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The Setup
From the author of The Summer Job comes a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming story about one woman’s impulsive fib that jump starts a summer of reinvention and learning about love, life, and what it means to accept yourself.
She has a plan. Fate has other ideas.
The last place very average thirty-one-year-old Mara Williams thought she’d be is on a solo vacation impersonating her fortune teller when she finally meets the one. Josef, a gorgeous Austrian cellist, sits down for a reading and before she knows it, she’s telling him his destiny will be sitting in a pub in the English seaside town of Broadgate on the last Friday of August. And her name is Mara.
Enter Project three months to turn herself into the stylish, confident woman she’s always hoped to be. Meanwhile, the crumbling, formerly glamorous beachside pool club where she works is under threat and her eccentric colleagues enlist her help to save it, just as a handsome new housemate casts doubts on her ideas about “the one.” Can Mara pull off the transformation of a lifetime? And by summer’s end, will she know who is her destiny?
She has a plan. Fate has other ideas.
The last place very average thirty-one-year-old Mara Williams thought she’d be is on a solo vacation impersonating her fortune teller when she finally meets the one. Josef, a gorgeous Austrian cellist, sits down for a reading and before she knows it, she’s telling him his destiny will be sitting in a pub in the English seaside town of Broadgate on the last Friday of August. And her name is Mara.
Enter Project three months to turn herself into the stylish, confident woman she’s always hoped to be. Meanwhile, the crumbling, formerly glamorous beachside pool club where she works is under threat and her eccentric colleagues enlist her help to save it, just as a handsome new housemate casts doubts on her ideas about “the one.” Can Mara pull off the transformation of a lifetime? And by summer’s end, will she know who is her destiny?
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First published June 7, 2022
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About the author
Lizzy Dent
5 books621 followersLizzy Dent (miss)spent her early twenties working in Scotland in hospitality, in a hotel not unlike the one in this novel. She somehow ended up in a glamourous job travelling the world creating content for various TV companies, including MTV, Channel 4, Cartoon Network, the BBC and ITV. But she always knew that writing was the thing she wanted to do, if only she could find the confidence. After publishing three young adult novels, she decided to write a novel that reflected the real women she knew, who don't always know where they're going in life, but who always have fun doing it. The Summer Job is that novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 789 reviews
August 6, 2022
Not for Me
The Setup is a rom-com about a horoscope-obsessed main character who has lost the ability to trust her instincts.
The narrative is told through the eyes of Mara, a 31-year-old bookkeeper who lives in a small seaside town.
My main issue with this book is Mara’s character. She is immature and not likable, which made it difficult to read since she is the sole narrator. She makes small steps in terms of growth, but her reliance on her horoscope to make serious life decisions irked me to no end. Maybe if she had more interaction with one of her potential love interests, I would have been more sympathetic to her inability to choose between two men.
There are some good things about this book: I enjoyed Ash’s character and the eccentric characters who work with Mara at the Lido.
Sadly, I just couldn't warm up to Mara's character.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
The Setup is a rom-com about a horoscope-obsessed main character who has lost the ability to trust her instincts.
The narrative is told through the eyes of Mara, a 31-year-old bookkeeper who lives in a small seaside town.
My main issue with this book is Mara’s character. She is immature and not likable, which made it difficult to read since she is the sole narrator. She makes small steps in terms of growth, but her reliance on her horoscope to make serious life decisions irked me to no end. Maybe if she had more interaction with one of her potential love interests, I would have been more sympathetic to her inability to choose between two men.
There are some good things about this book: I enjoyed Ash’s character and the eccentric characters who work with Mara at the Lido.
Sadly, I just couldn't warm up to Mara's character.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
June 7, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
Mara Williams consults her horoscope for all important decisions. And, unimportant ones, too. She simply doesn’t trust her own intuition.
So, when on a solo vacation in Budapest, she stumbles upon a fortune teller-she cannot resist getting a reading. The clairvoyant, Zia, who is very pregnant, informs her just before she goes into labor, that Mara will be meeting her love, imminently, but if this love is to flourish, there is work to be done.
So, when Josef, a handsome cellist, enters the shop and mistakes Mara for the fortune-teller, she just KNOWS that he must be “the one”.
Impersonating Zia, she informs him that he will meet his love at a pub in the seaside town of Broadgate, on the last Friday in August, while he is on tour, and that her name will be Mara.
She plans to be at the pub waiting.
When she returns home, she is convinced that he is her fate, as she waits for the day to come.
But, is he her destiny?
The book opens with her about to open the door to the pub to see if he has shown up..
We then backtrack to the days after her vacation and find out what has transpired over her three month wait.
The story is CUTE but it’s missing a few key ingredients for a rom-com.
The first is a protagonist you are rooting for! Mara is pretty immature for 31 years old, and not particularly likable. A second man will, of course, also enter her life imminently, so that we can wonder who is really her match, but frankly, I felt like he deserved better than what he got.
The second is that I didn’t feel the sparks which make a rom-com ignite!
Although NOT labeled as YA, the book felt a bit young, because of Mara’s reliance on Astrology, but that may work just fine for a reader younger than I, or for those who enjoy consulting the ✨ stars!
I didn’t enjoy it as much as last year’s “The Summer Job”- but there is no doubt that the author’s books make for great beach reads-and I will be eager to see what she comes up with next!
The Setup is NOW AVAILABLE if it sounds like fun to you!
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Mara Williams consults her horoscope for all important decisions. And, unimportant ones, too. She simply doesn’t trust her own intuition.
So, when on a solo vacation in Budapest, she stumbles upon a fortune teller-she cannot resist getting a reading. The clairvoyant, Zia, who is very pregnant, informs her just before she goes into labor, that Mara will be meeting her love, imminently, but if this love is to flourish, there is work to be done.
So, when Josef, a handsome cellist, enters the shop and mistakes Mara for the fortune-teller, she just KNOWS that he must be “the one”.
Impersonating Zia, she informs him that he will meet his love at a pub in the seaside town of Broadgate, on the last Friday in August, while he is on tour, and that her name will be Mara.
She plans to be at the pub waiting.
When she returns home, she is convinced that he is her fate, as she waits for the day to come.
But, is he her destiny?
The book opens with her about to open the door to the pub to see if he has shown up..
We then backtrack to the days after her vacation and find out what has transpired over her three month wait.
The story is CUTE but it’s missing a few key ingredients for a rom-com.
The first is a protagonist you are rooting for! Mara is pretty immature for 31 years old, and not particularly likable. A second man will, of course, also enter her life imminently, so that we can wonder who is really her match, but frankly, I felt like he deserved better than what he got.
The second is that I didn’t feel the sparks which make a rom-com ignite!
Although NOT labeled as YA, the book felt a bit young, because of Mara’s reliance on Astrology, but that may work just fine for a reader younger than I, or for those who enjoy consulting the ✨ stars!
I didn’t enjoy it as much as last year’s “The Summer Job”- but there is no doubt that the author’s books make for great beach reads-and I will be eager to see what she comes up with next!
The Setup is NOW AVAILABLE if it sounds like fun to you!
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
June 9, 2022
3.5 stars
Mara Williams visits a very pregnant clairvoyant in Buda who tells her she needs a change, there are some home truths and a man on the horizon but unfortunately she can't finish the prediction because nature strikes! Before Mara knows what's happening in walks an Alexander Skarsgard look alike aka Josef/Joe. Mara does a palm reading as you do and manipulates it beautifully. Very nicely setup Mara! In the meantime back home in Broadgate, Kent, Project New Mara is underway for self improvement. Will this include new flatmate Ash who she expects to be female but turns out to be very male?!
First of all, Lizzy Dent has selected some fantastic locations. Broadgate (Broadstairs I assume?), the sea and the Lido where Mara works lends itself to some really good scenes. Add in delightful Corbridge in Northumberland, Hadrian's Wall and star gazing and you have some magic. There are some really good images that delight such as one at Chatsworth and the sea at Broadgate which makes me smile! The many film references are a very good element too, providing ample opportunity for fun banter.
Let's discuss the characterisation .... a more tricky issue. Ash is lovely although he could have been further developed for added interest. I love the team at the Lido where important friendships emerge along with lively chat. I particularly like Samira, less so boss Gerry but there is one very funny scene with him which makes me laugh! It's when we get to Mara it becomes a bit more thorny. She's a dreamer, nervous, anxious, indecisive and you can totally see what the author is trying to do with her character. However, I'm sorry to say that she just gets on my nerves with her constant negativity and self pity and I feel sorry for her mum with the constant egg shell treading. You do see how she changes thanks to Broadgate but she doesn't always treat people well along the way. Mara is also obsessed with horoscopes which is just not my thing but if it is for you then I'm sure you would like it's (many) inclusions.
Overall, there is no question that Lizzy Dent is a good writer and her novels are not just fluff as she tries to include issues, in this case with anxiety. I just wish I could relate more to Mara and I'm sure the fault lies with myself. I like the ending although it's maybe a tad abrupt.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General, Viking for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Mara Williams visits a very pregnant clairvoyant in Buda who tells her she needs a change, there are some home truths and a man on the horizon but unfortunately she can't finish the prediction because nature strikes! Before Mara knows what's happening in walks an Alexander Skarsgard look alike aka Josef/Joe. Mara does a palm reading as you do and manipulates it beautifully. Very nicely setup Mara! In the meantime back home in Broadgate, Kent, Project New Mara is underway for self improvement. Will this include new flatmate Ash who she expects to be female but turns out to be very male?!
First of all, Lizzy Dent has selected some fantastic locations. Broadgate (Broadstairs I assume?), the sea and the Lido where Mara works lends itself to some really good scenes. Add in delightful Corbridge in Northumberland, Hadrian's Wall and star gazing and you have some magic. There are some really good images that delight such as one at Chatsworth and the sea at Broadgate which makes me smile! The many film references are a very good element too, providing ample opportunity for fun banter.
Let's discuss the characterisation .... a more tricky issue. Ash is lovely although he could have been further developed for added interest. I love the team at the Lido where important friendships emerge along with lively chat. I particularly like Samira, less so boss Gerry but there is one very funny scene with him which makes me laugh! It's when we get to Mara it becomes a bit more thorny. She's a dreamer, nervous, anxious, indecisive and you can totally see what the author is trying to do with her character. However, I'm sorry to say that she just gets on my nerves with her constant negativity and self pity and I feel sorry for her mum with the constant egg shell treading. You do see how she changes thanks to Broadgate but she doesn't always treat people well along the way. Mara is also obsessed with horoscopes which is just not my thing but if it is for you then I'm sure you would like it's (many) inclusions.
Overall, there is no question that Lizzy Dent is a good writer and her novels are not just fluff as she tries to include issues, in this case with anxiety. I just wish I could relate more to Mara and I'm sure the fault lies with myself. I like the ending although it's maybe a tad abrupt.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General, Viking for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 7, 2022
3.5 what does my horoscope say stars
*now available
Mara Williams isn’t really happy with her life. Her best friend has gotten married and had a baby and they just don’t have much in common anymore. She is bored with her job at a pool club near the beach. She’s still waiting to meet her soulmate. And her flat mate Ashley isn’t at all what she expected.
She’s unexpectedly solo on a trip to Budapest when she comes across a fortune teller. She hears a bit of her fortune before the fortune teller has to go to the hospital. Mara finds herself trying on the veil and then a handsome customer walks in. She takes fate into her hands and tells the cellist Josef that he will find his soulmate (her) back in her hometown and he should visit in August when he’s in the UK.
Once back home, Mara embarks on a makeover plan, getting a haircut, buying non-black clothes, and getting herself ready for the amazing connection with Josef. On the job front, the beach club is on the brink of closing so Mara and co-workers band together to rally the town to keep it open.
Mara is indecisive and consults her horoscope on every decision. She starts to fall for her adorable flat mate Ashley, but she feels like her fate soul mate is Josef.
This book has so much promise and some amazing settings. I do really like this author but this one just fell a bit flat for me. I would have loved a few chapters from Ash’s point of view and maybe some from her best friend. I will definitely read future books from this author!
Thanks to Penguin Group/Putnam for the opportunity to read this one. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review.
*now available
Mara Williams isn’t really happy with her life. Her best friend has gotten married and had a baby and they just don’t have much in common anymore. She is bored with her job at a pool club near the beach. She’s still waiting to meet her soulmate. And her flat mate Ashley isn’t at all what she expected.
She’s unexpectedly solo on a trip to Budapest when she comes across a fortune teller. She hears a bit of her fortune before the fortune teller has to go to the hospital. Mara finds herself trying on the veil and then a handsome customer walks in. She takes fate into her hands and tells the cellist Josef that he will find his soulmate (her) back in her hometown and he should visit in August when he’s in the UK.
Once back home, Mara embarks on a makeover plan, getting a haircut, buying non-black clothes, and getting herself ready for the amazing connection with Josef. On the job front, the beach club is on the brink of closing so Mara and co-workers band together to rally the town to keep it open.
Mara is indecisive and consults her horoscope on every decision. She starts to fall for her adorable flat mate Ashley, but she feels like her fate soul mate is Josef.
This book has so much promise and some amazing settings. I do really like this author but this one just fell a bit flat for me. I would have loved a few chapters from Ash’s point of view and maybe some from her best friend. I will definitely read future books from this author!
Thanks to Penguin Group/Putnam for the opportunity to read this one. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review.
May 27, 2022
First, in fairness, I knew the plot was a bit far-fetched going in. BUT sometimes those far-fetched plots are the best escapism in the hands of the right author. This wasn’t one of those times. So full transparency here - I thought about DNFing…A LOT. I hate to DNF arcs because I do appreciate the opportunity. I tried sticking with it, I really did. So instead of DNF, I settled on skimming & in the end, I did often. Probably a high % tbh.
The Setup & I just were not a match. Tbh, I knew it early as soon as I read the heroine’s impromptu foray pretending to be a medium. It wasn’t the pretending that bothered me. It was how on the nose her “fortune telling” was. My reaction was basically ‘really?…ok, we’re going for that obvious’. As much as I tried, I never found a connection to the heroine, so being her single POV, I couldn’t find one with much else either. Things like descriptions of what was around her would linger a bit long(sometimes A LOT). Whereas characters were a little too vague or wishy-washy. Then there was a scene or two that were just confusing (like one where the hero was here, then suddenly he was there 🙈). The lido thing leaned a little hallmarky sometimes for me.
I wish there was a more positive spin I could put on this, but frankly, The Setup just was not a Roz(me) book.
*This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
The Setup & I just were not a match. Tbh, I knew it early as soon as I read the heroine’s impromptu foray pretending to be a medium. It wasn’t the pretending that bothered me. It was how on the nose her “fortune telling” was. My reaction was basically ‘really?…ok, we’re going for that obvious’. As much as I tried, I never found a connection to the heroine, so being her single POV, I couldn’t find one with much else either. Things like descriptions of what was around her would linger a bit long(sometimes A LOT). Whereas characters were a little too vague or wishy-washy. Then there was a scene or two that were just confusing (like one where the hero was here, then suddenly he was there 🙈). The lido thing leaned a little hallmarky sometimes for me.
I wish there was a more positive spin I could put on this, but frankly, The Setup just was not a Roz(me) book.
*This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
September 25, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this advanced reader copy.
PLOT: Mara, the protagonist of the story, is a 31-year-old woman living a quite boring and average life. On a trip to beautiful Budapest, Mara goes to a palm reader. She informs Mara that she must make some changes in her life; these changes will help her to meet her true love very soon. After a strange series of events, Mara, pretending to be a fortune teller, meets Josef. She believes he is her dream man, and tells him that a woman named Mara is his destiny. She tells him to meet her at a specific pub in three months from now.
This bizarre orchestration leads Mara to begin a new chapter in her life. She starts transforming herself to be the ideal woman for Josef. A makeover of sorts. During this reformation, she makes new friends, becomes interested in her work, and becomes closer to her new flatmate, Ash.
THOUGHTS: Lizzy Dent has done a marvelous job of writing authentic, flawed, and unique characters; main and secondary. Every single one of her characters is distinguished, and it is one of the reasons I really liked this story.
There are quite a few scenes that are comedic, which I really enjoyed. What I really loved is the relationship between Mara and movies. I can't describe how much I liked these scenes.
Mara can be quite annoying at times, but she is flawed, which leads to her whole arc.
This story is about catharsis, self-trust, love, family and friendship, and the author has done a great job webbing all these together.
PLOT: Mara, the protagonist of the story, is a 31-year-old woman living a quite boring and average life. On a trip to beautiful Budapest, Mara goes to a palm reader. She informs Mara that she must make some changes in her life; these changes will help her to meet her true love very soon. After a strange series of events, Mara, pretending to be a fortune teller, meets Josef. She believes he is her dream man, and tells him that a woman named Mara is his destiny. She tells him to meet her at a specific pub in three months from now.
This bizarre orchestration leads Mara to begin a new chapter in her life. She starts transforming herself to be the ideal woman for Josef. A makeover of sorts. During this reformation, she makes new friends, becomes interested in her work, and becomes closer to her new flatmate, Ash.
THOUGHTS: Lizzy Dent has done a marvelous job of writing authentic, flawed, and unique characters; main and secondary. Every single one of her characters is distinguished, and it is one of the reasons I really liked this story.
There are quite a few scenes that are comedic, which I really enjoyed. What I really loved is the relationship between Mara and movies. I can't describe how much I liked these scenes.
Mara can be quite annoying at times, but she is flawed, which leads to her whole arc.
This story is about catharsis, self-trust, love, family and friendship, and the author has done a great job webbing all these together.
May 19, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
DNF @40%, Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. I couldn't get into this book and honestly felt super dragged on. I hate dnfing books in general but I just couldn't find the motivation to finish this book, I really did try.
I believe the idea and premise of this book had lots of potential but was executed in a poor way. I couldn't connect with the main characters especially mara because I just felt like she was a bit self-absorbed and annoying. Honestly, I feel like ash deserves better. I really wanted to like this book as I said before I thought the idea was great and when I read the book blurb I expected to really like this book but unfortunately not for me.
This book also made me realize how much I hate the referencing of zodiac signs and horoscopes in books. I was completely fine with her reading her horoscope daily and talking about rising and sun signs with other characters but my dislike started when she let her horoscope for the day dictate her actions. I often forgot she was 31 instead of being around 20-ish just because of the way she acted
DNF @40%, Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. I couldn't get into this book and honestly felt super dragged on. I hate dnfing books in general but I just couldn't find the motivation to finish this book, I really did try.
I believe the idea and premise of this book had lots of potential but was executed in a poor way. I couldn't connect with the main characters especially mara because I just felt like she was a bit self-absorbed and annoying. Honestly, I feel like ash deserves better. I really wanted to like this book as I said before I thought the idea was great and when I read the book blurb I expected to really like this book but unfortunately not for me.
This book also made me realize how much I hate the referencing of zodiac signs and horoscopes in books. I was completely fine with her reading her horoscope daily and talking about rising and sun signs with other characters but my dislike started when she let her horoscope for the day dictate her actions. I often forgot she was 31 instead of being around 20-ish just because of the way she acted
July 23, 2024
"𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦.
𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘶𝘨-𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘴 ����𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵? 𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦? 𝘈 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘐 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦. 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥.
𝘖𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳?"
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘱 follows Mara Williams, who's always let horoscope, fate and the universe guide her. She's never had the confidence to trust her own instict. But for the sake of the boy she loves, will she finally go with her gut!?
- ~ -
Honestly, for all the mystery there is, I don't think anyone who's ever read a romance before, should have any trouble figuring out who's the love interest.
Mara seems to feel ordinary, average and such. She prefers to hide in black and blend in plain sight and let fate lead her to where she has to be.
I relate to her on all aspects other than the last bit. I'm way too stubborn to let fate or anyone else tell me what to do. Thus, I was unable to connect with her on the astrology aspect but I still saw her. And she's a mess but only the best kind. She's strong, she's trying and simply wants to love and be loved (who doesn't?) so while some of her actions may appear to be hurtful and maybe immature, I unequivocally cared for her and wished for the best and it was good to see the gradual progress of Mara's true character.
Just like Dent's last book, this one too has mild found family trope vibes and I was here for it!
The selection of tertiary characters were pleasant. By the end, they all become a tight group having conquered a united struggle and her interactions with all her friends was also a sign of how far she's come.
As for the romance, just as the author described the love interest; He's truly the best of us.
And they really were the sweetest comfort character couple ever.
- ~ -
It'll be out 7th July, don't forgot to add it to your calenders :)
3.98 / 5✩
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘗𝘶𝘵𝘯𝘢𝘮 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 & 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 & 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘶𝘨-𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘴 ����𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵? 𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦? 𝘈 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘐 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦. 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥.
𝘖𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳?"
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘱 follows Mara Williams, who's always let horoscope, fate and the universe guide her. She's never had the confidence to trust her own instict. But for the sake of the boy she loves, will she finally go with her gut!?
- ~ -
Honestly, for all the mystery there is, I don't think anyone who's ever read a romance before, should have any trouble figuring out who's the love interest.
Mara seems to feel ordinary, average and such. She prefers to hide in black and blend in plain sight and let fate lead her to where she has to be.
I relate to her on all aspects other than the last bit. I'm way too stubborn to let fate or anyone else tell me what to do. Thus, I was unable to connect with her on the astrology aspect but I still saw her. And she's a mess but only the best kind. She's strong, she's trying and simply wants to love and be loved (who doesn't?) so while some of her actions may appear to be hurtful and maybe immature, I unequivocally cared for her and wished for the best and it was good to see the gradual progress of Mara's true character.
Just like Dent's last book, this one too has mild found family trope vibes and I was here for it!
The selection of tertiary characters were pleasant. By the end, they all become a tight group having conquered a united struggle and her interactions with all her friends was also a sign of how far she's come.
As for the romance, just as the author described the love interest; He's truly the best of us.
And they really were the sweetest comfort character couple ever.
- ~ -
It'll be out 7th July, don't forgot to add it to your calenders :)
3.98 / 5✩
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘗𝘶𝘵𝘯𝘢𝘮 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 & 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 & 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
March 29, 2022
This was a fun read, but just that. At least for me. I read the synopsis and I was so excited, it sounded like a romance I wanted to read. Nevertheless, it wasn't bad, I really enjoyed some parts and I was interested in main characters and their romance!
Recommended for those who enjoy women's fiction with romance.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended for those who enjoy women's fiction with romance.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2022
4.5 stars
Mara goes abroad on a weekend trip that was supposed to be with her best friend. With little notice, her friend cancels and Mara reluctantly goes alone. After a severe lack of adventure, Mara has her palm read and her romantic destiny is on the immediate horizon if she fixes... something.
Call me crazy, I don't care. This book is a different reading experience I wasn't initially on board with. Mara comes off as a little weird, a little stalkery, and a lot lonely. I'm not huge into astrology while Mara lives and breathes it, so relating to her kind of quirky wasn't something I could imagine. However, Mara hits this point in her life shake-up that put a smile on my face that didn't want to let go. Her character growth is one of my new favorites. Add to that one of the sweetest cinnamon roll love interests ever, and I was a goner.
After The Summer Job and now The Setup, Lizzy Dent will hold a place on by auto-read author shelf. I really enjoy the niche she has carved out with these two publications.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Mara goes abroad on a weekend trip that was supposed to be with her best friend. With little notice, her friend cancels and Mara reluctantly goes alone. After a severe lack of adventure, Mara has her palm read and her romantic destiny is on the immediate horizon if she fixes... something.
Call me crazy, I don't care. This book is a different reading experience I wasn't initially on board with. Mara comes off as a little weird, a little stalkery, and a lot lonely. I'm not huge into astrology while Mara lives and breathes it, so relating to her kind of quirky wasn't something I could imagine. However, Mara hits this point in her life shake-up that put a smile on my face that didn't want to let go. Her character growth is one of my new favorites. Add to that one of the sweetest cinnamon roll love interests ever, and I was a goner.
After The Summer Job and now The Setup, Lizzy Dent will hold a place on by auto-read author shelf. I really enjoy the niche she has carved out with these two publications.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
May 22, 2022
Lizzy Dent is now an auto-buy author for me.
I really enjoyed The Summer Job and jumped at the chance to get an ARC of The Setup, and I'm glad I did because this book is bloody fantastic!
The Setup is a hilarious and heartfelt novel complete with trusting fate, makeovers, community spirit and self-love - with the added bonus of a movie-buff main character that is loveable and slightly chaotic.
The romance and "Love Triangle" aspect is great and fun, but it's Mara's love for herself that is the real standout in this novel.
I really enjoyed The Summer Job and jumped at the chance to get an ARC of The Setup, and I'm glad I did because this book is bloody fantastic!
The Setup is a hilarious and heartfelt novel complete with trusting fate, makeovers, community spirit and self-love - with the added bonus of a movie-buff main character that is loveable and slightly chaotic.
The romance and "Love Triangle" aspect is great and fun, but it's Mara's love for herself that is the real standout in this novel.
May 19, 2022
I absolutely loved Lizzy Dent's previous book, The Summer Job, so as soon as this galley became available I requested it. Lizzy has the innate ability to create flawed characters who frustrate you and make you want to shake some sense into them while also wanting to give them a big hug and a pep talk.
Mara has felt like a failure for most of her life. She has projected this feeling onto her parents and so avoids a relationship with them so she won't be reminded that they are disappointed in her. The sad part is that they aren't - it's all just a narrative that Mara has created in her head. She has a heavy dose of self-doubt.
Since a devastating break up in college, she avoids relationships and puts all her energy and emotional support needs onto just one friend, her BFF. But her BFF has gotten married and now has a child so of course her life has changed to one with little time to herself. Mara knows its wrong, but she can't help feeling hurt about the lack of quality one on one time they now spend together.
Avoiding her intuition, which she feels she can no longer trust, she is fully immersed in astrology and relies on her daily horoscope readings for directions in her life. After visiting a palm-reader, she creates a new narrative in her head regarding the love interest she is destined to meet.
As she begins to get herself "ready" for her destiny, she slowly lets more and more people into her life. She soon is faced with a monumental choice between a male friend currently in her life and the man she believes she is destined to be with. Will she continue to base all of her decisions on generalized horoscope advice or will she finally listen to her heart and trust herself to make decisions.
I loved so much about this story and tried to keep this review general without any spoilers. Believe me, there is a lot more to this story. Moments that will have you frustrated, moments that will have your cheering and moments that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Definitely recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Putnam for the ARC to read and review.
Mara has felt like a failure for most of her life. She has projected this feeling onto her parents and so avoids a relationship with them so she won't be reminded that they are disappointed in her. The sad part is that they aren't - it's all just a narrative that Mara has created in her head. She has a heavy dose of self-doubt.
Since a devastating break up in college, she avoids relationships and puts all her energy and emotional support needs onto just one friend, her BFF. But her BFF has gotten married and now has a child so of course her life has changed to one with little time to herself. Mara knows its wrong, but she can't help feeling hurt about the lack of quality one on one time they now spend together.
Avoiding her intuition, which she feels she can no longer trust, she is fully immersed in astrology and relies on her daily horoscope readings for directions in her life. After visiting a palm-reader, she creates a new narrative in her head regarding the love interest she is destined to meet.
As she begins to get herself "ready" for her destiny, she slowly lets more and more people into her life. She soon is faced with a monumental choice between a male friend currently in her life and the man she believes she is destined to be with. Will she continue to base all of her decisions on generalized horoscope advice or will she finally listen to her heart and trust herself to make decisions.
I loved so much about this story and tried to keep this review general without any spoilers. Believe me, there is a lot more to this story. Moments that will have you frustrated, moments that will have your cheering and moments that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Definitely recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Putnam for the ARC to read and review.
June 9, 2022
Mara is probably the most neurotic heroine I've ever read, yet somehow Lizzy Dent made her simultaneously lovable.
After a coincidental chain of events leads Mara to disguise herself as a fortune teller in Budapest, she advises a handsome customer to meet his destiny—herself—on the last Friday of August in the seaside town of Broadgate. A little creepy and desperate? Perhaps. But it was so fun!
With three months to turn her life around before meeting the one, I really loved seeing Mara open up her lonely world to new people and experiences. Constantly seeking astrology for answers, it was a heartfelt journey of Mara learning to trust within herself. I connected a lot to her anxiety regarding friends, both adjusting to the natural drift of some and awkwardness of making new ones.
A bookkeeper for a struggling community leisure facility, there's a sweet adventure of Mara and her coworkers restoring it to its former glory. It was the perfect summertime storyline! And of course a brewing romance with her new flatmate, Ash. Cue the warm fuzzies!
With the infamous date in August approaching, what life will Mara choose? Adored this!
After a coincidental chain of events leads Mara to disguise herself as a fortune teller in Budapest, she advises a handsome customer to meet his destiny—herself—on the last Friday of August in the seaside town of Broadgate. A little creepy and desperate? Perhaps. But it was so fun!
With three months to turn her life around before meeting the one, I really loved seeing Mara open up her lonely world to new people and experiences. Constantly seeking astrology for answers, it was a heartfelt journey of Mara learning to trust within herself. I connected a lot to her anxiety regarding friends, both adjusting to the natural drift of some and awkwardness of making new ones.
A bookkeeper for a struggling community leisure facility, there's a sweet adventure of Mara and her coworkers restoring it to its former glory. It was the perfect summertime storyline! And of course a brewing romance with her new flatmate, Ash. Cue the warm fuzzies!
With the infamous date in August approaching, what life will Mara choose? Adored this!
June 18, 2022
Wake me up when this book ends. 😴🫠
Cute cover, cute concept, poor execution. Mara is essentially on a path of “self-discovery” but dang is she whiny. Her entire personality was rooted in her bff Charlie, astrology, and disliking her parents….for seemingly no reason. I can’t decide if she was intentionally set to be an unlikable character but I really didn’t see any redeeming qualities here.
The first half of the book was so disjointed from the second half that I actually looked back to see if I missed something.
And lastly, a little spoiler -
-
-
Mara is “deciding” between 2 men….one of whom doesn’t even know she exists. What the ffff…..rench toast?!?!?
Cute cover, cute concept, poor execution. Mara is essentially on a path of “self-discovery” but dang is she whiny. Her entire personality was rooted in her bff Charlie, astrology, and disliking her parents….for seemingly no reason. I can’t decide if she was intentionally set to be an unlikable character but I really didn’t see any redeeming qualities here.
The first half of the book was so disjointed from the second half that I actually looked back to see if I missed something.
And lastly, a little spoiler -
-
-
Mara is “deciding” between 2 men….one of whom doesn’t even know she exists. What the ffff…..rench toast?!?!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2022
Let me just start by saying that I absolutely adored this book!
I was a big fan of The Summer Job and because of this, I had big expectations and The Setup certainly lived up to and even exceeded these.
First of all, I could see a lot of myself in the character of Mara. I too adore films and have probably made my life a lot smaller than it should be just because it feels safer than putting myself out there, especially when it comes to friendships and romantic relationships.
The whole idea of a love triangle of sorts but with someone who doesn't even know who you are was an interesting one and I hadn't read anything like that before.
I may not share her obsession with horoscopes and astrology but this was unique addition to the romance element of the story. And just Mara's story in general.
I really loved all of the supporting characters and Ash was just such a lovely love interest, even if I did feel bad for him at times in terms of how Mara treated him when she wasn't sure if he was 'the one' or whether she should meet up with Josef.
I also really liked that this was about stepping out of your comfort zone and making your life bigger in terms of your friendships, relationships, work and more, in what happens to be her external and internal 'Mara makeover'.
It was nice to see the growth of her as a character but with the realistic aspects of self doubt, self sabotage and other realities creeping in.
The Setup really did make me smile and I had to highlight quite a few lines as they were so relatable.
If you're looking for a great book to pick up this summer, this is it.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was a big fan of The Summer Job and because of this, I had big expectations and The Setup certainly lived up to and even exceeded these.
First of all, I could see a lot of myself in the character of Mara. I too adore films and have probably made my life a lot smaller than it should be just because it feels safer than putting myself out there, especially when it comes to friendships and romantic relationships.
The whole idea of a love triangle of sorts but with someone who doesn't even know who you are was an interesting one and I hadn't read anything like that before.
I may not share her obsession with horoscopes and astrology but this was unique addition to the romance element of the story. And just Mara's story in general.
I really loved all of the supporting characters and Ash was just such a lovely love interest, even if I did feel bad for him at times in terms of how Mara treated him when she wasn't sure if he was 'the one' or whether she should meet up with Josef.
I also really liked that this was about stepping out of your comfort zone and making your life bigger in terms of your friendships, relationships, work and more, in what happens to be her external and internal 'Mara makeover'.
It was nice to see the growth of her as a character but with the realistic aspects of self doubt, self sabotage and other realities creeping in.
The Setup really did make me smile and I had to highlight quite a few lines as they were so relatable.
If you're looking for a great book to pick up this summer, this is it.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2022
I was excited when I received a free copy of this book from the publishers as I thought a chick-lit was just what I wanted. Unfortunately it didn’t excite me much. At times I got bored with the story as it was so predictable and slow. But, the ending was satisfying which was a plus. If you want an easy read without too much action this one’s for you.
March 30, 2022
Hiya US readers! You can now go and request this at NetGalley! *SCREAMS INTO VOID*
June 21, 2022
Thank you to Putnam and PRH Audio for gifting me review copies of this book.
I adored her last book The Summer Job (so if you haven’t read it, you should remedy that immediately). This was a different type of story, and while I found myself seriously wanting to give the main character Mara a big shake, she did a lot of growing and I came to love her in the end.
Mara Williams is the queen of indecision, or rather she just doesn’t trust her own intuition at all. She goes so far as to let her horoscope dictate how every day is going to go, she doesn’t let people in, and she is living an all-round small life. But that’s all about to change, and she’s going to make her life and herself the best possible versions they can be.
On vacation a fortune teller predicts she’ll meet her soulmate really soon, but she has to fix some things first. This sets off a chain of events that help open Mara’s eyes to a lot of things. It’s not all smooth sailing though, suddenly there are two men in the picture, and how will she possibly know which one she’s meant to be with?!
This was a really fun summer read and I adored the little coastal British town that was a bit run down and basically not as posh as some of the other nearby towns, but lovable all the same.
I switched between reading and listening to this one, and I have to say I enjoyed the audio narration so, so much. It’s performed by Anna Gilthorpe and comes in at just over nine hours long. If you’re into audiobooks definitely download this one!
I adored her last book The Summer Job (so if you haven’t read it, you should remedy that immediately). This was a different type of story, and while I found myself seriously wanting to give the main character Mara a big shake, she did a lot of growing and I came to love her in the end.
Mara Williams is the queen of indecision, or rather she just doesn’t trust her own intuition at all. She goes so far as to let her horoscope dictate how every day is going to go, she doesn’t let people in, and she is living an all-round small life. But that’s all about to change, and she’s going to make her life and herself the best possible versions they can be.
On vacation a fortune teller predicts she’ll meet her soulmate really soon, but she has to fix some things first. This sets off a chain of events that help open Mara’s eyes to a lot of things. It’s not all smooth sailing though, suddenly there are two men in the picture, and how will she possibly know which one she’s meant to be with?!
This was a really fun summer read and I adored the little coastal British town that was a bit run down and basically not as posh as some of the other nearby towns, but lovable all the same.
I switched between reading and listening to this one, and I have to say I enjoyed the audio narration so, so much. It’s performed by Anna Gilthorpe and comes in at just over nine hours long. If you’re into audiobooks definitely download this one!
June 7, 2022
Mara consults here horoscope for EVERYTHING, and I mean everything. If she feels stressed or in a bind she’s looking it up. She believes in the stars and magic but doesn’t trust herself one bit.
For 31, she’s fairly immature and just unsure of herself and is constantly negative; and she reflects that on others view of her, assuming they will think she’s unusual too.
When she goes on a trip to Budapest she meets a fortune teller, and she believes wholly in the fate of this love that will come her way, but is that love her destiny?
We follow Mara on this journey of discovering herself and trying to rid herself of her own negativity while also trying to find love.
It’s a cute story, but I didn’t feel the sparks in this one as much as I have in her previous work.
3.5⭐️ Thank you for an arc for my honest review!
For 31, she’s fairly immature and just unsure of herself and is constantly negative; and she reflects that on others view of her, assuming they will think she’s unusual too.
When she goes on a trip to Budapest she meets a fortune teller, and she believes wholly in the fate of this love that will come her way, but is that love her destiny?
We follow Mara on this journey of discovering herself and trying to rid herself of her own negativity while also trying to find love.
It’s a cute story, but I didn’t feel the sparks in this one as much as I have in her previous work.
3.5⭐️ Thank you for an arc for my honest review!
April 2, 2022
This is the first Lizzy Dent book I've ever read, and it won't be the last! The Setup was lovely. Mara, the main character, is a bit of a disaster and the woman LOVES a "sign". I love how the story moved, it was quick paced but with enough detail to feel like you were really getting to know the characters, even if some of them make you crazy. One of the parts of the book I really related with is Mara's friendship with her best friend Charlie and how after their lives have changed, what that means for their friendship. A mix of laugh-out-loud moments (the seagull scene) and moments that deal with anxiety in a real way - this one is a delight even if it's a little over the top. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella books, as well!
Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin Group PUTNAM for the advance e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin Group PUTNAM for the advance e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
August 3, 2025
3.5 ★ rounded up because i’m a libra
September 4, 2022
An interesting romcom with a different twist.
I enjoyed Lizzy Dent’s first book, the Summer Job, very much. I like her style of writing which doesn’t over explain things plus it makes the reader think.
I enjoy her characters, some of which may not be likable, but that’s life. No one is perfect, they have real flaws but we still have to deal with these types of people everyday. She makes them believable.
Mara is complicated and a little naive but is anxious to find the right partner for life. She depends on astrology to show her the way. (I may have believed some astrology when I was in my twenties but faded away from it.) This doesn’t make Mara less likable, it’s just her.
A fun read with a unique trope.
Thank you Putnam and Netgalley.
I enjoyed Lizzy Dent’s first book, the Summer Job, very much. I like her style of writing which doesn’t over explain things plus it makes the reader think.
I enjoy her characters, some of which may not be likable, but that’s life. No one is perfect, they have real flaws but we still have to deal with these types of people everyday. She makes them believable.
Mara is complicated and a little naive but is anxious to find the right partner for life. She depends on astrology to show her the way. (I may have believed some astrology when I was in my twenties but faded away from it.) This doesn’t make Mara less likable, it’s just her.
A fun read with a unique trope.
Thank you Putnam and Netgalley.
December 14, 2023
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I had hoped: I found the plot a bit slow in places, the protagonist quite annoying and the references to horoscopes too limiting. The funniest element of the story was the frequent quips about what should be Mara’s dating profile caption; they were the chuckles that kept me going in this novel.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I had hoped: I found the plot a bit slow in places, the protagonist quite annoying and the references to horoscopes too limiting. The funniest element of the story was the frequent quips about what should be Mara’s dating profile caption; they were the chuckles that kept me going in this novel.
January 17, 2023
This book was like a warm hug. I can't get enough of Lizzy Dent's lovably flawed characters, outlandish situations, and winding paths to a happy ending. Her premise is that we are all a mess in our own ways, but that mess, and letting others in to see who we are, is precisely the thing that allows is to connect and be loved.
November 8, 2022
3.5 stars
She has a plan. Fate has other ideas.
Mara rarely makes a move without checking her star sign each day. But somehow she finds herself in Budapest, making an impromptu visit to a fortune teller. The woman tells Mara that she’ll meet the man of her dreams imminently, but something will need to be fixed before love can take hold.
After a chaotic end to her session, Mara gives into the temptation of trying on the fortune teller’s garb. And that’s when he walks in—Josef, an absolutely handsome cellist from Austria—who thinks she’s the fortune teller. So what else should she do except pretend to be that woman, and tell him his destiny will await him at a cafe in the small English town of Broadgate at the end of August. And the crowning piece of his “fortune” is that his destiny’s name is Mara.
Of course, that doesn’t give Mara much time to transform herself into the woman she believes Josef will want. And along the way she has to deal with work crises, feeling abandoned by her best friend, and a handsome housemate, who makes her question whether Josef is the right man for her after all. But she’ll need to gather all of her courage and self-confidence in order to figure out just what her true destiny is.
This was a fun romp, full of quirky characters and romance. Lizzy Dent writes really enjoyable stories, even if they’re a bit predictable.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
She has a plan. Fate has other ideas.
Mara rarely makes a move without checking her star sign each day. But somehow she finds herself in Budapest, making an impromptu visit to a fortune teller. The woman tells Mara that she’ll meet the man of her dreams imminently, but something will need to be fixed before love can take hold.
After a chaotic end to her session, Mara gives into the temptation of trying on the fortune teller’s garb. And that’s when he walks in—Josef, an absolutely handsome cellist from Austria—who thinks she’s the fortune teller. So what else should she do except pretend to be that woman, and tell him his destiny will await him at a cafe in the small English town of Broadgate at the end of August. And the crowning piece of his “fortune” is that his destiny’s name is Mara.
Of course, that doesn’t give Mara much time to transform herself into the woman she believes Josef will want. And along the way she has to deal with work crises, feeling abandoned by her best friend, and a handsome housemate, who makes her question whether Josef is the right man for her after all. But she’ll need to gather all of her courage and self-confidence in order to figure out just what her true destiny is.
This was a fun romp, full of quirky characters and romance. Lizzy Dent writes really enjoyable stories, even if they’re a bit predictable.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
April 2, 2022
Thirty-one year old Mara vehemently believes in letting astrology and fate make her decisions for her because her crippling anxiety and past experiences don’t allow her to trust her intuition. After a serendipitous meeting at the beginning of the book, she has 3 months to get her life together.
I really enjoyed Mara’s growth in this character-driven read. She is a frustrating character but that was kind of the point. I liked the focus on mental health with a character who experiences a lot of the same feelings I do. I really liked the exploration of how the friendships of our 20s change as we age into our 30s and how we can grow apart but still love each other (so relatable). Mara’s fascination/obsession with her horoscope and movies was really fun. Dent did a fantastic job developing all of the side characters in the coastal town of Broadgate. And Ash! I just love Ash so much. In an interview, Dent mentions that Ash embodies “the best of us” and he really does. A+ execution on the roommate trope.
Overall, I really enjoyed this summer read. It’s fun, hilarious, and raw. I love funny books with depth and this delivered. What I enjoy about Lizzy Dent’s books is that the central focus of the story is always on the growth of the quirky,immature main character. If you enjoyed The Summer Job, you’ll enjoy this one too. If you haven’t read The Summer Job, what are you waiting for? Highly recommend to fans of women’s fiction.
I really enjoyed Mara’s growth in this character-driven read. She is a frustrating character but that was kind of the point. I liked the focus on mental health with a character who experiences a lot of the same feelings I do. I really liked the exploration of how the friendships of our 20s change as we age into our 30s and how we can grow apart but still love each other (so relatable). Mara’s fascination/obsession with her horoscope and movies was really fun. Dent did a fantastic job developing all of the side characters in the coastal town of Broadgate. And Ash! I just love Ash so much. In an interview, Dent mentions that Ash embodies “the best of us” and he really does. A+ execution on the roommate trope.
Overall, I really enjoyed this summer read. It’s fun, hilarious, and raw. I love funny books with depth and this delivered. What I enjoy about Lizzy Dent’s books is that the central focus of the story is always on the growth of the quirky,immature main character. If you enjoyed The Summer Job, you’ll enjoy this one too. If you haven’t read The Summer Job, what are you waiting for? Highly recommend to fans of women’s fiction.
June 3, 2022
This was a cute story overall, though Mara was a little annoying at times because she was always looking for answers anyplace but herself—though that was really the whole point of what she needed to work on—and ultimately she seems rather selfish (though again, something she needed to work on).
She watches a ton of movies and seems to picture her life as if it could possibly be like a movie (all fate and epic love and whatnot) so she’s incredibly disappointed and disbelieving in a life that doesn’t seem like that.
I like that alongside the romantic relationship aspect Mara also was dealing with a long-time friendship that had changed and her relationship with her parents. Although there is the start of a resolution to those two aspects, I would have like to see little more of the resolution of those. I also liked the smaller town setting and the whole idea of community.
All in all, this was a fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for providing an ARC of this book.
She watches a ton of movies and seems to picture her life as if it could possibly be like a movie (all fate and epic love and whatnot) so she’s incredibly disappointed and disbelieving in a life that doesn’t seem like that.
I like that alongside the romantic relationship aspect Mara also was dealing with a long-time friendship that had changed and her relationship with her parents. Although there is the start of a resolution to those two aspects, I would have like to see little more of the resolution of those. I also liked the smaller town setting and the whole idea of community.
All in all, this was a fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for providing an ARC of this book.
February 27, 2022
Pure joy.
That's what you get from one of Lizzy's stories.
I really enjoyed The Summer Job so when I was given access to her latest novel, I knew I was in for a treat.
The Setup follows our protagonist Mara as she embarks on a few changes in her life.
Driven by her horoscopes and the idea of fate, she is thrown of course when a certain flat mate of hers sends her into a spin.
Question is, will Mara follow her head or her heart?
Brilliant from start to finish.
This is a story made for easy reading and leaving you with a smile on your face.
A quirky cast of characters with conversations that I guarantee will have you laughing, The Setup was just the thing that I didn't even know I needed.
Bursting to the seems with love and humour, I was quite literally entertained from start to finish.
I predict this to be one of the books to read this summer!
That's what you get from one of Lizzy's stories.
I really enjoyed The Summer Job so when I was given access to her latest novel, I knew I was in for a treat.
The Setup follows our protagonist Mara as she embarks on a few changes in her life.
Driven by her horoscopes and the idea of fate, she is thrown of course when a certain flat mate of hers sends her into a spin.
Question is, will Mara follow her head or her heart?
Brilliant from start to finish.
This is a story made for easy reading and leaving you with a smile on your face.
A quirky cast of characters with conversations that I guarantee will have you laughing, The Setup was just the thing that I didn't even know I needed.
Bursting to the seems with love and humour, I was quite literally entertained from start to finish.
I predict this to be one of the books to read this summer!
December 14, 2022
I didn’t hate this, I just found it to be quite slow. Mara spent the entire book obsessing over a guy she met for 5 minutes, which would have been believable if she was 19/20, but she was 31 and I found it a little weird. I did like seeing the development as she came out of her shell and blossomed, and her relationship with Ash was sweet, albeit predictable. Unfortunately just wasn’t for me this time
July 24, 2022
DNF @ 31%
The premise was appealing but Mara came across as immature and desperate; I couldn't get into it.
The premise was appealing but Mara came across as immature and desperate; I couldn't get into it.
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