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All you need is love and a big handbag
When the most bookish, clumsy geek manages to bag the most handsome,
beautiful man on campus – the man that all the other girls would happily
have thrown their Kappa Kappa Delta sisters under the bus for – then it
can’t end well. But Maggie has beaten the odds and is ten years into her
marriage with Jack. However, the pages in the book of fairytales are
beginning to smolder and burn as she starts to question his fidelity.
Forced into action by her suspicions, and hindered by her over-sexed
mother and under-brained friend, Maggie embarks on a search for truth.
What she finds, however, is an adventure that throws her directly into
the claws of danger and will make her wish that infidelity was the only
thing she had to worry about.
beautiful man on campus – the man that all the other girls would happily
have thrown their Kappa Kappa Delta sisters under the bus for – then it
can’t end well. But Maggie has beaten the odds and is ten years into her
marriage with Jack. However, the pages in the book of fairytales are
beginning to smolder and burn as she starts to question his fidelity.
Forced into action by her suspicions, and hindered by her over-sexed
mother and under-brained friend, Maggie embarks on a search for truth.
What she finds, however, is an adventure that throws her directly into
the claws of danger and will make her wish that infidelity was the only
thing she had to worry about.
- GenresRomance
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2016
4 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
About the author
Julie Hodgson
87 books185 followersI actually had no idea that Amazon-owned GoodReads, So I have shifted ll my books to Storygraph.
I'm so very tired of this money-making monopoly!
I'm so very tired of this money-making monopoly!
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 19, 2016
Another amazing story told by the great Julie Hodgson. Such an exciting, suspenseful, fun read!
July 31, 2016
This book was full of twists and turns that kept me interested from page one! I loved it!!
All You Need is Love: And a Big Handbag by Julie Hodgson was a fantastic story full of love, betrayal, surprises and much more. I was expecting to read a normal romance, but was slapped in the face (in the best way possible) after finishing the story.
This was a quick read. It follows Maggie, who fell in love with the popular boy in college. Being the nerd she felt she was, she never expected to be the one to end up with Jack Spalding, but she was happy she did. That was until 15 years and two kids later, she began suspecting that he was cheating on her.
They had two 6 year old boys, who they both loved dearly, but after having them things just seemed different. After doing an investigation of her own, she came across a few pieces of evidence that led her to believe she was correct in her original assumption. This takes her to Bryson's Place, a shabby, rundown hotel where she learns that her life has been quite a bit different than she ever thought.
I am not going to spoil the book for you. You will just have to read it and I definitely suggest you do so. I was so happily surprised to have come across this title and I loved every minute. The story line kept me hooked, it was hilarious, and the twist was outstanding! If you're looking for a quick, yet exciting read, pick up All You Need is Love: And a Big Handbag right now!
Overall, I rate this title with 5 stars!
All You Need is Love: And a Big Handbag by Julie Hodgson was a fantastic story full of love, betrayal, surprises and much more. I was expecting to read a normal romance, but was slapped in the face (in the best way possible) after finishing the story.
This was a quick read. It follows Maggie, who fell in love with the popular boy in college. Being the nerd she felt she was, she never expected to be the one to end up with Jack Spalding, but she was happy she did. That was until 15 years and two kids later, she began suspecting that he was cheating on her.
They had two 6 year old boys, who they both loved dearly, but after having them things just seemed different. After doing an investigation of her own, she came across a few pieces of evidence that led her to believe she was correct in her original assumption. This takes her to Bryson's Place, a shabby, rundown hotel where she learns that her life has been quite a bit different than she ever thought.
I am not going to spoil the book for you. You will just have to read it and I definitely suggest you do so. I was so happily surprised to have come across this title and I loved every minute. The story line kept me hooked, it was hilarious, and the twist was outstanding! If you're looking for a quick, yet exciting read, pick up All You Need is Love: And a Big Handbag right now!
Overall, I rate this title with 5 stars!
August 16, 2016
A fantastic story that starts off with a brilliant opening scene: A woman trapped under a bed in a hook-up motel, waiting to catch her husband cheating. While she witnesses what actually happens in the room, she tells us about the relationship with her husband, how they met, fell in love and have come to this point in their marriage.
The writing style is compelling, the pace fast and addictive, the story runs away with you and keeps you at the edge of your seat as you try to find out what is going on and going to happen next.
Great twists wait for you, hilarious moments and an unexpected ending.
I'm very impressed.
The writing style is compelling, the pace fast and addictive, the story runs away with you and keeps you at the edge of your seat as you try to find out what is going on and going to happen next.
Great twists wait for you, hilarious moments and an unexpected ending.
I'm very impressed.
August 1, 2016
This was so funny, it got me snorting out loud on the train home. Love Maggie and Jack and the nutty best friend Tina.
I love short stories, and this fitted the bill perfectly. Another great one from this author.
I love short stories, and this fitted the bill perfectly. Another great one from this author.
September 30, 2016
‘What wife would want to believe that her marriage was falling apart?’
Swedish author Julie Hodgson has experienced more than most authors in travel, jobs, and fascination with her elected career of writing for children. She wrote for the children's page of the Kuwaiti Times just before the first Gulf conflict in 1989, she worked with school children in North Africa and Tripoli, and when not stationed in one place she travels extensively encouraging people to read. She has published six works to date
Julie’s forte has been children’s books (and she has written many of them, translated into multiple languages and winning many medals) but in this book she proves she is right up there with the adult romance cum suspense cum humor tales that keep the reader guessing while snickering and laughing and lip biting at times.
From the opening paragraph she prepares us for the skill in writing and involvement in the upcoming story that is up there with the best chick lit authors: ‘A half a packet of gum, a few skin-thin pages of a book, something religious, screwed up into careless balls and ... well, I’ll just come out with it … a lazily slung, used condom: this was all I could see from my vantage point under a bed that had seen more action than Madonna, in what had to be a contender for America’s dirtiest, grimiest, most sordid and sleazy motel room. Please don’t judge me; I was under the bed, not on it. I thought places like this existed only in the movies, but there I was, secreted under the bed. And what was I doing? Waiting for Jack, my husband, my beloved Jack … cheating Jack. Hiding under a bed? A grown woman? Give me a break. We all do things that we’re not proud of, and this was the only way of proving once and for all that Jack was guiltier of this than most. How could he? I took a deep breath to keep my emotions in check, but that phrase kept running through my head over and over again. How could he? How could he?’
Julie offers a succinct synopsis that merely suggests the outline of this terrific story; ‘When the most bookish, clumsy geek manages to bag the most handsome, beautiful man on campus – the man that all the other girls would happily have thrown their Kappa Kappa Delta sisters under the bus for – then it can’t end well. But Maggie has beaten the odds and is ten years into her marriage with Jack. However, the pages in the book of fairytales are beginning to smolder and burn as she starts to question his fidelity. Forced into action by her suspicions, and hindered by her over-sexed mother and under-brained friend, Maggie embarks on a search for truth. What she finds, however, is an adventure that throws her directly into the claws of danger and will make her wish that infidelity was the only thing she had to worry about.’ But the denouement and climax and ending are just terrific.
You’ll never meet a better formed character than Maggie and the manner in which she manipulates her life in this tale is close to Hollywood (or maybe an Indie film on television). Julie is a fine writer of the adult genre: let’s see if she maintains the same degree of polish as she has with her excellent children’s books.
Swedish author Julie Hodgson has experienced more than most authors in travel, jobs, and fascination with her elected career of writing for children. She wrote for the children's page of the Kuwaiti Times just before the first Gulf conflict in 1989, she worked with school children in North Africa and Tripoli, and when not stationed in one place she travels extensively encouraging people to read. She has published six works to date
Julie’s forte has been children’s books (and she has written many of them, translated into multiple languages and winning many medals) but in this book she proves she is right up there with the adult romance cum suspense cum humor tales that keep the reader guessing while snickering and laughing and lip biting at times.
From the opening paragraph she prepares us for the skill in writing and involvement in the upcoming story that is up there with the best chick lit authors: ‘A half a packet of gum, a few skin-thin pages of a book, something religious, screwed up into careless balls and ... well, I’ll just come out with it … a lazily slung, used condom: this was all I could see from my vantage point under a bed that had seen more action than Madonna, in what had to be a contender for America’s dirtiest, grimiest, most sordid and sleazy motel room. Please don’t judge me; I was under the bed, not on it. I thought places like this existed only in the movies, but there I was, secreted under the bed. And what was I doing? Waiting for Jack, my husband, my beloved Jack … cheating Jack. Hiding under a bed? A grown woman? Give me a break. We all do things that we’re not proud of, and this was the only way of proving once and for all that Jack was guiltier of this than most. How could he? I took a deep breath to keep my emotions in check, but that phrase kept running through my head over and over again. How could he? How could he?’
Julie offers a succinct synopsis that merely suggests the outline of this terrific story; ‘When the most bookish, clumsy geek manages to bag the most handsome, beautiful man on campus – the man that all the other girls would happily have thrown their Kappa Kappa Delta sisters under the bus for – then it can’t end well. But Maggie has beaten the odds and is ten years into her marriage with Jack. However, the pages in the book of fairytales are beginning to smolder and burn as she starts to question his fidelity. Forced into action by her suspicions, and hindered by her over-sexed mother and under-brained friend, Maggie embarks on a search for truth. What she finds, however, is an adventure that throws her directly into the claws of danger and will make her wish that infidelity was the only thing she had to worry about.’ But the denouement and climax and ending are just terrific.
You’ll never meet a better formed character than Maggie and the manner in which she manipulates her life in this tale is close to Hollywood (or maybe an Indie film on television). Julie is a fine writer of the adult genre: let’s see if she maintains the same degree of polish as she has with her excellent children’s books.
March 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this romantic thriller. At first I thought it was just another "he cheated on me" story, and the wife was going to get her revenge, but it turned into more than that. I really liked the story arc and the character development. Fun story.
September 14, 2016
I can honestly say, that this is one of the funniest books I have read in a long long time! The antics of maggie and her crazy friend Tina are a blast! The thought of two unlikely people falling in love and getting married was a hoot. Her mother doesn't make things any less stressful! Brilliant! mags You go girlfriend Highly recommend this, if you want your day brightened. Top Notch!
August 5, 2016
This was a really good read. Love Maggie and Jack and of course you cannot forget Tina Maggies best mate.. Superbly written and a fun story. Laughed out loud a lot.
October 5, 2016
This was an hilarious read, from start to the very last page! I laughed out loud a lot! Love maggie and jack.
February 5, 2017
Loved it! A quick read but one of the most delightful stories I have read in a long time. This is the first book I have read by Julie Hodgson, but it certainly won't be my last. Julie Hodgson is creative and witty and speaks of things other women can really relate to... sort of. I must admit that I have never crawled under a bed in a sleazy motel expecting to catch my cheating husband red handed. But that's exactly what Maggie did. And while she is laying there among the dust and grime, a half packet of gum and a hazily slung used condom, she recalls how she and Jack met in college and how her life progressed or digressed to where she is today... all of this with humor and wit that will leave you chuckling and at times laughing out loud.
But keep reading because the story just keeps getting better and better with so many twists and turns it will make you dizzy.
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE (AND A BIG HANDBAG) simply has to be one of my February Favorites! Thank you Julie Hodgson for brightening my day!
*Disclosure: A complimentary copy was provided by the author. Although not requested by the author, I have provided this honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. This review will also be posted in my blog at www.TheNovelLady.com
But keep reading because the story just keeps getting better and better with so many twists and turns it will make you dizzy.
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE (AND A BIG HANDBAG) simply has to be one of my February Favorites! Thank you Julie Hodgson for brightening my day!
*Disclosure: A complimentary copy was provided by the author. Although not requested by the author, I have provided this honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. This review will also be posted in my blog at www.TheNovelLady.com
August 27, 2016
This is my first time reading a book written by this author. I was pleased with this 4 star story that kept me intrigued until the very end.
I will keep this spoiler free because I don't want to give anything away that would spoil the fun in this story.
This is a short, fasted paced, adrenaline ride. From the first page to the last I was intrigued something fierce. I read it in one sitting before bedtime. It was funny, intriguing and suspenseful. It was full of surprising twists and turns, none I expected or see coming.
This a short standalone told in Mags POV only. I recommend this story.
I will keep this spoiler free because I don't want to give anything away that would spoil the fun in this story.
This is a short, fasted paced, adrenaline ride. From the first page to the last I was intrigued something fierce. I read it in one sitting before bedtime. It was funny, intriguing and suspenseful. It was full of surprising twists and turns, none I expected or see coming.
This a short standalone told in Mags POV only. I recommend this story.
August 1, 2016
This was a great read, a short enough book to read in just a few days, not a complicated read either..so you could switch off and enjoy the ride.. LOVED Maggie and Jack.and crazy Tina the best friend of Maggie... a wonderful romantic comedy, well worth buying.
December 5, 2016
Cute story
Very good book. I loved the way it was written ad it had me laughing an other times almost in theatre. A very fast good read. Old ladies like me likes a change like this in reading. I would recommend this for a good fast story.
Very good book. I loved the way it was written ad it had me laughing an other times almost in theatre. A very fast good read. Old ladies like me likes a change like this in reading. I would recommend this for a good fast story.
September 23, 2016
Superbly funny read. Love mags and Jack.
November 2, 2016
Great read!! Funny and so full of surprises. Kept me readying nonstop.
December 8, 2016
Hilarious, from the first to last page!
April 12, 2017
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. It was quick to read and fun!
February 26, 2019
A laugh out loud comedy! Easy to read and full of suspense and a bit of hows ya father.
December 11, 2017
The book was ok. Not what I was expecting. I didn't like that the book would go from the present to the past within a couple of paragraphs. You don't really get invested in the characters. Plus, there were some mistakes. It seemed to take place in New York but some of the phrasing was not American so there were times I thought it took place in London or somewhere else. Also, the husband was very unlikable when he shouldn't have been. The wife was very naive when she should have been more adult. It just didn't have a plausible enough story line.
October 30, 2020
I giggled all the way through this book! Sometimes ya just gotta trust your instincts! The first few lines of this book got me hooked... and it was a rollercoaster of fun all the way through. An enjoyable read.
October 4, 2022
All You Need is Love is a humorous book. I found it entertaining. It seemed to be a humble housewife turned Agent Get Smart. I mean that in a good way. If you are looking for a bit of fun, this book is for you.
November 2, 2022
We are proud to announce that ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE (and a big handbag) by Julie Hodgson has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews