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Si seulement...
Si vous aviez la chance de trouver l’homme de votre vie et le malheur de devenir une fille insupportable ? Zoë a tout gâché avec David, et elle s’en mord les doigts. Si seulement elle pouvait faire machine arrière pour réparer ses erreurs…
Contre toute attente, voilà que son voeu se réalise, et elle se réveille six mois avant la rupture. Elle sait désormais quoi faire pour éviter le pire. Mais alors qu’elle tente de reconquérir celui qu’elle aime, Zoë croise le chemin d’un homme qui pourrait lui donner envie de tourner résolument la page…
Contre toute attente, voilà que son voeu se réalise, et elle se réveille six mois avant la rupture. Elle sait désormais quoi faire pour éviter le pire. Mais alors qu’elle tente de reconquérir celui qu’elle aime, Zoë croise le chemin d’un homme qui pourrait lui donner envie de tourner résolument la page…
528 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 24, 2013
63 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Doherty
15 books95 followersHi, I'm Nicola.
I grew up in Monkstown, Co. Dublin and studied English at Trinity College, Dublin and at Oxford. I worked in publishing for several years before writing my first book The Out of Office Girl.
Since then I've written four more books - If I Could Turn Back Time and Girls on Tour for adults, and Love and Other Man-Made Disasters and Lola Offline which are YA romances.
These days, reading comes much more easily to me than writing. I have to have a book on the go at all times. I mostly read on my Kindle but I also love to use the library (when there's not a pandemic on).
I grew up in Monkstown, Co. Dublin and studied English at Trinity College, Dublin and at Oxford. I worked in publishing for several years before writing my first book The Out of Office Girl.
Since then I've written four more books - If I Could Turn Back Time and Girls on Tour for adults, and Love and Other Man-Made Disasters and Lola Offline which are YA romances.
These days, reading comes much more easily to me than writing. I have to have a book on the go at all times. I mostly read on my Kindle but I also love to use the library (when there's not a pandemic on).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 15, 2017
Aaawww, this was such a lovely, cute read! I really liked it!
I'm not a big fun of the "Back to the Future" type of books, because most times they are either way too far fetched or just go into a an overriding story, which has little to do with the initial offset.
This one is a really good one. It's not too far fetched, it doesn't go into semi-magical way off the track. And it's funny, it's believable, and it's the one that makes you think: Ah, if I could turn back time, I'd want to be like Zoë..."
See, Zoë had some trouble. She broke up with her boyfriend (honest to Heaven, you can't blame her in a way), the carrier is not going great, and life seems to be a chain of the "everything is going wrong" events...
But then... Zoë actually manages to turn time back!!!
You know like we all say often, Ah, if had another chance, I'd do everything much, much better!
Would we though?...
Is it actually the secret, to do thing better? Maybe, just maybe, do things... different?
Then everything will be... different! And better! The best!
I'm not a big fun of the "Back to the Future" type of books, because most times they are either way too far fetched or just go into a an overriding story, which has little to do with the initial offset.
This one is a really good one. It's not too far fetched, it doesn't go into semi-magical way off the track. And it's funny, it's believable, and it's the one that makes you think: Ah, if I could turn back time, I'd want to be like Zoë..."
See, Zoë had some trouble. She broke up with her boyfriend (honest to Heaven, you can't blame her in a way), the carrier is not going great, and life seems to be a chain of the "everything is going wrong" events...
But then... Zoë actually manages to turn time back!!!
You know like we all say often, Ah, if had another chance, I'd do everything much, much better!
Would we though?...
Is it actually the secret, to do thing better? Maybe, just maybe, do things... different?
Then everything will be... different! And better! The best!
April 10, 2014
I was very excited to read this book and I was not disappointed! One of my favourite ever films is Back to the Future and I used to be majorly obsessed with time travel as a kid, to the point where I would tightly close my eyes and wish that when I opened them I'd gone back in time. Well, it never worked... The problem is a lot of time travel fiction that I've read just isn't very good. Most recently I read STEP BACK IN TIME by one of my favourite authors Ali McNamara and the time travel element there was excellent, and the one here by Nicola was too!
I absolutely loved the character of Zoë. She's definitely somebody I could be friends with. She was such a fun character who you could easily have a fun night out with or a night in with watching Gossip Girl! I could also relate to her retail job! The book opens with a prologue of Zoë waking up in what should be a cold December morning but when she looks out the window it is in fact a hot summer day. She is also in her ex-boyfriend's bedroom...
We then go back (or rather, forward?) in time to December where Zoë is at work with her very annoying boss. She serves an old lady who leaves her purse on the counter and when Zoë chases after her to give it back the old lady tells her to make a wish when standing outside the shop window of the department store where Zoë works. She does this and wishes for her boyfriend back and just like that it works and she finds herself waking up in the past and still in a relationship with her boyfriend, David. We learn more about their relationship and they split up due to Zoë's jealousy over David's best friend Jenny. Again this is also something I can relate to. Jenny came across a snotty bitch and somebody I instantly took a disliking to.
At first the time travel seems simple once Zoë gets her head around the fact it's actually happened... All she has to do is bite her tongue regarding Jenny and her and David will be happy. She also realises her knowledge of what's about to happen in the fashion world can help her get on in work and there's also something she can do to help her best friend, but which will hurt her best friend at the same time. Nothing's ever that easy though and there are plenty of problems along the way, especially when Zoë blurts stuff out that hasn't happened yet and then has to try and explain how she knows about it! Also thrown into the mix is a new flat mate in the form of David's best friend Max who goes on to play a huge role in the story.
I absolutely loved this book. Nicola has taken all the right ingredients for an excellent chick lit novel and mixed them together perfectly. Just the right amount of humour alongside loveable and believable characters. And a fantastic storyline to go with it. Fun, fabulous and hilarious this is not a book for chick lit fans to miss. Lindsey Kelk, Ali McNamara and Jane Costello fans will love this book. I certainly did!
I absolutely loved the character of Zoë. She's definitely somebody I could be friends with. She was such a fun character who you could easily have a fun night out with or a night in with watching Gossip Girl! I could also relate to her retail job! The book opens with a prologue of Zoë waking up in what should be a cold December morning but when she looks out the window it is in fact a hot summer day. She is also in her ex-boyfriend's bedroom...
We then go back (or rather, forward?) in time to December where Zoë is at work with her very annoying boss. She serves an old lady who leaves her purse on the counter and when Zoë chases after her to give it back the old lady tells her to make a wish when standing outside the shop window of the department store where Zoë works. She does this and wishes for her boyfriend back and just like that it works and she finds herself waking up in the past and still in a relationship with her boyfriend, David. We learn more about their relationship and they split up due to Zoë's jealousy over David's best friend Jenny. Again this is also something I can relate to. Jenny came across a snotty bitch and somebody I instantly took a disliking to.
At first the time travel seems simple once Zoë gets her head around the fact it's actually happened... All she has to do is bite her tongue regarding Jenny and her and David will be happy. She also realises her knowledge of what's about to happen in the fashion world can help her get on in work and there's also something she can do to help her best friend, but which will hurt her best friend at the same time. Nothing's ever that easy though and there are plenty of problems along the way, especially when Zoë blurts stuff out that hasn't happened yet and then has to try and explain how she knows about it! Also thrown into the mix is a new flat mate in the form of David's best friend Max who goes on to play a huge role in the story.
I absolutely loved this book. Nicola has taken all the right ingredients for an excellent chick lit novel and mixed them together perfectly. Just the right amount of humour alongside loveable and believable characters. And a fantastic storyline to go with it. Fun, fabulous and hilarious this is not a book for chick lit fans to miss. Lindsey Kelk, Ali McNamara and Jane Costello fans will love this book. I certainly did!
December 8, 2013
Fantastic read, keeps you gripped all the way through with a really good story line. I wish books like this never end!!
June 27, 2018
4 stars
I love the clean fun writing of this author. This one had a magical element and although the last few pages felt like a cop-out it was heartwarming and funny with a sweet wonderful romance
What I liked:-
1) The magical time turning element. There was a lot of fun to be had with it, I liked that author mused that Zoe never really used her power for the greater good but just change stuff around from last time ever since the disastrous break up with her ex
2) All of the side characters especially Harriet, Rachel and Oliver, the humor was a major plus for me. I l love books that don't resort to just sexual chemistry but realistic banter and normal behaviour to take the story forward.
3) Obviously the leading man, I don't want to spoil it for other readers, but the guy was your perfect slightly weird wonderful man. The chapters with him and Zoe zipped past!
What I didn't like:-
1) Well the cop-out that I mentioned before. I kept wondering the different ways the author would disentangle the time-turning aspect but she chose something that was not very inventive. I liked ofcourse, that she would have met her our guy one way or the other, very serendipitous.
2) Her career was all over the place, it was not fully clear what she was intending to do in the present or in her time-turning past. She wanted to do different things I presume but it could have been a little more defined.
Absolutely worth a read and perfect afternoon read for anybody who like their characters as normal, flawed people instead of alpha heroes and Mary Sues
I love the clean fun writing of this author. This one had a magical element and although the last few pages felt like a cop-out it was heartwarming and funny with a sweet wonderful romance
What I liked:-
1) The magical time turning element. There was a lot of fun to be had with it, I liked that author mused that Zoe never really used her power for the greater good but just change stuff around from last time ever since the disastrous break up with her ex
2) All of the side characters especially Harriet, Rachel and Oliver, the humor was a major plus for me. I l love books that don't resort to just sexual chemistry but realistic banter and normal behaviour to take the story forward.
3) Obviously the leading man, I don't want to spoil it for other readers, but the guy was your perfect slightly weird wonderful man. The chapters with him and Zoe zipped past!
What I didn't like:-
1) Well the cop-out that I mentioned before. I kept wondering the different ways the author would disentangle the time-turning aspect but she chose something that was not very inventive. I liked ofcourse, that she would have met her our guy one way or the other, very serendipitous.
2) Her career was all over the place, it was not fully clear what she was intending to do in the present or in her time-turning past. She wanted to do different things I presume but it could have been a little more defined.
Absolutely worth a read and perfect afternoon read for anybody who like their characters as normal, flawed people instead of alpha heroes and Mary Sues
October 27, 2017
First off, shout out to Ali for her review on this book. It intrigued me enough to make me want to read it for myself and she was right by all accounts. It's funny and different. I was a tad flustered and confused a time or two but nothing too difficult to keep me from following along. It was entertaining and I'm glad I read it.
April 8, 2014
This is the first book I have read by Nicola, I was unsure what to expect. The blurb really grabbed me and I thought I would give it a go, I am so glad I did!
This has to be one of the quickest books I have ever read! I would put it in the same category as Sophie Kinsella and Lindsey Kelk! The writing style makes it very easy to loose track of time and spend a whole day devouring the book. It flows fantastically and I felt that you could really connect to Zoe, the main character.
To begin with I was a little unsure of how the story was going to pan out, everything seemed to be doubling up, Zoe has gone back in time, making a wish and we seem to get double conversations which began to become annoying. However saying that it was as if Nicola knew this would become the case and quickly dropped doubling up, which I found a lot better. Occasionally we slipped back into 'past' events and conversations, but these worked in relation to what was happening in the book.
As the reader, we know how Zoe's 6 months should pan out - we have seen it and now she has a chance to go back and change things for the better, but are they for the better?
I really felt myself getting involved in Zoe's life and wanting things to change for the better, I loved how she managed to gain a new job by making fashion 'predictions' and at times felt I was cringing at how this was turning out. Something that every good chick lit needs in my opinion! I connected with Zoe on every level, I liked how down to earth she is and how she now uses a book to help her try to keep hold of David... the main reason she wanted a second chance!
My favourite part of the book was around Zoe with her job, for me this made the book, I loved how she got thrown into the deep end and ended up getting deeper and deeper into situations she found hard to get out of. I also loved that she dropped in some little 'white lies' that caught up with her and borrowed THAT dress! Which of cause you knew was going to end up in a disaster but didn't mind that it was predictable as you knew it would be funny. This really made me think of Rebecca Bloomwood in The shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella.
I began to hate Jenny, argh!! she is the most annoying person ever and I wanted to give her a good slap for Zoe myself! I also felt genuinely sorry for Zoe's relationship with David, three is definitely a crowd! Really could David not see this was weird???
Max, argh Max is another wonderful character! You can feel the tension and the developing bond between Zoe and Max and are just hoping they work things out. I loved the part of the book where they go to the beach with Max's friends, I feel this was a key eye opener for Zoe and also for the reader to begin to fall in love with him.
I loved the story and didn't want to put it down, I was intrigued as to how Nicola was going to end the story and for me this was the only negative, I found it fell a bit flat and could have gone a completely different way.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good chick lit! This book is certainly going to make you smile and wish you had your own Max! I will definitely be on the look out for more titles by Nicola and she will be taking a firm place on my book shelf. I'm just sad that I have come to the end of 'If I could turn back time' and wish it never had to end.
I would like to thank the publisher for introducing me to a fab chick lit author.
This has to be one of the quickest books I have ever read! I would put it in the same category as Sophie Kinsella and Lindsey Kelk! The writing style makes it very easy to loose track of time and spend a whole day devouring the book. It flows fantastically and I felt that you could really connect to Zoe, the main character.
To begin with I was a little unsure of how the story was going to pan out, everything seemed to be doubling up, Zoe has gone back in time, making a wish and we seem to get double conversations which began to become annoying. However saying that it was as if Nicola knew this would become the case and quickly dropped doubling up, which I found a lot better. Occasionally we slipped back into 'past' events and conversations, but these worked in relation to what was happening in the book.
As the reader, we know how Zoe's 6 months should pan out - we have seen it and now she has a chance to go back and change things for the better, but are they for the better?
I really felt myself getting involved in Zoe's life and wanting things to change for the better, I loved how she managed to gain a new job by making fashion 'predictions' and at times felt I was cringing at how this was turning out. Something that every good chick lit needs in my opinion! I connected with Zoe on every level, I liked how down to earth she is and how she now uses a book to help her try to keep hold of David... the main reason she wanted a second chance!
My favourite part of the book was around Zoe with her job, for me this made the book, I loved how she got thrown into the deep end and ended up getting deeper and deeper into situations she found hard to get out of. I also loved that she dropped in some little 'white lies' that caught up with her and borrowed THAT dress! Which of cause you knew was going to end up in a disaster but didn't mind that it was predictable as you knew it would be funny. This really made me think of Rebecca Bloomwood in The shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella.
I began to hate Jenny, argh!! she is the most annoying person ever and I wanted to give her a good slap for Zoe myself! I also felt genuinely sorry for Zoe's relationship with David, three is definitely a crowd! Really could David not see this was weird???
Max, argh Max is another wonderful character! You can feel the tension and the developing bond between Zoe and Max and are just hoping they work things out. I loved the part of the book where they go to the beach with Max's friends, I feel this was a key eye opener for Zoe and also for the reader to begin to fall in love with him.
I loved the story and didn't want to put it down, I was intrigued as to how Nicola was going to end the story and for me this was the only negative, I found it fell a bit flat and could have gone a completely different way.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good chick lit! This book is certainly going to make you smile and wish you had your own Max! I will definitely be on the look out for more titles by Nicola and she will be taking a firm place on my book shelf. I'm just sad that I have come to the end of 'If I could turn back time' and wish it never had to end.
I would like to thank the publisher for introducing me to a fab chick lit author.
February 23, 2014
Libro delizioso, romantico, scorrevole e molto piacevole. La trama del viaggio nel tempo che poi si rivela un sogno è affrontata in modo non banale, è facile amare la protagonista e detesto il suo fidanzato pseudo-perfettino, David, mentre mi piace molto che alla fine scelga Max nonostante le apparenze. Anche gli altri personaggi hanno una loro individualità e la parte sulla moda, sia a Central Park che a Londra, è molto interessante. La cosa che ho amato di più è la crescita interiore di Zoe: non si rendeva conto di essere insicura, di farsi dominare da David, di accettare passivamente ogni cosa facendosi prevaricare (il tennis, Jenny, il quiz pub e gli odiosi genitori snob..davvero troppo e lui ha anche un pessimo carattere, troppo manipolatore e competitivo), non era più se stessa. Morale: non sempre il fidanzato perfetto è perfetto per te, specie se sei una ragazza normale che adora rilassarsi sul divano a leggere e a guardare serie tv poco impegnative vestita come capita e che preferisce una bella gita al mare con gli amici in allegra spontaneità rispetto a un ristorante di lusso o a un ricevimento pieno di gente pronta a giudicarti. Davvero molto carino.
April 24, 2015
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.com
I really enjoyed reading If I Could Turn Back Time. Both the catchy title and beautiful cover made me take notice: this book just screamed "fun"!
One of the best things about it is the fact that the blurb/synopsis doesn't give away too much. You can sit back and enjoy Zoë's story without having any spoilers in the back of your mind.
As for Zoë, she's a wonderful MC. I instantly liked her. She gets herself into a few messy situations but they, surprisingly, didn't get on my nerves.If I Could Turn Back Time is a funny, enjoyable and fast read. I couldn't put it down. I had so much fun reading it and couldn't get the characters out of my mind.
I definitely recommend this book!
I really enjoyed reading If I Could Turn Back Time. Both the catchy title and beautiful cover made me take notice: this book just screamed "fun"!
One of the best things about it is the fact that the blurb/synopsis doesn't give away too much. You can sit back and enjoy Zoë's story without having any spoilers in the back of your mind.
As for Zoë, she's a wonderful MC. I instantly liked her. She gets herself into a few messy situations but they, surprisingly, didn't get on my nerves.If I Could Turn Back Time is a funny, enjoyable and fast read. I couldn't put it down. I had so much fun reading it and couldn't get the characters out of my mind.
I definitely recommend this book!
December 11, 2016
Let's start by saying I just totally loved this. By no means will it be a literary classic, or even one of the best books I've ever read BUT I just loved it. Easy to read, consuming and charming... I cared about Zoë and found myself unable to put the book down. It was predictable in places but an easy, fluffy chick lit book. I really didn't like the ending, too lazy and obvious, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story- so still 5*.
December 15, 2016
My friend Kay recommended this one and as we have very similar taste in books I knew she wouldn't steer me wrong.
I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn't put it down. I loved reading Zoe's adventures as she literally relived the past, changing the things she thought she'd done wrong last time and the knock on effect it had.
This was my first Nicola Doherty book, but it won't be my last!
I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn't put it down. I loved reading Zoe's adventures as she literally relived the past, changing the things she thought she'd done wrong last time and the knock on effect it had.
This was my first Nicola Doherty book, but it won't be my last!
June 25, 2015
Great eBook . I downloaded few days from http://mostebooks.com/eBook-2104-if_i... and its amazing
September 28, 2018
*3.5 Stars*
This was one of those fluffy feel good rom-coms.
Zoe makes a wish one day - a wish to go back in time and win back her first love and have the perfect life. To her surprise the wish comes true and she gets a second chance at love.
Very sweet. Very light. Good little read.
This was one of those fluffy feel good rom-coms.
Zoe makes a wish one day - a wish to go back in time and win back her first love and have the perfect life. To her surprise the wish comes true and she gets a second chance at love.
Very sweet. Very light. Good little read.
April 12, 2014
If I Could Turn Back Time follows the story of Zoe Kennedy as she desperately tries to repair her relationship with the love of her life, David. It's nearing Christmas and Zoe is still miserable about her break up with perfect David which happened back in September. Then, after one wild night out, she wakes up in David's bed. Six months in the past. After the initial shock, Zoe realises that this is perfect. She's been given the opportunity to redo her relationship with David without becoming the neurotic and jealous girlfriend that he broke up with. She knows exactly what's going to happen in the future so she can fix the past and correct all her past mistakes when it comes to boyfriends, friends and work. However, Zoe realises that time travel might not be all it's cracked up to be.
If I Could Turn Back Time tells the story that pretty much everybody has dreamed about. I can't think of anyone who has never wished that they could just turn back the clock and make everything right. This story is unique because it explores an idea everyone thinks about: turning back time, but then it turns it on its head and portrays it in a negative way. I thought that this book was going to be your standard chick-it, good and entertaining, but nothing original; however, this book seems to advocate the saying 'what will be will be' and I actually think I've learnt a thing or two about how to go about life. How many books within the chick-lit genre can you say that about?
Zoe is a really easy character to relate to. This story is downright hilarious at times and that's all down to Zoe's narrative. She cocks up loads and seems to bullshit her way through a lot of life but there's something very real about her. The story is written from Zoe's point of view which is perfect for seeing how Zoe's state of mind changes throughout the book. Her character really develops and the reader grows to like Zoe more and more as you read on and Zoe figures out what and who she really wants in life. The novel gets off to a slow start and I think that's because you just want to hit Zoe over the head with a book - this book. She starts off as a rather whiny young woman who's willing to change herself for a guy, but she turns into someone who isn't afraid to go after what she wants and can be honest with herself so you end up wanting to be her.
Although Doherty plants several different possible scenarios for an ending in your mind at the very beginning of the novel, it's not particularly clear which one of them she's going to follow which keeps you on your toes throughout. This story isn't just about finding love, it's also about friendship, work and, most importantly, life. This story is probably so successful because it's not 100% focussed on a woman chasing a man, there's more depth to it than that.
The time travel aspect is an interesting thing to examine in this novel. It plays quite a big role in the novel at the beginning, but as the story unfolds it becomes a smaller and smaller part of it and I liked this. Although the initial premise of the story is completely unrealistic, the main body of it isn't. I tore through this book in one sitting because once the story really gets going, you just can't wait to find out more about Zoe and her antics in the 'past'. The middle section of the novel really is fantastic, making this one of the best pieces of chick-lit I've ever read; however, towards the end it all started to go a bit downhill.
I think I'm actually beginning to hate the ending of novels. All novels. If I Could Turn Back Time was so good and then in the last fifty pages or so, it got a bit too clichéd and weird. A lot of things about the ending don't particularly add up in my opinion and I'm a little confused. The time travel aspect was always going to be a little difficult to explain in a story that is so obviously rooted in the real world and unfortunately I don't think the author really succeeded in weaving a credible explanation.
All in all, I was seriously impressed by If I Could Turn Back Time, which completely blew my expectations out of the water. This is a brilliant piece of fiction that looks like it might be your standard sappy romance, but it turns out to be an important life lesson. I would highly recommend this to fans of the chick-lit and romance genre, particularly those that are beginning to lose faith in it because Nicola Doherty will restore it. It's a shame that the ending let this book down, but everything leading up to those last few pages is fantastic so give this book a shot.
Many thanks to Fran at Headline for providing me with a review copy.
If I Could Turn Back Time tells the story that pretty much everybody has dreamed about. I can't think of anyone who has never wished that they could just turn back the clock and make everything right. This story is unique because it explores an idea everyone thinks about: turning back time, but then it turns it on its head and portrays it in a negative way. I thought that this book was going to be your standard chick-it, good and entertaining, but nothing original; however, this book seems to advocate the saying 'what will be will be' and I actually think I've learnt a thing or two about how to go about life. How many books within the chick-lit genre can you say that about?
Zoe is a really easy character to relate to. This story is downright hilarious at times and that's all down to Zoe's narrative. She cocks up loads and seems to bullshit her way through a lot of life but there's something very real about her. The story is written from Zoe's point of view which is perfect for seeing how Zoe's state of mind changes throughout the book. Her character really develops and the reader grows to like Zoe more and more as you read on and Zoe figures out what and who she really wants in life. The novel gets off to a slow start and I think that's because you just want to hit Zoe over the head with a book - this book. She starts off as a rather whiny young woman who's willing to change herself for a guy, but she turns into someone who isn't afraid to go after what she wants and can be honest with herself so you end up wanting to be her.
Although Doherty plants several different possible scenarios for an ending in your mind at the very beginning of the novel, it's not particularly clear which one of them she's going to follow which keeps you on your toes throughout. This story isn't just about finding love, it's also about friendship, work and, most importantly, life. This story is probably so successful because it's not 100% focussed on a woman chasing a man, there's more depth to it than that.
The time travel aspect is an interesting thing to examine in this novel. It plays quite a big role in the novel at the beginning, but as the story unfolds it becomes a smaller and smaller part of it and I liked this. Although the initial premise of the story is completely unrealistic, the main body of it isn't. I tore through this book in one sitting because once the story really gets going, you just can't wait to find out more about Zoe and her antics in the 'past'. The middle section of the novel really is fantastic, making this one of the best pieces of chick-lit I've ever read; however, towards the end it all started to go a bit downhill.
I think I'm actually beginning to hate the ending of novels. All novels. If I Could Turn Back Time was so good and then in the last fifty pages or so, it got a bit too clichéd and weird. A lot of things about the ending don't particularly add up in my opinion and I'm a little confused. The time travel aspect was always going to be a little difficult to explain in a story that is so obviously rooted in the real world and unfortunately I don't think the author really succeeded in weaving a credible explanation.
All in all, I was seriously impressed by If I Could Turn Back Time, which completely blew my expectations out of the water. This is a brilliant piece of fiction that looks like it might be your standard sappy romance, but it turns out to be an important life lesson. I would highly recommend this to fans of the chick-lit and romance genre, particularly those that are beginning to lose faith in it because Nicola Doherty will restore it. It's a shame that the ending let this book down, but everything leading up to those last few pages is fantastic so give this book a shot.
Many thanks to Fran at Headline for providing me with a review copy.
April 9, 2014
This is my first book by Nicola Doherty although I have both of her previous books on my kindle, and I'm going to read them as soon as possible because If I Could Turn Back Time has ticked all the boxes on my list for best chick - lit books.
The book follows the story of Zoe who's just out of a relationship with her boyfriend, very well respected surgeon David. To tell that she's devastated would be a misunderstanding, Zoe is in pieces and she would do anything to have him back. She would do everything differently this time, would be understanding, elegant, not at all pushy girlfriend.
Zoe works in a department store as an assistant but her dream is to be an assistant fashion buyer on the 6th floor or to have a boutique one day. She has had her chance already of course, she has applied for a buyer position and had her interview but didn't get this job. Now she can see all the mistakes that she's done during her interview and would do everything to get a second chance.
Then, one day, Zoe wakes up and finds out that her wish has come true: she indeed travelled back in time and now has her second chance. She can show David how perfect she can be and she can prove at work that she's perfect to be a buyer.
But. Is this really what Zoe truly wants? Is she going to be really happy?
We have travelling in time here, and the last book I read with similar plot was Step Back in Time by Ali McNamara but to be totally honest, If I Could Turn Back Time was much, much more up to my street and in my opinion it was much more enjoying and better solved. Nicola wrote this time travel thing as if it was really possible and it sounded very realistic to me. Not too pushy, not too exaggerated and Zoe has very cleverly used her second chances. Although the results were not always better!
I have warmed to Zoe immediately. She was scatterbrained, spontaneous, and very funny. And I love funny characters. She makes mistakes, says wrong things, pours hot tea over her expectable father in law, is possessive towards her boyfriend etc but she is immediately likeable. In opposite to her boyfriend David, I really couldn't see what she's seen in him, he was cold, interested only in his job and tennis and always had a "plus one" in the shape of his old friend Jenny, who was a kind of psycho for me. Why would Zoe want to try with David again, knowing what and who is really important for him, I don't know, but well, this is how woman's heart is working.
What was great in this book is how smoothly and fluently Nicola Doherty wrote about the past and present versions of Zoe and her life. It was really great to see how Zoe develops, matures and starts to think. How from being smug and too sure of herself she moves into thinking if this is really what she wants and if David is really the one.
The book is not only centring around Zoe's relationship with David but it also focuses on her work and those bits I enjoyed the most I think. The difference between past and present was brilliantly written, and the predictions that Zoe made to get her ideal job just were taking her deeper into a hole and this part of the book was a tad predictable but nevertheless, I really kept my fingers crossed for her.
The cast of characters in this book was brilliant. They were all so different and all were drawn in a fantastic, hooking way, starting with Zoe's friends, work colleagues, and ending with David, his parents and psycho - Jenny. They were all very livid and popping out of the pages and I found myself either liking them or verrry disliking.
The writing was fantastic. Smooth and quick, made the book, together with a really interesting and exceptional storyline, a fantastic and engaging read. There was nothing "too much" in this book, it looked as if it was written with total easiness and for me it was a great pleasure to read this story. I have enjoyed every minute of this and wish this book would never end! There was a little drama, there were funny people, interesting plot, great dose of humour and irony - actually, all I could think of.
What this book is about in my opinion is if the second chances are really better for you? And that you should live your life as best as you can and as you think is the best for you, and not for other people. And that we should be happy with this what we get from life because - shall we travel in time (ha, ha:) ) - it is not said that our other choices would be better. So, carpe diem and go and get your copy!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
The book follows the story of Zoe who's just out of a relationship with her boyfriend, very well respected surgeon David. To tell that she's devastated would be a misunderstanding, Zoe is in pieces and she would do anything to have him back. She would do everything differently this time, would be understanding, elegant, not at all pushy girlfriend.
Zoe works in a department store as an assistant but her dream is to be an assistant fashion buyer on the 6th floor or to have a boutique one day. She has had her chance already of course, she has applied for a buyer position and had her interview but didn't get this job. Now she can see all the mistakes that she's done during her interview and would do everything to get a second chance.
Then, one day, Zoe wakes up and finds out that her wish has come true: she indeed travelled back in time and now has her second chance. She can show David how perfect she can be and she can prove at work that she's perfect to be a buyer.
But. Is this really what Zoe truly wants? Is she going to be really happy?
We have travelling in time here, and the last book I read with similar plot was Step Back in Time by Ali McNamara but to be totally honest, If I Could Turn Back Time was much, much more up to my street and in my opinion it was much more enjoying and better solved. Nicola wrote this time travel thing as if it was really possible and it sounded very realistic to me. Not too pushy, not too exaggerated and Zoe has very cleverly used her second chances. Although the results were not always better!
I have warmed to Zoe immediately. She was scatterbrained, spontaneous, and very funny. And I love funny characters. She makes mistakes, says wrong things, pours hot tea over her expectable father in law, is possessive towards her boyfriend etc but she is immediately likeable. In opposite to her boyfriend David, I really couldn't see what she's seen in him, he was cold, interested only in his job and tennis and always had a "plus one" in the shape of his old friend Jenny, who was a kind of psycho for me. Why would Zoe want to try with David again, knowing what and who is really important for him, I don't know, but well, this is how woman's heart is working.
What was great in this book is how smoothly and fluently Nicola Doherty wrote about the past and present versions of Zoe and her life. It was really great to see how Zoe develops, matures and starts to think. How from being smug and too sure of herself she moves into thinking if this is really what she wants and if David is really the one.
The book is not only centring around Zoe's relationship with David but it also focuses on her work and those bits I enjoyed the most I think. The difference between past and present was brilliantly written, and the predictions that Zoe made to get her ideal job just were taking her deeper into a hole and this part of the book was a tad predictable but nevertheless, I really kept my fingers crossed for her.
The cast of characters in this book was brilliant. They were all so different and all were drawn in a fantastic, hooking way, starting with Zoe's friends, work colleagues, and ending with David, his parents and psycho - Jenny. They were all very livid and popping out of the pages and I found myself either liking them or verrry disliking.
The writing was fantastic. Smooth and quick, made the book, together with a really interesting and exceptional storyline, a fantastic and engaging read. There was nothing "too much" in this book, it looked as if it was written with total easiness and for me it was a great pleasure to read this story. I have enjoyed every minute of this and wish this book would never end! There was a little drama, there were funny people, interesting plot, great dose of humour and irony - actually, all I could think of.
What this book is about in my opinion is if the second chances are really better for you? And that you should live your life as best as you can and as you think is the best for you, and not for other people. And that we should be happy with this what we get from life because - shall we travel in time (ha, ha:) ) - it is not said that our other choices would be better. So, carpe diem and go and get your copy!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
October 7, 2016
I was surprised how much I loved this book, Zoe was a really relateable character and I liked the way her story was told. Eventhough I don't believe in time-travel, all the other themes made the book really realistic. Plus, the setting of the book (London, New York and her being from Ireland) was just wonderful.
March 13, 2017
Great read
Great book I couldn't put it down really hope there will be a sequel to it its funny and makes you think twice about things
Great book I couldn't put it down really hope there will be a sequel to it its funny and makes you think twice about things
May 21, 2014
Originally posted at: http://beckiesbookmix.blogspot.co.uk/...
Zoe is devastated when her boyfriend David breaks up with her. She knows she hasn't been the model girlfriend but is convinced he is the one for her. When Zoe wakes up one morning a few months before she went to sleep, she's ecstatic! None of the mistakes she made with David have happened yet and she's able to do a re-write. How will Zoe edit her life and what will she learn about herself in the process?
I must admit I have a soft spot for romantic comedies. I love the combination of love and laughter. If I Could Turn Back Time had me laughing throughout, Zoe got herself into some right situations. This book was a breath of fresh air which I really enjoyed reading.
Zoe is a brilliant main character. She is very easy to relate to, I think most women can think of events in their life that they would love to re-write! It is really interesting to see the effect Zoe has on other people as she changes events in her past. You get the feeling very quickly that not everything will go to plan. Zoe does make mistakes, but I was rooting for her to figure things out.
I really love Zoe's best friend Rachel and flatmate Max. Rachel is ambitious but also a brilliant friend to Zoe and Max may not be the perfect room-mate but is a good friend of Zoe's all the same. Even the enemy Jenny is fun to read about. She plays the first class bitch to perfection!
It was brilliant to read about Zoe's job in fashion. I loved hearing about all the latest trends, as well as the ins and outs of working in a department store. It appears that a lot of work goes into predicting next season's trends and it looks like Zoe has a knack for nailing the up-and-coming fashions much to the amazement of her colleagues.
If I Could Turn Back Time was an absolutely fabulous read, one which will stick with me for a long time. Nicola Doherty has ultimately shown that everything happens for a reason and changing our past may not actually make us happy.
Zoe is devastated when her boyfriend David breaks up with her. She knows she hasn't been the model girlfriend but is convinced he is the one for her. When Zoe wakes up one morning a few months before she went to sleep, she's ecstatic! None of the mistakes she made with David have happened yet and she's able to do a re-write. How will Zoe edit her life and what will she learn about herself in the process?
I must admit I have a soft spot for romantic comedies. I love the combination of love and laughter. If I Could Turn Back Time had me laughing throughout, Zoe got herself into some right situations. This book was a breath of fresh air which I really enjoyed reading.
Zoe is a brilliant main character. She is very easy to relate to, I think most women can think of events in their life that they would love to re-write! It is really interesting to see the effect Zoe has on other people as she changes events in her past. You get the feeling very quickly that not everything will go to plan. Zoe does make mistakes, but I was rooting for her to figure things out.
I really love Zoe's best friend Rachel and flatmate Max. Rachel is ambitious but also a brilliant friend to Zoe and Max may not be the perfect room-mate but is a good friend of Zoe's all the same. Even the enemy Jenny is fun to read about. She plays the first class bitch to perfection!
It was brilliant to read about Zoe's job in fashion. I loved hearing about all the latest trends, as well as the ins and outs of working in a department store. It appears that a lot of work goes into predicting next season's trends and it looks like Zoe has a knack for nailing the up-and-coming fashions much to the amazement of her colleagues.
If I Could Turn Back Time was an absolutely fabulous read, one which will stick with me for a long time. Nicola Doherty has ultimately shown that everything happens for a reason and changing our past may not actually make us happy.
July 18, 2014
Zoe Kennedy's life isn't going to plan. Her change of career hasn't worked out as well as she'd hoped and she threw away her chance of happiness with the wonderful David Fitzgerald by being needy and jealous of the bond he had with his best female friend, Jenny. But when Zoe makes a wish to be with David again, she finds herself travelling back six months in time, to when her relationship with David was still in tact. Zoe has the chance to do things differently this time so that she and David can live happily ever after.
I've been itching to read If I Could Turn Back Time as I love books (and films) with a sprinkling of magic and I wasn't disappointed. If I Could Turn Back Time is such a fun read and perfect for curling up and immersing yourself in a world where wishes can come true. Zoe felt her life took a turn for the worse when she broke up with David, a handsome and charismatic heart surgeon. By going back in time, she can pinpoint the moments that went wrong in their relationship and play them differently this time, and I loved seeing how the scenes changed with Zoe's new insight.
This is the first book I've read by Nicola Doherty but I loved the writing style, which is light and fun and drew me in immediately, so I'd definitely like to read more. There's a great cast of characters, from Zoe and her friends, to David and the villainous Jenny and Zoe's new flatmate. I think there was a little bit too much emphasis on clothing at times, but as Zoe works in fashion, it is something she would pick up on more, so I could understand why. Overall, I thought the book was a fantastic read. It is light and humorous and I would definitely recommend to any fans of chick lit/romantic comedies.
April 15, 2014
As a character Zoë grabbed me instantly; an ambitious, fashion loving twenty-something living in the midst of London and stuck in a bit of a rut, she's definitely a character that's easy to relate to. Working in retail in one of London's biggest department stores and desperate for advancement Zoë's life changes when she wishes she could just go back in time and get her boyfriend back. The fun starts when Zoë wakes up to find herself months in the past, just before things started to go wrong, and goes about correcting all those little mistakes she regrets making and gives herself a second chance at a first impression.
The real strength of If I Could Turn Back Time is that it not only focuses on Zoë's love life but also her family, friends and work. The little name drops that Doherty includes, places out and about in London and fashion trends, turns London and fashion into almost secondary characters and you really get sucked into Zoë's life. Brit-lit at its best I tell you.
I must say that I didn't really like the ending of the novel, I felt that it was too abrupt and really could have done with a bit more detail to ensure the reader that everything was going to turn out as it should.
If I Could Turn Back Time flows fantastically and Doherty makes it all too easy to get sucked in and fall in love with her characters. The romance is a slow build and all the better for it, it'll definitely melt your heart.
Full review at Rosie Reads Romance
*ARC received from the publisher, via Bookbridgr, in return for an honest review.
The real strength of If I Could Turn Back Time is that it not only focuses on Zoë's love life but also her family, friends and work. The little name drops that Doherty includes, places out and about in London and fashion trends, turns London and fashion into almost secondary characters and you really get sucked into Zoë's life. Brit-lit at its best I tell you.
I must say that I didn't really like the ending of the novel, I felt that it was too abrupt and really could have done with a bit more detail to ensure the reader that everything was going to turn out as it should.
If I Could Turn Back Time flows fantastically and Doherty makes it all too easy to get sucked in and fall in love with her characters. The romance is a slow build and all the better for it, it'll definitely melt your heart.
Full review at Rosie Reads Romance
*ARC received from the publisher, via Bookbridgr, in return for an honest review.
February 2, 2018
2.5 stars overall. I am going to keep this as spoiler free as possible but I am about to go on a bit of a rant so there may be minor spoilers below.
Ok, so...the majority of this book deserved around 4 stars. Right up until the last chapter I was loving this story (I am a sucker for a rom com book). Sure some of the characters were annoying (Jenny I'm looking at you) and I was unimpressed by a number of Zoe's decisions but it was an easy read which I was finding amusing and engaging. I was fairly sure I could see where it was going so I was in my happy bubble.
Then, we hit the "twist" (if it could be called that) and the book just unravels. I physically had to stop myself from launching the book across the room and I think I might have shouted a little bit. I was, needless to say furious. I felt cheated and that I had wasted my time with this book. I was so angry I had to put the book down for a while and come back to it.
I just felt that it was a complete cop-out and that the author had written herself into a corner that she could not get out of. It came out of nowhere and after one of the sweetest parts of the book where I thought it should have been left well alone. I would have been happier with anything else other than what I got at the end of this book. It is slightly redeemable at the end and I still got the warm fuzzies right at the end, but oh my goodness I have rarely been so annoyed by a book.
😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡
Ok, so...the majority of this book deserved around 4 stars. Right up until the last chapter I was loving this story (I am a sucker for a rom com book). Sure some of the characters were annoying (Jenny I'm looking at you) and I was unimpressed by a number of Zoe's decisions but it was an easy read which I was finding amusing and engaging. I was fairly sure I could see where it was going so I was in my happy bubble.
Then, we hit the "twist" (if it could be called that) and the book just unravels. I physically had to stop myself from launching the book across the room and I think I might have shouted a little bit. I was, needless to say furious. I felt cheated and that I had wasted my time with this book. I was so angry I had to put the book down for a while and come back to it.
I just felt that it was a complete cop-out and that the author had written herself into a corner that she could not get out of. It came out of nowhere and after one of the sweetest parts of the book where I thought it should have been left well alone. I would have been happier with anything else other than what I got at the end of this book. It is slightly redeemable at the end and I still got the warm fuzzies right at the end, but oh my goodness I have rarely been so annoyed by a book.
😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡
February 21, 2015
If I could turn back time
Molto carino, molto tenero, un vero balsamo per il cuore. Mi ha fatto stare bene.
Anche se la scrittrice, ci fa supporre (ed è solo una supposizione) che si tratti di viaggi nel tempo, non è di questo che si parla ma, piuttosto, di storie alternative alla Sliding doors, di scelte del destino.
Ho adorato Max, ho stravisto e fatto il tifo per lui. A differenza di David, è tenero, sempre attento alle esigenze di Zoë, la ascolta, conosce chi è lei veramente e quali sono i suoi veri desideri e soprattutto la difenderebbe da genitori gelidi e da gelose amiche psicopatiche.
Pessima la scelta del titolo italiano. Il 95% del libro si svolge a Londra e Central Park è solo citato, una volta, per caso, di sfuggita!
Il finale mi ha lasciato un po’ così: alla fine, tutti i bei momenti con Max sono stati solo un sogno e francamente mi è spiaciuto molto perché erano adorabili e mi hanno fatto sognare.
Fastidioso, invece, l’infinito elenco di marche di prodotti di ogni genere: dai vestiti che s’indossano al mascara che si usa, passando per le medicine che si prendono. Si può scriverne anche senza citarne, continuamente, la marca.
Molto carino, molto tenero, un vero balsamo per il cuore. Mi ha fatto stare bene.
Anche se la scrittrice, ci fa supporre (ed è solo una supposizione) che si tratti di viaggi nel tempo, non è di questo che si parla ma, piuttosto, di storie alternative alla Sliding doors, di scelte del destino.
Ho adorato Max, ho stravisto e fatto il tifo per lui. A differenza di David, è tenero, sempre attento alle esigenze di Zoë, la ascolta, conosce chi è lei veramente e quali sono i suoi veri desideri e soprattutto la difenderebbe da genitori gelidi e da gelose amiche psicopatiche.
Pessima la scelta del titolo italiano. Il 95% del libro si svolge a Londra e Central Park è solo citato, una volta, per caso, di sfuggita!
Il finale mi ha lasciato un po’ così: alla fine, tutti i bei momenti con Max sono stati solo un sogno e francamente mi è spiaciuto molto perché erano adorabili e mi hanno fatto sognare.
Fastidioso, invece, l’infinito elenco di marche di prodotti di ogni genere: dai vestiti che s’indossano al mascara che si usa, passando per le medicine che si prendono. Si può scriverne anche senza citarne, continuamente, la marca.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2016
If I could turn back time
http://noi2magazine.com/2016/06/15/un...
Il romanzo ideale per le persone romantiche e sognatrici. Zoe è stata da poco lasciata dal fidanzato David, l’uomo che lei reputava perfetto sotto tutti i punti di vista. Triste e delusa, Zoe è convinta che se non avesse fatto tanti errori, David sarebbe ancora al suo fianco. Con un pizzico di magia, Zoe riuscirà a tornare indietro nel tempo e a rivivere da capo la sua storia d’amore. Riuscirà stavolta a far funzionare le cose?
Frizzante, divertente e davvero dolce, il libro perfetto per chi crede nel destino ma anche nelle seconde chance. Una storia forse leggera e senza troppe pretese, ma delicata e ironica al punto giusto.
http://noi2magazine.com/2016/06/15/un...
Il romanzo ideale per le persone romantiche e sognatrici. Zoe è stata da poco lasciata dal fidanzato David, l’uomo che lei reputava perfetto sotto tutti i punti di vista. Triste e delusa, Zoe è convinta che se non avesse fatto tanti errori, David sarebbe ancora al suo fianco. Con un pizzico di magia, Zoe riuscirà a tornare indietro nel tempo e a rivivere da capo la sua storia d’amore. Riuscirà stavolta a far funzionare le cose?
Frizzante, divertente e davvero dolce, il libro perfetto per chi crede nel destino ma anche nelle seconde chance. Una storia forse leggera e senza troppe pretese, ma delicata e ironica al punto giusto.
May 17, 2015
i really liked this book, but i dont really know how to feel about it, the last chapter was extra, and it kinda ruined for me, its like the whole story was for nothing, just a dream, its a such a cop out, i was emotionally involved with the story, and in the end it never really happened? anyway if i ignore the last chapter it was a great ride and for that i give 4 stars
or maybe its like multi universe theory, where in one universe she went back in time where the story happens, and the last chapter shows what would have happened if she never did, that they would still find a way to be together, i hope thats what it means. but i think it should have been made more clear.
or maybe its like multi universe theory, where in one universe she went back in time where the story happens, and the last chapter shows what would have happened if she never did, that they would still find a way to be together, i hope thats what it means. but i think it should have been made more clear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2016
2 stars
January 8, 2022
3.5 stelle su 5
"Innamorarsi a Central Park" è una delle tante commediole romantiche natalizie prive di una logica, buone soltanto a intrattenere e a concedere svariati momenti di svago e ironia ad un lettore che non ha alcuna pretesa. In questo caso la storia è un po' atipica perché la protagonista, Zoë, viaggia indietro nel tempo e cerca di non farsi più lasciare dal suo ragazzo, il quale è, ovviamente, un cardiochirurgo di talento, giovane, bello, palestrato, di famiglia benestante e chi ne ha più ne metta. D'altronde, tutto in questo libro è bello, persino i gabinetti. Tutta questa bellezza portata all'estremo dopo un po' viene a noia.
In questo libro tutto accade in maniera inverosimile, e non mi riferisco solamente al viaggio nel tempo: oserei dire che quello, a confronto di tutto il resto, è la cosa più verosimile (e credo di aver reso l'idea). L'autrice, come tutti gli scrittori di romanzi rosa, si prende la vita comoda e fa sì che tutto cada dal cielo. Gli intrecci così banali e scontati sono poco appaganti.
È difficile valutare questi libri perché, comunque, si è consapevoli che saranno pieni di stereotipi, cliché, banalità, visioni del mondo semplicistiche, maschilismo ... e molti lettori li leggono proprio per questo motivo. Sì, qualche lettura così ci sta, però dopo 400 pagine ci si rimbambisce.
Il libro è divertente, ironico, frizzante. La protagonista, nonostante i mille difetti, risulta simpatica (anche se è una cogliona patentata, una egoista di merda e dimostra intellettualmente meno anni della sua età anagrafica - questo era doveroso sottolinearlo).
Non so nemmeno se valga la pena continuare con la ricerca dei difetti, dato che questi romanzi puntano proprio su questi. L'unica cosa che mi è risultata troppo imbarazzante è stata il finale. Il finale ha rovinato tutto. È senza senso, banale, frettoloso, illogico, indegno di tutto quanto è stato raccontato nelle parti precedenti.
Insomma, un romanzetto da quattro soldi che fa ridere e intrattiene se letto nelle sue singole parti. Considerato nella sua visione d'insieme invece è poco soddisfacente perché alla fine i conti non tornano. Un libro di 400 pagine dovrebbe, a mio parere, offrire una storia a cui dare perlomeno un senso. Questo libro, purtroppo, non ne ha nemmeno uno. E questo mi è dispiaciuto.
Lo consiglio? Mah, solamente a chi vuole intrattenersi con una storia fine a se stessa, che nulla dà e nulla toglie.
Non è un libro mieloso e nemmeno così tanto romantico, a dispetto del titolo. Sì, c'é la storia d'amore, ma le pagine più dense sono quelle che riguardano la vita privata di una delle tante "Bridgette Jones" del genere rosa. E quelle pagine sono divertenti per cui, se volete perdere tempo o semplicemente distrarvi, questo libro potrebbe risultare abbastanza adatto allo scopo.
"Innamorarsi a Central Park" è una delle tante commediole romantiche natalizie prive di una logica, buone soltanto a intrattenere e a concedere svariati momenti di svago e ironia ad un lettore che non ha alcuna pretesa. In questo caso la storia è un po' atipica perché la protagonista, Zoë, viaggia indietro nel tempo e cerca di non farsi più lasciare dal suo ragazzo, il quale è, ovviamente, un cardiochirurgo di talento, giovane, bello, palestrato, di famiglia benestante e chi ne ha più ne metta. D'altronde, tutto in questo libro è bello, persino i gabinetti. Tutta questa bellezza portata all'estremo dopo un po' viene a noia.
In questo libro tutto accade in maniera inverosimile, e non mi riferisco solamente al viaggio nel tempo: oserei dire che quello, a confronto di tutto il resto, è la cosa più verosimile (e credo di aver reso l'idea). L'autrice, come tutti gli scrittori di romanzi rosa, si prende la vita comoda e fa sì che tutto cada dal cielo. Gli intrecci così banali e scontati sono poco appaganti.
È difficile valutare questi libri perché, comunque, si è consapevoli che saranno pieni di stereotipi, cliché, banalità, visioni del mondo semplicistiche, maschilismo ... e molti lettori li leggono proprio per questo motivo. Sì, qualche lettura così ci sta, però dopo 400 pagine ci si rimbambisce.
Il libro è divertente, ironico, frizzante. La protagonista, nonostante i mille difetti, risulta simpatica (anche se è una cogliona patentata, una egoista di merda e dimostra intellettualmente meno anni della sua età anagrafica - questo era doveroso sottolinearlo).
Non so nemmeno se valga la pena continuare con la ricerca dei difetti, dato che questi romanzi puntano proprio su questi. L'unica cosa che mi è risultata troppo imbarazzante è stata il finale. Il finale ha rovinato tutto. È senza senso, banale, frettoloso, illogico, indegno di tutto quanto è stato raccontato nelle parti precedenti.
Insomma, un romanzetto da quattro soldi che fa ridere e intrattiene se letto nelle sue singole parti. Considerato nella sua visione d'insieme invece è poco soddisfacente perché alla fine i conti non tornano. Un libro di 400 pagine dovrebbe, a mio parere, offrire una storia a cui dare perlomeno un senso. Questo libro, purtroppo, non ne ha nemmeno uno. E questo mi è dispiaciuto.
Lo consiglio? Mah, solamente a chi vuole intrattenersi con una storia fine a se stessa, che nulla dà e nulla toglie.
Non è un libro mieloso e nemmeno così tanto romantico, a dispetto del titolo. Sì, c'é la storia d'amore, ma le pagine più dense sono quelle che riguardano la vita privata di una delle tante "Bridgette Jones" del genere rosa. E quelle pagine sono divertenti per cui, se volete perdere tempo o semplicemente distrarvi, questo libro potrebbe risultare abbastanza adatto allo scopo.
October 10, 2024
Nel complesso il libro è molto semplice, una storia pressoché comune e facile da immaginare. Nonostante queste caratteristiche apparentemente negative, lo definirei un perfetto libro da “leggere sotto l’ombrellone”, perché la trama è molto leggera, con un fondo certamente romantico. Il tocco innovativo e sorprendente è dato da un viaggio nel tempo intrapreso dalla protagonista, che rende il tutto un po’ più spicy.
La protagonista di nome Zoë vive a Londra ed è appassionata di moda, si è appena lasciata a malincuore con un ragazzo di nome David e sta per passare delle vacanze natalizie terribili.
Arriva a svoltare la situazione il viaggio nel tempo che le rivela esattamente tutto ciò che inconsciamente vuole sapere.
Personalmente, all’inizio del libro (composto da una 40ina di capitoli) non ho trovato molto coinvolgente la trama, ma dal 10imo capitolo in poi fila tutto più veloce. Per una grande lettrice come me, però, posso dire che non è uno di quei libri che leggi un capitolo e non riesci a fermarti.
Nel complesso è stato un buon libro da leggere come un capitolo al giorno, ma non lo rileggerei, proprio perché ha una trama che posso ritrovare in chiave più entusiasmante e avventurosa in altri libri.
La protagonista di nome Zoë vive a Londra ed è appassionata di moda, si è appena lasciata a malincuore con un ragazzo di nome David e sta per passare delle vacanze natalizie terribili.
Arriva a svoltare la situazione il viaggio nel tempo che le rivela esattamente tutto ciò che inconsciamente vuole sapere.
Personalmente, all’inizio del libro (composto da una 40ina di capitoli) non ho trovato molto coinvolgente la trama, ma dal 10imo capitolo in poi fila tutto più veloce. Per una grande lettrice come me, però, posso dire che non è uno di quei libri che leggi un capitolo e non riesci a fermarti.
Nel complesso è stato un buon libro da leggere come un capitolo al giorno, ma non lo rileggerei, proprio perché ha una trama che posso ritrovare in chiave più entusiasmante e avventurosa in altri libri.
March 10, 2018
I rarely read love stories or love-fiction books, but this caught my eye in a carousell night market. Took it up, read the back cover, paid for RM10.
I was totally hooked even on Chapter 1 till the end.
I didn't care if it had passed the rule of physic related on time-travelling, because the whole read was easygoing and anticipating.
I could feel myself sharing emotions with Zoe, even dropped a tear when she met David's parents for the first time that night (and with that Jenny there).
I also like how Nicola gives us details on the appearances, outfits, emotions etc. Kinda reminds me how Nancy Drew books are detailed into outfits too. It gets the imagination going.
Nicola may be my new fav author, but it might get me quite a lil time to pick up another love book, am not really a love-y romance lady, but I am always excited for another adventure
I was totally hooked even on Chapter 1 till the end.
I didn't care if it had passed the rule of physic related on time-travelling, because the whole read was easygoing and anticipating.
I could feel myself sharing emotions with Zoe, even dropped a tear when she met David's parents for the first time that night (and with that Jenny there).
I also like how Nicola gives us details on the appearances, outfits, emotions etc. Kinda reminds me how Nancy Drew books are detailed into outfits too. It gets the imagination going.
Nicola may be my new fav author, but it might get me quite a lil time to pick up another love book, am not really a love-y romance lady, but I am always excited for another adventure
August 29, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. I'm sure everyone has at some point in their life thought 'If only I could go back and do it again!' This book takes that idea and runs with it. Zoe wakes up one morning 6 months back in time and has the opportunity to change all the things she believes she did wrong which led to her break up with David and current state of being miserable. Cleverly written with humour so we were aware of the original mistakes Zoe thought she had made throughout each scenario before she did it differently the second time around. A fun easy book to read.
October 17, 2017
Che splendida sorpresa! Un romanzo frizzante, carino e romantico. L'idea del viaggio indietro nel tempo per sistemare gli errori mi ha spinto a leggere questo romanzo, peccato si sia rivelato solo un sogno della protagonista, perché Zoë e Max insieme erano davvero carini. Anche se il finale in cui lei sembra pronta per un nuovo inizio probabilmente é quello giusto. Unico appunto: visto che la vicenda si svolge per la maggior parte a Londra, il titolo mi é sembrato un tantino fuori luogo. Mantenere l'originale, molto più appropriato, no?
June 26, 2019
I can predict the plot after I read that Zoe Kennedy is never being herself when she is with his boyfriend. A hear surgeon boyfriend is maybe kinda a husband material for her, but Zoe isn't comfortable when she meets her parents in law to be. Max isn't her type, but watch out, when you start to reveal yourself and talking without any stress with a guy like an old friend, sometimes the spark just begins. Cute, easy to read, funny, I love all of the characters hoho
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