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Doubting Abbey #1
Doubting Abbey
Swapping downstairs for upstairs… How hard can it be!?
Look up the phrase ordinary girl and you’ll see a picture of me, Gemma Goodwin – I only look half-decent after applying the entire contents of my make-up bag, and my dating track-record includes a man who treated me to dinner…at a kebab shop. No joke!
The only extraordinary thing about me is that I look EXACTLY like my BFF, Abbey Croxley. Oh, and that for reasons I can’t explain, I’ve agreed to swap identities and pretend be her to star in the TV show about her aristocratic family’s country estate, Million Dollar Mansion.
So now it’s not just my tan I’m faking – it’s Kate Middleton style demure hemlines and lady-like manners too. And amongst the hundreds of fusty etiquette rules I’m trying to cram into my head, there are two I really must remember; 1) No-one can ever find out that I’m just Gemma, who’d be more at home in the servants quarters. And 2) There can be absolutely no flirting with Abbey’s dishy but buttoned-up cousin, Lord Edward.
Aaargh, this is going to be harder than I thought…
Praise for Samantha Tonge
'I was hooked from the start, by this impressive debut novel' - Chicklit Club
'This really was a humorous read, Gemma is such a witty character who always seems to get herself into mischief, I never expected this book to be a witty read but it was the humour that kept me hooked.' - Rea Book Reviews
' Samantha Tonge has taken an every-day girl and stuck her in this crumbling manor where she has to pretend to be her best friend and help win a reality TV program. She takes all our guilty pleasures and wraps them in one good read.' - Novel Escapes
Look up the phrase ordinary girl and you’ll see a picture of me, Gemma Goodwin – I only look half-decent after applying the entire contents of my make-up bag, and my dating track-record includes a man who treated me to dinner…at a kebab shop. No joke!
The only extraordinary thing about me is that I look EXACTLY like my BFF, Abbey Croxley. Oh, and that for reasons I can’t explain, I’ve agreed to swap identities and pretend be her to star in the TV show about her aristocratic family’s country estate, Million Dollar Mansion.
So now it’s not just my tan I’m faking – it’s Kate Middleton style demure hemlines and lady-like manners too. And amongst the hundreds of fusty etiquette rules I’m trying to cram into my head, there are two I really must remember; 1) No-one can ever find out that I’m just Gemma, who’d be more at home in the servants quarters. And 2) There can be absolutely no flirting with Abbey’s dishy but buttoned-up cousin, Lord Edward.
Aaargh, this is going to be harder than I thought…
Praise for Samantha Tonge
'I was hooked from the start, by this impressive debut novel' - Chicklit Club
'This really was a humorous read, Gemma is such a witty character who always seems to get herself into mischief, I never expected this book to be a witty read but it was the humour that kept me hooked.' - Rea Book Reviews
' Samantha Tonge has taken an every-day girl and stuck her in this crumbling manor where she has to pretend to be her best friend and help win a reality TV program. She takes all our guilty pleasures and wraps them in one good read.' - Novel Escapes
418 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2013
127 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Tonge
25 books336 followersSamantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.
When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.
She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not, heralded a new direction into darker women's fiction with publisher Canelo and in 2020 her novel Knowing You won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.
http://samanthatonge.co.uk/
When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.
She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not, heralded a new direction into darker women's fiction with publisher Canelo and in 2020 her novel Knowing You won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.
http://samanthatonge.co.uk/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
July 4, 2018
Doubting Abbey by Samantha Tonge is a 2013 Carina Press publication.
Absolutely charming!!
On a rare occasion, I have read one of those sweet, adorable stories with the cute titles and charming cover art. ( I love Rebecca Raisin) But, recently I’ve noticed these books are starting to gain momentum and are becoming more and more popular. I’ve been dying to indulge in one or two, especially since I’ve been trying to de-stress a little.
However, there are so many of them to choose from, I couldn’t make up my mind which one to read first- until I stumbled across this book. The ‘Downton Abbey’ related title, coupled with that lovely cover, was just too good to pass up!
Gemma bears a striking resemblance to her roommate, and best friend, Abbey. While Gemma is a ‘commoner’, Abbey is burdened with aristocratic duties, which means she must appear on a reality show to help raise money to save her extended family’s country estate. But, Abbey has other philanthropic plans with her boyfriend, and implores Gemma to stand in for her. With Lady C. on hand to tutor Gemma on being a ‘Lady’, what could possibly go wrong?
Naturally, hilarity ensues, as Gemma finds out how out of her element she really is. Her attempts to ‘sex up’ the reality show hoping to ramp up the ratings provides an on air ‘upstairs/downstairs’ drama, but off camera, it’s Abbey’s proper cousin who catches Gemma off guard, slowly capturing her heart, in what seems like an unlikely match.
Gemma is a riot! I loved her vernacular so much, I have caught myself declaring ‘That’s Amaaaaaaaaazin’ on more than one occasion. The storyline is hardly original, but the author certainly puts her own delightfully fresh and unique spin on it.
This is a wonderful, highly entertaining, endearing romantic comedy which was cathartic and just all -around good fun! I just found out there is a sequel to this book, so I am going to have to hunt down a copy.
I do believe I could get used to reading more of those books with the cute titles and adorable cover art. I foresee more heartwarming romantic comedies will be added to my mountainous TBR pile.
4 stars
Absolutely charming!!
On a rare occasion, I have read one of those sweet, adorable stories with the cute titles and charming cover art. ( I love Rebecca Raisin) But, recently I’ve noticed these books are starting to gain momentum and are becoming more and more popular. I’ve been dying to indulge in one or two, especially since I’ve been trying to de-stress a little.
However, there are so many of them to choose from, I couldn’t make up my mind which one to read first- until I stumbled across this book. The ‘Downton Abbey’ related title, coupled with that lovely cover, was just too good to pass up!
Gemma bears a striking resemblance to her roommate, and best friend, Abbey. While Gemma is a ‘commoner’, Abbey is burdened with aristocratic duties, which means she must appear on a reality show to help raise money to save her extended family’s country estate. But, Abbey has other philanthropic plans with her boyfriend, and implores Gemma to stand in for her. With Lady C. on hand to tutor Gemma on being a ‘Lady’, what could possibly go wrong?
Naturally, hilarity ensues, as Gemma finds out how out of her element she really is. Her attempts to ‘sex up’ the reality show hoping to ramp up the ratings provides an on air ‘upstairs/downstairs’ drama, but off camera, it’s Abbey’s proper cousin who catches Gemma off guard, slowly capturing her heart, in what seems like an unlikely match.
Gemma is a riot! I loved her vernacular so much, I have caught myself declaring ‘That’s Amaaaaaaaaazin’ on more than one occasion. The storyline is hardly original, but the author certainly puts her own delightfully fresh and unique spin on it.
This is a wonderful, highly entertaining, endearing romantic comedy which was cathartic and just all -around good fun! I just found out there is a sequel to this book, so I am going to have to hunt down a copy.
I do believe I could get used to reading more of those books with the cute titles and adorable cover art. I foresee more heartwarming romantic comedies will be added to my mountainous TBR pile.
4 stars
February 10, 2018
Wait, what? A chick-lit book with a cliffhanger?? How is this possible?!? Luckily the next one From Paris with Love is already out and the synopsis makes clear that I don't want to read on because what I liked about Doubting Abbey was the setting (reality show between aristocrats at grand mansions). Gemma was a fab character - her regular talk versus posh was really entertaining - and she was such a symphatic and relatable gal. Applebridge Hall feels homey and one wants to visit the place. In short: A heart-warming and humerous chick-lit.
December 27, 2014
This was cute and funny
November 30, 2015
This was quite enjoyable but could have been better. But I'm pressed for time so here's a teeny tiny mini review.
The Good:
Gemma is hilarious and she gets herself into some hideously amusing situations.
A feel good story. I couldn't stop smiling as I read it.
The Bad:
Spelling mistakes! No joke, and from a book I paid hard earned money for? Not really acceptable.
Deceptive cover. No matter how much snow you see on the cover, it doesn't appear until the epilogue.
ETA:
Since my initial review this has gone through a thorough edit and a cover change.
The Good:
Gemma is hilarious and she gets herself into some hideously amusing situations.
A feel good story. I couldn't stop smiling as I read it.
The Bad:
Spelling mistakes! No joke, and from a book I paid hard earned money for? Not really acceptable.
Deceptive cover. No matter how much snow you see on the cover, it doesn't appear until the epilogue.
ETA:
Since my initial review this has gone through a thorough edit and a cover change.
December 31, 2015
I recently started watching "Downton Abbey" while recuperating at my parents house, and I really enjoyed it. It was the first time I had watched the programme.
"Doubting Abbey" is a hilarious take on "Downton Abbey" with the added bonus of a reality TV twist.
Abbey and Gemma are roommates. Abbey is descended from aristocrats and is expected to help her extended family win a reality tv show at their country manor. However Abbey has other plans! Not wanting to disappoint either her family or her boyfriend Abbey asks for Gemma's help.
Gemma is, obviously, sceptical about her ability to be a 'lady', but eventually agrees. But Gemma is just an ordinary young woman, with no posh tendencies whatsoever. Can she honestly pull off the lie without being found out? Or will she fall at the first hurdle?
As soon as Gemma arrives at Applebridge Hall she feels out of her comfort zone. But when she discovers what is planned for her she honestly doesn't think she can go on.
She soon finds allies, however, and manages to pull the wool over the eyes of everyone else involved, or does she?
Gemma's antics turn this into a very funny story, as she attempts to drum up support for Applebridge Hall.
Does she succeed? Will her secret be discovered? And what exactly happens between Gemma and Edward, if anything?
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to fans of "Downton Abbey", reality tv, and humorous lighthearted reads.
"Doubting Abbey" is a hilarious take on "Downton Abbey" with the added bonus of a reality TV twist.
Abbey and Gemma are roommates. Abbey is descended from aristocrats and is expected to help her extended family win a reality tv show at their country manor. However Abbey has other plans! Not wanting to disappoint either her family or her boyfriend Abbey asks for Gemma's help.
Gemma is, obviously, sceptical about her ability to be a 'lady', but eventually agrees. But Gemma is just an ordinary young woman, with no posh tendencies whatsoever. Can she honestly pull off the lie without being found out? Or will she fall at the first hurdle?
As soon as Gemma arrives at Applebridge Hall she feels out of her comfort zone. But when she discovers what is planned for her she honestly doesn't think she can go on.
She soon finds allies, however, and manages to pull the wool over the eyes of everyone else involved, or does she?
Gemma's antics turn this into a very funny story, as she attempts to drum up support for Applebridge Hall.
Does she succeed? Will her secret be discovered? And what exactly happens between Gemma and Edward, if anything?
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to fans of "Downton Abbey", reality tv, and humorous lighthearted reads.
January 11, 2014
The sprinkled bits of dialect annoyed me. If I never read the word "amaaaaaaaaaaazin'" again, I don't feel that my life will be missing anything. I also don't understand what the connection was supposed to be to Downton Abbey, because the only thing it had in common was being set in a house owned by a Lord. It's a thin comparison, meant to drum up more readers, I suspect. The plot was thin, predictable and while I normally am not bothered by that in this genre, for some reason I couldn't wait to get to the end of this book.
July 3, 2020
The thing I love about the romance genre is the massive diversity there is from books that touch all the emotions and have the reader in floods of tears to books that are light-hearted and fun. I personally love reading across the genre as my mood takes me.
From reading the blurb for Doubting Abbey, I knew this was the perfect book for some fabulous light-hearted escapism and that’s exactly what it gave me.
Gemma’s best friend and lookalike, Abbey, convinces her to take her place on a reality TV show featuring her distinguished family. Can Gemma pull off the deception? Especially when she’d doubting her own ability to do so?
Written with warmth, this fun story delivered exactly the escapism I hoped for. Lovely.
From reading the blurb for Doubting Abbey, I knew this was the perfect book for some fabulous light-hearted escapism and that’s exactly what it gave me.
Gemma’s best friend and lookalike, Abbey, convinces her to take her place on a reality TV show featuring her distinguished family. Can Gemma pull off the deception? Especially when she’d doubting her own ability to do so?
Written with warmth, this fun story delivered exactly the escapism I hoped for. Lovely.
December 4, 2013
http://www.reabookreview.blogspot.co....
I have just finished reading Doubting Abbey which is Samantha Tonge’s debut novel. I love the cover to this book it is very fitting for this time of the year, I was just hoping that although I have never seen Downton Abbey I would still understand this and enjoy it!
Gemma is as down to earth as they come she is a true commoner and very lovely with it. When she removes her amateurish make up she has an uncanny resemblance to her best friend Abbey, to help her best friend out she agrees to pretend to be Abbey and go to her families aristocratic family country estate and take part in a reality tv show Million Dollar Mansion.
Gemma has to learn how to be more lady like and blend in with the family, no one must know who she really is as the family really need to win the show to win the money for repairs that are urgently needed on Applebridge Hall.
This novel was not what I was expecting at all. Let me just put your mind at rest for those of you who like me have never watched Downton Abbey it really doesn’t have any effect on this book at all. I really enjoyed it. This really was a humorous read, Gemma is such a witty character who always seems to get herself into mischief, I never expected this book to be a witty read but it was the humour that kept me hooked.
As stuffy as Lord Edward was I still loved his character, his blog was a lovely touch and I enjoyed seeing him let himself live a little. The storyline was predictable but I still enjoyed watching the events unfold.
This is a fun light read but surprisingly not a quick read. I was hoping that the storyline was going to have a festive feel to the storyline but the book isn’t Christmassy at all so don’t expect this to get you in the festive mood but none the less it would still make a perfect gift as it can be read all year around.
This was a fantastic debut for Samantha Tonge and I look forward to more of her books. This is an unbelievable price on kindle at the moment so get in quick.
I have just finished reading Doubting Abbey which is Samantha Tonge’s debut novel. I love the cover to this book it is very fitting for this time of the year, I was just hoping that although I have never seen Downton Abbey I would still understand this and enjoy it!
Gemma is as down to earth as they come she is a true commoner and very lovely with it. When she removes her amateurish make up she has an uncanny resemblance to her best friend Abbey, to help her best friend out she agrees to pretend to be Abbey and go to her families aristocratic family country estate and take part in a reality tv show Million Dollar Mansion.
Gemma has to learn how to be more lady like and blend in with the family, no one must know who she really is as the family really need to win the show to win the money for repairs that are urgently needed on Applebridge Hall.
This novel was not what I was expecting at all. Let me just put your mind at rest for those of you who like me have never watched Downton Abbey it really doesn’t have any effect on this book at all. I really enjoyed it. This really was a humorous read, Gemma is such a witty character who always seems to get herself into mischief, I never expected this book to be a witty read but it was the humour that kept me hooked.
As stuffy as Lord Edward was I still loved his character, his blog was a lovely touch and I enjoyed seeing him let himself live a little. The storyline was predictable but I still enjoyed watching the events unfold.
This is a fun light read but surprisingly not a quick read. I was hoping that the storyline was going to have a festive feel to the storyline but the book isn’t Christmassy at all so don’t expect this to get you in the festive mood but none the less it would still make a perfect gift as it can be read all year around.
This was a fantastic debut for Samantha Tonge and I look forward to more of her books. This is an unbelievable price on kindle at the moment so get in quick.
November 16, 2016
Doubting Abbey was an amusing romantic comedy, heavier on the comedy than the romance, set in the world of stately homes and reality TV. Gemma is portrayed as a trashy over made up, and tarty dressing, 22 year old. She shares a flat with high society girl Abbey, and underneath all the slap has a remarkable resemblance to her posh friend - When Abbey's estranged Uncle asks for her help to save his crumbling estate, which has made it through to the finale of "Millionaire Mansions", a reality TV show where the public votes between two historic homes to award one million pounds to in order for them to be fixed up, Abbey feels obliged to help. The trouble is his request clashes with her planning trip with her boyfriend, who her parents think is beneath her, to help orphaned children in Africa - Abbey is convinced Gemma, one stripped of her make up, fake tan and outfits, with some elocution and etiquette lessons from her well to do aunt (who's a sucker for true love) can pass for her for the next two weeks. Throwing Gemma into a world she's never seen, pretending to be someone she's not, leads to all manner of funny situations as she does her best to help her friends family save their historic estate and win the prize money, not least by trying to spice up the televised feeds. While all this takes place, she sneaks out occasionally dressed as the real Gemma, who strikes an unlikely romance with Lord Edward, heir to the estate. I really enjoyed the humour, less so the overly repetitive slang Gemma used and odd blogs of Lord Edward, but I missed the emotional pull of the romance - in fact I found it hard to see what they saw in each other and wasn't that invested in their relationship. On the basis of how much I giggled through this though, I can't give it less than four stars and I'd be happy to try another book by Tonge, even if I won't be continuing with the follow up to Gemma and Edward's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2016
I picked this up because I have the sequel on my tablet and have been wanting to read it but since I tend to be an orderly reader, I needed to start at the beginning. I thought it'd be a quicker read so was completely surprised that I was able to put this down. Repeatedly. Some of it had to do with character quirks (I never want to read "mega" or "amazin'" again in life.) and some had to do with situational tedium. Still, I picked it back up and after about chapter 10 this really was a charming read (and moved along much more quickly.
I quite loved Edward's blog posts (this was where the real wit in the writing shone). I'll definitely read the next book & am sure that now that I know where Abbey ended up, I'll enjoy where she's going. Recommended for fans of Brit Chick-lit.
February 2, 2014
This cute book had it all--the upstairs/downstairs divide, a love of classic chick flicks, a reality show, a hunky English nobleman and a flipped identity, not to mention romance, debauchery, cooking and family secrets! While the English slang is predominant, I would expect nothing less than a book set in England. Plus, I love any work that can work in the word "eejit," which is one of my favorite words. The story is of Gemma, who takes her roommate's place at the family estate to help them win a reality show. Hilarity ensues as Gemma, who is anything but refined and posh, tries to play aristocrat. A cute read for any chick-lit lover, especially those who also love Downton Abbey!
December 4, 2013
I'm actually not a fan of the TV show Downton Abbey, but the gorgeous cover of this novel really attracted me and I decided to give it a go. I wasn't disappointed. Gemma's trials and tribulations as she worked to save Applebridge Hall were so believable, despite being far-fetched (a nifty trick by writer Samantha Tonge). There was humour and emotion and I was really involved in the whole family's struggle. I also liked the little humorous digs at our reality-tv obsessed culture! A lovely book to snuggle up with on a winter's evening. Highly recommended.
July 16, 2016
Catchy title, lovely cover, & definitely a must read! I loved the idea for the book and I found myself smiling the whole time while reading. Gemma is a great character and I enjoyed her spirit. This book kept me on my toes for many reasons, and overall a fun read. I highly recommend!
January 8, 2014
I don't watch Downton Abbey, yet, but I loved this book! I laughed out loud, chortled, sniffed, and cried as I read along.
January 3, 2014
Exactly how old is "Abbey" supposed to be?
Because she talks like a high-schooler. Or worse, because I spend a lot of time with upper-high school kids and college freshmen and they don't talk like this. So maybe middle-school....
**SPOILER ALERT** ....So then it gets kind of creepy that a girl with a middle-school mentality ends up with a 30+ year old man.
Okay, so let's chalk that up to "British Slang" - I still had no idea that anybody above the age of 14 uses any singular slang word to the tune of 114 times in a single book's dialogue. Fellow readers, you'd better be all schooled up on your British Slang or you'll be as annoyed as I was.
The only other really annoying thing was the hemming and hawing in Edward's blog - or should I say, "erm-ing" and "um-ing". This is not dialogue, and I don't know any bloggers that "um" (unless very occasionally for effect). The blogging was cute to see Edward's perspective, but stupid in that if I actually watched reality shows, this blog would have zero added benefit because he just doesn't say anything worthwhile. It would have been nice to see the blog move the story forward.
The story is cute, if not far-fetched (but that's why it's "fiction"). I'm finding that I like "reality show" novels (this is my fifth one) because the public reaction to each aired episode adds another dimension to every event and can twist the story - and it does take a couple of surprising turns in this book. I did appreciate that the characters were not able to talk themselves out of sticky situations - they were painful and both the gal and the guy had to earn their way back into the fold.
This is a 2.5 star book in my library. I actually put the book down and didn't touch it for days at a time, because it just didn't grab my interest enough (this is rare for me - once I start a book I can hardly put it down). That means Amazon's 3-star criteria is "it's okay" whereas I gave it 2 stars on Goodreads for "it's okay". I re-read a lot of books, but Goodreads 2-star and below means I won't read it again. The prose was just too annoying.
Because she talks like a high-schooler. Or worse, because I spend a lot of time with upper-high school kids and college freshmen and they don't talk like this. So maybe middle-school....
**SPOILER ALERT** ....So then it gets kind of creepy that a girl with a middle-school mentality ends up with a 30+ year old man.
Okay, so let's chalk that up to "British Slang" - I still had no idea that anybody above the age of 14 uses any singular slang word to the tune of 114 times in a single book's dialogue. Fellow readers, you'd better be all schooled up on your British Slang or you'll be as annoyed as I was.
The only other really annoying thing was the hemming and hawing in Edward's blog - or should I say, "erm-ing" and "um-ing". This is not dialogue, and I don't know any bloggers that "um" (unless very occasionally for effect). The blogging was cute to see Edward's perspective, but stupid in that if I actually watched reality shows, this blog would have zero added benefit because he just doesn't say anything worthwhile. It would have been nice to see the blog move the story forward.
The story is cute, if not far-fetched (but that's why it's "fiction"). I'm finding that I like "reality show" novels (this is my fifth one) because the public reaction to each aired episode adds another dimension to every event and can twist the story - and it does take a couple of surprising turns in this book. I did appreciate that the characters were not able to talk themselves out of sticky situations - they were painful and both the gal and the guy had to earn their way back into the fold.
This is a 2.5 star book in my library. I actually put the book down and didn't touch it for days at a time, because it just didn't grab my interest enough (this is rare for me - once I start a book I can hardly put it down). That means Amazon's 3-star criteria is "it's okay" whereas I gave it 2 stars on Goodreads for "it's okay". I re-read a lot of books, but Goodreads 2-star and below means I won't read it again. The prose was just too annoying.
March 12, 2014
4.5 stars
Gemma agrees to impersonate her best friend Abbey, who she looks almost exactly like, on the reality show Million Dollar Mansion in order to save Applebridge Hall, Abbey's estranged family's estate. The only problem is that Gemma is just an ordinary girl from a middle class family and has no idea how "the other half" lives. Even with a makeover and some lessons from Abbey and Abbey's aunt, Gemma is not sure she will be able to convince anyone. And it doesn't help that Abbey’s cousin (Lord) Edward is extremely sexy, something his "cousin" is not supposed to notice.
This book was charming and adorable. It took me a little while to get into it, probably because Gemma's over use of the words "mega" and "amazin" started to get on my nerves, but once Gemma became immersed in the Croxley family, I was hooked and had difficulty putting the book down. Gemma was a truly likeable character. She had a huge heart and put herself in several awkward (and often hilarious) situations in order to "sex things up" and increase the Croxley's chances of winning the competition. I liked the development of the character and how as time went on, she started to take on some of the "lady like" habits of Abbey while always maintaining her own individuality. Some of Gemma's antics were completely outlandish - acting out scenes from movies with the gardener for one - but the ideas came from a place of love and loyalty and it was so much fun to read. I enjoyed reading things from Edward's point of view and I absolutely adored his character as well as the love story. My only issue was that Edward's blog seemed more like a speech with the use of "em" and "um" - things you would say but probably wouldn't write. The ending had me on the edge of my seat and left me with a huge grin on my face.
I highly recommend this book. Like I said before, it was charming and adorable and well worth the time.
Gemma agrees to impersonate her best friend Abbey, who she looks almost exactly like, on the reality show Million Dollar Mansion in order to save Applebridge Hall, Abbey's estranged family's estate. The only problem is that Gemma is just an ordinary girl from a middle class family and has no idea how "the other half" lives. Even with a makeover and some lessons from Abbey and Abbey's aunt, Gemma is not sure she will be able to convince anyone. And it doesn't help that Abbey’s cousin (Lord) Edward is extremely sexy, something his "cousin" is not supposed to notice.
This book was charming and adorable. It took me a little while to get into it, probably because Gemma's over use of the words "mega" and "amazin" started to get on my nerves, but once Gemma became immersed in the Croxley family, I was hooked and had difficulty putting the book down. Gemma was a truly likeable character. She had a huge heart and put herself in several awkward (and often hilarious) situations in order to "sex things up" and increase the Croxley's chances of winning the competition. I liked the development of the character and how as time went on, she started to take on some of the "lady like" habits of Abbey while always maintaining her own individuality. Some of Gemma's antics were completely outlandish - acting out scenes from movies with the gardener for one - but the ideas came from a place of love and loyalty and it was so much fun to read. I enjoyed reading things from Edward's point of view and I absolutely adored his character as well as the love story. My only issue was that Edward's blog seemed more like a speech with the use of "em" and "um" - things you would say but probably wouldn't write. The ending had me on the edge of my seat and left me with a huge grin on my face.
I highly recommend this book. Like I said before, it was charming and adorable and well worth the time.
January 4, 2015
Review to follow after some sleep after all I stayed up until 2.30am finishing the book and gave it four stars so that in itself gives you some idea as to what I thought
Okay I've had some sleep....
I really warmed to Gemma's character and loved the storyline of her taking on the aristocrat persona of her flat mate and helping out the family in a reality TV show competition to win money to save the family's run down home.
Considering the family, show staff and employees at Applebridge Hall I didn't feel as though I was swamped by too many characters as it all fit nicely together, there were twists to the storyline that I didn't see coming in the later part of the book and stayed up late to finish eventually going to bed at 2.30am
All that said it wasn't a book I couldn't put down, it was easy reading which I read over christmas and new year which with a 3 & 5 year old was rather a busy time, but although I wasn't forced to put down and eager to pick back up again as soon as possible it was easy to fall back into once picked up
There is a follow on story but I don't feel I was left hanging and having to read sequel immediately I could chose either way as to continue story of main characters or just as easy finish here
All in all a pleasant read
Okay I've had some sleep....
I really warmed to Gemma's character and loved the storyline of her taking on the aristocrat persona of her flat mate and helping out the family in a reality TV show competition to win money to save the family's run down home.
Considering the family, show staff and employees at Applebridge Hall I didn't feel as though I was swamped by too many characters as it all fit nicely together, there were twists to the storyline that I didn't see coming in the later part of the book and stayed up late to finish eventually going to bed at 2.30am
All that said it wasn't a book I couldn't put down, it was easy reading which I read over christmas and new year which with a 3 & 5 year old was rather a busy time, but although I wasn't forced to put down and eager to pick back up again as soon as possible it was easy to fall back into once picked up
There is a follow on story but I don't feel I was left hanging and having to read sequel immediately I could chose either way as to continue story of main characters or just as easy finish here
All in all a pleasant read
February 10, 2017
3.5/5 Stars
Funny, a bit over the top, but enjoyable.
My complaint? I bought it at Christmas for as a 'Christmas read'. It has a nice snowy cover and was being pimped as festive. But! You can't count a book that takes place in September as festive! A Christmas time epilogue does not a festive read make!
However, I really shouldn't complain as I didn't manage to read it in December, I read it in Feb, plus the new cover seems to correct the false festive impression... But if I'd read this in December expecting a Christmas read? I'd have been pissed.
Moot point now I guess... I'll shut up and finish by saying if you love OTT British chick-lit it's worth a read!
Funny, a bit over the top, but enjoyable.
My complaint? I bought it at Christmas for as a 'Christmas read'. It has a nice snowy cover and was being pimped as festive. But! You can't count a book that takes place in September as festive! A Christmas time epilogue does not a festive read make!
However, I really shouldn't complain as I didn't manage to read it in December, I read it in Feb, plus the new cover seems to correct the false festive impression... But if I'd read this in December expecting a Christmas read? I'd have been pissed.
Moot point now I guess... I'll shut up and finish by saying if you love OTT British chick-lit it's worth a read!
November 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this book.
The storyline is unique and very well done. Set in a mansion, fans of Downton will love this, but so will non-fans as the characters are so well written, you really care about them.
The antics of Gemma - who is standing in for her posh flatmate Abbey - will make you laugh out loud, but it also has some emotional moments in it too. It's a book that I feel crosses several genres because it has something for everyone. Historical romance readers will enjoy it because of the setting, but so will readers of women's fiction and chicklit. It's a great all rounder, which is often hard for a writer to do, but Samantha Tonge has managed it superbly.
The only thing that stops me giving this 5 stars, is Gemma's constant use of the word 'mega' which I found irritating. But other readers - especially younger ones - may not mind it.
A great book to put in your Christmas stocking, or as a present for that 'hard to buy' for person in your life!
The storyline is unique and very well done. Set in a mansion, fans of Downton will love this, but so will non-fans as the characters are so well written, you really care about them.
The antics of Gemma - who is standing in for her posh flatmate Abbey - will make you laugh out loud, but it also has some emotional moments in it too. It's a book that I feel crosses several genres because it has something for everyone. Historical romance readers will enjoy it because of the setting, but so will readers of women's fiction and chicklit. It's a great all rounder, which is often hard for a writer to do, but Samantha Tonge has managed it superbly.
The only thing that stops me giving this 5 stars, is Gemma's constant use of the word 'mega' which I found irritating. But other readers - especially younger ones - may not mind it.
A great book to put in your Christmas stocking, or as a present for that 'hard to buy' for person in your life!
December 13, 2013
Gemma, who looks very much like her friend Abbey, is trading places with said friend. The girls’ social status could not be any different. Gemma is just your typical girl next door, whereas Abbey comes from a rich family. When Gemma (pretending to be Abbey) stars in the TV reality show Million Dollar Mansion, things don’t come as easy as the girls originally thought. The fact that Abbey’s cousin Edward is rather good-looking, doesn’t help matters along either.
Doubting Abbey ticked all my boxes – it’s funny with romantic elements and a superbly well written and unique storyline and such a witty title.
Gemma is such a lovable lead character. She was my favourite from the first few pages on. I really adored the setting of the book. An old estate (wrapped around a reality TV show – I love a good reality TV show :)) at this time of year – bliss!!
What a brilliant debut novel! I am looking forward to reading more of Sam’s writing.
Doubting Abbey ticked all my boxes – it’s funny with romantic elements and a superbly well written and unique storyline and such a witty title.
Gemma is such a lovable lead character. She was my favourite from the first few pages on. I really adored the setting of the book. An old estate (wrapped around a reality TV show – I love a good reality TV show :)) at this time of year – bliss!!
What a brilliant debut novel! I am looking forward to reading more of Sam’s writing.
January 1, 2015
This story was a fun read. As a fan of Downton Abbey, I liked the play on the show and the incorporation of reality tv to the storyline. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and felt they were well-developed and fun to know. I felt this author did a splendid job with the "upstairs/downstairs" element of the house and the differences between both mansions up for the grand prize was fun to see.
What really impressed me was the author's ability to make the reader feel and understand the struggle Gemma had going from her normal life to that of an aristocrat. I could definitely put myself in her shoes and know that if it had happened to me, I would also need to escape and put my "Gemma" clothes back on for a little while. It's easy to lose yourself, and I found Gemma's fear of that happening to be so real.
I will definitely be looking forward for more from this talented author. I hope there's a sequel in the works, I'd love to know what happens with Abbey.
What really impressed me was the author's ability to make the reader feel and understand the struggle Gemma had going from her normal life to that of an aristocrat. I could definitely put myself in her shoes and know that if it had happened to me, I would also need to escape and put my "Gemma" clothes back on for a little while. It's easy to lose yourself, and I found Gemma's fear of that happening to be so real.
I will definitely be looking forward for more from this talented author. I hope there's a sequel in the works, I'd love to know what happens with Abbey.
March 16, 2014
This was an adorable book. It was like The Prince and the Pauper (the Barbie version) meets Jam and Jersusalem in a run down stately home for a reality Television show. Gemma is such a lovable character, she really steals the show with her humour.
At first Lord Edward comes off as a bit starchy, but Gemma brings out his Mr. Darcy side and he really becomes very wonderful. There are many slap stick moments between him and Gemma; that just make this such an endearing novel.
Doubting Abbey is full of rich desvriptions of what life is really like living in a stately home. You really feel transported to your own Downton Abbey and a way of life that most of can only dream about. I highly recommend this funny, light hearted book.
At first Lord Edward comes off as a bit starchy, but Gemma brings out his Mr. Darcy side and he really becomes very wonderful. There are many slap stick moments between him and Gemma; that just make this such an endearing novel.
Doubting Abbey is full of rich desvriptions of what life is really like living in a stately home. You really feel transported to your own Downton Abbey and a way of life that most of can only dream about. I highly recommend this funny, light hearted book.
July 4, 2014
What a delightful novel! I am a total sucker for anything British as well as books where characters assume another person's identity, so this was perfect for me. I was immediately drawn to Gemma; an ordinary girl with a warm heart, no-nonsense attitude and quirky expressions. She had many a priceless experience through "Lady C's" condensed finishing school and her adventures posing as her sophisticated flatmate Abbey in order to save the family legacy. Add to that an incredible castle, a reality show, a lovable cast of characters AND a gorgeous brooding man for Gemma to fall in love with and you have a tremendous story! I cannot say enough good things about this hilarious tale of "borrowed" identity. I am so excited for the sequel!
December 10, 2013
What a fun idea for a story. Based around a reality tv show called a Millionaire Mansion. Gemma and her aristocrat fiat mate Abbey had been friends for years. Abbey needed a huge favour from Gemma to help out her Uncle during the final of the reality tv show. A lot was at stake. Would Gemma go in disguise and pretend to be an aristocrat? Gemma's character was such fun and there were some funny lines. I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
November 22, 2013
What a fantastic idea for a story, a reality tv program about castles and toffs that are actually lovely characters. Samantha has really got the right attitude with this story and all its history and description. Have to say i loved every page of this book and all the goings on...had me giggling my head of at nearly every page! brilliant
August 29, 2015
A fun little read. I read this on the Kindle during my lunch break one week. The characters were realistic enough, without being cliches, and likable. A bit predictable, but there's nothing wrong with a little predictability and fun, is there?
December 9, 2013
What a fun read! The antic's of Gemma are very funny. This story will cheer you up.
December 31, 2013
I found this a little slow to start with and really wasn't sure if I would make it to the end, but something clicked and I was hooked!
A really lovely read with a hint of magic!
A really lovely read with a hint of magic!
January 18, 2014
likable characters and a sweet version of reality TV
January 17, 2014
Great, fun read. Hijinks a plenty.
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