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Stop the Clock
Meet Lucy, Tina and Natalie, twenty-something friends who are all negotiating the risky business of being grown-up. Lucy knows exactly what she her marriage to be a success, her children to be perfect, and to be the ultimate home-maker. Tina knows what she wants her journalism career to take off and to see her name as a byline in a national newspaper... and the illicit affair she's started leaves her free enough to follow her dreams. Natalie just wants to be happy - happy with the boyfriend she's dated since college, happy with the job she's drifted into, happy with a life she thinks is enough – but is it really?Ten years later, all three women have the lives they thought they wanted. But somehow, reality isn't quite as neat and clean-cut as their dreams...
400 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Alison Mercer
2 books28 followersAli Mercer was born in Reading in 1973 and studied English at University College, Oxford. She lives in Oxfordshire with her husband, the poet Ian Pindar, and their two children.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 25, 2012
Alison Mercer is an author to watch in my opinion. From the first page I was hooked and since I have read it I have been recommending it to everyone and it is now on my favourite books of the year and in general. This is an page turner and can't wait for more by Alison Mercer .
August 26, 2012
Tackles the dilemmas of modern woman, marriage and work in such an engaging way with evocative description. Any aspiring hack and aspiring mother should read this. Read it in a day and a half, couldn't put it down. Stop the Clock, halt your iPhone and read Alison's book.
January 1, 2013
Stop the Clock is Alison’s first novel and as she is a local author, I was lucky enough to go along to the book launch held at Mostly Books, Abingdon. Being terminally shy I was utterly terrified but I’m also a book addict so it was a delight to be there for such an event, and something I will definitely remember fondly when Alison is a guaranteed best-seller – which based on this novel would be well deserved.
I mainly read children’s books, and my adult genre is fantasy / science fiction but I also enjoy real-life, female oriented fiction (“chick lit” if you prefer), for example Bridget Jones (although I disliked the sequel) and Marion Keyes’ novels. But on thinking, I don’t think I’ve read in this genre for over twelve years so Stop the Clock was a change of pace for me.
The novel is about three women who have been friends since university, and how their lives are unfolding ten years after they saw in the new millennium together. They have what they (thought they) wanted in life but are they happy?
I mainly read novels involving supernatural beings and some kind of contained plot where the world need to be saved or the bad guys thwarted (or a crime solved.) So it’s rare for me to read something where there’s not a specific plot end to work towards. But Stop the Clock works perfectly as an insight into the lives of the three main protagonists, a series of ups and downs in their lives and an ending where although there is so much more that could be told about these women’s lives, you feel completely satisfied on the journey that you’ve taken with them.
The reviews I read before reading the book myself talked about relating to the characters and therefore as I started the book I was thinking I have nothing in common with these rich London people! It didn’t stop my enjoyment, but as with any new friends you don’t get to know everything about them instantly, you learn over time. As I progressed through the book, and got to know Lucy, Tina and Natalie, I can now honestly say that I related to and with them all in different ways.
This is a novel, so there needs to be conflict. I did feel sad that relationships seemed to be breaking down all over the place, but that’s the point of a story and the fact I felt for the characters is a good sign. I think Alison’s writing is excellent quality and am in awe that she wrote it in the evenings while her children were sleeping.
Although I went to the book launch, I didn’t get this book as a review copy but chose to purchase it and support the launch because the synopsis interested me. I’m glad I did and I’m glad I read Stop the Clock. It’s a departure from my normal reading but I’m sure I shall be buying Alison’s second book once it’s published.
You should read this book if: you’re a parent; you like chick-lit; you want to support a debut author; you’re looking for the next good read.
I mainly read children’s books, and my adult genre is fantasy / science fiction but I also enjoy real-life, female oriented fiction (“chick lit” if you prefer), for example Bridget Jones (although I disliked the sequel) and Marion Keyes’ novels. But on thinking, I don’t think I’ve read in this genre for over twelve years so Stop the Clock was a change of pace for me.
The novel is about three women who have been friends since university, and how their lives are unfolding ten years after they saw in the new millennium together. They have what they (thought they) wanted in life but are they happy?
I mainly read novels involving supernatural beings and some kind of contained plot where the world need to be saved or the bad guys thwarted (or a crime solved.) So it’s rare for me to read something where there’s not a specific plot end to work towards. But Stop the Clock works perfectly as an insight into the lives of the three main protagonists, a series of ups and downs in their lives and an ending where although there is so much more that could be told about these women’s lives, you feel completely satisfied on the journey that you’ve taken with them.
The reviews I read before reading the book myself talked about relating to the characters and therefore as I started the book I was thinking I have nothing in common with these rich London people! It didn’t stop my enjoyment, but as with any new friends you don’t get to know everything about them instantly, you learn over time. As I progressed through the book, and got to know Lucy, Tina and Natalie, I can now honestly say that I related to and with them all in different ways.
This is a novel, so there needs to be conflict. I did feel sad that relationships seemed to be breaking down all over the place, but that’s the point of a story and the fact I felt for the characters is a good sign. I think Alison’s writing is excellent quality and am in awe that she wrote it in the evenings while her children were sleeping.
Although I went to the book launch, I didn’t get this book as a review copy but chose to purchase it and support the launch because the synopsis interested me. I’m glad I did and I’m glad I read Stop the Clock. It’s a departure from my normal reading but I’m sure I shall be buying Alison’s second book once it’s published.
You should read this book if: you’re a parent; you like chick-lit; you want to support a debut author; you’re looking for the next good read.
January 16, 2013
Stop the Clock begins with a prologue. It’s New Year’s Eve 1999 and we find out about Lucy, Tina and Natalie’s dreams/ambitions.
Ten years later it’s Spring 2009. We begin with Lucy, who is meeting Tina and Natalie and feeling faded and worried that she’s not as glamorous as her two friends. It is Tina’s column on The Post that causes friction and Lucy returns home sooner than planned. At home she finds something that turns her world upside down.
Next we spend time with Natalie. She’s off to antenatal class to meet Richard (the boyfriend in the blurb who is now her husband). Later on in the story, it is someone at these classes whose actions cause a life changing evaluation to be made.
Finally we spend time with Tina. We learn about her career, her colleagues and her love life.
In alternating chapters we spend time with each character as they confront hidden fears and live their lives. It’s not until our characters are together at New Year’s Eve ten years later that they finally confide in each other and share what’s really happening to them.
The characters are stereotypical and the narration of third person enables the reader to identify with each character when they are apart and when they are together. My favourite has to be Tina. Although Lucy and Natalie have their own demons to confront and each grow and learn to live in the world as who they are, Tina is the one who I felt was the most honest with herself.
We witness some traumatic scenes as we journey through their lives. Natalie’s birth experience and Tina’s immediate decision and change of mind spring to mind. Their own parents play a part too not only in the time of their lives now but also the role models they were in childhood.
I loved the way the author has the characters examining their emotions. True to life, it’s unusual for us to feel an isolated emotion as it’s usually a confusion of tangled emotions. This is acknowledged by our characters.
Another thing I liked … the nuggets of wisdom hidden within the pages. For example on page 364 when Tina is waiting to go in to be interviewed by HR and her editor at The Post:
“You couldn’t let the inevitability of last spoil the sweetness of first, or put you off, or deter you.”
Love it!
With life changing events confronted including relationship breakdowns; betrayals; close family illnesses; birth/fertility; sexual gender preference and addictions, Stop the Clock will pull you in and involve you wholeheartedly in Lucy, Natalie and Tina’s lives.
I have no hesitation in recommending you add Stop the Clock to the reading pile.
I would like to thank Transworld for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ten years later it’s Spring 2009. We begin with Lucy, who is meeting Tina and Natalie and feeling faded and worried that she’s not as glamorous as her two friends. It is Tina’s column on The Post that causes friction and Lucy returns home sooner than planned. At home she finds something that turns her world upside down.
Next we spend time with Natalie. She’s off to antenatal class to meet Richard (the boyfriend in the blurb who is now her husband). Later on in the story, it is someone at these classes whose actions cause a life changing evaluation to be made.
Finally we spend time with Tina. We learn about her career, her colleagues and her love life.
In alternating chapters we spend time with each character as they confront hidden fears and live their lives. It’s not until our characters are together at New Year’s Eve ten years later that they finally confide in each other and share what’s really happening to them.
The characters are stereotypical and the narration of third person enables the reader to identify with each character when they are apart and when they are together. My favourite has to be Tina. Although Lucy and Natalie have their own demons to confront and each grow and learn to live in the world as who they are, Tina is the one who I felt was the most honest with herself.
We witness some traumatic scenes as we journey through their lives. Natalie’s birth experience and Tina’s immediate decision and change of mind spring to mind. Their own parents play a part too not only in the time of their lives now but also the role models they were in childhood.
I loved the way the author has the characters examining their emotions. True to life, it’s unusual for us to feel an isolated emotion as it’s usually a confusion of tangled emotions. This is acknowledged by our characters.
Another thing I liked … the nuggets of wisdom hidden within the pages. For example on page 364 when Tina is waiting to go in to be interviewed by HR and her editor at The Post:
“You couldn’t let the inevitability of last spoil the sweetness of first, or put you off, or deter you.”
Love it!
With life changing events confronted including relationship breakdowns; betrayals; close family illnesses; birth/fertility; sexual gender preference and addictions, Stop the Clock will pull you in and involve you wholeheartedly in Lucy, Natalie and Tina’s lives.
I have no hesitation in recommending you add Stop the Clock to the reading pile.
I would like to thank Transworld for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2012
From looking at the title and the back cover, I was very interested in reading Stop The Clock, and I raced through the book, and had finished it in a day and a bit because it was so gripping!
We start the story with three friends on New Years Eve 1999, just about to enter the Millennium and wondering what the new era, and life will bring them. Lucy is married with her first baby, and desperately wants to be the perfect mother, dedicating herself to creating the ultimate home for her family to share many good memories to come. Tina is a career-driven girl who is determined not to be tied down by a family or husband, as she’s quickly ascending in her job and hopes to one day see her name as a byline in a national newspaper. Plus, the top-secret affair she’s recently embarked on leaves her free to chase her dreams and do what she wants without worry. Natalie is at a stage in her life where she is keen to settle down with her boyfriend Richard, follow in Lucy’s footsteps and have a life of happiness.
The reader is then transported ten years forward to Spring 2009. All three ladies appear to have exactly what they wished for on New Years Eve, but is it enough? And is it quite what they wanted? From here follows a truly gripping and enthralling story of love, friendship, and the bonds that keep us tightly woven together, but can so easily break us apart.
Alison Mercer has written a brilliant and captivating tale of three women’s individual stories, linked together through friendship and effortlessly changing from one woman’s perspective to another’s. I really liked Lucy, Natalie and Tina’s personalities, how they were very different but at the same time had similarities. Tina was by far my favourite, at the start I wasn’t keen on her character at all but as the story progressed I really felt I understood her and I was really rooting for her nearer the end of the story too.
This is a fantastic story from Alison Mercer that keeps you hooked right until the last pages.
We start the story with three friends on New Years Eve 1999, just about to enter the Millennium and wondering what the new era, and life will bring them. Lucy is married with her first baby, and desperately wants to be the perfect mother, dedicating herself to creating the ultimate home for her family to share many good memories to come. Tina is a career-driven girl who is determined not to be tied down by a family or husband, as she’s quickly ascending in her job and hopes to one day see her name as a byline in a national newspaper. Plus, the top-secret affair she’s recently embarked on leaves her free to chase her dreams and do what she wants without worry. Natalie is at a stage in her life where she is keen to settle down with her boyfriend Richard, follow in Lucy’s footsteps and have a life of happiness.
The reader is then transported ten years forward to Spring 2009. All three ladies appear to have exactly what they wished for on New Years Eve, but is it enough? And is it quite what they wanted? From here follows a truly gripping and enthralling story of love, friendship, and the bonds that keep us tightly woven together, but can so easily break us apart.
Alison Mercer has written a brilliant and captivating tale of three women’s individual stories, linked together through friendship and effortlessly changing from one woman’s perspective to another’s. I really liked Lucy, Natalie and Tina’s personalities, how they were very different but at the same time had similarities. Tina was by far my favourite, at the start I wasn’t keen on her character at all but as the story progressed I really felt I understood her and I was really rooting for her nearer the end of the story too.
This is a fantastic story from Alison Mercer that keeps you hooked right until the last pages.
November 16, 2012
I've already written a review on this but now i'm having to rewrite it cos of my internet!
Brilliant book!
I LOVED Tina, she was totally natural and knew what she wanted in her life which is why I loved her so much. I didn't judge her for her affair, she didnt want domestic bliss so good on her for acting on what she wanted to do.
Lucy; she was the "perfect" got it all type of girl and her friends sort of envied her but then she lost it all and she became HUMAN again, I didn't like her before her crisis she was a bit snooty up her self.
Natalie; she's the only one I didn't understand, she wanta a baby, she wants to get married - she's gets all them things but she still ISN'T happy, then she comes out..... but why risk it all for the life she's created?
Great book, loved it and the book was so warm and happy, stuck with me for ages!
Brilliant book!
I LOVED Tina, she was totally natural and knew what she wanted in her life which is why I loved her so much. I didn't judge her for her affair, she didnt want domestic bliss so good on her for acting on what she wanted to do.
Lucy; she was the "perfect" got it all type of girl and her friends sort of envied her but then she lost it all and she became HUMAN again, I didn't like her before her crisis she was a bit snooty up her self.
Natalie; she's the only one I didn't understand, she wanta a baby, she wants to get married - she's gets all them things but she still ISN'T happy, then she comes out..... but why risk it all for the life she's created?
Great book, loved it and the book was so warm and happy, stuck with me for ages!
November 6, 2012
At first I thought the book was going to be diappointing as the start was slow and the storyline quite predictable, however,the pace quickened ans the characters and their individual lives began to envelope me and became so realistic I simply didint want the book to end. Some poignant moral views were explored with sensitivity and from the viewpoints of all the main players. In addition the single Dads' letter in the post was so emotional I could have cried.
Lovely book with a strong recommendation to read.
Lovely book with a strong recommendation to read.
March 17, 2013
A great read, and one that really makes you think about the choices women have to make in life. The characters are warm, funny and easy to identify with and don't conform to the usual stereotypes, which I found very refreshing. Would definitely recommend you read this book, and look out for Alison Mercer's next novel!
September 20, 2012
A great debut novel which was a pleasure to read. I found it thought provoking and entertaining, a wonderful tale of three women and the journey of their lives and friendship. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I am very pleased I did!
August 26, 2012
Loved it :)
January 14, 2013
I couldn't put the book down once I started it. Well worth an easy read.
February 21, 2013
Great read - would love a sequel to see how Lucy, Tina and Natalie are doing.
September 25, 2014
I really enjoyed the three threads running through the book.
Each character had their own distinctive identity and i found it really easy to imagine them
Each character had their own distinctive identity and i found it really easy to imagine them
August 15, 2018
It was OK but the writing didn’t really flow and seemed a little stilted in parts
August 18, 2019
Wow, such a disappointment! Don't read this if you're not keen on breeding! Horrible book.
July 10, 2013
Stop the clock Follows the lives of three best friends during the most testing times of their existence so far. All secretly struggling and scared to tell each other the truth. After Lucy, Natalie and Tina give each other their 10 year plan, will they have stuck to it.
I have to be honest and say at times this book did drag for me. It seemed to lose its way a bit during the middle. It did pick up again though and I was happy to continue with it and enjoy it. The plots are good and the characters strong, reliable and extremely different which brings a lot of diversity into the plots. They have been divided enough so you get to know each of the characters personally and as a trio.
Overall the book is a nice, straight read with a few twists along the lines.
I recommend this book if you enjoy romance, struggles and friendship.
4/5
I have to be honest and say at times this book did drag for me. It seemed to lose its way a bit during the middle. It did pick up again though and I was happy to continue with it and enjoy it. The plots are good and the characters strong, reliable and extremely different which brings a lot of diversity into the plots. They have been divided enough so you get to know each of the characters personally and as a trio.
Overall the book is a nice, straight read with a few twists along the lines.
I recommend this book if you enjoy romance, struggles and friendship.
4/5
January 2, 2015
What is there to say about the waste of time this book was and how it took me away from a more worthwhile book to take up my deserved time. Thank goodness it only cost me a penny. The only redeeming part of this book was from the wife of the politician spelling out the devastation and humiliation she has endured at the hands of one of the main characters in the book. For the life of me I still can't believe my own tenacious quality about books and the need to actually finish what I started, clearly since this is proof as badly written this was I still completed this book. Bah...I hope this was it for dad reads for awhile at least.....let's hope.
August 22, 2013
The story of three women, and how, over the space of a decade, they find their places in the world, at work, in relationships and with each other as friends. Stop the Clock is an interesting, well written read, but it did take me some time to get into as the beginning is quite slow. Tina's character was the most engaging, as she matures throughout the story, but Lucy was probably the most realistic. I found the motherhood aspects of the book really well researched, and several parts resonated with me. A good debut novel.
July 25, 2014
I loved this! Alison Mercer's first novel and read after enjoying her latest book After I Left You, (after she kindly gave me a copy). This story is about a group of friends, whose dreams and expectations of life change over a period of time. It's once again beautifully written and I look forward to reading more by this author. I have a feeling she will go far! One to watch!
November 14, 2014
Good book, 3 lives & 3 stories intertwined. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like the way the book goes from one womans life to the other. A book of love, deception, ambition & friendship. beautiffully written & a great story. Will be looking out for this authors second book.
September 7, 2014
Okay, a bit too much knitting and a not enough story and action. Am a bit over the books where they are padded with a lot of stuff about the persons hobby, job etc.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews