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Starfish
Is it acceptable for a total stranger to have an opinion on your sex life? Livvy has never met anyone like the cold and enigmatic Max Brandon . . .a total stranger who is more than happy to air his views on her recently failed marriage and sex life.Max Brandon who is in love with the girl friend from hell and should, in Livvy’s opinion, sort out his own life before blatantly interfering in hers.Humiliated and with her marriage in tatters Livvy must move on ...but first she must leave behind the dysfunctional Brandon family. Something easier said than done. . .
- GenresRomance
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2012
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 17, 2013
What a beautiful story. When I started reading Starfish it happily occurred to me that I had found an author who would carry on from my much loved, and sorely missed Maeve Binchy. It very quickly became apparent that Jenny Orbell will never need to carry on from any other author. Her own style puts her right in front with the best of them.
Livvy Mallen, emotionally broken and deeply physically hurt, believing that she is the one that is at fault, because of one of those vile abusive men that unfortunately really are out there, finds her way back to normality and to a perfect love.
I loved feeling all the emotions in this book. Humour, angst, and the warm, comforting day to day things of life are woven cleverly together, and draw you in completely. I could hear the Christmas carols on the radio, smell the New Years feast and see the cliffs and sea rushing in. I felt Livvy’s terror as the disgusting William returns to hurt her again. I especially loved feisty Molly and Martha, and Jules the camp hairstylist. I suggest you read Starfish, meet them yourself, and grow fond of them as I did.
A perfectly crafted book. I don’t say it lightly, when I say that Jenny Orbell is clearly one of those rare finds, an author, and a master of her craft. You would have to be both illiterate and completely lack imagination not to love this story from the first word to the last.
If I were to recommend only one book this year, this is it.
Livvy Mallen, emotionally broken and deeply physically hurt, believing that she is the one that is at fault, because of one of those vile abusive men that unfortunately really are out there, finds her way back to normality and to a perfect love.
I loved feeling all the emotions in this book. Humour, angst, and the warm, comforting day to day things of life are woven cleverly together, and draw you in completely. I could hear the Christmas carols on the radio, smell the New Years feast and see the cliffs and sea rushing in. I felt Livvy’s terror as the disgusting William returns to hurt her again. I especially loved feisty Molly and Martha, and Jules the camp hairstylist. I suggest you read Starfish, meet them yourself, and grow fond of them as I did.
A perfectly crafted book. I don’t say it lightly, when I say that Jenny Orbell is clearly one of those rare finds, an author, and a master of her craft. You would have to be both illiterate and completely lack imagination not to love this story from the first word to the last.
If I were to recommend only one book this year, this is it.
March 15, 2014
Starfish for me was a light hearted read about what happens to Olivia Mallen when she comes out of a bad marriage and is whisked away to the Norfolk Countryside by her brother to spend Christmas with friends of his. What I loved about this book is that it read like a romcom. The story is told from Olivia's perspective and even though I may have made very different choices I did find Olivia likeable.
I found Max dark and mysterious and I absolutely loved the double act of Molly and Martha who made me laugh out loud during the book. Add in the dogs, Fen and Fidget and the bit about seals and I was well entertained. The conclusion doesn't come as expected but the twists are interesting to keep you reading.
I found Max dark and mysterious and I absolutely loved the double act of Molly and Martha who made me laugh out loud during the book. Add in the dogs, Fen and Fidget and the bit about seals and I was well entertained. The conclusion doesn't come as expected but the twists are interesting to keep you reading.
December 12, 2012
A delightful read, very easy to get wrapped up in the story. The author has produced well drawn out and diverse characters. The plot chugs along with layers of incidents and you find yourself wanting to know what happens next. The setting by the sea is very atmospheric, the house's proximity to the cliffs adding that extra dimension of danger.The final section of the book has so many things happening and ties up all the characters plot lines very neatly. All in all an easy relaxing read to unwind in the afternoon,evening or just right for those sunny days at the beach.
September 30, 2012
This was a free download on the kindle store, and I can see why. The main character is quite annoying, in fact all of them are. Not much character development, it's all quite one dimensional.
January 12, 2016
I was given this book for Christmas and I have to say that once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It's a most delightful read and definitely worth buying if you like a bit of romance, intrigue and humour.
The characters were well developed and likeable, and the story had some unexpected twists which added to the interest.
Written from the viewpoint of the main character, Livvy, the story follows her after the breakdown of her toxic marriage, when her brother invites her to stay at Brandon Hall on the Norfolk coast for Christmas. Without wishing to spoil the story, events take an unexpected turn when Livvy meets the devilish Max Brandon. The ensuing plot is captivating, well written and dramatic right to the end.
This is the third book I have read by Jennie Orbell, and she certainly doesn't disappoint with this offering. Highly recommended and thoroughly enjoyable.
The characters were well developed and likeable, and the story had some unexpected twists which added to the interest.
Written from the viewpoint of the main character, Livvy, the story follows her after the breakdown of her toxic marriage, when her brother invites her to stay at Brandon Hall on the Norfolk coast for Christmas. Without wishing to spoil the story, events take an unexpected turn when Livvy meets the devilish Max Brandon. The ensuing plot is captivating, well written and dramatic right to the end.
This is the third book I have read by Jennie Orbell, and she certainly doesn't disappoint with this offering. Highly recommended and thoroughly enjoyable.
April 25, 2013
I read this, but it took a lot of skimming. The writing style is very professional , I think someone else compared the author to Mauve Binchy, and that seems accurate. If you enjoy that type of story, then this would be worth checking out, especially as it's a free/cheap kindle download.
For me, it's not my favourite style of story. I was interested enough to read to the end, but it was pretty predictable. I also found Livvy a bit hard to relate to. For such a prim girl, she sure tolerated a lot from William. There was, for the most part, something old fashioned and quaint about this style of writing. Even with William and the vile Rebecca.
For me, it's not my favourite style of story. I was interested enough to read to the end, but it was pretty predictable. I also found Livvy a bit hard to relate to. For such a prim girl, she sure tolerated a lot from William. There was, for the most part, something old fashioned and quaint about this style of writing. Even with William and the vile Rebecca.
November 2, 2014
I loved this book. The characters are regular human beings who have been put into difficult situations and it was easy to sympathise with some and wish for bad things to happen to one or two others! The author weaves a brilliant tale and when you think you've worked out what's going to happen, there's another surprise just around the corner. This is a proper page turner that kept me awake when I really should have been sleeping. I liked the heroine (Livvy) a lot and it would be great to see more stories involving her. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a modern day romance that will keep them guessing until the end.
October 7, 2012
I enjoyed the book, just wished the ending told us more.
March 20, 2015
A lovely book and easy to read, hoping there is a follow on book to see what happens to Olivia in the future
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews