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Life Skills Audio
Athletic, outdoor type, good cook, good with people, wanted for work on the canals....
Newly not engaged and suddenly out of work, Julia Fairfax needs a new direction. The classified ad that catches her eye sends her on a delightful, hilarious adventure along the English canals on a rickety old hotel boat. Among the twists and turns, Julia encounters
a passel of persnickety guests, an irritating ex-boyfriend, the challenges of cooking in a galley kitchen the size of a closet, and a whole lot of rattling tea cups. Add some frighteningly narrow bridges to steer through, and you've got the makings of an unforgettable journey.
Part romp, part romance, part step-by-step guide to how not to see England's scenic canals, Life Skills will delight fans of intelligent romantic comedy, as well as anyone looking for a few tips on staying afloat.
Newly not engaged and suddenly out of work, Julia Fairfax needs a new direction. The classified ad that catches her eye sends her on a delightful, hilarious adventure along the English canals on a rickety old hotel boat. Among the twists and turns, Julia encounters
a passel of persnickety guests, an irritating ex-boyfriend, the challenges of cooking in a galley kitchen the size of a closet, and a whole lot of rattling tea cups. Add some frighteningly narrow bridges to steer through, and you've got the makings of an unforgettable journey.
Part romp, part romance, part step-by-step guide to how not to see England's scenic canals, Life Skills will delight fans of intelligent romantic comedy, as well as anyone looking for a few tips on staying afloat.
Audio Cassette
First published January 1, 1999
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About the author
Katie Fforde
96 books2,311 followersCatherine Rose Gordon-Cumming was born 27 September 1952 in England, UK, the daughter of Shirley Barbara Laub and Michael Willoughby Gordon-Cumming. Her grandfather was Sir William Gordon-Cumming. Her sister is fellow writer Jane Gordon-Cumming. Katie married Desmond Fforde, cousin of the also writer Jasper Fforde. She has three children: Guy, Francis and Briony and didn't start writing until after the birth of her third child. She has previously worked both as a cleaning lady and in a health food cafe.
Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."
Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.
Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."
Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
May 17, 2012
This is my third Katie Fforde and I found it really disappointing. I got it so that I'd have something quick and light to read on the train to Chicago and I found I had a hard time getting through it. The premise was appealing and the book began promisingly enough: newly single thirty-something takes a job on a hotel boat on the English canals for the spring/summer. But then it devolved into chick-litty throwback fauxmance (I say fauxmance because the romance seemed so contrived). What bugged me the most was that the main character continually railed against the old-fashioned and patriarchal values of her ex-fiancé and her mother--and presumably her new love interest whose ex-wife left him because she "selfishly" didn't want to give up her career to have babies--but then fell right into them when she found herself "undone." She never effectively stood up to the holders of those attitudes and her mother et al never evolved in their views. Worse still, those views are ultimately, if tacitly, validated.
October 18, 2011
Ridiculous plot, syntax in sentence structure was awkward, Why would Fergus even WANT to marry Julia????
August 5, 2019
Oh dear. This was just bad. Bad. Bad. Bad. I only gave it the one star because I learned about narrowboats and have a new dream vacation.
June 29, 2021
I tend to like a crabby heroine, but it turns out context is everything. In this case the h is so snippy and exhausting and childish for no good reason that I could never warm to her.
March 25, 2025
Sorry, but it was just bad. I liked the story about the boats and canals but sorry, it was sexist and misogynistic (from our pov nowadays) which made it really hard to read. Also, the protagonist Julia was such an annoying and unreasonable character throughout the whole book, which makes me wonder why Fergus wanted to marry her so badly at all… Don‘t read it.
January 28, 2017
**spoiler alert**
Julia ist Mitte dreißig, erfolgreich und trägt Konfektionsgröße 40. Sie kündigt ihren Job, da sie bei einer Beförderung übergangen wurde. Nahezu gleichzeitig wird ihr außerdem klar, dass sie ihren Verlobten Oscar gar nicht liebt (sondern dessen Hund) und trennt sich schnell von ihm. Da Julia jedoch nicht ewig von ihren Ersparnissen leben kann und ihr der Sinn nach Abenteuer steht, heuert sie als Köchin auf einem Hotelschiff (pardon, es sind zwei Schiffe und diese Bezeichnung wird ihnen kaum gerecht) an. Denn natürlich ist Julia eine wahnsinnig gute Hobbyköchin. Der Hotelkutter gehört der wunderschönen Suzy, Mitte 20, wahnsinnig schön und wahnsinnig naiv, die endlich zeigen will, dass sie auch ohne Daddys Geld zurechtkommt und etwas Eigenes auf die Beine stellen will. Julia und Suzy werden gute beste Freundinnen und kriegen das mit dem Hotelkutter überraschend gut hin.
Dramatisches Ereignis: Fergus taucht auf dem Boot auf. Fergus und Julia kennen sich seit Kindertagen, denn ihre Mütter sind gute Freundinnen und haben sich schon immer gewünscht, dass die Sprösslinge einander mal heiraten. Doch das Moppelchen hat eine unbändige Wut auf den Sandkastenkameraden, denn der hat sie als junger Bube häufiger geärgert und ihr sogar einmal eine Spinne aufs Bein gesetzt. (!!!) Sie ist deshalb freilich ziemlich ekelhaft zu ihm, wohingegen er sehr charmant und hilfsbereit ist. Aber natürlich weiß Julia, dass das alles nur Tarnung ist. Schließlich hat er ja als kleiner Junge...! Julia geht zwischendurch spazieren und Fergus kreuzt ihren Weg. Sie stürzt sich auf ihn und es kommt zum Liebesakt auf offenem Felde, na klar. An Verhütung hat die dralle Julia nicht denken können, die Lust war einfach so groß. Fergus verschwindet wieder und die Hotelkutterei geht weiter wie bisher. Allerdings ist Julia jetzt schwanger, natürlich von Fergilein. Der darf von seinem Vaterglück aber nichts erfahren, weil... Ja, warum eigentlich nicht? Er erfährt es dann aber doch, unsere Julia möchte ihn allerdings nicht an der Schwangerschaft teilhaben lassen, denn das würde er ja nur aus einem Verantwortungsgefühl tun und das braucht Julia ja wohl ganz und gar nicht. Heiraten darf er sie auch nicht, denn das würde er ja nur wegen des Kindes wollen und nicht wegen ihr. Ja, Julia nervt ganz schön.
Schließlich gipfelt das Drama in der unsäglich peinlichen Geburtssequenz. Julia sieht der Geburt zuerst sehr skeptisch entgegen und beschließt, sich alle Schmerzmittel der Welt verabreichen zu lassen. Aber dann kommt es doch ganz anders und sie bringt plötzlich voller Glücksgefühle ganz natürlich ohne irgendwelche medizinischen Hilfsmittel (Fforde reitet darauf regelrecht herum) Fergus junior zur Welt. Das ist ja auch das beste für Kind und Mutter. Fergus soll bei der Geburt erst übrigens unter keinen Umständen dabei sein, steht dann letztlich aber doch in Position, starrt zwischen ihre gespreizten Beine und ruft aus, dass er Haare sehen kann. Julia ist dafür, dass sie Fergie junior ZUSAMMEN auf die Welt katapultiert haben, natürlich unendlich dankbar, auch wenn der bescheidene Fergus seines Erachtens nach ledigllich "als Fürsprecher" agiert hat. Augenrollen, Brechreiz. Alle sind glücklich, Ende.
Die Handlung ist einfach und dabei voller Widersprüche. Warum Julia überhaupt eine Beziehung mit dem unsäglichen Oscar hatte, bleibt dem Leser schleierhaft. Warum Oscar eine Beziehung mit der nervigen Julia hatte ebenfalls. Ebenso konstruiert wirkt der Groll auf Fergus, den man der Protagonistin einfach nicht abkaufen möchte. Julias Handlungen gegenüber Fergus wirken daher ständig, als habe man es mit einem pubertierenden Teenager zu tun, dessen Aktionen willkürlich erfolgen. Julia ist ständig wegen Kleinigkeiten sauer (und wäscht dann wütend Geschirr ab), die der Leser nicht nachvollziehen kann, gibt sich selbstbewusst und unabhängig und weint dann wieder, weil sie sich (grundlos oder durch ihr eigenes Verhalten evoziert) einsam oder von jemandem verletzt fühlt. Eine Protagonistin, die man lieben muss.
Die zahlreichen Nebencharaktere bleiben dafür recht farblos und geben nicht viel Gelegenheit, sie zu lieben oder zu verabscheuen. Suzy ist schön, naiv, aber unglaublich nett (das war's); Fergus klug, gut aussehend und charmant; Onkel Ralph der gutmütige deftige Onkel; Wayne der dümmliche Schönling usw. Fforde hatte offenbar kein Interesse daran, die geschaffenen Charaktere mit mehr Tiefe auszustatten, so sind alle bis auf Julia Stereotypen.
Die Sprache des Romans ist erwartungsgemäß kitschig und überzeichnet. Julia stößt häufig kleine Entsetzensschreie aus (in banalen Situationen, das versteht sich von selbst), flehentliche Schlafzimmerblicke werden mit einem Ausdruck demütiger Unterwerfung vorgebracht und Haare sind seidenweich, elastisch und offensichtlich erst vor kurzem mit einem angenehm riechenden Shampoo gewaschen worden. Die oft übertrieben gewählten Worte machen die Handlung nicht besser, sie führen im Gegenteil dazu, dass man die Lektüre kaum noch erträgt.
Für Liebhaber von Arzt- und Alpenromantikromanen unbedingt zu empfehlen.
Julia ist Mitte dreißig, erfolgreich und trägt Konfektionsgröße 40. Sie kündigt ihren Job, da sie bei einer Beförderung übergangen wurde. Nahezu gleichzeitig wird ihr außerdem klar, dass sie ihren Verlobten Oscar gar nicht liebt (sondern dessen Hund) und trennt sich schnell von ihm. Da Julia jedoch nicht ewig von ihren Ersparnissen leben kann und ihr der Sinn nach Abenteuer steht, heuert sie als Köchin auf einem Hotelschiff (pardon, es sind zwei Schiffe und diese Bezeichnung wird ihnen kaum gerecht) an. Denn natürlich ist Julia eine wahnsinnig gute Hobbyköchin. Der Hotelkutter gehört der wunderschönen Suzy, Mitte 20, wahnsinnig schön und wahnsinnig naiv, die endlich zeigen will, dass sie auch ohne Daddys Geld zurechtkommt und etwas Eigenes auf die Beine stellen will. Julia und Suzy werden gute beste Freundinnen und kriegen das mit dem Hotelkutter überraschend gut hin.
Dramatisches Ereignis: Fergus taucht auf dem Boot auf. Fergus und Julia kennen sich seit Kindertagen, denn ihre Mütter sind gute Freundinnen und haben sich schon immer gewünscht, dass die Sprösslinge einander mal heiraten. Doch das Moppelchen hat eine unbändige Wut auf den Sandkastenkameraden, denn der hat sie als junger Bube häufiger geärgert und ihr sogar einmal eine Spinne aufs Bein gesetzt. (!!!) Sie ist deshalb freilich ziemlich ekelhaft zu ihm, wohingegen er sehr charmant und hilfsbereit ist. Aber natürlich weiß Julia, dass das alles nur Tarnung ist. Schließlich hat er ja als kleiner Junge...! Julia geht zwischendurch spazieren und Fergus kreuzt ihren Weg. Sie stürzt sich auf ihn und es kommt zum Liebesakt auf offenem Felde, na klar. An Verhütung hat die dralle Julia nicht denken können, die Lust war einfach so groß. Fergus verschwindet wieder und die Hotelkutterei geht weiter wie bisher. Allerdings ist Julia jetzt schwanger, natürlich von Fergilein. Der darf von seinem Vaterglück aber nichts erfahren, weil... Ja, warum eigentlich nicht? Er erfährt es dann aber doch, unsere Julia möchte ihn allerdings nicht an der Schwangerschaft teilhaben lassen, denn das würde er ja nur aus einem Verantwortungsgefühl tun und das braucht Julia ja wohl ganz und gar nicht. Heiraten darf er sie auch nicht, denn das würde er ja nur wegen des Kindes wollen und nicht wegen ihr. Ja, Julia nervt ganz schön.
Schließlich gipfelt das Drama in der unsäglich peinlichen Geburtssequenz. Julia sieht der Geburt zuerst sehr skeptisch entgegen und beschließt, sich alle Schmerzmittel der Welt verabreichen zu lassen. Aber dann kommt es doch ganz anders und sie bringt plötzlich voller Glücksgefühle ganz natürlich ohne irgendwelche medizinischen Hilfsmittel (Fforde reitet darauf regelrecht herum) Fergus junior zur Welt. Das ist ja auch das beste für Kind und Mutter. Fergus soll bei der Geburt erst übrigens unter keinen Umständen dabei sein, steht dann letztlich aber doch in Position, starrt zwischen ihre gespreizten Beine und ruft aus, dass er Haare sehen kann. Julia ist dafür, dass sie Fergie junior ZUSAMMEN auf die Welt katapultiert haben, natürlich unendlich dankbar, auch wenn der bescheidene Fergus seines Erachtens nach ledigllich "als Fürsprecher" agiert hat. Augenrollen, Brechreiz. Alle sind glücklich, Ende.
Die Handlung ist einfach und dabei voller Widersprüche. Warum Julia überhaupt eine Beziehung mit dem unsäglichen Oscar hatte, bleibt dem Leser schleierhaft. Warum Oscar eine Beziehung mit der nervigen Julia hatte ebenfalls. Ebenso konstruiert wirkt der Groll auf Fergus, den man der Protagonistin einfach nicht abkaufen möchte. Julias Handlungen gegenüber Fergus wirken daher ständig, als habe man es mit einem pubertierenden Teenager zu tun, dessen Aktionen willkürlich erfolgen. Julia ist ständig wegen Kleinigkeiten sauer (und wäscht dann wütend Geschirr ab), die der Leser nicht nachvollziehen kann, gibt sich selbstbewusst und unabhängig und weint dann wieder, weil sie sich (grundlos oder durch ihr eigenes Verhalten evoziert) einsam oder von jemandem verletzt fühlt. Eine Protagonistin, die man lieben muss.
Die zahlreichen Nebencharaktere bleiben dafür recht farblos und geben nicht viel Gelegenheit, sie zu lieben oder zu verabscheuen. Suzy ist schön, naiv, aber unglaublich nett (das war's); Fergus klug, gut aussehend und charmant; Onkel Ralph der gutmütige deftige Onkel; Wayne der dümmliche Schönling usw. Fforde hatte offenbar kein Interesse daran, die geschaffenen Charaktere mit mehr Tiefe auszustatten, so sind alle bis auf Julia Stereotypen.
Die Sprache des Romans ist erwartungsgemäß kitschig und überzeichnet. Julia stößt häufig kleine Entsetzensschreie aus (in banalen Situationen, das versteht sich von selbst), flehentliche Schlafzimmerblicke werden mit einem Ausdruck demütiger Unterwerfung vorgebracht und Haare sind seidenweich, elastisch und offensichtlich erst vor kurzem mit einem angenehm riechenden Shampoo gewaschen worden. Die oft übertrieben gewählten Worte machen die Handlung nicht besser, sie führen im Gegenteil dazu, dass man die Lektüre kaum noch erträgt.
Für Liebhaber von Arzt- und Alpenromantikromanen unbedingt zu empfehlen.
March 30, 2014
Posh tosh that sinks like a stone…
This was the first of Katie Fforde’s books I have read. Having been recommended her books by several people, as well as having read some rave reviews by other Goodreads members I was looking forward to discovering and enjoying her books. I thought reading about the sea-change to Julia’s life and career - from a high-flying Oxfordshire estate agent to a cook living and working on a canal boat earning peanuts – would make for an interesting read, but I think I chose the wrong book for my first…
It was sadly a disappointing read that gave me far less enjoyment than I first expected. The earlier chapters were actually alright and definitely the most enjoyable, but as the story sailed on I found myself enjoying it less and less right to the end (if at all). I could not wait to escape this sinking boat of a book and put myself out of my misery.
I found that, at best, a lot of the characters were not particularly likeable and irritating. I thought Julia was a rather boring protagonist and certainly no heroine – I often found her to be horribly selfish and spoiled, treating some undeserving people like crap. She has still not really grown up, does not do things because it is what her mum 'wants', and does not know what she wants from life. She was incredibly annoying – primarily because she changes her constantly changes her mind about how she feels about people and situations. I often felt I would have preferred to have read Suzy’s own story. The worst characters of all (Oscar and his vile mother Mrs Anstruther) could be hellish, and this sometimes made for unpleasant reading (not what I expect from chick-lit, as you'll see later). I also had a problem with the inconsistent structure and poor plotting – it either jumped from one event or feeling to another so suddenly, or repeated parts over and over again to the point where I knew almost word-for-word what would happen.
For a short and light read, ‘Life Skills’ is too much of a drag, with too few ‘feel good’ moments and, surprising twists.
I also found the views of individuals such as the Anstruthers and questioned the credibility of the apparent attitudes of the modern society portrayed – granted, the story focuses on privileged people with conservative attitudes, yet it often felt like reading a book set in the 1950s (especially since I assumed it to be set around the time of publication, in 1999?)
But, now, let’s not be too harsh. After all, ‘Life Skills’ is harmless, sweet chick-lit, right?
What this book does have in in common with this genre is that it is merely light rubbish you’ll forget as soon as you’ve finished reading. But compared with the other popular authors of this genre I enjoy reading, it was still disappointing even for chick-lit. What I particularly love about occasionally indulging myself in this genre (which is not my number one favourite, either) is that it is a delicious literary sweet-treat - often making for a highly-addictive, quick read that you start to love quickly and continuously, can’t put it down and subsequently read in a few sittings. This is everything I love about reading chick-lit. However, I can honestly say I find it difficult to think of a single chick-lit novel I’ve read in my life (and I have devoured many!) that haven’t met at least some of this criteria. Sadly, 'Life Skills' failed to meet any of it.
A review from a popular women’s lifestyle magazine detailed on the blurb reads: “the perfect summer read”. I feel a more accurate description is “the perfect load of tosh”.
This was the first of Katie Fforde’s books I have read. Having been recommended her books by several people, as well as having read some rave reviews by other Goodreads members I was looking forward to discovering and enjoying her books. I thought reading about the sea-change to Julia’s life and career - from a high-flying Oxfordshire estate agent to a cook living and working on a canal boat earning peanuts – would make for an interesting read, but I think I chose the wrong book for my first…
It was sadly a disappointing read that gave me far less enjoyment than I first expected. The earlier chapters were actually alright and definitely the most enjoyable, but as the story sailed on I found myself enjoying it less and less right to the end (if at all). I could not wait to escape this sinking boat of a book and put myself out of my misery.
I found that, at best, a lot of the characters were not particularly likeable and irritating. I thought Julia was a rather boring protagonist and certainly no heroine – I often found her to be horribly selfish and spoiled, treating some undeserving people like crap. She has still not really grown up, does not do things because it is what her mum 'wants', and does not know what she wants from life. She was incredibly annoying – primarily because she changes her constantly changes her mind about how she feels about people and situations. I often felt I would have preferred to have read Suzy’s own story. The worst characters of all (Oscar and his vile mother Mrs Anstruther) could be hellish, and this sometimes made for unpleasant reading (not what I expect from chick-lit, as you'll see later). I also had a problem with the inconsistent structure and poor plotting – it either jumped from one event or feeling to another so suddenly, or repeated parts over and over again to the point where I knew almost word-for-word what would happen.
For a short and light read, ‘Life Skills’ is too much of a drag, with too few ‘feel good’ moments and, surprising twists.
I also found the views of individuals such as the Anstruthers and questioned the credibility of the apparent attitudes of the modern society portrayed – granted, the story focuses on privileged people with conservative attitudes, yet it often felt like reading a book set in the 1950s (especially since I assumed it to be set around the time of publication, in 1999?)
But, now, let’s not be too harsh. After all, ‘Life Skills’ is harmless, sweet chick-lit, right?
What this book does have in in common with this genre is that it is merely light rubbish you’ll forget as soon as you’ve finished reading. But compared with the other popular authors of this genre I enjoy reading, it was still disappointing even for chick-lit. What I particularly love about occasionally indulging myself in this genre (which is not my number one favourite, either) is that it is a delicious literary sweet-treat - often making for a highly-addictive, quick read that you start to love quickly and continuously, can’t put it down and subsequently read in a few sittings. This is everything I love about reading chick-lit. However, I can honestly say I find it difficult to think of a single chick-lit novel I’ve read in my life (and I have devoured many!) that haven’t met at least some of this criteria. Sadly, 'Life Skills' failed to meet any of it.
A review from a popular women’s lifestyle magazine detailed on the blurb reads: “the perfect summer read”. I feel a more accurate description is “the perfect load of tosh”.
May 3, 2020
Julia realises she is playing life so safe that she has practically sleep-walked into marrying a man she doesn't love and actually doesn't really like very much. When she loses out to a promotion she richly deserves to a helpless man, she receives no support from her boyfriend Oscar who agrees with her boss (one of his golfing buddies) that incompetent men should be promoted over capable women. Julia ditches the man and the job and resolves to do something completely different, her eye is caught by an advert in The Lady for cabin crew for a narrowboat and thus starts her new adventure.
Pardon the pun, life isn't all plain sailing. Julia's new boss Suzie is a charming Sloane Ranger type (do we call them that anymore?), a bit of an airhead who has always been supported by daddy's money and doesn't have any normal life skills (like cleaning toilets or frying eggs). The other crew member is a surly man who refuses to do anything other than tinker with the engines and then leaves them in the lurch when the first passengers are about to arrive.
Luckily Julia and Suzie are rescued by the serendipitous arrival of Julia's childhood arch enemy Fergus, with a book her mother wanted him to deliver. Julia might dislike Fergus, especially since his mother and hers have been matchmaking them since they were eight years old, but he is certainly a handy man to have around the narrowboats and the passengers love him.
I read a review which said that 'although all of Fforde’s novels feature the same plot and are achingly middle class, they are usually a nice relaxing read' and I couldn't agree more, especially about the achingly middle class bit.
This was first published in 1999 and it reflects some of the attitudes of that time (although TBH I don't think even then people were as strait-laced about unmarried women having children as this book would have you believe) as many other readers have mentioned. But if you can accept that then this is a lovely gentle romance, with a host of eccentric and lovable passengers, a stalwart hero to whose virtues Julia is wilfully blind and the glories of the English countryside.
Pardon the pun, life isn't all plain sailing. Julia's new boss Suzie is a charming Sloane Ranger type (do we call them that anymore?), a bit of an airhead who has always been supported by daddy's money and doesn't have any normal life skills (like cleaning toilets or frying eggs). The other crew member is a surly man who refuses to do anything other than tinker with the engines and then leaves them in the lurch when the first passengers are about to arrive.
Luckily Julia and Suzie are rescued by the serendipitous arrival of Julia's childhood arch enemy Fergus, with a book her mother wanted him to deliver. Julia might dislike Fergus, especially since his mother and hers have been matchmaking them since they were eight years old, but he is certainly a handy man to have around the narrowboats and the passengers love him.
I read a review which said that 'although all of Fforde’s novels feature the same plot and are achingly middle class, they are usually a nice relaxing read' and I couldn't agree more, especially about the achingly middle class bit.
This was first published in 1999 and it reflects some of the attitudes of that time (although TBH I don't think even then people were as strait-laced about unmarried women having children as this book would have you believe) as many other readers have mentioned. But if you can accept that then this is a lovely gentle romance, with a host of eccentric and lovable passengers, a stalwart hero to whose virtues Julia is wilfully blind and the glories of the English countryside.
April 11, 2020
This book is simply so horrible that I put it in our paper bin as soon as I had it finished. What a waste of my, or anyone else's, time. I actually find it sad that no one that matters in the literary world seems to have told the writer this? The plot is just so thin and utterly predictable, the writing itself is never anywhere near interesting, I simply can't fathom that this was even published (sorry, dear writer!).
October 12, 2025
Life Skills is a piece of contemporary work, although it was first published twenty-five years ago.
The story features Julia who has recently resigned from her job as a letting agent. Seeking a complete change, she answers an advert for a canal boat crew.
Suzy has had a privileged upbringing, but she wants to prove that she can make a success of her life without her father’s money. She takes over her uncle’s hotel narrow boats for the season and employs Julia to help. Disaster strikes early when Jason, the boat maintenance man, leaves them in the lurch, but Suzy is resourceful and soon the paying guests arrive for their week on the canals.
The story has two main parts, those set on the canal boats and the second is about Julia’s relationships; one with an ex who brings his mother for a two week holiday on the canals and the other with a childhood family friend. I would have been quite happy to have much more of the canals featured in this story as I found the relationship side rather unsatisfactory.
I usually enjoy this author’s work, but I have read better.
The story features Julia who has recently resigned from her job as a letting agent. Seeking a complete change, she answers an advert for a canal boat crew.
Suzy has had a privileged upbringing, but she wants to prove that she can make a success of her life without her father’s money. She takes over her uncle’s hotel narrow boats for the season and employs Julia to help. Disaster strikes early when Jason, the boat maintenance man, leaves them in the lurch, but Suzy is resourceful and soon the paying guests arrive for their week on the canals.
The story has two main parts, those set on the canal boats and the second is about Julia’s relationships; one with an ex who brings his mother for a two week holiday on the canals and the other with a childhood family friend. I would have been quite happy to have much more of the canals featured in this story as I found the relationship side rather unsatisfactory.
I usually enjoy this author’s work, but I have read better.
January 29, 2018
I was really disappointed with this book. I was expecting a light summer romance read but it honestly took me two months to finish -so definitely a put downable! I loved the premise of the plot and enjoyed the experiences on the canal boat, (it's something I would like to do if I ever visit England, to be sure). I started off liking Julia but by the end of the book, I was so sick of her that I wanted to push her in the canal. Fergus was a sweetheart and deserved better. The ending felt really rushed and more than a bit twee. Disappointing, as I have really enjoyed other books by this author.
December 24, 2014
I was disappointed by this book. I expected a fluffy, funny read with an undercurrent of class and gender tensions, but instead got a rather sloppy, superficial read with inconsistent characters and tone. The plot hits what seems to be a natural ending half-way through and then drags on for many more chapters. I feel that it does not provide a satisfying romance or picture of modern single women.
February 28, 2012
I love Katie Fforde's books. Yes, they are chick lit. They are fun, they make you laugh, they end up with a happy ending, but that is in spite of the characters, not because of them. Ms. Fforde manages to make her women funny but not silly, smart in most ways, but quite obtuse and obstinate in others. The characters are enjoyable, endearing and entertaining.
January 2, 2018
I enjoyed the first half of the book when they were on the canals but the second half of the book really went downhill for me and I had to check at one point that it wasn’t written in the 50’s or 60’s as the attitudes expressed seemed really old fashioned. Just found the main character irritating which I never think is a good thing!
February 5, 2011
I enjoyed the first two thirds of the book much more than the last third. Julia's life changing decision and new path becomes conventional and boring. I was extremely frustrated by the lack of depth for the male protagonist who is seemingly perfect but the reader never fully knows.
May 3, 2021
Started out really promising but the heroine, Julia, becomes VERY unlikeable. Seriously. Why in the world would Fergus continue to pursue her? Good grief. Is this really how the modern single woman thinks/acts? Iol This was my first Katie Pforde book. I don't think I'll read another.
January 27, 2009
Now I really want to go travel the English canals on a hotel boat.
But sheesh, what a silly woman! And yes, I know there are people like that.
But sheesh, what a silly woman! And yes, I know there are people like that.
January 17, 2023
Julia was such a frustrating character - for a 34 year old woman, she is super immature. I think this book could’ve been way shorter.
May 23, 2019
Ik vond hem aan de ene kant wel leuk maar aan de andere kant vond ik haar erg iritant.
May 8, 2020
Katie Fforde is my favorite. So glad I randomly discovered her decades ago on a library shelf. Her books are worth reading over & over, which I have with this one. The fun of being on the canals with all her wonderful characters is a world we wish we could all be in.
October 23, 2024
Very enjoyable
March 23, 2025
See my full review at http://michelleardillo.com/2025/03/22...
May 17, 2023
Predictable
October 1, 2017
I loved this book especially the part on the boat which is why I picked this up, but the last third of the book off the boat and the baby stuff was the funniest. First read when I stumbled on it in the library around 2000-2001, found the ebook and decided a reread was in order glad I did. Would recommend to non-romance fans as this is not a bodice ripper just an interesting fun read on starting an unusual business.
July 31, 2023
Heerlijke chille romcom, met een mooi avontuur ertussen. De levenslessen worden (gelukkig) ook een beetje op de hak genomen.
August 12, 2014
Mi tocca ammettere che tra i libri che ho letto recentemente della Fforde questo è attualmente quello che mi è piaciuto di meno.
Nonostante la storia della protagonista e di come voglia rivoluzionare la sua vita e allontanarsi da tutte quelle persone che la credono essere in età troppo matura per non essersi mai sposata, sia piuttosto avvincente o intrigante mancava qualcosa.
Ho sicuramente amato il protagonista maschile, Fergus che a causa di qualche stupidaggine risalente ai tempi in cui era bambino deve passare il tempo a scusarsi.
In realtà il formidabile uomo ora è diventato un archeologo e sembra del tutto intenzionato a dare una mano dove può,senza secondi fini o orgoglio ma con molto brio e qualche battuta che strappa sempre un sorriso.
Quello che penso di non aver amato troppo in questo libro alla fin fine è la protagonista, Julia. All'inizio sembravo capirla, capire le sue scelte e le sue decisioni nonché l'insofferenza verso tutti quelli che la trattavano come un attempata ma ben presto ho iniziato a perdermi.
Di certo non riuscivo a motivare il suo comportamento nei confronti di Fergus che mi ha lasciato con l'amaro in bocca per gran parte del libro né le sue decisioni quando la sua vita cambia di nuovo del tutto e non vuole coinvolgere l'uomo che avrebbe tutto il diritto di sapere.
Nonostante questo però ho molto apprezzato Susy che passa dall'essere una ragazzina viziata a una donna adulta e responsabile che sa bene come manipolare il padre, a fin di bene, e lo zio Ralph che è stato simpatico dall'inizio alla fine.
Ammetto che mi è dispiaciuto un po' per Jason, chissà come mai mi aspetto sempre che i personaggi siano sempre simpatici o almeno ... avrei voluto che lui lo fosse.
Per il resto un altro libro condito di tutto l'ambiente inglese che uno potrebbe desiderare anche se questa volta visto da dei canali e da dei fiumi inglesi.
3,5 stelline!
Nonostante la storia della protagonista e di come voglia rivoluzionare la sua vita e allontanarsi da tutte quelle persone che la credono essere in età troppo matura per non essersi mai sposata, sia piuttosto avvincente o intrigante mancava qualcosa.
Ho sicuramente amato il protagonista maschile, Fergus che a causa di qualche stupidaggine risalente ai tempi in cui era bambino deve passare il tempo a scusarsi.
In realtà il formidabile uomo ora è diventato un archeologo e sembra del tutto intenzionato a dare una mano dove può,senza secondi fini o orgoglio ma con molto brio e qualche battuta che strappa sempre un sorriso.
Quello che penso di non aver amato troppo in questo libro alla fin fine è la protagonista, Julia. All'inizio sembravo capirla, capire le sue scelte e le sue decisioni nonché l'insofferenza verso tutti quelli che la trattavano come un attempata ma ben presto ho iniziato a perdermi.
Di certo non riuscivo a motivare il suo comportamento nei confronti di Fergus che mi ha lasciato con l'amaro in bocca per gran parte del libro né le sue decisioni quando la sua vita cambia di nuovo del tutto e non vuole coinvolgere l'uomo che avrebbe tutto il diritto di sapere.
Nonostante questo però ho molto apprezzato Susy che passa dall'essere una ragazzina viziata a una donna adulta e responsabile che sa bene come manipolare il padre, a fin di bene, e lo zio Ralph che è stato simpatico dall'inizio alla fine.
Ammetto che mi è dispiaciuto un po' per Jason, chissà come mai mi aspetto sempre che i personaggi siano sempre simpatici o almeno ... avrei voluto che lui lo fosse.
Per il resto un altro libro condito di tutto l'ambiente inglese che uno potrebbe desiderare anche se questa volta visto da dei canali e da dei fiumi inglesi.
3,5 stelline!
February 26, 2021
The story starts with Julia breaking up with her fiancé Oscar and losing her job to someone younger and less experienced than her. Her horrible boss happened to be a friend of Oscar, although he has no role in her termination.
She starts looking for a new job and found an opportunity as a cook on a boat. Regarding this, she meets the owner– a young, daddy’s little princess, who has no idea what to do with her life. Together they embark on a journey where both emerge out as sounder person. Julia, already 34 years old and not married, is constantly bugged by Oscar’s mother and other women about that. This point has been repeated over and over by different characters in different situations. One fine day her childhood family friend Fergus enters the boat. She is not happy about it because of horrible childhood memories with him. The moment he enters the boat, the storyline becomes predictable as Oscar is also onboard.
Oscar helps her out and crew every time, and seems to be a charming guy. His mother is an impossible person with her brash and brusque talks. Fergus is also a nice guy, and it becomes difficult to understand her constant rejection for him, who is always in to lend a helping hand. Seldom Julia’s thoughts become annoying, and I wanted to hold her shoulders and shake her to ask - what's wrong with this guy?
This book is not for intricate plots, in-depth romance, or heart-wrenching separation. The purpose is to give a light-hearted book . It is the kind of book you would like to bring to a beach holiday to relax. Do not expect a page-turner kind of fiction but simple and witty humor.
She starts looking for a new job and found an opportunity as a cook on a boat. Regarding this, she meets the owner– a young, daddy’s little princess, who has no idea what to do with her life. Together they embark on a journey where both emerge out as sounder person. Julia, already 34 years old and not married, is constantly bugged by Oscar’s mother and other women about that. This point has been repeated over and over by different characters in different situations. One fine day her childhood family friend Fergus enters the boat. She is not happy about it because of horrible childhood memories with him. The moment he enters the boat, the storyline becomes predictable as Oscar is also onboard.
Oscar helps her out and crew every time, and seems to be a charming guy. His mother is an impossible person with her brash and brusque talks. Fergus is also a nice guy, and it becomes difficult to understand her constant rejection for him, who is always in to lend a helping hand. Seldom Julia’s thoughts become annoying, and I wanted to hold her shoulders and shake her to ask - what's wrong with this guy?
This book is not for intricate plots, in-depth romance, or heart-wrenching separation. The purpose is to give a light-hearted book . It is the kind of book you would like to bring to a beach holiday to relax. Do not expect a page-turner kind of fiction but simple and witty humor.
September 30, 2023
Já li vários livros de Katie Fforde, que achei seguirem sempre a mesma fórmula (uma fórmula de que gosto muito) e achei LIFE SKILLS um pouco diferente mas não sei explicar porquê. Talvez por a protagonista não ser tão "perfeita" ao ponto de cometer um daqueles deslizes que alteram toda a vida.
Achei a Julia muito teimosa e um bocado irracional em manter Fergus afastado.
Apesar de este livro ter sido escrito no final da década de 1990, não me lembro de, mesmo nessa época, as pessoas serem tão preconceituosas nos assuntos referidos neste livro, achei algumas atitudes exageradas. No entanto e apesar disso, gostei muito deste livro, achei-o encantador, deixou-me uma sensação de doçura e é o meu preferido deste mês.
Adorei o enredo da vida e trabalho nos "narrow boats", ainda mais depois de ver fotos no google que me fascinaram.
Achei a Julia muito teimosa e um bocado irracional em manter Fergus afastado.
Apesar de este livro ter sido escrito no final da década de 1990, não me lembro de, mesmo nessa época, as pessoas serem tão preconceituosas nos assuntos referidos neste livro, achei algumas atitudes exageradas. No entanto e apesar disso, gostei muito deste livro, achei-o encantador, deixou-me uma sensação de doçura e é o meu preferido deste mês.
Adorei o enredo da vida e trabalho nos "narrow boats", ainda mais depois de ver fotos no google que me fascinaram.
January 5, 2016
If I wasn't reading this on an iPad I would have thrown it on the ground numerous times. This is the second Katie Fforde I've read and unfortunately it's worse than my first. It's really made me wonder why Katie Fforde is so popular. Once again, there is a promising start due to a good premise and interesting setting. But the relationship of the main couple makes no sense to me. Julia hates Fergus because he was mean to her when they were kids. They meet up as adults - she still hates him - they hardly speak to each other, and yet he kisses her passionately when he leaves her group after a few days!? There was barely a longing glance to forewarn that he has a thing for her, so the kiss seems more like harassment than romance. It does get better in the second half, but I think I am starting to see a pattern of poor relationship development in her books.
July 13, 2011
Nothing against the novel but it may have just been too light a read for me on the heels of the other books I've recently devoured. Or maybe my issue is that women in these type of stories always find love so easily with a neat little ending. We meet Julia Fairfax searching for a change after getting passed over for a man less qualified than her, and then she throws her snobbish fiance to the side as well. She soon lands a job as a cook working on the English Canals, on an old hotel boat and there comes the ex-fiance and his nightmare mother, guests and of course love interest from her youthful past. It was cute, for what it is... a light romantic romp.
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