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The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club
'Funny, warm and engaging; this year's must-read! 5****' By the Letter Book ReviewsIn the quaint seaside town of Newbay, a beginner's cookery course is starting. And three very different students have signed up...Liz 's husband has left her for a twenty-something clean-eating blogger, and she's determined to show the world - and her daughter - she's just as capable in the kitchen. John , newly widowed after fifty years of marriage, can't live on sympathy lasagnes forever. To thirty-year-old workaholic Bella , the course is a welcome escape from her high-pressure job. Their only common between them, they can barely boil an egg!Enter talented chef Alex , who is determined to introduce his pupils to the comforts of cuisine. As Liz, John and Bella encounter various disasters in the kitchen, the unlikely trio soon form a fast friendship. Their culinary skills might be catastrophic - but could the cookery club have given them a recipe for happiness?The wonderful new novel from bestselling author Chrissie Manby is perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Trisha Ashley, Cathy Bramley, and The Great British Bake Off.Praise for The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club :'A lovely book which brought a tear to my eye in places' - Broadbeansbooks' Heartwarming ' - The Book Bag'Funny and emotional... a MUST READ this autumn' - On My Bookshelf'A very warm tale full of different kinds of love; just delicious!' - Netgalley Reviewer'If you want a funny, emotional read that will leave you wanting more then you need this book in your life !' - Goodreads'I loved this book... the perfect place to find a recipe for happiness!' - Goodreads'What an absolute joy to read...such a lovely story' - Goodreads'A winning recipe of a story... I devoured it from cover to cover !' - Goodreads'Just the breath of fresh air that I needed... I could have kept reading for many more pages!' - Netgalley'I adored this hilarious book!' I Read Novels'Chrissie Manby has cooked up a fine tale ' Cultural Wednesday'What a wonderfully lighthearted and uplifting novel, one I couldn't put down' - Bloglovin'An absolute joy to read - highly recommended for when you need a little pick-me-up !' - Brew and Book Reviews
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2017
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349 people want to read
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Chrissie Manby
32 books240 followersThis author has also released books under the name Chris Manby
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 11, 2017
Chrissie Manby has cooked up a winning recipe of a story that has had me thoroughly enjoying this cold rainy August evening. I even became oblivious to the sound of the rain on our plastic conservatory roof, while I was reading about Liz and her broken marriage!
A year ago Liz’s husband moved out to be with Brittney a considerably younger health and fashion blogger, and Liz is still coming to terms with it, along with 15 year old daughter Saskia. They also have an adorable dog Ted.
Between Saskia and Ted there are loads of amusing incidents, and from various “conversations” between mother and daughter, Liz decides she needs to learn how to cook, she also needs to put Ted on a diet.
In the meantime Alex has set up a beginners cookery lesson course In Newbay, although there are only a handful of people interested in taking part. As the lessons progress Liz, Bella, John and Alex form unlikely friendships, and we learn all about various things hidden in their pasts.
The food described in the lessons are mouth-watering and the only thing missing from this book are the full recipes so you can learn to make the dishes yourself. There are some absolutely hilarious scenes in this book, mainly involving Liz and her family.
From Bella’s story we get some human kindness in her role as public defence lawyer, and one particular client of hers I had a soft spot for. Even John’s story that seemed straight forward isn’t quite as it seems, although listening to him reminisce about his late wife is heart-warming.
As a fan of Chrissie Manby I am delighted to see a return to Newbay, the town featured in A Fairy Tale for Christmas. The NEWTs are mentioned again as is another character who I remember from the previous book. Although the setting may be familiar, this is a whole new story, new cast of main characters and stands completely alone from her previous work.
From the moment I started this book I knew I was reading another fabulous story, from one of my favourite authors, and it wasn’t long before I was telling mum that I need to buy her a copy of the book too, as it is just up her street! I devoured this book from cover to cover and after finishing my main thought was - “it’s a shame I have to wait so long for another book by the author, I need more”!
Thank you to Hodder and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
A year ago Liz’s husband moved out to be with Brittney a considerably younger health and fashion blogger, and Liz is still coming to terms with it, along with 15 year old daughter Saskia. They also have an adorable dog Ted.
Between Saskia and Ted there are loads of amusing incidents, and from various “conversations” between mother and daughter, Liz decides she needs to learn how to cook, she also needs to put Ted on a diet.
In the meantime Alex has set up a beginners cookery lesson course In Newbay, although there are only a handful of people interested in taking part. As the lessons progress Liz, Bella, John and Alex form unlikely friendships, and we learn all about various things hidden in their pasts.
The food described in the lessons are mouth-watering and the only thing missing from this book are the full recipes so you can learn to make the dishes yourself. There are some absolutely hilarious scenes in this book, mainly involving Liz and her family.
From Bella’s story we get some human kindness in her role as public defence lawyer, and one particular client of hers I had a soft spot for. Even John’s story that seemed straight forward isn’t quite as it seems, although listening to him reminisce about his late wife is heart-warming.
As a fan of Chrissie Manby I am delighted to see a return to Newbay, the town featured in A Fairy Tale for Christmas. The NEWTs are mentioned again as is another character who I remember from the previous book. Although the setting may be familiar, this is a whole new story, new cast of main characters and stands completely alone from her previous work.
From the moment I started this book I knew I was reading another fabulous story, from one of my favourite authors, and it wasn’t long before I was telling mum that I need to buy her a copy of the book too, as it is just up her street! I devoured this book from cover to cover and after finishing my main thought was - “it’s a shame I have to wait so long for another book by the author, I need more”!
Thank you to Hodder and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 2, 2021
I never thought that I would love this book so much when I first pick it up. It has a slow start for me, and I'm about to declare this book quite boring, but when I got through more pages, it started to get better!
I love how the author brought four different strangers with different stories to tell, into complete close-knit friends and family. I particularly love Liz's story the most (because it's the major one in this book I think). Liz's up and down life had brought her to sign up into Alex's cookery lessons and she met John and Bella there, where they shared their life stories while cooking together. I like Liz's stories because they were hilarious and havoc most of the time even though she's facing her difficult teenage daughter and cheating husband. John, Bella and Alex's stories were wonderful too. I like how Alex's cooking lessons absolutely brought everyone together in the end. The recipes ideas that Alex taught his class were also intriguing.
PS: Since I'm intrigued, I probably will try to make melanzane parmiginia next time. That recipe sounds delicious!
I love how the author brought four different strangers with different stories to tell, into complete close-knit friends and family. I particularly love Liz's story the most (because it's the major one in this book I think). Liz's up and down life had brought her to sign up into Alex's cookery lessons and she met John and Bella there, where they shared their life stories while cooking together. I like Liz's stories because they were hilarious and havoc most of the time even though she's facing her difficult teenage daughter and cheating husband. John, Bella and Alex's stories were wonderful too. I like how Alex's cooking lessons absolutely brought everyone together in the end. The recipes ideas that Alex taught his class were also intriguing.
PS: Since I'm intrigued, I probably will try to make melanzane parmiginia next time. That recipe sounds delicious!
May 28, 2023
2.5 stars
Nothing great about this book, but it doesn't bore.
Everything in it is too exuberant
Coincidents are too unpalatable
Characters are too quirky
And everything chalks up to a hunky dory ending.
I couldn't digest it.
Nothing great about this book, but it doesn't bore.
Everything in it is too exuberant
Coincidents are too unpalatable
Characters are too quirky
And everything chalks up to a hunky dory ending.
I couldn't digest it.
September 10, 2017
I am so embarrassed that this is my first novel by this author. I will soon be rectifying that after reading this fabulous book.
Even though the story introduces us to three very different characters, Liz, John and Bella, Liz is definitely the main character of the book as the story focuses more on her life than the others.
I loved Liz. She isn't having an easy time of it having her husband leave her for a much younger blogging health guru celebrity, a teenage daughter and an overweight dog. I have to admit I found her self control of when it came to her daughter amazing. I don't think I could have kept my calm as well when she seems to be under the influence of her fathers new bit on the side and causes poor Liz lots of grief. Ted the family dog really made me laugh. The storyline of him going to doggy weight loss classes had me howling.
John and Bella do stand out in their own right. Their back ground stories were heart warming and you really embraced them both.
This really is such a fabulous read. Through Liz's story, it really does bring so much humour to the book and I dare you to try and not laugh, as I for one couldn't control it!
Funny, heart warming and engaging. The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club is this years must read.
'Great love is like great home-made food. They're both much better shared.' My favourite quote from the book.
My thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Even though the story introduces us to three very different characters, Liz, John and Bella, Liz is definitely the main character of the book as the story focuses more on her life than the others.
I loved Liz. She isn't having an easy time of it having her husband leave her for a much younger blogging health guru celebrity, a teenage daughter and an overweight dog. I have to admit I found her self control of when it came to her daughter amazing. I don't think I could have kept my calm as well when she seems to be under the influence of her fathers new bit on the side and causes poor Liz lots of grief. Ted the family dog really made me laugh. The storyline of him going to doggy weight loss classes had me howling.
John and Bella do stand out in their own right. Their back ground stories were heart warming and you really embraced them both.
This really is such a fabulous read. Through Liz's story, it really does bring so much humour to the book and I dare you to try and not laugh, as I for one couldn't control it!
Funny, heart warming and engaging. The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club is this years must read.
'Great love is like great home-made food. They're both much better shared.' My favourite quote from the book.
My thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
October 25, 2019
This was a joy to read from start to finish, each character had their own story to tell and had me smiling each time I turned a page. There are even recipes to follow which is an added bonus in my eyes.
I have always adored Chrissie’s work, she always makes a dark day bright. This book as with all of her work, should be on NHS Prescription as I am positive it will help many people feel better.
I have always adored Chrissie’s work, she always makes a dark day bright. This book as with all of her work, should be on NHS Prescription as I am positive it will help many people feel better.
October 29, 2017
Completely lovely all the way. 10/10. 😍
September 20, 2017
Each new release by Chrissie Manby is a treat. I was very inconsolable some time ago that there is no more Proper Family to come, however with "The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club" we return to Newbay, the town that was already featured in another Chrissie Manby's cracker of a story, "A Fairy Tale for Christmas", and it was lovely to see some characters from the previous book mentioned, as well as the NEWTs. But it is a fully stand - alone novel, with a new bunch of the most lovely, humorous and life - experienced characters and the book has easily elevated itself to the top of my favourite reads this year.
This novel has all that I absolutely love in books - brilliant characters, dogs and cooking. I immediately fell in love with Liz and her life - approach, it was so easy to relate with her character and to feel her pain. Liz had troubles to come to terms with her husband leaving her for a much younger health blogger and her daughter blaming her for this fact - of course! The fact that Brittney is a health blogger, posting vegan recipes and radiating calmness and zen also doesn't help as Liz - simply - can't cook. Add to this an overweight border terrier Ted only starting his own doggy weight loss class at the local vet - you can really loose self - control, right? However, Liz's patience was amazing, and the way she coped with all those things was brilliant, she was so stoical and cool as a cucumber, and I just wanted to give her a hug.
But the story doesn't only tell us Liz's story. Through Alex's cookery class we get to know other characters that basically have nothing to do with Liz and her life, they only get to know each other on the course but we get the chance to also see into their backgrounds and histories, and I must say that while sometimes it doesn't work - mixing characters that have nothing in common - here it created such a warm atmosphere and was a brilliant balance to Liz's tale. There is Bella, a public defence lawyer, almost always on telephone duty - she was so kind and human and if I were in troubles I'd want Bella and only Bella. It seems that her job takes over her life and she starts to wonder if this is really how she wants to live. There is John, a seventy - something widower, still missing his late beloved wife and keeping a secret, and Alex, the one setting up the cooking course, hoping for a class full and landing with the three so very different, but so very personality rich students.
What all the characters have in common, though, is the fact that they were not happy with their lives, and all of them started to realize this - the question was if they're going to do something with this.
Chrissie Manby has described the food in the most delicious way but what was the best thing is that mostly the dishes were associated with some of the best memories in our characters' lives - it was lovely and touching and I absolutely adored this part of the story. I would only love if there were some recipes at the end of the book - maybe they're going to be put in the finished copies but they weren't in my review copy.
This book is written in such easy, comforting way! I just couldn't stand the thought that I must put it down for a moment, I was so caught up in the characters' lives, their antics and their banter - it was all perfect! There are so many hilarious scenes in this novel, usually involving Liz, as she was incredibly accident prone, but also there were some more poignant moments and I loved this balance. From the very first page I knew that I am for a new treat and that I'm going to enjoy this book. It was another fantabulous story that I simply devoured and didn't want it to finish.
So shortly, very shortly - it was funny and emotional, it was heart - warming, it was so genuine and realistic and it is a MUST READ this autumn. It was so brilliant, with adorable characters with their own background interesting stories, full of funny situations that really made me laugh out loud, and there are too many to list them, and besides I don't want to spoil the joy for you, and moments that had me tearing up - just what I love. I am already looking towards Chrissie Manby's next release, I simply can't have enough of her writing. Highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
September 27, 2017
A really heartwarming book with lovely characters brought together by a cookery club.
Alex decides to run a cookery club for people wanting to learn new skills and although only 3 people sign up to the course they have a great time getting to know each other and each week they learn to cook something new.
Liz's husband left her a year ago for a young health blogger and she stalks the blog looking for new updates. She has a teenage daughter who can make life difficult at times and she also has an overweight dog. Some of the scenes with the dog are so funny.
John is recently widowed and wants to stop the local ladies thinking that cooking him some meals will lead to new relationships.
Bella has a really busy life working as a solicitor and is often called out to the police station for clients including after every cookery session. She grew up with her father running an Italian restaurant and Alex who runs the club hopes to provide 'food memories' for all the 'students'. Liz's food memory provides more of a challenge for him.
It really is a lovely book full of soul searching, secrets, personal histories, new friendships and burgeoning romances.
I would love to return to the cookery club!
Alex decides to run a cookery club for people wanting to learn new skills and although only 3 people sign up to the course they have a great time getting to know each other and each week they learn to cook something new.
Liz's husband left her a year ago for a young health blogger and she stalks the blog looking for new updates. She has a teenage daughter who can make life difficult at times and she also has an overweight dog. Some of the scenes with the dog are so funny.
John is recently widowed and wants to stop the local ladies thinking that cooking him some meals will lead to new relationships.
Bella has a really busy life working as a solicitor and is often called out to the police station for clients including after every cookery session. She grew up with her father running an Italian restaurant and Alex who runs the club hopes to provide 'food memories' for all the 'students'. Liz's food memory provides more of a challenge for him.
It really is a lovely book full of soul searching, secrets, personal histories, new friendships and burgeoning romances.
I would love to return to the cookery club!
July 8, 2017
I loved this book it's hilarious. Its the perfect place to find a recipe for happiness.. I found it so funny that I did an extract on my website for readers to read and find out how addictive this story is. To read my extract go to www.ireadnovels.wordpress.com
October 12, 2025
full of humour but also sad and serious moments. a very very sweet book!! (with useful cooking guidance)
but i think the hate on mung beans was unnecessary 💅
but i think the hate on mung beans was unnecessary 💅
May 26, 2022
Echt een leuk boek. Ik had steeds zin om verder te lezen. Ook al was het maar een paar minuten. Gelukkig heeft het boek ook korte hoofdstukken. Daardoor kon ik ook kleine stukjes lezen. Het verhaal is grappig. Liz maakt allerlei grappige dingen mee. Zo heeft haar hond last van verstoppingen. Als ze naar de dierenarts gaat, krijgt haar hond en middel waardoor alles in een keer los komt en zij er onder zit. Ook krijgt Liz het voor elkaar om een vistaart die ze bij haar kookcursus heeft gemaakt te laten vallen. Als ze een nieuwe maakt, stopt ze er per ongeluk bedorven mosselen in. Ook wil ze wraak nemen op de minnares van haar man door een scheldwoord op de auto te schrijven met plakjes salami. Alleen blijkt het niet de auto van de minnares te zijn. Ook denkt ze het qua eten eindelijk goed te doen voor haar dochter, blijkt zij vegetariër is geworden en ook geen kaas meer eet. Zo gaat er van alles mis. Het einde vond ik ook erg leuk, omdat Liz een belangrijke beslissing moet nemen en de juiste beslissing neemt. Naast Liz zijn er nog twee cursisten, Bella en John. Zij komen af en toe ook nog aan bod. John is weduwnaar en wil leren koken, omdat hij dat nooit gedaan heeft. Bella is haar liefde voor koken verloren toen het restaurant van haar vader failliet ging. Nu wil ze dat weer terug krijgen. Hoewel Liz het meeste aan bod komt, zijn dat ook leuke verhaallijnen.
March 30, 2024
Oh my word!! Every word on these pages had me hooked from the very first page. You definitely shouldn't judge this book by its cover, it gives you a cutesy, fun rom-com vibe but the story is so much more than this. There is a little bit of everything contained in this book, heartbreak, romance, mystery, grief, happiness. This is a slice of life in every way ,you will smile, you will laugh, you will feel anger and disgust and you will most certainly cry. Chrissie Manby is genius at making you feel all the feels and that's only on one page! The easy flow of Chrissie 's writing will have you turning pages faster than you can blink. Actually, you won't want to blink in case you miss something. The characters all have my heart and feel like real people. Chrissie Manby is a new to me author but I am so looking forward to reading more by her. 💕
September 18, 2017
The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club was an absolute joy to read. After devouring several dark and grizzly crime thrillers, I felt that I needed a change of tone and pace, and this book fitted the bill perfectly. It's a gentle romantic comedy that ticks all of the right boxes. I loved it!
The main themes of the novel are food, cooking, friendship and love. This is the backbone to the four main characters that we meet. We have Liz, a dental hygienist whose husband of twenty years has run off with a food blogger and lifestyle guru Brittney. Liz has a teenage daughter, Saskia, and dog called Ted. Liz has taken the breakup particularly badly, and she can't seem to get over it, although it happened a year ago. She also can't cook and lives on a diet of ready meals. We then meet Alex, a loner and cook who is down on his luck and who sets up a cookery class, which Liz joins. Two other locals also join the class, John who is an elderly gentleman and widow, and Bella, a lawyer with a heart of gold who has lost her love of cooking.
What we read is an intricate account from each of these characters. We learn why they lost their love of food, what food means to them, and why they can't cook. The cookery class that Alex runs teaches them so much more than cooking.
This book, although funny, (there are lots of laugh out moments, many of which involve Ted the dog, and the car bonnet scene made me spit my coffee out) also has many poignant and reflective moments. It's a much deeper book than at first you might think, because you judge it on its genre and lovely cover. The inner feelings of these characters are fully explored, and I felt as if I really knew them, that I understood them. I felt so sad when I finished the book, as I had to say goodbye to them.
The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club really does have everything. It's a quick and enjoyable read, there are a couple of love themed stories, and it made me laugh. I highly recommend this book when you need a little pick me up. It's a lovely read.
The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club is published by Hodder Paperbacks on 21 Sept. 2017.
With thaks to the publusher and Bookbridgr for the Advanced Reader Copy
The main themes of the novel are food, cooking, friendship and love. This is the backbone to the four main characters that we meet. We have Liz, a dental hygienist whose husband of twenty years has run off with a food blogger and lifestyle guru Brittney. Liz has a teenage daughter, Saskia, and dog called Ted. Liz has taken the breakup particularly badly, and she can't seem to get over it, although it happened a year ago. She also can't cook and lives on a diet of ready meals. We then meet Alex, a loner and cook who is down on his luck and who sets up a cookery class, which Liz joins. Two other locals also join the class, John who is an elderly gentleman and widow, and Bella, a lawyer with a heart of gold who has lost her love of cooking.
What we read is an intricate account from each of these characters. We learn why they lost their love of food, what food means to them, and why they can't cook. The cookery class that Alex runs teaches them so much more than cooking.
This book, although funny, (there are lots of laugh out moments, many of which involve Ted the dog, and the car bonnet scene made me spit my coffee out) also has many poignant and reflective moments. It's a much deeper book than at first you might think, because you judge it on its genre and lovely cover. The inner feelings of these characters are fully explored, and I felt as if I really knew them, that I understood them. I felt so sad when I finished the book, as I had to say goodbye to them.
The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club really does have everything. It's a quick and enjoyable read, there are a couple of love themed stories, and it made me laugh. I highly recommend this book when you need a little pick me up. It's a lovely read.
The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club is published by Hodder Paperbacks on 21 Sept. 2017.
With thaks to the publusher and Bookbridgr for the Advanced Reader Copy
July 21, 2024
If there's anything I love it's found family! I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did and definitely didn't expect happy tears at the end
September 9, 2017
The Worst Case Scenario Cook Book by Chrissie Manby a winning five-star read. This was great, I adored the characters, they were all unique and had their own story to tell, each one more interesting than the last, each character in this story could have their own book and I would read them all. There are funny situations galore and moments that will have you tearing up. Liz was someone that you wanted to pull up a chair alongside and create the amazing mouth-watering food mentioned in the pages, the sad point was they weren’t included. (I was so hungry after reading I may have tried making one or two)
If you want a funny emotional read that will leave you wanting more then you need this book in your life.
If you want a funny emotional read that will leave you wanting more then you need this book in your life.
September 13, 2021
I LOVE IT. LOVE IT LOVE IT.
MOVE IT MOVE IT.
This book is hilarious and charming, I finished this in one sitting, yes you heard me right, one sitting, it got me hooked in the first chapter and I decided to finish it right away.
Not gonna lie, I had to dial it down because I’m scared my parents are going to hear me laugh at 3 AM in the morning because of this book, ngakak weh!
The characters in this book are so funny, each of them ada back story masing masing and semuanya kelakar and heartwarming. It fits the title very well after another problem led to another problem. This book makes me laughed so hard and I am so happy like genuinely happy!!!
Liz Chandler, a dentist, found out her husband of 15 years, Ian Chandler leaving her for a 24 y/o woman-vegetarian-food blogger- only quoted Dalai Lama where she make half of the quotes.
Her life is miserable as fuck after her husband left her, and her daughter, Saskia acting very rude ( my inner Asian is on the verge to whoop this girl’s ass) and she blames her mother for not doing good enough, that’s why her dad leave. Liz is a working mother, with no time to cook, no time to care for her dog, Ted. And now after Saskia dah lepak lepak dengan makwe ayah dia, Brittney, dia kena brainwash #onlyhealthyeating #vegetarian #cleaneating
John Barker, in the 70s, his wife Sonia died and he is alone.
Bella Russo, a solicitor, having a very stable job and no time to come home cooking, always eating what’s ready at the food court. ( I picture her as Amy Santiago from Brooklyn 99). She came from Italian family background, her father used to open a cafe named Bella’s and something happened, the cafe closed and her father died because of depression. Her mother did not like her father’s passion, which is cooking. ( kerja tak stabil katanya, sheesh)
They end up in a cookery club, held by Alex Barton, a very handsome young chef. All of them had different backstories about why they end up in the same cookery club. Liz, because her daughter won’t eat anything that she served and claimed herself as vegetarian and she tries to win her daughter’s heart back. John doesn’t want to rely on his friends to eat, he needs to learn how to cook years after his wife died, lastly, Bella wants to find her passion for cooking back.
One thing led to another I swear to God, it is so funny especially when Liz started to go to Waggy Weight Loss campaign because her dog Ted, is obese. And every encounter made with Dr. Thomas is so funny like that doctor I tell you, he laced with crack. The way he keeps calling Liz as Mrs. Ted, no matter how many times Liz correcting him. And the car vandalism accident? FUNNY AS HELL.
AND I SHIPPED THEM VERY VERY MUCH.
This book makes me so happy and I do not mind reading it over and over again <3
MOVE IT MOVE IT.
This book is hilarious and charming, I finished this in one sitting, yes you heard me right, one sitting, it got me hooked in the first chapter and I decided to finish it right away.
Not gonna lie, I had to dial it down because I’m scared my parents are going to hear me laugh at 3 AM in the morning because of this book, ngakak weh!
The characters in this book are so funny, each of them ada back story masing masing and semuanya kelakar and heartwarming. It fits the title very well after another problem led to another problem. This book makes me laughed so hard and I am so happy like genuinely happy!!!
Liz Chandler, a dentist, found out her husband of 15 years, Ian Chandler leaving her for a 24 y/o woman-vegetarian-food blogger- only quoted Dalai Lama where she make half of the quotes.
Her life is miserable as fuck after her husband left her, and her daughter, Saskia acting very rude ( my inner Asian is on the verge to whoop this girl’s ass) and she blames her mother for not doing good enough, that’s why her dad leave. Liz is a working mother, with no time to cook, no time to care for her dog, Ted. And now after Saskia dah lepak lepak dengan makwe ayah dia, Brittney, dia kena brainwash #onlyhealthyeating #vegetarian #cleaneating
John Barker, in the 70s, his wife Sonia died and he is alone.
Bella Russo, a solicitor, having a very stable job and no time to come home cooking, always eating what’s ready at the food court. ( I picture her as Amy Santiago from Brooklyn 99). She came from Italian family background, her father used to open a cafe named Bella’s and something happened, the cafe closed and her father died because of depression. Her mother did not like her father’s passion, which is cooking. ( kerja tak stabil katanya, sheesh)
They end up in a cookery club, held by Alex Barton, a very handsome young chef. All of them had different backstories about why they end up in the same cookery club. Liz, because her daughter won’t eat anything that she served and claimed herself as vegetarian and she tries to win her daughter’s heart back. John doesn’t want to rely on his friends to eat, he needs to learn how to cook years after his wife died, lastly, Bella wants to find her passion for cooking back.
One thing led to another I swear to God, it is so funny especially when Liz started to go to Waggy Weight Loss campaign because her dog Ted, is obese. And every encounter made with Dr. Thomas is so funny like that doctor I tell you, he laced with crack. The way he keeps calling Liz as Mrs. Ted, no matter how many times Liz correcting him. And the car vandalism accident? FUNNY AS HELL.
AND I SHIPPED THEM VERY VERY MUCH.
This book makes me so happy and I do not mind reading it over and over again <3
April 3, 2024
I really wanted to love this book. But the multitude of short sentences made me feel it was written for someone with a short attention span, and the over explaining of things made me think of the the phrase show-don’t-tell was lost on the author.
Im sorry, I really respect that the author has written a book, and I know a lot of hard work goes into making believable characters and situations. Whilst I did suspend reality and try to fall in to the world of this book, the writing style and over explaining kept pulling me out.
I felt that the title was mis-leading - what was the worst case scenario? No offence but the worst case had already happened to the characters or was happening to the characters…
I liked the characters, but I don’t feel there was really much going on, and I did find that the doggy way-in scenes were long-winded.
Unfortunately I didn’t find the comedy in the book. There were no cookery club disasters (Liz dropping her fish-pie at home seemed silly and predictable, sorry.) I would have loved for more focus on the cookery club.
Strangely the main protagonist isn’t the one who falls in love, (though there is a hint at the end for Liz,) so to this end, I think Bella’s point of view/story should have been the lead.
Saying all that, this isn’t a bad read, I’d describe it as a very very gentle romance. It certainly isn’t the worst book I’ve read. As I said, Chrissie Manby is a renowned author who has many loyal fans and I admire her ability to write as many novels as she has, but I don’t think her writing style is for me.
Im sorry, I really respect that the author has written a book, and I know a lot of hard work goes into making believable characters and situations. Whilst I did suspend reality and try to fall in to the world of this book, the writing style and over explaining kept pulling me out.
I felt that the title was mis-leading - what was the worst case scenario? No offence but the worst case had already happened to the characters or was happening to the characters…
I liked the characters, but I don’t feel there was really much going on, and I did find that the doggy way-in scenes were long-winded.
Unfortunately I didn’t find the comedy in the book. There were no cookery club disasters (Liz dropping her fish-pie at home seemed silly and predictable, sorry.) I would have loved for more focus on the cookery club.
Strangely the main protagonist isn’t the one who falls in love, (though there is a hint at the end for Liz,) so to this end, I think Bella’s point of view/story should have been the lead.
Saying all that, this isn’t a bad read, I’d describe it as a very very gentle romance. It certainly isn’t the worst book I’ve read. As I said, Chrissie Manby is a renowned author who has many loyal fans and I admire her ability to write as many novels as she has, but I don’t think her writing style is for me.
July 30, 2017
What an absolute joy to read. I found that once I had started this book I couldn't stop until I had finished!
The book stars with Alex setting up a cooking class for beginners and we are introduced to: Bella, a solicitor with a job that appears to be taking over her life. John, a lonely 70+ widower who is still desperately sad at losing his beloved wife and Liz, a 40 something dental hygienist suddenly single after her husband rudely leaves her for a much younger blogger!
We get to know each character through the chapters and begin to learn why they signed up for the class along with learning about Alex and what has made him what to help the students in his class.
This is such a lovely story and I loved each of the characters and finding out about their backgrounds. I was really routing for each character to find the happiness they each deserved. One of my favourite characters was Ted. Not human but in the form of a quite mischievous dog owned by Liz. He also goes through a transformation and helps Liz see what she actually wants! His antics were so funny to read about, I actually read them out loud to my partner as I'm pretty sure we have been through them too!
A lovely book which brought a tear to my eye in places but I wouldn't have it any other way..
The book stars with Alex setting up a cooking class for beginners and we are introduced to: Bella, a solicitor with a job that appears to be taking over her life. John, a lonely 70+ widower who is still desperately sad at losing his beloved wife and Liz, a 40 something dental hygienist suddenly single after her husband rudely leaves her for a much younger blogger!
We get to know each character through the chapters and begin to learn why they signed up for the class along with learning about Alex and what has made him what to help the students in his class.
This is such a lovely story and I loved each of the characters and finding out about their backgrounds. I was really routing for each character to find the happiness they each deserved. One of my favourite characters was Ted. Not human but in the form of a quite mischievous dog owned by Liz. He also goes through a transformation and helps Liz see what she actually wants! His antics were so funny to read about, I actually read them out loud to my partner as I'm pretty sure we have been through them too!
A lovely book which brought a tear to my eye in places but I wouldn't have it any other way..
November 3, 2017
Just finished what is a sweet romantic comedy set in the seaside town of Newbay. Three stories and three lives intertwine and conjoin weekly at a beginners cookery class run by Alex. Liz who is mum to Saskia (15 year old stroppy teen) is struggling with her separation from Saskia's dad and whilst it has been 12 months since he walked out she is still obsessing about his new girlfriend and hasn't been able to move on. For her attending the cookery school is about winning back her daughter and her life. Bella a successful solicitor leads a life constrained by her criminal clients and finds that beyond the confines of the police station the only real people she starts to engage with are those at the cookery class. John a widower is in a rut since his beloved wife passed away and knows that in order to move on he needs to gain some independence and learn to cook, something he never did when his wife was alive.
The story has a steady pace throughout and introduces the characters well. The main focus is on Liz and her strained relationship with her daughter. The author has created realistic characters with which you can empathise with and the behaviour of the teenager is spot on and believable.
There is humour, sensitivity, betrayal and sadness all in measured doses which makes this an easy pleasing read one which definitely entertains.
The story has a steady pace throughout and introduces the characters well. The main focus is on Liz and her strained relationship with her daughter. The author has created realistic characters with which you can empathise with and the behaviour of the teenager is spot on and believable.
There is humour, sensitivity, betrayal and sadness all in measured doses which makes this an easy pleasing read one which definitely entertains.
September 17, 2017
Three very different characters: Dental hygienist Liz whose husband has left her for a much younger model and mum to a fifteen year old who blames her for everything; solicitor Bella who is so devoted to her work it leaves her no time for anything else especially not finding a man; and John, recently widowed and surviving on food parcels donated by his friends. The one thing they have in common is wanting to learn how to cook properly, so when talented chef Alex starts up a beginners cookery course in their home town of Newbay, they all sign up and very soon this very different group of people become firm friends but will learning to cook bring them a recipe for happiness?
I really enjoyed this book. The main characters are a joy to read and the book flows well. It's so easy to pick up where you left off and I read this book over the course of a weekend. Warning though the descriptions of food will make you hungry! This is only the second book I've read by this author and I really want to read more. I would award it 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for the chance to review.
I really enjoyed this book. The main characters are a joy to read and the book flows well. It's so easy to pick up where you left off and I read this book over the course of a weekend. Warning though the descriptions of food will make you hungry! This is only the second book I've read by this author and I really want to read more. I would award it 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for the chance to review.
August 23, 2017
Having read a good few crime novels and psychological thrillers recently, this book was just the breath of fresh air that I needed. Liz and her husband have separated after Ian fell in love with 20 something year old lifestyle blogger Brittney.
Having gone through the teenage years with my own 2 children I could relate to Liz's struggle to find any common ground with her daughter Saskia after her split from her husband. I loved her ability to stay strong and not lose her sense of humour through life's trials and tribulations. With greedy but loveable pooch Ted adding to Liz's culinary challenges with fabulous comedy effect this book is really good fun. Between the members of Waggy Weight Loss, the canine version of weight watchers, and the 2 other singletons who have enrolled in a beginners cookery course at the local community centre Liz finds new friends as well as a new focus in her life. My only criticism of this book is that I could have kept reading for many more pages and was disappointed that it had all come to an end so soon.
Having gone through the teenage years with my own 2 children I could relate to Liz's struggle to find any common ground with her daughter Saskia after her split from her husband. I loved her ability to stay strong and not lose her sense of humour through life's trials and tribulations. With greedy but loveable pooch Ted adding to Liz's culinary challenges with fabulous comedy effect this book is really good fun. Between the members of Waggy Weight Loss, the canine version of weight watchers, and the 2 other singletons who have enrolled in a beginners cookery course at the local community centre Liz finds new friends as well as a new focus in her life. My only criticism of this book is that I could have kept reading for many more pages and was disappointed that it had all come to an end so soon.
November 3, 2017
The Worst Case Scenario is a lovely story about taking back control of your life when it all seems to be going heads up. The cookery school, run by talented chef, Alex, holds out the possibly, to Liz, John and Beth, of more than just learning the rudiments of cookery.
The warmth of the story draws you in from the beginning and I enjoyed meeting all the major characters and soon became invested emotionally in their individual stories. There are some lovely moments which had me laughing out loud one minute, especially when reading of Liz's overweight dog, Ted, and then, reading with a lump in my throat when learning of widower, John's loneliness and sadness.
In The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club the author explores all the different aspects of human nature and does so with gentle wit and huge warmth. And if, like me you are already missing your weekly fix of The Great British Bake Off , then this lovely story may just fill the gap.
The warmth of the story draws you in from the beginning and I enjoyed meeting all the major characters and soon became invested emotionally in their individual stories. There are some lovely moments which had me laughing out loud one minute, especially when reading of Liz's overweight dog, Ted, and then, reading with a lump in my throat when learning of widower, John's loneliness and sadness.
In The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club the author explores all the different aspects of human nature and does so with gentle wit and huge warmth. And if, like me you are already missing your weekly fix of The Great British Bake Off , then this lovely story may just fill the gap.
February 5, 2018
I got this book from the library while a “Blind date” with a book was going on. Books were wrapped up so you couldn’t “judge a book by its cover” and I picked this one. It’s not something I would have picked out for myself; I do enjoy comedy’s but I like my stories to have much more of a romantic focus than this one had.
Even so, I’m glad I ended up with the book because I enjoyed a little change and this book made me laugh out loud a few times which I don’t often do.
I liked that you couldn’t predict what was going to happen, how all the characters seemed to be linked in some way and how people with differing backgrounds and in different places in their lives can fall together and form a strong bond and to help each other.
Thanks to my library for this great way of getting me to read books I wouldn’t otherwise have picked. I’ll be going back first thing for another book date. :)
Even so, I’m glad I ended up with the book because I enjoyed a little change and this book made me laugh out loud a few times which I don’t often do.
I liked that you couldn’t predict what was going to happen, how all the characters seemed to be linked in some way and how people with differing backgrounds and in different places in their lives can fall together and form a strong bond and to help each other.
Thanks to my library for this great way of getting me to read books I wouldn’t otherwise have picked. I’ll be going back first thing for another book date. :)
October 1, 2019
It's been a while since I've read this kind of book. I have to admit that 'romantic comedy' isn't something that I automatically reach for. This one was recommended to me though and I'm glad that I gave it a go.
Rather than focusing on just one storyline, this deals with four main characters. Liz, the recently separated and as a result bit lost middle-aged woman, John the recently widowed older man, Bella the workaholic thirty-year-old and Alex, a chef in his late 20's with a bit of a darker past. The four of them come together in a cookery class and together they start to work out where they are going in life.
This was a fun read. There were a few bits which I saw coming a mile off, but they were still fun and interesting. This is the kind of book that would be perfect for a holiday, a bit of escapism when you really don't want to employ too much brain power.
Rather than focusing on just one storyline, this deals with four main characters. Liz, the recently separated and as a result bit lost middle-aged woman, John the recently widowed older man, Bella the workaholic thirty-year-old and Alex, a chef in his late 20's with a bit of a darker past. The four of them come together in a cookery class and together they start to work out where they are going in life.
This was a fun read. There were a few bits which I saw coming a mile off, but they were still fun and interesting. This is the kind of book that would be perfect for a holiday, a bit of escapism when you really don't want to employ too much brain power.
May 9, 2021
It had great promise. Unfortunately, it doesn't deliver.
The setting of a cooking class getting together varied and diverse people is a common trope. Liz, Bella, John and Alex as their teacher come together every Thursday evening and this is their journey in life.
Liz's story makes the main chunk of the plot. Its starts off so well and we can truly empathise with her. Sadly, the plot doesn't progress, it just jumps sporadically to make logical endings. Its supposed to be a trip to demystify oneself- but that doesn't happen. Its not a smooth path. Bella and Alex's romance is a wimp and the same goes with John's reconciliation with his son. The most interesting character is Jimmy the serial felon and Evan the vet.
I sincerely wished it would have been a better read. I liked all the characters.
Recommended: meh 😐
The setting of a cooking class getting together varied and diverse people is a common trope. Liz, Bella, John and Alex as their teacher come together every Thursday evening and this is their journey in life.
Liz's story makes the main chunk of the plot. Its starts off so well and we can truly empathise with her. Sadly, the plot doesn't progress, it just jumps sporadically to make logical endings. Its supposed to be a trip to demystify oneself- but that doesn't happen. Its not a smooth path. Bella and Alex's romance is a wimp and the same goes with John's reconciliation with his son. The most interesting character is Jimmy the serial felon and Evan the vet.
I sincerely wished it would have been a better read. I liked all the characters.
Recommended: meh 😐
October 5, 2017
An amusing warm romantic story, involving Liz whose husband has left her for a younger new age blogger, with a stroppy teenage daughter to contend with she is consumed by bitterness and low self esteem. Bella a solicitor always on duty and John a 70 year old, recently widowed who although has outside interests still feels terrible lonely. They all meet up at a cookery class given by Alex a talented chef trying to get his life on track. We learn about each character as the story progresses and how the cookery classes begin to soothe and inspire them all.
A light read which had me smiling, no great laugh out loud moments but it was entertaining and enjoyable.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for opportunity to review this book.
A light read which had me smiling, no great laugh out loud moments but it was entertaining and enjoyable.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for opportunity to review this book.
July 13, 2017
I have read all Chrissie Manby’s books and always look forward to the next one. This book didn’t disappoint! It was lovely to be back in Newbay, with mentions of the NEWTS, as I like to return to places and people I’ve read about before, even if it’s not a full sequel. In The Worst Case Scenario Cookery Club, Liz, John, and Bella join Alex’s beginners’ cookery class. They all soon become friends, and each one of them has an interesting back-story. Thanks to the cookery classes, they each grasp the nettle and make a big decision. I loved this book and would highly recommend it. I do hope we visit Newbay again in the future!
May 13, 2018
An easy read, with many of the modern chick-lit ingredients thrown in. I’ve always enjoyed Chris Manby’s books, and I liked this, though it was far more obvious than some of her earlier creations. Within a few pages I knew exactly who would finish up with who and because of this, there really was no suspense.
The cookery club only has three members – Liz, John and Bella. Led by Alex who has a secret that is alluded to but not revealed for some time, the group bond over recipes and the cookery classes change their lives in more ways than simply being able to rustle up some good home cooking.
Liz is the main character. She’s going through a divorce from Ian, who has scarpered with a clean eating blogger, hence Liz’s reasons for wanting to cook properly. What’s good for the goose, after all. She becomes obsessed with the blog, which isn’t, er, healthy, but it does give her back her mojo. And lots of surprising reveals along the way. Ian, and the blogger, aren’t what they really seem to be. And not only does Liz have to wrestle with her sulky daughter Saskia who got away with far too much and was frankly a little brat – Liz was a bit of a mug with her – the dog is overweight too. Cue comedy at the Waggy Weight Loss Club. However I didn’t find that funny at all and was irritated by the scenes at the vet.
It also serves as an amusing comedy of errors, with mistakes made – mainly by Liz – but with a happy ending for all. The best thing for me were the firm friendships made at the cookery club and how the lives of the other characters changed for the better. This is the stuff that good books are made of.
Ian got off far too lightly too. The author should have made him suffer a bit!
Quite an engaging read, but a little too light for my tastes.
The cookery club only has three members – Liz, John and Bella. Led by Alex who has a secret that is alluded to but not revealed for some time, the group bond over recipes and the cookery classes change their lives in more ways than simply being able to rustle up some good home cooking.
Liz is the main character. She’s going through a divorce from Ian, who has scarpered with a clean eating blogger, hence Liz’s reasons for wanting to cook properly. What’s good for the goose, after all. She becomes obsessed with the blog, which isn’t, er, healthy, but it does give her back her mojo. And lots of surprising reveals along the way. Ian, and the blogger, aren’t what they really seem to be. And not only does Liz have to wrestle with her sulky daughter Saskia who got away with far too much and was frankly a little brat – Liz was a bit of a mug with her – the dog is overweight too. Cue comedy at the Waggy Weight Loss Club. However I didn’t find that funny at all and was irritated by the scenes at the vet.
It also serves as an amusing comedy of errors, with mistakes made – mainly by Liz – but with a happy ending for all. The best thing for me were the firm friendships made at the cookery club and how the lives of the other characters changed for the better. This is the stuff that good books are made of.
Ian got off far too lightly too. The author should have made him suffer a bit!
Quite an engaging read, but a little too light for my tastes.
July 29, 2017
This is the first Chrissie Manby book I have read and I really enjoyed it.
A lighthearted fun story which made me laugh in places. I enjoyed the backstory of each of the characters and seeing the friendships develop within the group of cookery students. The cookery theme runs throughout the book as expected and adds to the story.
A lovely summer read, perfect for a lazy afternoon in the sun. I shall definitely read more of Chrissie's books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
A lighthearted fun story which made me laugh in places. I enjoyed the backstory of each of the characters and seeing the friendships develop within the group of cookery students. The cookery theme runs throughout the book as expected and adds to the story.
A lovely summer read, perfect for a lazy afternoon in the sun. I shall definitely read more of Chrissie's books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2019
I give up. At 40%, I still haven't laughed or even smiled. Liz is a sad, miserable woman whose husband has left her for a 20-year-younger bimbo blogger. She cries herself to sleep as her teenage daughter also becomes enthralled with said bimbo too. Granted, I don't blame Liz for feeling the way she does, it's just not entertaining. The other characters in the cookery class are also struggling with difficult lives. The final straw is the very detailed visits to the doggy weight loss clinic each Saturday morning with her fat dog. Boring, boring, boring. No laughing to be found.
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