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Coco Chanel Saved My Life
The story of the little black dress that mended a broken heart. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella.
Rebecca is thirty-three years old, has a wardrobe full of tweed trouser suits and a boundless passion for the splendid Coco Chanel. She is romantic, dreamy, and madly in love with Niccolò, whom she is about to join in Milan, after a year being together long distance.
But as soon as she gets to Milan, Niccolò confesses to her that he has fallen in love with another woman. So Rebecca finds herself in a city she doesn’t know and with a broken heart. How would her idol, the great Coco, have reacted?
After spending several days confined to her flat, Rebecca plunges herself into the intense Milanese social life, and with the stylishness of her heroine, savours the feeling of being a desirable woman. Will she remain an eternal mademoiselle, like the ageless Coco? Or does destiny have unexpected surprises in store for her?
Rebecca is thirty-three years old, has a wardrobe full of tweed trouser suits and a boundless passion for the splendid Coco Chanel. She is romantic, dreamy, and madly in love with Niccolò, whom she is about to join in Milan, after a year being together long distance.
But as soon as she gets to Milan, Niccolò confesses to her that he has fallen in love with another woman. So Rebecca finds herself in a city she doesn’t know and with a broken heart. How would her idol, the great Coco, have reacted?
After spending several days confined to her flat, Rebecca plunges herself into the intense Milanese social life, and with the stylishness of her heroine, savours the feeling of being a desirable woman. Will she remain an eternal mademoiselle, like the ageless Coco? Or does destiny have unexpected surprises in store for her?
- GenresChick Lit
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2016
11 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 30, 2016
Rebecca loves everything Chanel. Her best friends nickname her Coco. Rebecca is unlucky in love. She moves from Venice to Milan to be closer to her fiance Niccolo. When Rebecca tells Niccolo that she just moved to Milan he tells her he is no longer in love with her, he is in love with her friend Anna. Rebecca's heart is broken. After spending a few days in bed her friends Claudio and Emma try to pull Rebecca out of her slump.
It isn't until Rebecca truly loves herself before she can find true love. The story is about how Rebecca accomplishes this love and respect for herself. She gets a job as a wedding planner. Wins a three week trip to Paris to work in a Designer Wedding Planner fashion house doing what she did in Milan. The boss Etienne turns out to have been her secret admirer sending her gifts leaving the cards blank. But Rebecca knows that Etienne is engaged to be married and refuses to be choice number two.
Rebecca returns to Milan devastated that Etienne can't make up his mind. She receives a big promotion at work for doing such a great job in Paris. Does Rebecca find true love for herself?. You will have to read the book to find out..
Thank you to Danielle E White and Atria books for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review,
It isn't until Rebecca truly loves herself before she can find true love. The story is about how Rebecca accomplishes this love and respect for herself. She gets a job as a wedding planner. Wins a three week trip to Paris to work in a Designer Wedding Planner fashion house doing what she did in Milan. The boss Etienne turns out to have been her secret admirer sending her gifts leaving the cards blank. But Rebecca knows that Etienne is engaged to be married and refuses to be choice number two.
Rebecca returns to Milan devastated that Etienne can't make up his mind. She receives a big promotion at work for doing such a great job in Paris. Does Rebecca find true love for herself?. You will have to read the book to find out..
Thank you to Danielle E White and Atria books for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review,
August 10, 2016
Firstly i am surprised at the low star rating this book has recieved, i actually really enjoyed it.
Meet Rebecca, a 33 years old wedding planner and obsessed with Coco Chanel so much so her own nickname is Coco.
Rebecca is madly in love with her boyfriend Niccolo, and after enduring a year long, long distance relationship she decides to move from Venice to Milan to be closer to him. When she tells Niccolo of her plans, he reveals to her he is in fact in love with another woman Anna, who Rebecca has briefly met. Devastated Rebecca now finds herself in a strange city all alone. After a few days in bed, Rebecca decides to pick herself up and get out there and mix in Milan. After winning a 3 week working trip to Paris doing the same job as in Milan, Rebecca meets her new boss Etienne in a funny way. After falling for him and finding out the feeling is mutural, Rebecca lays her heart on the line only to discover Etienne has a fiancee. Will he make Rebecca his number 1 or will she get her heart broken all over again?.
I really connected with Rebecca, having been in her situation myself over a devastating break up. Danielle F. White took the character and made it into her own. The storyline flowed perfectly and i loved going on this journey with Rebecca.
Of course there was the added bonus of references to Coco Chanel, being a role model to independent, single women everywhere!. The quotes in the book were perfect and i dont think anyone else could of fitted the character anymore rightly than Rebecca did. I feel there can be so much more to their relationship so i hope we have a book 2 on the way.
Meet Rebecca, a 33 years old wedding planner and obsessed with Coco Chanel so much so her own nickname is Coco.
Rebecca is madly in love with her boyfriend Niccolo, and after enduring a year long, long distance relationship she decides to move from Venice to Milan to be closer to him. When she tells Niccolo of her plans, he reveals to her he is in fact in love with another woman Anna, who Rebecca has briefly met. Devastated Rebecca now finds herself in a strange city all alone. After a few days in bed, Rebecca decides to pick herself up and get out there and mix in Milan. After winning a 3 week working trip to Paris doing the same job as in Milan, Rebecca meets her new boss Etienne in a funny way. After falling for him and finding out the feeling is mutural, Rebecca lays her heart on the line only to discover Etienne has a fiancee. Will he make Rebecca his number 1 or will she get her heart broken all over again?.
I really connected with Rebecca, having been in her situation myself over a devastating break up. Danielle F. White took the character and made it into her own. The storyline flowed perfectly and i loved going on this journey with Rebecca.
Of course there was the added bonus of references to Coco Chanel, being a role model to independent, single women everywhere!. The quotes in the book were perfect and i dont think anyone else could of fitted the character anymore rightly than Rebecca did. I feel there can be so much more to their relationship so i hope we have a book 2 on the way.
August 4, 2016
Coco Chanel Saved My Life, Danielle F. White
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: romance, women’s fiction. Romance,
I was really excited by the description of this book, I love Sophie Kinsella’s work and eagerly dived in.
In some ways Rebecca (AKA Coco) here does remind me of Sophie’s Becky. They both tell the story, are slightly manic at times, prone to some deep inner musings that make me smile, and practise self deception. With Becky its about her finances and her self image, Coco shares the self image despair but her big downfall is Love, or perhaps lack of it.
I didn’t really like her at first, she came over as shallow, self obsessed and the constant stance on her weight and looks, deriding those that are bigger really wore at me. I did warm to her as I got to know her better, she was underneath all that a kind person, a hard worker, someone who looked out for others, but each time her love life took a setback she wallowed, excluding everyone. When it was going well she didn’t take the time she should with her friends, but always expected them to be there when she wanted them. Friendship is two way and she was only taking IMO.
It’s this lack of concern about her friends when they were always there for her that irritated me. Her BF even tells her at one point how she’s tired of hearing Coco despairing, endlessly mulling over why things went wrong. With Niccolo it was a classic example of why she irritated me, she blames the girl, a vague friend of hers who wouldn’t have known Coco was dating him, and wouldn’t have known he wasn’t a free agent unless he told her – but she gets all the blame, gets derided for her weight etc while Niccolo, the bad guy gets off scot free. Bah!
Its classed as a romance but for most of the book its romances gone wrong for Coco, even when she knows from the outset its not going to be more than a couple of weeks while the guy is in town then it’ll be over. I did love her colleagues though, the gloriously, deliciously malicious Valentina ( I think that was her name). I adore characters like her, they add so much to a story, and she was one of the best. I loved her b- itchyness.
Its about then that I began to like Coco more, enjoyed the way she plunged herself into being the best at her job, but really as a romance read it didn’t work for me. I wanted to know more about Etienne, wanted to know more about the complications in his life, but they were just tantalised, dangled in front of me but really never got explained in any way ;-(
As a romance it was a fail for me but as a fun read it was OK, so I’ve gone between the two. As ever though this is just how I feel, you many well feel differently, I’m sure there will be many readers for whom this book is just perfect, everyone wants something different and romance reads vary widely. Barbara Cartland and Barbara Taylor-Bradford sell millions and yet they leave me cold – its all about personal taste.
Stars: Two and a half to three.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: romance, women’s fiction. Romance,
I was really excited by the description of this book, I love Sophie Kinsella’s work and eagerly dived in.
In some ways Rebecca (AKA Coco) here does remind me of Sophie’s Becky. They both tell the story, are slightly manic at times, prone to some deep inner musings that make me smile, and practise self deception. With Becky its about her finances and her self image, Coco shares the self image despair but her big downfall is Love, or perhaps lack of it.
I didn’t really like her at first, she came over as shallow, self obsessed and the constant stance on her weight and looks, deriding those that are bigger really wore at me. I did warm to her as I got to know her better, she was underneath all that a kind person, a hard worker, someone who looked out for others, but each time her love life took a setback she wallowed, excluding everyone. When it was going well she didn’t take the time she should with her friends, but always expected them to be there when she wanted them. Friendship is two way and she was only taking IMO.
It’s this lack of concern about her friends when they were always there for her that irritated me. Her BF even tells her at one point how she’s tired of hearing Coco despairing, endlessly mulling over why things went wrong. With Niccolo it was a classic example of why she irritated me, she blames the girl, a vague friend of hers who wouldn’t have known Coco was dating him, and wouldn’t have known he wasn’t a free agent unless he told her – but she gets all the blame, gets derided for her weight etc while Niccolo, the bad guy gets off scot free. Bah!
Its classed as a romance but for most of the book its romances gone wrong for Coco, even when she knows from the outset its not going to be more than a couple of weeks while the guy is in town then it’ll be over. I did love her colleagues though, the gloriously, deliciously malicious Valentina ( I think that was her name). I adore characters like her, they add so much to a story, and she was one of the best. I loved her b- itchyness.
Its about then that I began to like Coco more, enjoyed the way she plunged herself into being the best at her job, but really as a romance read it didn’t work for me. I wanted to know more about Etienne, wanted to know more about the complications in his life, but they were just tantalised, dangled in front of me but really never got explained in any way ;-(
As a romance it was a fail for me but as a fun read it was OK, so I’ve gone between the two. As ever though this is just how I feel, you many well feel differently, I’m sure there will be many readers for whom this book is just perfect, everyone wants something different and romance reads vary widely. Barbara Cartland and Barbara Taylor-Bradford sell millions and yet they leave me cold – its all about personal taste.
Stars: Two and a half to three.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
July 9, 2016
3 & a half stars
I have never read a book by this author & sadly I don't think I will be in a great hurry to read another one by her. I felt the story was very slow to get going & I found it quite difficult to connect with the characters. The lead female character was a bit wishy washy & I wanted her to be stronger & more feisty instead of letting everyone walk all over her. I also think the book ended quite abruptly & I would have liked an epilogue to tie things up
I have never read a book by this author & sadly I don't think I will be in a great hurry to read another one by her. I felt the story was very slow to get going & I found it quite difficult to connect with the characters. The lead female character was a bit wishy washy & I wanted her to be stronger & more feisty instead of letting everyone walk all over her. I also think the book ended quite abruptly & I would have liked an epilogue to tie things up
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October 5, 2020Today I will be interviewing Rebecca Bruni, from Coco Chanel Saved My Life by Danielle F. White
Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: I would describe myself as being strong and independent. I know I am not trying to please others but to be good enough for myself.
Q: Is there someone you look up to?
A: Yes, Coco Channel. I am a huge fan of Coco. Whenever I make a decision, I think what would Coco do or I am always reciting quotes from her. I also love shopping like her.
Q: Tell me something about yourself most people don’t know?
A: I have always been a huge fan of Coco Chanel, which many people know, but what many people know is that my close friends call me Coco. It started when I was younger and had always stuck.
Q: How do you feel about where you are right now or your setting?
A: I recently moved to Milan. Milan is the city for new beginnings and I thought it would be a great place for me to start over. This place has opened my eyes to amazing opportunities.
Q: Who would you consider to be your best friend?
A: My best friend would definitely be Emma. I have known her for a very long time and is always there for me, even to answer my calls at 4 o’clock in the morning
Q: Besides for your best friend, Is there anyone else you would turn to if you need desperate help?
A: After recently moving to Milan, I have met many people who have been very welcoming. Someone who I have recently met and also has become one of my closest friends is Claudio. Claudio is my neighbor who was one of the first people I met when I first moved here. He was very welcoming and we quickly became friends. Now we spend lots of time together which usually is having morning coffee together.
Q: Do you have any enemies?
A: Yes, I would say mirrors and scales but I dislike scales more than mirrors. I have always been self conscious about my body. I have always wanted/ needed to fit into the beauty standard. I used to be on extreme diets but I have changed and I am not like that anymore.
Q: Is there a motto or saying you have?
A: I have always believed that you are always and should be the first choice. You are unique and shouldn’t change for anyone else.
Q: Do you have a job at the moment? If so, do you enjoy that job?
A: I am currently a wedding planner in Milan. I never really enjoyed weddings. They always seem very boring to me and I never really wanted to have a wedding but, after becoming a wedding planner, I have opened my mind up to them and I don’t look down on them anymore.
Q: What is one thing you walked away from these events learning?
A: Like, I said before, I have learned to never change yourself into what someone else wants. I have discovered that I am who I want to be which is the only thing that matters.
Thank you Rebecca for speaking with us today. To find out more about this character, you can read about her in Coco Chanel Saved My Life by Danielle F. White. I did partially enjoy this book. I do think some parts were very interesting while others were unnecessary and were dragged on a little long. This book would be a great read for someone who likes fashion.
July 21, 2021
What in the misogyny? A book that claims to celebrate the power in women describes some of them as “whales” and “cows”, and the heroine is insufferably obsessed with her weight. She hates on women who are skinnier than her, and can’t believe that her ex left her for a CHUBBY WOMAN. Like a woman’s worth is measured in her weight, and her weight only. Her heartbreaks are okay, because she loses weight during them. She says “I’m sure the cake contains loads of calories, but it’ll be worth the cellulite” when out celebrating with friends.
If I had read this book a few years ago, when still impressionable about my body, it would have messed me up.
Also, the dialogue is painfully stiff and lifeless. I will not be reading this author again.
If I had read this book a few years ago, when still impressionable about my body, it would have messed me up.
Also, the dialogue is painfully stiff and lifeless. I will not be reading this author again.
July 2, 2017
Easy breezy.
Coco is a delightful character, with the usual romantic twists and turns. The setting of Milan and Paris adds a romantic touch. An easy breezy read.
Coco is a delightful character, with the usual romantic twists and turns. The setting of Milan and Paris adds a romantic touch. An easy breezy read.
August 29, 2020
This book is just insufferable.
July 20, 2016
I picked up this book, more so, I clicked on this book, not knowing how it was going to go and if I was going to be able to finish it. Books, much like people, give off vibes, or energy, and this book gave off an energy that told me to give it shot past the first five or ten pages and I am so happy I did.
We meet Rebecca who is intelligent as well as sentimental without trying too hard. She's hard working and lets herself get carried away in love. But lets be real, which girl hasn't gotten tangled up in a whirlwind romance that makes you do wonderful, yet scary, things like move across the country for that person. Rebecca does just that, and then Niccolò goes and breaks her heart...for another woman.
While Rebecca heals her heart, she knows that she must continue with her move to Milan from Venice and begin her life again in a new city. With the help of her friends, Claudio and Emma, she begins to take this new city by its horns and finds all the amazing things it had to offer. Rebecca learns to love herself even more and accept that body that she has and to love her job as wedding planner.
Being the clumsy person she is, Rebecca has literally fallen into the arms of a co-worker, errand boy Etienne. But Etienne is only a small blimp on Rebecca's radar. Rebecca tries to forget Niccolò and has a hard time at first; until she meets Cristian. Her two week fling with him has her feeling carefree and excited for something other than work. Cristian helps Rebecca break free from her past and he helps her see that she is the most lovable person he has ever met. On a training trip to Paris, Rebecca sees Etienne and feelings that she had been suppressing for him and vice versa, begin to open up and she has no idea how to handle it. Rebecca is able to get back to Milan but not before figuring out that love has a way of showing up unexpectedly.
Rebecca is able to move past all her heartbreak and begin her life anew and thats what really made this book stand out. After her breakup, she is forced to come around and accept that she has to move forward.Rebecca learning to love her body is something that all men and women today should be able to do and some don't. It took pain for Rebecca to finally find happiness and I liked how she's able to love herself before opening herself up to loving another man. As the saying goes, you must love yourself before you can truly love another person.
Link to my blog will be up once I publish the review on my blog!
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
We meet Rebecca who is intelligent as well as sentimental without trying too hard. She's hard working and lets herself get carried away in love. But lets be real, which girl hasn't gotten tangled up in a whirlwind romance that makes you do wonderful, yet scary, things like move across the country for that person. Rebecca does just that, and then Niccolò goes and breaks her heart...for another woman.
While Rebecca heals her heart, she knows that she must continue with her move to Milan from Venice and begin her life again in a new city. With the help of her friends, Claudio and Emma, she begins to take this new city by its horns and finds all the amazing things it had to offer. Rebecca learns to love herself even more and accept that body that she has and to love her job as wedding planner.
Being the clumsy person she is, Rebecca has literally fallen into the arms of a co-worker, errand boy Etienne. But Etienne is only a small blimp on Rebecca's radar. Rebecca tries to forget Niccolò and has a hard time at first; until she meets Cristian. Her two week fling with him has her feeling carefree and excited for something other than work. Cristian helps Rebecca break free from her past and he helps her see that she is the most lovable person he has ever met. On a training trip to Paris, Rebecca sees Etienne and feelings that she had been suppressing for him and vice versa, begin to open up and she has no idea how to handle it. Rebecca is able to get back to Milan but not before figuring out that love has a way of showing up unexpectedly.
Rebecca is able to move past all her heartbreak and begin her life anew and thats what really made this book stand out. After her breakup, she is forced to come around and accept that she has to move forward.Rebecca learning to love her body is something that all men and women today should be able to do and some don't. It took pain for Rebecca to finally find happiness and I liked how she's able to love herself before opening herself up to loving another man. As the saying goes, you must love yourself before you can truly love another person.
Link to my blog will be up once I publish the review on my blog!
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2016
Review first posted on my blog 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings': http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
Thirty-three-year-old Rebecca loves fashion and in particular her heroine Coco Chanel; even so that her close friends call her Coco. Rebecca is over the moon with her relationship with the handsome Niccolo, so she decides to move to Milan from Venice as a surprise, just to be with him. But as soon as she arrives in Milan, Niccolo tells her he is actually in love with one of her friends and doesn’t see a future for the two of them. With the help of her two friends Claudio and Emma, Rebecca tries to get back into things by focusing on her new job and going out with other men to hopefully find real love. Will she be able to follow in the footsteps of her heroine Coco Chanel and become the strong-minded and independent woman she wants to be, or does life have other things planned for her…?
‘Coco Chanel Saved My Life’ is a light read that starts out with a basic and familiar storyline: the heroine, in this case thirty-something Italian Rebecca, is head-over-heels in love with her boyfriend Niccolo who then unexpectedly dumps her for someone else. Rebecca has just moved to a new city for him, so has to start all over again by herself in a new home, with a new job, and with new friends. The basic plotline of the novel was a bit slow-paced at times, but it kept my attention throughout and I was interested to discover what was going to happen to Rebecca and whether she would find the kind of love she’s longing for after the break-up with Niccolo.
I personally don’t know that much about Coco Chanel or fashion in general, but I really liked how the author used her as a role model for Rebecca and how this had a positive influence on Rebecca and the decisions she made. While I liked the novel, I have to admit I was a bit surprised by the language at times. At the start of the novel another woman is referred to as a ‘fat cow’ and these references go on for quite some time, and I really couldn’t help but find this quite rude. I read that the book has actually been translated from Italian, so I am guessing some things might have gotten lost in translation, which is a shame. However, overall, ‘Coco Chanel Saved My Life’ is a light and captivating read and undoubtedly a great read to pick up for any Coco Chanel lovers out there!
Thirty-three-year-old Rebecca loves fashion and in particular her heroine Coco Chanel; even so that her close friends call her Coco. Rebecca is over the moon with her relationship with the handsome Niccolo, so she decides to move to Milan from Venice as a surprise, just to be with him. But as soon as she arrives in Milan, Niccolo tells her he is actually in love with one of her friends and doesn’t see a future for the two of them. With the help of her two friends Claudio and Emma, Rebecca tries to get back into things by focusing on her new job and going out with other men to hopefully find real love. Will she be able to follow in the footsteps of her heroine Coco Chanel and become the strong-minded and independent woman she wants to be, or does life have other things planned for her…?
‘Coco Chanel Saved My Life’ is a light read that starts out with a basic and familiar storyline: the heroine, in this case thirty-something Italian Rebecca, is head-over-heels in love with her boyfriend Niccolo who then unexpectedly dumps her for someone else. Rebecca has just moved to a new city for him, so has to start all over again by herself in a new home, with a new job, and with new friends. The basic plotline of the novel was a bit slow-paced at times, but it kept my attention throughout and I was interested to discover what was going to happen to Rebecca and whether she would find the kind of love she’s longing for after the break-up with Niccolo.
I personally don’t know that much about Coco Chanel or fashion in general, but I really liked how the author used her as a role model for Rebecca and how this had a positive influence on Rebecca and the decisions she made. While I liked the novel, I have to admit I was a bit surprised by the language at times. At the start of the novel another woman is referred to as a ‘fat cow’ and these references go on for quite some time, and I really couldn’t help but find this quite rude. I read that the book has actually been translated from Italian, so I am guessing some things might have gotten lost in translation, which is a shame. However, overall, ‘Coco Chanel Saved My Life’ is a light and captivating read and undoubtedly a great read to pick up for any Coco Chanel lovers out there!
July 24, 2016
I loved the references to Coco Chanel and the creative way that the story was built around her as an influence and role model to single, independent women! The use of accurate quotes was just the right amount and used at opportune moments making this one of the most creative stories! I also loved how it captured the spirit of independent, career, thirty-something women and demonstrated how we all are the same regardless of geography.
For me, the primary challenge of this novel was a very poor translation! From the beginning, I was detracted by the references to another woman as a fat cow and the derogatory way that she was portrayed. As I continued to read, the dialogue was often very stilted and not at all as it would be spoken in English, which is when I realized that the novel itself was not the problem but rather the translation. This is really a shame, since I think that the basic elements of the story are so interesting. To me, this is a great example of a story lost in translation.
The other problem I have with the story is the very abrupt ending. Coco catalogued so many of her romances in detail including her one with Pietro, which really is not relevant to the story in any major way. However, the "one" is really downplayed with a quick ending via a message. I could have looked past the translation, but the abruptness of the ending left me feeling cheated in some way.
For me, the primary challenge of this novel was a very poor translation! From the beginning, I was detracted by the references to another woman as a fat cow and the derogatory way that she was portrayed. As I continued to read, the dialogue was often very stilted and not at all as it would be spoken in English, which is when I realized that the novel itself was not the problem but rather the translation. This is really a shame, since I think that the basic elements of the story are so interesting. To me, this is a great example of a story lost in translation.
The other problem I have with the story is the very abrupt ending. Coco catalogued so many of her romances in detail including her one with Pietro, which really is not relevant to the story in any major way. However, the "one" is really downplayed with a quick ending via a message. I could have looked past the translation, but the abruptness of the ending left me feeling cheated in some way.
August 30, 2016
Rebecca, nicknamed Coco for her love of all things Chanel, is having the worst luck in love. She moves from her beloved Venice to Milan for a man who decides she is not the one for him. Having transferred her job as an event planner, she now finds herself a very cynical member of the wedding planning team, with a horrible boss, crazy brides, and a delivery boy she cannot stop thinking about. Surrounded by a great group of friends who encourage her to go after what she wants, "Coco" finds the strength she needs to discover who she is.
I loved how much Rebecca evolved as a person throughout this book. In the beginning, she had no satisfaction with her life unless she was with a man, but by the end of the story, Rebecca is not only a self confident, successful career woman, but she is ready to receive the love she deserves, from a secret admirer who sweeps her off her feet.
The tone of this book is very European, specifically very Italian with a little bit of Paris thrown in for good measure. If you love food and wine while somehow maintaining a killer body, designer clothes, and Chanel No. 5, this is a great summer read for you. Put on your pearls, shower in No. 5, and pour yourself a glass of good Italian wine for this one.
If you loved Bridget Jones's Diary, you will love this book.
I loved how much Rebecca evolved as a person throughout this book. In the beginning, she had no satisfaction with her life unless she was with a man, but by the end of the story, Rebecca is not only a self confident, successful career woman, but she is ready to receive the love she deserves, from a secret admirer who sweeps her off her feet.
The tone of this book is very European, specifically very Italian with a little bit of Paris thrown in for good measure. If you love food and wine while somehow maintaining a killer body, designer clothes, and Chanel No. 5, this is a great summer read for you. Put on your pearls, shower in No. 5, and pour yourself a glass of good Italian wine for this one.
If you loved Bridget Jones's Diary, you will love this book.
October 19, 2016
Out of all the books that I have ever read this novel was the most problematic story and not at all in a good way! I could not finish this story as much as I tried it was just too awkward and certainly not entertaining to say the least.
Originally when I selected this novel I was thinking that it was going to be delivered as a fun, chic lit and instead the story along the main character was all over the place. I felt the character compared more to Audrey Hepburn's character in Breakfast at Tiffany's rather than Coco Chanel or at least in such a theme. Rebecca, the lead character had no backbone at all. The entire bases of the plot is more about people walking all over her rather than it is about her own story as a heroine.
Also, I feel like in many ways this story was a disappointment to fans of Coco Chanel. Chanel was an independent, fierce female known for her fashion designs as well as her sassy temperament and Rebecca was completely the opposite. Had Rebecca actually been learning from Chanel or at least rather applying certain traits of Chanel to her own life this book might have made sense, but the author did not chose to go that route.
Having been a reader of this story I am not planning on reading more from the author.
Originally when I selected this novel I was thinking that it was going to be delivered as a fun, chic lit and instead the story along the main character was all over the place. I felt the character compared more to Audrey Hepburn's character in Breakfast at Tiffany's rather than Coco Chanel or at least in such a theme. Rebecca, the lead character had no backbone at all. The entire bases of the plot is more about people walking all over her rather than it is about her own story as a heroine.
Also, I feel like in many ways this story was a disappointment to fans of Coco Chanel. Chanel was an independent, fierce female known for her fashion designs as well as her sassy temperament and Rebecca was completely the opposite. Had Rebecca actually been learning from Chanel or at least rather applying certain traits of Chanel to her own life this book might have made sense, but the author did not chose to go that route.
Having been a reader of this story I am not planning on reading more from the author.
September 14, 2016
Try this if you like chick lit and fashion. Rebecca is not the most likable character in the world and things are a little frantic sometimes but on the whole this is a decent read for a lazy afternoon. Thanks to netgalley for the introduction to White, who I think has a future as a writer but would benefit from detached editing.
July 18, 2016
A fun light 'chic lit' read, perfect as a summer holiday read or to brighten up a cold, damp winters night.
I received an arc courtesy of Danielle F. White & Aria
I received an arc courtesy of Danielle F. White & Aria
August 23, 2016
My Thoughts:
A must-read. With a secret ingredient of Chanel N°5.
Rate 4.5
Full review posted at:
http://goo.gl/ylYzMc
A must-read. With a secret ingredient of Chanel N°5.
Rate 4.5
Full review posted at:
http://goo.gl/ylYzMc
October 18, 2016
I loved this book. I am a huge fan of fashion and Chanel. I loved watching Rebecca, Coco, grow. It was a very sweet read I recommend.
August 26, 2023
I normally don't do chick lit, but it was in the $5.00 bag from the second hand book store. As I expected full of fluff and filler. It just confirms my opinion of chick lit.
April 2, 2017
A contemporary novel meant to channel the cosmopolitan glamor of Coco Chanel, but falls flat, unable to deliver the sophistication one expects of a novel bearing the name of someone so timeless.
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Rebecca Bruni has just been dumped.
Sure, they weren't "officially" dating, but she had given him her heart, expecting his in return. She had originally intended her move to Milan bringing her closer to Niccolò, the aforementioned man, but now Rebecca must view this as an opportunity to better herself; all while attempting to use Chanel's sophisticated life as her standard.
But will Rebecca be satisfied on her own, as Chanel had been, or will she prefer another shot at finding love? In a new city, anything can happen.
-------------------------
Rebecca is your typical heroine. She's looking for love with the perfect man–usually in all the wrong places–and is just trying to get by in life.
With Coco Chanel as her model of the quintessential woman, she hopes that Chanel's classic glamor will be an advantage in a city full of passing trends. Which does sound like a good, clever idea, but unfortunately, Rebecca just comes across as boring to me.
Romance:
Another thing, is that she may be in her early 30's, but she's still a bit stupid when it comes to romance. She falls in love with a man who had only viewed her as a friend. Sure, they did do all the things that couples tend to do together, but Niccolò never spoke of love. He would compliment her, or say they made a great "team", but never mentioned love. I can't help but think that if he felt more for her, he'd have said something...but Rebecca didn't stop to think about it, instead she continued on with her ridiculously long, one-sided love for the guy. Ugh!
Moving on from her ridiculous love life–or lack of–she's really just not interesting.
Life in General:
She works (and yes, her boss does suck, of course), meets up with friends (you get small glimpses of their lives, but they are mostly too busy talking about the woe in Rebecca's), and goes shopping (for shoes and shift dresses, which seems to be the only things the author really cared to note).
Wow...how is that really any different from most lives?
I mean, sure, this book could be going for a more realistic storyline, but I like my Chick Lit to be more fanciful...even if their life sucks, I want to see the heroine getting involved in a romance I find myself envying. Not this boring nothingness.
Coco, Who?
Finally, the Coco Chanel aspect really only played a small part in this book. I didn't feel like she was that much of a presence. Well, besides Rebecca being called 'Coco' by her friends...referring to Chanel's style when it came to clothing and the like...and lastly, mentioning a Chanel quote; I didn't feel like Rebecca was channeling the fashion maven. Instead, it just seemed like she was a typical fan, talking about her idol.
Wrapping up, I did not like the story progression; nor the boring "romances".
I especially did not like the way this book ended, in fact, I hated it.
I was unsatisfied, and even now, thinking about it, I hate it even more.
Overall, such a disappointing read for me.
Will I recommend? No thank you.
Thank you to Aria who provided this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
-------------------------
Rebecca Bruni has just been dumped.
Sure, they weren't "officially" dating, but she had given him her heart, expecting his in return. She had originally intended her move to Milan bringing her closer to Niccolò, the aforementioned man, but now Rebecca must view this as an opportunity to better herself; all while attempting to use Chanel's sophisticated life as her standard.
But will Rebecca be satisfied on her own, as Chanel had been, or will she prefer another shot at finding love? In a new city, anything can happen.
-------------------------
Rebecca is your typical heroine. She's looking for love with the perfect man–usually in all the wrong places–and is just trying to get by in life.
With Coco Chanel as her model of the quintessential woman, she hopes that Chanel's classic glamor will be an advantage in a city full of passing trends. Which does sound like a good, clever idea, but unfortunately, Rebecca just comes across as boring to me.
Romance:
Another thing, is that she may be in her early 30's, but she's still a bit stupid when it comes to romance. She falls in love with a man who had only viewed her as a friend. Sure, they did do all the things that couples tend to do together, but Niccolò never spoke of love. He would compliment her, or say they made a great "team", but never mentioned love. I can't help but think that if he felt more for her, he'd have said something...but Rebecca didn't stop to think about it, instead she continued on with her ridiculously long, one-sided love for the guy. Ugh!
Moving on from her ridiculous love life–or lack of–she's really just not interesting.
Life in General:
She works (and yes, her boss does suck, of course), meets up with friends (you get small glimpses of their lives, but they are mostly too busy talking about the woe in Rebecca's), and goes shopping (for shoes and shift dresses, which seems to be the only things the author really cared to note).
Wow...how is that really any different from most lives?
I mean, sure, this book could be going for a more realistic storyline, but I like my Chick Lit to be more fanciful...even if their life sucks, I want to see the heroine getting involved in a romance I find myself envying. Not this boring nothingness.
Coco, Who?
Finally, the Coco Chanel aspect really only played a small part in this book. I didn't feel like she was that much of a presence. Well, besides Rebecca being called 'Coco' by her friends...referring to Chanel's style when it came to clothing and the like...and lastly, mentioning a Chanel quote; I didn't feel like Rebecca was channeling the fashion maven. Instead, it just seemed like she was a typical fan, talking about her idol.
Wrapping up, I did not like the story progression; nor the boring "romances".
I especially did not like the way this book ended, in fact, I hated it.
I was unsatisfied, and even now, thinking about it, I hate it even more.
Overall, such a disappointing read for me.
Will I recommend? No thank you.
Thank you to Aria who provided this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2017
Perfect for travel reading, easy reading and is a good balance of romance and the slight obsession we get with weird things (like coco chanel)
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