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Whatever It Takes
Although the London of the early 1950's holds its attractions, and love is blossoming between Lisa and her fellow trainee schoolteacher, Liam, Lisa stills nurtures resentment towards her Dad, who exiled her there from Sydney, leaving her in the care of her grandmother six years before.
But when the widowed father who abandoned her announces that he will be marrying again -- this time to his flighty secretary, Eleanor -- he asks Lisa to return to Sydney to be a bridesmaid. How will Lisa deal with this, given the likelihood of her once again meeting up with her first love, the newly-separated, handsome Josh? What other complications will life dish out to her?
But when the widowed father who abandoned her announces that he will be marrying again -- this time to his flighty secretary, Eleanor -- he asks Lisa to return to Sydney to be a bridesmaid. How will Lisa deal with this, given the likelihood of her once again meeting up with her first love, the newly-separated, handsome Josh? What other complications will life dish out to her?
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2015
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Lynette Sharp
83 books88 followersMy blog: http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Margaret Lynette Sharp is an award-winning writer, and the author of over eighty titles, including #1 Amazon Best Seller, 'Longbourn Revisited'. Her work was highly commended during the the 2014 Hurstville Discovery Festival of Community Arts, and published by Hurstville Council in an anthology entitled 'Write Out Loud'. In November 2015 she won a Second Prize, again in the short story section of this same competition, and her title, 'More Than a Mere Bagatelle', has been selected for inclusion in another anthology, 'The Art of Writing'.
She spent her early years in an inner city suburb of Sydney, moving with her family to a leafy, outer suburb at the age of ten.
A self-motivated student who loved to seek out information, she matriculated just before her eighteenth birthday. Her enthusiasm for literature led to further studies, with a particular focus on Short Story Writing
Shortly after the death of her elderly mother whom she cared for, Margaret met and later married Ronald Sharp B.E.M., the creator of the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ. She believes that, without doubt, he was her greatest fan and motivator.
Excelling in English himself, Ron had edited much of her early work. He passed away on 21st July, 2021.
Margaret's books have been read and reviewed by readers from Australia, U.S. and India; the vast majority of reviews have been positive.
In addition, she has three blogs on WordPress, which has received many encouraging comments.
Margaret Lynette Sharp is an award-winning writer, and the author of over eighty titles, including #1 Amazon Best Seller, 'Longbourn Revisited'. Her work was highly commended during the the 2014 Hurstville Discovery Festival of Community Arts, and published by Hurstville Council in an anthology entitled 'Write Out Loud'. In November 2015 she won a Second Prize, again in the short story section of this same competition, and her title, 'More Than a Mere Bagatelle', has been selected for inclusion in another anthology, 'The Art of Writing'.
She spent her early years in an inner city suburb of Sydney, moving with her family to a leafy, outer suburb at the age of ten.
A self-motivated student who loved to seek out information, she matriculated just before her eighteenth birthday. Her enthusiasm for literature led to further studies, with a particular focus on Short Story Writing
Shortly after the death of her elderly mother whom she cared for, Margaret met and later married Ronald Sharp B.E.M., the creator of the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ. She believes that, without doubt, he was her greatest fan and motivator.
Excelling in English himself, Ron had edited much of her early work. He passed away on 21st July, 2021.
Margaret's books have been read and reviewed by readers from Australia, U.S. and India; the vast majority of reviews have been positive.
In addition, she has three blogs on WordPress, which has received many encouraging comments.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 21, 2017
This novella takes place in London during the 1950's. Lisa is still feeling bitter towards her father after leaving her with her grandmother six years ago. Although in that time Lisa has befriended a fellow trainee schoolteacher and it seems their friendship is turning into more as they start to have feelings for each other.
When Lisa finds out that her widowed father is going to marry his secretary, Eleanor, she's not sure how she feels. But attending the wedding will mean she will have to return to Sydney and there's a good chance she might bump into her first love, Josh. And if that happens can the couple leave the past in the past or will old feelings get in the way.
Whatever It Takes is a sweet romance, which I very much enjoyed. With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review. Recommended.
When Lisa finds out that her widowed father is going to marry his secretary, Eleanor, she's not sure how she feels. But attending the wedding will mean she will have to return to Sydney and there's a good chance she might bump into her first love, Josh. And if that happens can the couple leave the past in the past or will old feelings get in the way.
Whatever It Takes is a sweet romance, which I very much enjoyed. With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review. Recommended.
August 22, 2015
4.5★s
Lisa found herself enjoying the company of her friend Liam on the day she turned twenty one – all her friends had taken her out to dinner and dancing for the evening; but her surprise was great when her father and his secretary greeted her as well. Lisa’s father had sent her from Sydney, Australia when she was fifteen, to live with her grandmother in London. She had been seeing a young man her father disapproved of, and Lisa felt the banishment keenly. She still felt bitter toward her father after all the time that had passed.
As Lisa felt her friendship with Liam deepening, she was content. But the telephone call from her father, who was back in Australia by this time, announcing that he and his secretary were getting married, and he needed Lisa there as a bridesmaid, shocked her. She didn’t want to leave her studies or Liam for Australia at all…
With the beaches of Cronulla the main thing that Lisa had missed, she found herself enjoying the sea and surf; the sand and sunshine, which she immersed herself into on her second day back. But she felt uneasy – what would happen to her? Would she be able to return to London and Liam?
I very much enjoyed this sweet little romance from Aussie author Margaret Lynette Sharp. Lisa was easy to get to know; easy to like. The characters were well defined and I liked seeing Lisa digging for her inner strength. I have no hesitation in recommending Sharp’s latest novella, Whatever It Takes to all.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
Lisa found herself enjoying the company of her friend Liam on the day she turned twenty one – all her friends had taken her out to dinner and dancing for the evening; but her surprise was great when her father and his secretary greeted her as well. Lisa’s father had sent her from Sydney, Australia when she was fifteen, to live with her grandmother in London. She had been seeing a young man her father disapproved of, and Lisa felt the banishment keenly. She still felt bitter toward her father after all the time that had passed.
As Lisa felt her friendship with Liam deepening, she was content. But the telephone call from her father, who was back in Australia by this time, announcing that he and his secretary were getting married, and he needed Lisa there as a bridesmaid, shocked her. She didn’t want to leave her studies or Liam for Australia at all…
With the beaches of Cronulla the main thing that Lisa had missed, she found herself enjoying the sea and surf; the sand and sunshine, which she immersed herself into on her second day back. But she felt uneasy – what would happen to her? Would she be able to return to London and Liam?
I very much enjoyed this sweet little romance from Aussie author Margaret Lynette Sharp. Lisa was easy to get to know; easy to like. The characters were well defined and I liked seeing Lisa digging for her inner strength. I have no hesitation in recommending Sharp’s latest novella, Whatever It Takes to all.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
September 13, 2015
Margaret Lynette Sharp writes intelligent, sweet and simple romances featuring strong women who know their own minds. In this story Lisa is training to be a teacher in London in the 1950s. She was sent to there to live with her grandmother by her Australian father when her mother died and although she yearns for the Australian sun and beaches she now calls England home. However, when her father unexpectedly asks her to return to Sydney for a few weeks she relishes the chance to visit her old home but worries about leaving her friend Liam who she has gradually being getting closer to.
This is an interesting novella examining relationships and the nature of love and romance. Not just between Lisa and Liam but also her old flame in Sydney, her father and his new girlfriend. The author's writing style is clean and sharp and events move along at a good pace. I would have liked to have had a bit more feel of what London and Sydney were like in the 1950s.There was a hint of societal issues of the period but otherwise it could almost be set today - but then it is a timeless tale of love and relationships.
I particularly like the beautiful, evocative cover chosen for the book.
With many thanks to the author for a copy of the book to read and review
March 12, 2016
Whatever It Takes is a romance novella by Australian author, Margaret Lynette Sharp. More than five years after being sent to London by her widower father to curtail her association with Josh, Lisa is finally feeling settled and happy. Just as her relationship with Liam seems to be developing into something serious, her father Derek turns up for Lisa’s twenty-first with a young woman in tow. Lisa’s suspicions about Eleanor are soon confirmed when Derek demands her presence back in Sydney for his wedding. Will she see (the now-married-to-her-best-friend) Josh while she is there? Will her fledgling relationship with Liam survive her absence? With this sweet 50s romance, Sharp gives the reader another enjoyable read.
With thanks to the author for this copy to read and review.
With thanks to the author for this copy to read and review.
March 30, 2023
A sweet romance novella set in the 1950's. It was a bit old fashioned and the dialogue is a little clunky.
I enjoyed it for what it was, short and sweet.
I enjoyed it for what it was, short and sweet.
August 7, 2018
A sweet Love story!
I enjoyed this book. It was a easy to read book with lots of emotional twists. I was surprised by the ending. I loved how the characters found out how their relationships had changed in a few years. they learned so much in a short time.
I enjoyed this book. It was a easy to read book with lots of emotional twists. I was surprised by the ending. I loved how the characters found out how their relationships had changed in a few years. they learned so much in a short time.
September 16, 2015
Whatever it Takes introduces you to Lisa. Lisa is in love with Liam, hoping that he returns her feelings. The story is told in first person, Lisa's point of view.
With Whatever it Takes, Margaret Lynette Sharp has created a love story, taking us first to London, then to Sydney in the early 1950s. Whatever it Takes is the story of a young woman, finally having a promising relationship in London; being obliged to be her widowed father's bridesmaid in Sydney. I was drawn into the story, as an invisible friend. Whatever it Takes is a good read for romance fans, who like to read novella length stories and appreciate being taken on a journey to the 1950s.
Please note that this is not one of my typical genres. Despite that, I consider this book a very pleasant and/or relaxing read.
With Whatever it Takes, Margaret Lynette Sharp has created a love story, taking us first to London, then to Sydney in the early 1950s. Whatever it Takes is the story of a young woman, finally having a promising relationship in London; being obliged to be her widowed father's bridesmaid in Sydney. I was drawn into the story, as an invisible friend. Whatever it Takes is a good read for romance fans, who like to read novella length stories and appreciate being taken on a journey to the 1950s.
Please note that this is not one of my typical genres. Despite that, I consider this book a very pleasant and/or relaxing read.
December 2, 2016
A Sweet Romance!
This is the second book I have read by this author. Whatever It Takes is a look at love, deception and temptation. Lisa lost at love once and blames her father for chasing her love away. She has a chance at love again with Liam, her co-worker.
When her father requests her presence at his wedding back home she fears the thought of seeing her first love again. Will she be able to resist the temptation of being once again with Josh?
The author has an easy manner of writing that takes the reader on a journey with the characters. Her dialogue is fresh and natural making this an enjoyable and quick read.
This is the second book I have read by this author. Whatever It Takes is a look at love, deception and temptation. Lisa lost at love once and blames her father for chasing her love away. She has a chance at love again with Liam, her co-worker.
When her father requests her presence at his wedding back home she fears the thought of seeing her first love again. Will she be able to resist the temptation of being once again with Josh?
The author has an easy manner of writing that takes the reader on a journey with the characters. Her dialogue is fresh and natural making this an enjoyable and quick read.
July 4, 2019
Reviewed by Elizabeth Butts for Readers' Favorite
Whatever It Takes by Margaret Lynette Sharp follows the story of Lisa, a teaching student who is living in London while taking her exams. She is nursing feelings of heartache from her first love, rejection from her father who banished her, and loss in the death of her mom. Her saving grace is her best friend, Liam, whom she wants to be more than just a friend. Throw in a quick twist shortly after her twenty-first birthday, and her dad getting married to a woman who Lisa is not sure of. Suddenly, she's jetting back to her home country of Australia, having to leave her budding romance behind. When a scare changes everything, will she stay and support her family, or return to the life she had built without them.
Whatever It Takes is a sweet romance novel from a simpler time. Liam is an uncommon gentleman, holding doors, taking her for lunches and chaste walks in Hyde Park. He is a kiss you on the cheek or the back of your hand kind of guy, moving the relationship along slowly for fear of losing the friendship they have. Lisa is a confused heroine, wanting to have more, but not sure she is entirely deserving. This book shows that family is above all else, that forgiveness is important, and that you should always trust your heart. Margaret Lynette Sharp has created a story that you want to curl up with in a warm blanket and be comforted by an easier era when romance wasn't just about jumping into bed with the next person; there was work, there was wooing, and ultimately, there was love. Well done.
Whatever It Takes by Margaret Lynette Sharp follows the story of Lisa, a teaching student who is living in London while taking her exams. She is nursing feelings of heartache from her first love, rejection from her father who banished her, and loss in the death of her mom. Her saving grace is her best friend, Liam, whom she wants to be more than just a friend. Throw in a quick twist shortly after her twenty-first birthday, and her dad getting married to a woman who Lisa is not sure of. Suddenly, she's jetting back to her home country of Australia, having to leave her budding romance behind. When a scare changes everything, will she stay and support her family, or return to the life she had built without them.
Whatever It Takes is a sweet romance novel from a simpler time. Liam is an uncommon gentleman, holding doors, taking her for lunches and chaste walks in Hyde Park. He is a kiss you on the cheek or the back of your hand kind of guy, moving the relationship along slowly for fear of losing the friendship they have. Lisa is a confused heroine, wanting to have more, but not sure she is entirely deserving. This book shows that family is above all else, that forgiveness is important, and that you should always trust your heart. Margaret Lynette Sharp has created a story that you want to curl up with in a warm blanket and be comforted by an easier era when romance wasn't just about jumping into bed with the next person; there was work, there was wooing, and ultimately, there was love. Well done.
September 9, 2015
Lisa (narrator, teaching) friends were having a 21st. birthday party for her.
Liam (22) ask Lisa to go to the art gallery with him.
Derek (Lisa’s Dad) called Lisa & announced he ask Eleanor (Derek’s fiancée, P/G) to marry him.
Liam & Lisa soon became an item.
Uncle James left Liam an inheritance.
Josh (ex-lover, married, Foreman, Kingsley fittings) & Lisa later met.
Would the 2 of them uncover something?
What will happen with all the characters in the story?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well Down-Under romance written book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of very unique/colorful characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Down-Under romance movie, or mini TV series. Short & to the point. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Liam (22) ask Lisa to go to the art gallery with him.
Derek (Lisa’s Dad) called Lisa & announced he ask Eleanor (Derek’s fiancée, P/G) to marry him.
Liam & Lisa soon became an item.
Uncle James left Liam an inheritance.
Josh (ex-lover, married, Foreman, Kingsley fittings) & Lisa later met.
Would the 2 of them uncover something?
What will happen with all the characters in the story?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well Down-Under romance written book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of very unique/colorful characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Down-Under romance movie, or mini TV series. Short & to the point. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews