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Kendime Yeni Bir Ben Lazım
Nell Sullivan, otuz üç yaşında, başarılı, iş odaklı yaşayan, bir barışıp bir ayrıldığı sevgilisiyle aynı işyerinde çalışan kontrol manyağı bir kadındır. Fakat bir gün içinde kendisini hem evsiz hem işsiz hem de sevgilisinden ayrılmış olarak bulur. Hayatındaki her şey kontrolünden çıkmıştır.
Nell Sullivan bu durumla baş etmek için bir çılgınlık yapmaya karar verir: San Francisco'da yaşayan kuzeni Lizzie'yi ziyaret etmek. Nell'in tamamen kontrolü dışında gerçekleşen bu gezi sayesinde Nell, daha önceleri hayal bile edemeyeceği tamamen başka bir dünyanın kapılarını aralar.
Kendime Yeni Bir Ben Lazım, kimi zaman güldüren kimi zaman da duygulandıran hikâyesiyle bazen "her şey bitti" dediğimiz anlarda bile aslında hayatın sürprizlerle dolu olduğunu gösteriyor okura.
Nell Sullivan bu durumla baş etmek için bir çılgınlık yapmaya karar verir: San Francisco'da yaşayan kuzeni Lizzie'yi ziyaret etmek. Nell'in tamamen kontrolü dışında gerçekleşen bu gezi sayesinde Nell, daha önceleri hayal bile edemeyeceği tamamen başka bir dünyanın kapılarını aralar.
Kendime Yeni Bir Ben Lazım, kimi zaman güldüren kimi zaman da duygulandıran hikâyesiyle bazen "her şey bitti" dediğimiz anlarda bile aslında hayatın sürprizlerle dolu olduğunu gösteriyor okura.
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2013
127 people are currently reading
2302 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Dickinson
28 books662 followersMiranda Dickinson has always had a head full of stories. Coming from a creative family where stories and songs were always present, it was perhaps inevitable that she would end up adoring words. A songwriter for over 15 years, Miranda has successfully penned over thirty songs, delivering both live and recorded performances in a range of venues across the UK and Europe. Her first solo project album, About Time is due for release this year. To hear her music, visit www.mirandadickinson.com - and be sure to leave a message if you like it!
Miranda began writing in earnest four years ago with her first novel, Coffee at Kowalski's - a romantic comedy set in New York's Upper West Side. This was spotted on HarperCollins' site for unpublished authors, Authonomy.com at the end of 2008 and was released by Avon (part of HC) as Fairytale of New York on 12th November 2009. She has also written several short stories, scripts and novel excerpts, many of which are published on Helium.com. Miranda is also a regular contributor for www.myvillage.com writing a range of local interest articles for the Birmingham area and national film and festival reviews.
Miranda began writing in earnest four years ago with her first novel, Coffee at Kowalski's - a romantic comedy set in New York's Upper West Side. This was spotted on HarperCollins' site for unpublished authors, Authonomy.com at the end of 2008 and was released by Avon (part of HC) as Fairytale of New York on 12th November 2009. She has also written several short stories, scripts and novel excerpts, many of which are published on Helium.com. Miranda is also a regular contributor for www.myvillage.com writing a range of local interest articles for the Birmingham area and national film and festival reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 274 reviews
February 24, 2020
This is my first Miranda Dickinson book. I actually found this book to be quite inspirational. The story of the main character, Nell Sullivan is one that so many of us have lived and breathed. Losing everything and having to start over again. However, most of us are not brave enough to take the leap that Nell does, going to a strange city, only knowing one other person. It's a bold move and leads to wonderful, life changing things for her.
Take a Look at Me Now is well written and well researched by the author. The vivid descriptions of San Francisco transported me to sunnier climate every time I sat down to read. Now I have a burning desire to visit San Francisco :)
Not only were the characters are engaging, the plot is loaded with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. The relationships in this story are beautiful, and I really enjoyed the humorous emails between Nell and Vicky, and her relationship with her cousin, Lizzie. Life is good when you have good people around you :)
This is a feel good book, that rekindles the passion inside you to follow your dreams at any age with a splash of romance that isn't mushy :)
Take a Look at Me Now is well written and well researched by the author. The vivid descriptions of San Francisco transported me to sunnier climate every time I sat down to read. Now I have a burning desire to visit San Francisco :)
Not only were the characters are engaging, the plot is loaded with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. The relationships in this story are beautiful, and I really enjoyed the humorous emails between Nell and Vicky, and her relationship with her cousin, Lizzie. Life is good when you have good people around you :)
This is a feel good book, that rekindles the passion inside you to follow your dreams at any age with a splash of romance that isn't mushy :)
March 1, 2018
RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/2...
“Un amore dolcemente complicato” è un romanzo che affronta principalmente la voglia di rivalsa di Nell, la quale, dopo aver perso lavoro e fidanzato nello stesso giorno, riesce a capire cosa sia meglio per lei. Decide di andare a San Francisco non per altri, ma per ritrovare sé stessa e per capire realmente cosa vuole dalla sua vita. Una scelta molto ardita che io stessa non so se avrei fatto. Il romanzo è molto scorrevole e divertente. Il rapporto tra Nell e sua cugina Lizzie è meraviglioso, fatto di grande fiducia e grande stima.
Miranda mi ha letteralmente fatta innamorare di San Francisco e non vedo l’ora di andarci! I luoghi sono descritti con una tale precisione, da trasportare il lettore per le strade di questa metropoli. Credo che anche l’autrice si sia innamorata di questa città, perché alla fine del libro non ci sono i classici ringraziamenti, ma troviamo una lista di film che l’hanno ispirata ed una lista dei luoghi che lei ha preferito quando è stata lì in viaggio. Una trovata molto originale! Il libro ha uno stile lineare e semplice che me l’hanno fatto amare.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
“Un amore dolcemente complicato” è un romanzo che affronta principalmente la voglia di rivalsa di Nell, la quale, dopo aver perso lavoro e fidanzato nello stesso giorno, riesce a capire cosa sia meglio per lei. Decide di andare a San Francisco non per altri, ma per ritrovare sé stessa e per capire realmente cosa vuole dalla sua vita. Una scelta molto ardita che io stessa non so se avrei fatto. Il romanzo è molto scorrevole e divertente. Il rapporto tra Nell e sua cugina Lizzie è meraviglioso, fatto di grande fiducia e grande stima.
Miranda mi ha letteralmente fatta innamorare di San Francisco e non vedo l’ora di andarci! I luoghi sono descritti con una tale precisione, da trasportare il lettore per le strade di questa metropoli. Credo che anche l’autrice si sia innamorata di questa città, perché alla fine del libro non ci sono i classici ringraziamenti, ma troviamo una lista di film che l’hanno ispirata ed una lista dei luoghi che lei ha preferito quando è stata lì in viaggio. Una trovata molto originale! Il libro ha uno stile lineare e semplice che me l’hanno fatto amare.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
November 17, 2013
This is an entirely predictable chicklit tale. Everyone's beautiful, everything's amazing and perfect. There are many descriptions of food and parts of San Francisco.
The heroine, Nell, is the kind of woman who everyone loves instantly and takes to their hearts. Nell loves everyone back, especially if they're handsome. Nell has no self-confidence, but is uber-talented and has to be told as much by everyone she meets, the poor thing. But Nell also has an annoying tendency to jump to conclusions, decide that's the only explanation without asking any questions and never giving anyone a chance to tell her differently.
This is more like 1.5 stars for me. I didn't particularly enjoy it, but I didn't absolutely hate it. It just irritated me a fair bit. It's too saccharine, twee and predictable for me, but if that's your bag, you'll love it.
The heroine, Nell, is the kind of woman who everyone loves instantly and takes to their hearts. Nell loves everyone back, especially if they're handsome. Nell has no self-confidence, but is uber-talented and has to be told as much by everyone she meets, the poor thing. But Nell also has an annoying tendency to jump to conclusions, decide that's the only explanation without asking any questions and never giving anyone a chance to tell her differently.
This is more like 1.5 stars for me. I didn't particularly enjoy it, but I didn't absolutely hate it. It just irritated me a fair bit. It's too saccharine, twee and predictable for me, but if that's your bag, you'll love it.
October 24, 2013
Warning- do not read this book if you are dieting !
Although the warning above is in jest I did eat more while reading this book. I made french toast with cinnamon and then went on to make pancakes. It had me craving pots of coffee which I never drink but maybe I'm just very easily led.
This book begins with Nell being made redundant and the news is delivered by her ex boyfriend Aidan just when she thinks they may re unite. Rather than face the depressing dole queue with her friend Vicky she throws caution to the wind and decides to have a holiday. Nell chooses San Francisco where her cousin lives and with her redundancy cheque she books her flight.
Cousin Lizzie introduces Nell to all her friends and daily haunts, the coffee shops, wine bars and bistros.
As she shows Nell the sights of San Francisco we too are taken on that journey and if I ever visit I will be taking this book with me as I want to see all the things Nell saw.
One of the places I fell in love with was Annie's Diner, a typical American diner serving every kind of food. This is where I had to leave the book and cook french toast, Annie's Diner had seventeen varieties.
Miranda describes the smells in the diner of coffee,sugar,vanilla and pancakes. Oops! That was when I rushed off to cook pancakes.
I liked the character of Nell,she is just a normal girl in a slightly boring job who is nursing a dream of doing something completly different but she keeps it to herself. Vicky her friend is supportinve to Nell and has all the funny lines. Lizzie who Lives in San Francisco is lovely and has a great life there.
The author teases us with the ending of the book, the way things were going I thought I was going to be disappointed but I loved the way things ended.
I really enjoyed reading this book and although it starts of with a redundancy it is a real uplifting feel good story.
A story of friendship across the miles,of picking up a friendship exactly where you left off no matter if that had been days or months or years. A story about knowing what your dream is and doing what it takes to achieve it and a story of never knowing what's just around the corner.
I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
Although the warning above is in jest I did eat more while reading this book. I made french toast with cinnamon and then went on to make pancakes. It had me craving pots of coffee which I never drink but maybe I'm just very easily led.
This book begins with Nell being made redundant and the news is delivered by her ex boyfriend Aidan just when she thinks they may re unite. Rather than face the depressing dole queue with her friend Vicky she throws caution to the wind and decides to have a holiday. Nell chooses San Francisco where her cousin lives and with her redundancy cheque she books her flight.
Cousin Lizzie introduces Nell to all her friends and daily haunts, the coffee shops, wine bars and bistros.
As she shows Nell the sights of San Francisco we too are taken on that journey and if I ever visit I will be taking this book with me as I want to see all the things Nell saw.
One of the places I fell in love with was Annie's Diner, a typical American diner serving every kind of food. This is where I had to leave the book and cook french toast, Annie's Diner had seventeen varieties.
Miranda describes the smells in the diner of coffee,sugar,vanilla and pancakes. Oops! That was when I rushed off to cook pancakes.
I liked the character of Nell,she is just a normal girl in a slightly boring job who is nursing a dream of doing something completly different but she keeps it to herself. Vicky her friend is supportinve to Nell and has all the funny lines. Lizzie who Lives in San Francisco is lovely and has a great life there.
The author teases us with the ending of the book, the way things were going I thought I was going to be disappointed but I loved the way things ended.
I really enjoyed reading this book and although it starts of with a redundancy it is a real uplifting feel good story.
A story of friendship across the miles,of picking up a friendship exactly where you left off no matter if that had been days or months or years. A story about knowing what your dream is and doing what it takes to achieve it and a story of never knowing what's just around the corner.
I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
December 12, 2013
Blurgh. That was my reaction to this book. It's such a shame, the cover is so pretty and the blurb sounded interesting so I thought it seemed promising. Instead, it is very very blurgh.
Everything about it SO cliched. I hated how Nell made instant friends with everyone in San Francisco because everyone there is so lovely and wonderful. It was just so unreal. Max was a completely boring love interest, there was no appeal to him at all and out of everybody his dialogue was the absolute worst for being completely unrealistic. The "twist" was incredibly predictable and Nell's reaction to it was ridiculously OTT. I found the whole thing very frustrating to read through.
Everything about it SO cliched. I hated how Nell made instant friends with everyone in San Francisco because everyone there is so lovely and wonderful. It was just so unreal. Max was a completely boring love interest, there was no appeal to him at all and out of everybody his dialogue was the absolute worst for being completely unrealistic. The "twist" was incredibly predictable and Nell's reaction to it was ridiculously OTT. I found the whole thing very frustrating to read through.
December 7, 2013
A heart-warming, uplifting read full of sincerity that's ideal for the New Year !
As we approach the start of a new year and a ‘brand new you’ I would highly recommend Miranda Dickinson’s fabulous book to start 2014 with a bang!
Take a look at me now is a tender romance full of poignancy that will bring tears to your eyes, as you fall under the spell of true love. Full of optimism and warmth this is a book that will make you smile, as the author reaches out and ’gets’ inside her reader’s head. Classic chick-lit at its best, Nell’s story makes for satisfying reading ideally suited for lovers of women’s fiction and light-hearted tales. If you are looking for a ‘pick me up’ as winter sweeps us into another fresh year then look no further, as this refreshing read is an exciting story that does not disappoint!
Take a look at me now is the story of Nell Sullivan a newly single, jobless woman who takes a trip to San Francisco. This unexpected journey that’s totally out of character is both thrilling and terrifying, as Nell steps forth into the unknown throwing caution to the wind. In the vibrant city Nell encounters Max Rossi and soon she must make life-changing choices if she is to return to London a changed person.
Fans of Sophie Kinsella and Jill Mansell will love this sparkling, dazzling delight!
Despite only occasionally reading the odd book within this genre, I was so impressed by this brilliant book that I was unable to put down. I just loved the cast of captivating, colourful characters amid a compelling plot that was utterly gripping. I felt so uplifted after reading this wonderful book and inspired to make the most of every day of my life, hence why I think it is a perfect read for New Year. Take a look at me now just shows you how you never know what will happen in life and that the more chances and spontaneous acts you take, could lead to something that in actual fact may change your life!
Classy, current and contemporary with a fresh twist ’Take a Look at me now’ has to be by far the most enjoyable book I have read this month and something that I urge you to take a look at…now! Miranda Dickinson is also author of other bestselling titles such as; Fairytale of New York, It started with a kiss and when I fall in love. I won a copy through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway which I would like to thank the publishers AVON for sending me.
As we approach the start of a new year and a ‘brand new you’ I would highly recommend Miranda Dickinson’s fabulous book to start 2014 with a bang!
Take a look at me now is a tender romance full of poignancy that will bring tears to your eyes, as you fall under the spell of true love. Full of optimism and warmth this is a book that will make you smile, as the author reaches out and ’gets’ inside her reader’s head. Classic chick-lit at its best, Nell’s story makes for satisfying reading ideally suited for lovers of women’s fiction and light-hearted tales. If you are looking for a ‘pick me up’ as winter sweeps us into another fresh year then look no further, as this refreshing read is an exciting story that does not disappoint!
Take a look at me now is the story of Nell Sullivan a newly single, jobless woman who takes a trip to San Francisco. This unexpected journey that’s totally out of character is both thrilling and terrifying, as Nell steps forth into the unknown throwing caution to the wind. In the vibrant city Nell encounters Max Rossi and soon she must make life-changing choices if she is to return to London a changed person.
Fans of Sophie Kinsella and Jill Mansell will love this sparkling, dazzling delight!
Despite only occasionally reading the odd book within this genre, I was so impressed by this brilliant book that I was unable to put down. I just loved the cast of captivating, colourful characters amid a compelling plot that was utterly gripping. I felt so uplifted after reading this wonderful book and inspired to make the most of every day of my life, hence why I think it is a perfect read for New Year. Take a look at me now just shows you how you never know what will happen in life and that the more chances and spontaneous acts you take, could lead to something that in actual fact may change your life!
Classy, current and contemporary with a fresh twist ’Take a Look at me now’ has to be by far the most enjoyable book I have read this month and something that I urge you to take a look at…now! Miranda Dickinson is also author of other bestselling titles such as; Fairytale of New York, It started with a kiss and when I fall in love. I won a copy through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway which I would like to thank the publishers AVON for sending me.
January 4, 2017
Sonu biraz fazla oldu bittiye gelse de okurken sıkılmadım.
September 15, 2013
I'm a huge fan of Miranda Dickinson's books having loved all of four of her previous books so have been really looking forward to her latest book, Take a Look at Me Now, ever since she started tweeting details of it earlier this year.
When Nell Sullivan turns up for work the last thing she expects is to be told that she's being made redundant especially by her on/off boyfriend Aidan. She has no clue as to what to do with her future but heads off to a local travel agency where she decides to book a flight to San Francisco to stay with her cousin Lizzie for 8 weeks .
And it would seem that her stay in the city is the the perfect cure as she falls for the city's charms and is welcomed with open arms by Lizzie's friends and neighbours. It also gives her the perfect opportunity to contemplate her future and think about what she'd like to do when she returns home although after meeting the handsome mysterious Max she might find it hard to leave...
This was another fantastic story from Miranda that had me swept away as I was reading as her descriptive writing took me on the journey with Nell around San Francisco as if I was there in person, I could picture myself being in Annie's diner, at the S-O-S club with the kids or simply exploring the city with her. And as for the characters, there were so many interesting and diverse people that Nell and Lizzie have contact with who all help make this story into such a fab fun read.
I'm going to sound like a broken record as last year when I wrote my review for When I Fall in Love I said that it was her best book to date, and am going to have to repeat myself again as I loved this one from the very first page.
This story resonated with me personally for a couple of reasons, the first being that I'm on notice of being made redundant next year when our office closes so I'm currently trying to decide what I want to do after having been in the same job for almost 25 years! But the other reason I had been looking forward to reading Take a Look at Me Now was because it was set in San Francisco which is on my bucket list as one of the places I want to visit one day... maybe I'll bite the bullet and head off there myself as soon as I'm made redundant.
I'd like to thank Sammie at Avon for sending me a proof copy of this book to review.
When Nell Sullivan turns up for work the last thing she expects is to be told that she's being made redundant especially by her on/off boyfriend Aidan. She has no clue as to what to do with her future but heads off to a local travel agency where she decides to book a flight to San Francisco to stay with her cousin Lizzie for 8 weeks .
And it would seem that her stay in the city is the the perfect cure as she falls for the city's charms and is welcomed with open arms by Lizzie's friends and neighbours. It also gives her the perfect opportunity to contemplate her future and think about what she'd like to do when she returns home although after meeting the handsome mysterious Max she might find it hard to leave...
This was another fantastic story from Miranda that had me swept away as I was reading as her descriptive writing took me on the journey with Nell around San Francisco as if I was there in person, I could picture myself being in Annie's diner, at the S-O-S club with the kids or simply exploring the city with her. And as for the characters, there were so many interesting and diverse people that Nell and Lizzie have contact with who all help make this story into such a fab fun read.
I'm going to sound like a broken record as last year when I wrote my review for When I Fall in Love I said that it was her best book to date, and am going to have to repeat myself again as I loved this one from the very first page.
This story resonated with me personally for a couple of reasons, the first being that I'm on notice of being made redundant next year when our office closes so I'm currently trying to decide what I want to do after having been in the same job for almost 25 years! But the other reason I had been looking forward to reading Take a Look at Me Now was because it was set in San Francisco which is on my bucket list as one of the places I want to visit one day... maybe I'll bite the bullet and head off there myself as soon as I'm made redundant.
I'd like to thank Sammie at Avon for sending me a proof copy of this book to review.
April 10, 2014
No matter what the 'official' definition of chick-lit (and believe me there are many) I personally always think of it as being a light read (often verging on the fluffy) that, usually with a romantic edge, is written for women about women (albeit generally about women unlike any I've ever met).
A book that ticks all the boxes and then some. Sadly Take A Look At Me Now took 'light reading' to a whole new dimension in that the story required no imagination whatsoever, every word, thought and action recited as if to a child. The characters bland, one dimensional and juvenile - considering that they were in their late twenties/thirties for the best part of the book it was like reading a teenagers diary, the word 'hun' overused and infuriating.
With themes of food pretty much in vogue at the moment, the author takes advantage of this in that in main character, Nell, we have a baker extraordinaire who dreams of running an authentic American diner serving pancakes and waffles but even this is cloyingly saccharine sweet and over done.
Perhaps a novel best left to those more into chick-lit than myself. The only positive thing I can say about it was I enjoyed the descriptions of life a la San Francisco even if all of the characters from Nell's cousin (the typical Brit living abroad), to Greek taxi driver, Apollo, and diner owner, Annie, (all of them, along with the homeless, nauseatingly cheerful and living the dream) were unimaginative stereotypes.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
A book that ticks all the boxes and then some. Sadly Take A Look At Me Now took 'light reading' to a whole new dimension in that the story required no imagination whatsoever, every word, thought and action recited as if to a child. The characters bland, one dimensional and juvenile - considering that they were in their late twenties/thirties for the best part of the book it was like reading a teenagers diary, the word 'hun' overused and infuriating.
With themes of food pretty much in vogue at the moment, the author takes advantage of this in that in main character, Nell, we have a baker extraordinaire who dreams of running an authentic American diner serving pancakes and waffles but even this is cloyingly saccharine sweet and over done.
Perhaps a novel best left to those more into chick-lit than myself. The only positive thing I can say about it was I enjoyed the descriptions of life a la San Francisco even if all of the characters from Nell's cousin (the typical Brit living abroad), to Greek taxi driver, Apollo, and diner owner, Annie, (all of them, along with the homeless, nauseatingly cheerful and living the dream) were unimaginative stereotypes.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
September 29, 2013
Review to come but a word of advice GO AND PRE-ORDER NOW !!!
August 16, 2018
RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Nell Sullivan è una ragazza inglese che lavora presso il catasto di Londra. Arrivata a lavoro, trova un post-it verde lime sulla sua postazione e subito riconosce la scrittura di Adam, suo superiore nonché suo ex fidanzato. Nell spera con tutta sé stessa che lui voglia vederla per tornare insieme, ma è completamente fuori strada. Infatti, non appena mette piede nell’ufficio di Adam, Nell scopre che l’azienda ha deciso di licenziare quasi tutti i suoi dipendenti, compresa lei e la sua amica Viky. Ed hanno scelto proprio Adam per fare da tramite con i dipendenti. La bella ragazza inglese sente il mondo cascarle addosso, ma le bastano poche ore per capire che forse questa è un’opportunità che può sfruttare a suo favore. Infatti, con i soldi della liquidazione, decide di andare a trovare sua cugina Lizzie a San Francisco per svagarsi un po' e per capire realmente cosa vuole dalla vita. Appena Nell mette piede sul suolo americano, si innamora della città che ospita sua cugina da molto tempo. La gente appare sorridente e gentile e San Francisco che da qualsiasi prospettiva la si guarda, appare magica. Lizzie porta Nell nei luoghi più belli di San Francisco e, tra questi, vi è Annie’s, un tipico dinner americano, che rappresenta un punto di riferimento per gli americani del quartiere e che è gestito da una simpatica vecchina che sa il fatto suo. Ma Annie’s per Nell non simboleggia solo il classico dinner americano di cui l’America ne è piena, ma rappresenta il ristorante dei suoi sogni. Durante una gita fuori porta con la cugina, Nell viene urtata da un uomo con due occhi spettacolari, Max. I due si presentano e tra di loro scatta qualcosa. Continuano ad incontrarsi sempre più spesso e Max, dopo aver dichiarato a Nell di essere attratto da lei, decide di chiederle un appuntamento. Ma la loro conoscenza potrà andare oltre gli ottomila chilometri che li separano, una volta che Nell tornerà in Inghilterra?? E riuscirà ad aprire il dinner dei suoi sogni?
“Un amore dolcemente complicato” è un romanzo che affronta principalmente la voglia di rivalsa di Nell, la quale, dopo aver perso lavoro e fidanzato nello stesso giorno, riesce a capire cosa sia meglio per lei. Decide di andare a San Francisco non per altri, ma per ritrovare sé stessa e per capire realmente cosa vuole dalla sua vita. Una scelta molto ardita che io stessa non so se avrei fatto. Il romanzo è molto scorrevole e divertente. Il rapporto tra Nell e sua cugina Lizzie è meraviglioso, fatto di grande fiducia e grande stima. Miranda mi ha letteralmente fatta innamorare di San Francisco e non vedo l’ora di andarci! I luoghi sono descritti con una tale precisione, da trasportare il lettore per le strade di questa metropoli. Credo che anche l’autrice si sia innamorata di questa città, perché alla fine del libro non ci sono i classici ringraziamenti, ma troviamo una lista di film che l’hanno ispirata ed una lista dei luoghi che lei ha preferito quando è stata lì in viaggio…
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https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Nell Sullivan è una ragazza inglese che lavora presso il catasto di Londra. Arrivata a lavoro, trova un post-it verde lime sulla sua postazione e subito riconosce la scrittura di Adam, suo superiore nonché suo ex fidanzato. Nell spera con tutta sé stessa che lui voglia vederla per tornare insieme, ma è completamente fuori strada. Infatti, non appena mette piede nell’ufficio di Adam, Nell scopre che l’azienda ha deciso di licenziare quasi tutti i suoi dipendenti, compresa lei e la sua amica Viky. Ed hanno scelto proprio Adam per fare da tramite con i dipendenti. La bella ragazza inglese sente il mondo cascarle addosso, ma le bastano poche ore per capire che forse questa è un’opportunità che può sfruttare a suo favore. Infatti, con i soldi della liquidazione, decide di andare a trovare sua cugina Lizzie a San Francisco per svagarsi un po' e per capire realmente cosa vuole dalla vita. Appena Nell mette piede sul suolo americano, si innamora della città che ospita sua cugina da molto tempo. La gente appare sorridente e gentile e San Francisco che da qualsiasi prospettiva la si guarda, appare magica. Lizzie porta Nell nei luoghi più belli di San Francisco e, tra questi, vi è Annie’s, un tipico dinner americano, che rappresenta un punto di riferimento per gli americani del quartiere e che è gestito da una simpatica vecchina che sa il fatto suo. Ma Annie’s per Nell non simboleggia solo il classico dinner americano di cui l’America ne è piena, ma rappresenta il ristorante dei suoi sogni. Durante una gita fuori porta con la cugina, Nell viene urtata da un uomo con due occhi spettacolari, Max. I due si presentano e tra di loro scatta qualcosa. Continuano ad incontrarsi sempre più spesso e Max, dopo aver dichiarato a Nell di essere attratto da lei, decide di chiederle un appuntamento. Ma la loro conoscenza potrà andare oltre gli ottomila chilometri che li separano, una volta che Nell tornerà in Inghilterra?? E riuscirà ad aprire il dinner dei suoi sogni?
“Un amore dolcemente complicato” è un romanzo che affronta principalmente la voglia di rivalsa di Nell, la quale, dopo aver perso lavoro e fidanzato nello stesso giorno, riesce a capire cosa sia meglio per lei. Decide di andare a San Francisco non per altri, ma per ritrovare sé stessa e per capire realmente cosa vuole dalla sua vita. Una scelta molto ardita che io stessa non so se avrei fatto. Il romanzo è molto scorrevole e divertente. Il rapporto tra Nell e sua cugina Lizzie è meraviglioso, fatto di grande fiducia e grande stima. Miranda mi ha letteralmente fatta innamorare di San Francisco e non vedo l’ora di andarci! I luoghi sono descritti con una tale precisione, da trasportare il lettore per le strade di questa metropoli. Credo che anche l’autrice si sia innamorata di questa città, perché alla fine del libro non ci sono i classici ringraziamenti, ma troviamo una lista di film che l’hanno ispirata ed una lista dei luoghi che lei ha preferito quando è stata lì in viaggio…
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April 30, 2020
It was a highly appealing read to me as much of the book is set in San Francisco a place I would love to visit one day. Apart from the setting other factors that made this a five star read was the likeability of the main character Nellie and her supporting characters. It was a fast easy read from start to finish that had me hooked.
October 24, 2013
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com
Oh, my life! I was so thrilled when I got a copy of Miranda's latest for review. You have no idea how much I love her books and Take A Look At Me Now is so far her best! I read this book in two days, these two days which I should be studying, but hell, Take A Look At Me Now is one of my most anticipated books this year and I simply couldn't wait!
Take A Look At Me Now follows the story of Nell Sullivan, a thirty-two year old assistant planning director who is made redundant, alongside her other colleagues. Feeling despondent, she decides to invest all of her redundancy windfall on a trip of a lifetime to San Francisco. Soon, the city where the Golden Gate Bridge is housed becomes Nell's second home. There, she meets the most unlikely group of friends and as her days are numbered, could she find the heart to return to London?
This is the absolute AMAZEBALLS. I can't express how much I loved it. I adored the heroine in the book, Nell. Who knew adopting another city as your second home could change you? Nell is like every rom-com protagonist you will grow to love. She's funny, down-to-earth and spontaneous and she and I share the same childhood film: Mrs Doubtfire! She was the best guide to San Francisco anyone could ask for. The characters in the book were everything you can expect from a Miranda Dickinson novel. Some are kooky, insane and downright hilarious, some are warm, welcoming and friendly. There are a lovely, whimsical bunch and I can assure you, you'll love them, especially the Alfaros, a kind and eccentric old couple.
The romance between Nell and Max would make Richard Curtis film look bad. I cannot tell you what wonderful dates Max has in store for Nell and you will definitely fall in love with dear sweet Max! *cheeky grin* Or maybe Richard would take up on directing a film adaptation of Take A Look At Me Now - surely it would be a massive hit!
I felt that the book moved a well-timed pace and every chapter was as exciting and fun-filled as the last. I really didn't want the book to end, but I was desperate to read Nell's happy ending. Like all good things, they must come to an end. I just knew I couldn't get enough of it and I loved reading about Nell's adventure in San Francisco! And I really enjoyed reading all about the scrumptious delicacies San Francisco had to offer, especially at Annie's! (I hope that place really exists. I would love some of those divine French toast!)
All in all, I can't recommend this gem highly enough. Take A Look At Me Now is a truly inspiring tale of a girl who doesn't let life knock her down and fighting through all the way with sheer determination and willingness to fulfil her dreams. Another sparkling book by Miranda Dickinson where a little bit of magic, a bottomless cup of delicious coffee and yummy French toast could brighten your day!
Rating: 10/10
Oh, my life! I was so thrilled when I got a copy of Miranda's latest for review. You have no idea how much I love her books and Take A Look At Me Now is so far her best! I read this book in two days, these two days which I should be studying, but hell, Take A Look At Me Now is one of my most anticipated books this year and I simply couldn't wait!
Take A Look At Me Now follows the story of Nell Sullivan, a thirty-two year old assistant planning director who is made redundant, alongside her other colleagues. Feeling despondent, she decides to invest all of her redundancy windfall on a trip of a lifetime to San Francisco. Soon, the city where the Golden Gate Bridge is housed becomes Nell's second home. There, she meets the most unlikely group of friends and as her days are numbered, could she find the heart to return to London?
This is the absolute AMAZEBALLS. I can't express how much I loved it. I adored the heroine in the book, Nell. Who knew adopting another city as your second home could change you? Nell is like every rom-com protagonist you will grow to love. She's funny, down-to-earth and spontaneous and she and I share the same childhood film: Mrs Doubtfire! She was the best guide to San Francisco anyone could ask for. The characters in the book were everything you can expect from a Miranda Dickinson novel. Some are kooky, insane and downright hilarious, some are warm, welcoming and friendly. There are a lovely, whimsical bunch and I can assure you, you'll love them, especially the Alfaros, a kind and eccentric old couple.
The romance between Nell and Max would make Richard Curtis film look bad. I cannot tell you what wonderful dates Max has in store for Nell and you will definitely fall in love with dear sweet Max! *cheeky grin* Or maybe Richard would take up on directing a film adaptation of Take A Look At Me Now - surely it would be a massive hit!
I felt that the book moved a well-timed pace and every chapter was as exciting and fun-filled as the last. I really didn't want the book to end, but I was desperate to read Nell's happy ending. Like all good things, they must come to an end. I just knew I couldn't get enough of it and I loved reading about Nell's adventure in San Francisco! And I really enjoyed reading all about the scrumptious delicacies San Francisco had to offer, especially at Annie's! (I hope that place really exists. I would love some of those divine French toast!)
All in all, I can't recommend this gem highly enough. Take A Look At Me Now is a truly inspiring tale of a girl who doesn't let life knock her down and fighting through all the way with sheer determination and willingness to fulfil her dreams. Another sparkling book by Miranda Dickinson where a little bit of magic, a bottomless cup of delicious coffee and yummy French toast could brighten your day!
Rating: 10/10
November 16, 2013
This is my First Miranda Dickinson book I am really enjoyed it. You could see San Francisco from the words that were written on the page. Just when you think you know what is going to happen the plot suddenly changes. I like this aspect of the book because it keeps you as the reader guessing. I was rooting for Nell the whole book and hoping that she accomplished her dream. There is also a love story weaved into the book.
July 23, 2025
Cute little book I found in a free library in Bergen, Norway! Inspirational to go after your dreams no matter how far off they may seem
September 10, 2016
Miranda Dickinson is one of my favourite Chick Lit authors, period. Since she burst onto the scene in 2009 with the fabulous Fairytale of New York, I’ve read and enjoyed all of her other novels as soon as I’ve been able to. She’s Chick Lit personified and manages to get us into the heads of her characters so well that you feel as if you know them personally. Her love stories are immense, and if I was to ever write a book I’d like to write one like Miranda’s books. She just has a way with words, a way that one day will mean she has tons of books to her name and sold millions of copies. As soon as I heard about her new book Take A Look At Me Now I was ridiculously excited; I always am when I know there’s a new MD book around the corner and when I was accepted for a Netgalley copy, I downloaded and started reading it immediately and all I have to say is Miranda Dickinson gets better with every book she writes.
One thing Miranda seems to do best is she consistently surprises me with her fabulous novels. Take A Look At Me Now is her most ambitious yet, and I loved how it all started so auspiciously; with a lime-green post-it note to be exact. You see, when Nell received that post-it note she thought it meant she and on/off boyfriend Aidan were going to be firmly on again. What she didn’t bank on was losing her job, along with all of her work colleagues. Finding herself out of a job, and without a boyfriend (because who wants to be with the man who sacked you??) she isn’t sure what to do next until she happens upon the travel agents and decides she’s going to use her redundancy money to head to San Francisco and spend two months with her cousin Lizzie. Two months to enjoy life, travel around San Fran, and get her head together. What Nell doesn’t count on though is San Francisco stealing her heart, along with the fabulous characters who live there, and when the time comes to return home, Nell knows only one thing: San Francisco has stolen her heart, and her time away has made her realise her dreams and by hook or by crook she’s going to make them come true.
As soon as I started Take A Look At Me Now, I knew I was going to love it. It captured me from the off; I love that Miranda sets up her plots using fate, in Nell’s instance a post it note. I was hooked. A large chunk of the novel is set in San Francisco, and all that has made me do is it has made me want to board the next plane out there because it didn’t only steal Nell (and Miranda’s) heart, it stole mine. I adore books set in San Francisco, it sounds like the coolest place to live, ever. Cooler than New York. It has the Golden Gate bridge for God’s sake, and Alcatraz. If I ever save up enough money I would love to do what Nell did and go live there for a while and visit all the wonderful places mentioned in the book. Miranda did such a good job bringing SF to life that it felt like an extra character. I wanted to go to Annie’s diner and see all the customers, meet the Alfaros and meet Annie, and meet the Frankie and Marty. I wanted to go to The Haight; have a cup of coffee at Java Crypt; visit Lizzie’s apartment; see the kids at Sacred Heart Elementary, ride the cable cars and the buses. Miranda brought it to life so beautifully that I felt as if I WAS there.
Take A Look At Me Now just blew me away, from start to finish. The setting was perfect (achingly perfect), the characters were wonderful and plentiful and kept me thoroughly entertained. You wanted to root for Nell so badly, you so wanted her to get everything she ever dreamed of. I adored Max Rossi, heck I adored everybody, especially little Eva who Nell teaches at the school I mentioned above at the SOS club. It has been absolutely ages since a book has spoke to me like this and it kept me up until midnight just so I could finish it. I cannot wait to buy myself a paperback copy of the book so I can stroke it and read it again and re-visit the amazing locations and characters. It was honestly perfect in every way. Miranda truly is a natural storyteller and she truly does get better with every book she writes. The passion in her writing was obvious and the book was made all the better by the San Francisco bits in the back; food to eat, places to visit, movies to watch that are set there (I know what I’ll be doing soon!). San Francisco sounds so wonderful and Miranda Dickinson has brought it to life in Take A Look At Me Now and she’s given me one of my favourite 2013 reads with ease. I wish I knew how she did it, because I’d bottle it and sell it. Just read it, you’ll fall in love like I did, the book stole my heart and it was fabulous in every way.
One thing Miranda seems to do best is she consistently surprises me with her fabulous novels. Take A Look At Me Now is her most ambitious yet, and I loved how it all started so auspiciously; with a lime-green post-it note to be exact. You see, when Nell received that post-it note she thought it meant she and on/off boyfriend Aidan were going to be firmly on again. What she didn’t bank on was losing her job, along with all of her work colleagues. Finding herself out of a job, and without a boyfriend (because who wants to be with the man who sacked you??) she isn’t sure what to do next until she happens upon the travel agents and decides she’s going to use her redundancy money to head to San Francisco and spend two months with her cousin Lizzie. Two months to enjoy life, travel around San Fran, and get her head together. What Nell doesn’t count on though is San Francisco stealing her heart, along with the fabulous characters who live there, and when the time comes to return home, Nell knows only one thing: San Francisco has stolen her heart, and her time away has made her realise her dreams and by hook or by crook she’s going to make them come true.
As soon as I started Take A Look At Me Now, I knew I was going to love it. It captured me from the off; I love that Miranda sets up her plots using fate, in Nell’s instance a post it note. I was hooked. A large chunk of the novel is set in San Francisco, and all that has made me do is it has made me want to board the next plane out there because it didn’t only steal Nell (and Miranda’s) heart, it stole mine. I adore books set in San Francisco, it sounds like the coolest place to live, ever. Cooler than New York. It has the Golden Gate bridge for God’s sake, and Alcatraz. If I ever save up enough money I would love to do what Nell did and go live there for a while and visit all the wonderful places mentioned in the book. Miranda did such a good job bringing SF to life that it felt like an extra character. I wanted to go to Annie’s diner and see all the customers, meet the Alfaros and meet Annie, and meet the Frankie and Marty. I wanted to go to The Haight; have a cup of coffee at Java Crypt; visit Lizzie’s apartment; see the kids at Sacred Heart Elementary, ride the cable cars and the buses. Miranda brought it to life so beautifully that I felt as if I WAS there.
Take A Look At Me Now just blew me away, from start to finish. The setting was perfect (achingly perfect), the characters were wonderful and plentiful and kept me thoroughly entertained. You wanted to root for Nell so badly, you so wanted her to get everything she ever dreamed of. I adored Max Rossi, heck I adored everybody, especially little Eva who Nell teaches at the school I mentioned above at the SOS club. It has been absolutely ages since a book has spoke to me like this and it kept me up until midnight just so I could finish it. I cannot wait to buy myself a paperback copy of the book so I can stroke it and read it again and re-visit the amazing locations and characters. It was honestly perfect in every way. Miranda truly is a natural storyteller and she truly does get better with every book she writes. The passion in her writing was obvious and the book was made all the better by the San Francisco bits in the back; food to eat, places to visit, movies to watch that are set there (I know what I’ll be doing soon!). San Francisco sounds so wonderful and Miranda Dickinson has brought it to life in Take A Look At Me Now and she’s given me one of my favourite 2013 reads with ease. I wish I knew how she did it, because I’d bottle it and sell it. Just read it, you’ll fall in love like I did, the book stole my heart and it was fabulous in every way.
October 24, 2013
www.onmybookshelf.bloog.pl
This is the second book by Miranda Dickinson that I have read and while "It Started with a Kiss" hasn't worked for me at all, I am happy to say that "Take a Look at Me Now" belongs to book that I have really enjoyed.
I was immediately attracted by the sparkly, colourful, beautiful cover of this book, it is so optimistic and eye - catching. Then I read the blurb and wanted to read it asap.
The main character in the book is Nell, who has her life under control, everything is neatly planned and orderly. But then one day unexpectedly Nell and her colleagues are being made redundant and the one who is announcing it is Nell's on - off boyfriend Aiden.
And here comes the part that I really enjoyed, namely Nell made a very spontaneous decision to spent her redundancy money on a one - life trip. Her choice is San Francisco, where her cousin Lizzie lives.
Then follow the great descriptions of San Fran, its views, places and people. Nell is thrown into the life of the city thanks to Lizzie, she gets to know her friends and one of them is Annie, the owner of a diner, and having own diner is Nell's biggest dream.
Nell meets also Max, so we have here some romance and love story as well.
I loved that Nell was brave enough to follow her dreams, I would like to be like her as well. She was a great, warm, kind, nice and spontaneous character that I liked immediately. The other characters were also brilliantly written, we have a whole bunch of them here, many different people, many different characters but all of them very likeable and all building the book.
This book is written in a funny, light way that made me feel better. I just wanted to turn the page and read further and see what's going to happen. It has the right pace, the right action, the right people. The only things that didn't work for me were the descriptions of San Francisco - don't get me wrong, they were brilliant and great and I felt like I have seen them already with my own eyes, but there were moments that I was wondering if I am not perhaps reading a guide book to SF. And the end was for me too rush, to short, I think the author could stretch it into some more chapters, but well, it's just me:) All in all, I have really enjoyed this book and I am happy with this fact. Would say, if you want to better your mood or just need a heart - warming, packed with positive emotions book, then don't hesitate and go and buy it.
I received a copy of this book from publisher via NetGalley.
October 29, 2013
Reviews
Take a look at me now - Miranda Dickinson
Source: Review copy courtesy of Avon
What a difference a day makes…
Nell Sullivan has always been known as ‘Miss Five-Year Plan’. But when she finds herself jobless and newly single on the same day, Nell decides it is time to stop planning and start taking chances.
Nell blows her redundancy cheque on a trip of lifetime to a place where anything is possible – San Francisco. There she meets a host of colourful characters, including the intriguing and gorgeous Max. Very soon the city begins to feel like Nell’s second home.
But when it’s time to return to London, will she leave the ‘new Nell’ behind? And can the magic of San Francisco continue to sparkle thousands of miles away?
Take a look at me now follows newly unemployed Nell as she packs a bag and with her redundancy money heads of to visit her cousin Lizzie in San Francisco.
My first Miranda Dickinson novel has finally been read and I must say I enjoyed it greatly. Take a look at me now is extremely thorough in explanation and has a quirky and unique way in which it is wrote, this means that you are straight away dragged into the book by your hair! Straight away you are smiling and giggling at the unique sense of humour and comments. These luckily continue right throughout making it a refreshing and very up to date read. All characters are relatable too and you do find yourself stuck between choosing who you want Nell to be with when she's faced with a little love triangle dilemma between her ex Aiden and holiday fling Max. I adored diner owner Annie and she fast became my favourite character.
I did have one issue with this book though and that was It jumps from one scenario to another sometimes a bit to fast. I found this a bit off putting and would have liked to have seen a bit more in a few of the chapters.
Other than that, this is a really good book and Miranda Dickinson should so send it to the San Francisco travel board. Her thorough explanations of the city and tourist attractions make you want to jump on a plane and do everything Nell did. I bet San Fran has a whole lot of new fans now.
Take a look at me now - Miranda Dickinson
Source: Review copy courtesy of Avon
What a difference a day makes…
Nell Sullivan has always been known as ‘Miss Five-Year Plan’. But when she finds herself jobless and newly single on the same day, Nell decides it is time to stop planning and start taking chances.
Nell blows her redundancy cheque on a trip of lifetime to a place where anything is possible – San Francisco. There she meets a host of colourful characters, including the intriguing and gorgeous Max. Very soon the city begins to feel like Nell’s second home.
But when it’s time to return to London, will she leave the ‘new Nell’ behind? And can the magic of San Francisco continue to sparkle thousands of miles away?
Take a look at me now follows newly unemployed Nell as she packs a bag and with her redundancy money heads of to visit her cousin Lizzie in San Francisco.
My first Miranda Dickinson novel has finally been read and I must say I enjoyed it greatly. Take a look at me now is extremely thorough in explanation and has a quirky and unique way in which it is wrote, this means that you are straight away dragged into the book by your hair! Straight away you are smiling and giggling at the unique sense of humour and comments. These luckily continue right throughout making it a refreshing and very up to date read. All characters are relatable too and you do find yourself stuck between choosing who you want Nell to be with when she's faced with a little love triangle dilemma between her ex Aiden and holiday fling Max. I adored diner owner Annie and she fast became my favourite character.
I did have one issue with this book though and that was It jumps from one scenario to another sometimes a bit to fast. I found this a bit off putting and would have liked to have seen a bit more in a few of the chapters.
Other than that, this is a really good book and Miranda Dickinson should so send it to the San Francisco travel board. Her thorough explanations of the city and tourist attractions make you want to jump on a plane and do everything Nell did. I bet San Fran has a whole lot of new fans now.
December 4, 2013
Loved this book. 4th book I have read by the author and definitely wont be the last. Great descriptions of San Francisco made me really want to go there and a lovely heart warming story.
A few twists and turns in a genuinely feel good story.
A few twists and turns in a genuinely feel good story.
January 22, 2015
Ugh, so annoying. The writing was annoying and predictable. I like chick lit but this book was just annoying. I've used the word 'annoying' three times in this review, obviously I was annoyed.
February 17, 2015
Really enjoyed this one - and very pleased to find I have the rest of her books on my kindle :)
October 25, 2013
Thanks to NetGalley for the preview.
So Nell loses her job and her on/off boyfriend (sort of) in one fell swoop, and decides that instead of hanging around looking for a job and being sensible like always, she's going to use her severance and visit her cousin Lizzie in San Francisco.
I actually wanted to give this book 2.5 stars, because I thought it was cute, and I liked the premise and for the most part the story itself, but there was just too much stuff that bothered me for me to genuinely say that I liked it. Perhaps it's me being nitpicky and expecting too much of what is obviously meant to be a fun read, and I honestly tried to overlook these things, but they just got more and more glaring and eventually I just wanted to finish it so I would be done.
The thing that bothered me the most was the dialogue, particularly once Nell was in San Francisco. None of the characters truly sounded American. It sounded more the way British people think American people sound. I wrote a book with a British character, and I'm sure I did the same thing. But that's just one character. This was everyone, and after a while, it took me out of the story. Nell complimented Ced on his "hairdo" and he didn't know what she was talking about. Fine. Except that 1) Lizzie is British and knows all of these people and most likely used the term once or twice in the past several years and 2) we use "hairdo" in the States. Maybe not when talking about men's hair, but still, not an unfamiliar term. Also, they kept using the term "partner" to refer to a significant other, and while not technically incorrect, it's not word commonly used in that situation. (Well, maybe it is in San Francisco. I've never been, so I wouldn't know.) I kept thinking they were talking about partners in a law firm or something, even though I knew that wasn't true. It's just where my brain went. My point is, none of the conversations sounded real.
To be honest, none of the characters seemed quite real, either. Everyone was just too perfect. Too nice, too helpful, too quirky. Everything happened exactly as I expected, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but when I was already annoyed at the way they were speaking, it just amplified those feelings. Absolutely everyone was friendly and nice and wonderful. Nell only had one bad experience while waitressing at the diner. The kids were too precocious. I didn't particularly care for anyone, not even Nell -- especially once things with Max went sour and she didn't even give him the opportunity to explain things. And as for what happened, he obviously meant one thing, and she took it the complete, contrived wrong way.
While we're on the subject of Nell and Max, they've known each other approximately three weeks but they're in love. We'll overlook that because this is a romance and that's what happens in romance novels. But it just makes her reaction to the "twist" with Max even more ridiculous, because they have only known each other a few weeks, and the secret that Max "lied" to her about is not exactly something one tells the person they have only been dating three weeks who is going back to her home country fairly shortly.
One other thing that bugged me, though is really just me not being able to suspend my disbelief this much, is that Lizzie took the first week of Nell's visit off so that they could sightsee and be tourists together, and they barely did anything. They did, like, one thing each day, and some days you could obviously tell they were home after lunch. I think one day all they did was go to the diner, and then they were all, "I'm so exhausted." It was hard for me to believe that there wasn't more that Nell wanted to do, or more places that Lizzie wanted to take her. They're officially the worst tourists ever because they did virtually no touristy things.
I had issues with the story as well, but I think most of those were due to my frustration over previously mentioned issues, so I won't mention them. I did say that I found it cute, because it was, so if you're into that sort of thing and you don't mind stilted dialogue and characters that don't feel very fleshed out, then go nuts. It would probably make a really cute rom-com.
So Nell loses her job and her on/off boyfriend (sort of) in one fell swoop, and decides that instead of hanging around looking for a job and being sensible like always, she's going to use her severance and visit her cousin Lizzie in San Francisco.
I actually wanted to give this book 2.5 stars, because I thought it was cute, and I liked the premise and for the most part the story itself, but there was just too much stuff that bothered me for me to genuinely say that I liked it. Perhaps it's me being nitpicky and expecting too much of what is obviously meant to be a fun read, and I honestly tried to overlook these things, but they just got more and more glaring and eventually I just wanted to finish it so I would be done.
The thing that bothered me the most was the dialogue, particularly once Nell was in San Francisco. None of the characters truly sounded American. It sounded more the way British people think American people sound. I wrote a book with a British character, and I'm sure I did the same thing. But that's just one character. This was everyone, and after a while, it took me out of the story. Nell complimented Ced on his "hairdo" and he didn't know what she was talking about. Fine. Except that 1) Lizzie is British and knows all of these people and most likely used the term once or twice in the past several years and 2) we use "hairdo" in the States. Maybe not when talking about men's hair, but still, not an unfamiliar term. Also, they kept using the term "partner" to refer to a significant other, and while not technically incorrect, it's not word commonly used in that situation. (Well, maybe it is in San Francisco. I've never been, so I wouldn't know.) I kept thinking they were talking about partners in a law firm or something, even though I knew that wasn't true. It's just where my brain went. My point is, none of the conversations sounded real.
To be honest, none of the characters seemed quite real, either. Everyone was just too perfect. Too nice, too helpful, too quirky. Everything happened exactly as I expected, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but when I was already annoyed at the way they were speaking, it just amplified those feelings. Absolutely everyone was friendly and nice and wonderful. Nell only had one bad experience while waitressing at the diner. The kids were too precocious. I didn't particularly care for anyone, not even Nell -- especially once things with Max went sour and she didn't even give him the opportunity to explain things. And as for what happened, he obviously meant one thing, and she took it the complete, contrived wrong way.
While we're on the subject of Nell and Max, they've known each other approximately three weeks but they're in love. We'll overlook that because this is a romance and that's what happens in romance novels. But it just makes her reaction to the "twist" with Max even more ridiculous, because they have only known each other a few weeks, and the secret that Max "lied" to her about is not exactly something one tells the person they have only been dating three weeks who is going back to her home country fairly shortly.
One other thing that bugged me, though is really just me not being able to suspend my disbelief this much, is that Lizzie took the first week of Nell's visit off so that they could sightsee and be tourists together, and they barely did anything. They did, like, one thing each day, and some days you could obviously tell they were home after lunch. I think one day all they did was go to the diner, and then they were all, "I'm so exhausted." It was hard for me to believe that there wasn't more that Nell wanted to do, or more places that Lizzie wanted to take her. They're officially the worst tourists ever because they did virtually no touristy things.
I had issues with the story as well, but I think most of those were due to my frustration over previously mentioned issues, so I won't mention them. I did say that I found it cute, because it was, so if you're into that sort of thing and you don't mind stilted dialogue and characters that don't feel very fleshed out, then go nuts. It would probably make a really cute rom-com.
November 10, 2013
Prior to reading Take A Look At Me Now I had read and enjoyed It Started With A Kiss as well as a few short stories by Miranda. I also have When I Fall In Love and Fairytale Of New York ready and waiting for my crimbo treats to start. I missed a few out last year so I am hoping to start indulging on crimbo fiction from November 1st this year and these are already on the top of my to be read pile.
WOW WOW WOW! It was a true honour to be a part of #TeamNell. This book should come with a number of health warnings and if you are not instantly ravenous then what is wrong with you. I want to thank Miranda for bringing me and Kirsty together as part of Team Nell and I am thankful to Kirsty for finishing this awesome read first so she could warn me that chocolate and wine are needed to fill the void and to get through the surreal twists. I instantly fell in love with Nell and Vicky and I want to read it all over again. There is at least one of my close friends who will receive a copy of this book and I know she'll inhale it just like I did.
Miranda has taken a real and rather not nice subject in redundancy and she has created a positive story from such a real and unkind thing to go through. Nell Sullivan has so many expectations when she walks into Aidan Matthews office and what happens is not what she expected at all. I love that Nell took her life and said I will make a choice, and the choice she made was brave and some people would say irresponsible. Hey, she took on life with both hands and the emotional rollercoaster she endures is well worth the ride. Nell knew she wanted to enjoy life and get to know herself again when she went to stay with her cousin Lizzie, but she couldn't have predicted how much would change. It just proves that if you make the right changes life can really change for the better.
The characters Miranda has created are all loveable in their own way but I have to mention the adorable Max Rossi. Who would've thought a few spilt coffee's would bring a handsome stranger into your life. That sure as hell didn't happen to me on Pier 39, I feel like I need a refund lol. I won't spoil anything but there is much more to the eye with Mr Rossi. There were a number of times when I wanted to scream which would have got me some weird stares on the commute to work. I also got increasingly frustrated which made me unsure whether to keep reading but I'd want to know. This story will stay with you long after the very last page. I also feel that I need to watch a few of the San Fran based films that I haven't seen. Just because Miranda mentions them at the end of the book.
Both myself and Kirsty believe this book NEEDS to be a film although be warned wine, chocolate and tissues are needed oh and a good friend. This book needs to be shared....:) I really hope this is just the beginning of Nell as I would love to read more about her....a character that will never fade
WOW WOW WOW! It was a true honour to be a part of #TeamNell. This book should come with a number of health warnings and if you are not instantly ravenous then what is wrong with you. I want to thank Miranda for bringing me and Kirsty together as part of Team Nell and I am thankful to Kirsty for finishing this awesome read first so she could warn me that chocolate and wine are needed to fill the void and to get through the surreal twists. I instantly fell in love with Nell and Vicky and I want to read it all over again. There is at least one of my close friends who will receive a copy of this book and I know she'll inhale it just like I did.
Miranda has taken a real and rather not nice subject in redundancy and she has created a positive story from such a real and unkind thing to go through. Nell Sullivan has so many expectations when she walks into Aidan Matthews office and what happens is not what she expected at all. I love that Nell took her life and said I will make a choice, and the choice she made was brave and some people would say irresponsible. Hey, she took on life with both hands and the emotional rollercoaster she endures is well worth the ride. Nell knew she wanted to enjoy life and get to know herself again when she went to stay with her cousin Lizzie, but she couldn't have predicted how much would change. It just proves that if you make the right changes life can really change for the better.
The characters Miranda has created are all loveable in their own way but I have to mention the adorable Max Rossi. Who would've thought a few spilt coffee's would bring a handsome stranger into your life. That sure as hell didn't happen to me on Pier 39, I feel like I need a refund lol. I won't spoil anything but there is much more to the eye with Mr Rossi. There were a number of times when I wanted to scream which would have got me some weird stares on the commute to work. I also got increasingly frustrated which made me unsure whether to keep reading but I'd want to know. This story will stay with you long after the very last page. I also feel that I need to watch a few of the San Fran based films that I haven't seen. Just because Miranda mentions them at the end of the book.
Both myself and Kirsty believe this book NEEDS to be a film although be warned wine, chocolate and tissues are needed oh and a good friend. This book needs to be shared....:) I really hope this is just the beginning of Nell as I would love to read more about her....a character that will never fade
November 26, 2013
Title: Take a Look at Me Now
Author: Miranda Dickinson
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 24th October 2013
Blurb
How far would you go to make a new start?
When Nell’s on-off boyfriend Aidan calls her into his office, losing her job is the last thing she expects.
Heartbroken and unemployed to boot, she makes a radical decision to blow her redundancy cheque and escape to the untested waters of San Francisco.
But is the glamour of the city too good to be true? And can Nell leave her past behind?
Verdict
Firstly the cover of Take a Look at Me Now was amazing! Very Shiny and just shouting "helllo buy me!!" I was so excited to start reading this book and within the first couple of chapters I was hooked right away...which is something I always am when it comes to Miranda Dickinson's books, I am such a huge fan of her books and have a copy of every single one so far tehe :) :)
Take a Look at Me Now see's us meeting Nell and her on-off boyfriend Aidan who calls her into the office warning her about her job and before you know it Nell is made redundant and Very heartbroken and unemployed Nell decides to blow her redundancy money on a trip to San Francisco...what girl wouldn't?
We soon follow Nell seeing the sights of San Francisco with her cousin Lizzie who shows her around and makes her feel at home until she meets the ever so handsome Max Rossie.... what will happen? and will Nell want to go back home after her 8 week trip to San Francisco?
I LOVED it!! what a superb book, Miranda you lovely lady have done it again! Made a superb book in which I am going to be telling all my friends to go out and buy or even buy them the book for Christmas.
Straight away as soon as I started reading about San Francisco I just wanted to jump on a plane right away and experience the place for myself! ( I will one day! Hehe) I am a such a huge fan of Miranda's books and I always love reading them but hate it when it ends as I get all gutted :( I love the style of writing Miranda does and how she gets her readers fully engrossed with her chapters and with the characters too. By the end of every book Miranda has written you feel like the characters are your best friends and you love them very much.
I loved following Nell in San Francisco from her sight seeing, meeting new people, deciding her future plans and just generally loving the closeness between Nell and her cousin Lizzie, it was a superb friendship and closeness as a family member I thought it was really cute how Lizzie showed Nell around everywhere and how she introduced her to the most amazing Diner everrr! The place sounded so amazing and I wanted to just be sat right there and eat everything! lol.
5 words to sum Take a Look at Me Now are Amazing, Lovable, Breathe Taking, Humorous && Inspirational. One book I am going to treasure for a while!
Author: Miranda Dickinson
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 24th October 2013
Blurb
How far would you go to make a new start?
When Nell’s on-off boyfriend Aidan calls her into his office, losing her job is the last thing she expects.
Heartbroken and unemployed to boot, she makes a radical decision to blow her redundancy cheque and escape to the untested waters of San Francisco.
But is the glamour of the city too good to be true? And can Nell leave her past behind?
Verdict
Firstly the cover of Take a Look at Me Now was amazing! Very Shiny and just shouting "helllo buy me!!" I was so excited to start reading this book and within the first couple of chapters I was hooked right away...which is something I always am when it comes to Miranda Dickinson's books, I am such a huge fan of her books and have a copy of every single one so far tehe :) :)
Take a Look at Me Now see's us meeting Nell and her on-off boyfriend Aidan who calls her into the office warning her about her job and before you know it Nell is made redundant and Very heartbroken and unemployed Nell decides to blow her redundancy money on a trip to San Francisco...what girl wouldn't?
We soon follow Nell seeing the sights of San Francisco with her cousin Lizzie who shows her around and makes her feel at home until she meets the ever so handsome Max Rossie.... what will happen? and will Nell want to go back home after her 8 week trip to San Francisco?
I LOVED it!! what a superb book, Miranda you lovely lady have done it again! Made a superb book in which I am going to be telling all my friends to go out and buy or even buy them the book for Christmas.
Straight away as soon as I started reading about San Francisco I just wanted to jump on a plane right away and experience the place for myself! ( I will one day! Hehe) I am a such a huge fan of Miranda's books and I always love reading them but hate it when it ends as I get all gutted :( I love the style of writing Miranda does and how she gets her readers fully engrossed with her chapters and with the characters too. By the end of every book Miranda has written you feel like the characters are your best friends and you love them very much.
I loved following Nell in San Francisco from her sight seeing, meeting new people, deciding her future plans and just generally loving the closeness between Nell and her cousin Lizzie, it was a superb friendship and closeness as a family member I thought it was really cute how Lizzie showed Nell around everywhere and how she introduced her to the most amazing Diner everrr! The place sounded so amazing and I wanted to just be sat right there and eat everything! lol.
5 words to sum Take a Look at Me Now are Amazing, Lovable, Breathe Taking, Humorous && Inspirational. One book I am going to treasure for a while!
October 23, 2013
Review: I seriously couldn’t wait for the latest novel from wonderful writer Miranda Dickinson and this was well worth the wait. My absolute favourite thing about this book, aside from the fabulous characters and amazing storyline was the setting and so I’m going to gush about that particular feature first! I knew that this novel was going to be set in San Francisco, but I didn’t know just how wonderfully realistic and well described it was going to be! When Nell loses her job and decides to go and visit her cousin in San Fran, I thought we might have a few scenes of outdoor action, but that it would predominantly be her and her cousin hauled up in the flat talking boys and jobs and life in general. Boy was I wrong. San Francisco is definitely the supporting star of this novel. I need to go there now! The diners the streets, the parks, the Golden Gate Bridge, all described amazingly, I defy anyone to read this novel and not want to take a trip there immediately!
Nell is, of course, an equally wonderful character. In true Miranda Dickinson style, she is always optimistic, evidenced by the fact that she takes her redundancy money and plans a trip to San Francisco with it. When her cousin asks her to help out with baking at her after school club, she is all for it. When she meets a new man, she doesn’t question it, but decides to go for it head on! I loved her. I wanted to be her friend and I am so pleased with the ending that she gets!
Lizzie, Vicky, Annie, Max and the children from the after school club all play incredible supporting characters as well. Each of them is fully developed and all play realistic roles in real life. Ex-boyfriend Aiden I feel is not to be trusted; this author has cleverly made me hate a fictional character, whilst loving another-that’s just how fab the writing is!
The love story that flows through this novel is definitely painful to follow just because it is such a slow burn, there is a lot of will they won’t they, and you may loose hope that things are going to work out the way you want them to. It’s definitely worth sticking out the tantalising twists and turns, however because the ending is one you’re definitely not going to want to miss!
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it impossible to put down and completely swept up in the story from the minute I picked it up. I am so grateful that I received an advance copy because I think the wait would’ve been even more agonising if it had been even a minute longer! It had reality, it had romance it had friendship, it had San Francisco, it had diner food-it really was the complete package. If you haven’t secured yourself a copy yet, I urge you to do so now, definitely a great book to snuggle up with on a cold autumn evening, and definitely something anyone would enjoy!
Nell is, of course, an equally wonderful character. In true Miranda Dickinson style, she is always optimistic, evidenced by the fact that she takes her redundancy money and plans a trip to San Francisco with it. When her cousin asks her to help out with baking at her after school club, she is all for it. When she meets a new man, she doesn’t question it, but decides to go for it head on! I loved her. I wanted to be her friend and I am so pleased with the ending that she gets!
Lizzie, Vicky, Annie, Max and the children from the after school club all play incredible supporting characters as well. Each of them is fully developed and all play realistic roles in real life. Ex-boyfriend Aiden I feel is not to be trusted; this author has cleverly made me hate a fictional character, whilst loving another-that’s just how fab the writing is!
The love story that flows through this novel is definitely painful to follow just because it is such a slow burn, there is a lot of will they won’t they, and you may loose hope that things are going to work out the way you want them to. It’s definitely worth sticking out the tantalising twists and turns, however because the ending is one you’re definitely not going to want to miss!
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it impossible to put down and completely swept up in the story from the minute I picked it up. I am so grateful that I received an advance copy because I think the wait would’ve been even more agonising if it had been even a minute longer! It had reality, it had romance it had friendship, it had San Francisco, it had diner food-it really was the complete package. If you haven’t secured yourself a copy yet, I urge you to do so now, definitely a great book to snuggle up with on a cold autumn evening, and definitely something anyone would enjoy!
October 24, 2013
I LOVE Miranda’s books, I’ve read each one and treasured every single word of hers, so I was very much looking forward to her latest release – Take A Look At Me Now.
Nell has always been known as the girl with a plan, so she isn’t expecting her life to suddenly change in one day. She turns up for work as usual, to find herself not only made redundant but suddenly single too. Needing some air, Nell wanders out of work and into a travel agents where she spends her redundancy money on a trip of a lifetime to San Francisco! Staying with her cousin Lizzie, this will be a trip Nell will never forget…
Oh my words cannot describe how much I enjoyed Take A Look At Me Now. I was enjoying it so much that I decided to try and savour it and read slower, but I couldn’t help myself and before I knew it I had devoured the entire story.
Miranda’s descriptions are brilliant, she really brings the story to life with her words and it felt as though I had travelled with Nell to the exciting San Francisco. I could imagine sitting in Annie’s diner, having breakfast and chatting to the wonderful variety of local people, and enjoying the community around me! Since finishing the story I’ve been searching San Francisco online and it would be a truly magical place to go, I’ve added it to my wishlist of places to visit!
I liked Nell straight away, she’s just a normal girl who goes on an adventure of lifetime and I found myself cheering her on as she said yes to all these new experiences and opened her heart to the beautiful San Francisco. I loved Lizzie too, she made me giggle, especially with her love for Pablo, and I wished that she was my cousin!
The characters are FANTASTIC! There are so many interesting and vibrant people to meet in this story, and by the end every single one of them felt like a close friend, I genuinely wanted to sweep them all up into a big group hug! I felt such warmth and love from them, and I loved how welcoming they all were to Nell.
I’m urging everyone to purchase Take A Look At Me Now! This story has personally inspired me to take chances and have adventures and now I’m looking at my life in a new exciting way! It is beautifully written, funny, charming, romantic, and will have you wanting to pack your bags and have your own San Francisco adventure too!
Nell has always been known as the girl with a plan, so she isn’t expecting her life to suddenly change in one day. She turns up for work as usual, to find herself not only made redundant but suddenly single too. Needing some air, Nell wanders out of work and into a travel agents where she spends her redundancy money on a trip of a lifetime to San Francisco! Staying with her cousin Lizzie, this will be a trip Nell will never forget…
Oh my words cannot describe how much I enjoyed Take A Look At Me Now. I was enjoying it so much that I decided to try and savour it and read slower, but I couldn’t help myself and before I knew it I had devoured the entire story.
Miranda’s descriptions are brilliant, she really brings the story to life with her words and it felt as though I had travelled with Nell to the exciting San Francisco. I could imagine sitting in Annie’s diner, having breakfast and chatting to the wonderful variety of local people, and enjoying the community around me! Since finishing the story I’ve been searching San Francisco online and it would be a truly magical place to go, I’ve added it to my wishlist of places to visit!
I liked Nell straight away, she’s just a normal girl who goes on an adventure of lifetime and I found myself cheering her on as she said yes to all these new experiences and opened her heart to the beautiful San Francisco. I loved Lizzie too, she made me giggle, especially with her love for Pablo, and I wished that she was my cousin!
The characters are FANTASTIC! There are so many interesting and vibrant people to meet in this story, and by the end every single one of them felt like a close friend, I genuinely wanted to sweep them all up into a big group hug! I felt such warmth and love from them, and I loved how welcoming they all were to Nell.
I’m urging everyone to purchase Take A Look At Me Now! This story has personally inspired me to take chances and have adventures and now I’m looking at my life in a new exciting way! It is beautifully written, funny, charming, romantic, and will have you wanting to pack your bags and have your own San Francisco adventure too!
November 11, 2013
I am a huge fan of Miranda Dickinson, and find her books comforting and inspiring. Her characters are full of drive and verve and the settings are always described so evocatively that you can immerse yourself in a place that you have never actually been. I also love how the importance of a supportive family is portrayed in her books.
Take a Look at Me Now has been highly anticipated by fans. It was one of the books I have been most impatient for during 2013 and I desperately wanted to love it. And love it I did. Once I started I couldn't put it down, I was captivated.
Nell has a nightmare day-not only does she lose Aidan, the man who has captured her heart, but she is made redundant. Yes, she had been wishing for change, but this wasn't what she was expecting! Nell decides to throw caution to the wind and spend her redundancy money visiting her cousin Lizzie in San Francisco. Whilst there Nell finds herself surrounded by quirky, kooky people living their dreams- can she take inspiration from them and make her own dreams a reality?
Take A Look at Me Now is a read that makes you believe anything is possible. San Francisco sounds amazing and I am even more keen to visit there than I was before after reading this book. Most of all I found myself willing for Nell, rooting for her to strive for her dreams and find happiness.
Miranda Dickinson is an author bursting to the brim with talent. She creates characters that readers care about and her writing is infused with humour and romance. Fabulous. You can follow her on twitter, @wurdsmyth.
Take a Look at Me Now has been highly anticipated by fans. It was one of the books I have been most impatient for during 2013 and I desperately wanted to love it. And love it I did. Once I started I couldn't put it down, I was captivated.
Nell has a nightmare day-not only does she lose Aidan, the man who has captured her heart, but she is made redundant. Yes, she had been wishing for change, but this wasn't what she was expecting! Nell decides to throw caution to the wind and spend her redundancy money visiting her cousin Lizzie in San Francisco. Whilst there Nell finds herself surrounded by quirky, kooky people living their dreams- can she take inspiration from them and make her own dreams a reality?
Take A Look at Me Now is a read that makes you believe anything is possible. San Francisco sounds amazing and I am even more keen to visit there than I was before after reading this book. Most of all I found myself willing for Nell, rooting for her to strive for her dreams and find happiness.
Miranda Dickinson is an author bursting to the brim with talent. She creates characters that readers care about and her writing is infused with humour and romance. Fabulous. You can follow her on twitter, @wurdsmyth.
April 21, 2016
2.5 Crows
Well I certainly won’t forget the protagonist’s name, Nell Sullivan. Do people really use first and last names so frequently in casual conversation? I found that rather comical. Either way, this was a mediocre read for me. The story never quite hooked me and so I just floated along easily without any attachment to the characters or their fates.
When Nell learns that she is being fired she is shocked. She decides to take her severance pay and visit her cousin Lizzie in San Francisco for two months while she sorts out her next move. The setting was my favorite part of the book because I love San Francisco and enjoyed remembering my trips to the various places mentioned. I also enjoyed the delicious food references sprinkled throughout the book as Nell builds up the courage to divulge a secret she has harbored for years now: her dream to open her own American diner.
Unfortunately, the characters and the scenarios they find themselves in scream cliché and were therefore predictable and bland, often times feeling juvenile. The predicaments and obstacles presented to the characters always ironed themselves out fairly quickly and even at the very climax of these complications I found that I didn’t really care which way things went.
I enjoy some chick lit but this one just wasn’t for me. Without any strong feelings either way I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend this but I wouldn’t discourage someone who enjoys chick lit to give it a try.
July 9, 2014
This book isn't just about the main character's journey after she is made redundant, but it's about the author's obvious passion for the city of San Francisco and boy did it make me want to go and visit (it's now on my bucket list!) Her obvious enthusiasm for so many different areas of that part of California was contagious.
As for the story itself, I was totally smitten. I couldn't put the book down – finishing it in two afternoons! I love the way Miranda writes, it's so true to life, if you know what I mean? You can really see this kind of thing really happening to a thirty something woman in London. After I was made redundant, I wish I'd have been as brave to go hop on a plane to San Francisco for two months.
Lizzie was particularly brilliant, but I loved all of the characters and found myself wishing for certain things to happen and for the story to unravel the way it did. All in all, yet another wonderful book by a superb chick lit author. Can't wait to get stuck in to Miranda's other books.
As for the story itself, I was totally smitten. I couldn't put the book down – finishing it in two afternoons! I love the way Miranda writes, it's so true to life, if you know what I mean? You can really see this kind of thing really happening to a thirty something woman in London. After I was made redundant, I wish I'd have been as brave to go hop on a plane to San Francisco for two months.
Lizzie was particularly brilliant, but I loved all of the characters and found myself wishing for certain things to happen and for the story to unravel the way it did. All in all, yet another wonderful book by a superb chick lit author. Can't wait to get stuck in to Miranda's other books.
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