much enjoyed how relatable the characters were especially Sandy. Discovering a side to herself, she had forgotten. It’s hard not to get pulled in to the drama. It seems as though not everything is black and white 😅
And I can’t wait to see what Catherine Aitken has to offer with what may come next. Without a doubt, will be on my TBR 😊
I very much enjoyed how relatable the characters were especially Sandy. Discovering a side to herself, she had forgotten. It’s hard not to get pulled in to the drama. It seems as though not everything is black and white 😅
And I can’t wait to see what Catherine Aitken has to offer with what may come next. Without a doubt, will be on my TBR 😊
September 28, 2024
Just One Weekend by Catherine Aitken.
Omg. This book had me. It was hilarious. From the moment Sandy meets Jake. I loved their banter with each other. Especially the situations they found themselves in. I was giggling all the way through. This had happiness, sadness, romance, and humour. I loved it. I read in two sittings. I loved Sandy. Jake grew on me. I did like Isobel. This was beautifully written. I did like the ending. I would definitely recommend this book.
Omg. This book had me. It was hilarious. From the moment Sandy meets Jake. I loved their banter with each other. Especially the situations they found themselves in. I was giggling all the way through. This had happiness, sadness, romance, and humour. I loved it. I read in two sittings. I loved Sandy. Jake grew on me. I did like Isobel. This was beautifully written. I did like the ending. I would definitely recommend this book.
February 8, 2025
This book was a breath of fresh air after the darker stuff I’ve been reading lately. The meet-cute on the plane to New York had me in stitches, so funny! Sandy and Jake were written perfectly as complete opposites who are thrown together in The Big Apple. Jake omg he really took the Old Rocker vibe to the next level 😂 Sandy was too relatable with her laminated lists and ‘sticking to the schedule.’ Highly recommend if you want a funny sweet romance with great characters!
September 28, 2024
If you love a fun, fast paced rom-com then this is for you ❤️
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Sandy heads off on a trip from Scotland to New York with her bestie Isobel. The whole trip is an absolute whirlwind with Isobel meeting up with her online boyfriend, leaving Sandy to navigate through her strict itinerary alone whilst also dealing with lots of emotional baggage! The stranger she was lugged with whilst getting off the plane is making her feel things she did not expect to feel ✈️
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I really enjoyed this one and read it in just a few hours! I do love a rom-com and this book was no exception. The characters are so relatable and I found myself saying 'yep', 'that's true', and 'I would've done the same thing', to myself throughout the whole book 🤣
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The unexpected friendship forged between Sandy, Jonjo and Etta was so lovely to read. I was delighted when they revealed that the baby Sandy delivered would be named Carys after her own daughter. I had a little lump in my throat 🥹
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The one thing that I didn't really like about the story was the cheating aspect of it. It's just a subject that doesn't sit well with me 😬 This is just me and my personal preference though, so don't let that put you off at all! It really is a very fun, enjoyable read! 🥰
"When you look at the stars you are never alone" - Cassandra Blue 💙
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Sandy heads off on a trip from Scotland to New York with her bestie Isobel. The whole trip is an absolute whirlwind with Isobel meeting up with her online boyfriend, leaving Sandy to navigate through her strict itinerary alone whilst also dealing with lots of emotional baggage! The stranger she was lugged with whilst getting off the plane is making her feel things she did not expect to feel ✈️
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I really enjoyed this one and read it in just a few hours! I do love a rom-com and this book was no exception. The characters are so relatable and I found myself saying 'yep', 'that's true', and 'I would've done the same thing', to myself throughout the whole book 🤣
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The unexpected friendship forged between Sandy, Jonjo and Etta was so lovely to read. I was delighted when they revealed that the baby Sandy delivered would be named Carys after her own daughter. I had a little lump in my throat 🥹
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The one thing that I didn't really like about the story was the cheating aspect of it. It's just a subject that doesn't sit well with me 😬 This is just me and my personal preference though, so don't let that put you off at all! It really is a very fun, enjoyable read! 🥰
"When you look at the stars you are never alone" - Cassandra Blue 💙
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
This book was a cute read, I loved all the nostalgia that the FMC went through and the themes of the novel definitely pulled at my heart strings a few times. I did find the story very funny and lighthearted, I think this was the perfect end of summer read for me. I loved the themes of music and the the build of to the reunion was great, as well as the FMC learning to let go of control and go with your emotions and spontaneity was cathartic and fun at the same time!
December 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this,a story about meeting your celebrity teenage crush in the most unexpected place and all the twist and turns of 2 very different people who inevitability fall for each other all in New York. I liked how the author started in her home town of Dundee and carried the adventure all the way to New York and back again, a really enjoyable 2nd book and I will be reading number 3!
September 24, 2024
Fantastic Book!
Following in from her debut novel, I thought it may be difficult to top it, BUT oh my, Catherine, you have smashed it!
The story follows Sandy as she ends up on a solo trip to New York City after her travel friend essentially ditches her for her online American boyfriend, and her husband just couldn't come.
While there, she meets a random guy who isn't as random as she thinks he is...
I absolutely adore Catherine's way of developing her characters! She starts with a character, and during the course of her story, you can see them developing, but they are always really relatable too. You can see them as friends and family members.
I loved the transformation of Sandy and Jake, plus their interactions were hilarious. They really made the story!
The story itself is heartwarming, eye opening, and just a work of art.
Once again, I absolutely loved reading this and can't stress enough that everyone needs to read this!
Highly recommend !
Following in from her debut novel, I thought it may be difficult to top it, BUT oh my, Catherine, you have smashed it!
The story follows Sandy as she ends up on a solo trip to New York City after her travel friend essentially ditches her for her online American boyfriend, and her husband just couldn't come.
While there, she meets a random guy who isn't as random as she thinks he is...
I absolutely adore Catherine's way of developing her characters! She starts with a character, and during the course of her story, you can see them developing, but they are always really relatable too. You can see them as friends and family members.
I loved the transformation of Sandy and Jake, plus their interactions were hilarious. They really made the story!
The story itself is heartwarming, eye opening, and just a work of art.
Once again, I absolutely loved reading this and can't stress enough that everyone needs to read this!
Highly recommend !
October 20, 2024
Would make a great film!
Will Sandy manage to do all the things on her schedule? New York has so much to offer, and the gig to see her favourite teenage band a highlight. But absolutely nothing goes to plan as soon as she steps onto the plane in Edinburgh. And yet, as she jets over the Atlantic, life might never be the same again on the other side. Joyously written, conjuring up teenage crushes, cherished friendships and a few broken dreams. Catherine Aitken has written the perfect rom-com.
Will Sandy manage to do all the things on her schedule? New York has so much to offer, and the gig to see her favourite teenage band a highlight. But absolutely nothing goes to plan as soon as she steps onto the plane in Edinburgh. And yet, as she jets over the Atlantic, life might never be the same again on the other side. Joyously written, conjuring up teenage crushes, cherished friendships and a few broken dreams. Catherine Aitken has written the perfect rom-com.
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