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Humbugs and Heartstrings
This is a tale about love and friendships, complete with a sprinkling of Christmas magic. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Lucy Diamond.
Two ex-friends. One Christmas to remember …
Bobbie's boss Carol is a real misery-guts, dedicated to making the lives of everyone around her unhappy in pursuit of every last penny. What makes it worse is that the two women have history: once they were best friends.
When handsome hotelier Charlie steps into the frame the two women go to battle as one sees a romantic future ahead and the other a possible lifeboat for her business. With wonderful warmth and humour, and the odd mince pie fight, the women are forced to confront their shared past, the turbulent present and, most importantly, the potential of the future.
Two ex-friends. One Christmas to remember …
Bobbie's boss Carol is a real misery-guts, dedicated to making the lives of everyone around her unhappy in pursuit of every last penny. What makes it worse is that the two women have history: once they were best friends.
When handsome hotelier Charlie steps into the frame the two women go to battle as one sees a romantic future ahead and the other a possible lifeboat for her business. With wonderful warmth and humour, and the odd mince pie fight, the women are forced to confront their shared past, the turbulent present and, most importantly, the potential of the future.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2014
23 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 3, 2014
This is a nice, easy to read festive Christmassy story loosely based on A Christmas Carol. I really enjoyed reading about the two main characters, Bobbie and Carol. They used to be best friends, but something happened to sour their friendship and Bobbie is now forced to work for Carol in her cleaning company, Spit and Polish. Bobbie is a nice character, never had much money but used to scrimping and saving in an effort to put money aside to pay for her brother Tim to have an operation privately rather than stay on the NHS waiting list. She cannot understand why her fun loving former best friend Carol is now so mean and miserly, with never a good word to say about or to anyone. They are fun to read about, especially when they get into one of their spats. All the way through the book I wanted Carol to see the error of her ways and cheered every time a chink in her armour showed, then groaned on the next page as she reverted back to meanie Carol.
The only part of the book I didn’t really get was the three messages, that didn’t quite come off as well as they could have done. In addition, At 57 years of age, I don’t think Bobbie’s mum was ever quite old enough to have seen the Beatles live! It is romantic and a little bit predictable, but in a nice comfortable way and all in all it is a good read for the Christmas season.
The only part of the book I didn’t really get was the three messages, that didn’t quite come off as well as they could have done. In addition, At 57 years of age, I don’t think Bobbie’s mum was ever quite old enough to have seen the Beatles live! It is romantic and a little bit predictable, but in a nice comfortable way and all in all it is a good read for the Christmas season.
November 20, 2014
I have spotted "Humbugs and Heartstrings" first on Twitter (of course, where else!) and had my eyes set on this book for a long time, so when it finally landed on my kindle, I started to read almost immediately. Well, everything about it just shouts "READ ME!" - the beautiful, pink, festive cover, the synopsis, and the fact that it's a debut novel, and I so love debut novels...
Bobbie works for a cleaning company who belongs to her ex - best friend Carol. The girls used to be thick as thieves when they were younger but then something happened and they parted their ways. After some time Bobbie, who's saving money left and right to pay for her younger brother's, who is suffering from scoliosis and can't count on the NHS system, private operation, decides to ask Carol for work in her Spit and Polish company. And she gets the job! As Carol still despises Bobbie, Bobbie finds that she not only heads the office but she must also jump on the cleaning work when they are short of staff. She must also organize Carol a hotel in London, and this on a very tight budget but - with help of one Ronald McDonald - she manages it. Those two stay in touch, sending emails, and then meet as he comes with Carol The Boss back from London. Fast forward, after many embarrassing situations, Carol planning something very unethical, Ronald, whose real name is Charlie, suggest organizing a Christmas Fayre to help raise funds for Tim's operation. Is it going to go out with a bang, or fall through? Is Bobbie finally going to find out why the friendship between her and Carol ended so abruptly? And are Carol and Charlie an item?
How juicy can the story be when to ex - best friends go in a battle over one man? How much harm can the "black character" cause to the other one? How can an innocent Christmas Fayre end in a pudding battle? Oh yes, this and much, much more await you in this colourful, warm and uplifting story. First of all, the characters in the book are brilliant - well, I may have some reservations and I'm going to express them a little later, but for now let's concentrate on the good stuff. Bobbie as a character is great. She has a heart made of gold, she's charming, easy - going girl, also naive and I hated to see Carol treating her like she did. Bobbie puts herself right at the very end of everything, she forgot about her dream of glass - blowing, making Christmas baubles, vases and candles - and started this dull job in Carol's company, because she wants to save as much money as possible for her little brother Tim's operation - hats off Bobbie, which young girl would do something like this?
On the other side we have the polar opposite in the form of Carol, who's egoistic, cold, money - obsessed bitch from hell. In my eyes she was behaving like a very spoiled little madam and nothing, NOTHING can rehabilitate in my eyes. She had her moments, this I must admit, but they didn't last long and she was back to her old self.
Charlie was a darling, understanding, nice, gallant, fair... Can it be that he was too ideal? Oh my. No, he wasn't. He was just perfect, and moreover, he had four cars and a hotel in the Caribbean...
Believe me, all the other characters were really brilliantly written, they had personalities, starting with Tim, through Bobbie's mother, Bunty, the woman reading from the tea leaves, and finishing with the cleaning company staff... They were larger then life, full of life and humour and it's so good that they all found a place in this book! All of them added so much charm and warmth to the story, and all of them were very significant.
The storyline is also engaging, fresh and complex. Catherine adds so much action to the plot, some of the scenes are hilarious, like the Christmas Fayre, or Bobbie's mother on the scene, or Tim and his friend playing Carol and Bobbie, it was a real joy to read. Yes, the book has some moments when it's serious and a little sad but nevertheless, it's bright and light in reception. Bobbie is a great narrator and had a great, friendly voice that is easy to follow.
What didn't work so much for me though were... yes, Carol and Bobbie. They had a past together, and we knew that something happened in the past, something that made them go their separate ways, and it's more than over - speculating with stocks. It was mentioned so often, but it was not explained for a long time, and really, by the hundredth or so mention I thought that I, in fact, couldn't care less. What happened, happened and I probably may not live to see to know what it was, so let it be. Then I really couldn't understand what made Carol so cold, angry, rude person and who gave her right to treat people like rubbish AND why people put with this! Thirdly, the book started very promising, fast - paced, a lot of action but then it slowed down, thanks to the fact that almost half of the story is Carol belittling Bobbie, Carol downgrading Bobbie, Carol blaming Bobbie, Carol bitching about Bobbie, Carol using Bobbie and although everybody's seen this, heard this, with Bobbie on top, what did Bobbie do? NOTHING. Null, nada. There came a moment that I just couldn't take more of Carol humiliating Bobbie and calling her names and Bobbie not standing up for herself. It took her too long, because actually the end of the book, to say something and to confront Carol. Much too long for my liking.
But apart of this, I totally enjoyed this book. It was a fast - paced, quick read which maybe didn't put me in a festive mood, as it promised, but nevertheless, it was full of charm, humour and action. It is a tad predictable, sometimes too obvious but still in a nice, not spoiling the story way. It is full of scenes with a LOL - factor, and mostly they are really original, fresh, scenes that I never have come across in books. There is everything that you could ask for in the book: romance, drama, cat - fights, great characters, fresh plot and I really can't believe that it's Catherine's debut novel - it's for sure one great start. I really look forward to more Catherin Ferguson's books in the future.
Copy received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Bobbie works for a cleaning company who belongs to her ex - best friend Carol. The girls used to be thick as thieves when they were younger but then something happened and they parted their ways. After some time Bobbie, who's saving money left and right to pay for her younger brother's, who is suffering from scoliosis and can't count on the NHS system, private operation, decides to ask Carol for work in her Spit and Polish company. And she gets the job! As Carol still despises Bobbie, Bobbie finds that she not only heads the office but she must also jump on the cleaning work when they are short of staff. She must also organize Carol a hotel in London, and this on a very tight budget but - with help of one Ronald McDonald - she manages it. Those two stay in touch, sending emails, and then meet as he comes with Carol The Boss back from London. Fast forward, after many embarrassing situations, Carol planning something very unethical, Ronald, whose real name is Charlie, suggest organizing a Christmas Fayre to help raise funds for Tim's operation. Is it going to go out with a bang, or fall through? Is Bobbie finally going to find out why the friendship between her and Carol ended so abruptly? And are Carol and Charlie an item?
How juicy can the story be when to ex - best friends go in a battle over one man? How much harm can the "black character" cause to the other one? How can an innocent Christmas Fayre end in a pudding battle? Oh yes, this and much, much more await you in this colourful, warm and uplifting story. First of all, the characters in the book are brilliant - well, I may have some reservations and I'm going to express them a little later, but for now let's concentrate on the good stuff. Bobbie as a character is great. She has a heart made of gold, she's charming, easy - going girl, also naive and I hated to see Carol treating her like she did. Bobbie puts herself right at the very end of everything, she forgot about her dream of glass - blowing, making Christmas baubles, vases and candles - and started this dull job in Carol's company, because she wants to save as much money as possible for her little brother Tim's operation - hats off Bobbie, which young girl would do something like this?
On the other side we have the polar opposite in the form of Carol, who's egoistic, cold, money - obsessed bitch from hell. In my eyes she was behaving like a very spoiled little madam and nothing, NOTHING can rehabilitate in my eyes. She had her moments, this I must admit, but they didn't last long and she was back to her old self.
Charlie was a darling, understanding, nice, gallant, fair... Can it be that he was too ideal? Oh my. No, he wasn't. He was just perfect, and moreover, he had four cars and a hotel in the Caribbean...
Believe me, all the other characters were really brilliantly written, they had personalities, starting with Tim, through Bobbie's mother, Bunty, the woman reading from the tea leaves, and finishing with the cleaning company staff... They were larger then life, full of life and humour and it's so good that they all found a place in this book! All of them added so much charm and warmth to the story, and all of them were very significant.
The storyline is also engaging, fresh and complex. Catherine adds so much action to the plot, some of the scenes are hilarious, like the Christmas Fayre, or Bobbie's mother on the scene, or Tim and his friend playing Carol and Bobbie, it was a real joy to read. Yes, the book has some moments when it's serious and a little sad but nevertheless, it's bright and light in reception. Bobbie is a great narrator and had a great, friendly voice that is easy to follow.
What didn't work so much for me though were... yes, Carol and Bobbie. They had a past together, and we knew that something happened in the past, something that made them go their separate ways, and it's more than over - speculating with stocks. It was mentioned so often, but it was not explained for a long time, and really, by the hundredth or so mention I thought that I, in fact, couldn't care less. What happened, happened and I probably may not live to see to know what it was, so let it be. Then I really couldn't understand what made Carol so cold, angry, rude person and who gave her right to treat people like rubbish AND why people put with this! Thirdly, the book started very promising, fast - paced, a lot of action but then it slowed down, thanks to the fact that almost half of the story is Carol belittling Bobbie, Carol downgrading Bobbie, Carol blaming Bobbie, Carol bitching about Bobbie, Carol using Bobbie and although everybody's seen this, heard this, with Bobbie on top, what did Bobbie do? NOTHING. Null, nada. There came a moment that I just couldn't take more of Carol humiliating Bobbie and calling her names and Bobbie not standing up for herself. It took her too long, because actually the end of the book, to say something and to confront Carol. Much too long for my liking.
But apart of this, I totally enjoyed this book. It was a fast - paced, quick read which maybe didn't put me in a festive mood, as it promised, but nevertheless, it was full of charm, humour and action. It is a tad predictable, sometimes too obvious but still in a nice, not spoiling the story way. It is full of scenes with a LOL - factor, and mostly they are really original, fresh, scenes that I never have come across in books. There is everything that you could ask for in the book: romance, drama, cat - fights, great characters, fresh plot and I really can't believe that it's Catherine's debut novel - it's for sure one great start. I really look forward to more Catherin Ferguson's books in the future.
Copy received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
December 11, 2014
This is admitted to be a story based loosely on Dickens’ Christmas Carol. The main characters appear as:
Scrooge;
3 Messages (Ghosts of Christmas, past, present and future);
Little Tim who is disabled;
A large turkey!
A Clerical worker.
Plus a few more characters thrown in for good measure. Now scoliosis is an interesting diagnosis for a young child. The NHS guide says that it rarely causes any issues in children other than a visible curve of the spine. It is adults who experience back pain. It affects 3-4 children out of every 1000, usually starting from adolescence, so for Tim’s to start earlier is very unusual and is most likely to be caused by, or is in combination with, another illness. Children are usually treated conservatively with just a back brace to help the back straighten and prevent more curvature, so it was surprising that Tim apparently wasn’t wearing one, especially as he was supposed to be badly curved. Unless the curvature is more than 50 degrees, and the brace has not kept it under control, surgery would not be considered. The surgery would fuse the spine in places and thus restrict movement which you do not want to do in a young child. And Tim was apparently a very active child so not something you would want to do to him.
And just a note about the NHS, if Tim’s curve needed this surgery he would yes, be on a waiting list, but would be high on it not low. And the waiting time for operations is rarely more than a few months for anything that is impeding normal life. My own experience has been a waiting time from 3 months maximum to 10 days!
There is almost never any need for private surgery and certainly you would not want to wait years for this, unless there is a special treatment you want that is not available - like a private bathroom! Which is very nice I admit, having had both private and NHS operations. I did like having the chef come round and consult me about what I wanted to eat and to bake lovely small delicacies to tempt the appetite at tea-time. That said, both times i had private treatment it did not go as well as my NHS treatment (I speak here as the person whose operations cannot now be counted on 2 hands).
I’m guessing that the book was set in the UK because the writer was British but the premise was better suited to the US. If you want the UK as a setting then you need to find a more obscure disease where treatment is not available in the UK and you have to pay for a trip abroad etc.
So, having had a good moan here about the hook around which the story was set, I did find it an irritant, but trying to be objective, without the knowledge of how the NHS works , the story could read quite well. Especially in the US where medical treatment is very expensive indeed - we would have been bankrupt several times over with my operations!
I liked the pie throwing scene but felt that it could have been better exploited and more made of it. What about a viral YouTube video for instance? Again more could have been made about the lottery win.
Overall, as a first novel it was acceptable but the author still needs to develop her techniques.
Scrooge;
3 Messages (Ghosts of Christmas, past, present and future);
Little Tim who is disabled;
A large turkey!
A Clerical worker.
Plus a few more characters thrown in for good measure. Now scoliosis is an interesting diagnosis for a young child. The NHS guide says that it rarely causes any issues in children other than a visible curve of the spine. It is adults who experience back pain. It affects 3-4 children out of every 1000, usually starting from adolescence, so for Tim’s to start earlier is very unusual and is most likely to be caused by, or is in combination with, another illness. Children are usually treated conservatively with just a back brace to help the back straighten and prevent more curvature, so it was surprising that Tim apparently wasn’t wearing one, especially as he was supposed to be badly curved. Unless the curvature is more than 50 degrees, and the brace has not kept it under control, surgery would not be considered. The surgery would fuse the spine in places and thus restrict movement which you do not want to do in a young child. And Tim was apparently a very active child so not something you would want to do to him.
And just a note about the NHS, if Tim’s curve needed this surgery he would yes, be on a waiting list, but would be high on it not low. And the waiting time for operations is rarely more than a few months for anything that is impeding normal life. My own experience has been a waiting time from 3 months maximum to 10 days!
There is almost never any need for private surgery and certainly you would not want to wait years for this, unless there is a special treatment you want that is not available - like a private bathroom! Which is very nice I admit, having had both private and NHS operations. I did like having the chef come round and consult me about what I wanted to eat and to bake lovely small delicacies to tempt the appetite at tea-time. That said, both times i had private treatment it did not go as well as my NHS treatment (I speak here as the person whose operations cannot now be counted on 2 hands).
I’m guessing that the book was set in the UK because the writer was British but the premise was better suited to the US. If you want the UK as a setting then you need to find a more obscure disease where treatment is not available in the UK and you have to pay for a trip abroad etc.
So, having had a good moan here about the hook around which the story was set, I did find it an irritant, but trying to be objective, without the knowledge of how the NHS works , the story could read quite well. Especially in the US where medical treatment is very expensive indeed - we would have been bankrupt several times over with my operations!
I liked the pie throwing scene but felt that it could have been better exploited and more made of it. What about a viral YouTube video for instance? Again more could have been made about the lottery win.
Overall, as a first novel it was acceptable but the author still needs to develop her techniques.
December 24, 2017
Humbugs and Heartstrings was a delightful Christmas read that was a pleasure to read. I enjoyed Catherine Ferguson's writing style and it was easy to read.
Bobbie and Carol used to be friends however now their relationship is employee (Bobbie) and boss (Carol). Carol isn't nice to Bobbie or anyone who works for her and as a result their relationship is now very strained. Bobbie is also saving money for her brother Tim who needs an operation. Throw in a handsome man who comes into both Bobbie and Carol's life and of course it becomes more complicated.
Some parts of the book was very funny - I loved the mince pie scene and in the oyster restaurant. I was cracking up while reading it.
The story is loosely based on A Christmas Carol but I only realised after I'd read a bit of it already.
I will definitely pick up another book by Catherine again - it was a delightful read.
Bobbie and Carol used to be friends however now their relationship is employee (Bobbie) and boss (Carol). Carol isn't nice to Bobbie or anyone who works for her and as a result their relationship is now very strained. Bobbie is also saving money for her brother Tim who needs an operation. Throw in a handsome man who comes into both Bobbie and Carol's life and of course it becomes more complicated.
Some parts of the book was very funny - I loved the mince pie scene and in the oyster restaurant. I was cracking up while reading it.
The story is loosely based on A Christmas Carol but I only realised after I'd read a bit of it already.
I will definitely pick up another book by Catherine again - it was a delightful read.
December 22, 2014
Bobbie and Carol are best friends since forever. Bobbie comes from a poor family that has lost everything when her father died. Her mother struggles to take care for her and her little brother Tim who needs a very expensive surgery. In order to help her family, Bobbie sacrifices her own dreams and gets a job, in her best friend’s company. But Carol is far from the girl that she used to back in the old days. Carol now doesn’t have friends, doesn’t sacrifice anything. This Carol is a real bitch and treats people very badly. Everything changes when an old lady talks to Bobbie and predicts a man in her life. A handsome hotelier Charlie shows up in sight. But Carol also wants him.
Can Carol be the lovely person she used to be? Can Bobbie fight for herself and her own dreams? Will Tim finally be able to get the surgery he desperately needs? Ghosts from past, present and future show up in Bobbie’s life. Can an old friendship start all over again?
I’m sure you’ve already figured out who is who in this version of Dickens’ Christmas Carol. Bobbie is a great character, she’s someone everyone wishes for a best friend. She gives up her own dreams just to help her mum and her little brother Tim. They love her so much and they don’t want her to suffer because of them. They want her to be happy. Bobbie knows that Carol is changed, but deep in her heart she knows that her best friend is still there, so she stays with her even when Carol treats her very badly. Bobbie is always there to help people she loves, but can she help herself, to find her own happiness?
What a wonderful way to start a festive novel. Take an old and famous story (maybe the most famous one) and make it a modern fairytale. It’s an old story but it is also something new. It is a debut novel and the author did a very good job. Written in a humorous way, the author tells an emotional story about friendship, love and family, the most important things in life, not just for Christmas, but for every day of the year. Through Bobbie’s character, the author also talks about fears, fear of losing a dear person, fear of starting something new, fear of being happy. Humbugs and Heartstrings is adorable festive novel, perfect for these pre-Christmas days.
Our rating: 7/10
Can Carol be the lovely person she used to be? Can Bobbie fight for herself and her own dreams? Will Tim finally be able to get the surgery he desperately needs? Ghosts from past, present and future show up in Bobbie’s life. Can an old friendship start all over again?
I’m sure you’ve already figured out who is who in this version of Dickens’ Christmas Carol. Bobbie is a great character, she’s someone everyone wishes for a best friend. She gives up her own dreams just to help her mum and her little brother Tim. They love her so much and they don’t want her to suffer because of them. They want her to be happy. Bobbie knows that Carol is changed, but deep in her heart she knows that her best friend is still there, so she stays with her even when Carol treats her very badly. Bobbie is always there to help people she loves, but can she help herself, to find her own happiness?
What a wonderful way to start a festive novel. Take an old and famous story (maybe the most famous one) and make it a modern fairytale. It’s an old story but it is also something new. It is a debut novel and the author did a very good job. Written in a humorous way, the author tells an emotional story about friendship, love and family, the most important things in life, not just for Christmas, but for every day of the year. Through Bobbie’s character, the author also talks about fears, fear of losing a dear person, fear of starting something new, fear of being happy. Humbugs and Heartstrings is adorable festive novel, perfect for these pre-Christmas days.
Our rating: 7/10
November 18, 2014
Bobbie works for a cleaning company and her boss used to be her best friend when they were younger. Something happened that severed their friendship- but we don't discover what until later in the book. Her boss is very penny pinching- is she worried about money even though she comes from a wealthy family? When she asks Bobbie to book her a London hotel for an extremely small budget she finds it impossible to find anywhere with a pool! Eventually she manages to speak to a Mr Ronald McDonald who promises to find her something suitable.
They develop a rapport when he keeps in contact- and by chance they meet as he comes back with her boss after the trip. Are they both after the same man- is this what split them up all those years ago?
After meeting her brother who needs a private operation to cure a curvature of the spine- he suggests that Carol's company runs a Christmas Fayre to help raise funds. That's the most christmassy part to the story and the build up and preparation is fun to read. Things don't go entirely to plan.
The selecting fancy dress costumes is really amusing- you can just imagine her boss making sure that Bobbie is only left with the worst costume whilst everyone dresses as Snow White and fairies etc. You can really imagine that happening!
The hint of romance between Bobbie and 'Ronald' who amazingly turns out not to be called Ronald is captivating. He seems like a lovely man- but the course of true love doesn't run smoothly.
I loved this book and would highly recommend it.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one.
They develop a rapport when he keeps in contact- and by chance they meet as he comes back with her boss after the trip. Are they both after the same man- is this what split them up all those years ago?
After meeting her brother who needs a private operation to cure a curvature of the spine- he suggests that Carol's company runs a Christmas Fayre to help raise funds. That's the most christmassy part to the story and the build up and preparation is fun to read. Things don't go entirely to plan.
The selecting fancy dress costumes is really amusing- you can just imagine her boss making sure that Bobbie is only left with the worst costume whilst everyone dresses as Snow White and fairies etc. You can really imagine that happening!
The hint of romance between Bobbie and 'Ronald' who amazingly turns out not to be called Ronald is captivating. He seems like a lovely man- but the course of true love doesn't run smoothly.
I loved this book and would highly recommend it.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one.
November 4, 2014
Originally posted on Paris Baker's Book Nook.
Humbugs & Heartstrings is Catherine Ferguson’s debut novel, and damn, she’s off to a good start. The story is loosely based on A Christmas Carol.
Bobbie and Carol used to be thick as thieves, but Carol suddenly turned cold an unyielding, a particularly difficult situation when Bobbie ends up coming to work for her at her cleaning company. From this alone, you know it’s going to be a juicy plot. Best friends turned sour, forced to work for each other? Yeah, that’s gonna equal drama.
Throw in a dreamy guy the girls both have their eyes on, and they’re ready for all hell to break loose. Well, for an extremely bitchy food-fight to break loose, at least.
The book is filled with fantastic characters; I absolutely adored Bobbie, and Charlie was just a darling. The narrative in Bobbie’s voice was easy and friendly, making it a joy to read. Through in a slightly skitzy mother, a sick young brother and some fun colleagues, and you’ve got a pretty awesome cast.
The plot is just fabulous and at moments, down-right hilarious. A wonderful debut, and I look forward to reading more from Catherine Ferguson in the future.
Humbugs & Heartstrings is Catherine Ferguson’s debut novel, and damn, she’s off to a good start. The story is loosely based on A Christmas Carol.
Bobbie and Carol used to be thick as thieves, but Carol suddenly turned cold an unyielding, a particularly difficult situation when Bobbie ends up coming to work for her at her cleaning company. From this alone, you know it’s going to be a juicy plot. Best friends turned sour, forced to work for each other? Yeah, that’s gonna equal drama.
Throw in a dreamy guy the girls both have their eyes on, and they’re ready for all hell to break loose. Well, for an extremely bitchy food-fight to break loose, at least.
The book is filled with fantastic characters; I absolutely adored Bobbie, and Charlie was just a darling. The narrative in Bobbie’s voice was easy and friendly, making it a joy to read. Through in a slightly skitzy mother, a sick young brother and some fun colleagues, and you’ve got a pretty awesome cast.
The plot is just fabulous and at moments, down-right hilarious. A wonderful debut, and I look forward to reading more from Catherine Ferguson in the future.
August 7, 2016
For a more detailed review, please check out my review below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
February 4, 2017
2.5*
It was ok. Some chapters where great, but more where a tad boring.
But my main complaint with the story was the anti NHS feeling. Tim (the younger brother) had a condition that needed surgery and the waiting list was so long that it meant saving privately for the required operation. Even with long waiting times the story just didn't quite work - it was more of a plot device to mirror the tale of a Christmas Carol rather than make sense on it's own.
It was ok. Some chapters where great, but more where a tad boring.
But my main complaint with the story was the anti NHS feeling. Tim (the younger brother) had a condition that needed surgery and the waiting list was so long that it meant saving privately for the required operation. Even with long waiting times the story just didn't quite work - it was more of a plot device to mirror the tale of a Christmas Carol rather than make sense on it's own.
November 18, 2015
I never really got to know most of the characters in the book. The idea was good, but the slap-stick humour in places was a little off-putting. And to be honest, there is no way I could see myself, or many other people, being as forgiving as Bobbie.
2 stars - it wasn't bad, far from it, but it was more of an 'okay' book for me.
2 stars - it wasn't bad, far from it, but it was more of an 'okay' book for me.
October 8, 2025
Delightful, full of fun and friendships
I loved this book. Christmasy and fun, yet seriosly portraying how much and how important friendships can be. Highly recommend for any time of the year.
I loved this book. Christmasy and fun, yet seriosly portraying how much and how important friendships can be. Highly recommend for any time of the year.
July 19, 2015
Humbugs & Heartstrings is the début novel from Catherine Ferguson, a slightly updated version with a modern twist of the classic Charles Dickens story A Christmas Carol. Despite a gorgeous, cheerful, colourful cover I wasn’t expecting that much from this read, just another run of the mill Christmas novel. But I was delighted to be proven wrong and I raced through this book in a day and found myself lost in the world of Bobbie and Carol. Admittedly the book was slow to get going but after several chapters it began to pick up pace. Now if you want an overly Christmas book maybe this is not the choice for you, I kept thinking where were all the Christmas elements – snow, magical setting and the usual traditions associated with the festive period. Yes there is mention of the Christmas Fayre much later in the book but that seemed to be it more or less. If you can get past this there is a satisfying story just waiting to be read.
Roberta Blatchett, other wise known as Bobbie, works at Spit and Polish cleaners under her stingy boss Carol McGinley. Former friends and now enemies (well at least on Carol's part) they side step each other on a day to day basis (which is difficult in a cramped office) with Carol barking orders and instructions when necessary. Of course Carol makes Bobbie do all the most demeaning tasks and treats her like utter rubbish. You may feel why is Bobbie persisting with such treatment in the workplace? Bobbie has her own burdens to shoulder and she needs this job to support her family. Her dad died when she was young leaving leaving her mother too rear two children. Now younger brother Tim is in need of an operation as he has scoliosis. Like any good sister Bobbie is scrimping and saving to raise as much as she can for this private operation so that goes along way to explaining why she puts up with the insufferable Carol.
Right from the start I was intrigued and desperately wanted to know what caused Carol and Bobbie to have such a dramatic falling out, this burning question was essentially what kept me reading. The Charles Dickens element of the story really kicked in when Bobbie visits a fortune teller Mrs. Cadwalder who warns there is a storm coming over her relationship with Carol and three messengers will soon visit her. This certainly had sparked my interest even more. Amongst the many ridiculous things Carol forces Bobbie to do is to find a cheap hotel room one which has all the luxuries but without the steep price. This brings Carol into contact via email with Ronald MacDonald -needless to say that's not his real name. I adored the banter back and forth in the emails between the pair and when we discover who R.MacDonald really is a love connection is established. One which both Carol and Bobbie are intent upon pursuing but for very different reasons.
When hotelier Charlie arrives on the scene Carol sees her chance to get funding for the business. Funding which is badly needed so she tells plenty of tall tales to get her own way but Bobbie views him as a love interest and I really wanted her to find some happiness of her own. After all she does so much for everyone else now it's time for some reward of her own. It is much deserved. But in any good book the path of true love does not run especially smoothly and Bobbie is out to thwart Carol's happiness at every given opportunity. The Christmas Fayre organised by Bobbie to raise funds is where everything comes to a head and culminated in some funny scenes. But apart from this there was plenty going on as some of Carol's back story, opinions and feelings were revealed. As I've said this was only the really Christmassy aspect to the book but I get the overall message based on the title.
Bobbie was such a likeable character who had qualities that were generous and admirable and plain for all to see. In her situation she really was stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to keep her family going and re-establish her friendship with Carol whilst also reigniting her passion for art and design. Bobbie never gave up no matter how woefully Carol treated her. The things she made her do and the put downs would be enough to turn anyone off continuing to attempt to make peace. But I suppose Bobbie remembered the good times she shared with Carol in the past and wished that there were more special memories to be made in the future. She must feel underneath that tough exterior that the real Carol may still exist. As mentioned before this book is like a modern day A Christmas Carol so who do we liken to Scrooge? Why Carol of course. To me she was just plain rude and nasty, yes we uncover her troubles the further into the book we go but I think no matter how horrid a situation you may find yourself in it really is no excuse to treat people the way she did. If she only stood back and took stock of her problems they mightn't have seemed so insurmountable and maybe then she could have accepted that Bobbie wasn't so bad after all. There are numerous important lessons to be learned here as Scrooge also learns in the classic tale. To me if Carol understood the value of friendship and the support of those around her, her life and business would not have presented her with so many difficulties.
Humbugs & Heartstrings was a different Christmas chick-lit read but one I thoroughly enjoyed. Catherine Ferguson used A Christmas Carol to great effect and I fell in love with Bobbie but by the end a tiny tiny part of me may have felt some empathy towards Carol. There were numerous twists and turns which helped keep the pace of the book going the further we dove into the story. I found this book can really be read at any time of the year as the story and the characters will really appeal. Do the girls reconcile? Will the business survive? Is romance permanently on the cards? Go buy Humbugs & Heartstrings to find out. Meanwhile Catherine second book her summer release Green Bean & Summer Dreams awaits me on my Kindle. Will Catherine's storytelling abilities live up to expectation in book two. Well I'm off to find out
Roberta Blatchett, other wise known as Bobbie, works at Spit and Polish cleaners under her stingy boss Carol McGinley. Former friends and now enemies (well at least on Carol's part) they side step each other on a day to day basis (which is difficult in a cramped office) with Carol barking orders and instructions when necessary. Of course Carol makes Bobbie do all the most demeaning tasks and treats her like utter rubbish. You may feel why is Bobbie persisting with such treatment in the workplace? Bobbie has her own burdens to shoulder and she needs this job to support her family. Her dad died when she was young leaving leaving her mother too rear two children. Now younger brother Tim is in need of an operation as he has scoliosis. Like any good sister Bobbie is scrimping and saving to raise as much as she can for this private operation so that goes along way to explaining why she puts up with the insufferable Carol.
Right from the start I was intrigued and desperately wanted to know what caused Carol and Bobbie to have such a dramatic falling out, this burning question was essentially what kept me reading. The Charles Dickens element of the story really kicked in when Bobbie visits a fortune teller Mrs. Cadwalder who warns there is a storm coming over her relationship with Carol and three messengers will soon visit her. This certainly had sparked my interest even more. Amongst the many ridiculous things Carol forces Bobbie to do is to find a cheap hotel room one which has all the luxuries but without the steep price. This brings Carol into contact via email with Ronald MacDonald -needless to say that's not his real name. I adored the banter back and forth in the emails between the pair and when we discover who R.MacDonald really is a love connection is established. One which both Carol and Bobbie are intent upon pursuing but for very different reasons.
When hotelier Charlie arrives on the scene Carol sees her chance to get funding for the business. Funding which is badly needed so she tells plenty of tall tales to get her own way but Bobbie views him as a love interest and I really wanted her to find some happiness of her own. After all she does so much for everyone else now it's time for some reward of her own. It is much deserved. But in any good book the path of true love does not run especially smoothly and Bobbie is out to thwart Carol's happiness at every given opportunity. The Christmas Fayre organised by Bobbie to raise funds is where everything comes to a head and culminated in some funny scenes. But apart from this there was plenty going on as some of Carol's back story, opinions and feelings were revealed. As I've said this was only the really Christmassy aspect to the book but I get the overall message based on the title.
Bobbie was such a likeable character who had qualities that were generous and admirable and plain for all to see. In her situation she really was stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to keep her family going and re-establish her friendship with Carol whilst also reigniting her passion for art and design. Bobbie never gave up no matter how woefully Carol treated her. The things she made her do and the put downs would be enough to turn anyone off continuing to attempt to make peace. But I suppose Bobbie remembered the good times she shared with Carol in the past and wished that there were more special memories to be made in the future. She must feel underneath that tough exterior that the real Carol may still exist. As mentioned before this book is like a modern day A Christmas Carol so who do we liken to Scrooge? Why Carol of course. To me she was just plain rude and nasty, yes we uncover her troubles the further into the book we go but I think no matter how horrid a situation you may find yourself in it really is no excuse to treat people the way she did. If she only stood back and took stock of her problems they mightn't have seemed so insurmountable and maybe then she could have accepted that Bobbie wasn't so bad after all. There are numerous important lessons to be learned here as Scrooge also learns in the classic tale. To me if Carol understood the value of friendship and the support of those around her, her life and business would not have presented her with so many difficulties.
Humbugs & Heartstrings was a different Christmas chick-lit read but one I thoroughly enjoyed. Catherine Ferguson used A Christmas Carol to great effect and I fell in love with Bobbie but by the end a tiny tiny part of me may have felt some empathy towards Carol. There were numerous twists and turns which helped keep the pace of the book going the further we dove into the story. I found this book can really be read at any time of the year as the story and the characters will really appeal. Do the girls reconcile? Will the business survive? Is romance permanently on the cards? Go buy Humbugs & Heartstrings to find out. Meanwhile Catherine second book her summer release Green Bean & Summer Dreams awaits me on my Kindle. Will Catherine's storytelling abilities live up to expectation in book two. Well I'm off to find out
October 13, 2022
Wasnt at all christmassy till more than half way through but still a good book i enjoyed this .
December 31, 2025
60 books read. Hoped the last of 2025 would be a nice festive read - I struggled 😴 not my kind of genre!
November 13, 2014
Review originally posted on my blog www.LifeWithJoyBlog.Wordpress.com
My Thoughts in a Nutshell
Humbugs and Heartstrings is a well-written story filled with fun, vibrant and entertaining characters and it had me laughing from the get go. Ferguson gives us a page-turning Christmas story that in between all the laughing, will make you think about what’s truly important in life; friendships and relationships with people that matter to you. There’s nothing more beautiful in this world than human relationships and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the different relationships in this novel.
My Review
Bobbie, a 29-year-old gal that’s a bit of a pushover, somehow got herself into a less than savory situation working for her ex-best friend Carol. The Boss -as her employees refer to her- is the most frugal and stingy businesswoman that ever walked the planet. She makes Bobbie’s life miserable but Bobbie feels like she can’t stand up to her because then she’d be out a job and moving back home with her mother and young brother. In many ways Bobbie is afraid of life and letting people in and thus leads a somewhat boring life; she never experiments with color, dresses in shapeless, boring clothing that do nothing to show off her youth and doesn’t ever stand up for herself when people push her around. Ferguson gives us a page-turning Christmas story that in between all the laughing, will make you think about what’s truly important in life; friendships and relationships with people that matter to you.
There are quite a few lessons learned throughout the novel and one that struck me the most is how toxic the topic of money can be when it comes to friendships, relationships and work ethic. Whether you don’t have enough of it, you have more of it than you know what to do with, or you’ve always had money because of your parents, money can cause people quite a bit of unnecessary stress. It’s always easy to assume that having a vast amount of money at your disposal instantly makes your life happy and easy, but that’s not always the case. Money can only be the solution to so many problems and most issues have to be solved through communication and compassion for one another. It’s important to ask questions and understand where someone is coming from before you judge them and assume you know what their life is like.
It’s inspiring to see that underneath it all and despite what they’ve been through, people are mostly good inside with good intentions. You have to step out of your fears and comfort zone and work for the things you want in life. Sometimes you have to accept that it’s a process and things aren’t always perfect. You have to let people in, even at the worst of times, in order to let relationships grow and let the people in your life see that they’re important and needed. There’s nothing more beautiful in this world than human relationships and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the different relationships in this novel.
I loved the friendships and romantic relationships that develop throughout the novel and would love to see a few more novels spring from these characters. I’d love to see a book about the romantic relationship that brews for Bobbie’s friend Shona, a book about Carol and where she goes from here or even a book about Ella and her escapades. Ferguson penned wonderful characters and I enjoyed reading about the journey that they go on to get where they end up at the end of the novel. I won’t give away any spoilers but I can tell you that I adored this novel and highly suggest you get yourself a copy.
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Maze publisher for providing me with A Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
A quick note for my US viewers, I didn’t realize when I requested this book through NetGalley that it’s a UK novel and not available in the US, but I believe you might be able to order it online through the UK’s amazon site rather than the US’s.
My Thoughts in a Nutshell
Humbugs and Heartstrings is a well-written story filled with fun, vibrant and entertaining characters and it had me laughing from the get go. Ferguson gives us a page-turning Christmas story that in between all the laughing, will make you think about what’s truly important in life; friendships and relationships with people that matter to you. There’s nothing more beautiful in this world than human relationships and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the different relationships in this novel.
My Review
Bobbie, a 29-year-old gal that’s a bit of a pushover, somehow got herself into a less than savory situation working for her ex-best friend Carol. The Boss -as her employees refer to her- is the most frugal and stingy businesswoman that ever walked the planet. She makes Bobbie’s life miserable but Bobbie feels like she can’t stand up to her because then she’d be out a job and moving back home with her mother and young brother. In many ways Bobbie is afraid of life and letting people in and thus leads a somewhat boring life; she never experiments with color, dresses in shapeless, boring clothing that do nothing to show off her youth and doesn’t ever stand up for herself when people push her around. Ferguson gives us a page-turning Christmas story that in between all the laughing, will make you think about what’s truly important in life; friendships and relationships with people that matter to you.
There are quite a few lessons learned throughout the novel and one that struck me the most is how toxic the topic of money can be when it comes to friendships, relationships and work ethic. Whether you don’t have enough of it, you have more of it than you know what to do with, or you’ve always had money because of your parents, money can cause people quite a bit of unnecessary stress. It’s always easy to assume that having a vast amount of money at your disposal instantly makes your life happy and easy, but that’s not always the case. Money can only be the solution to so many problems and most issues have to be solved through communication and compassion for one another. It’s important to ask questions and understand where someone is coming from before you judge them and assume you know what their life is like.
It’s inspiring to see that underneath it all and despite what they’ve been through, people are mostly good inside with good intentions. You have to step out of your fears and comfort zone and work for the things you want in life. Sometimes you have to accept that it’s a process and things aren’t always perfect. You have to let people in, even at the worst of times, in order to let relationships grow and let the people in your life see that they’re important and needed. There’s nothing more beautiful in this world than human relationships and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the different relationships in this novel.
I loved the friendships and romantic relationships that develop throughout the novel and would love to see a few more novels spring from these characters. I’d love to see a book about the romantic relationship that brews for Bobbie’s friend Shona, a book about Carol and where she goes from here or even a book about Ella and her escapades. Ferguson penned wonderful characters and I enjoyed reading about the journey that they go on to get where they end up at the end of the novel. I won’t give away any spoilers but I can tell you that I adored this novel and highly suggest you get yourself a copy.
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Maze publisher for providing me with A Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
A quick note for my US viewers, I didn’t realize when I requested this book through NetGalley that it’s a UK novel and not available in the US, but I believe you might be able to order it online through the UK’s amazon site rather than the US’s.
January 4, 2015
Originally reviewed for Bookaholic Confessions
Humbugs and Heartstrings tells the story of Bobbie and her extremely-evil boss, Carol. Bobbie and Carol used to be BFF’s, until something happened and the pair had a massive falling out. However, a series of unfortunate events has lead to Bobbie working for her ex-best friend at cleaning company Spit and Polish.
Bobbie is sure that the old Carol still lurks somewhere underneath in her frosty, penny-pinching boss, but it looks as though their relationship is set to sour even more when hotel owner Charlie appears on the scene. Charlie is interested in investing in Spit and Polish and Carol is going to make damn sure he does by digging her claws in as deep as they will go. However Bobbie finds herself hopelessly attracted to Charlie too, only, unlike Carol, she doesn’t have an ulterior motive for his affections. Surely it’s only a matter of time before all out war is declared?
I have been looking forward to reading Humbugs and Heartstrings for what feels like forever. The cover is one of the most gorgeous ones have seen this year and when I found out that the story was loosely based on A Christmas Carol I was sold. I adored these clever references to Charles Dickens’ famous story, it was such a fantastic idea and Carol really is the perfect modern day scrooge. This element of the story was really cleverly done and added such a nice touch. It also made me desperately want to know if Carol was going to follow in the footsteps of Scrooge and see the error of her ways (although at times I didn’t see how. The woman could be a TOTAL cow!)
I loved Bobbie. She is frantically saving up to go private for an operation on her younger brother, Tim, which means constantly scrimping and saving and sacrificing her own happiness in the process. She is such a selfless character and is always thinking of other people and I really warmed to her. I desperately wanted her to get the man, follow her creative career dreams and be happy. I really struggled to believe that she and Carol had ever been best friends in the first place though; the woman must have had a serious personality transplant because she could be vicious. You do find out why she is like she is as the story progresses, but I still think Bobbie should have told her where to go a long time ago.
Bobbie’s narrative is excellent and I loved reading the story from her perspective. It makes the story so easy and ‘readable’ and one of those novels that you can’t help but whizz through.
There’s a mix of brilliant characters too including Fez, Shona, Bunty, Tim – they all brought their own special bits to the story and I loved each and every one of them (especially Charlie who sounds pretty much perfect…) That’s excluding Carol, of course, but she is a character you’ll find yourself loving to hate!
There are some moments of comedy gold in Humbugs and Heartstrings, involving mince pies, Christmas pudding fancy dress outfits, Ronald McDonald and oysters. I wasn’t too sure how festive Humbugs and Heartstrings was going to be as it starts off in October but I needn’t have worried. Catherine achieves that very tricky aspect of making this novel Christmassy (and there is LOTS of Christmas, don’t worry!) but saying that it’s still a novel that you could get away with reading at any time of year because it has such a strong storyline.
I am so excited to have discovered Catherine Ferguson’s work as this is an absolutely cracking debut. I would even go so far as to say it’s one of my favourite rom-com’s of the year. There’s friendship, romance, rivalry, humour in abundance, and the underlying message of being brave enough to follow your dreams (oh, and there’s a turkey crisis-every Christmas story should have one!)
Humbugs and Heartstrings tells the story of Bobbie and her extremely-evil boss, Carol. Bobbie and Carol used to be BFF’s, until something happened and the pair had a massive falling out. However, a series of unfortunate events has lead to Bobbie working for her ex-best friend at cleaning company Spit and Polish.
Bobbie is sure that the old Carol still lurks somewhere underneath in her frosty, penny-pinching boss, but it looks as though their relationship is set to sour even more when hotel owner Charlie appears on the scene. Charlie is interested in investing in Spit and Polish and Carol is going to make damn sure he does by digging her claws in as deep as they will go. However Bobbie finds herself hopelessly attracted to Charlie too, only, unlike Carol, she doesn’t have an ulterior motive for his affections. Surely it’s only a matter of time before all out war is declared?
I have been looking forward to reading Humbugs and Heartstrings for what feels like forever. The cover is one of the most gorgeous ones have seen this year and when I found out that the story was loosely based on A Christmas Carol I was sold. I adored these clever references to Charles Dickens’ famous story, it was such a fantastic idea and Carol really is the perfect modern day scrooge. This element of the story was really cleverly done and added such a nice touch. It also made me desperately want to know if Carol was going to follow in the footsteps of Scrooge and see the error of her ways (although at times I didn’t see how. The woman could be a TOTAL cow!)
I loved Bobbie. She is frantically saving up to go private for an operation on her younger brother, Tim, which means constantly scrimping and saving and sacrificing her own happiness in the process. She is such a selfless character and is always thinking of other people and I really warmed to her. I desperately wanted her to get the man, follow her creative career dreams and be happy. I really struggled to believe that she and Carol had ever been best friends in the first place though; the woman must have had a serious personality transplant because she could be vicious. You do find out why she is like she is as the story progresses, but I still think Bobbie should have told her where to go a long time ago.
Bobbie’s narrative is excellent and I loved reading the story from her perspective. It makes the story so easy and ‘readable’ and one of those novels that you can’t help but whizz through.
There’s a mix of brilliant characters too including Fez, Shona, Bunty, Tim – they all brought their own special bits to the story and I loved each and every one of them (especially Charlie who sounds pretty much perfect…) That’s excluding Carol, of course, but she is a character you’ll find yourself loving to hate!
There are some moments of comedy gold in Humbugs and Heartstrings, involving mince pies, Christmas pudding fancy dress outfits, Ronald McDonald and oysters. I wasn’t too sure how festive Humbugs and Heartstrings was going to be as it starts off in October but I needn’t have worried. Catherine achieves that very tricky aspect of making this novel Christmassy (and there is LOTS of Christmas, don’t worry!) but saying that it’s still a novel that you could get away with reading at any time of year because it has such a strong storyline.
I am so excited to have discovered Catherine Ferguson’s work as this is an absolutely cracking debut. I would even go so far as to say it’s one of my favourite rom-com’s of the year. There’s friendship, romance, rivalry, humour in abundance, and the underlying message of being brave enough to follow your dreams (oh, and there’s a turkey crisis-every Christmas story should have one!)
October 20, 2014
When Avon announced their new digital first Maze imprint (following in the footsteps of Carina UK and their own Harper Impulse imprint) I was quite excited. When I heard Humbugs & Heartstrings by Catherine Ferguson was the first title they were planning to publish, I thought it sounded really interesting. One of my absolute favourite plots to read about is former friends who find themselves working together. There's so much scope there, and with the promise of mince pie flinging and a general feeling of festivity, I was so there. I was quite excited to receive a copy to review, and I couldn't wait to dive in, and the novel did not disappoint.
Humbugs & Heartstrings is the first Christmas novel I've read this year (because it's still only October) but it's definitely going to be a tough one to beat, because it's amazing. I literally flew through the book in two days, because I just loved Bobbie's voice. There was just something so easy and forthcoming about Bobbie, and her narrative just flowed so beautifully. I was taken in, right from the start, and my love for the novel never once waned. (Which was a relief because I've had a run of so so books recently.) It is the most delightful Christmas tale I have ever read and what's so great about it is how simplistic it is. Two ex best friends go to war over a hotelier whose name is Charlie, but who will always be Ronald McDonald to me (read the book, you'll get it). But Bobbie's voice is so good that you just keep reading becauase it's like you've never read the plot before, ever.
The characters in Humbugs & Heartstrings were awesome, too. Bobbie is by far one of my favourite heroines this year. She's a bit of a wimp, I will confess, unable to stand up to The Boss, Carol, and taking everything Carol throws at her without recourse, but I loved her anyway, and when she eventually needs to stand up for herself, she does. (Even if it takes having to hear how someone else sees you from behind a stage.) I felt quite sad that Carol had thrown away their friendship over something that turned out to be frivolous in the end, because who wouldn't want Bobbie in their corner? She was delightful. Carol on the other hand was a nightmare. I wanted to like her and she had her moments, but mostly I wanted to strangle her and tell her to get a grip and stop being childish. I really loved Charlie. From the early email exchanges with Bobbie, to the fact he spent a lot of time around her, near her, it was just so cute. I tell you, these fictional men need to stop being so awesome, because they give a girl false expectations.
It surprises me so much that this is Catherine Ferguson's debut novel, because her writing just flows so effortlessly, and I wish that she had 5 other novels that I could quickly buy and devour, that's how good Humbugs & Heartstrings was. I adored the characters, I liked the story involving Bobbie's brother, because it added a more real element to the novel, and Bobbie's narrative voice was second to none. The plot was delightful and the novel even made me laugh a time or two. It is literally the most perfect book to curl up with during the Winter months, in front of a roaring fire preferably and with a mince pie or two (not to throw at someone!!!) and a glass of wine. It just made me so warm and happy inside and it was such a pleasure to read a book without much angst. If you read one Christmas themed book this year, make it Humbugs & Heartstrings, it's really, really good.This review was originally posted on Girls Love To Read
Humbugs & Heartstrings is the first Christmas novel I've read this year (because it's still only October) but it's definitely going to be a tough one to beat, because it's amazing. I literally flew through the book in two days, because I just loved Bobbie's voice. There was just something so easy and forthcoming about Bobbie, and her narrative just flowed so beautifully. I was taken in, right from the start, and my love for the novel never once waned. (Which was a relief because I've had a run of so so books recently.) It is the most delightful Christmas tale I have ever read and what's so great about it is how simplistic it is. Two ex best friends go to war over a hotelier whose name is Charlie, but who will always be Ronald McDonald to me (read the book, you'll get it). But Bobbie's voice is so good that you just keep reading becauase it's like you've never read the plot before, ever.
The characters in Humbugs & Heartstrings were awesome, too. Bobbie is by far one of my favourite heroines this year. She's a bit of a wimp, I will confess, unable to stand up to The Boss, Carol, and taking everything Carol throws at her without recourse, but I loved her anyway, and when she eventually needs to stand up for herself, she does. (Even if it takes having to hear how someone else sees you from behind a stage.) I felt quite sad that Carol had thrown away their friendship over something that turned out to be frivolous in the end, because who wouldn't want Bobbie in their corner? She was delightful. Carol on the other hand was a nightmare. I wanted to like her and she had her moments, but mostly I wanted to strangle her and tell her to get a grip and stop being childish. I really loved Charlie. From the early email exchanges with Bobbie, to the fact he spent a lot of time around her, near her, it was just so cute. I tell you, these fictional men need to stop being so awesome, because they give a girl false expectations.
It surprises me so much that this is Catherine Ferguson's debut novel, because her writing just flows so effortlessly, and I wish that she had 5 other novels that I could quickly buy and devour, that's how good Humbugs & Heartstrings was. I adored the characters, I liked the story involving Bobbie's brother, because it added a more real element to the novel, and Bobbie's narrative voice was second to none. The plot was delightful and the novel even made me laugh a time or two. It is literally the most perfect book to curl up with during the Winter months, in front of a roaring fire preferably and with a mince pie or two (not to throw at someone!!!) and a glass of wine. It just made me so warm and happy inside and it was such a pleasure to read a book without much angst. If you read one Christmas themed book this year, make it Humbugs & Heartstrings, it's really, really good.This review was originally posted on Girls Love To Read
November 18, 2016
I really love the opening chapter of this book it really made me giggle. This book in fact had me giggling at places throughout which was really nice.
It is a feel good Christmas romp. With great characters and a story that yes is predictable but is heartwarming too. It is kinda the story of Scrooge but the ghost or messengers as they are called in this story actually visit the Christmas lover instead of Scrooge which in turn helps to make Scrooge a better person.
I really enjoyed this feel good book. It will have you laughing out loud and you will get lots in the drama of everything.
Bobby works for a cleaning company. Under the direction of her boss who used to be her best friend. Who is a real grinch called Carol. Carol is mean and moody and damn right nasty. She give cruelly de Vil a run for her money.
Bobby and Carol stopped being friends when a business venture that saw them trading the stock market made Bobby loose all her money. Carol wasn't supportive at all with the support of a family who are rolling in money. Carol loosing money barely dented her prospects. Bobbys brother is poorly and was born with a curvature of the spine that just keeps getting worse. He needs life changing operation. But for that to happen they have to save every single penny. Which is why Booby stays in a job she hates slaving away for a boss she despises.
Bobby is set a task to get Carol a room in a swanky London hotel for a pittance. While on the quest she speaks to a guy called Ronald McDonald who she gets to know quite well through emails and Ronald does a deal for Bobby on the hotel room that is a steal.
However a chance encounters bobby meets Ronald whose name is actually Charlie. Who is basically a millionaire. Who runs a chain of hotels and is looking to expand his business. However getting involved in the cleaning company where Bobby works called Spit and shine. Isn't the golden opportunity that he thinks it is. Carol lies to Charlie making it out that every one adores her? That she does tones of charity work, she gives her staff bonuses and the business is thriving. Is so far removed from the truth that it's not even funny.
Bobby knows that things aren't quite what they seem. That the history and future that Carol has so artfully created is so far removed from the truth. Can Bobby stop Charlie from making the biggest mistake of his career? And is there a Christmas romance brewing for Charlie and Bobby? Can Bobbys brother get his operation? Can their family live a life with no worries and concerns about how to pay the bills? And will Carol's cold hearted ness be melted away?
I really enjoyed this predictable feel good book. I hope you do too.
Happy reading everyone and Merry Christmas
It is a feel good Christmas romp. With great characters and a story that yes is predictable but is heartwarming too. It is kinda the story of Scrooge but the ghost or messengers as they are called in this story actually visit the Christmas lover instead of Scrooge which in turn helps to make Scrooge a better person.
I really enjoyed this feel good book. It will have you laughing out loud and you will get lots in the drama of everything.
Bobby works for a cleaning company. Under the direction of her boss who used to be her best friend. Who is a real grinch called Carol. Carol is mean and moody and damn right nasty. She give cruelly de Vil a run for her money.
Bobby and Carol stopped being friends when a business venture that saw them trading the stock market made Bobby loose all her money. Carol wasn't supportive at all with the support of a family who are rolling in money. Carol loosing money barely dented her prospects. Bobbys brother is poorly and was born with a curvature of the spine that just keeps getting worse. He needs life changing operation. But for that to happen they have to save every single penny. Which is why Booby stays in a job she hates slaving away for a boss she despises.
Bobby is set a task to get Carol a room in a swanky London hotel for a pittance. While on the quest she speaks to a guy called Ronald McDonald who she gets to know quite well through emails and Ronald does a deal for Bobby on the hotel room that is a steal.
However a chance encounters bobby meets Ronald whose name is actually Charlie. Who is basically a millionaire. Who runs a chain of hotels and is looking to expand his business. However getting involved in the cleaning company where Bobby works called Spit and shine. Isn't the golden opportunity that he thinks it is. Carol lies to Charlie making it out that every one adores her? That she does tones of charity work, she gives her staff bonuses and the business is thriving. Is so far removed from the truth that it's not even funny.
Bobby knows that things aren't quite what they seem. That the history and future that Carol has so artfully created is so far removed from the truth. Can Bobby stop Charlie from making the biggest mistake of his career? And is there a Christmas romance brewing for Charlie and Bobby? Can Bobbys brother get his operation? Can their family live a life with no worries and concerns about how to pay the bills? And will Carol's cold hearted ness be melted away?
I really enjoyed this predictable feel good book. I hope you do too.
Happy reading everyone and Merry Christmas
February 1, 2015
Carol is a horrible boss and she's doing everything she can to make Bobbie's life as miserable as possible. Still Bobbie keeps working for her as they have a history together. They used to be best friends. When Bobbie gets the impossible assignment to find Carol a luxurious hotel in London for a crazy, impossibly cheap price, she ends up chatting with Charlie who's promising her to see what he can do. Bobbie enjoys their chats very much and is very surprised when Charlie turns up as soon as Carol's back from London. They both have an interest in the same man and there are so many old wounds that need to be healed. Will Carol and Bobbie find a way out of this situation or will they be each others rivals and ruin things between them forever?
Humbugs & Heartstrings is a story about two friends who have landed themselves in an unfortunate situation. Instead of dealing with their issues and talking about them they have done the exact opposite. Carol is now very mean to Bobbie and the rest of her staff and there doesn't seem to be any warmth and empathy left in her. She's treating everyone like crap and is interested in Charlie mainly for his money. Her business is suffering and she needs to find a way out. He's the perfect solution. For Bobbie he's everything she's ever wanted in a man, but because of her friend she isn't very sure what to do. Most of the money she earns is for her family and she's always saving money, because her brother needs surgery. She's such a sweet and caring person and she always puts everyone else's needs first, but eventually that's going to take its toll. Carol comes from a rich family and even though that means she's always had enough money to spend it doesn't mean her life is perfect. Money means something completely different to both friends and eventually that has come between them. Not having money is never easy, especially when there are people you have to please. Money should never come between friends, but it so often does. I liked how Catherine Ferguson used this theme to build her characters. They're all interesting people and I kept wanting to read more about them. The story is quite funny from time to time as well, because of some crazy cat fights. I really enjoyed reading Humbugs & Heartstrings, it's a great story about love and friendship.
Humbugs & Heartstrings is a story about two friends who have landed themselves in an unfortunate situation. Instead of dealing with their issues and talking about them they have done the exact opposite. Carol is now very mean to Bobbie and the rest of her staff and there doesn't seem to be any warmth and empathy left in her. She's treating everyone like crap and is interested in Charlie mainly for his money. Her business is suffering and she needs to find a way out. He's the perfect solution. For Bobbie he's everything she's ever wanted in a man, but because of her friend she isn't very sure what to do. Most of the money she earns is for her family and she's always saving money, because her brother needs surgery. She's such a sweet and caring person and she always puts everyone else's needs first, but eventually that's going to take its toll. Carol comes from a rich family and even though that means she's always had enough money to spend it doesn't mean her life is perfect. Money means something completely different to both friends and eventually that has come between them. Not having money is never easy, especially when there are people you have to please. Money should never come between friends, but it so often does. I liked how Catherine Ferguson used this theme to build her characters. They're all interesting people and I kept wanting to read more about them. The story is quite funny from time to time as well, because of some crazy cat fights. I really enjoyed reading Humbugs & Heartstrings, it's a great story about love and friendship.
October 17, 2014
Bobbie hates working for her miserly boss, Carol. They were once best friends but now Carol is bad-tempered and ruthless when it comes to her cleaning business, Spit and Polish. Bobbie and Carol were once so close and Bobbie hopes that one day they can mend their fractured friendship but that doesn't seem possible, especially when they meet Charlie, a charming hotelier who they both take an interest in.
Humbugs and Heartstrings is a humorous festive tale of love and friendship that had me giggling almost immediately. Bobbie isn't very happy with her life. She feels stuck in her job, she has no real social life and she needs to scrimp and save to pay for an operation for her little brother. She couldn't be more different to Carol who is bossy and mean-spirited. Despite Carol's unpleasantness, I thought she was a fantastic character and I loved her penny-pinching ways. I also really liked Charlie and the bond he quickly forms with Bobbie.
There are so many great characters in the book, from Bobbie, Carol and Charlie to Bobbie's slightly flaky mum and her friend, Bunty. The book isn't overly festive but it is full of warmth and charm and a hefty dose of fun and humour. I was interested to find out what had happened between Bobbie and Carol to destroy their once close friendship and I wondered whether they would ever be able to put their past aside and get back to the friends they had once been. I liked the little references to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol which are sprinkled throughout the novel and hoped that this would mean Carol would see the errors of her way and change for the better!
I thought Humbugs and Heartstrings was a lovely, heart warming romantic comedy and I enjoyed it very much.
Humbugs and Heartstrings is a humorous festive tale of love and friendship that had me giggling almost immediately. Bobbie isn't very happy with her life. She feels stuck in her job, she has no real social life and she needs to scrimp and save to pay for an operation for her little brother. She couldn't be more different to Carol who is bossy and mean-spirited. Despite Carol's unpleasantness, I thought she was a fantastic character and I loved her penny-pinching ways. I also really liked Charlie and the bond he quickly forms with Bobbie.
There are so many great characters in the book, from Bobbie, Carol and Charlie to Bobbie's slightly flaky mum and her friend, Bunty. The book isn't overly festive but it is full of warmth and charm and a hefty dose of fun and humour. I was interested to find out what had happened between Bobbie and Carol to destroy their once close friendship and I wondered whether they would ever be able to put their past aside and get back to the friends they had once been. I liked the little references to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol which are sprinkled throughout the novel and hoped that this would mean Carol would see the errors of her way and change for the better!
I thought Humbugs and Heartstrings was a lovely, heart warming romantic comedy and I enjoyed it very much.
July 21, 2021
This was such a fantastic feel good read! I am still thinking about it now over 24 hours after reading it and still feel all fuzzy and warm! It is one of those books you could read again when you feel down to cheer you up and get you in the festive mood. It is like a rom-com movie you want to watch again and again! Had life not got in the way I would have read this in one sitting no problem I didn't want to put it down!
Until about half way through I personally forgot about the Christmas theme it is referred to but I kind of forgot about it. In my opinion the theme did pick up more the further into the book I got but that just means that really it is a fab read for any time of year!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as if you can't tell from the above. Seriously though it was really well written and I connected with the main character Bobbi straight away and with the all the other characters the more I got to know them. In parts I felt like I was reading about my own life and in others I actually wanted Bobbi's life! I rooted for Bobbi right from the beginning wanting everything to work out for her and well you will have to read and see if it really does but I promise you won't be disappointed!
I thought it was going to be the usual predictable romance tale which I love but I was kept guessing throughout wondering if it would really turn out the way I hoped or if I was just completely wrong in who I wanted to win. I won't tell you if I was right or not…..just go read it!
It made me laugh out loud, was a bit emotional in parts and definitely full of feel good cheeriness!
I can't wait to see what else this author writes and I will definitely be first in the queue to buy and read it!
Until about half way through I personally forgot about the Christmas theme it is referred to but I kind of forgot about it. In my opinion the theme did pick up more the further into the book I got but that just means that really it is a fab read for any time of year!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as if you can't tell from the above. Seriously though it was really well written and I connected with the main character Bobbi straight away and with the all the other characters the more I got to know them. In parts I felt like I was reading about my own life and in others I actually wanted Bobbi's life! I rooted for Bobbi right from the beginning wanting everything to work out for her and well you will have to read and see if it really does but I promise you won't be disappointed!
I thought it was going to be the usual predictable romance tale which I love but I was kept guessing throughout wondering if it would really turn out the way I hoped or if I was just completely wrong in who I wanted to win. I won't tell you if I was right or not…..just go read it!
It made me laugh out loud, was a bit emotional in parts and definitely full of feel good cheeriness!
I can't wait to see what else this author writes and I will definitely be first in the queue to buy and read it!
November 23, 2014
Read for an honest review for NetGallery.
I liked this book but I thought it just touched the surface on the characters. I think the characters could of used a bit more development and there could of been more detail about the rift that happened to cause Carol and Bobby to fall out. I think a lot more could of been done with this story.
I enjoyed the christmas fair that they did, i think this was the best chapter in the book as it actually got down to the nitty gritty of everything. The reasons they fell out seemed a bit pathetic, money vs no money being one of them. The ending was a bit obvious, which I suppose is okay for a christmas story. It was different in the way that then company Carol owned was the main focus and everything happened around that.
It is an easy book to read and you do get into the ill just read another chapter and another, until your still there an hour later reading. If you want something light hearted then this is the book to go for.
I liked this book but I thought it just touched the surface on the characters. I think the characters could of used a bit more development and there could of been more detail about the rift that happened to cause Carol and Bobby to fall out. I think a lot more could of been done with this story.
I enjoyed the christmas fair that they did, i think this was the best chapter in the book as it actually got down to the nitty gritty of everything. The reasons they fell out seemed a bit pathetic, money vs no money being one of them. The ending was a bit obvious, which I suppose is okay for a christmas story. It was different in the way that then company Carol owned was the main focus and everything happened around that.
It is an easy book to read and you do get into the ill just read another chapter and another, until your still there an hour later reading. If you want something light hearted then this is the book to go for.
November 30, 2014
Bobbie's is working for her former best friend who is now the worst boss in the world! She is desperately trying to save money for her brother who needs an operation, so she puts up with anything. She lives in a horrible flat and has put her passion of glass blowing on the back burner, all she cares about is making the money for her brother. But when good looking Charlie appears Bobbie sees things differently and finally stands up to her awful boss/ex best friend. Laugh Out Loud funny, really enjoyed this was easy to read really funny and christmasy with an ending that leaves you smiling, also leaves me never wanting to Try oysters....
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April 18, 2016Every Christmas I read one or two of these lighter, fluffier books and make no apologies for it! This book is a loose reworking of A Christmas Carol, where Bobbie works for the meanest, Scroogiest boss Carol, who is actually a old friend of Bobbie’s. They used to be very close but something happened to deteriorate their relationship. The only reason Bobbie stays working for her is because she’s saving for an operation for her brother Tim (see, very Christmas Carol!). When a cracked lady reads Bobbie’s tea leaves and sees not only a reconciliation with Carol but a new man in Bobbie’s life, things start getting a bit crazy. It’s a bit cheesy but I enjoyed it
October 19, 2014
Would you beleive a voice on the phone if they told you they were called Ronald McDonald, have houses all over the world and 4 cars? Bobbie didn't when that voice belonged to the receptionist at the hotel she was booking for her boss!
What ensues is a story of a shared history, a secret waiting to be told and who knows, maybe something more!
A really great read!
What ensues is a story of a shared history, a secret waiting to be told and who knows, maybe something more!
A really great read!
January 3, 2016
I enjoyed this take on Chrismas Carol. This is about Bobbie who works for her former best friend, Carol, who is something of a Scrooge. Around the holidays, the two find themselves re-visiting their former friendship and confronting their behaviors.
Longer review here: http://amh-reviews.blogspot.com/2015/...
Longer review here: http://amh-reviews.blogspot.com/2015/...
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December 17, 2014This isn't what I was expecting. I'm not a fan of books that base themselves on A Christmas Carol because I've seen it done so many times and that's where this book is heading. Also, the writing isn't engaging me and so I'm going to have to DNF because of the mountain of books I have that need to be read.
December 29, 2014
Brilliant book. Bobbie and Carol used to be best friends but something happened that changed all that and now they hate each other. Carol is now Bobbie's boss from hell and life seems dull and drab until a new face appears on the scene and changes everything for both of them. Will definitely be looking for other books by this author, brilliant fresh writing and believable characters.
May 14, 2015
If you are looking for a light, fun, holiday read then look no further! This is a great holiday story that pulls you in from the beginning, with memorable characters. This is an author that I will definitely be on the lookout in the future!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
December 4, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. The short, sharp chapters left me wanting more and kept me reading late into the night. Love Bobbie's journey and how you yourself are so confused by Carol. Perfect Christmas read, left feeling warm and fuzzy
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