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Lunchtime Eavesdropper
Meet Marlee, a woman who lives a comfortable but simple life with her loving partner, the adorable Larry. She discovers that covertly listening in on other people’s conversations during lunch hour excites her and adds to her otherwise humble life. When she overhears unpleasant gossip about herself, she becomes obsessed with changing her personality and makes the bad decision to become someone she’s not. After her total makeover, Marlee suddenly finds herself basking in the attention of her co-workers and is ecstatic when she’s finally invited to sit at the “popular” table at work. But is a personality change really worth the price? Is being popular worth losing herself, possibly the love of her life and/or redefining her own definition of happiness?
Come and take part in Marlee’s life, even though it’s only for a short time, and experience her yearning to belong and be accepted for who she is. You may be surprised by the unexpected twist in her story.
Come and take part in Marlee’s life, even though it’s only for a short time, and experience her yearning to belong and be accepted for who she is. You may be surprised by the unexpected twist in her story.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2015
17 people want to read
About the author
Joanie Chevalier
14 books120 followersHi! I love to write thrillers, romance-suspense, crime, humor, nonfiction, short stories and anything else that pops into my head. I am the mother of weird children and cute Chihuahuas. I love new readers because I'm a new author, so we can be great friends.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 30, 2015
"Is being popular worth losing herself, possibly the love of her life and/or redefining her own definition of happiness?"
Lunchtime Eavesdropper is a novella about the society’s influence on a person. The reason why I decided to read it was that the topic is something that’s been haunting me my whole life.
The main character, Marlee, who’s an ordinary, bookwormish, average looking woman, accidentally overhears her colleagues gossiping about her, and decides to change her life. Or, more precisely, what she looks like to the others. Of course, she screws up big time, and the whole story ends with a surprising twist. It has a comical air to it, but with a dark subtext, and the protagonist is funny and very believable.
I think every second person has a Marlee in them. Especially, if they don’t love themselves. I certainly have a Marlee lurking inside. I never really fit in, and though I wasn’t an outsider anywhere, I’ve had my portion of mockery for being the punk kid, the nerd, the tomboy. My share of unrequited love for not being the ‘normal’ girl guys were looking for. And the thing is, all of this stayed inside, but the façade was always smiling, the life and soul of the party.
There are introverts, extraverts, and introverts who pretend to be extraverts so that no one would dig deeper, and this type is the worst. So, while I was too proud and busy to try and fit in, the Marlee in me was suffering from the realization that she was the odd one out. The only reason why I started dressing like a girl was that I had to apply for a job at 18, a real one, not freelance; and I was in my third year at the University by then. I still hate the fact that they wouldn’t take me seriously if I showed up applying for the Master’s degree in baggy pants and an Eminem T-shirt. I still don’t feel comfortable in a mini, with men staring at me, but hell, if I’m gonna look like a girl, I’d rather look good. See, how twisted it all is, and I’m sure any one of you has an issue like that, somewhere in the back of your mind.
It took me years to realize how my own defenses have screwed me up; but it also was them that helped me preserve my true self and finally make peace with it. I realized there’s nothing wrong with not wanting to be around people instead of being on your own and doing something really interesting. I lost all reasons to want to fit in the society that’s so different from the ideas that I had in my head since I was a child. I set Marlee free to go haunt someone else and stopped caring about whether people think I’m strange or not, because I know I must seem strange to them, but only because they don’t know the real reasons behind it. I stopped explaining myself and wanting to be understood. I may still not love myself in the slightest, but at least I don’t let the others’ opinion define me anymore. I let them make idiotic assumptions and then laugh at them not even realizing what I’m laughing at, the bitch that I am.
I’m an alien, and it’s fine by me.
Returning to the book, it’s become one of those precious reads for me that deliver such an important message in such an easy, entertaining, but strong form. It’s kind of a caricature, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who’s struggling with defining their place in the community.
*I received a free copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
Lunchtime Eavesdropper is a novella about the society’s influence on a person. The reason why I decided to read it was that the topic is something that’s been haunting me my whole life.
The main character, Marlee, who’s an ordinary, bookwormish, average looking woman, accidentally overhears her colleagues gossiping about her, and decides to change her life. Or, more precisely, what she looks like to the others. Of course, she screws up big time, and the whole story ends with a surprising twist. It has a comical air to it, but with a dark subtext, and the protagonist is funny and very believable.
I think every second person has a Marlee in them. Especially, if they don’t love themselves. I certainly have a Marlee lurking inside. I never really fit in, and though I wasn’t an outsider anywhere, I’ve had my portion of mockery for being the punk kid, the nerd, the tomboy. My share of unrequited love for not being the ‘normal’ girl guys were looking for. And the thing is, all of this stayed inside, but the façade was always smiling, the life and soul of the party.
There are introverts, extraverts, and introverts who pretend to be extraverts so that no one would dig deeper, and this type is the worst. So, while I was too proud and busy to try and fit in, the Marlee in me was suffering from the realization that she was the odd one out. The only reason why I started dressing like a girl was that I had to apply for a job at 18, a real one, not freelance; and I was in my third year at the University by then. I still hate the fact that they wouldn’t take me seriously if I showed up applying for the Master’s degree in baggy pants and an Eminem T-shirt. I still don’t feel comfortable in a mini, with men staring at me, but hell, if I’m gonna look like a girl, I’d rather look good. See, how twisted it all is, and I’m sure any one of you has an issue like that, somewhere in the back of your mind.
It took me years to realize how my own defenses have screwed me up; but it also was them that helped me preserve my true self and finally make peace with it. I realized there’s nothing wrong with not wanting to be around people instead of being on your own and doing something really interesting. I lost all reasons to want to fit in the society that’s so different from the ideas that I had in my head since I was a child. I set Marlee free to go haunt someone else and stopped caring about whether people think I’m strange or not, because I know I must seem strange to them, but only because they don’t know the real reasons behind it. I stopped explaining myself and wanting to be understood. I may still not love myself in the slightest, but at least I don’t let the others’ opinion define me anymore. I let them make idiotic assumptions and then laugh at them not even realizing what I’m laughing at, the bitch that I am.
I’m an alien, and it’s fine by me.
Returning to the book, it’s become one of those precious reads for me that deliver such an important message in such an easy, entertaining, but strong form. It’s kind of a caricature, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who’s struggling with defining their place in the community.
*I received a free copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
August 18, 2015
Lunchtime Eavesdropper is a real 'stay true to yourself' kinda read. The psychological effects of overhearing people talk about yourself can take over even rational thoughts. And, this is how is affects Marlee. Although the comments are hurtful, she takes heed and begins to question herself, doubting who she really is.
It all became a bit of fun, changing her appearance, wanting to share some time with girlfriends and being able to talk with them. But, after a night out clubbing, she begins to think that she has taken things too far. She never really enjoyed these girls' company anyway, so why start to now?
This novella explores the psychological effects that others can have on a person when expressing their personal opinion, or even the opinion that they believe others want to hear when they are trying to be popular and fit in.
Marlee loves Larry. He is the love of her life. He has always loved her for who she is and how she treats him, But, with changes that Marlee is making, it does begin to affect him too.
It isn't all too serious as Marlee tells the reader in first person her most innermost thoughts. Some are quite flippant or amusing comments. And when she begins making some changes, during a shopping trip she gets a little excited when she finds a beautiful photo frame, but with the perfect, handsome guy she's ever seen. She decides to buy it and later places it on her office desk, making out that the guy is in fact Larry!
With some surprises there are a few times when you will question what is really happening. There is a slight realisation towards the end of this short story that did make me smile, even though there is a more serious message. Is it really worth changing for other people? For the trouble and upset it can cause you and those around you? The story hints in places at having some criminal element, but the most powerful subject is Marlee's psychological state and how she deals with her life - fantasy or otherwise!
A copy of Lunchtime Eavesdropper was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.
It all became a bit of fun, changing her appearance, wanting to share some time with girlfriends and being able to talk with them. But, after a night out clubbing, she begins to think that she has taken things too far. She never really enjoyed these girls' company anyway, so why start to now?
This novella explores the psychological effects that others can have on a person when expressing their personal opinion, or even the opinion that they believe others want to hear when they are trying to be popular and fit in.
Marlee loves Larry. He is the love of her life. He has always loved her for who she is and how she treats him, But, with changes that Marlee is making, it does begin to affect him too.
It isn't all too serious as Marlee tells the reader in first person her most innermost thoughts. Some are quite flippant or amusing comments. And when she begins making some changes, during a shopping trip she gets a little excited when she finds a beautiful photo frame, but with the perfect, handsome guy she's ever seen. She decides to buy it and later places it on her office desk, making out that the guy is in fact Larry!
With some surprises there are a few times when you will question what is really happening. There is a slight realisation towards the end of this short story that did make me smile, even though there is a more serious message. Is it really worth changing for other people? For the trouble and upset it can cause you and those around you? The story hints in places at having some criminal element, but the most powerful subject is Marlee's psychological state and how she deals with her life - fantasy or otherwise!
A copy of Lunchtime Eavesdropper was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.
August 12, 2015
Lunchtime Eavesdropper is a story about finding one’s real self—the self that lies within the outer embellishments, the self whose voice is often hushed by the loud exterior. We meet the protagonist, Marlee, at a clinic where she is having one of her regular sessions with the psychiatrist. The story unfolds in the form of a flashback. There is nothing particularly attractive about Marlee. She is the kind of chubby, low profile introvert who likes to amuse herself by reading her favorite romance novels instead of yapping with her coworkers. However, her life’s quite peaceful. She has a loving and supportive partner, Larry, and they live comfortably in her mom’s condo. One fine day, Marlee develops a strange fetish for overhearing gossip. It’s all very exciting until her ears pick up some annoying gossip about her very own self. She can’t believe her coworkers think of her as just another dorky nerd. She decides she is going to get a makeover done, try to look all sassy and have a group of girl buddies to gad around with. Then… everything comes tumbling down. There’s a little (actually quite startling) surprise at the end of the story but I’m not going to tell you that!
The story is an insight into the psychology of the protagonist. We laugh with her, we cry with her, we get angry when she does and we simply cannot resist loving her! The story was a delightful experience for me and by the time I reached the back cover, I was amazed. It talks about something very profound but it does that in a humorous way. The author’s style of writing is indeed very commendable because it makes the story feel very real, as if it was happening right in front of your eyes. Many of us will also identify with Marlee and share her concerns. But even if that’s not the case, you are sure to enjoy this adorable little story. Just to summarize my feelings, this story is mighty awesome. Go grab a copy of it if you want to feel good about yourself and your sweet life no matter how sour or bitter it might seem to be!
The story is an insight into the psychology of the protagonist. We laugh with her, we cry with her, we get angry when she does and we simply cannot resist loving her! The story was a delightful experience for me and by the time I reached the back cover, I was amazed. It talks about something very profound but it does that in a humorous way. The author’s style of writing is indeed very commendable because it makes the story feel very real, as if it was happening right in front of your eyes. Many of us will also identify with Marlee and share her concerns. But even if that’s not the case, you are sure to enjoy this adorable little story. Just to summarize my feelings, this story is mighty awesome. Go grab a copy of it if you want to feel good about yourself and your sweet life no matter how sour or bitter it might seem to be!
November 30, 2015
How would you react if you overheard others talking about you while at lunch?
There are undoubtedly many of us who have nightmares about this sort of thing happening – and maybe it would be okay if the others said nice things, but it’s the negative gossip that we fear. When I was approached by Joanie Chevalier about reviewing her novella, Lunchtime Eavesdropper, on exactly this topic, I was excited to take a glimpse into how others might react to something like this happening.
Lunchtime Eavesdropper is the short account of a young woman, Marlee, who overhears her coworkers talking about the things they don’t particularly like about her while they were unaware she was eavesdropping on them. The result? Her life is turned nearly upside down. From nightclubbing, to buying picture frames for the picture it comes with, to nearly losing her true love Larry – it’s up to you, as the reader, to decide whether this sudden upturn was warranted or if the main character might actually be losing her mind. But whether she’s losing it or just exploring another side of who she is, this quick and easy read is absolutely fun and hilarious. Sure, there are moments where you catch yourself feeling almost sad for Marlee, but before you even turn the page you’ll be laughing at one of her uncanny reactions.
As I mentioned, this is a novella so if you’re looking for something shorter but jam-packed with hilarity and entertainment, this may be a perfect option for you. Before this one, I hadn’t given much of a chance to novellas. Following this, however, I think they’ll be added to my growing list of favorites.
My Rating: ★★★★★
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
There are undoubtedly many of us who have nightmares about this sort of thing happening – and maybe it would be okay if the others said nice things, but it’s the negative gossip that we fear. When I was approached by Joanie Chevalier about reviewing her novella, Lunchtime Eavesdropper, on exactly this topic, I was excited to take a glimpse into how others might react to something like this happening.
Lunchtime Eavesdropper is the short account of a young woman, Marlee, who overhears her coworkers talking about the things they don’t particularly like about her while they were unaware she was eavesdropping on them. The result? Her life is turned nearly upside down. From nightclubbing, to buying picture frames for the picture it comes with, to nearly losing her true love Larry – it’s up to you, as the reader, to decide whether this sudden upturn was warranted or if the main character might actually be losing her mind. But whether she’s losing it or just exploring another side of who she is, this quick and easy read is absolutely fun and hilarious. Sure, there are moments where you catch yourself feeling almost sad for Marlee, but before you even turn the page you’ll be laughing at one of her uncanny reactions.
As I mentioned, this is a novella so if you’re looking for something shorter but jam-packed with hilarity and entertainment, this may be a perfect option for you. Before this one, I hadn’t given much of a chance to novellas. Following this, however, I think they’ll be added to my growing list of favorites.
My Rating: ★★★★★
I was provided with a free copy of this book in order to conduct this review.
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
August 14, 2015
Meet Marlee, a lady in therapy, who eavesdrops on her office colleagues at lunchtime. It's said that eavesdroppers hear no good of themselves. Marlee hears that she's looking somewhat old and staid, with her practical attire and natural hair. She has never tried to get to know these women and normally chooses to eat in a different location to them, but today they've come out to the plaza she favours.
Starting to change her image with the help of one or two inaccuracies, like a photo of a hot guy who might or might not be her loving partner, Marlee becomes an object of interest in the office. Sadly all her changes to suit the younger folks are superficial and it can't be long before her eyes are opened, can it?
I'm finding it hard to know how to classify this short tale as it's not a romance or a mystery, so I'll go with a cautionary tale or a moral story. We are encouraged to consider how we see others and how we are seen by them; the concept of saying nothing unless you can say something good doesn't present itself. The theme of the unpopular girl will be found in tales from school stories on, so what matters is how the person deals with the situation and whether they lead a fulfilling life. Marlee, well let's say she keeps the reader amused, but she is not the heroine figure.
Read Joanie Chevalier's Lunchtime Eavesdropper for a fun look at office life, or a reminder that we need to move with the times but remain true to ourselves. Details are sprinkled through the story to give a more real and vibrant feel. I early spotted a bit of tricking around and just kept waiting for the outcome, which was quite well done. I'm not sure why I'm not giving this full marks; maybe it's because I don't find anyone in the story to like, which stops me from getting more enthused. I'd be interested to read more from this author and see if I can find a happier character.
Starting to change her image with the help of one or two inaccuracies, like a photo of a hot guy who might or might not be her loving partner, Marlee becomes an object of interest in the office. Sadly all her changes to suit the younger folks are superficial and it can't be long before her eyes are opened, can it?
I'm finding it hard to know how to classify this short tale as it's not a romance or a mystery, so I'll go with a cautionary tale or a moral story. We are encouraged to consider how we see others and how we are seen by them; the concept of saying nothing unless you can say something good doesn't present itself. The theme of the unpopular girl will be found in tales from school stories on, so what matters is how the person deals with the situation and whether they lead a fulfilling life. Marlee, well let's say she keeps the reader amused, but she is not the heroine figure.
Read Joanie Chevalier's Lunchtime Eavesdropper for a fun look at office life, or a reminder that we need to move with the times but remain true to ourselves. Details are sprinkled through the story to give a more real and vibrant feel. I early spotted a bit of tricking around and just kept waiting for the outcome, which was quite well done. I'm not sure why I'm not giving this full marks; maybe it's because I don't find anyone in the story to like, which stops me from getting more enthused. I'd be interested to read more from this author and see if I can find a happier character.
September 8, 2015
Joanie Chevalier’s book Lunchtime Eavesdropper is a quick read that throws a curveball at you. Marlee is a pretty average lady that is happy with her relationship and her life. That is until she starts eavesdropping on lunchtime gossip. When one day she hears her name she decides to try to fit in and has a complete makeover. Marlee soon realizes that being popular and fitting in is not all that great.
When I first started reading Lunchtime Eavesdropper I thought it was just an average story that I have seen countless times in movies. That was until Chevalier’s shocking ending that literally left me speechless. Marlee has a sarcastic attitude that she too often keeps bottled up inside. She also has a very interesting backstory that is quickly mentioned. Her relationship with Larry is something I thought that should be envied since they obviously cared so much for each other. I am glad that Marlee eventually came to her senses and realized that she did not need to fit in just to be happy. This book is a good reminder to just be yourself. It is also a reminder to be kind to one another and not to gossip. Or if you do gossip do it in private.
The surprise ending itself is the reason you should read this book. Joanie Chevalier has done a fabulous job. I recommend everyone to read this book. I also recommend that when you get your friends to read it, film them so you can catch their reaction to the shocking ending.
*I reviewed this book for Reader's Favorite
When I first started reading Lunchtime Eavesdropper I thought it was just an average story that I have seen countless times in movies. That was until Chevalier’s shocking ending that literally left me speechless. Marlee has a sarcastic attitude that she too often keeps bottled up inside. She also has a very interesting backstory that is quickly mentioned. Her relationship with Larry is something I thought that should be envied since they obviously cared so much for each other. I am glad that Marlee eventually came to her senses and realized that she did not need to fit in just to be happy. This book is a good reminder to just be yourself. It is also a reminder to be kind to one another and not to gossip. Or if you do gossip do it in private.
The surprise ending itself is the reason you should read this book. Joanie Chevalier has done a fabulous job. I recommend everyone to read this book. I also recommend that when you get your friends to read it, film them so you can catch their reaction to the shocking ending.
*I reviewed this book for Reader's Favorite
July 25, 2015
I loved this novella! It's easy to read in one sitting but still provides tons of details and plot. The character was very relatable and silly! I found myself actually laughing and connecting with the character so often that I had to step back and remind myself that this wasn't a real person. The story is fast-paced and fun, and the twist at the end makes you rethink everything you know to be true. I definitely recommend!
September 6, 2015
Lunchtime Eavesdropper is a real page-turner.
It delves into the effects of overhearing people talk about yourself.
The protagonist is a confused woman with low self-esteem named Marlee.
The book explores her world and how she desperately tries to fit in the world around her, sometimes going to crazy lengths just to find social acceptance.
I really liked the crisp language of the book and its fast pace!
And to add, there are delightful twists too!
Waiting to read more of Joanie Chevalier.
It delves into the effects of overhearing people talk about yourself.
The protagonist is a confused woman with low self-esteem named Marlee.
The book explores her world and how she desperately tries to fit in the world around her, sometimes going to crazy lengths just to find social acceptance.
I really liked the crisp language of the book and its fast pace!
And to add, there are delightful twists too!
Waiting to read more of Joanie Chevalier.
May 25, 2020
45 pages of perfection. Loved this story. This is the second book by her that I have read and can't wait until the next.
August 18, 2015
Marlee is a character. No, really. She opinionated, creative and sassy. And she, for the life of her, doesn't know why she's seeing a shrink. Life was fine with her live in mother and her beloved Larry, until the incident.
Lunchtime Eavesdropper takes you into the life of a woman at the edge of society - she visits it, but doesn't really live there. She rather just read her romantic novels and shop when things get to be a bit much. But when she finds a nice place to take her lunch, everything changes. Innocent eavesdropping into the gossip of co-workers spins her world 180 degrees. Will she be lost in this new social circle of hers or will she find her way back to Larry?
The theme of this book was interesting and Marlee was quirky enough to keep you wondering what would happen next. However, the main twist of the book is something of a disappointment because the author tells you one thing and in the last few pages, reveals the opposite. I felt tricked rather than surprised. The narrative, without revealing too much, goes in two different directions at the same time, leaving you wondering what is real and what is imagined.
Still, at its heart, Lunchtime Eavesdropper is true to itself as a journey of self discovery. A quick read with flashes of funny.
Lunchtime Eavesdropper takes you into the life of a woman at the edge of society - she visits it, but doesn't really live there. She rather just read her romantic novels and shop when things get to be a bit much. But when she finds a nice place to take her lunch, everything changes. Innocent eavesdropping into the gossip of co-workers spins her world 180 degrees. Will she be lost in this new social circle of hers or will she find her way back to Larry?
The theme of this book was interesting and Marlee was quirky enough to keep you wondering what would happen next. However, the main twist of the book is something of a disappointment because the author tells you one thing and in the last few pages, reveals the opposite. I felt tricked rather than surprised. The narrative, without revealing too much, goes in two different directions at the same time, leaving you wondering what is real and what is imagined.
Still, at its heart, Lunchtime Eavesdropper is true to itself as a journey of self discovery. A quick read with flashes of funny.
June 1, 2016
Lunchtime Eavesdropper is an episode from Marlee's life. She gets into eavesdropping on others at lunchtime, but regrets her knew habit when she overhears coworkers speaking badly of her. This "Tragic Event" leads to Marlee changing herself: her hair, her makeup, her wardrobe, and her actions. As a result she is more accepted by her mean-girl colleagues, and they even invite her clubbing with them. But is that the life she wants? What will she lose if she keeps up the new pretense?
I found Lunchtime Eavesdropper a sweet and fun read. I loved it, especially the unexpected ending. Marlee is a character; I really liked the way she was developed throughout the story, using flashbacks as well as immediate action. The character of Larry was also well-drawn. Marlee's mom, Hazel, is also a treat. With such loveable characters, how could the story fail to be a hit? It is short and left me wanting more. But that's a good thing---it shows the author's prowess. Looking forward to more.
I found Lunchtime Eavesdropper a sweet and fun read. I loved it, especially the unexpected ending. Marlee is a character; I really liked the way she was developed throughout the story, using flashbacks as well as immediate action. The character of Larry was also well-drawn. Marlee's mom, Hazel, is also a treat. With such loveable characters, how could the story fail to be a hit? It is short and left me wanting more. But that's a good thing---it shows the author's prowess. Looking forward to more.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews