Making Minty Malone

by Isabel Wolff

After her fiancTe walks away from the relationship--literally--leaving her at the altar, Minty Malone lights out for an adventure that will change her entire life. By the author of The Trials of Tiffany Trott. Original.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Roman, Contemporary Romance, Adult

144 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Isabel Wolff's ten bestselling novels are published worldwide. 'Ghostwritten', set in present day Cornwall and on wartime Java, was published in the UK in March 2014 and will be published in the US in February 2015 as 'Shadows Over Paradise'. 'The Very Picture of You' was published in the UK and the US in October 2011. 'A Vintage Affair', was an Amazon.co.uk 'Best of 2009' title and was shortlisted by the American Library Assocation for their Reading List awards (Women's Fiction). Isabel lives in west London with her family. Visit her 'Isabel Wolff Author' Page on Facebook, follow her on Twitter @IsabelWolff or visit her website, IsabelWolff.com. Thank you...

Reviews

[Obsidian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you ever have those books that you realize are not really rocking your world, but you keep reading because you can't be bothered to get another book? This was my situation last night. I am fighting off something and right now just really want my flannel pjs and some hot tea. I tend to like to read more chick lit type books when I am under the weather because I know I am going to get a happy ending at least. However, this book one of the first written by Wolff was lacking something the whole way through. For me, it was already known based on the synopsis that Minty is going to be left at the altar. However, her reactions to this were so off (at least to me) it made no sense and I started to lose any sympathy for the main character. The other characters in this book were paper thin and I hated the new love interest who I would probably have shoved down a flight of stairs who also had his own issues that needed addressed.

"The Making of Minty Malone is told in the first person by ta dah, Minty Malone. After Minty is left at the altar by her fiancee Dominic (not her real name by the way, which she knows prior to marrying him) she is left wondering what has she done that made the thought of marriage so terrible. Running away on her honeymoon with a friend and then having a terrible meet-cute with a guy, we follow Minty back to London where she feels adrift and trying to fix things in her personal and professional life.

Minty is a doormat. And heck she stays a doormat pretty much through the whole book. You start off reading right away that Minty has turned herself into another person to make Dominic happy. And I didn't even get that she liked the guy much based on how she goes into him. But after being left at the altar and coming back home, Minty decides to keep the give away all of the wedding gifts (I don't care that people told you to keep them!) and she kind of shrugs after hearing that the policy she got on her wedding (apparently insurance for weddings is a thing) is not covered, that her father is going to be out $80,000 and she decides to not go after her fiancee to pay for at least half of it! She doesn't even offer to give the money to her parents. I don't think she does. I may have been too busy raging.

I also really hated the idea that so many people around Minty were pretty much telling her to just get over Dominic mere seconds after he jilts her. Does Dominic suck? Yup. But I am never a fan of chick lit novels which push some new guy on a character after some major relationship drama. I don't know why there can't be a slow build to romance. Minty deciding that she is in love with her love interest came out of left field to me because they barely interacted in this book and he treated her like a she-demon because he claims she has so much baggage and refuses to ever get involved with a woman again who has emotional baggage from a previous relationship.

The love interest is terrible. I don't even have words for how much this guy irked me. A struggling writer whose story sounded terrible, who sits around and judges Minty for everything that she does. I really wonder why he was interested in being her friend since based on his past he should have stayed away from her. Instead, he claims friendship (I claim BS) and then acts like she's no good to him until she declares herself really free of Dominic. I just wanted her to throw him face first into a wall. He was a sanctimonious ass.

Other characters are just as shallow. Minty's cousin worked my nerves. But I at least applauded Wolff for writing a character that didn't want children, and who refused to be cowed by her partner into having them. Until this cousin meets a new love interest, gets a kitten, sees kitten eventually have its own kittens, and now seems to be okay with kids.

Yeah that happened. As someone who was pretty iffy on kids her whole life, and got really tired of defending the decision to not have them (while lying about it others around me who acted like I had two heads because I am fine without marriage or kids) I was so happy that we had a character that did want to be in love, but didn't want kids, and was pretty okay with not marrying it looked like. To have her do this complete reversal because of a cat...I just sighed.

Don't get me started on the cousin's partner who leaves her because he realizes that he is wasting his time when he could be getting someone else pregnant. That whole storyline with that guy just made me roll my eyes. I also hated the woman he ends up getting with because the whole thing was so sketchy. In fact I am going to say that if this was real life, most of the couples in this book would end up divorced in a few years.

The only people I found interesting were people at Minty's work, but we don't get to spend much time with any of them besides the character of Jack. I was hoping for a different resolution with that character, but apparently yesterday was Obsidian Blue is not going to win day so I was left unsatisfied about everything.

The writing was all over the place and things were not clear at all. We find out at a certain point that Minty's mom is a twin, and she mentions her cousin's mother who apparently is not really around since why would her cousin need to move herself in with Minty. The whole book was like that. We would find out something that I would go and say to myself, well that's weird, that should maybe have been introduced earlier on or something since I just sat feeling confused for most of this book.

Minty and Joe's back and forth with their fun insults got tiresome as anything.

Having to read anything that the character of Miranda was saying with her lisp was also painful.

There just honestly seemed to be a lot of logic gaps for me while reading. I assume that Minty's family is rich since they never did go back and get money from Dominic after the wedding was over. But then Minty brings it up again like this is still a huge problem for her family. But then her father just plops down some money to get her mother out of trouble later in the book and I am back to thinking that they have money.

The flow was off from the entire book. I think starting with the stream of consciousnesses with Minty on her wedding day going into why her soon to be husband was perfect (but not really) really did not show her in the best light. Heck probably the only thing I did feel that was earned and right was everyone telling Minty that her being with Dominic was her fault too since no one forced her to stay with a guy that was clearly awful.

London doesn't really come alive for me in this book, and neither does Paris or LA. I was only really interested when the book transitioned to Minty doing her job or her place of work. I was really interested in how they do radio and go off and interview.

The ending was a foregone conclusion and I guess Minty gets her HEA.

[BarbaraP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molto divertente, scrittura vivace. Qualche strafalcione nella traduzione, ma la storia è coinvolgente.
Mi è venuto però il dubbio, proprio alla fine, di averlo già letti taaaaanto tempo fa.

[Christine Barth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Funny and sweet, but it's amazing how dated chic lit can be as the whole genre is based on contemporary, trendy stories.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Distrayant et facile à lire mais clairement pas mon livre de l’année : des personnages un peu caricaturaux et un scénario attendu.

[Judi Easley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review:
Poor Minty, people couldn't even get her name correct; and she didn't kick her free-loading cousin out of her apartment, even when she weaseled her into trading bedrooms! This girl had the spine of a gummy bear! Left at the altar, she quietly went on the honeymoon trip to Paris with her maid of honor, Helen, even though she wanted to go to Venice. That's where she meets Joe.

Joe, who's been dumped by a woman who went back to her former husband even though she and Joe were talking marriage. So Joe's not looking for a woman with any baggage. And Minty certainly has baggage! She also has couples all around her who are great examples of what should and should not be happening in a relationship. She can see their problems quite clearly. But she can't figure out what went wrong between Dominic and her.

Then comes the Nice Factor, the class that teaches you how not to be too nice. In other words, how not to get taken advantage of by your friends and coworkers. Remember, if you lie down someone is bound to walk on you. And this course tries to teach you not to lie down by teaching you how to insult people, at least in your head. If you can do it in your head, it changes your attitude and posture and people treat you differently. Eventually, you stop being automatically treated that way by people because you have stopped acting so nice all the time. You're still a nice person, but you're not so easy to take advantage of. Joe is also a student at this course. Joe and Minty have fun with the insults, but Minty still has baggage.

Ms. Wolff has developed these characters, especially Minty, so well, that you feel like they could walk through your own door and be totally 3D. I was a little let down at the end, but that was because it ended. I just wanted it to keep going. So why didn't I give it five stars? I got really tired of Minty's baggage. She just wouldn't let go of trying to figure out what went wrong, and it got old for me. Thank heavens, cousin Amber could put up with her.

The Making of Minty Malone was a Book Bub acquisition from Amazon. This is my honest review for which I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a true comedic romance and I liked it a lot. It started off with a character that is very uncertain about what she wants and who does everything that other persons want without standing up for herself at all. As the book progresses she changes by becoming more assertive and standing up for herself. I like the fact that the secondary characters are given space to develop during the story and their lives change as well, just like in life. I did not like Minty when the story started but as the book developed I got invested in her journey and got to like the person she became. This happened with a number of persons in the novel including her cousin Amber and the station manager Jack in addition to the other minor supporting characters. The writing style is easy to read and very fun in addition to which the book has some interesting twists which made this a very satisfying read. I would recommend this book, it will lift your spirits. Persevere because it starts with Minty as a work in progress and then moves to her becoming a "new" person by the end, stronger and happier.

[Deserthomemaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book got off to a very poor, slow start. I really disliked Minty, finding her whiny and annoying. The other characters weren't any better. In fact, I almost quit reading it.

But,

It got better. There were some funny bits, good character development, and a happy ending. The baby fever at the end was a bit much though.

[Valentine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rambling. Rambling is my initial impression of the book. So much internal dialogue and self explanation that I had to force myself to persevere through the first chapter. In this case I am... somewhat glad I did.

I'm certain I have read other British authors before and maybe I'm stereotyping a bit, but rambling seems to be a style for British romance authors? Of course the only example I can bring to immediate mind is the notorious 50 shades, which rambled so much that I felt the overwhelming need to bash in the worthless colorless heads of the title characters very early on and never, in four separate tries, could get beyond being so bored to tears by the heroine's vapid introspection that I could get through half the book.

This writer and her characters were rambling, however vastly different in that they were not infinitely, hair-rippingly boring and they seemed to have lively actual, er, character. Just, well, I came here for a sappy romance (or a contemporary, steamy, tawdry, wicked, or down right erotic one) and it's not exactly what I got.

I downloaded this book on Amazon in the search for romances which are an admitted addiction of mine. Stellar (in my opinion) romances can keep me sated for a a few days, a good one sated for a full day before I need another fix. I started another book less than an hour after this one.

Not really what I'd call a typical romance or even a romance at all really. The book seems more of a rambling discourse of a woman on the verge: Of marriage to the wrong guy, of losing herself, of finding herself, of becoming her new self and then, oh! There's a guy sort of vaguely meandering through the pages of her mind's autobiographical periphery. I'd consider this more of chick-lit than anything. In the manner of a good book, this one is fine. It just wasn't what I was looking for and so, in this way, did not completely satisfy.

If you enjoy the large, long treks into the psyche of a woman on the verge, fleshy vivid characters, some fun, smart British humor, learning British slang and terms, a story about coming into your own, and one that somehow makes it to the romantical HEA, no matter how meandering the path, this may be your cuppa.

It's sort of a long stroll through a year in the life of Minty (cute name) with pitfalls, detours, and triumphs abounding. Not saying its a bad thing exactly, simply not quite my cup of tea and as a Brit, I'm certain the author will understand the importance of a stellar cup of tea.

-Love, Valentine

[Vidi_M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not much into the romance genre, but this book is more than that. It is definitely the making of Minty Malone. I liked her character development arc. One thing that I found insightful in the story, and I am not sure if the author meant it purposefully. In one scene, Minty judges Amber for complaining a lot regarding her recent experience and monologues that she herself isn't doing that and accepting and trying to move on. But I felt, well, Minty does it a lot too. Going on about her tragic experience, at least for the readers. However, it dawned on me that I was judging Minty as Minty judges Amber. It is something we often do in our lives without realising. I found it insightful. Although my interest was piqued and got down and piqued again in some parts since I am not that used to reading this genre. I liked it. I was interested in Minty and how, even after her changes, we do realise that it is often not so easy to completely stop being nice. If you are looking for a book that will take you through the journey of a character who can get relatable at some times, this is the book for you.

[Mary Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, it made a very poor impression on me. You know, the point where the author either grabs your attention or not. I almost stopped, it was so bad. It began with the character (or the author herself) going on and on with her thoughts in a somewhat psychotic, schizophrenic, or some kind of extreme attention deficit problem. It was a very bad beginning -- but hang in there, because it goes on to become a very good book.

The story centers around Minty (whose fiancee jilted her at the altar), her friends and her family. It deals with the endings and beginnings of relationships. This book had real imperfect characters facing real life situations. From such a poor beginning, this author created such a smooth flow of psychological reflection and emotional growth of Minty and others. The dialogue, inner thoughts and interactions were superbly written. It was such an outstanding job, that I'm giving this 5 stars.

[Amberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started and finished date – 29.11.25 to 02.12.25.
My rating – Three Stars.
This book was okay, and I somewhat enjoyed is book, but I didn't love it also I think people who like half the world away by Rebecca Banks or lost for words by Stephanie Butland may like is book. The cover of the book was okay, and I think the colour palette at was used on the cover of book was fine. I think the setting of the book was fine and the atmosphere was okay.

I think both the romance and relationships between characters was fine, but I think needed to be flash out. I found this book to be somewhat amusing read and I think this book has a classic romantic comedy vibe to it. I found the paced in the book was well structured and steady paced. The characters were okay, but they needed to be flash out bit more.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Si j'ai mis autant de temps à lire ce livre, ce n'est pas du tout à cause de lui (c'est plutôt difficile d'avancer sa lecture quand on est tellement fatiguée qu'on s'endort toutes les deux pages...).

Une fois qu'on s'installe pour le lire, l'histoire est prenante et l'héroïne attachante. Même sa cousine, légèrement tordue sur les bords, devient un personnage attachant.

J'ai adoré suivre Minty au fil de la reconstruction de sa vie, après une grosse (et humiliante!) déception amoureuse. Toute cette remise en question est intéressante : sur les limites à fixer aux autres sans les blesser etc...

L'écriture est assez simple, mais bourrée de références à la culture des années 2000 !

Il ne me laissera pas un souvenir impérissable mais j'ai passé un très bon moment de lecture.

[Sapna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A longish book. It is quite humorous and keeps the reader engaged. I think the character it is about Araminta (Minty) Malone is written about in a nice emotional way so that you understand what she is going through; however, it's not written so that you get depressed. It's more of a witty book which shows all of Minty's trials and tribulations, her cancelled expensive marriage, her struggles with her "niceness" and how she struggles to get over the person who jilted her at the altar and how she finally meets The One and how she finds out that finally life's not so bad and maybe life's as you make it.

[Priyanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. I started reading with a misgiving and it does not have very high ratings on Goodreads. But the first half of the book is excellent. The emotions and experiences of the character are so well defined, it is a pleasure reading it. Once the book crosses the 65% (approx.) mark, the plot starts to meander. The last bit is a tad disappointing. But the book overall is so relatable, loved reading the first 50%...

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not particularly bad, not particularly good. This was standard chick lit. Minty gets dumped by her fiance and learns a lot about herself.

Minty is witty and the cast of supporting characters is amusing, but other authors like Sophie Kinsella and Marian Keyes do this better. This is the sort of book to pick up if there's nothing new by the A-list authors in the genre.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

I enjoyed this book, though there were many slow parts of the story. Minty is left at the altar. She spends the next few months trying to figure out what she did wrong to deserve the groom’s desertion. Though it takes her time to figure it out and another man to love the answer finally becomes apparent.

[Stephanie Mcfarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read



This was the first book that I've read by Isabel Wolff. I enjoyed her writing style and the story very much!

[Angeline Baron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining, but went on too long.

[Tapiwa O]

A lovely read

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super ! Des rebondissements tout le long . Assez marrant et ma fait me remettre en question si j’étais trop gentil ou pas lol

[Lisa Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow start, but I did like it. Funny and sweet.

[Jess (Shepherdjel) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute & light.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this as much as I did when it was released 25 years ago.

Still a good story but dated now - or is that me being a lot older and wiser.

[Margaret Sandra Munthali · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a steady one.

[Jennifer Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably read it about 4 times, but I forgot what happens so I am reading it again

[Anja · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solid novel and was fun to read.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light and funny but clearly not my favorite book by Isabel Wolff.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, easy read. Funny at times, poignant in a few. I think it would be a good summer pool / beach read. It seems as if parts were quite drawn out and the ending was a bit rushed, cramming a lot into the epilogue but overall good.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story has already been described - Minty gets dumped on her wedding day, and the book covers how she gets over that hurt. Right from the beginning, Wolfe had me hooked. She used flashbacks in the initial chapter to introduce me to the main character, so I was better able to empathize with her situation. Anyone who gets dumped like that deserves empathy, but in a more 'global' way. By the time Dom dumps Minty, I had a sense of 'knowing' her, so I cared more. I was invested in the outcome. I loved that Minty did grow as the book progressed, and that her growth didn't occur too quickly.

The secondary characters were hilarious, and more effectively fleshed out than in some books of this nature. I genuinely was interested in the people Minty worked with. Her family was hilarious, too. The subplots worked, in that they were there to flesh out Minty's character, without taking away from the main story. They helped show who Minty is, and why she behaves as she does. I found myself laughing out loud quite often, which I haven't been able to say about a novel of this sort in quite a while.

There were a few things I didn't like about the book - for example, I didn't think Joe was particularly well defined. I actually thought Wolfe may have rushed with the Minty/Joe relationship at some points. But overall, the book was so funny (I absolutely adored the last quarter), that those complaints were minor. If you like chick lit, light summer reading and/or British fiction, you definitely want to read this book

[Mandolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes tragedies (like being jilted at the altar in front of 200+ of your "closest friends") can reveal our inner strengths and bring us to places much better than we ever imagined. Minty Malone learns that important lesson when her fiancee, a self-righteous and social climbing insurance agent, leaves her stranded at the church, claiming that he can't go through with the wedding. Left alone and forced to realize that she's been "too nice" all of her life, letting people walk all over her and conforming to their opinions of her, Minty takes an enlightening journey of self-discovery over the following year. She begins by celebrating her honeymoon in Paris with her best maid. From there, she undergoes a delightful series of adventures (and horrid catastrophes, too) including allowing her obnoxious cousin Amber to move in with her (along with her outspoken parrot, Pedro), meeting the man of her dreams only to be horridly insulted by him, and achieving enormous success at work. Through it all, Minty finally learns to stand on her own feet as a single girl before she's able to find love again. Smarter, sassier and more self-confident, Minty ends the book with a rosy future!

This was a really fun read with a good message, too. Isabel Wolff has a great vocabulary and literary knowledge, so the book is a nice blend of fluff and substance. Great for a quick read on the beach or on a canal trip in Venice (just a little spoiler there!)