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The Rules of Backyard Croquet
Disgraced fashion prodigy Apple March has gone into hiding, concealing herself within the cashmere and silk folds of a formerly grand fashion boutique - the hanging of blouses and handling of difficult patrons now her only concern. But when her sister Poppy needs a wedding dress, old passions are reignited ... along with threats from her past.
As Apple finds herself falling for someone she shouldn't, her quest to re-emerge becomes entangled in a time she wants forgotten, and life unravels as quickly as it began to mend.
From the cool heart of Melbourne to Paris and New York, in an effervescent world of croquet, Campari and cocoon coats, can Apple prevail over demons past to become the woman she was born to be?
As Apple finds herself falling for someone she shouldn't, her quest to re-emerge becomes entangled in a time she wants forgotten, and life unravels as quickly as it began to mend.
From the cool heart of Melbourne to Paris and New York, in an effervescent world of croquet, Campari and cocoon coats, can Apple prevail over demons past to become the woman she was born to be?
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2013
15 people are currently reading
1452 people want to read
About the author
Sunni Overend
3 books88 followersSunni Overend is a graphic design graduate, and the daughter of the late, award-winning children’s author Jenni Overend. Sunni worked briefly in creative advertising before building an online fashion store and concurrently wrote several contemporary fiction manuscripts. In 2015 she signed a two-book deal with HarperCollins Publishers and now lives with her architect husband in Melbourne where she writes full-time.
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March 2, 2018* https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Rules of Backyard Croquet is a book I selected based on the catchy title and divine cover design – I just adore flamingos! I found it interesting to discover that this novel has received a second revival. First published in 2013, in a self published format, it had since been picked up by publishing giant, Harper Collins Books Australia. The Rules of Backyard Croquet is an entertaining novel, offering an insight into the fashion and design industry.
The Rules of Backyard Croquet introduces us to loveable feature protagonist Apple March. Apple is a twenty something fashion genius, who works as a manager for a once thriving fashion boutique. Rather than creating her own designs, a scandal has seen Apple go into hiding and reduced to serving customers. Things are about to change for Apple when her sister Poppy announces she is getting married and subsequently needs a wedding dress. Apple is drawn in to Poppy’s request for a wedding dress and the past she has worked so hard to leave behind comes to the surface. Soon Apple is contending with a problematic new romance, while negotiating a comeback in the fashion industry. The Rules of Backyard Croquet is about finding your feet and negotiating the past with the present, with surprising results.
Earlier this year I was introduced to the work of Australian author Sunni Overend who penned the novel, The Dangers of Truffle Hunting. I enjoyed Overend’s previous release, so I was keen to see how The Rules of Backyard Croquet would pan out. With such an attractive cover (much like its predecessor) I had a feeling I was going to be in for a read filled with style, romance and frivolity. I got this and a little more from Overend’s latest release.
I would class The Rules of Backyard Croquet as an Aussie chick lit novel. With the majority of the book based in one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities, Melbourne, the familiar and local setting will be sure to drawn local readers in. This is a very fresh and contemporary novel that will easily appeal to a wide range of readers. The book is light, witty, highly readable and accessible. The dialogue is snappy and engaging. I found the book was undemanding and the plot flowed well, which matched my reading mood completely this week! I have the firm belief that anyone who selects this book to read will enjoy many moments of this overly fun and sassy read.
I do like books that provide the reader a little insight into the glamorous fashion world and Overend does this well within The Rules of Backyard Croquet. I took in the references to designer brands, couture, the world of exclusive boutiques and the behind the scenes look at a designer at work. Overend’s descriptions of the fashion world and her attention to detail in describing the many garments featured in the book is impressive. It made for an enlightening read. Overend’s book shows us how with fashion comes wealth and access. Overend marries the fashion world to the lives of the powerful and rich in her novel. Through the storyline and the journey the characters in this novel take, we become a fly on the wall, receiving a glimpse into the lives of the elite. I found this quite fascinating.
Overend’s characterisation skills are very good. Apple is a well composed lead and I loved her journey of self discovery, as well as the gentle revelation of her secret. Apple is a likeable heroine and we just can’t help but cheer her on. I enjoyed her interactions with her friends, family, colleagues and love interest. Overend does a fine job with her dialogue and interaction scenes in this novel. The supporting acts in this book is finely drawn and very agreeable. Standouts include Apple’s loyal friend Jackson, who is a hoot. Charlie offers a spot of romance and Overend approaches this side of the novel with very well.
The Rules of Backyard Croquet is a sophisticated tale that dives head first into the fashion world, presenting the reader with an energetic story about finding your place in the world. One for all readers, especially those with a weakness for fashion, or those who would love to step into the shoes of the wealthy for a moment in time!
*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes through Beauty and Lace and Harper Collins Books Australia.
The Rules of Backyard Croquet is book #18 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
The Rules of Backyard Croquet is a book I selected based on the catchy title and divine cover design – I just adore flamingos! I found it interesting to discover that this novel has received a second revival. First published in 2013, in a self published format, it had since been picked up by publishing giant, Harper Collins Books Australia. The Rules of Backyard Croquet is an entertaining novel, offering an insight into the fashion and design industry.
The Rules of Backyard Croquet introduces us to loveable feature protagonist Apple March. Apple is a twenty something fashion genius, who works as a manager for a once thriving fashion boutique. Rather than creating her own designs, a scandal has seen Apple go into hiding and reduced to serving customers. Things are about to change for Apple when her sister Poppy announces she is getting married and subsequently needs a wedding dress. Apple is drawn in to Poppy’s request for a wedding dress and the past she has worked so hard to leave behind comes to the surface. Soon Apple is contending with a problematic new romance, while negotiating a comeback in the fashion industry. The Rules of Backyard Croquet is about finding your feet and negotiating the past with the present, with surprising results.
Earlier this year I was introduced to the work of Australian author Sunni Overend who penned the novel, The Dangers of Truffle Hunting. I enjoyed Overend’s previous release, so I was keen to see how The Rules of Backyard Croquet would pan out. With such an attractive cover (much like its predecessor) I had a feeling I was going to be in for a read filled with style, romance and frivolity. I got this and a little more from Overend’s latest release.
I would class The Rules of Backyard Croquet as an Aussie chick lit novel. With the majority of the book based in one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities, Melbourne, the familiar and local setting will be sure to drawn local readers in. This is a very fresh and contemporary novel that will easily appeal to a wide range of readers. The book is light, witty, highly readable and accessible. The dialogue is snappy and engaging. I found the book was undemanding and the plot flowed well, which matched my reading mood completely this week! I have the firm belief that anyone who selects this book to read will enjoy many moments of this overly fun and sassy read.
I do like books that provide the reader a little insight into the glamorous fashion world and Overend does this well within The Rules of Backyard Croquet. I took in the references to designer brands, couture, the world of exclusive boutiques and the behind the scenes look at a designer at work. Overend’s descriptions of the fashion world and her attention to detail in describing the many garments featured in the book is impressive. It made for an enlightening read. Overend’s book shows us how with fashion comes wealth and access. Overend marries the fashion world to the lives of the powerful and rich in her novel. Through the storyline and the journey the characters in this novel take, we become a fly on the wall, receiving a glimpse into the lives of the elite. I found this quite fascinating.
Overend’s characterisation skills are very good. Apple is a well composed lead and I loved her journey of self discovery, as well as the gentle revelation of her secret. Apple is a likeable heroine and we just can’t help but cheer her on. I enjoyed her interactions with her friends, family, colleagues and love interest. Overend does a fine job with her dialogue and interaction scenes in this novel. The supporting acts in this book is finely drawn and very agreeable. Standouts include Apple’s loyal friend Jackson, who is a hoot. Charlie offers a spot of romance and Overend approaches this side of the novel with very well.
The Rules of Backyard Croquet is a sophisticated tale that dives head first into the fashion world, presenting the reader with an energetic story about finding your place in the world. One for all readers, especially those with a weakness for fashion, or those who would love to step into the shoes of the wealthy for a moment in time!
*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes through Beauty and Lace and Harper Collins Books Australia.
The Rules of Backyard Croquet is book #18 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
March 26, 2018
This was a quick and easy light romance. Apple March is a manager of a high fashion outlet. She's also a talented designer but something bad happened at design school and she has been hiding out and licking her wounds since. A chance meeting with Charlie Beauchamp, heir to a family dynasty, leads her to a world of wealth, high fashion, croquet games and fundraisers. Can Apple be induced back to design fabulous clothes? Will she fall in love with a wealthy young heir?
The cover on this book is very attractive (evoking Alice in Wonderland) although I think more could have been made of the title in the croquet game. The female characters (Apple, her sister Poppy and friend Jackson) were better developed than the male love interests who remained shadowy and a potential love triangle fizzled rather than sizzled.
The cover on this book is very attractive (evoking Alice in Wonderland) although I think more could have been made of the title in the croquet game. The female characters (Apple, her sister Poppy and friend Jackson) were better developed than the male love interests who remained shadowy and a potential love triangle fizzled rather than sizzled.
June 15, 2013
From the snappy, edgy dialogue to the snootiest streets of Melbourne, Sunni Overend takes readers into the heart of Australia's fashion scene as we follow Apple March's struggles to overcome the past and follow her dreams in this hugely entertaining and fast-paced first novel.
Apple was once the top student at the famous Emmaline Gray Academy, where she won over Emmaline Gray herself with her distinctive fashion designs. But these days, Apple is twenty-nine and working as manager at VoVoChe, a boutique clothing shop where she can hide from anyone in the fashion world who still remembers what happened all those years ago, but where she can still work with clothes. Her boss, Veronica, is in her sixties and still prowling for a man, and her co-worker at the shop, Jackson, is a mouthy, in-your-face but elegant lesbian with a gorgeous girlfriend, Arabella. Apple rents a disused fire station-turned-apartment with her friend Chloe and Chloe's sausage dog, Frankfurt, and casually sleeps with a handsome Swiss, Henri, who lives off his father's money. She has an old car that routinely breaks down, which is when she gives a call to her croquet-playing friend Charlie, heir to a jewellery company based in Melbourne, who comes to whack the engine with a croquet mallet.
Through Charlie, Apple gets invitations to illustrious events where she rubs shoulders with Melbourne's richest and snootiest people - and her most arrogant and crazy too, it sometimes seems. She meets Noah, a friend of Charlie's, and is turned on by his blokey, dominating ways. She also meets Charlie's long-standing girlfriend, Heidi, who comes from another wealthy, well-established Melbourne family, and discovers what everyone already knows: Heidi's a real cow. It's hard for Apple to see her down-to-earth, friendly, kind friend Charlie with a woman like that, but it's not for her to interfere, and she's got her own life to sort out.
Her older sister Meena is getting married and wants Apple to design and make her wedding dress. Her mother, Ginny, has heard from their father, an abusive man who left them when the girls were very little and from whom they've never heard from since. Now he calls Ginny to tell her he's dying and that he wants to reconnect with his children, but none of the women want anything to do with him. When he dies, leaving a lot of money to his younger trophy wife in Sydney, the sisters are torn by the option to contest his will and lay claim to some of the money.
It's when Apple puts aside her misgivings over the past and goes to Sydney to compete for an exclusive internship with a high-end couture fashion house, that the past confronts her with a loud slap, bringing her rapidly back down to earth. Then, the chance to design shoes for VoVoChe seems like a dream come true and the start of something new, but Veronica has other ideas. It is only Charlie who continues to subtly support her and her dreams of designing clothes, but the truth of why she had to leave the Emmaline Gray Academy continues to haunt Apple, and hold her back. If she were to take charge of her future and follow her dream, what would she be risking? For Apple, it might be time to stop hiding and take charge.
First of all I have to apologise for the messy and poorly-written summary above; I'm finding it hard to concentrate today and it shows. But I really needed to get this review out before too much time goes by, as I finished the book over a week ago. I really, really enjoyed this book: it not only satisfied my deep scars of homesickness, it was a real joy to read too.
I've recently learned this about myself, that after years of not reading Australian fiction until signing up for the Australian Women Writers Challenge this year - which made me pick up and read some of the books I already have, and seek out new titles - and reading a lot of American writers, as well as Canadian and British (and others, in the minority), I've learned that while our cultures may be similar, and we may all speak English, we are actually quite different, culturally speaking, and I definitely connect to Australian fiction more than American fiction. The stories and the characters are more familiar, they make sense to me, from their actions to the way they speak: it clicks. I don't necessary like everything I read that's Australian - that would be unlikely - but I "get" it. There's always been something that creates a bit of a barrier between me and American fiction - not so much Canadian or British, because I grew up on a diet of British TV and books so it's more familiar to me, and I've lived in Canada for nearly 8 years. I feel like I get American fiction, to a degree, but that's about it. The characters don't resonate with me in quite the same way Australian characters do: they're just that little bit too foreign. I don't have the same cultural or social context. So some of the Australian books I've read this year have really worked for me, making me realise just what has been missing from the American books I've been reading.
I wanted to speak to that because that's where I'm coming from when I talk about March. This felt like a distinctly Melbourne book. I lived there once, for nearly a year, and it's a very fashion-conscious, hipster-esque place. It's got old and grand, it's got new and flashy, it's got grungy and edgy. It's a very "happening" city, no doubt about it. The kind of people Apple spends time with here are upper-class Melbournites, an old-school, old-money lot for the most part, while Apple herself comes from a more down-to-earth middle class background. I've never known people like that, personally, but it rang true to me all the same: it felt familiar.
Everything about March felt natural and realistic; it has that realistic edge to it that reminded me strongly of some great TV shows like Love is a Four-Letter Word (from when I was a uni student - god, that dates me!) and Love My Way, also old now (7+ years! hard to believe it's been so long since I last lived there!). I don't know how to describe it, but like with books, we do television (and films) differently too. It's in the way characters interact, the way drama plays out - I never would have actively noticed it before living in Canada, but now the contrast is stark, vivid, and acts like a siren call to me.
Take Jackson. The way she speaks is true to her character, and never felt contrived to me, and the way people react to her rings true too. Basically, they're not offended, they just take her in stride. Here's a scene from the first chapter to give you an idea:
(Ha, having typed that out, I can see comparisons to Sex and the City coming in, but if conversations like this have a similar vibe, the comparison doesn't stretch much farther.)
The story manages that fine balance between realism and exaggeration, between the familiar and believable and that slight tinge of the ridiculous. The ridiculous is, of course, in the snobby elitists that Apple meets, characters like Heidi Huntingdon, and even in Charlie and his friends, some of whom are those classic obnoxious, chauvinistic Aussie males who are the new bloke. I loved Charlie, he was harmless in that sense, and quite a gentleman and very sweet, but making him a character who not only plays but wins at croquet, well that just made him seem more like someone who lives on another planet.
Oh I'm not doing very well at articulating what I enjoyed about this book am I. I kinda just want to quote it a lot, because there are so many good scenes and snappy dialogue that just rolls so naturally, everything comes together so smoothly - not that Apple's story isn't without hiccups, it has plenty of those, but that nothing feels contrived or forced or out of character. The pacing is just as smooth and fairly fast; this is a book you can read quite quickly because it moves along so well. It wasn't entirely predictable, perhaps because of that realistic feel to it, but it does have a fairly conventional ending that ties it up neatly.
If anything, I would have loved to have seen a more rounded Apple: I got to know her and yet I never felt as close to her as I wanted to. I loved the scene where her mother gets out the scrapbook she made as a girl, full of photocopies of a Cabbage Patch doll on every page, over which Apple had designed different costumes. It was a lovely glimpse into Apple and her lifelong love of fashion design, but I wasn't sure what else there was to her character. I never felt completely familiar with the way her mind worked, the choices she made - or which way she was going to turn. It certainly kept me from getting bored, but it also made it hard for me to feel friendly with Apple. Or maybe it was because she held onto her secret for so long, and without knowing that it was hard to understand her other choices, which were influenced by the past. Still, it worked with the story, to have that revealed only at the end. In the same way, I would have liked to know Charlie a bit more thoroughly, though what I did know of him I liked a lot. March has some great moments reminiscent of rom-com movies, British style, that gave the story a bit of juice.
Finally, I love the cover and the book design. Overend, who has studied design herself, has created a book that's beautiful to hold and look at and read. It makes what happened to my lovely copy all the more cringe-worthy: I dropped it. Outside. After it had been raining. In the mud. The pages now have some distinct stains on the edges and it looks like, well, it looks like it was dropped in the mud. But the cover cleaned up well! There are some typos, especially around dialogue punctuation (as you can see from the quote above), but other than that the writing is very good and matches the tone and style of the story to a T.
If you're looking for a fresh new voice in the chick-lit department, I highly recommend Sunni Overend's debut, March. It wasn't just fun to read, it also took me back to Melbourne in a way that not only satisfied my cravings for home, but transported me to someone else's life in a truly escapist sense as well. I loved the natural way the characters talked to each other, and I greatly enjoyed Apple's story as she grows into herself, faces her own fears and the humiliations of the past, and takes charge of her own life. Almost a perfect story.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book.
Apple was once the top student at the famous Emmaline Gray Academy, where she won over Emmaline Gray herself with her distinctive fashion designs. But these days, Apple is twenty-nine and working as manager at VoVoChe, a boutique clothing shop where she can hide from anyone in the fashion world who still remembers what happened all those years ago, but where she can still work with clothes. Her boss, Veronica, is in her sixties and still prowling for a man, and her co-worker at the shop, Jackson, is a mouthy, in-your-face but elegant lesbian with a gorgeous girlfriend, Arabella. Apple rents a disused fire station-turned-apartment with her friend Chloe and Chloe's sausage dog, Frankfurt, and casually sleeps with a handsome Swiss, Henri, who lives off his father's money. She has an old car that routinely breaks down, which is when she gives a call to her croquet-playing friend Charlie, heir to a jewellery company based in Melbourne, who comes to whack the engine with a croquet mallet.
Through Charlie, Apple gets invitations to illustrious events where she rubs shoulders with Melbourne's richest and snootiest people - and her most arrogant and crazy too, it sometimes seems. She meets Noah, a friend of Charlie's, and is turned on by his blokey, dominating ways. She also meets Charlie's long-standing girlfriend, Heidi, who comes from another wealthy, well-established Melbourne family, and discovers what everyone already knows: Heidi's a real cow. It's hard for Apple to see her down-to-earth, friendly, kind friend Charlie with a woman like that, but it's not for her to interfere, and she's got her own life to sort out.
Her older sister Meena is getting married and wants Apple to design and make her wedding dress. Her mother, Ginny, has heard from their father, an abusive man who left them when the girls were very little and from whom they've never heard from since. Now he calls Ginny to tell her he's dying and that he wants to reconnect with his children, but none of the women want anything to do with him. When he dies, leaving a lot of money to his younger trophy wife in Sydney, the sisters are torn by the option to contest his will and lay claim to some of the money.
It's when Apple puts aside her misgivings over the past and goes to Sydney to compete for an exclusive internship with a high-end couture fashion house, that the past confronts her with a loud slap, bringing her rapidly back down to earth. Then, the chance to design shoes for VoVoChe seems like a dream come true and the start of something new, but Veronica has other ideas. It is only Charlie who continues to subtly support her and her dreams of designing clothes, but the truth of why she had to leave the Emmaline Gray Academy continues to haunt Apple, and hold her back. If she were to take charge of her future and follow her dream, what would she be risking? For Apple, it might be time to stop hiding and take charge.
First of all I have to apologise for the messy and poorly-written summary above; I'm finding it hard to concentrate today and it shows. But I really needed to get this review out before too much time goes by, as I finished the book over a week ago. I really, really enjoyed this book: it not only satisfied my deep scars of homesickness, it was a real joy to read too.
I've recently learned this about myself, that after years of not reading Australian fiction until signing up for the Australian Women Writers Challenge this year - which made me pick up and read some of the books I already have, and seek out new titles - and reading a lot of American writers, as well as Canadian and British (and others, in the minority), I've learned that while our cultures may be similar, and we may all speak English, we are actually quite different, culturally speaking, and I definitely connect to Australian fiction more than American fiction. The stories and the characters are more familiar, they make sense to me, from their actions to the way they speak: it clicks. I don't necessary like everything I read that's Australian - that would be unlikely - but I "get" it. There's always been something that creates a bit of a barrier between me and American fiction - not so much Canadian or British, because I grew up on a diet of British TV and books so it's more familiar to me, and I've lived in Canada for nearly 8 years. I feel like I get American fiction, to a degree, but that's about it. The characters don't resonate with me in quite the same way Australian characters do: they're just that little bit too foreign. I don't have the same cultural or social context. So some of the Australian books I've read this year have really worked for me, making me realise just what has been missing from the American books I've been reading.
I wanted to speak to that because that's where I'm coming from when I talk about March. This felt like a distinctly Melbourne book. I lived there once, for nearly a year, and it's a very fashion-conscious, hipster-esque place. It's got old and grand, it's got new and flashy, it's got grungy and edgy. It's a very "happening" city, no doubt about it. The kind of people Apple spends time with here are upper-class Melbournites, an old-school, old-money lot for the most part, while Apple herself comes from a more down-to-earth middle class background. I've never known people like that, personally, but it rang true to me all the same: it felt familiar.
Everything about March felt natural and realistic; it has that realistic edge to it that reminded me strongly of some great TV shows like Love is a Four-Letter Word (from when I was a uni student - god, that dates me!) and Love My Way, also old now (7+ years! hard to believe it's been so long since I last lived there!). I don't know how to describe it, but like with books, we do television (and films) differently too. It's in the way characters interact, the way drama plays out - I never would have actively noticed it before living in Canada, but now the contrast is stark, vivid, and acts like a siren call to me.
Take Jackson. The way she speaks is true to her character, and never felt contrived to me, and the way people react to her rings true too. Basically, they're not offended, they just take her in stride. Here's a scene from the first chapter to give you an idea:
"Girlies," Veronica leant back in her chair. "I have a product launch thingy tonight. I'm desperate and dateless. Join me?"
"Gah!" Jackson said. "I was just telling Apple how annoying you are, you've got to stop hanging out with us. The natty old investment banker you're hoping to snag won't take a second glance at you if we're there, take your own sorry arse out, you'll thank me."
Apple laughed out loud. "Jackson, you're vile!"
"Yes. You're starting to sound like the lanky, bitchy, faux lesbian that you are." Veronica smiled and pulled out a cigarette. "It's not my fault I fell in love with my business and not with a man. Speaking of love, how is the girl-on-girl action working out for you?"
"Hottest sex ever. Arabella's a babe."
"Oh," Veronica screwed up her face. "Please."
"Well," Jackson said, "if you're as desperate and dateless as you say, follow my lead. Men have never been so available. Get yourself a lady friend and a man friend will soon follow." [p.10]
(Ha, having typed that out, I can see comparisons to Sex and the City coming in, but if conversations like this have a similar vibe, the comparison doesn't stretch much farther.)
The story manages that fine balance between realism and exaggeration, between the familiar and believable and that slight tinge of the ridiculous. The ridiculous is, of course, in the snobby elitists that Apple meets, characters like Heidi Huntingdon, and even in Charlie and his friends, some of whom are those classic obnoxious, chauvinistic Aussie males who are the new bloke. I loved Charlie, he was harmless in that sense, and quite a gentleman and very sweet, but making him a character who not only plays but wins at croquet, well that just made him seem more like someone who lives on another planet.
Oh I'm not doing very well at articulating what I enjoyed about this book am I. I kinda just want to quote it a lot, because there are so many good scenes and snappy dialogue that just rolls so naturally, everything comes together so smoothly - not that Apple's story isn't without hiccups, it has plenty of those, but that nothing feels contrived or forced or out of character. The pacing is just as smooth and fairly fast; this is a book you can read quite quickly because it moves along so well. It wasn't entirely predictable, perhaps because of that realistic feel to it, but it does have a fairly conventional ending that ties it up neatly.
If anything, I would have loved to have seen a more rounded Apple: I got to know her and yet I never felt as close to her as I wanted to. I loved the scene where her mother gets out the scrapbook she made as a girl, full of photocopies of a Cabbage Patch doll on every page, over which Apple had designed different costumes. It was a lovely glimpse into Apple and her lifelong love of fashion design, but I wasn't sure what else there was to her character. I never felt completely familiar with the way her mind worked, the choices she made - or which way she was going to turn. It certainly kept me from getting bored, but it also made it hard for me to feel friendly with Apple. Or maybe it was because she held onto her secret for so long, and without knowing that it was hard to understand her other choices, which were influenced by the past. Still, it worked with the story, to have that revealed only at the end. In the same way, I would have liked to know Charlie a bit more thoroughly, though what I did know of him I liked a lot. March has some great moments reminiscent of rom-com movies, British style, that gave the story a bit of juice.
Finally, I love the cover and the book design. Overend, who has studied design herself, has created a book that's beautiful to hold and look at and read. It makes what happened to my lovely copy all the more cringe-worthy: I dropped it. Outside. After it had been raining. In the mud. The pages now have some distinct stains on the edges and it looks like, well, it looks like it was dropped in the mud. But the cover cleaned up well! There are some typos, especially around dialogue punctuation (as you can see from the quote above), but other than that the writing is very good and matches the tone and style of the story to a T.
If you're looking for a fresh new voice in the chick-lit department, I highly recommend Sunni Overend's debut, March. It wasn't just fun to read, it also took me back to Melbourne in a way that not only satisfied my cravings for home, but transported me to someone else's life in a truly escapist sense as well. I loved the natural way the characters talked to each other, and I greatly enjoyed Apple's story as she grows into herself, faces her own fears and the humiliations of the past, and takes charge of her own life. Almost a perfect story.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book.
July 16, 2013
This funny, smart and sassy chick lit novel, March, is Sunni Overend's impressive self published debut. The owner of her own designer boutique, Sunni writes what she knows, setting March in Melbourne against the backdrop of the fashion industry.
Once, Apple March was the star pupil at the famed Emmaline Gray Academy but scandal ruined her promising fashion design career before it had already begun, and now the twenty nine year old Melbourne hipster is stuck in a dead end fashion retail job, trading quips with the elegant Jackson about their conspicuously wealthy clientele and their insufferable boss, Veronica. It isn't until her sister announces her engagement and begs Apple to make her wedding dress that her dreams are reawakened and Apple begins to stitch together a new future.
I have to be honest, fashion does not interest me in least (nor shoes) but that didn't stop me from enjoying this entertaining, light-hearted novel. The third person narrative is enlivened with witty dialogue and good description. I loved the humour and the distinct 'Aussie' flavour of the story.
In terms of plot, Apple is hiding a secret from family and friends and Overend takes her time in revealing it. Romance is a fairly strong element of the story with Apple and Charlie's undefined relationship simmering away, despite the presence of Charlie's (horrible) fiance, Heidi and Apple's casual liaisons with Henri and Noah. Plus Mena is getting married and Apple's flatmate, Chloe, is contemplating the same. Perhaps the only flaw for me in the story stemmed from the subplot involving Apple and Mena's father. I think it should have been developed more, or perhaps left out all together, as I didn't find it particularly relevant in terms of story or character development.
The characters are wonderful. I really liked Apple, who is lovely and down to earth. Jackson made me laugh, and so did Veronica (well I mostly laughed at her). I found I could easily envision all three of these women, though I thought Mena and Chloe were fairly interchangeable. Charlie, the croquet playing heir apparent is just gorgeous and his younger sister, Jill, a delight.
I am impressed with this appealing debut novel. March is an enjoyable, funny and stylish read which I would happily recommend, particularly to fans of the chick lit genre.
June 7, 2013
Couldn't put it down!
September 8, 2018
The "All's fair in love and couture" quote and a quirky cover with a flamboyant Flamingo will intrigue would be readers of "The Rules of Backyard Croquet" by Sunni Overend. I loved reading in the acknowledgements that this was in fact Sunni's first true manuscript but that it was her actual "second" novel behind "The Dangers of Truffle Hunting" as you could feel her love for this wonderful tale.
Apple March was a fashion prodigy who has gone into hiding due to a time in her life she wants to put behind her, but her love for fashion designing is still there under her skin. When her sister Poppy begs her to make her wedding dress her passion is reignited but with the scandal of her earlier choices come out to haunt her again.
The novel is mainly set in Melbourne and the appeal for me is knowing these places it draws me into the story more. The surrounding characters were fantastic, I adored Jackson a tell it how is type of friend and work colleague and the dishy Charlie I loved him from the start.
The book was a wonderful read, it kept me wanting more and I finished it in no time. I loved that it had a bit of everything - romance, family, fashion, scandal, rich people, drama and never giving up on your dreams.
Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Harper Collins Books Australia for the chance to read this fantastic novel I highly recommend it.
Apple March was a fashion prodigy who has gone into hiding due to a time in her life she wants to put behind her, but her love for fashion designing is still there under her skin. When her sister Poppy begs her to make her wedding dress her passion is reignited but with the scandal of her earlier choices come out to haunt her again.
The novel is mainly set in Melbourne and the appeal for me is knowing these places it draws me into the story more. The surrounding characters were fantastic, I adored Jackson a tell it how is type of friend and work colleague and the dishy Charlie I loved him from the start.
The book was a wonderful read, it kept me wanting more and I finished it in no time. I loved that it had a bit of everything - romance, family, fashion, scandal, rich people, drama and never giving up on your dreams.
Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Harper Collins Books Australia for the chance to read this fantastic novel I highly recommend it.
June 18, 2013
March official book trailer
What is in a title? Apple March, hence the title March. I loved the cover. I really enjoy seeing something so professionally done that it looks very visually appealing. Sometimes you can judge the book by the cover. In this case it was true. The book was a great debut. This book is written by an Aussie. So for us American people, the grammar and the punctuation are not the same. I hate when I read a review and people turn into the grammar police without knowing that they don't "quote" the way we do. So for the narratives, get that rule before you jump in.
Apple went to the country's most prestigious fashion school. It is like saying I am working for Anna Wintour, or I am pulling for Harper's Bazaar. That is the primo kind of school Apple went to. For now she is behind the register at a retail store. At 29 that is nothing to be happy about, but she is content. Why? OMG you know I want to squeal. Now there is a reveal that gets the spark back in Apple. Something happens to make her realize her dream,s. Her best friend Jackson has some of the BEST one liners and I must create another post for her. There is a secret, that has been holding her back and so is the threat of her past.
Take a journey from Melbourne to New York and Paris with Apple. If you are a fashion lover and have ever read Vogue, this is your cup of tea. When you are at a style house the creative flow is really minimal, it is about the line and the designers view. Apple wants her own vision and of course what else, but the one man to share it with.
A really great example of the fashion world from a design standpoint. I think the author wrote a genre appealing book. It is a pleasure to read such a fine example with such a fine future ahead of her. I can not wait to see what she will write next. A debut like this, you don't want to miss.
What is in a title? Apple March, hence the title March. I loved the cover. I really enjoy seeing something so professionally done that it looks very visually appealing. Sometimes you can judge the book by the cover. In this case it was true. The book was a great debut. This book is written by an Aussie. So for us American people, the grammar and the punctuation are not the same. I hate when I read a review and people turn into the grammar police without knowing that they don't "quote" the way we do. So for the narratives, get that rule before you jump in.
Apple went to the country's most prestigious fashion school. It is like saying I am working for Anna Wintour, or I am pulling for Harper's Bazaar. That is the primo kind of school Apple went to. For now she is behind the register at a retail store. At 29 that is nothing to be happy about, but she is content. Why? OMG you know I want to squeal. Now there is a reveal that gets the spark back in Apple. Something happens to make her realize her dream,s. Her best friend Jackson has some of the BEST one liners and I must create another post for her. There is a secret, that has been holding her back and so is the threat of her past.
Take a journey from Melbourne to New York and Paris with Apple. If you are a fashion lover and have ever read Vogue, this is your cup of tea. When you are at a style house the creative flow is really minimal, it is about the line and the designers view. Apple wants her own vision and of course what else, but the one man to share it with.
A really great example of the fashion world from a design standpoint. I think the author wrote a genre appealing book. It is a pleasure to read such a fine example with such a fine future ahead of her. I can not wait to see what she will write next. A debut like this, you don't want to miss.
February 23, 2018
Sassy, sophisticated, and a little bit quirky are three things that come to mind after reading The Rules of Backyard Croquet by Sunni Overend.
Sunni dazzled the publishing world with her debut novel The Dangers of Truffle Hunting in 2017, and her follow up will no doubt do the same.
The Rules of Backyard Croquet is the story of one of the best named characters in the history of literature* – Apple March. Apple has settled herself into life. Settled being the operative word. She is hiding away as a retail assistant in a high-end boutique, successfully concealing the fact that she was once one of the most promising names in fashion design. But that was her old life, and Apple is quite happy not venturing back into it. That is until her sister Poppy begs her to make her a wedding dress. Reluctantly, Apple agrees and is drawn back into the world of fashion along with all it’s pretentiousness, sexiness, fame, and people she shouldn’t be falling in love with.
Sunni Overend has excelled in creating a character such as Apple. She is everything you want in a protagonist. She’s stubborn, sensitive, passionate, endearing, naive, and there are times when you just want to bash her over the head with a croquet mallet. But in the end, you can’t help but adore her and root for her right until the end. And I just loved Apple sister Poppy, and their quirky mother Ginny.
I also loved how well Sunni builds the world of the fashion industry. It’s everything you imagine – the giltz, the glam, the champagne, the extravagance, and yet an underlying passion that is driven by hard work and belief. It makes you realise somethings are just as they seem, others perhaps not. The dialogue also deserves a mention. It’s whip-smart, funny, and perfectly fitting.
I did find the beginning a little slow, but once I understood Apple’s motivations, the pace picked up and I was hooked.
The Rules of Backyard Croquet doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t. What it is, is a fun, sassy read that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions; an outrageous ride you will thoroughly enjoy.
Sunni dazzled the publishing world with her debut novel The Dangers of Truffle Hunting in 2017, and her follow up will no doubt do the same.
The Rules of Backyard Croquet is the story of one of the best named characters in the history of literature* – Apple March. Apple has settled herself into life. Settled being the operative word. She is hiding away as a retail assistant in a high-end boutique, successfully concealing the fact that she was once one of the most promising names in fashion design. But that was her old life, and Apple is quite happy not venturing back into it. That is until her sister Poppy begs her to make her a wedding dress. Reluctantly, Apple agrees and is drawn back into the world of fashion along with all it’s pretentiousness, sexiness, fame, and people she shouldn’t be falling in love with.
Sunni Overend has excelled in creating a character such as Apple. She is everything you want in a protagonist. She’s stubborn, sensitive, passionate, endearing, naive, and there are times when you just want to bash her over the head with a croquet mallet. But in the end, you can’t help but adore her and root for her right until the end. And I just loved Apple sister Poppy, and their quirky mother Ginny.
I also loved how well Sunni builds the world of the fashion industry. It’s everything you imagine – the giltz, the glam, the champagne, the extravagance, and yet an underlying passion that is driven by hard work and belief. It makes you realise somethings are just as they seem, others perhaps not. The dialogue also deserves a mention. It’s whip-smart, funny, and perfectly fitting.
I did find the beginning a little slow, but once I understood Apple’s motivations, the pace picked up and I was hooked.
The Rules of Backyard Croquet doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t. What it is, is a fun, sassy read that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions; an outrageous ride you will thoroughly enjoy.
February 27, 2018
This story felt so real. It captured me and took me on an amazing journey. The fashion, the love stories, and the money. I was unsure of the how the title fitted the book at the beginning, but by the end, it was a great choice.Wow, would definitely recommend this book. Thanks, Beauty and Lace bookclub.
March 23, 2018
I would classify this as a Young Adult read. It would appeal to my eldest granddaughter who is in the midst of experiencing many of the events described in this book. It’s a book on relationships, love and all that stuff. Apple’s sister is the opposite to her and I would have snapped her over the head had any of my sisters acted like her. Apple seems to be a bit of a pushover by anyone and bored me to tears. Set mostly in the fashion world with the odd one or two rich and fabulously good looking men just for the book to hang on. A TV Soapie, wet day of a read.
January 30, 2018
Read wrapped in cashmere while sipping a lush almond chai ... Utterly divine! Sexy, full of humour and delicious. Overend has done it again with letting us into a delightful world of a twenty something woman’s struggles with career, family and love; showing independent women going through it to come out the otherside. Feminine and beautiful, with every page you could feel the silk and the champagne! Just delightful, the perfect summer long weekend read!
June 30, 2018
I loved this, though I always want to call it: 'The Rules of Backyard Cricket' :)
From someone who wouldn't dream of trying to sew a pair of pants, and who outsources all holes in socks to her mother for mending, I absolutely loved the storyline involving a fashion designer and her trials and tribulations with material, sewing machines, shopfronts, and shoes.
Apple, Poppy, Jackson, Jill - in fact all the women in this story are pretty fabulous - except for the crazy lady who we really don't see, but who causes Apple such problems off the page.
I liked everything about it really, but one of the bits I loved included the storyline with Apple and Poppy's father, and the Will and inheritance which resulted in a fissure in the relationship of two sisters who'd always got on so beautifully. It's amazing how strong relationships can buckle from time to time, without much provocation or warning - and it can be so destructive when this happens.
Essentially Rules of Backyard Croquet is a love story first and foremost, and Apple goes through periods of trials and angst with the wrong men (who are all still in their own way very gorgeous characters) until she finds the right man. It's also a story of love and forgiveness for herself, letting go of the past and grabbing hold of the future.
Great secondary characters, great tension - I thought this book was awesome and I look forward to reading more by Sunni Overend.
From someone who wouldn't dream of trying to sew a pair of pants, and who outsources all holes in socks to her mother for mending, I absolutely loved the storyline involving a fashion designer and her trials and tribulations with material, sewing machines, shopfronts, and shoes.
Apple, Poppy, Jackson, Jill - in fact all the women in this story are pretty fabulous - except for the crazy lady who we really don't see, but who causes Apple such problems off the page.
I liked everything about it really, but one of the bits I loved included the storyline with Apple and Poppy's father, and the Will and inheritance which resulted in a fissure in the relationship of two sisters who'd always got on so beautifully. It's amazing how strong relationships can buckle from time to time, without much provocation or warning - and it can be so destructive when this happens.
Essentially Rules of Backyard Croquet is a love story first and foremost, and Apple goes through periods of trials and angst with the wrong men (who are all still in their own way very gorgeous characters) until she finds the right man. It's also a story of love and forgiveness for herself, letting go of the past and grabbing hold of the future.
Great secondary characters, great tension - I thought this book was awesome and I look forward to reading more by Sunni Overend.
March 6, 2018
To be truthful this isn’t my genre at all, I don’t usually read books where no-one has died in suspicious circumstances. However, I won this from a bookstore and to be honest fell so in love with the cover that I had to give it a go. Though it is a romance ‘chick-lit’ sort of novel, it’s actually a really lovely read. It’s very well written and the story is interesting with the characters well thought out and most of them likeable enough. It���s not exactly a fast paced page turner but it doesn’t promise to be, it’s pleasant, funny and relatable.
August 27, 2013
Apple March was once a star student at the prestigious Emmaline Gray Fashion Academy. When friends ask her why she never graduated, Apple pacifies them with a little white lie: the school became too expensive and she was forced to drop out. Now working as a manager for the upscale boutique, VoVoChe, Apple secretly knows she can design better clothes than what the store offers. Her roommate, Chloe, and coworker, Jackson, adamantly agree. They try to persuade her to revisit her dreams of becoming a fashion designer, supporting her when the store owner, Veronica, threatens to fire Apple if she does not wear the VoVoChe brand. Jackson easily convinces customers that Apple’s designs are not for sale or out of season, but Veronica senses trouble when the compliments keep coming and the quality of Apple’s work becomes just too good to hide.
Meanwhile, after attending an exclusive bridal fashion show with her sister Meena, and meeting a worthwhile and highly date-able guy, Noah, Apple feels rejuvenated and agrees to design and sew her sister’s wedding gown...if her clunky old sewing machine can survive the task. Her close friend, perfect gentleman, handsome, charming and ever-smiling, Charlie Beauchamp, saves the day by gifting Apple with a brand new Bernina sewing machine - “the Rolls Royce of sewing machines.” Feeling unstoppable, Apple charges ahead with the project and creates a jaw-dropping work of art. Unable to help herself, she whips up a few extra outfits along the way, consequently catching the eye of Veronica.
When a rare opportunity arrives for Apple to join the VoVoChe design team, Apple cannot believe her ears. She leaps at the chance to pursue her passion. However, keeping the truth a secret of why she left Emmaline Gray proves ever more difficult when ghosts from her past keep popping up in unexpected places. To make matters worse, Apple and Charlie’s friendship could be evolving into something more.
March reminds me of Pride & Prejudice with a modern twist in an oddly satisfying way. If the classic tale were set in Sydney and the characters wore stiletto heels, designer clothes and spoke with saucy Australian accents, I could compare Apple to Liz Bennett and Charlie to Fitzwilliam Darcy, but that would ruin all the fun. March is a story that stands alone. It was actually inspired by the author’s own pursuit of a career in the fashion industry, complete with the glitter and the grime, the glamour and the grit.
You’ll cheer for Apple through her failings and successes as she struggles to find fulfillment in life and in love. Read this book with a friend because you’re going to want someone to chat with after every chapter. There are characters you’ll want to smack, hug, punch, kiss, strangle, fling champagne in their face or simply fall in love with. March is a carefree read with a likeable storyline and just enough complicated love triangles to keep the pages turning. If you were on the hunt for a book to curl up with while eating chocolates, or unwind with your favorite cup of tea, look no further, this is the one.
Meanwhile, after attending an exclusive bridal fashion show with her sister Meena, and meeting a worthwhile and highly date-able guy, Noah, Apple feels rejuvenated and agrees to design and sew her sister’s wedding gown...if her clunky old sewing machine can survive the task. Her close friend, perfect gentleman, handsome, charming and ever-smiling, Charlie Beauchamp, saves the day by gifting Apple with a brand new Bernina sewing machine - “the Rolls Royce of sewing machines.” Feeling unstoppable, Apple charges ahead with the project and creates a jaw-dropping work of art. Unable to help herself, she whips up a few extra outfits along the way, consequently catching the eye of Veronica.
When a rare opportunity arrives for Apple to join the VoVoChe design team, Apple cannot believe her ears. She leaps at the chance to pursue her passion. However, keeping the truth a secret of why she left Emmaline Gray proves ever more difficult when ghosts from her past keep popping up in unexpected places. To make matters worse, Apple and Charlie’s friendship could be evolving into something more.
March reminds me of Pride & Prejudice with a modern twist in an oddly satisfying way. If the classic tale were set in Sydney and the characters wore stiletto heels, designer clothes and spoke with saucy Australian accents, I could compare Apple to Liz Bennett and Charlie to Fitzwilliam Darcy, but that would ruin all the fun. March is a story that stands alone. It was actually inspired by the author’s own pursuit of a career in the fashion industry, complete with the glitter and the grime, the glamour and the grit.
You’ll cheer for Apple through her failings and successes as she struggles to find fulfillment in life and in love. Read this book with a friend because you’re going to want someone to chat with after every chapter. There are characters you’ll want to smack, hug, punch, kiss, strangle, fling champagne in their face or simply fall in love with. March is a carefree read with a likeable storyline and just enough complicated love triangles to keep the pages turning. If you were on the hunt for a book to curl up with while eating chocolates, or unwind with your favorite cup of tea, look no further, this is the one.
March 1, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed The Rules Of Backyard Croquet which I received courtesy of Beauty and Lace and Harper Collins. The main characters were incredibly unlikely as a future couple but it was easy to set that apart. The detailed information about fashion was excellent. The cover is very clever although that doesn't become apparent until two thirds through the book. I could definitely have done without some of the "colourful" language which I felt was unnecessary but that's just the way I feel. The characters were very well drawn, the friendships done sensitively and well. All in all an enjoyable book that could have wide appeal.
October 25, 2020
I read this book very quickly and there were many parts that made me laugh and smile, but for me there was a certain vulgarity that detracted a little. Perhaps this is not a book for my generation and I may have felt very differently 20 or 30 years ago.
Apple had had a big future as a fashion designer, but after being the centre of a scandal at her design school she scurried back to Melbourne and hid away as the manager of a small, exclusive fashion boutique at the right end of Collins Street. This story picks up with Apple starting to come out of her shell again and consider taking up needle and thread again.
The story is fun and mentions a lot of landmark places in and around Melbourne which was great. I gets into the fashion industry and how hard it is to make your mark in this world. There were parts of the novel that I would have loved more detail about and others that felt a bit shallow and crude.
Still a fun book if you are looking for something light and local.
Apple had had a big future as a fashion designer, but after being the centre of a scandal at her design school she scurried back to Melbourne and hid away as the manager of a small, exclusive fashion boutique at the right end of Collins Street. This story picks up with Apple starting to come out of her shell again and consider taking up needle and thread again.
The story is fun and mentions a lot of landmark places in and around Melbourne which was great. I gets into the fashion industry and how hard it is to make your mark in this world. There were parts of the novel that I would have loved more detail about and others that felt a bit shallow and crude.
Still a fun book if you are looking for something light and local.
January 20, 2018
I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. This is an easy to read romance novel set in the fashion industry in Australia. i would recommend it as a good holiday read.
March 7, 2018
The Rules of Backyard Croquet by Sunni Overend captivated me with its fresh and sassy take on a familiar theme - a woman shaking off past baggage to shine bright. And shine bright Apple March did, as she emerges from a self-imposed cocoon to find new friendships, love, and her zest for what she's best at - fashion design. This peek into the high-fashion scene, set mainly in Melbourne, made me laugh with its snappy dialogue, dream with its sophisticated setting, and hope as the two love interests navigated their way through countless distractions towards each other's hearts. Refreshing that the characterisation was, I can't help feeling that Apple was overshadowed by her lovable co-worker and friend Jackson, that Charlie was almost too saintly (and that Noah seemed more real) ... but I still enjoyed the book from start to finish and I'm eager to follow up with Overend's The Dangers of Truffle Hunting.
Read
March 1, 2018After the success of The Dangers of Truffle Hunting, Sunni Overend’s first novel (then self-published titled March) has been refreshed as The Rules of Backyard Croquet – a perfect title for this light, romantic read with feminist undertones. The plot – following disgraced fashion designer Apple March’s re-discovery of her passion – is compelling and fun, and the cast of characters is populated with some impressive, strong women. A perfect summer poolside treat.
I received an advanced e-book copy from Harper Collins Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
For my in depth review, visit http://www.wherethebooksgo.wordpress.com
I received an advanced e-book copy from Harper Collins Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
For my in depth review, visit http://www.wherethebooksgo.wordpress.com
July 1, 2013
Apple March has fallen short of her dreams. Instead of designing clothes, she manages a boutique. Her reasons for leaving the Emmeline Gray Academy of Design are shrouded in mystery. Her friends and family urge her to rekindle her passion for design, but the Academy's influence reaches deep into the design world of Melbourne. Apple's friend Charlie Beauchamp seems to have some important connections. She met him when he discovered her broken down on the side of the road, and he fixed her car by clunking her engine with his croquet mallet. He seems like magic. He draws the fatherless girl into the cream of Melbourne society with his friendly open nature and seemingly miraculous ability to fix the broken. Will Apple find romance with Charlie, or anyone else? Will she overcome the secret tragedy of Emmeline Gray Academy and design once again?
Sunni has crafted an engaging tale of fashion and romance in Melbourne and beyond. Apple is a lovable character, if a bit timid, with plenty of supportive friends to help her. Sunni makes us feel for her and want her to succeed even though we can't be completely certain if she did the horrible thing that got her ejected from Emmeline Gray Academy or not. The sense of mystery about the event made it feel more important and scandalous when it was revealed in the end.
All the men surrounding Apple (and hitting on her) were handsome but not all good. The romantic situations thrilled and the betrayals stung me just as they did Apple. Sunni's descriptions of places and fashion made me love them too. Once or twice the action flagged enough for me to wonder how things would pick up and go, but overall I couldn't wait to see what would happen next for Apple and all her friends. March was an ideal read for a summer afternoon. (Go Northern Hemisphere!) I approve this title for Awesome Indies. http://awesomeindies.net
I received this book from the author for the purposes of unbiased review.
Sunni has crafted an engaging tale of fashion and romance in Melbourne and beyond. Apple is a lovable character, if a bit timid, with plenty of supportive friends to help her. Sunni makes us feel for her and want her to succeed even though we can't be completely certain if she did the horrible thing that got her ejected from Emmeline Gray Academy or not. The sense of mystery about the event made it feel more important and scandalous when it was revealed in the end.
All the men surrounding Apple (and hitting on her) were handsome but not all good. The romantic situations thrilled and the betrayals stung me just as they did Apple. Sunni's descriptions of places and fashion made me love them too. Once or twice the action flagged enough for me to wonder how things would pick up and go, but overall I couldn't wait to see what would happen next for Apple and all her friends. March was an ideal read for a summer afternoon. (Go Northern Hemisphere!) I approve this title for Awesome Indies. http://awesomeindies.net
I received this book from the author for the purposes of unbiased review.
June 26, 2013
It doesn’t happen often that you come across an author who can present a whole existence in a believable way. Sunni Overend did so, presenting complete and true to character individuals, believable situations, faultless dialogue and at the same time did so with flair and style.
Starting with the presentation of the book, the cover exudes elegance, from the clever title placement to the perfect matching of story and design.
Apple March was once a promising student with the fashion world at her feet at the prestigious Emmaline Grey academy for design. Something happened that caused her experience there to go sour and tumbling through the world of designers and fashion labels, Apple found herself the manager of a clothing boutique under a tyrannical boss. Taking place mostly in Melbourne, the story also takes us to New York, Paris and several other charming, description-rich places.
The story follows as Apple meets up with an old friend, the charming and gallant Charlie. He is heir to a massive jewellery empire and has more than enough money. Through Charlie a whole new world opens up to Apple, but only time will tell if it was for the best.
An exciting story that just draws you in, has you sympathising with Apple, falling in love with Charlie, fuming over a few monsters and laughing over some of the other brilliantly coloured characters.
I will be looking out for more books from this author with her polished, enjoyable work.
Starting with the presentation of the book, the cover exudes elegance, from the clever title placement to the perfect matching of story and design.
Apple March was once a promising student with the fashion world at her feet at the prestigious Emmaline Grey academy for design. Something happened that caused her experience there to go sour and tumbling through the world of designers and fashion labels, Apple found herself the manager of a clothing boutique under a tyrannical boss. Taking place mostly in Melbourne, the story also takes us to New York, Paris and several other charming, description-rich places.
The story follows as Apple meets up with an old friend, the charming and gallant Charlie. He is heir to a massive jewellery empire and has more than enough money. Through Charlie a whole new world opens up to Apple, but only time will tell if it was for the best.
An exciting story that just draws you in, has you sympathising with Apple, falling in love with Charlie, fuming over a few monsters and laughing over some of the other brilliantly coloured characters.
I will be looking out for more books from this author with her polished, enjoyable work.
March 20, 2018
3.5☆
I suggest reading this if you are after an easy, summer read. It's something I enjoyed reading but not something I loved.
I think this boils down to not really understanding the main character - Apple. Some bad things happened to her at the age of 20 and instead of facing it, sticking up for herself or just moving on she just sort of gives up on her life for years. YEARS! Over something that, in my mind, isn't that ruinous. So it felt hard to empathise with someone who I felt didn't really deserve it.
I will say that it was gratifying reading about her coming back to life, and I loved the family dynamics. The romance was pretty cute (although the dude doesn't have much personality beyond 'nice'). I loved all the fashion talk and the message about buying/creating ethical clothing. So, yeah, overall a fun read 🤷
I suggest reading this if you are after an easy, summer read. It's something I enjoyed reading but not something I loved.
I think this boils down to not really understanding the main character - Apple. Some bad things happened to her at the age of 20 and instead of facing it, sticking up for herself or just moving on she just sort of gives up on her life for years. YEARS! Over something that, in my mind, isn't that ruinous. So it felt hard to empathise with someone who I felt didn't really deserve it.
I will say that it was gratifying reading about her coming back to life, and I loved the family dynamics. The romance was pretty cute (although the dude doesn't have much personality beyond 'nice'). I loved all the fashion talk and the message about buying/creating ethical clothing. So, yeah, overall a fun read 🤷
September 22, 2015
I was sent this book for an honest review
My rating may seem a little harsh but I just couldn't empathise with Apple and found her annoying. Personally, her troubles were trivial and unworthy of the amount of fuss it created. How can I feel sorry for someone who can go to Paris or Vietnam on a whim and then complain about her life? Aside from this however, the writing was not too bad. It's quite funny reading a story written from a Melbournian like myself, with all its slang and Aussie talk
:)
My rating may seem a little harsh but I just couldn't empathise with Apple and found her annoying. Personally, her troubles were trivial and unworthy of the amount of fuss it created. How can I feel sorry for someone who can go to Paris or Vietnam on a whim and then complain about her life? Aside from this however, the writing was not too bad. It's quite funny reading a story written from a Melbournian like myself, with all its slang and Aussie talk
:)
August 5, 2018
Only read first an last 50 pages, and didn't miss not reading the middle. Too chic-litty for me.
December 19, 2022
4.5 stars
Gosh, another book I’ve read that is set in Melbourne, (I really must find books set in Sydney or anywhere else!) (no interest in Melbourne/Victoria at the moment). This one centres on the fashion industry. I enjoyed the rich descriptions of clothes and the fashion/retail world. Love fashion so this was right up my alley.
Absolutely everything about this book is charming, even the name Apple March. My daughters name is April and occasionally her friends called her Apple. I loved it and thought it quite cute.
This book also has romance, scandal, drama,… the perfect book for a summer read, or any season really.
Listened to the audio version and was entertained by the narrator Roslyn Oades, she gave an animated performance…fun!
Gosh, another book I’ve read that is set in Melbourne, (I really must find books set in Sydney or anywhere else!) (no interest in Melbourne/Victoria at the moment). This one centres on the fashion industry. I enjoyed the rich descriptions of clothes and the fashion/retail world. Love fashion so this was right up my alley.
Absolutely everything about this book is charming, even the name Apple March. My daughters name is April and occasionally her friends called her Apple. I loved it and thought it quite cute.
This book also has romance, scandal, drama,… the perfect book for a summer read, or any season really.
Listened to the audio version and was entertained by the narrator Roslyn Oades, she gave an animated performance…fun!
March 2, 2018
A fun read that will leave you laughing and crying at the same time... very enjoyable read..
June 13, 2018
Apple March manages 'Loom', a boutique-style fashion store, now fallen from former cutting-edge glory. Copping flak from family and friends for staying in a menial job when her true love and flair belongs to design.
An unfortunate confluence of events a decade ago (including an ill-considered affair) has led Apple to bury her talents in retail.
A chance re-acquaintance with wealthy and well-connected Charlie Beauchamp and his circle provide the opportunity for Apple to move back within the fashion design orbit. But in the end it is her sister's plea to make her wedding dress that overcomes Apple's misgivings. Whilst Charlie is attached to the fairly horrible Heidi, Apple is more than attracted to Noah, one of Charlie's friends.
Overend does a good job of juggling Apple's romantic dilemmas, as well as giving us a front row seat to this engaging fashion show.
An unfortunate confluence of events a decade ago (including an ill-considered affair) has led Apple to bury her talents in retail.
A chance re-acquaintance with wealthy and well-connected Charlie Beauchamp and his circle provide the opportunity for Apple to move back within the fashion design orbit. But in the end it is her sister's plea to make her wedding dress that overcomes Apple's misgivings. Whilst Charlie is attached to the fairly horrible Heidi, Apple is more than attracted to Noah, one of Charlie's friends.
Overend does a good job of juggling Apple's romantic dilemmas, as well as giving us a front row seat to this engaging fashion show.
March 9, 2019
Mixed feelings about this as I enjoyed some parts but have no interest in fashion so probably not the target demographic but I did love the cover.
April 12, 2018
Clever cover. Hard to resist a flamingo. Swept along by cool characters and a tightly packed plot, I enjoyed the fashion industry reveal; the glamourous, the textural and the darker side of the industry which was deftly handled. I usually read before sleep but this one was invited to morning coffee too.
January 23, 2015
This was the very first book I have won through GoodReads giveaways/First Reads.
I really enjoyed this book. I won this book not really paying attention to the plot and was pleasantly surprised to find I had won myself what I considered to be a chick lit novel (a favourite genre of mine) and it was written by an Aussie!
March is set in Melbourne and centres on the fashion world and the lives of the glitterati, in particular Apple March, a one-time fashion design student who never finished her course at a prestigious fashion design school for mysterious reasons and who is now working in retail at a boutique. The story follows Apple's journey back to her dream of fashion design, prodded by her sister Meena's insistence she design her wedding dress. Along the way we meet Apple's friends, family and suitors.
I found the characters relateable and the story believable and really enjoyed Sunni's writing style. When I first started reading 'March' did not grip me but when I picked it up the next day I couldn't put it down and stayed up all night to finish it - lucky it wasn't a super long book! I love a chick lit novel where the story is about the life of the protagonist and not just the romance which is exactly what 'March' is. I loved reading about the fashion world and the relationships between Apple and her friends and family. That being said - I loved the romance storyline in this book.
I thought this was a great first novel from Sunni Overend and am looking forward to reading more of her books. Great to have another Aussie chick lit author to read!
What didn't I like: not much. The only thing I didn't enjoy was Apple as a name, I know the idea was to paint Apple's family as bohemian but I found this name annoying, though it did result in the adorable nickname 'Apple-Pie' and by a few chapters in the name stopped bothering me.
I really enjoyed this book. I won this book not really paying attention to the plot and was pleasantly surprised to find I had won myself what I considered to be a chick lit novel (a favourite genre of mine) and it was written by an Aussie!
March is set in Melbourne and centres on the fashion world and the lives of the glitterati, in particular Apple March, a one-time fashion design student who never finished her course at a prestigious fashion design school for mysterious reasons and who is now working in retail at a boutique. The story follows Apple's journey back to her dream of fashion design, prodded by her sister Meena's insistence she design her wedding dress. Along the way we meet Apple's friends, family and suitors.
I found the characters relateable and the story believable and really enjoyed Sunni's writing style. When I first started reading 'March' did not grip me but when I picked it up the next day I couldn't put it down and stayed up all night to finish it - lucky it wasn't a super long book! I love a chick lit novel where the story is about the life of the protagonist and not just the romance which is exactly what 'March' is. I loved reading about the fashion world and the relationships between Apple and her friends and family. That being said - I loved the romance storyline in this book.
I thought this was a great first novel from Sunni Overend and am looking forward to reading more of her books. Great to have another Aussie chick lit author to read!
What didn't I like: not much. The only thing I didn't enjoy was Apple as a name, I know the idea was to paint Apple's family as bohemian but I found this name annoying, though it did result in the adorable nickname 'Apple-Pie' and by a few chapters in the name stopped bothering me.
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