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Kao nikad u životu
Imogen i njezinim prijateljicama pun je kufer jeftinih odmora, letova u ekonomskoj klasi i ranojutarnjih desanta na savršeno mjesto za ručnik pored bazena.
Kada jedna od njih iznenada osvoji VIP odmor u mondenom hotelu u Barceloni, odmah su pune planova o tome kako će pijuckati šampanjac s jet setom, tulumariti sa slavnima i otkačiti se u ozračju besramnog luksuza. No, u druženju s filmskim zvijezdama, mafijaškim bossovima i bogatašima, postane im jasno da čak i na najglamuroznijem mjestu, sve može poći naopako…
Novi roman voljene autorice Jane Costello Kao nikad u životu natjerat će vas na smijeh, ali neće nedostajati ni suza!
Kada jedna od njih iznenada osvoji VIP odmor u mondenom hotelu u Barceloni, odmah su pune planova o tome kako će pijuckati šampanjac s jet setom, tulumariti sa slavnima i otkačiti se u ozračju besramnog luksuza. No, u druženju s filmskim zvijezdama, mafijaškim bossovima i bogatašima, postane im jasno da čak i na najglamuroznijem mjestu, sve može poći naopako…
Novi roman voljene autorice Jane Costello Kao nikad u životu natjerat će vas na smijeh, ali neće nedostajati ni suza!
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
80 people are currently reading
1542 people want to read
About the author
Jane Costello
18 books1,101 followersI’m the internationally bestselling author of 15 novels, five of which have been published under the name ‘Catherine Isaac’.
The latest of my ‘heartwarming and hilarious’ romantic comedies is ‘IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE’, the first book I’ve written that has a 40-something main character. My novels have been translated into 26 languages, selected by the Richard & Judy Book Club and I’ve been honoured to win a Romantic Novelists’ Award - twice!
I was born in Liverpool, where I still live with my husband and three sons. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me on the tennis court, wishing I’d started to play about 25 years before I did.
The latest of my ‘heartwarming and hilarious’ romantic comedies is ‘IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE’, the first book I’ve written that has a 40-something main character. My novels have been translated into 26 languages, selected by the Richard & Judy Book Club and I’ve been honoured to win a Romantic Novelists’ Award - twice!
I was born in Liverpool, where I still live with my husband and three sons. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me on the tennis court, wishing I’d started to play about 25 years before I did.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
January 16, 2021
Imogen is getting ready to go to a vacation in Barcelona with her two best friends, Meredith and Nicola. Meredith won this vacation in a competition she entered and it's just in time as Meredith is pregnant and the baby is due in couple months. Imogen has a four year old girl, Florence who will be staying with Imogen's mother during the vacation. Imogen works for a company called Peebles which is about to merge with a German company and she is looking after the project. She hasn't had a holiday in nearly six years and she can't wait to get away but she is also anxious about Florence and the upcoming merger.
Imogen's phone starts to go off and they have only just managed to get to the airport. She also bumps into a guy and makes a fool of herself. Even though they are flying first class, she doesn't have the best time. When they get to Barcelona, her phone rings non-stop. Sometimes it's her mother who has called to talk about stupid things and other times it's from work as one of the chief executives have gotten themselves into a sex scandal and sometimes it's the PR company. She ends up dealing with the whole sex scandal when she finds out that it's David, her own boss and mentor who is behind the sex scandal. She also gets robbed on her very first day in Barcelona and chases the thief but the thief runs off. At the police station, she meets the guy from the airport who also lost his wallet. The guy is named Harry and they end up walking back to the hotel as they are staying at the same hotel.
Imogen doesn't have the best of time on her holiday as she gets a black eye all by herself, manages to make a fool of herself more than once and then ends up shouting at Harry and make the sex scandal even worse. She also ends up breaking her arm and Meredith actually goes into labor and has the baby in Barcelona. She also falls in love with Harry in a span of eight days.
I love Jane Costello and always start her books with great enthusiasm but this was bad. I hate saying it but it was absolutely dreadful. On page 39, Imogen starts piling her plate with breakfast that's served for free at the airport's first-class lounge and what she couldn't fit on the plate she puts in her pockets and when she literally bumps into Harry, she drops the plate and everything on it understandably and when she sits down to pick it all up, her pocket contents also spill. Umm, why would you do that when you know you are clumsy? That was the first annoying thing and it annoyed me to no end and that's where I knew that I was not going to like Imogen's character and I didn't like her character throughout the book. She does all these annoying things throughout the book. I think she was supposed to be somewhat like Bridget Jones but the difference between her and Bridget Jones is that Bridget's was mostly happenstances and Imogen's were knowingly and deliberate like when she accuses someone of stealing right after she gets to Barcelona when she had no proof. Same was when she did that interview on the phone and she said the words she did and expected a different outcome. Also, it didn't help that I had only watched Bridget Jones's diary, movie a day before starting this book and I knew the difference between funny and forced and that's how everything felt here to me - forced, annoying and stupid. And her mother was also just plain annoying.
It gets a little better around the 300 page mark when we get to know what happened in her past but I still couldn't like her. Nicola and Meredith were such good friends to her but she was on her phone the entire time instead of actually enjoying the holiday with her friends knowing fully well about Meredith's anxieties. Also, the book drags a lot towards the end. May be not everyone feels such strong negative things about this book but I do and I take no pleasure in this as I really do love Jane Costello and I have enjoyed most of her books but this was just not for me.
2 stars
Imogen's phone starts to go off and they have only just managed to get to the airport. She also bumps into a guy and makes a fool of herself. Even though they are flying first class, she doesn't have the best time. When they get to Barcelona, her phone rings non-stop. Sometimes it's her mother who has called to talk about stupid things and other times it's from work as one of the chief executives have gotten themselves into a sex scandal and sometimes it's the PR company. She ends up dealing with the whole sex scandal when she finds out that it's David, her own boss and mentor who is behind the sex scandal. She also gets robbed on her very first day in Barcelona and chases the thief but the thief runs off. At the police station, she meets the guy from the airport who also lost his wallet. The guy is named Harry and they end up walking back to the hotel as they are staying at the same hotel.
Imogen doesn't have the best of time on her holiday as she gets a black eye all by herself, manages to make a fool of herself more than once and then ends up shouting at Harry and make the sex scandal even worse. She also ends up breaking her arm and Meredith actually goes into labor and has the baby in Barcelona. She also falls in love with Harry in a span of eight days.
I love Jane Costello and always start her books with great enthusiasm but this was bad. I hate saying it but it was absolutely dreadful. On page 39, Imogen starts piling her plate with breakfast that's served for free at the airport's first-class lounge and what she couldn't fit on the plate she puts in her pockets and when she literally bumps into Harry, she drops the plate and everything on it understandably and when she sits down to pick it all up, her pocket contents also spill. Umm, why would you do that when you know you are clumsy? That was the first annoying thing and it annoyed me to no end and that's where I knew that I was not going to like Imogen's character and I didn't like her character throughout the book. She does all these annoying things throughout the book. I think she was supposed to be somewhat like Bridget Jones but the difference between her and Bridget Jones is that Bridget's was mostly happenstances and Imogen's were knowingly and deliberate like when she accuses someone of stealing right after she gets to Barcelona when she had no proof. Same was when she did that interview on the phone and she said the words she did and expected a different outcome. Also, it didn't help that I had only watched Bridget Jones's diary, movie a day before starting this book and I knew the difference between funny and forced and that's how everything felt here to me - forced, annoying and stupid. And her mother was also just plain annoying.
It gets a little better around the 300 page mark when we get to know what happened in her past but I still couldn't like her. Nicola and Meredith were such good friends to her but she was on her phone the entire time instead of actually enjoying the holiday with her friends knowing fully well about Meredith's anxieties. Also, the book drags a lot towards the end. May be not everyone feels such strong negative things about this book but I do and I take no pleasure in this as I really do love Jane Costello and I have enjoyed most of her books but this was just not for me.
2 stars
September 8, 2015
4,5 stars
I honestly don't remember when was the last time I read a book in a day.
I am a slow reader and I get distracted easily. In other words, a lot of factors have to work together for me to achieve finishing a book in a day.
I have to have a free time to read, the story has to be interesting enough, and it has to keep going. Also, it HAS to have characters I would decide to spend my time with.
This book has it all!
I devoured this book!
I was laughing.
I had a great time all the time I was reading it.
I loved the characters in this book.
But most of all, I liked the writing style.It keeps you involved into the story, it keeps you guessing wrong, it makes you laugh, and it makes you emotional.
I am SO glad I came across this author. I know she wrote nine novels and after finishing this one, I want to read all of them!
She is present for years now, and it makes me ask myself: Where have I been for not reading her work? Under a rock???
I have to change that ASAP!
And I just know I'll have the best time while doing it!
I honestly don't remember when was the last time I read a book in a day.
I am a slow reader and I get distracted easily. In other words, a lot of factors have to work together for me to achieve finishing a book in a day.
I have to have a free time to read, the story has to be interesting enough, and it has to keep going. Also, it HAS to have characters I would decide to spend my time with.
This book has it all!
I devoured this book!
I was laughing.
I had a great time all the time I was reading it.
I loved the characters in this book.
But most of all, I liked the writing style.It keeps you involved into the story, it keeps you guessing wrong, it makes you laugh, and it makes you emotional.
I am SO glad I came across this author. I know she wrote nine novels and after finishing this one, I want to read all of them!
She is present for years now, and it makes me ask myself: Where have I been for not reading her work? Under a rock???
I have to change that ASAP!
And I just know I'll have the best time while doing it!
July 30, 2015
Simpatične glavne junakinje i veoma smiješno - na nekim dijelovima toliko smiješno da mi je bilo pomalo neugodno sjedit i smijat se knjizi :) prava ljetna knjigica!
March 31, 2014
4.5 - "Son of a Belgian Bun" & "Thunderclap" Stars.
Take three very different women, send them on holiday to a luxury hotel in Barcelona, add in a pregnancy, a sexy Journalist, a P.R nightmare, and a plethora of mix-ups, unfortunate incidents and comedic anecdotes and you have basically got The Time of our Lives.
Jane Costello has written a book of the type I adore, where you can't help but laugh, whether you are on the bus, at the station or sitting in a coffee shop minding your own business. I felt strangely proud that my obvious amusement bought a smile to the faces of several of the patrons in the coffee shop I was sitting in as there is nothing better than making someone else smile in my opinion.
Imogen, Meredith and Nicola have been friends forever and have always managed to squeeze in the odd girls-only holiday over the years. Although they have usually been of the budget Marbella or camping type in the past. Meredith is 7 Months pregnant and has won a holiday to the exclusive B Hotel in Barcelona and as her swansong before motherhood she takes her two best-friends along with her to enjoy a relaxing, 5 Star Luxury break.
I really don't know where to start when it comes to all of the things I loved about this book. Told from Imogen's POV there is a deeper and more serious story being told as the book progresses, and although I did cry my eyes out when it is fully revealed, I still felt like I was reading a book that contained laughter and fun on every page. Add in Harry the dashing and elusive Journalist, a boss with a death wish, black eyes, broken arms, a naked one-legged geography teacher, pigeon poo mugging techniques and attempting to bribe a night-club bouncer with prescription for Thrush cream and you can see why I was inappropriately laughing from the minute I started reading (and believe me this is just a very small percentage of what Imogen and her pals get up to).
There are verbal gems contained in literally every paragraph, but for me Meredith stole the show on more than one occasion -
Meredith on Imogen getting it on with Harry -
"I bet he's a Billionaire playboy like Christian Grey. He'd be perfect for you!"
"Because he's like Christian Grey? I haven't had sex in five years, Meredith. I think a butt plug on my first go might be a little ambitious."
Meredith on being in labour -
Concierge - "Is there anything at all we can get you?"
"Ooh, Champagne would be nice."
They say laughter is the best medicine, and reading The Time of Our Lives is like getting a concentrated shot, straight to all the places that you need it.
ARC provided via Netgalley and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Take three very different women, send them on holiday to a luxury hotel in Barcelona, add in a pregnancy, a sexy Journalist, a P.R nightmare, and a plethora of mix-ups, unfortunate incidents and comedic anecdotes and you have basically got The Time of our Lives.
Jane Costello has written a book of the type I adore, where you can't help but laugh, whether you are on the bus, at the station or sitting in a coffee shop minding your own business. I felt strangely proud that my obvious amusement bought a smile to the faces of several of the patrons in the coffee shop I was sitting in as there is nothing better than making someone else smile in my opinion.
Imogen, Meredith and Nicola have been friends forever and have always managed to squeeze in the odd girls-only holiday over the years. Although they have usually been of the budget Marbella or camping type in the past. Meredith is 7 Months pregnant and has won a holiday to the exclusive B Hotel in Barcelona and as her swansong before motherhood she takes her two best-friends along with her to enjoy a relaxing, 5 Star Luxury break.
I really don't know where to start when it comes to all of the things I loved about this book. Told from Imogen's POV there is a deeper and more serious story being told as the book progresses, and although I did cry my eyes out when it is fully revealed, I still felt like I was reading a book that contained laughter and fun on every page. Add in Harry the dashing and elusive Journalist, a boss with a death wish, black eyes, broken arms, a naked one-legged geography teacher, pigeon poo mugging techniques and attempting to bribe a night-club bouncer with prescription for Thrush cream and you can see why I was inappropriately laughing from the minute I started reading (and believe me this is just a very small percentage of what Imogen and her pals get up to).
There are verbal gems contained in literally every paragraph, but for me Meredith stole the show on more than one occasion -
Meredith on Imogen getting it on with Harry -
"I bet he's a Billionaire playboy like Christian Grey. He'd be perfect for you!"
"Because he's like Christian Grey? I haven't had sex in five years, Meredith. I think a butt plug on my first go might be a little ambitious."
Meredith on being in labour -
Concierge - "Is there anything at all we can get you?"
"Ooh, Champagne would be nice."
They say laughter is the best medicine, and reading The Time of Our Lives is like getting a concentrated shot, straight to all the places that you need it.
ARC provided via Netgalley and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
April 21, 2019
Great read made me laugh a lot 😊
May 29, 2015
I hope I don't get shot down for my review. I'm usually a very generous reviewer and I purchased this book based on all the glowing reports.
The main character in this book is supposed to be adorably cute and accident prone a la Bridget Jones. It did not come off that way for me. In fact it was so frustrating to read from her point of view. I felt like I was reading the point of view of a fourteen year old. It started off quite readable but just sank as the book went on.
This chick lit book that has no depth to it. Who would think their holiday was terrible because the water was too cold? As I read through I just kept saying 'seriously?' to myself.
The story line was boring, the characters unbelievable (the mother character especially), and the writing was marginally funny at the start but lost me a short way in.
I always finish a book and this was no exception. It was just a pale attempt at Bridget Jones' Diary in my opinion.
For anyone who is wondering what sort of chick lit does appeal to me, here is a small list of authors I love - Jojo Meyers, Liarne Moriarty, Jane Fallon and Sophie Kissella. I hope you all have a great day and thanks for reading.
The main character in this book is supposed to be adorably cute and accident prone a la Bridget Jones. It did not come off that way for me. In fact it was so frustrating to read from her point of view. I felt like I was reading the point of view of a fourteen year old. It started off quite readable but just sank as the book went on.
This chick lit book that has no depth to it. Who would think their holiday was terrible because the water was too cold? As I read through I just kept saying 'seriously?' to myself.
The story line was boring, the characters unbelievable (the mother character especially), and the writing was marginally funny at the start but lost me a short way in.
I always finish a book and this was no exception. It was just a pale attempt at Bridget Jones' Diary in my opinion.
For anyone who is wondering what sort of chick lit does appeal to me, here is a small list of authors I love - Jojo Meyers, Liarne Moriarty, Jane Fallon and Sophie Kissella. I hope you all have a great day and thanks for reading.
November 20, 2015
Jane Costello jedna je od meni najdražih autorica chick-lit romana, koji su joj svi odreda zabavni, vrckasti i puni šeprtljavo-simpatičnih likova. Ni ovaj njen roman u tome nije iznimka.
Svaka od 3 prijateljice o čijem ludom odmoru u ovom romanu čitamo je na svoj način, onako zabavno, uvrnuta. Imogen je samohrana majka opsjednuta poslom i time da u svakom trenutku sve drži pod kontrolom, Meredith je neozbiljna trudnica koja više vremena troši na partijanje nego na pripremu na to da će (vrlo skoro!) postati majka, a Nicola je neovisna i odvažna, ali samo u stvarima koje ne uključuju upoznavanje svoje djevojke sa svojim roditeljima.
Unutar njihovih luckastih osobnosti, svaka od njih također krije i neke svoje strahove koji ih sprečavaju da budu potpuno sretne: Imogen još tuguje za svojom bivšom ljubavi i ocem svoje kćeri, iako su prošle godine otkada ga je izgubila; Meredith se boji da neće biti dobra majka jer se ne osjeća povezanom s djetetom koje nosi; a Nicolu muče njeni roditelji koji su njeno priznanje da je lezbijka i njenu vezu s drugom ženom odlučili posve ignorirati i praviti se kao da toga nema.
Imogen je ta kroz čije oči gledamo na čitavu priču i priča se velikim dijelom fokusira upravo na nju. Imogen je također i ta koja će na ovom odmoru upasti u najviše nevolja i koju će pogoditi baš svaka, koliko god nevjerojatna, mini-katastrofa koja se uopće može ovdje dogoditi.
Način na koji su opisani događaji u ovoj knjizi i sve te male katastrofe u koje likovi neprestano upadaju je vrlo zabavan i ugodan za čitanje. Rečenice odišu sarkastičnim tonom, vrve pametnim dosjetkama i duhovitim opaskama. Obilje humora u ovoj knjizi, smiješne i nepredvidive situacije koje autorica tako vješto opisuje, tjeraju vas da se neprestano hihoćete, a često i da prasnete u grohotan smijeh.
Cijela je ova knjiga u biti jedna luda zabava, opuštajući odmor i prava uživancija za čitanje. Ima tu i ozbiljnih dijelova, puno romantike, osjećajnih trenutaka, pa čak i napetih potjera u maniri akcijskih filmova, ali možda je najvažnija stvar koja ovu knjigu čini laganim, zabavnim i opuštajućim štivom ta da znamo (jer je to jedno od obilježja ovog žanra) da će se sve na kraju dobro završiti.
Uzmite ovu knjigu u pauzi između dva krimića, kao zdravu dozu smijeha ili kao razbibrigu nakon napornog dana: ona će vas natjerati da zaboravite na sve svoje probleme, barem nakratko, i garantirano će vam popraviti raspoloženje - baš kao da ste i sami, poput Imogen, Nicole i Meredith, otišli na zasluženi odmor.
Svaka od 3 prijateljice o čijem ludom odmoru u ovom romanu čitamo je na svoj način, onako zabavno, uvrnuta. Imogen je samohrana majka opsjednuta poslom i time da u svakom trenutku sve drži pod kontrolom, Meredith je neozbiljna trudnica koja više vremena troši na partijanje nego na pripremu na to da će (vrlo skoro!) postati majka, a Nicola je neovisna i odvažna, ali samo u stvarima koje ne uključuju upoznavanje svoje djevojke sa svojim roditeljima.
Unutar njihovih luckastih osobnosti, svaka od njih također krije i neke svoje strahove koji ih sprečavaju da budu potpuno sretne: Imogen još tuguje za svojom bivšom ljubavi i ocem svoje kćeri, iako su prošle godine otkada ga je izgubila; Meredith se boji da neće biti dobra majka jer se ne osjeća povezanom s djetetom koje nosi; a Nicolu muče njeni roditelji koji su njeno priznanje da je lezbijka i njenu vezu s drugom ženom odlučili posve ignorirati i praviti se kao da toga nema.
Imogen je ta kroz čije oči gledamo na čitavu priču i priča se velikim dijelom fokusira upravo na nju. Imogen je također i ta koja će na ovom odmoru upasti u najviše nevolja i koju će pogoditi baš svaka, koliko god nevjerojatna, mini-katastrofa koja se uopće može ovdje dogoditi.
Način na koji su opisani događaji u ovoj knjizi i sve te male katastrofe u koje likovi neprestano upadaju je vrlo zabavan i ugodan za čitanje. Rečenice odišu sarkastičnim tonom, vrve pametnim dosjetkama i duhovitim opaskama. Obilje humora u ovoj knjizi, smiješne i nepredvidive situacije koje autorica tako vješto opisuje, tjeraju vas da se neprestano hihoćete, a često i da prasnete u grohotan smijeh.
Cijela je ova knjiga u biti jedna luda zabava, opuštajući odmor i prava uživancija za čitanje. Ima tu i ozbiljnih dijelova, puno romantike, osjećajnih trenutaka, pa čak i napetih potjera u maniri akcijskih filmova, ali možda je najvažnija stvar koja ovu knjigu čini laganim, zabavnim i opuštajućim štivom ta da znamo (jer je to jedno od obilježja ovog žanra) da će se sve na kraju dobro završiti.
Uzmite ovu knjigu u pauzi između dva krimića, kao zdravu dozu smijeha ili kao razbibrigu nakon napornog dana: ona će vas natjerati da zaboravite na sve svoje probleme, barem nakratko, i garantirano će vam popraviti raspoloženje - baš kao da ste i sami, poput Imogen, Nicole i Meredith, otišli na zasluženi odmor.
March 29, 2016
Iskreno, ova Costellina knjiga me nije baš oduševila...
Mnogo sam očekivala nakon Djeveruša i knjige Moj prijatelj samac, koje su me nasmijavale do suza, pa čak i Zamalo vjenčani. Mislila sam da će ova biti najbolja dosad, ali... Jedva 4.
Ne kažem da nije bilo smiješnih momenata, ali jednostavno- nije to to. Kad sam čitala Djeveruše bilo me je stid naglas se smijati npr. u vozu, a sad sam se jedva par puta osmijehnula... Ali nije loša priča, zanimljiva jest, samo..Više sam od nje očekivala :)
Mnogo sam očekivala nakon Djeveruša i knjige Moj prijatelj samac, koje su me nasmijavale do suza, pa čak i Zamalo vjenčani. Mislila sam da će ova biti najbolja dosad, ali... Jedva 4.
Ne kažem da nije bilo smiješnih momenata, ali jednostavno- nije to to. Kad sam čitala Djeveruše bilo me je stid naglas se smijati npr. u vozu, a sad sam se jedva par puta osmijehnula... Ali nije loša priča, zanimljiva jest, samo..Više sam od nje očekivala :)
March 29, 2014
I’m a big fan of Jane Costello, she’s one of my favourite, go-to Chick Lit authors. Her books are fantastic – they’re reminiscent of Sophie Kinsella, and Paige Toon, and she has this warm, easy to read writing style that truly gets you into the head of her characters. She’s also one of the few authors capable of making of literally laugh out loud. Which is not something to be sniffed at! So when I saw her new novel on Netgalley, I was super chuffed, and requested it immediately – obviously! I was pleased to be accepted and I couldn’t wait to get started because it’s actually my first Jane Costello read in a couple of years, I’ve got All The Single Ladies and The Wish List on my to be read pile but just haven’t gotten around to them yet, sadly. I was quite torn over the The Time Of Our Lives, and that pains me to say that.
The Time Of Our Lives has a very interesting premise, but I actually found it a bit annoying at times. I liked the idea of Imogen, Nicola and Meredith going on a proper, expensive holiday, unlike the ones they’re usually used to which are budget, budget, budget, but I thought it was very disingenuos of Imogen to not actually bother to spend any time at all with her friends. I totally understood she was important at work, but jeez! PUT THE PHONE DOWN, WOMAN! Every single time Imogen’s phone rang, I could feel my teeth setting themselves on edge. It seriously drove me NUTS. I did enjoy her phone conversations with her boss David, don’t get me wrong, because they were quite amusing, but I just wanted everybody to leave her bloody well alone to enjoy her holiday in Barcelona. It felt like the novel was constantly interrupted, and reading a novel should not be this fractuous!
Jane Costello always manages to write such fantastic, warm books, and that was the case here yet again, I just wish it had actually been a book about a holiday in Barcelona! I hate how phones interrupt real life these days so it’s pretty bloody annoying when they also interrupt holiday time. I also found myself cringing at the predicaments Imogen got herself into. Jane Costello always provides comic scenes, with her heroine doing something hapless now and again, but Imogen did it CONSTANTLY. She dropped her phone in water and then a chapter later, she did it again! She broke her arm! She got a black eye! She should have been dead, let’s be clear. Nobody that hapless lives to 29, let me tell you and it was fun at first, but it was a bit too much for me. But there were so many good bits! I loved Harry, and I wished he’d been featured more prominently! He was amazing! Ditto Meredith and Nicola! I wanted to know more about them, too! I did enjoy Imogen’s chats with her boss, David, as I’ve said. I would have liked more of the Barcelona setting, I’ve never visited there, and I’m sure it’s a fascinating city, but every time Imogen decided to go somewhere, ring ring ring went the phone.
I really wanted to love The Time of Our Lives. I wanted it to be the holiday of a lifetime with three best friends! Instead, there was waaaaay too much work for Imogen. It was just waaaaay over the top, and it just made me feel furious on Imogen’s behalf every time her phone rang. (Surely the TWO drops into water should have killed it? The perfect excuse for not answering your phone, surely!) I enjoyed hearing about Imogen’s relationship with Roberto, who has mysteriously vanished from Imogen’s life! I enjoyed meeting Imogen’s daughter Florence, she seemed like such a sweet little kid! There were lots of bits that were good, and it did make me chuckle more than a few times, I just wish other bits had been a bit different, or not there at all. I certainly didn’t hate the novel, I enjoyed it, I just would have preffered it to have been slightly different. Some might like reading about a workaholic like Imogen, but if I’m going on holiday, my phone is STAYING PUT. (And hopefully Imogen’s will be, too, if she ever dares venture on holiday again…)
The Time Of Our Lives has a very interesting premise, but I actually found it a bit annoying at times. I liked the idea of Imogen, Nicola and Meredith going on a proper, expensive holiday, unlike the ones they’re usually used to which are budget, budget, budget, but I thought it was very disingenuos of Imogen to not actually bother to spend any time at all with her friends. I totally understood she was important at work, but jeez! PUT THE PHONE DOWN, WOMAN! Every single time Imogen’s phone rang, I could feel my teeth setting themselves on edge. It seriously drove me NUTS. I did enjoy her phone conversations with her boss David, don’t get me wrong, because they were quite amusing, but I just wanted everybody to leave her bloody well alone to enjoy her holiday in Barcelona. It felt like the novel was constantly interrupted, and reading a novel should not be this fractuous!
Jane Costello always manages to write such fantastic, warm books, and that was the case here yet again, I just wish it had actually been a book about a holiday in Barcelona! I hate how phones interrupt real life these days so it’s pretty bloody annoying when they also interrupt holiday time. I also found myself cringing at the predicaments Imogen got herself into. Jane Costello always provides comic scenes, with her heroine doing something hapless now and again, but Imogen did it CONSTANTLY. She dropped her phone in water and then a chapter later, she did it again! She broke her arm! She got a black eye! She should have been dead, let’s be clear. Nobody that hapless lives to 29, let me tell you and it was fun at first, but it was a bit too much for me. But there were so many good bits! I loved Harry, and I wished he’d been featured more prominently! He was amazing! Ditto Meredith and Nicola! I wanted to know more about them, too! I did enjoy Imogen’s chats with her boss, David, as I’ve said. I would have liked more of the Barcelona setting, I’ve never visited there, and I’m sure it’s a fascinating city, but every time Imogen decided to go somewhere, ring ring ring went the phone.
I really wanted to love The Time of Our Lives. I wanted it to be the holiday of a lifetime with three best friends! Instead, there was waaaaay too much work for Imogen. It was just waaaaay over the top, and it just made me feel furious on Imogen’s behalf every time her phone rang. (Surely the TWO drops into water should have killed it? The perfect excuse for not answering your phone, surely!) I enjoyed hearing about Imogen’s relationship with Roberto, who has mysteriously vanished from Imogen’s life! I enjoyed meeting Imogen’s daughter Florence, she seemed like such a sweet little kid! There were lots of bits that were good, and it did make me chuckle more than a few times, I just wish other bits had been a bit different, or not there at all. I certainly didn’t hate the novel, I enjoyed it, I just would have preffered it to have been slightly different. Some might like reading about a workaholic like Imogen, but if I’m going on holiday, my phone is STAYING PUT. (And hopefully Imogen’s will be, too, if she ever dares venture on holiday again…)
July 9, 2018
Imogen, Meredith and Nicola were really excited going on a VIP holiday to Barcelona relaxing by the pool, leaving work behind.
Imogen a UK marketing director is promised by her boss that if her phones rings while she is in Barcelona it will not be anyone from the company.
Imogen is happy that she has left her children with her mother.
For Imogen going on holiday to relax away from work. Think again!.
As Imogen's mother is looking after the children there is no need for Imogen to worry. Hmm think again!.
Behaving ones self while in Barcelona well what happens in Barcelona stays in Barcelona!!
I loved every second of The Time of Our Lives. The characters for me were seasoned with wit and very interesting to read about.
I really do recommend this elegantly and humorously fantastic novel.
Imogen a UK marketing director is promised by her boss that if her phones rings while she is in Barcelona it will not be anyone from the company.
Imogen is happy that she has left her children with her mother.
For Imogen going on holiday to relax away from work. Think again!.
As Imogen's mother is looking after the children there is no need for Imogen to worry. Hmm think again!.
Behaving ones self while in Barcelona well what happens in Barcelona stays in Barcelona!!
I loved every second of The Time of Our Lives. The characters for me were seasoned with wit and very interesting to read about.
I really do recommend this elegantly and humorously fantastic novel.
October 21, 2015
Ovako piše samo jedna jedina - Jane Costello! Predivan roman, pun humora, romantike i avanture. Ja sam uživala!
August 16, 2019
I would have LOVED this a few years ago when I was still really into chick-lits. I still see the appeal, it's just not my jam anymore.
Would still highly recommend it to all the chick-lit lovers out there.
Would still highly recommend it to all the chick-lit lovers out there.
November 30, 2022
I absolutely loved this! I was laughing out loud all the way through. I couldn't put it down.
This is why Jane Costello is one of my favourite authors.
This is why Jane Costello is one of my favourite authors.
February 10, 2017
Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...
The Time of Our Lives is the first Jane Costello book I’ve read and I have to say, not picking up one of her books before is single-handedly the worst book related decision I have ever made. The Time of Our Lives is chick lit at its complete and utter best. It has all the components of a typical chick lit novel – friendship, humour, romance, drama – written with such vivacity and style that bounces off the pages and had a warm and inviting feel to it, making me feel like I was more of fourth friend the whole way through rather than being told the story of three strangers’ holiday. Jane puts this book together perfectly.
Okay so I did read the synopsis before buying the book, and it made me smile, really, but I did not expect just how hilarious this book was actually going to be. Seriously I don’t think I have laughed out loud this much reading any book before. Jane Costello’s wit and humour is simply wonderful to read – it definitely worked on me because I was just smiling and laughing on virtually every page. Though that’s not to say this book doesn’t have a more touching, poignant feel at times because it does. But I don’t think I can express that too much other than by saying that Jane has thought of everything.
Meredith has won a VIP holiday to Barcelona – taking with her her best friends Nicola and our main character, Imogen. As we learn from the beginning of the book, an expensive holiday is an exciting thing. Finally, they can avoid the disasters of the budget holidays they’re used to! Or maybe not… If you ask Imogen to promote a competition to win a luxury holiday, I don’t think she’d have too many kind words to say. She definitely wouldn’t be able to tempt me into entering, anyway. I absolutely loved her character. She was very down to earth and great to read. Her holiday is massively interrupted by work and it was just so funny. Her interaction with boss David was one of my favourite parts here – oh if he was my boss… I would lose the plot! But I just loved how dramatic he made everything. Just from her flight alone, you could tell this was not going to be the easiest, most relaxing of holidays for Imogen. The situations she would get herself in were brilliant to read. For example, her attempt to get cream for her foot was one of those subtle, witty moments that has now left me reading all the labels on my beauty/skincare products, just to be on the safe side… Honestly, it felt like nothing would go right for Imogen and that just made her all the more endearing.
Meredith and Nicola both have their own stories here – we learn plenty about them and soon realise Imogen isn’t the only one with a life to sort out. But it was Imogen’s story that really appealed to me. Her phone calls to her daughter were sad because I thought she was a great mother but there was that one thing upsetting Florence which stopped her from showing much love and appreciation towards her mum. I also can’t forget to mention journalist Harry – more for the fact that I am completely in love with this fictional character…. The Time of Our Lives provided me with some of my favourite book characters ever.
It’s safe to say this was a learning curve of a holiday for the girls. It was a learning curve for me too – learning about this fantastic author that I have been missing out on. Jane Costello’s writing style flows flawlessly. It really is wonderfully written. We’re brought on this journey with the characters and can feel every emotion with them. There was one twist in particular that Jane wrote in which I didn’t see coming, either because I was completely immersed in the story it had never crossed my mind or because the book was just that well written. Regardless, it was credit to Jane for some top-class writing. I was expecting to enjoy The Time of Our Lives but it was much, much better than I had been anticipating. This book had it all and though I’ve read plenty of brilliant chick-lit novels lately, this one is staying with me and is easily one of my favourites, ever.
November 24, 2016
Numerous times during this book I let out a huge sigh, rolled my eyes and thought "why am I reading this nonsense?".
I quickly found myself disliking the "Imogen" character, it was so far over the top it spoiled the book for me.
*************SPOILERS************
Some of the things she did was just pathetic and stupid. I got the fact she was having a bad time, a bit unlucky, etc... that's fine but when you:
1) bump into someone and spill your coffee
2) drop your phone in some liquid in an embarassing situation
3) do this again the next day
4) accuse some nice man of robbing you and nearly get arrested
5) then 2 minutes later you do actually get robbed
6) end up breaking your arm
7) fall over and get a big black eye
8) end up in numerous repeatedly embarassing situations with a man you fancy
The list goes on and on and can't actually remember much else.
It's just too much. Plus Imogen got CONTINUAL phone calls from work, to the point that I was fed up of her moaning and moaning about it. It was annoying. The calls from her Mother also... it wasn't sweet, it was just too much.
The fact she kept saying to her daughter on the phone "Florence, I love you" and the daughter wouldn't say it back but just said a random thing... then at the end she did say it - it's just cringe worthy and sickening.
The book felt like it was on overdrive, like a 14 year old girl who was a bit inexperienced with life had written this for an English assignment. The book could have been better had it been toned down.
You could still have had Imogen in bad/embarassing situations, but just not REPEATEDLY!!!
I think 3 stars is being generous here. I'm only giving it that high as I did want to finish the book, and it did piece together alright.
I quickly found myself disliking the "Imogen" character, it was so far over the top it spoiled the book for me.
*************SPOILERS************
Some of the things she did was just pathetic and stupid. I got the fact she was having a bad time, a bit unlucky, etc... that's fine but when you:
1) bump into someone and spill your coffee
2) drop your phone in some liquid in an embarassing situation
3) do this again the next day
4) accuse some nice man of robbing you and nearly get arrested
5) then 2 minutes later you do actually get robbed
6) end up breaking your arm
7) fall over and get a big black eye
8) end up in numerous repeatedly embarassing situations with a man you fancy
The list goes on and on and can't actually remember much else.
It's just too much. Plus Imogen got CONTINUAL phone calls from work, to the point that I was fed up of her moaning and moaning about it. It was annoying. The calls from her Mother also... it wasn't sweet, it was just too much.
The fact she kept saying to her daughter on the phone "Florence, I love you" and the daughter wouldn't say it back but just said a random thing... then at the end she did say it - it's just cringe worthy and sickening.
The book felt like it was on overdrive, like a 14 year old girl who was a bit inexperienced with life had written this for an English assignment. The book could have been better had it been toned down.
You could still have had Imogen in bad/embarassing situations, but just not REPEATEDLY!!!
I think 3 stars is being generous here. I'm only giving it that high as I did want to finish the book, and it did piece together alright.
June 18, 2017
Ok je. Iako mi se prva polovica više svidjela od druge. I generalno očekivala sam da će knjiga ići u drugom smjeru. Sinopsis me je naveo na krivo razmišljanje. Joj što to ne volim, ali bar je imala smiješnih trenutaka.
August 26, 2022
The Time of Our Lives is joy and pain to read. Why? The shear amount of things happening to poor Imogen on her holiday is just exhausting to read and imagine. I don't know how many times I grabbed my head in frustration but the comedy in it lifted my spirits in a second. By the point you reach the end of the book you truthfully enjoy the happy ending. :)
August 21, 2024
It's a laugh out loud read with hidden depths. Including why Roberto is no longer around. It was satisfying but sad why he was not. Imogen, Meredith and Nicola are quite the trio all very funny together and apart. Florence is a treat to read about. Then there is Harry who brings a different kind of spark back into Imogen's life. There is no one more deserving. Throw in Barcelona and you have the perfect romance read.
November 30, 2015
Book Cover
The cover is really cute and girly, to say in short - it's pretty! This cover caught my eyes when I was exploring the library shelves and I immediately picked it up. One look at the blurb and I decided to try this book.
Also, there is statement/comment/short review-like-thing from Sophie Kinsella on the book cover, which was another reason I decided to read it. I am a big Sophie Kinsella fan and I have read everything from her. So, if she is saying that this book is good then it's probably worth a try.
Plot
The story is about three long time friends - Imogen, Meredith and Nicola. Imogen is our protagonist and we read the story from her pov. The three have been able to squeeze time out for each other for years and have managed few holidays here and there. But, these holidays have never been extravagant but rather budgetary So, when Meredith wins a luxurious holiday abroad she decides to pack her bags and her two friends - Imogen and Nicola for a state of art trip in Barcelona so they can have a time of their lives.
The three desperately need a break as each of of them has something going on in their lives. Meredith is pregnant but is not sure whether she is ready to be a mom and is scared. Imogen is a single mother who has not been on a holiday in years. Nicola came out to her parents but they have not been able to accept it and think that may be Nicola would change and miraculously become straight. The cold behavior of her parents for her girlfriend often leaves Nicola exasperated.
So, the trio sets on to have great time away from all the worries but fate has a different plan specially for Imogen. The moment she steps out to enjoy her life, an emergency breaks at her office and she finds herself on phone for most of the time. If it's not the office, it's her mother who keeps Imogen on phone for so called momentous issues. Apart from these there are few small problems like thievery, broken arms, black eyes, naked school teachers, crashing a party and language barriers. And yes there is a hot and handsome journalist who always appears where Imogen is - purposely or accidentally? Well, Imogen is not sure and so are the readers.
Characters
The three girls - Imogen, Meredith and Nicola are equally fun characters. The book has more about Imogen and Meredith and one does not get to read as much about Nicola as about the other two.
The ways Imogen reacts to the situations she is put in, will make you laugh. But, these situation will also make you sad at times as there is a serious aspect to the story as well. As the book will progress, the readers will come to know what really happened in Imogen's life and it's really terrible. And what she is going through in her life, when she is putting a strong face for others to see, is heart breaking. I really liked Imogen's character and I often found myself relating to her on certain aspects.
What I like
The book is a fun read which makes you laugh for most of the times. As, I said there is a serious background to the story but despite that the book does not fail to be hilarious. There are times when one might be all teary-eyed but for most part the tears will be because of laughing. So, I found the book very well balanced - it has right amount of everything and it was exactly what I was looking forward to reading.
What I did not like
Nothing, I would say the book worked great for me.
My final thoughts on the book
If you are looking for a book which you can just fly through and don't want to think much but just laugh and enjoy, then this is the book for you. The writing is simple yet effective, the humor is the right amount and characters are relatable. So, all in all a good entertaining book!
Read this and my other reviews at www.book-choose.com
The cover is really cute and girly, to say in short - it's pretty! This cover caught my eyes when I was exploring the library shelves and I immediately picked it up. One look at the blurb and I decided to try this book.
Also, there is statement/comment/short review-like-thing from Sophie Kinsella on the book cover, which was another reason I decided to read it. I am a big Sophie Kinsella fan and I have read everything from her. So, if she is saying that this book is good then it's probably worth a try.
Plot
The story is about three long time friends - Imogen, Meredith and Nicola. Imogen is our protagonist and we read the story from her pov. The three have been able to squeeze time out for each other for years and have managed few holidays here and there. But, these holidays have never been extravagant but rather budgetary So, when Meredith wins a luxurious holiday abroad she decides to pack her bags and her two friends - Imogen and Nicola for a state of art trip in Barcelona so they can have a time of their lives.
The three desperately need a break as each of of them has something going on in their lives. Meredith is pregnant but is not sure whether she is ready to be a mom and is scared. Imogen is a single mother who has not been on a holiday in years. Nicola came out to her parents but they have not been able to accept it and think that may be Nicola would change and miraculously become straight. The cold behavior of her parents for her girlfriend often leaves Nicola exasperated.
So, the trio sets on to have great time away from all the worries but fate has a different plan specially for Imogen. The moment she steps out to enjoy her life, an emergency breaks at her office and she finds herself on phone for most of the time. If it's not the office, it's her mother who keeps Imogen on phone for so called momentous issues. Apart from these there are few small problems like thievery, broken arms, black eyes, naked school teachers, crashing a party and language barriers. And yes there is a hot and handsome journalist who always appears where Imogen is - purposely or accidentally? Well, Imogen is not sure and so are the readers.
Characters
The three girls - Imogen, Meredith and Nicola are equally fun characters. The book has more about Imogen and Meredith and one does not get to read as much about Nicola as about the other two.
The ways Imogen reacts to the situations she is put in, will make you laugh. But, these situation will also make you sad at times as there is a serious aspect to the story as well. As the book will progress, the readers will come to know what really happened in Imogen's life and it's really terrible. And what she is going through in her life, when she is putting a strong face for others to see, is heart breaking. I really liked Imogen's character and I often found myself relating to her on certain aspects.
What I like
The book is a fun read which makes you laugh for most of the times. As, I said there is a serious background to the story but despite that the book does not fail to be hilarious. There are times when one might be all teary-eyed but for most part the tears will be because of laughing. So, I found the book very well balanced - it has right amount of everything and it was exactly what I was looking forward to reading.
What I did not like
Nothing, I would say the book worked great for me.
My final thoughts on the book
If you are looking for a book which you can just fly through and don't want to think much but just laugh and enjoy, then this is the book for you. The writing is simple yet effective, the humor is the right amount and characters are relatable. So, all in all a good entertaining book!
Read this and my other reviews at www.book-choose.com
March 28, 2014
I first read a Jane Costello book last year and that book was The Wish List. I absolutely loved it. Jane had been on my to read list for a while as her books are set in Liverpool, the best city in the world and the place I was born and live. Liverpool girls are also the funniest, smartest, sexiest, best dressed women* in the world and so I knew a chick lit book set in Liverpool was a must read and would feature some great characters. I stormed through The Wish List and immediately went to Amazon to get Jane's other books.
*Okay okay that's a little bit biased I know...
I think there's one I haven't read yet but I can safely say that I think this, The Time of Our Lives is her best book yet. In my opinion it's probably one of the best chick lit books of the last few years! That could be because I write reviews immediately after finishing a book and so am on a high/still in the characters' world but this book was pretty amazing...
I was actually a bit wary of reading it as it wasn't set in Liverpool however that didn't matter one iota as after a few chapters I was hooked and Liverpool wasn't even on my mind. I'm actually the same as Imogen, our lead character. I love Liverpool but London also holds a place in my heart and I'd move there tomorrow if I could.
Just from the opening of this book I knew it was going to be hilarious. I imagine Jane must've had so much fun writing this book. I forget how many times I laughed out loud or read and reread paragraphs over and over again. Especially watching EastEnders last night (that should make sense when you read this book). She certainly has a way with words, I could fill a whole review with one liners from this book but they really are best read by the reader in the book rather than being spoiled here.
Imogen sets out to have the holiday of all holidays with her two (amazing) friends Meredith and Nicola. I immediately liked all three characters, despite being a man (24) most of my friends in school were girls and so these three powerhouses are definitely girls I could be friends with. From the airport to the hotel room it was clear that the holiday of all holidays was going to be anything but.
I don't like to speak about the story itself too much but safe to say it is wonderful. Especially just after halfway through when the reader learns something that I just did not see coming. You may shed a few tears whilst reading this book but it's all good, ultimately it's about three women discovering themselves and changing things in their life that maybe they didn't think they wanted to change or were scared to. The last few chapters especially were fantastic and I couldn't read quick enough!
As always with finishing a great book such as this I am euphoric and want to shout from the rooftops how fantastic it is but I am also disappointed that my time with these three ladies is over. If you have never read a Jane Costello book before and are a chick lit fan then hold out your wrist and take this virtual slap *slap*. If you have read a Jane Costello book before then get on Amazon right now, download it and read it as I am sure you will love it as much as I did. I will certainly be getting a physical copy soon I hope. Jane really is one of the best chick lit writers out there and is definitely in my top five all time favourites!
You can purchase this amazing book in paperback or on Kindle on Amazon.
Now to wait for the next one...
Oh and thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy!
*Okay okay that's a little bit biased I know...
I think there's one I haven't read yet but I can safely say that I think this, The Time of Our Lives is her best book yet. In my opinion it's probably one of the best chick lit books of the last few years! That could be because I write reviews immediately after finishing a book and so am on a high/still in the characters' world but this book was pretty amazing...
I was actually a bit wary of reading it as it wasn't set in Liverpool however that didn't matter one iota as after a few chapters I was hooked and Liverpool wasn't even on my mind. I'm actually the same as Imogen, our lead character. I love Liverpool but London also holds a place in my heart and I'd move there tomorrow if I could.
Just from the opening of this book I knew it was going to be hilarious. I imagine Jane must've had so much fun writing this book. I forget how many times I laughed out loud or read and reread paragraphs over and over again. Especially watching EastEnders last night (that should make sense when you read this book). She certainly has a way with words, I could fill a whole review with one liners from this book but they really are best read by the reader in the book rather than being spoiled here.
Imogen sets out to have the holiday of all holidays with her two (amazing) friends Meredith and Nicola. I immediately liked all three characters, despite being a man (24) most of my friends in school were girls and so these three powerhouses are definitely girls I could be friends with. From the airport to the hotel room it was clear that the holiday of all holidays was going to be anything but.
I don't like to speak about the story itself too much but safe to say it is wonderful. Especially just after halfway through when the reader learns something that I just did not see coming. You may shed a few tears whilst reading this book but it's all good, ultimately it's about three women discovering themselves and changing things in their life that maybe they didn't think they wanted to change or were scared to. The last few chapters especially were fantastic and I couldn't read quick enough!
As always with finishing a great book such as this I am euphoric and want to shout from the rooftops how fantastic it is but I am also disappointed that my time with these three ladies is over. If you have never read a Jane Costello book before and are a chick lit fan then hold out your wrist and take this virtual slap *slap*. If you have read a Jane Costello book before then get on Amazon right now, download it and read it as I am sure you will love it as much as I did. I will certainly be getting a physical copy soon I hope. Jane really is one of the best chick lit writers out there and is definitely in my top five all time favourites!
You can purchase this amazing book in paperback or on Kindle on Amazon.
Now to wait for the next one...
Oh and thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy!
May 14, 2015
I enjoyed this as I was in the mood for a beachy read. I'll chalk it up to some unseasonably warm May weather. It was light and fun for the most part but I did think the work intruding on Imogen's vacation became tedious over time. It was just excessive as was the amount of bodily calamity that befell her. I think 30-40 pages of this alone could be culled just to do away with some of that so it's not so overbearing. I liked Nicola most but she had hardly any story and I was sorry she felt more like an afterthought. I liked Meredith at the beginning, didn't much as time wore on but liked her lots by the end. There were some very charming and witty things in the story & I think Costello has a way with both. I'd read another book by her & would definitely recommend this to anyone seeking a book to take on summer vacation. On the beach or to pass time in the airport, this isn't a bad way to pass the time. I picked up a copy at Alibris.
February 28, 2017
I wasn't able to finish this book. I think I made it to chapter 4 or 5. Though I understand it's important to create conflict to propel a story forward, I felt that this was just too much; and ridiculous to boot. Each "incident" felt kind of thrown at me and was over in the blink of an eye already moving into the next "incident". I suppose some people enjoy that kind of "action", but I just wasn't able to connect with the main character. I wish I could have because the back cover summary seemed spot on for my usual tastes when looking for light chick lit. Sorry I can't be more specific, I don't want to spoil it for someone who might enjoy the book.
July 28, 2018
Not the best novel by Jane Costello. I am usually a fan, but this one was very thin on plot with a remarkably unlikeable female character. She was very self-centred and so calamitous, it got annoying. I mean how many more "accidents" can this one woman have? Not to mention that she couldn't hold down a conversation without leaping onto her phone to answer it EVERY SINGLE TIME she got into a conversation...which were usually about her drama's, even when they started off talking about someone else's. I ended up skipping pages towards the end, as the book is far too long for the actual content of the story, just so that I could say I finished it. Hence 2 stars and not 1.
March 24, 2016
thank you for getting me out of slump.
very cute, very very
very cute, very very
September 19, 2017
Clumsy main character, funny, easy to read. :)
September 12, 2022
Wow Jane Costello has done it again this book is funny,sexy and heartbreaking in places this book had me laughing in stitches.i needed a light hearted read after a difficult week.Jane Costello is fast becoming one of my favourite authors who I will definitely turn to when I'm having a difficult time I highly recommend Jane Costello's books 😊
August 5, 2025
Na početku sam mislila da ću odustati od nje ali mi nije žao što nisam. Jako dobra za ovu vrstu knjiga, simpaticna i zanimljiva, duhovita i emotivna u isto vrijeme. 💝
December 21, 2017
Good. Enjoyed the story and the characters were good. Ideal for a good summer read.
April 26, 2015
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Tre amiche e tanti guai può essere considerato un romanzo leggero, una spassosa commedia rosa che parla delle peripezie vacanziere di Imogen, mamma single che, nel disperato tentativo di staccare la spina e rilassarsi, accetta di andare a Barcellona in vacanza con le sue due amiche Nicola e Meredith. Non solo Imogen non sa rilassarsi e ha il costante pensiero della figlia lontana e del lavoro, ma il mondo che le ruota intorno non la aiuta di certo con le continue telefonate del suo capo e della sua imbarazzante mamma e con un'incidente dopo l'altro. Le disavventure di Imogen sono molto divertenti e mi sono ritrovata spesso a farmi una bella risata. A volte mi è sembrato un po' eccessivo quello che le capitava, ma alla fine tra la sua goffaggine e la sfortuna che sembra perseguitarla il romanzo riesce ha farti pensare qualche ora veramente spensierata.
Inoltre c'è ad un certo punto una rivelazione che un po' sconcerta. Arrivi fino a quel momento pensando una cosa e invece... l'autrice cambia le carte in tavola. E questa rivelazione ti fa un po' rivedere tutta la storia che hai letto, il comportamento di Imogen, soprattutto nei confronti di Harry, ma anche ad esempio quello della madre di lei, e la vedi in modo diverso, capisci il perché di certe frasi o di certi pensieri e ti fa anche un po' di tenerezza.
I personaggi sono carini, Imogen è una protagonista semplice ma divertente, viene ben caratterizzata, e soprattutto mi è piaciuto vederla in diverse situazioni: da quelle più buffe, a quelle serie, da quelle romantiche a quelle più tristi. Ho apprezzato meno le due amiche. Meredith ha un suo ruolo nella storia, sembra quasi avere la parte della Fata Madrina, è colei che mette Imogen nella condizione di cambiare la sua vita. Nicola invece mi è sembrata alquanto inutile, non ha un suo ruolo se non quello di preoccuparsi ogni tanto e di inserire un personaggio un po' controverso visto che è gay ma senza sfruttarlo a pieno (ci si limita allo stereotipo dei suoi genitori che non vogliono conoscere la sua compagna e accettare la figlia per quello che è). Mi è sembrata un po' messa lì, giusto per fare numero.
Harry è carino, dolce, un po' troppo perfetto come al solito, ma oramai c'ho fatto l'abitudine.
Avevo già letto in passato (e me ne sono accorta solo ora...) un altro libro della Costello (La damigella d'onore) e, sebbene siano passati diversi anni, ricordo che non mi era piaciuto affatto, lento noioso... non ricordo neanche se l'ho finito. Ma qui siamo su un alto piano. Sebbene sia tutto molto rapido ho trovato questa "ansia" adatta alla protagonista e alla sua storia, con dei momenti poi veramente divertenti. E un libro perfetto come scaccia pensieri e perfetto per la stagione che sta arrivando!
Tre amiche e tanti guai può essere considerato un romanzo leggero, una spassosa commedia rosa che parla delle peripezie vacanziere di Imogen, mamma single che, nel disperato tentativo di staccare la spina e rilassarsi, accetta di andare a Barcellona in vacanza con le sue due amiche Nicola e Meredith. Non solo Imogen non sa rilassarsi e ha il costante pensiero della figlia lontana e del lavoro, ma il mondo che le ruota intorno non la aiuta di certo con le continue telefonate del suo capo e della sua imbarazzante mamma e con un'incidente dopo l'altro. Le disavventure di Imogen sono molto divertenti e mi sono ritrovata spesso a farmi una bella risata. A volte mi è sembrato un po' eccessivo quello che le capitava, ma alla fine tra la sua goffaggine e la sfortuna che sembra perseguitarla il romanzo riesce ha farti pensare qualche ora veramente spensierata.
Inoltre c'è ad un certo punto una rivelazione che un po' sconcerta. Arrivi fino a quel momento pensando una cosa e invece... l'autrice cambia le carte in tavola. E questa rivelazione ti fa un po' rivedere tutta la storia che hai letto, il comportamento di Imogen, soprattutto nei confronti di Harry, ma anche ad esempio quello della madre di lei, e la vedi in modo diverso, capisci il perché di certe frasi o di certi pensieri e ti fa anche un po' di tenerezza.
I personaggi sono carini, Imogen è una protagonista semplice ma divertente, viene ben caratterizzata, e soprattutto mi è piaciuto vederla in diverse situazioni: da quelle più buffe, a quelle serie, da quelle romantiche a quelle più tristi. Ho apprezzato meno le due amiche. Meredith ha un suo ruolo nella storia, sembra quasi avere la parte della Fata Madrina, è colei che mette Imogen nella condizione di cambiare la sua vita. Nicola invece mi è sembrata alquanto inutile, non ha un suo ruolo se non quello di preoccuparsi ogni tanto e di inserire un personaggio un po' controverso visto che è gay ma senza sfruttarlo a pieno (ci si limita allo stereotipo dei suoi genitori che non vogliono conoscere la sua compagna e accettare la figlia per quello che è). Mi è sembrata un po' messa lì, giusto per fare numero.
Harry è carino, dolce, un po' troppo perfetto come al solito, ma oramai c'ho fatto l'abitudine.
Avevo già letto in passato (e me ne sono accorta solo ora...) un altro libro della Costello (La damigella d'onore) e, sebbene siano passati diversi anni, ricordo che non mi era piaciuto affatto, lento noioso... non ricordo neanche se l'ho finito. Ma qui siamo su un alto piano. Sebbene sia tutto molto rapido ho trovato questa "ansia" adatta alla protagonista e alla sua storia, con dei momenti poi veramente divertenti. E un libro perfetto come scaccia pensieri e perfetto per la stagione che sta arrivando!
April 21, 2014
I'll tell you what I really liked about this story, despite my many concerns and misgivings as I read it. I loved the way that Jane Costello took me completely off-guard. Absolutely and completely, that I actually felt my eyes go wide and my breath catch.
Unfortunately, I can't tell you why, because that would be a big spoiler.
Here's the thing though, although this story happens over a span of 8 days, and yes - as is the deal with every chick-lit - the protagonist ends up falling in love at the end, and 8 days is a very short time for that to happen, but it happens regardless, I still enjoyed it. I read this relatively quickly, just like I have with every other Costello novel, and I found myself part laughing part wanting to throw the book and stomp on it with frustration FOR Imogen. The amount of disastrous moments that she goes through in an 8 day period is unrealistic - bordering on fantastical. But Costello makes it happen, and more than that, she makes it work.
Yes, they get annoying and almost unreal, but they still make you gasp and chortle.
What did annoy me is her obsession with her ex, Roberto. I could not understand how five years later she can't seem to get over her ex who seemingly left her once she got pregnant, because he made it clear that he never wanted to have kids. Or so we are made to believe for a good portion of the book.
Also, her phone. Oh my God her phone. If I was her friends, Nicola and Meredith, I would've gotten seriously angry with her. She would not put the phone down, it was ringing nonstop the whole trip, and it went from one disaster to the other until it reached a catastrophic end. I could not relate or understand with how someone who is supposedly on a holiday could not turn off her work phone and have someone else take charge for EIGHT DAYS. But, again, I am told that it DOES happen, and I'm just lucky to work in a corporation that does not act that way when I go on leave - especially since, like Imogen, I also work in PR and Communications.
I did like her relationship with Harry, although, I was a little wary about his character development. He went from being this strong, confident man, to kind of a self-conscious, weaker version of himself. I don't think I liked that very much, but there you have it.
All in all, a good fun read. And even though I thought it was very quick (i.e. 8 day period), and there were several annoying factors, I did appreciate the twist of events that I can't really talk about without spoiling the story, and for that I give it a 4-star. Otherwise, it would have gotten a 3-star rating at most.
Unfortunately, I can't tell you why, because that would be a big spoiler.
Here's the thing though, although this story happens over a span of 8 days, and yes - as is the deal with every chick-lit - the protagonist ends up falling in love at the end, and 8 days is a very short time for that to happen, but it happens regardless, I still enjoyed it. I read this relatively quickly, just like I have with every other Costello novel, and I found myself part laughing part wanting to throw the book and stomp on it with frustration FOR Imogen. The amount of disastrous moments that she goes through in an 8 day period is unrealistic - bordering on fantastical. But Costello makes it happen, and more than that, she makes it work.
Yes, they get annoying and almost unreal, but they still make you gasp and chortle.
What did annoy me is her obsession with her ex, Roberto. I could not understand how five years later she can't seem to get over her ex who seemingly left her once she got pregnant, because he made it clear that he never wanted to have kids. Or so we are made to believe for a good portion of the book.
Also, her phone. Oh my God her phone. If I was her friends, Nicola and Meredith, I would've gotten seriously angry with her. She would not put the phone down, it was ringing nonstop the whole trip, and it went from one disaster to the other until it reached a catastrophic end. I could not relate or understand with how someone who is supposedly on a holiday could not turn off her work phone and have someone else take charge for EIGHT DAYS. But, again, I am told that it DOES happen, and I'm just lucky to work in a corporation that does not act that way when I go on leave - especially since, like Imogen, I also work in PR and Communications.
I did like her relationship with Harry, although, I was a little wary about his character development. He went from being this strong, confident man, to kind of a self-conscious, weaker version of himself. I don't think I liked that very much, but there you have it.
All in all, a good fun read. And even though I thought it was very quick (i.e. 8 day period), and there were several annoying factors, I did appreciate the twist of events that I can't really talk about without spoiling the story, and for that I give it a 4-star. Otherwise, it would have gotten a 3-star rating at most.
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