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The Doris Day Vintage Film Club
The amazing new romantic comedy from the #1 bestselling author of The Little Shop of Hopes and Dreams!
’Sweet and romantic, a story guaranteed to have you smiling’ - Milly Johnson
The perfect pair for ‘pillow talk’?
Claire Bixby grew up watching Doris Day films at her grandmother’s house and yearned to live in a world like the one on the screen – sunny, colourful and where happy endings were guaranteed. But recently Claire’s opportunities for a little ‘pillow talk’ have been thin on the ground.
Until she meets new client Nic who comes into her travel agency looking to book the perfect get away. Too bad it’s for two!
But as Nic and Claire get closer, the sparks start to fly, and Claire’s questioning everything Doris taught her about romance.
Can true love ever really be just like it is in the movies?
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…
PRAISE FOR FIONA HARPER
’Perfect cosy feel you want from a good book' - Paris Baker's Book Nook
’A nice warm hug’ - Fabulous Book Fiend
’Fiona Harper writes with an abundance of warmth and wit’ Dot Scribbles
’I would whole heartedly recommend this and I will be looking what else Fiona has done’ - Afternoon Bookery
’A great romantic read’ - Book Chick City
Fans of Jenny Colgan, Abby Clements and Miranda Dickinson will love Fiona Harper's fresh, fun writing
’Sweet and romantic, a story guaranteed to have you smiling’ - Milly Johnson
The perfect pair for ‘pillow talk’?
Claire Bixby grew up watching Doris Day films at her grandmother’s house and yearned to live in a world like the one on the screen – sunny, colourful and where happy endings were guaranteed. But recently Claire’s opportunities for a little ‘pillow talk’ have been thin on the ground.
Until she meets new client Nic who comes into her travel agency looking to book the perfect get away. Too bad it’s for two!
But as Nic and Claire get closer, the sparks start to fly, and Claire’s questioning everything Doris taught her about romance.
Can true love ever really be just like it is in the movies?
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…
PRAISE FOR FIONA HARPER
’Perfect cosy feel you want from a good book' - Paris Baker's Book Nook
’A nice warm hug’ - Fabulous Book Fiend
’Fiona Harper writes with an abundance of warmth and wit’ Dot Scribbles
’I would whole heartedly recommend this and I will be looking what else Fiona has done’ - Afternoon Bookery
’A great romantic read’ - Book Chick City
Fans of Jenny Colgan, Abby Clements and Miranda Dickinson will love Fiona Harper's fresh, fun writing
384 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2015
9 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 20, 2015
I am a BIG BIG fan of Fiona’s novels, I own and have enjoyed every single book of hers so far, and so I was really excited to read The Doris Day Vintage Film Club!
Claire Bixby grew up watching Doris Day films at her grandmother’s house and yearned to live in a world like the one on the screen – sunny, colourful and where happy endings with chiselled leading men were guaranteed. But recently Claire’s opportunities for a little ‘pillow talk’ have been thin on the ground. Until she meets mysterious Dominic. Nic is full of secrets but their connection is instant. Could he help Claire finding the Hollywood ending she’s been searching for? Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…
I REALLY enjoyed this, Fiona has such a way with words and her stories really sweep you up into the moment, the feel and the atmosphere of what is happening – I love that I can completely lose myself in her novels and spend a wonderful afternoon glued to the pages!
I fell in love with the characters in the story – especially Claire! I particularly felt I could relate to Claire, I too am a film lover and especially love beautiful story-lines and gorgeous men who are romantic and swoon-worthy and provide the happy ending I love so much! I still watch You’ve Got Mail multiple times a month and sigh over how romantic it truly is! Though this novel has now made me want to watch A LOT of Doris Day films! Claire is such a likeable character, and I really felt for her as she has been through some very hard and difficult times in the past, leading her to be growing up watching Doris Day films with her grandmother. Her adult life too had been lacking love, and so I really rooted for Claire and I desperately wanted her to find happiness.
Readers will absolutely LOVE Nic! I was completely fascinated by his individual story and his personality, and I must say I fell in love with him. I could gush about Nic all day but you really need to read about him, you will definitely like him I promise!! I always eagerly looked forward to his interactions with Claire. As well as Nic and Claire, there are also a wonderful range of characters to get to know and enjoy being with! This is just SUCH an enjoyable story, and it is the perfect book to relax with! The Doris Day Film Club is a delightful story that will have you absorbed throughout. THOROUGHLY recommended.
Claire Bixby grew up watching Doris Day films at her grandmother’s house and yearned to live in a world like the one on the screen – sunny, colourful and where happy endings with chiselled leading men were guaranteed. But recently Claire’s opportunities for a little ‘pillow talk’ have been thin on the ground. Until she meets mysterious Dominic. Nic is full of secrets but their connection is instant. Could he help Claire finding the Hollywood ending she’s been searching for? Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…
I REALLY enjoyed this, Fiona has such a way with words and her stories really sweep you up into the moment, the feel and the atmosphere of what is happening – I love that I can completely lose myself in her novels and spend a wonderful afternoon glued to the pages!
I fell in love with the characters in the story – especially Claire! I particularly felt I could relate to Claire, I too am a film lover and especially love beautiful story-lines and gorgeous men who are romantic and swoon-worthy and provide the happy ending I love so much! I still watch You’ve Got Mail multiple times a month and sigh over how romantic it truly is! Though this novel has now made me want to watch A LOT of Doris Day films! Claire is such a likeable character, and I really felt for her as she has been through some very hard and difficult times in the past, leading her to be growing up watching Doris Day films with her grandmother. Her adult life too had been lacking love, and so I really rooted for Claire and I desperately wanted her to find happiness.
Readers will absolutely LOVE Nic! I was completely fascinated by his individual story and his personality, and I must say I fell in love with him. I could gush about Nic all day but you really need to read about him, you will definitely like him I promise!! I always eagerly looked forward to his interactions with Claire. As well as Nic and Claire, there are also a wonderful range of characters to get to know and enjoy being with! This is just SUCH an enjoyable story, and it is the perfect book to relax with! The Doris Day Film Club is a delightful story that will have you absorbed throughout. THOROUGHLY recommended.
April 20, 2015
This is a book that was an absolute joy to read. Claire Bixby is President of the Doris Day Vintage Film Club and it is safe to say that Doris is her heroine. If she needs to make a decision, many a time she will ask herself “What would Doris do?” When she was small she always wanted to live in the movies – not to be in them, but to LIVE in them in that “technicolour Hollywood small town wholesome American family life way”. Little does she know it, but with the arrival of her new downstairs neighbour, she is going to end up feeling as if she is in her very own real life Doris Day film.
It is a book that really does pay homage to Doris. It is very cleverly written, borrowing and adapting scenes and stories from some of Doris’s films, most notably PillowTalk and On Moonlight Bay. Heck, even the pub is named after a Doris Day film! I only remember Doris Day films from when I was small and there may be more little tidbits in the book that I don’t immediately recognise, but more seasoned fans probably would. I also really liked the way she told us little bits about the life of Doris, before, during and after her movie star years. During the Film Club meetings when they watch Doris’s films, we also got little bits of information about each film which made me want to go and watch them all over again now.
In addition to the above, there is of course a huge nod to “You’ve Got Mail” and “The Shop Around The Corner” in the way the relationship between Claire and Nic develops. I giggled at the very cheeky way the author mentioned “You’ve Got Mail” without actually naming it as well.
I wasn’t quite so keen on the part of the storyline involving Claire’s father – it just seemed to take a little bit away from the rest of the read. On the whole though, It is a really lovely feel good nostalgic story, pure romance in a true 1950s movie way and was just an absolute pleasure to read, curled up on the sofa with a box of chocolates. Many thanks to the publishers for the review copy.
It is a book that really does pay homage to Doris. It is very cleverly written, borrowing and adapting scenes and stories from some of Doris’s films, most notably PillowTalk and On Moonlight Bay. Heck, even the pub is named after a Doris Day film! I only remember Doris Day films from when I was small and there may be more little tidbits in the book that I don’t immediately recognise, but more seasoned fans probably would. I also really liked the way she told us little bits about the life of Doris, before, during and after her movie star years. During the Film Club meetings when they watch Doris’s films, we also got little bits of information about each film which made me want to go and watch them all over again now.
In addition to the above, there is of course a huge nod to “You’ve Got Mail” and “The Shop Around The Corner” in the way the relationship between Claire and Nic develops. I giggled at the very cheeky way the author mentioned “You’ve Got Mail” without actually naming it as well.
I wasn’t quite so keen on the part of the storyline involving Claire’s father – it just seemed to take a little bit away from the rest of the read. On the whole though, It is a really lovely feel good nostalgic story, pure romance in a true 1950s movie way and was just an absolute pleasure to read, curled up on the sofa with a box of chocolates. Many thanks to the publishers for the review copy.
May 1, 2015
I am a BIG BIG fan of Fiona’s novels, I own and have enjoyed every single book of hers so far, and so I was really excited to read The Doris Day Vintage Film Club!
Claire Bixby grew up watching Doris Day films at her grandmother’s house and yearned to live in a world like the one on the screen – sunny, colourful and where happy endings with chiselled leading men were guaranteed. But recently Claire’s opportunities for a little ‘pillow talk’ have been thin on the ground. Until she meets mysterious Dominic. Nic is full of secrets but their connection is instant. Could he help Claire finding the Hollywood ending she’s been searching for? Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…
I REALLY enjoyed this, Fiona has such a way with words and her stories really sweep you up into the moment, the feel and the atmosphere of what is happening – I love that I can completely lose myself in her novels and spend a wonderful afternoon glued to the pages!
I fell in love with the characters in the story – especially Claire! I particularly felt I could relate to Claire, I too am a film lover and especially love beautiful story-lines and gorgeous men who are romantic and swoon-worthy and provide the happy ending I love so much! I still watch You’ve Got Mail multiple times a month and sigh over how romantic it truly is! Though this novel has now made me want to watch A LOT of Doris Day films! Claire is such a likeable character, and I really felt for her as she has been through some very hard and difficult times in the past, leading her to be growing up watching Doris Day films with her grandmother. Her adult life too had been lacking love, and so I really rooted for Claire and I desperately wanted her to find happiness.
Readers will absolutely LOVE Nic! I was completely fascinated by his individual story and his personality, and I must say I fell in love with him. I could gush about Nic all day but you really need to read about him, you will definitely like him I promise!! I always eagerly looked forward to his interactions with Claire. As well as Nic and Claire, there are also a wonderful range of characters to get to know and enjoy being with! This is just SUCH an enjoyable story, and it is the perfect book to relax with! The Doris Day Vintage Film Club is a delightful story that will have you absorbed throughout. THOROUGHLY recommended.
Claire Bixby grew up watching Doris Day films at her grandmother’s house and yearned to live in a world like the one on the screen – sunny, colourful and where happy endings with chiselled leading men were guaranteed. But recently Claire’s opportunities for a little ‘pillow talk’ have been thin on the ground. Until she meets mysterious Dominic. Nic is full of secrets but their connection is instant. Could he help Claire finding the Hollywood ending she’s been searching for? Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…
I REALLY enjoyed this, Fiona has such a way with words and her stories really sweep you up into the moment, the feel and the atmosphere of what is happening – I love that I can completely lose myself in her novels and spend a wonderful afternoon glued to the pages!
I fell in love with the characters in the story – especially Claire! I particularly felt I could relate to Claire, I too am a film lover and especially love beautiful story-lines and gorgeous men who are romantic and swoon-worthy and provide the happy ending I love so much! I still watch You’ve Got Mail multiple times a month and sigh over how romantic it truly is! Though this novel has now made me want to watch A LOT of Doris Day films! Claire is such a likeable character, and I really felt for her as she has been through some very hard and difficult times in the past, leading her to be growing up watching Doris Day films with her grandmother. Her adult life too had been lacking love, and so I really rooted for Claire and I desperately wanted her to find happiness.
Readers will absolutely LOVE Nic! I was completely fascinated by his individual story and his personality, and I must say I fell in love with him. I could gush about Nic all day but you really need to read about him, you will definitely like him I promise!! I always eagerly looked forward to his interactions with Claire. As well as Nic and Claire, there are also a wonderful range of characters to get to know and enjoy being with! This is just SUCH an enjoyable story, and it is the perfect book to relax with! The Doris Day Vintage Film Club is a delightful story that will have you absorbed throughout. THOROUGHLY recommended.
July 21, 2021
I read this during lockdown season one and I liked it. It was the perfect escape, it's about a woman who has an obsession with Doris Day and it made me feel better about my obsession with Gilmore girls hehe. Got a spoonful of romance, a dash of good friends, lil bit of family drama and whole lotta cheese and I lurrrve me some cheese !!!
April 8, 2015
Claire owns a travel agent specialising in romantic getaways. Ironic, as Claire has been avoiding romance since the breakup of her marriage. Doug is a frequent client, although his holidays are planned with his mother in mind. Despite his frequent attempts to woo Claire, she doesn't feel attracted to him and turns down his offers, until he asks her to attend a party at a swish hotel that Claire knows would provide great contacts for her business. Warning Doug that it isn't a date, she accompanies him and is introduced to his friend, 'Nic'. They find themselves mutually attracted to each other and begin a friendship via text and email. Claire feels herself falling for him, but what she doesn't know is that 'Nic' is also the irritating neighbour she has been having a spat with via notes but has yet to meet. Can 'Nic' win her around with help from Claire's beloved 'Doris Day Film Club' members?
Although there are no real surprises in the plot here, I did enjoy the bubbling romance between Claire and Dominic and the addition of her father and their troubled relationship. I understand the necessary reason for their inclusion, but I did feel the Doris Day references, while interesting, sometimes detracted from the main story. Overall though, this was a sweet and entertaining read with lovely characters.
*Thank you to the publishers for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
Although there are no real surprises in the plot here, I did enjoy the bubbling romance between Claire and Dominic and the addition of her father and their troubled relationship. I understand the necessary reason for their inclusion, but I did feel the Doris Day references, while interesting, sometimes detracted from the main story. Overall though, this was a sweet and entertaining read with lovely characters.
*Thank you to the publishers for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
April 22, 2015
This was a treasure of a find through Net Galley.
Claire runs the local Doris Day club after her nan passed away. She loves the bygone era where everything was romantic and classy. Every month they play a different dvd. In the summer they meet every week and you get to meet the other members and find out a lot more about them.
She's also living in her nan's flat and has trouble with the downstairs neighbour. It starts with her falling over his bike in the hallway which doesn't endear him to her. He still thinks that the older lady lives upstairs and doesn't realise that the new neighbour can hear his music, etc.
Added to this, she runs a lovely travel company in a mall that caters for brides to be. She's tailored her agency to provide romantic breaks. At a function she meets Nic and is instantly attracted. Nic is hiding a secret from her- but he falls for her aswell. He works as a travel journalist and spends a lot of time away- but is beginning to think that he needs a settled family life of his own.
I loved the characters and the whole feel of the book. This was a real feel good read- ideal to curl up with a cuppa and a few biscuits. It has also made me want to check out Doris Day and might tackle an autobiography!
Claire runs the local Doris Day club after her nan passed away. She loves the bygone era where everything was romantic and classy. Every month they play a different dvd. In the summer they meet every week and you get to meet the other members and find out a lot more about them.
She's also living in her nan's flat and has trouble with the downstairs neighbour. It starts with her falling over his bike in the hallway which doesn't endear him to her. He still thinks that the older lady lives upstairs and doesn't realise that the new neighbour can hear his music, etc.
Added to this, she runs a lovely travel company in a mall that caters for brides to be. She's tailored her agency to provide romantic breaks. At a function she meets Nic and is instantly attracted. Nic is hiding a secret from her- but he falls for her aswell. He works as a travel journalist and spends a lot of time away- but is beginning to think that he needs a settled family life of his own.
I loved the characters and the whole feel of the book. This was a real feel good read- ideal to curl up with a cuppa and a few biscuits. It has also made me want to check out Doris Day and might tackle an autobiography!
March 28, 2015
I have to admit that I chose this book for both the amazing cover and book title alone and had no idea as to what I was letting myself in for. Do you remember that movie 'What Women Want?' The Doris Day vintage film club is like that, but without the magic tricks. Ms Harper is very talented at creating believable, three dimensional characters, often the most difficult achievement for a writer. Claire is a very modern woman on the face of it, but her life is built on poor relationships and faulty life choices. Through the medium of film we learn about why she has ended up living alone in her grand mother's flat, with only her weekly film club meetings to look forward to - That is until she meets Nic. Nic freely admits that he is rubbish at relationships and it hurts. All his friends are happily married and here he is a lonely bachelor living a very lonely life. The characterisation of Nic is pure genius. He is everyone's brother, son and husband. The universal bloke until he meets his match, which he does in Claire. I will happily add Ms Harper to my list of writers to follow.
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September 27, 2015
Fiona Harper's publisher needs to make Fiona Harper a known author in the U.S.! This was my first Fiona Harper read. It is will not be my last. Fiona writes with a twinkle in her eye. Darling premise. The Doris Day Vintage Fan Club is delightful. I want to belong to this club so I can be friends with these fun women. Loved Claire, Maggs, and of course Nic and Doug. Loved the dialogue. Loved the pacing. Loved the lack of vulgar language. Also loved the bits and pieces of British turns-of-phrases. I did not want this story to end, although the ending was fabulous.The only hurdle was price. I had to order through Amazon UK.
April 24, 2015
Sparkling read which proved unputdownable. If you like old films, particularly those with Doris Day, you will love this book. The perfect book to brighten up a day.
February 6, 2018
A cute and quick romantic read! Perfect for fans of romantic comedies and of course, Doris Day.
April 25, 2015
Sparkling, witty and absolutely delightful, The Doris Day Vintage Film Club is the sensational new novel from Fiona Harper!
Claire Bixby might be the President of The Doris Day Vintage Film Club, but romance is strictly off the agenda for the ambitious travel agent. With a fledgling business to get off the ground and a broken heart to get over, Claire has got enough on her plate and she certainly does not need a man in her life to complicate things even further! She is perfectly happy getting her romance fix from Doris Day movies and keeping the harsh realities of real life at bay for an hour and a half. Meeting a group of similarly minded women once a week to discuss all thing vintage and gush over Doris’ exquisite wardrobe and her breathtaking onscreen romances provides Claire with some much needed respite from the daily grind – something which is needed more than ever now that she’s had a letter from a face from her past which she has done her utmost to forget!
Watching Doris Day movies has always been an escape for Claire. As a child, she used to leave her parents’ persistent bickering and heartbreaking arguments behind to spend some quality time with her beloved grandmother watching her favourite heroine triumph against all adversity, save the day and win the heart and respect of the dashing male lead. Whilst real life might not have been as romantic or as exciting for Claire, the resilient president of the Doris Day Film Club has used her screen icon’s strength and flair to make her dreams of becoming an independent woman a reality. Handsome and charismatic heroes might be thin on the ground right now, but Claire has long decided to focus all of her time and energy into her business and leave the romance to Doris Day – until she claps eyes on her gorgeous new neighbour, Nic Arden.
Nic is the kind of man who cannot commit to a large box of cereal – let alone a relationship! Having spent most of his professional life on the road as a freelance camera operator, he is now looking to branch out into making his own films -until an old shoulder injury compels him to do the one thing he loathes more than anything else in the world: go back home! A restless soul who is more at home in the jungle hefting heavy filming gear than lounging around in the big city, Nic cannot wait to get back on the road. But when he meets the prim and proper Claire Bixby, it looks like he has finally found a reason to put down some roots and stick around for longer than a couple of days!
Are Claire and Nic ready to grab this chance at happiness with both hands? Or are they going to let old wounds and past mistakes get in the way of their own Hollywood ending?
A wonderful romantic comedy guaranteed to put a smile on your smile and make you sigh with happiness, The Doris Day Vintage Film Club is a terrific tale of putting your heart on the line, healing from the past and learning to love again that is as delicious and irresistible as a glass of champagne on a summer’s day.
Fiona Harper never fails to grab her readers’ attentions from the very first page and keep them engrossed and entertained until the last sentence and The Doris Day Vintage Film Club is certainly no exception. Packed with richly drawn characters that leap off the pages, witty repartee that would make Doris Day proud, laugh out loud humour, explosive chemistry and poignant romance, Fiona Harper’s latest novel is an outstanding novel you’ll want to read again and again!
Claire Bixby might be the President of The Doris Day Vintage Film Club, but romance is strictly off the agenda for the ambitious travel agent. With a fledgling business to get off the ground and a broken heart to get over, Claire has got enough on her plate and she certainly does not need a man in her life to complicate things even further! She is perfectly happy getting her romance fix from Doris Day movies and keeping the harsh realities of real life at bay for an hour and a half. Meeting a group of similarly minded women once a week to discuss all thing vintage and gush over Doris’ exquisite wardrobe and her breathtaking onscreen romances provides Claire with some much needed respite from the daily grind – something which is needed more than ever now that she’s had a letter from a face from her past which she has done her utmost to forget!
Watching Doris Day movies has always been an escape for Claire. As a child, she used to leave her parents’ persistent bickering and heartbreaking arguments behind to spend some quality time with her beloved grandmother watching her favourite heroine triumph against all adversity, save the day and win the heart and respect of the dashing male lead. Whilst real life might not have been as romantic or as exciting for Claire, the resilient president of the Doris Day Film Club has used her screen icon’s strength and flair to make her dreams of becoming an independent woman a reality. Handsome and charismatic heroes might be thin on the ground right now, but Claire has long decided to focus all of her time and energy into her business and leave the romance to Doris Day – until she claps eyes on her gorgeous new neighbour, Nic Arden.
Nic is the kind of man who cannot commit to a large box of cereal – let alone a relationship! Having spent most of his professional life on the road as a freelance camera operator, he is now looking to branch out into making his own films -until an old shoulder injury compels him to do the one thing he loathes more than anything else in the world: go back home! A restless soul who is more at home in the jungle hefting heavy filming gear than lounging around in the big city, Nic cannot wait to get back on the road. But when he meets the prim and proper Claire Bixby, it looks like he has finally found a reason to put down some roots and stick around for longer than a couple of days!
Are Claire and Nic ready to grab this chance at happiness with both hands? Or are they going to let old wounds and past mistakes get in the way of their own Hollywood ending?
A wonderful romantic comedy guaranteed to put a smile on your smile and make you sigh with happiness, The Doris Day Vintage Film Club is a terrific tale of putting your heart on the line, healing from the past and learning to love again that is as delicious and irresistible as a glass of champagne on a summer’s day.
Fiona Harper never fails to grab her readers’ attentions from the very first page and keep them engrossed and entertained until the last sentence and The Doris Day Vintage Film Club is certainly no exception. Packed with richly drawn characters that leap off the pages, witty repartee that would make Doris Day proud, laugh out loud humour, explosive chemistry and poignant romance, Fiona Harper’s latest novel is an outstanding novel you’ll want to read again and again!
April 12, 2015
Review: aww I loved every moment of this book-what a sweet funny, cosy read! This book is not taxing in any way, it can be picked up and put down again at will but short chapters and an easy reading style will allow you to just carry on reading on and on once you have started!
I really liked Claire as a character. She is a romantic but she is still a strong female and happy enough to be on her own and make her life good all by herself. She has a fabulous groups of friends all of whom are strong women too and they are all fun to read about. Nic is our love interest in this book and I found him to be a really interesting character, there are definitely more dimensions to him than meets the eye and I was totally rooting for him all the way through this book, it was a very much a will they won't they sort of situation and I think I'd have been happy whichever way Italy or May not have turned out!
There is a lovely sub-plot to this book than involves a younger Doris Day fan or not as the case may be and her sort of transformation to becoming a little more girly and a lot less football chic. I think there could have been more done with this story and I would love to find out more about what happens with her in the future. This story delivered a good message of not having to look or act girly to be womanly though and I really liked that. There were a couple of other sub-plots going on as well, including one with Claire's father that I'm not sure added an awful lot to the storyline, I found myself flicking through those a little bit to try and get back to the love story at the heart of this novel, that's the thing that stopped this from being a five star read for me.
Of course this book is all about Doris Day films and I now have to go away and watch as much about Doris Day as I can where's the E true Hollywood Story when you need it? I loved that Dorsi tied this whole book together and I love that it made me want to find out more about her as well as teaching me a lot about her. It must have been really good fun to research!
I really enjoyed this book I would definitely recommend this as a novel whether you know anything about Doris Day or not. It's definitely a love story but was a very quick read for me and something which I found hard to put down. It's got girl power and a steamy will they won't they love story-what more could you ask for?
I really liked Claire as a character. She is a romantic but she is still a strong female and happy enough to be on her own and make her life good all by herself. She has a fabulous groups of friends all of whom are strong women too and they are all fun to read about. Nic is our love interest in this book and I found him to be a really interesting character, there are definitely more dimensions to him than meets the eye and I was totally rooting for him all the way through this book, it was a very much a will they won't they sort of situation and I think I'd have been happy whichever way Italy or May not have turned out!
There is a lovely sub-plot to this book than involves a younger Doris Day fan or not as the case may be and her sort of transformation to becoming a little more girly and a lot less football chic. I think there could have been more done with this story and I would love to find out more about what happens with her in the future. This story delivered a good message of not having to look or act girly to be womanly though and I really liked that. There were a couple of other sub-plots going on as well, including one with Claire's father that I'm not sure added an awful lot to the storyline, I found myself flicking through those a little bit to try and get back to the love story at the heart of this novel, that's the thing that stopped this from being a five star read for me.
Of course this book is all about Doris Day films and I now have to go away and watch as much about Doris Day as I can where's the E true Hollywood Story when you need it? I loved that Dorsi tied this whole book together and I love that it made me want to find out more about her as well as teaching me a lot about her. It must have been really good fun to research!
I really enjoyed this book I would definitely recommend this as a novel whether you know anything about Doris Day or not. It's definitely a love story but was a very quick read for me and something which I found hard to put down. It's got girl power and a steamy will they won't they love story-what more could you ask for?
April 14, 2015
Claire Bixby is president of the Vintage Doris Day Film Club, they meet once a month to watch and discuss the films starring Doris Day, and to discuss her life. They decide to hold a Doris Day "festival" and meet more frequently for the summer months, watching 12 films in 12 weeks.
Claire is a travel agent, specialising in Romantic escapes, and the travel agency is situated near to the Hopes and Dreams proposal agency (that was featured in Fiona Harper's previous book The Little Shop of Hopes and Dreams) and Peggy who works there, just happens to be one of Claire's best friends and also a member of the Doris Day film club.
The last thing Claire needs when coming home one night is to find a bike blocking the entrance to her building, meaning that her downstairs neighbour is in residence. She isn't too happy about this and its the last straw, so she writes him a letter on her best stationary and leaves it for him to find. He responds with a snarky letter, and they continue to exchange letters for a while, which are all very amusing.
Claire, has been sworn off men, thanks to her ex-husband, and then she meets Nick. Nick is gorgeous, witty, and has a tendency to rush into things without thinking. Nick is also hiding something.
The story between Nick and Claire, is full of misunderstandings, where the reader is in full possession of all the facts, and I found I was willing them to sort themselves out.
I loved how every chapter started with a reference to a Doris Day film, and the descriptions of some of her films within the club. Abby starts going to the club, in order to learn how to be more of a girl, and the members take her under their wings, and use Doris Day's life and style, to help Abby. This is a lovely sub plot, which just shows how even the golden generation of Hollywood films, can still have relevance.
I found The Doris Day Film Club, somewhat reminiscent of parts of the plot of the film "You've Got Mail", and I think the book could be turned into an entertaining rom-com if Hollywood ever got their hands on it. There is a lot of assumptions, talking at cross purposes and a few lies by omission!
I really enjoyed this story, and the more of Fiona Harpers books I am reading, the more I am liking them. Very entertaining story, that I didn't want to end.
Claire is a travel agent, specialising in Romantic escapes, and the travel agency is situated near to the Hopes and Dreams proposal agency (that was featured in Fiona Harper's previous book The Little Shop of Hopes and Dreams) and Peggy who works there, just happens to be one of Claire's best friends and also a member of the Doris Day film club.
The last thing Claire needs when coming home one night is to find a bike blocking the entrance to her building, meaning that her downstairs neighbour is in residence. She isn't too happy about this and its the last straw, so she writes him a letter on her best stationary and leaves it for him to find. He responds with a snarky letter, and they continue to exchange letters for a while, which are all very amusing.
Claire, has been sworn off men, thanks to her ex-husband, and then she meets Nick. Nick is gorgeous, witty, and has a tendency to rush into things without thinking. Nick is also hiding something.
The story between Nick and Claire, is full of misunderstandings, where the reader is in full possession of all the facts, and I found I was willing them to sort themselves out.
I loved how every chapter started with a reference to a Doris Day film, and the descriptions of some of her films within the club. Abby starts going to the club, in order to learn how to be more of a girl, and the members take her under their wings, and use Doris Day's life and style, to help Abby. This is a lovely sub plot, which just shows how even the golden generation of Hollywood films, can still have relevance.
I found The Doris Day Film Club, somewhat reminiscent of parts of the plot of the film "You've Got Mail", and I think the book could be turned into an entertaining rom-com if Hollywood ever got their hands on it. There is a lot of assumptions, talking at cross purposes and a few lies by omission!
I really enjoyed this story, and the more of Fiona Harpers books I am reading, the more I am liking them. Very entertaining story, that I didn't want to end.
April 24, 2015
The Doris Day Vintage Film Club is a mixture of a comedy of errors, strong female friendships, solace in companionship and the accidental collision of two people, who are meant to be together.The story features an amusing twist much like a Shakespearean comedy of errors. It is actually done in a very realistic way, and I can certainly see something like that happening in a real life setting.
It is more than ironic that Claire finds herself in a ‘Pillow Talk’ situation, echoing a Doris Day classic film. Not that she is aware of it, because as far as Claire is concerned Nic is a possible Mr Right under a completely different set of circumstances than she is aware of.
A funny war of written words leads to a huge lie, which starts out small and grows so large that a disaster is unavoidable. The perfect romance turns into a tale of disappointment and perceived betrayal.
Harper places an emphasis on romances set in a realistic scenario. No person or life is perfect, and everyone has problems. That is exactly the type of story Harper excels at, the kind of story that gives the reader the flair of romance without being left with a sense of disbelief.
At the same time throughout the book there is a strong theme of women supporting other women. Essentially the film club provides a place of comfort, a place for conversation or advice and a place where women can make other women stronger.The women take a young girl under their wings and help strengthen her self-image and teach her to discover her personality, femininity and teach her to deal with her overbearing abusive mother.
I think that sub-plot in particular is quite important in our day and age, because we live in a time of virtual contact, online friendships and no longer get together they way we used to. It makes clubs like the Vintage Film Club even more important, both in this fictitious setting and real life settings.
Overall this is a lively, witty romantic story with some serious undertones and sub-plots. Harper has let those serious points flow into the story without disrupting the fun, the humour or the budding relationship between Claire and Nic. The are so close, and yet so far apart at the same time.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin Uk and Mills & Boon.
It is more than ironic that Claire finds herself in a ‘Pillow Talk’ situation, echoing a Doris Day classic film. Not that she is aware of it, because as far as Claire is concerned Nic is a possible Mr Right under a completely different set of circumstances than she is aware of.
A funny war of written words leads to a huge lie, which starts out small and grows so large that a disaster is unavoidable. The perfect romance turns into a tale of disappointment and perceived betrayal.
Harper places an emphasis on romances set in a realistic scenario. No person or life is perfect, and everyone has problems. That is exactly the type of story Harper excels at, the kind of story that gives the reader the flair of romance without being left with a sense of disbelief.
At the same time throughout the book there is a strong theme of women supporting other women. Essentially the film club provides a place of comfort, a place for conversation or advice and a place where women can make other women stronger.The women take a young girl under their wings and help strengthen her self-image and teach her to discover her personality, femininity and teach her to deal with her overbearing abusive mother.
I think that sub-plot in particular is quite important in our day and age, because we live in a time of virtual contact, online friendships and no longer get together they way we used to. It makes clubs like the Vintage Film Club even more important, both in this fictitious setting and real life settings.
Overall this is a lively, witty romantic story with some serious undertones and sub-plots. Harper has let those serious points flow into the story without disrupting the fun, the humour or the budding relationship between Claire and Nic. The are so close, and yet so far apart at the same time.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin Uk and Mills & Boon.
April 22, 2015
Firstly thanks to Cara at Harlequin for sending me a copy of this to review and for inviting me to take part in this blog tour. This is the first book of Fiona's that I've read, but the cover completely drew me in its so pretty and perfect for spring!
This story is all about main character Claire. Claire is a Doris Day fan and has been successfully running her late grandmothers fan club from the upper room of her local pub. Life has dealt her a pretty crappy hand and recently the only guys she's been seeing are Doris's co-stars - cue Dominic Arden!
As I said this is the first book of Fiona's I've read but I found her writing really easy to get into and it felt easy to get swept up in Claire's story. Claire's a travel agent specialising in romantic breaks for happy couples which is the complete opposite of her own romantic situation. Claire's unlucky in love and has had some ups and downs with her family but her strength of character is a testament to how well she has came through it all.
The narrative is told in a dual POV between Claire and Dominic - Nic - Arden. As the blurb suggests Dominic is full of secrets and what at first was quite funny knowing something that Claire didn't, it soon made me feel annoyed at Nic on her behalf. I felt like he was in need of a good woman in his life, just like Claire, to help him settle down, but didn't like that he kept his secrets secret for so long!
There was a sub plot throughout where Claire and the girls from the film club helped out a younger member and I couldn't help but feel like this was a kind of "what would you tell your younger self" type of situation that helped Claire to put her own life in perspective.
I found this to be quite a page turner and I really enjoyed the Doris Day theme with the chapters being named after her films too. I've never seen a Doris Day film but I think it's about time that I did! I will also be keeping my eye out for more of Fiona's work! I think you'll enjoy this if you like Paige Toon, Sheila Roberts and Sarah Morgan.
This story is all about main character Claire. Claire is a Doris Day fan and has been successfully running her late grandmothers fan club from the upper room of her local pub. Life has dealt her a pretty crappy hand and recently the only guys she's been seeing are Doris's co-stars - cue Dominic Arden!
As I said this is the first book of Fiona's I've read but I found her writing really easy to get into and it felt easy to get swept up in Claire's story. Claire's a travel agent specialising in romantic breaks for happy couples which is the complete opposite of her own romantic situation. Claire's unlucky in love and has had some ups and downs with her family but her strength of character is a testament to how well she has came through it all.
The narrative is told in a dual POV between Claire and Dominic - Nic - Arden. As the blurb suggests Dominic is full of secrets and what at first was quite funny knowing something that Claire didn't, it soon made me feel annoyed at Nic on her behalf. I felt like he was in need of a good woman in his life, just like Claire, to help him settle down, but didn't like that he kept his secrets secret for so long!
There was a sub plot throughout where Claire and the girls from the film club helped out a younger member and I couldn't help but feel like this was a kind of "what would you tell your younger self" type of situation that helped Claire to put her own life in perspective.
I found this to be quite a page turner and I really enjoyed the Doris Day theme with the chapters being named after her films too. I've never seen a Doris Day film but I think it's about time that I did! I will also be keeping my eye out for more of Fiona's work! I think you'll enjoy this if you like Paige Toon, Sheila Roberts and Sarah Morgan.
April 20, 2015
Originally posted on Paris Baker's Book Nook.
I’m a total lover of all things vintage, and I love the old Doris classics, so the title really caught my attention. The blurb intrigued me, I love the cute, simplistic cover, and I really enjoyed The Little Shop of Hopes and Dreams, which is the only Fiona Gibson book I’d read previously. All in all, there wasn’t a thing about the book I didn’t like at first sight, and I’m pleased to say the story did not disappoint!
Claire is living in her late Grandmother’s house, and when her frequently absent neighbour returns home, he instantly causes trouble. Between leaving his bike in the hall for her to trip over, the plethora of junk mail littered around and stealing her milk, Claire is less than impressed and the two begin a somewhat snotty correspondence of notes to each other.
Another thing Claire inherited from her Grandmother, was her place as Chairman of the Vintage Doris Day Film Club, a group of ladies (and gentleman!) with a love of Doris and all things vintage. I loved the members of the film club, they were all bursting with character, and I loved how they looked out for each other and how they chose different films depending on their moods and which trait of Doris’ they wanted to channel.
Then Claire meets Nick and instantly starts to fall for him, but she still isn’t convinced if she can open her heart up enough to trust him, or if she even should. She’s going to need the film club’s help on this one!
The plot was a little reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail, which just happens to be my favourite film, so I absolutely loved the storyline. There’s a certain frustrating excitement that comes from the reader having all the facts from both sides and ‘watching’ the characters usually making great, big mistakes, but willing them to work it all out. Overall, a wonderfully sweet and loveable read.
I’m a total lover of all things vintage, and I love the old Doris classics, so the title really caught my attention. The blurb intrigued me, I love the cute, simplistic cover, and I really enjoyed The Little Shop of Hopes and Dreams, which is the only Fiona Gibson book I’d read previously. All in all, there wasn’t a thing about the book I didn’t like at first sight, and I’m pleased to say the story did not disappoint!
Claire is living in her late Grandmother’s house, and when her frequently absent neighbour returns home, he instantly causes trouble. Between leaving his bike in the hall for her to trip over, the plethora of junk mail littered around and stealing her milk, Claire is less than impressed and the two begin a somewhat snotty correspondence of notes to each other.
Another thing Claire inherited from her Grandmother, was her place as Chairman of the Vintage Doris Day Film Club, a group of ladies (and gentleman!) with a love of Doris and all things vintage. I loved the members of the film club, they were all bursting with character, and I loved how they looked out for each other and how they chose different films depending on their moods and which trait of Doris’ they wanted to channel.
Then Claire meets Nick and instantly starts to fall for him, but she still isn’t convinced if she can open her heart up enough to trust him, or if she even should. She’s going to need the film club’s help on this one!
The plot was a little reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail, which just happens to be my favourite film, so I absolutely loved the storyline. There’s a certain frustrating excitement that comes from the reader having all the facts from both sides and ‘watching’ the characters usually making great, big mistakes, but willing them to work it all out. Overall, a wonderfully sweet and loveable read.
April 2, 2015
Rating: 4.5/5
Claire Bixby’s parents had a volatile relationship and after they split she never saw her Dad again, he disappeared from her life. She married and found out her husband was manipulative and undermining her self-belief, so he’s now her ex-husband. She actually grew up watching Doris Day films with her grandmother in whose flat she now lives; she’s such a fan she is now president of the local Doris Day appreciation club. Downstairs lives Dominic aka Nic though he’s away most of the time and she doesn’t know him - yet! After he leaves his bike in the hallway and she falls over it, she starts exchanging complaining letters with him. Then they meet face to face through a mutual friend at a hotel reception . . . he recognises himself from her description of the their letter exchange and is horrified to realise it is her in the flat above his and not her grandmother, as he’s assumed. He really wants to alter her impression of himself so chooses not to reveal where he lives or that he’s the person currently blighting her life! How long will he keep his true identity secret? What will she do when she finds out? They have a growing mutual attraction but can it continue to develop and survive the deception?
I loved the links to Doris Day, her films and her real life throughout this story - indeed it made me want to find out more about these in future. The wide range of characters from teen to elderly, all with their own individual stories, are developed brilliantly so readers can easily relate to them. The story line progresses at a steady pace but Nic’s deception and Claire’s anticipated reaction to learning about it is key throughout. I really enjoyed this and will certainly look out for other books by this author in future!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Claire Bixby’s parents had a volatile relationship and after they split she never saw her Dad again, he disappeared from her life. She married and found out her husband was manipulative and undermining her self-belief, so he’s now her ex-husband. She actually grew up watching Doris Day films with her grandmother in whose flat she now lives; she’s such a fan she is now president of the local Doris Day appreciation club. Downstairs lives Dominic aka Nic though he’s away most of the time and she doesn’t know him - yet! After he leaves his bike in the hallway and she falls over it, she starts exchanging complaining letters with him. Then they meet face to face through a mutual friend at a hotel reception . . . he recognises himself from her description of the their letter exchange and is horrified to realise it is her in the flat above his and not her grandmother, as he’s assumed. He really wants to alter her impression of himself so chooses not to reveal where he lives or that he’s the person currently blighting her life! How long will he keep his true identity secret? What will she do when she finds out? They have a growing mutual attraction but can it continue to develop and survive the deception?
I loved the links to Doris Day, her films and her real life throughout this story - indeed it made me want to find out more about these in future. The wide range of characters from teen to elderly, all with their own individual stories, are developed brilliantly so readers can easily relate to them. The story line progresses at a steady pace but Nic’s deception and Claire’s anticipated reaction to learning about it is key throughout. I really enjoyed this and will certainly look out for other books by this author in future!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2015
I love reading books that lead to other books or films. Trouble is I then get sidetracked and have even more things I want to read and see.
This is the case with the latest book from Fiona Harper out on 23 April 2015. I never really knew that much about Doris Day and so this book fed me a few interesting nuggets and now I want to know more!
This is such a feel good book - a real curl up and indulge book. It's girly, delightful and quirky.
There are many references to the plot becoming like the Doris Day film Pillow Talk, well it's a long time since I saw that film, but what it did remind me of is my favourite film "You've got Mail" with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The author then referenced the film (although not by title) towards the end of the book and I felt a little more complete! (of course that film is based on another film "The shop around the corner" with James Stewart - but that is another diversion I've been on).
That's not to say that the book is unrealistic - it's not all day dreamy and wishing she was in a Hollywood film. Claire has her own business and there is also a more serious sub plot involving her father. However, it did have some of the songs from the films going around in my head for some time LOL.
In some was this was a bit of a car crash drama, and by that I mean I couldn't bear it at times as the wires got crossed and confusion reigned. I don't do spoilers, so I will leave it there, but I rushed the end of the book because I just had to know what was going to happen. Was I disappointed? You'll have to read it to find out...........
My thanks go to Mills & Boon and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.
This is the case with the latest book from Fiona Harper out on 23 April 2015. I never really knew that much about Doris Day and so this book fed me a few interesting nuggets and now I want to know more!
This is such a feel good book - a real curl up and indulge book. It's girly, delightful and quirky.
There are many references to the plot becoming like the Doris Day film Pillow Talk, well it's a long time since I saw that film, but what it did remind me of is my favourite film "You've got Mail" with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The author then referenced the film (although not by title) towards the end of the book and I felt a little more complete! (of course that film is based on another film "The shop around the corner" with James Stewart - but that is another diversion I've been on).
That's not to say that the book is unrealistic - it's not all day dreamy and wishing she was in a Hollywood film. Claire has her own business and there is also a more serious sub plot involving her father. However, it did have some of the songs from the films going around in my head for some time LOL.
In some was this was a bit of a car crash drama, and by that I mean I couldn't bear it at times as the wires got crossed and confusion reigned. I don't do spoilers, so I will leave it there, but I rushed the end of the book because I just had to know what was going to happen. Was I disappointed? You'll have to read it to find out...........
My thanks go to Mills & Boon and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.
October 20, 2015
Having read Little Shop of Hopes and Dreams I was interested in reading this offering from Fiona Harper. Gladly I wasn't disappointed.
The story follows Travel Agent Claire Bixby, I admit I felt an affinity due to the name, who plans romantic trips for her clients and works close to the Little Shop of Hopes and Dreams from the previous novel. Secondary characters also cross over in to this novel, such as Peggy who fills the same role in this novel as the first. She's the type of friend everyone would love to have.
Claire has had a previous bad relationship which has scared her thoughts and attitude towards love, she also has a history with her father which leads her to be very guarded in love. She lives in her Grandmother's old flat above a 'bad' neighbour who irritates her greatly when he's at home.
So begins a twisted tale of growing love and friendships supported by her group of friends who make up the Doris Day Film Club. The club share an appreciation for everything Doris as it appears does the writer who neatly weaves the style, film titles and story lines of the movies in to this story.
The writing is light and funny and drags you along tripping and skipping with the main story and the interweaving stories of the secondary characters.
At points it has the opportunity to become quite dark but instead it moves a pace and while it peaks your emotions is does not delve the dark depths too deeply.
All In all it's a fun read with loveable characters that I was sorry to see end.
The story follows Travel Agent Claire Bixby, I admit I felt an affinity due to the name, who plans romantic trips for her clients and works close to the Little Shop of Hopes and Dreams from the previous novel. Secondary characters also cross over in to this novel, such as Peggy who fills the same role in this novel as the first. She's the type of friend everyone would love to have.
Claire has had a previous bad relationship which has scared her thoughts and attitude towards love, she also has a history with her father which leads her to be very guarded in love. She lives in her Grandmother's old flat above a 'bad' neighbour who irritates her greatly when he's at home.
So begins a twisted tale of growing love and friendships supported by her group of friends who make up the Doris Day Film Club. The club share an appreciation for everything Doris as it appears does the writer who neatly weaves the style, film titles and story lines of the movies in to this story.
The writing is light and funny and drags you along tripping and skipping with the main story and the interweaving stories of the secondary characters.
At points it has the opportunity to become quite dark but instead it moves a pace and while it peaks your emotions is does not delve the dark depths too deeply.
All In all it's a fun read with loveable characters that I was sorry to see end.
August 10, 2015
THEME: Romance
MAIN CHARACTERS: Claire Bixby, Dominic Arden (Nic), Peggy, Maggs, Doug Martin, Katie, Grace.
RELEVANCE: Recently published book.
SUMMARY:
Claire Bixby, a young woman, is the president of the Doris Day film club. She inherited her granny's flat, where she lives on the top floor while a young, handsome man who does freelance photo shoots lives on the ground floor. He travels most of the time for work. When he returns, he still thinks her granny lives there.
Claire takes him as an irresponsible and crazy person at first after she trips over his bicycle in the hallway and he steals her milk from her front door when he's out of food and wakes up with a hangover. She writes him nasty letters, and he writes nasty letters back to her. Dominic Arden is his name.
She hasn't met him as et. However, she meets him at a party but only knows him as 'Nick'. He finds out who she is, but she doesn't know who he really is, and they are falling madly in love with each other.
When he plans to tell her the truth, she finds out unexpectedly and all hell breaks loose. Should she believe him? She takes him as a liar and a manipulative person, but something is still pulling her close to him.
COMMENTS:
This book is a gorgeous romantic novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it. One thing I liked about this book is that there's no explicit detail like other 'popular' romance novels.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I would recommend this book for people who are seeking great romance and are in a new relationship. Mostly for young adults. Even young teens are allowed to read this book.
MAIN CHARACTERS: Claire Bixby, Dominic Arden (Nic), Peggy, Maggs, Doug Martin, Katie, Grace.
RELEVANCE: Recently published book.
SUMMARY:
Claire Bixby, a young woman, is the president of the Doris Day film club. She inherited her granny's flat, where she lives on the top floor while a young, handsome man who does freelance photo shoots lives on the ground floor. He travels most of the time for work. When he returns, he still thinks her granny lives there.
Claire takes him as an irresponsible and crazy person at first after she trips over his bicycle in the hallway and he steals her milk from her front door when he's out of food and wakes up with a hangover. She writes him nasty letters, and he writes nasty letters back to her. Dominic Arden is his name.
She hasn't met him as et. However, she meets him at a party but only knows him as 'Nick'. He finds out who she is, but she doesn't know who he really is, and they are falling madly in love with each other.
When he plans to tell her the truth, she finds out unexpectedly and all hell breaks loose. Should she believe him? She takes him as a liar and a manipulative person, but something is still pulling her close to him.
COMMENTS:
This book is a gorgeous romantic novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it. One thing I liked about this book is that there's no explicit detail like other 'popular' romance novels.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I would recommend this book for people who are seeking great romance and are in a new relationship. Mostly for young adults. Even young teens are allowed to read this book.
October 12, 2016
A book as charming as a Doris Day movie. A likeable circle of friends & a delightful leading man. An easy, bright and breezy read.
May 17, 2019
This one took me a long time to get through and to be honest it was a bit of a struggle, it was very slow moving and there just wasn't enough focus on the romance for me.
Firstly, I think its important to give an actual plot summary, as the blurb doesn't really give a good representation of what the book is actually about. SPOILR ALERT for the rest of this paragraph. So the two main characters are Claire and Dominic (or Nic). Claire is a travel agenct, recent divorcee and the president of the Doris Day film club. Nic is a documentary maker who has only just returned to London. Unbeknowst to the two of them, they are actually neighbours, with Claire living in the flat above Nic which once belonged to her recently passed Grandma (Nic assumes it is still the old woman living there). Nic manages to annoy Claire by leaving his bike in the hallway for her to trip over, and they start sending eachother snarky notes. By chance, they meet at a party and hit it off. Nic works out that Claire is his mysterious neighbour but doesn't tell her, not wanting her to hate him. Then, Nic weaves himself into a further web of lies when he stops by her travel agency and Claire gets the impression that he has a girlfriend (he doesn't). This last part doesn't take place until halfway through the book, so until that point I was confused about when the plot described in the blurb was actually going to start.
I think my issue with this book was that it was just too slow. There wasn't really much romance, despite the blurb being based almost entirely around that. There were a lot of sub-plots involving Claire's estranged father and some of the members of the film club, all of which were just kind of 'meh'. I don't mind when a book isn't primarily about the romance, but it would be nice to know this before reading. I also don't really like books where the main conflict is centred around a lie. It's just frustrating to read because you're waiting for the inevitable fallout, and more often than not this doesn't happen until the very end.
There was nothing wrong with the writing at all, once it got going I actually really enjoyed this, it was both humorous and heartwarming. For me I just needed it to get to that point sooner. This just wasn't a winner for me, unfortunately.
Firstly, I think its important to give an actual plot summary, as the blurb doesn't really give a good representation of what the book is actually about. SPOILR ALERT for the rest of this paragraph. So the two main characters are Claire and Dominic (or Nic). Claire is a travel agenct, recent divorcee and the president of the Doris Day film club. Nic is a documentary maker who has only just returned to London. Unbeknowst to the two of them, they are actually neighbours, with Claire living in the flat above Nic which once belonged to her recently passed Grandma (Nic assumes it is still the old woman living there). Nic manages to annoy Claire by leaving his bike in the hallway for her to trip over, and they start sending eachother snarky notes. By chance, they meet at a party and hit it off. Nic works out that Claire is his mysterious neighbour but doesn't tell her, not wanting her to hate him. Then, Nic weaves himself into a further web of lies when he stops by her travel agency and Claire gets the impression that he has a girlfriend (he doesn't). This last part doesn't take place until halfway through the book, so until that point I was confused about when the plot described in the blurb was actually going to start.
I think my issue with this book was that it was just too slow. There wasn't really much romance, despite the blurb being based almost entirely around that. There were a lot of sub-plots involving Claire's estranged father and some of the members of the film club, all of which were just kind of 'meh'. I don't mind when a book isn't primarily about the romance, but it would be nice to know this before reading. I also don't really like books where the main conflict is centred around a lie. It's just frustrating to read because you're waiting for the inevitable fallout, and more often than not this doesn't happen until the very end.
There was nothing wrong with the writing at all, once it got going I actually really enjoyed this, it was both humorous and heartwarming. For me I just needed it to get to that point sooner. This just wasn't a winner for me, unfortunately.
September 25, 2018
This book goes on and on and on.
And just when you think "this would be a good point for it to finish" - on it goes again.
Shouldn't really be that much of a surprise to me - I could see that there were many pages to go, couldn't I?
But still you sort of hope that maybe they're empty pages or something.
The book is about a woman and a man. And a will they won't they (ad infinitum) plot.
It has its moments, but it could have been improved dramatically by ending a lot, lot sooner than it did.
And just when you think "this would be a good point for it to finish" - on it goes again.
Shouldn't really be that much of a surprise to me - I could see that there were many pages to go, couldn't I?
But still you sort of hope that maybe they're empty pages or something.
The book is about a woman and a man. And a will they won't they (ad infinitum) plot.
It has its moments, but it could have been improved dramatically by ending a lot, lot sooner than it did.
January 24, 2022
Claire Bixby loves watching Doris Day films with her film club members. She and her downstairs neighbour exchange notes as he is annoying. Dominic is the downstairs neighbour and he and Claire get to know each other but he doesn’t reveal who he is until later. I just found this okay and I liked the concept though.
June 2, 2017
What a lovely little book. the two main characters Claire and Nic are both engaging and funny. It's nice to read a book which just whisks you away into another world. The supporting cast of Peggy, Maggs and the other members of the Doris Day film club make the story very enjoyable.
Read
June 11, 2019A fun and feisty book that showed real women power and an insight into the life of Doris day. Would have liked more information on Doris and think there was too many different elements to this story and some were forgotten/ not talked about enough.
August 4, 2017
Wonderful! Excellent read!
December 31, 2017
3.5
CHEESE! Pure and utter cheese!
CHEESE! Pure and utter cheese!
December 28, 2018
That was so good! Took me ages to read but it was WORTH IT!!
August 27, 2019
Slow going.
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