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Lily McDermott #1
The Girl I Was Before
The perfect book to curl up with this Christmas...When Lily McDermott walks in to find Marc, her husband of just three months in bed with actress Nadia, life as she knows it is over. Lily thinks things can't get any worse when she sees photos of her husband and his new lover splashed across the glossy magazine pages, but when she loses her job too, she is at her lowest ebb and turns to baking to soothe her soul.Wounded and broken she has to try and pick herself up again with the help of her best friend Frankie and with her encouragement, Lily decides to turn her hobby into a business and sets up Baked With Love. However whatever Lily does, it seems disaster soon ensues and when handsome stranger Sam comes to her rescue, Lily isn't quite ready to turn her back on her marriage. Can Lily risk opening her heart again or is she destined to allow Marc to shadow her life forever?Romantic fiction at its very best, perfect for fans of Holly Martin & Jenny Colgan.Praise for Izzy 'There’s just something about this authors writing skills that almost put you into a trance and I was quite happy to stay inside the book, losing myself into the story.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'Perfect for the romantic comedy loving readers. I think this is going to be one to watch!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THESE BOOKS!!!' - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Reviewer'Page Turner ... Outstanding' - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Reviewer
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2016
973 people are currently reading
880 people want to read
About the author
Izzy Bayliss
20 books53 followersIzzy Bayliss lives in Ireland with her husband, children and their dog. A romantic at heart, she loves nothing more than cosying up in front of the fire with a good book. Her motto is that reality is over-rated and she is happiest staring into space and day-dreaming.
You can find her hanging about on Facebook @izzybaylissauthor or Twitter @izzybayliss
You can find her hanging about on Facebook @izzybaylissauthor or Twitter @izzybayliss
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
December 21, 2023
On their three-month wedding anniversary, Lily finds her husband, Marc, in bed with another woman. A week later, she is fired from her job. Lily thinks things can't get any worse and is constantly reminded by her bossy sister, Clara, that she's a failure.
Lily is at her lowest and turns to baking to soothe her soul. Wounded and broken, she decides to turn her hobby into a business called, Baked With Love.
Just as her business is taking off, she meets Sam. They instantly fall hard for one another, and it seems as if Lily's life is back on track when Marc shows up at her home one day, introducing himself as "Lily's husband" to Sam.
Things are certainly complicated for Lily. Will she be able to sort out her mess of a life? Should she forgive Marc, whom she dated for 15 years and has a long history with, or should she choose Sam, who is an incredibly kind, warm-hearted man and may be too good to be true? 🤔
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I listened to the audiobook version of this story. Aoife McMahon's narration is brilliant. That is the main reason for the three stars. The story itself is very redundant. I found the character, Lily, to be a complete pushover and whiny, which was very annoying. Also, the sister, Clara, is an absolute bitch. The author gave an excuse for her continual verbal abuse, but I didn't think she was justified for being nasty all the time.
I will definitely listen to more books narrated by Aoife McMahon, but this author will not be on my radar for future reads. 👎
Lily is at her lowest and turns to baking to soothe her soul. Wounded and broken, she decides to turn her hobby into a business called, Baked With Love.
Just as her business is taking off, she meets Sam. They instantly fall hard for one another, and it seems as if Lily's life is back on track when Marc shows up at her home one day, introducing himself as "Lily's husband" to Sam.
Things are certainly complicated for Lily. Will she be able to sort out her mess of a life? Should she forgive Marc, whom she dated for 15 years and has a long history with, or should she choose Sam, who is an incredibly kind, warm-hearted man and may be too good to be true? 🤔
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I listened to the audiobook version of this story. Aoife McMahon's narration is brilliant. That is the main reason for the three stars. The story itself is very redundant. I found the character, Lily, to be a complete pushover and whiny, which was very annoying. Also, the sister, Clara, is an absolute bitch. The author gave an excuse for her continual verbal abuse, but I didn't think she was justified for being nasty all the time.
I will definitely listen to more books narrated by Aoife McMahon, but this author will not be on my radar for future reads. 👎
July 9, 2018
As a reader, I think I was just as shocked as Lily when she comes home to find her husband in bed with another woman. My heart really went out to Lily and from that point on I was really routing for her.
The book is filled with wonderful characters. I really liked the good friendship between Lily and Frankie. They are close friends and everything I found myself wanting to say to Lily, well Frankie said and handled it all perfectly. Definitely a woman who anyone would be lucky to call a friend.
Things seem to go from bad to worse when Lily not only loses her husband, but loses her job as well. I loved the idea of the bakery business and of course my mouth was watering with all the lovely mentions of cakes and creations that Lily was coming up with. I would happily have become chief taster for free of charge!
The Girl I Was Before is such a lovely story that I completely lost myself into the story, shutting the real world outside. It's such an easy read with a lovely leading lady who the reader really gets behind and wants them to be happy. Was so happy to realise that this isn't the last we've seen of Lily as there is a follow onto the book. Can't wait to see what is next in store for her as well as the reader.
The book is filled with wonderful characters. I really liked the good friendship between Lily and Frankie. They are close friends and everything I found myself wanting to say to Lily, well Frankie said and handled it all perfectly. Definitely a woman who anyone would be lucky to call a friend.
Things seem to go from bad to worse when Lily not only loses her husband, but loses her job as well. I loved the idea of the bakery business and of course my mouth was watering with all the lovely mentions of cakes and creations that Lily was coming up with. I would happily have become chief taster for free of charge!
The Girl I Was Before is such a lovely story that I completely lost myself into the story, shutting the real world outside. It's such an easy read with a lovely leading lady who the reader really gets behind and wants them to be happy. Was so happy to realise that this isn't the last we've seen of Lily as there is a follow onto the book. Can't wait to see what is next in store for her as well as the reader.
July 16, 2018
BY 9% OF THE BOOK I WANTED TO JUST SLAP & SHAKE LILY, SHE NEEDS TO EITHER FIND HER SPINE OR GROW A PAIR. . . DO BOTH PLEASE. SHE TAKES ON TOO MUCH BLAME. SOMETHNG GOES WRONG SHE’S QUICK TO BLAME HERSELF. AT ABOUT 29% I HATED HER, SHE IS SUCH A LOOSER I CAN’T FEEL SORRY FOR HER. SHE WAS SICKENING I WANTED TO TAKE MY KINDLE AND HURL IT OUT THE WINDOW, WHAT AN IDIOT.;<
July 16, 2018
For some unknown reason, other than it moved along quickly, I finished this book. Lily is pretty clueless, her sister abusive and her husband a complete loser. Her father and her best friend the only two tolerable people in the book. I'm not sure how the book got its name, Lily hadn't changed much by the end. Mostly this book was just plain annoying.
December 31, 2018
Oh this was a good one! Not the fun read I expected but the authentic life crisis of a 32-year-old newlywed and soon-to-be divorcé and I was hooked from the beginning.
Lily walked into her husband of 3 months banging a famous actress n their bed. She leaves angry and devastated to come back the other day and find out he left without leaving any trace. Now instead of being upset, she starts to worry...
Lily truly is the loveliest, naive and dreamy heroine ever. She is annoying but relatable, insecure and full of self-doubt.
I rooted for her from the beginning. My heart broke for her when she started blaming herself for the situation, I laughed with her when she lost her job and vandalises. And I hated her when she didn't stand up for herself but tolerated being shoved around and actually thought about getting back together with Marc.
Her sister is the worst enemy you could think of in such a situation, with her perfectly organized life and saying all the wrong things.
Her father is the loveliest, most caring and understanding parent out there and her best friend is the best thing that could happen in her situation.
And then there's Sam. And Sam is a good one, occasionally even too good.
The characters are all pretty great. As was the storyline.
The story made me angry, it shocked me, it had me laughing and cringing but I enjoyed it.
It's the sad but entertaining story of how her life breaks down and how she's trying to figure everything out.
In the end it's a good book with all the issues and not just a cute story falling into place easily.
Lily walked into her husband of 3 months banging a famous actress n their bed. She leaves angry and devastated to come back the other day and find out he left without leaving any trace. Now instead of being upset, she starts to worry...
Lily truly is the loveliest, naive and dreamy heroine ever. She is annoying but relatable, insecure and full of self-doubt.
I rooted for her from the beginning. My heart broke for her when she started blaming herself for the situation, I laughed with her when she lost her job and vandalises. And I hated her when she didn't stand up for herself but tolerated being shoved around and actually thought about getting back together with Marc.
Her sister is the worst enemy you could think of in such a situation, with her perfectly organized life and saying all the wrong things.
Her father is the loveliest, most caring and understanding parent out there and her best friend is the best thing that could happen in her situation.
And then there's Sam. And Sam is a good one, occasionally even too good.
The characters are all pretty great. As was the storyline.
The story made me angry, it shocked me, it had me laughing and cringing but I enjoyed it.
It's the sad but entertaining story of how her life breaks down and how she's trying to figure everything out.
In the end it's a good book with all the issues and not just a cute story falling into place easily.
September 3, 2016
Thank you to the author and TBConFB for my ARC. This book was a complete change from anything else I'd read recently and boy, was I ready for it. This book definitely hit the spot. A well written romance novel that is easy to read and flowing. I really enjoyed the authors writing style, it just carries you along beautifully. Our leading lady in the book, Lily Mcdermott doesn't have it easy. In this first instalment in what promises to be a great series, we see her deal with a devastating, life changing situation. We watch her struggle with and come through it. I have to say, I'm looking forward to the next book.
August 30, 2016
Thanks to TBConFB for this ARC. A great light and easy read.
Unfortunately newly married Lily walks in on her husband in bed with another woman and her life changes.
We see Lily struggle with the reality of this life changing episode and striving to come out stronger.
I look forward to reading the next saga.
Unfortunately newly married Lily walks in on her husband in bed with another woman and her life changes.
We see Lily struggle with the reality of this life changing episode and striving to come out stronger.
I look forward to reading the next saga.
November 3, 2023
100% not for me. Main character had no backbone and was simpering mess. I was hoping it was intentional and there would be real character growth into a woman that held her own. Instead she just stayed the same, bowing down to everyone in her life and making bad choices. Other characters were extremely unpleasant, especially the sister. Story lacked depth. I won’t be continuing the series.
September 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this easy read with characters you loved and hated. A great book to lose yourself in, a perfect beach read.
December 19, 2024
I adored this. Lovely loveliness all wrapped in Aoife McMahon’s voice!! First in a series too. More for the list.
Currently included with audible 🎧
Currently included with audible 🎧
August 19, 2016
Review of the book can be found on my blog; The Writing Garnet at http://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
It is thanks to TBConFB that I was able to review this book, whilst finding a brand new author in the process.
Newlywed Lily is still on a high from her wedding three months prior. Revelling in the marital bliss, still, Lily thinks a romantic meal is in order for her husband and herself. Quite right too! Three is a crowd though, yes? The third person (the crowd) being Lily, seeing as her husband is rather busy having a 'take-away'. That's right ladies and gentleman, she walked in on her husband getting jiggy with another woman, in THEIR bed. Will Lily get over the hurt and humiliation and become 'The girl she was before'?
As you're aware by now, it is rare as rocking horse biscuits that I read the blurb of a book these days, this book was no exception. Based on the title alone, I wondered what had happened to make the character want to go back to who she was. I didn't have to wait too long to find out either. No wonder Lily was annoyed to be honest, having that view when she walked into her home. Usually events like that happen later on in a book, so it made a nice change (albeit shocking) to have the nitty gritty shoved in your face straight away.
My heart went out to her, the devastation was very clear and I feel that Izzy approached that topic with sensitivity. It is, unfortunately, a situation that a lot of Izzy's readers may be able to relate to, so it was refreshing to have it black and white to show that it's okay to feel hurt and devastated after being cheated on and that you're NOT the bad party. Most of the book, for me, felt like it was a ticking time bomb. I had a feeling the first incident wasn't going to be the last due to the way Izzy wrote the chapters. Boy I wasn't wrong. Drama after drama mixed in with a sister that can't see further than her nose equals BRILLIANCE.
I was completely hooked on the events that kept happening. There was always something that grabbed my attention, whether it was positive or negative. I found myself going through different emotions as I was reading; anger, shock, laughter, cringing...you know the sort.
'The Girl I was Before' reeled me in with its clever anecdotes, relatable characters and the fact it contained cake. Izzy has written such an in-depth book that tells a story about one person's heart-break, devastation and the ability to find the power to turn a life around.
'The Girl I was before' is a curl up on the sofa and eat chocolate, type book. Perfect for the romantic comedy loving readers. I think this is going to be one to watch!
It is thanks to TBConFB that I was able to review this book, whilst finding a brand new author in the process.
Newlywed Lily is still on a high from her wedding three months prior. Revelling in the marital bliss, still, Lily thinks a romantic meal is in order for her husband and herself. Quite right too! Three is a crowd though, yes? The third person (the crowd) being Lily, seeing as her husband is rather busy having a 'take-away'. That's right ladies and gentleman, she walked in on her husband getting jiggy with another woman, in THEIR bed. Will Lily get over the hurt and humiliation and become 'The girl she was before'?
As you're aware by now, it is rare as rocking horse biscuits that I read the blurb of a book these days, this book was no exception. Based on the title alone, I wondered what had happened to make the character want to go back to who she was. I didn't have to wait too long to find out either. No wonder Lily was annoyed to be honest, having that view when she walked into her home. Usually events like that happen later on in a book, so it made a nice change (albeit shocking) to have the nitty gritty shoved in your face straight away.
My heart went out to her, the devastation was very clear and I feel that Izzy approached that topic with sensitivity. It is, unfortunately, a situation that a lot of Izzy's readers may be able to relate to, so it was refreshing to have it black and white to show that it's okay to feel hurt and devastated after being cheated on and that you're NOT the bad party. Most of the book, for me, felt like it was a ticking time bomb. I had a feeling the first incident wasn't going to be the last due to the way Izzy wrote the chapters. Boy I wasn't wrong. Drama after drama mixed in with a sister that can't see further than her nose equals BRILLIANCE.
I was completely hooked on the events that kept happening. There was always something that grabbed my attention, whether it was positive or negative. I found myself going through different emotions as I was reading; anger, shock, laughter, cringing...you know the sort.
'The Girl I was Before' reeled me in with its clever anecdotes, relatable characters and the fact it contained cake. Izzy has written such an in-depth book that tells a story about one person's heart-break, devastation and the ability to find the power to turn a life around.
'The Girl I was before' is a curl up on the sofa and eat chocolate, type book. Perfect for the romantic comedy loving readers. I think this is going to be one to watch!
August 20, 2016
The girl I was before By Izzy Bayliss is a romance read.
When Lily McDermott walks in to find Marc, her husband of just three months in bed with actress Nadia, life as she knows it is over. Lily thinks things can't get any worse when she sees photos of her husband and his new lover splashed across the glossy magazine pages, but when she loses her job too, she is at her lowest ebb and turns to baking to soothe her soul. Wounded and broken she has to try and pick herself up again with the help of her best friend Frankie and with her encouragement, Lily decides to turn her hobby into a business and sets up Baked With Love. However whatever Lily does, it seems disaster soon ensues and when handsome stranger Sam comes to her rescue, Lily isn't quite ready to turn her back on her marriage.
Can Lily risk opening her heart again or is she destined to allow Marc to shadow her life forever?
This book was a little slow at first but It turned into a page Turner. I wanted to smack clara at times for being how she was. No please or thank you. I really felt for lily. For all she went through. I really disliked marc. was a very enjoyable read where the characters got under my skin. Well done izzy. Highly recommended and I would give it 5*. Thanks to tbc on fb for the arc. #tbconfb.
When Lily McDermott walks in to find Marc, her husband of just three months in bed with actress Nadia, life as she knows it is over. Lily thinks things can't get any worse when she sees photos of her husband and his new lover splashed across the glossy magazine pages, but when she loses her job too, she is at her lowest ebb and turns to baking to soothe her soul. Wounded and broken she has to try and pick herself up again with the help of her best friend Frankie and with her encouragement, Lily decides to turn her hobby into a business and sets up Baked With Love. However whatever Lily does, it seems disaster soon ensues and when handsome stranger Sam comes to her rescue, Lily isn't quite ready to turn her back on her marriage.
Can Lily risk opening her heart again or is she destined to allow Marc to shadow her life forever?
This book was a little slow at first but It turned into a page Turner. I wanted to smack clara at times for being how she was. No please or thank you. I really felt for lily. For all she went through. I really disliked marc. was a very enjoyable read where the characters got under my skin. Well done izzy. Highly recommended and I would give it 5*. Thanks to tbc on fb for the arc. #tbconfb.
August 15, 2016
Thanks to the author and TBC for this copy to review. Such an easy read. Didn't make me laugh as the byline would have you think and I'm not really the crying type, although I'm sure anyone who has been in our heroine's predicament would shed a tear or two for her. Looking forward to reading more about Lily and her next chapter. A feel good romance, which is a pure bit of escapism.
September 12, 2016
I would like to thank the author for a review copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Lily McDermott's life is suddenly turned upside down when she returns home from work early on the day of her three month wedding anniversary to fins her husband, Marc (with a C) in bed with an actress, who by the way has a lovely bum. Devastated Lily flees to best friends house and when she returns home, Marc has emptied their home of all of his belongings and has moved in with Nadia, the actress she caught him cheating with. Lily is so devastated by the breakdown of her marriage after only three short months, Lily also finds herself jobless when her grief gets in the way of her carrying out her duties at work. Broken and wounded, with no job and no husband, Lily decided that she can either let what has happened to her make her or break her, and decided to set up a business doing what she does best, baking cakes.
I jumped at the chance to review this book after I had heard so many great things, and I am pleased to tell you that everyone of those things is true. The Girl I Was Before is the perfect book to lose yourself in. This is the last book that I will get to read before I go back to college and it is just the tonic I needed. The Girl I Was Before is a laugh a minute and had me laughing out loud throughout. Izzy Bayliss is an extremely talented author, who I can't wait to read more of. As an author, one of the best presents you can give your readers in laughter and Izzy Bayliss managed to give this by the bucket load. I adore how this book is so effortlessly funny and full of witty one liners.
I fell in love with Izzy from the very first page. She is just such a loveable character and I really admire the way she handled herself despite everything going wrong in her life. She is a very strong character that readers will really be drawn to. I think that Marc's character was very well written, I disliked him from the very first page and I felt that he was the perfect baddie. I couldn't have loved Sam more and I also adored Frankie. I was delighted to learn that this is the first book in a series because these are all characters that I can't wait to meet again. Although this is part of a series, I think that this book really stands out on it's own. A lot of books that are first in a series ends on a huge cliffhanger, but this one told a story of its own that will also allow it to be picked up in the next book and carried on.
The Girl I Was Before is full to the brim with laughs and is brilliantly funny. The wit and humour contained within the pages of The Girl I Was Before is what makes it such a bright and brilliant debut, by a very talented author. I am so looking forward to the next installment in this series and to see where Lily's story will take her next. I loved how it got straight into the story from the first chapter and flowed really well. Izzy Bayliss has written a real page turner and a story that flows very easily. This is definitely a "one more chapter" kind of book, but of course one more chapter was never enough for me. Because the book had many shorter chapters, it was very easy to read, as I find that books with very few long chapters can be very monotonous, and stops the story from flowing as easily as they should. This is a light read, that can be enjoyed at any time of year and is a real page turner, full of laughter and cake! What more could you possibly want in a book?
The Girl I Was Before is the perfect book to escape into and to cuddle up with on these cold, dark nights that are so quickly approaching. Izzy Bayliss is a brilliant new Irish author that will definitely leave her mark on the Irish writing scene. I couldn't have loved this book more and it is the best debut that I have read this year. I will be counting down until I am able to get my hands on the next installment in the Lily McDermott series. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
5 stars
Lily McDermott's life is suddenly turned upside down when she returns home from work early on the day of her three month wedding anniversary to fins her husband, Marc (with a C) in bed with an actress, who by the way has a lovely bum. Devastated Lily flees to best friends house and when she returns home, Marc has emptied their home of all of his belongings and has moved in with Nadia, the actress she caught him cheating with. Lily is so devastated by the breakdown of her marriage after only three short months, Lily also finds herself jobless when her grief gets in the way of her carrying out her duties at work. Broken and wounded, with no job and no husband, Lily decided that she can either let what has happened to her make her or break her, and decided to set up a business doing what she does best, baking cakes.
I jumped at the chance to review this book after I had heard so many great things, and I am pleased to tell you that everyone of those things is true. The Girl I Was Before is the perfect book to lose yourself in. This is the last book that I will get to read before I go back to college and it is just the tonic I needed. The Girl I Was Before is a laugh a minute and had me laughing out loud throughout. Izzy Bayliss is an extremely talented author, who I can't wait to read more of. As an author, one of the best presents you can give your readers in laughter and Izzy Bayliss managed to give this by the bucket load. I adore how this book is so effortlessly funny and full of witty one liners.
I fell in love with Izzy from the very first page. She is just such a loveable character and I really admire the way she handled herself despite everything going wrong in her life. She is a very strong character that readers will really be drawn to. I think that Marc's character was very well written, I disliked him from the very first page and I felt that he was the perfect baddie. I couldn't have loved Sam more and I also adored Frankie. I was delighted to learn that this is the first book in a series because these are all characters that I can't wait to meet again. Although this is part of a series, I think that this book really stands out on it's own. A lot of books that are first in a series ends on a huge cliffhanger, but this one told a story of its own that will also allow it to be picked up in the next book and carried on.
The Girl I Was Before is full to the brim with laughs and is brilliantly funny. The wit and humour contained within the pages of The Girl I Was Before is what makes it such a bright and brilliant debut, by a very talented author. I am so looking forward to the next installment in this series and to see where Lily's story will take her next. I loved how it got straight into the story from the first chapter and flowed really well. Izzy Bayliss has written a real page turner and a story that flows very easily. This is definitely a "one more chapter" kind of book, but of course one more chapter was never enough for me. Because the book had many shorter chapters, it was very easy to read, as I find that books with very few long chapters can be very monotonous, and stops the story from flowing as easily as they should. This is a light read, that can be enjoyed at any time of year and is a real page turner, full of laughter and cake! What more could you possibly want in a book?
The Girl I Was Before is the perfect book to escape into and to cuddle up with on these cold, dark nights that are so quickly approaching. Izzy Bayliss is a brilliant new Irish author that will definitely leave her mark on the Irish writing scene. I couldn't have loved this book more and it is the best debut that I have read this year. I will be counting down until I am able to get my hands on the next installment in the Lily McDermott series. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
5 stars
September 23, 2016
The day Lily walks in on her husband of three months, Marc, cheating on her with a glamorous actress, is the day that her life starts to tumble down one block at a time. Not only has Marc cheated but he wastes no time in moving in with his mistress, and flaunts his new romance in every Irish magazine that he can find. Even though Lily despises her job as call-centre supervisor, she is gutted when she gets the sack, and with an older sister that is intent on pointing out her flaws and her mistakes, Lily is not in a good place right now. But as her best friend, Frankie, and her sweet-natured dad rally around her, and help her see herself for who she really is, maybe she can pull herself out of the messiness of her life. But as things finally start to look up with a new career and a new man interested in her, her ex realises what he has lost. But does he deserve a second chance? Or does Lily deserve a second chance at the life she always wanted?
THE GIRL I WAS BEFORE by Izzy Bayliss is the first novel in the Lily McDermott series, but don't worry it doesn't end on a cliffhanger. With hilarious moments throughout this story making me laugh out loud, the author also dealt with the despair and sadness of Lily with equal depth and feeling. I loved the character of Frankie who is Lily's rock, and I found myself nodding in agreement every time she spoke. Lily is a soft-hearted character, and while at times I wanted to shake her for her lack of self-esteem, her vulnerability and kind-heartedness are just who she is. I sat down to read this book for twenty minutes but it hooked me and I kept going to the end. THE GIRL I WAS BEFORE by Izzy Bayliss is a witty, heartfelt novel about love, life, and finding your own two feet in this crazy world, and I highly recommend it. I am really looking forward to finding out what else is in store for Lily and her gang!
*Book received from author in exchange for an honest review
THE GIRL I WAS BEFORE by Izzy Bayliss is the first novel in the Lily McDermott series, but don't worry it doesn't end on a cliffhanger. With hilarious moments throughout this story making me laugh out loud, the author also dealt with the despair and sadness of Lily with equal depth and feeling. I loved the character of Frankie who is Lily's rock, and I found myself nodding in agreement every time she spoke. Lily is a soft-hearted character, and while at times I wanted to shake her for her lack of self-esteem, her vulnerability and kind-heartedness are just who she is. I sat down to read this book for twenty minutes but it hooked me and I kept going to the end. THE GIRL I WAS BEFORE by Izzy Bayliss is a witty, heartfelt novel about love, life, and finding your own two feet in this crazy world, and I highly recommend it. I am really looking forward to finding out what else is in store for Lily and her gang!
*Book received from author in exchange for an honest review
September 6, 2016
When Lily McDermott walks in to find Marc, her husband of just three months in bed with actress Nadia, life as she knows it is over. Lily thinks things can't get any worse when she sees photos of her husband and his new lover splashed across the glossy magazine pages, but when she loses her job too, she is at her lowest ebb and turns to baking to soothe her soul. Wounded and broken she has to try and pick herself up again with the help of her best friend Frankie and with her encouragement, Lily decides to turn her hobby into a business and sets up Baked With Love. However whatever Lily does, it seems disaster soon ensues and when handsome stranger Sam comes to her rescue, Lily isn't quite ready to turn her back on her marriage.
Can Lily risk opening her heart again or is she destined to allow Marc to shadow her life forever?
I liked this book, it was an easy read. I was a little frustrated with Lily at first because she kept her feelings to herself. Luckily she grows up during the book and starts expressing herself.
Can Lily risk opening her heart again or is she destined to allow Marc to shadow her life forever?
I liked this book, it was an easy read. I was a little frustrated with Lily at first because she kept her feelings to herself. Luckily she grows up during the book and starts expressing herself.
September 5, 2016
Whilst this book was a light read, it stood out from it's peers on many levels but most of all for it's humour. Wickedly funny, there were parts where Lily quite literally made me laugh out loud and I love that in a book. Life is hard enough and sometimes you just want a good laugh, well developed characters and a cracking story - all of which you'll find in The Girl I was Before - two surprises at the end firstly a recipe (I really REALLY wanted cake during this book) and secondly a super teaser for the sequel (for which I'll know to have cake ready). Great read.
October 5, 2016
Have had a bit of a reading slump recently but I am pleased to say this book got me out of the reading doldrums! Well written and with really relatable characters - I want a best friend like Frankie! - this was enjoyable fiction from start to finish. The length and pace of the book was perfect and I loved the 'journey' they went on. Learning more about Clara was quite moving. I'm really pleased there is a second book in the series and will most definitely be reading it. Thank you to the author, publisher and THE Book Club on Facebook for the widget :)
August 15, 2016
Really enjoyed this book (courtesy of TBC) it ticked all the boxes in what I love in a romance novel. I was easily able to feel connected to the characters in the book and am looking forward to reading more about Lily's life.
July 11, 2018
I’d pass on reading this
Do you ever read a book where you don’t like any of the main characters? The husband, the sister, the main character especially.... at least her friend was mostly-likable.
Do you ever read a book where you don’t like any of the main characters? The husband, the sister, the main character especially.... at least her friend was mostly-likable.
May 24, 2022
2.5 out of 5 stars
The author writes well, but I had two problems with the book. Lily, the main character, was a total doormat, and didn't stand up for herself. That would be okay if that was her challenge when the book began, but she didn't grow during the book and become more assertive. The other problem for me was there was "big secret" involved, one of my least favorite tropes.
I will read the second book in the series because, as I said, the author writes very well, and I want to give her another chance.
The author writes well, but I had two problems with the book. Lily, the main character, was a total doormat, and didn't stand up for herself. That would be okay if that was her challenge when the book began, but she didn't grow during the book and become more assertive. The other problem for me was there was "big secret" involved, one of my least favorite tropes.
I will read the second book in the series because, as I said, the author writes very well, and I want to give her another chance.
March 6, 2019
Oh boy... I've read this in about two of hours, it's a very fast reading. It's not a bad book but there's lots of things that I didn't really like, especially with the main character. It annoyed me so SO much that she just doesn't stand up to herself! And I mean in her job (or ex job), cheating husband and sister. She has ZERO balls, that's SO annoying. For example: Cheater husband doesn't pay mortgage. I would SUE his ass. Among other things. The book isn't bad but I was expecting something better and the end felt really rushed, it ended in about ten pages? I wasn't even expecting it to end that fast and suddenly it's done... Could've been better in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2024
I do like chick lit and I do like books set in Ireland so I quite enjoyed this. The main character was fairly annoying with her still mooning about her ex til quite far through the story even though he was a total dick, and the mistress was an unbelievable caricature but I guess all forgivable for a happy ending.
December 29, 2024
i quite liked this one!!!! downloaded it kinda on a whim and it was good! i was pleasantly surprised to see it’s a series too! grammar errors but i can’t tell if they’re errors or just irish slang lol
January 3, 2025
Feelgood rebound story
A delightful story, wonderful characters, real people with real life struggles. Very enjoyable read!! The title resonated, and didn't disappoint, me.
A delightful story, wonderful characters, real people with real life struggles. Very enjoyable read!! The title resonated, and didn't disappoint, me.
April 22, 2021
What an enjoyable book! It wasn't all "joy-filled" as the subject matter was sad (divorce) but I loved the character development the author flushed out as Lily moved through navigating her new reality. There were characters I didn't like at ALL (talking about you Clara!) but then later changed my mind. The main characters all evolved and grew, which is so nice to see. I had to put this down a couple of times because of my library holds becoming available; otherwise it would have been a quick read. I enjoyed it so much that I bought the sequel last night after finishing this. This book would be a really good beach read or something to snuggle up and read on a rainy day.
November 18, 2016
3.5 Stars
I really liked The Girl I Was Before, it is reasonably light hearted, features some good cakes, and Lily's sister was hilarious, even though she clearly wasn't trying to be.
However Lily herself drove me slightly mad during the story, she spent half the book wanting her husband of 3 months back, after he walked out, being caught with his pants down, and then the other half she finally is moving on with her life, but walks straight into a relationship with another man, who she isn't entirely honest with.
Her initial job before she lost it, was one I have never thought about in my life before, and certainly never seen used in fiction before, she works as a call centre operative for pregnancy tests, and also has to deal with the returns of used ones - queue some interesting descriptions of smells!
I also really liked her new business as it involved baking celebration cakes, and it was from that she met a handsome stranger, as well as had some comic moments with her nephews. Some of the cakes sounded divine.
Lily's sister Clara as I have said was quite funny, in a I can't believe she keeps saying it way, if I didn't laugh at her I would end up far too annoyed with her attitude towards Lily, and the rest of her family. She does have Lily's best interests at heart but I found her hard to like but loved her kids.
The Girl I Was Before is easy to read, and I liked the writing style, even if I wasn't too keen on all aspects of the characters (I haven't even mentioned what a nasty piece of work Lily's husband is!), and I would definitely be tempted to read more books by Izzy Bayliss.
I really liked The Girl I Was Before, it is reasonably light hearted, features some good cakes, and Lily's sister was hilarious, even though she clearly wasn't trying to be.
However Lily herself drove me slightly mad during the story, she spent half the book wanting her husband of 3 months back, after he walked out, being caught with his pants down, and then the other half she finally is moving on with her life, but walks straight into a relationship with another man, who she isn't entirely honest with.
Her initial job before she lost it, was one I have never thought about in my life before, and certainly never seen used in fiction before, she works as a call centre operative for pregnancy tests, and also has to deal with the returns of used ones - queue some interesting descriptions of smells!
I also really liked her new business as it involved baking celebration cakes, and it was from that she met a handsome stranger, as well as had some comic moments with her nephews. Some of the cakes sounded divine.
Lily's sister Clara as I have said was quite funny, in a I can't believe she keeps saying it way, if I didn't laugh at her I would end up far too annoyed with her attitude towards Lily, and the rest of her family. She does have Lily's best interests at heart but I found her hard to like but loved her kids.
The Girl I Was Before is easy to read, and I liked the writing style, even if I wasn't too keen on all aspects of the characters (I haven't even mentioned what a nasty piece of work Lily's husband is!), and I would definitely be tempted to read more books by Izzy Bayliss.
August 20, 2016
The story focuses on Lily whose short marriage is turned upside down when she finds her husband in bed with an actress. Her world comes tumbling down when he leaves her and her life changes in a matter of days. She loses her job which didn't sound all that great anyway and starts her own business by turning her hobby into a successful cake baking business. Through this she meets a new man and has to decide whether she is ready to move forward with him.
I found I could empathesise with Lily through her break up and life changes and I found her a very realistic personable character. I particularly enjoyed her family relationships and their complexities and how they played out. That was my favourite part of the book and I hope that is explored more in the next book. I thought that the character of her husband was really good but that the new man on the scene, seemed fairly bland and a little too perfect!
The girl I was before was a very entertaining, light read and I enjoyed it greatly. Thanks to TBC for sending me a copy.
August 20, 2016
Thanks to TBC for my ARC copy of this for review.
I really enjoyed this book and am really looking forward to reading more by Izzy Bayliss. This is a typical chick lit type of read - it has you smiling, feeling sad and then feeling happy again.
This tells the story of Lily who walks in to find her husband Marc in bed with a famous actress - only 3 months after she is married! When Lily returns to face her husband he has already up and left taking his stuff with him. Life is over as far as Lily is concerned. To top it all she loses her job! Eventually she tries to pick her life back up by starting her own business. She meets Sam, a guy who seems to like her but Lily is so wrapped up in Marc she cannot see it. I loved Lily as a character and found myself wanting to slap Marc!! Its a lovely easy to read holiday book. A must!!! Can't wait to read more by Izzy Bayliss.
I really enjoyed this book and am really looking forward to reading more by Izzy Bayliss. This is a typical chick lit type of read - it has you smiling, feeling sad and then feeling happy again.
This tells the story of Lily who walks in to find her husband Marc in bed with a famous actress - only 3 months after she is married! When Lily returns to face her husband he has already up and left taking his stuff with him. Life is over as far as Lily is concerned. To top it all she loses her job! Eventually she tries to pick her life back up by starting her own business. She meets Sam, a guy who seems to like her but Lily is so wrapped up in Marc she cannot see it. I loved Lily as a character and found myself wanting to slap Marc!! Its a lovely easy to read holiday book. A must!!! Can't wait to read more by Izzy Bayliss.
August 25, 2016
I Loved This Book!
The Girl I was Before is a thoroughly enjoyable and 'unputdownable' read. From the very beginning I was drawn into Lily's world and wondered what on earth was going to happen next. Although the book was a light and romantic read, perfect for curling up in your favourite armchair with a cup of tea, the author dealt with some very real life issues in a sensitive and thought provoking manner, while still managing to insert humour into the narrative.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and all of the colourful characters within it. I can't wait to find out what will happen next in book two!
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Girl I was Before is a thoroughly enjoyable and 'unputdownable' read. From the very beginning I was drawn into Lily's world and wondered what on earth was going to happen next. Although the book was a light and romantic read, perfect for curling up in your favourite armchair with a cup of tea, the author dealt with some very real life issues in a sensitive and thought provoking manner, while still managing to insert humour into the narrative.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and all of the colourful characters within it. I can't wait to find out what will happen next in book two!
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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