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Magic Vodka Wardrobe #3
The Magic Vodka Wardrobe: Book 3
Rajeev’s caravan remains parked on the roundabout, and the Easter Fair is in full swing. Bruno Mars is still playing on full volume, and the vodka continues to flow through the gals’ veins. Yes, we are back in the crazy world of Sheila Patel. And all is good. Well, nearly. The usual suspects are up to their usual reprehensible tricks. Flying chuppels and flip-flops make way for happy times at the Leeds Road police station. Letters to James Bond segue seamlessly into cricket, Shaz’s birthday celebrations, Diwali fireworks, bobble hats and ghee. further generous helpings of Indian diaspora insanity, in other words, and … oh, did I mention a wedding? I’m sure there was one in there somewhere. I have now consumed (in large glasses, and with no ice) all three ‘Vodka’ offerings, and there is as yet no sign of the author’s invention flagging. These are truly ‘feel good’ books for the comatose generation. Grab one – any one – and dive in. Recommended for a hangover (giving you one, that is, not curing it). Contains nuts, and the occasional goat.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2019
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Patel
12 books50 followersSheila Patel was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. She is the youngest of 7 children. Born into a traditional Punjabi family she went on to study Engineering at Leeds Polytechnic and John Moores University. She later obtained an MBA from the University of Liverpool.
After working at British Aerospace for several years, she became interested in working with young people and ran a successful training company in Liverpool city centre for over ten years.
She discovered her passion for writing later in life, having spent magical moments with her huge family and lovely nieces. She saw and experienced many things growing up in 70's Britain. Comedy and humour played a huge role in her life and she loved all the funny things that Indians do daily, to adapt to the British way of life.
Sheila now lives on the Wirral with her Professor husband, two boys and a huge dog.
Sheila and her family spent 2006/2007 working in Wuxi, China on a project involving bamboo!
You can connect with Sheila on Twitter @vodkawardrobe
After working at British Aerospace for several years, she became interested in working with young people and ran a successful training company in Liverpool city centre for over ten years.
She discovered her passion for writing later in life, having spent magical moments with her huge family and lovely nieces. She saw and experienced many things growing up in 70's Britain. Comedy and humour played a huge role in her life and she loved all the funny things that Indians do daily, to adapt to the British way of life.
Sheila now lives on the Wirral with her Professor husband, two boys and a huge dog.
Sheila and her family spent 2006/2007 working in Wuxi, China on a project involving bamboo!
You can connect with Sheila on Twitter @vodkawardrobe
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 17, 2019
The splendid Vodka Wardrobe 3. is a fabulous and funny continuation of the previous two stories. Things only calm a little in the surreal world of the Tardis-like Vodka Wardrobe. Outside in the real and nutty world, we have Godammit Janet's fat classes and the doggy watches, mad letters to James Bond, TV screen licking and a zombified neighbourhood of walking dead. A consequence due to denial of something we all take for granted. And not forgetting the person walking into the shop and saying, "It smells like a giant fart out there." The punch lines are fast and furiously belly tickling. It is a rollercoaster of never-ending laughter.
January 12, 2020
Another cracking book from Sheila Patel, roaring with laughter at the latest voddy filled adventures of Aunt Sheila and her nieces.
Comical short stories with captivating characters. My personal fave was Sheila's voddy & night nurse fuelled letter to James Bond!
A cracker of a read, recommended to all seeking some humour and many giggles!
Comical short stories with captivating characters. My personal fave was Sheila's voddy & night nurse fuelled letter to James Bond!
A cracker of a read, recommended to all seeking some humour and many giggles!
October 13, 2019
I just can not get enough of the vodka wardrobe series. Another short witty read by Sheila Patel, the third instalment certainly lived up to my expectations. Book 4? Please!!
February 17, 2019
As per my usual lateness to the party, I began reading this series out of sequence.
The Magic Vodka Wardrobe: Book 3 is a fast and easy read that is more character than plot driven and oh boy were there memorable characters! It stood alone quite well and I look forward to reading book one and two.
Shaz thinks things like this, “Oh no, not that drunken nun – and not at Easter!” and speaks her mind whenever someone will listen.
“Dammit Janet ran ‘Mums & Tots’, Sunday school, and meditation classes at the Community Centre. In her spare time, she did whisky shots with the poor and homeless.”
Let’s stop for a moment to take a closer look. This story is written from a female point of view and we change narrators as the adventures also change. It’s snarky, irreverent and a ton of fun. It isn’t for the easily offended reader, because the colorful characters say and do whatever is on their minds… due to the influence perhaps of a magical vodka wardrobe with it’s own bartender? Or not?
It takes intelligence and keen insight on the part of an author to write unapologetic satire like this. I slapped my leg more than once with an, “Oh no she didn’t!” while reading.
My favorite character was Sheila. She won me over with an exuberant fan letter to James Bond, one that she never actually sent. “The dreams are getting better these days – the Night Nurse mixed with vodka really helps. I have to tell you, I’m still trying to get over my addiction of licking the TV screen every time I watch one of your movies.”
I have to admit that James Bond has always been right up there for me as well, although I don’t remember ever writing a letter quite as detailed to anyone, be it 007 or a man crush.
“When all four ladies were ready in their bling bling, they set off walking down the road, Shaz and Trace propping up both Sheila and Kirsty. Kirsty – who was wearing Uggs under her sari.” What an image! ☺
“Pandora Patel was the original Ling Lane bitch. She’d been at school with Shaz, and although Shaz and Pandora hated each other’s guts, Mother had insisted they remain friends as the Patel’s were a well-respected family at the temple and had contributed generously to the thirty year leaky roof fund.”
The similarities to suburban life, and keeping up with the Jones’s in America were delightful insights into British life. One of my favorite things about fiction is to offer a glimpse of another life, but to also assure that people share the same feelings and urges–– regardless of where they live or come from.
There are many lighthearted social discussions about married life, modern, single life, how women interact with each other as family members and friends, I could go on and on.
In many ways this story feels like an extended slumber party for grownups. Back in the day, twenty or so of my college friends would stay up all night gossiping and telling stories about our epic fails at romance. “Pandora’s new dentist boyfriend had taken her on a mini break to Antibes in the South of France, then had jibbed her off at Nice airport and gone off with a cross-eyed French girl off Tinder.”
“The front page of the Telegraph & Argus displayed a picture of the enormous ‘fatberg’ that had caused all the commotion. As it turned out, the years of pouring oil, ghee, and masala down the drains.”
If you are looking for a break from the everyday and don’t take yourself too seriously, you will have a blast reading and will relate to the witty and smart humor in The Magical Vodka Wardrobe.
“Lady Fatima was still annoyed about the young people coming straight to the temple after a night out clubbing,” Sounds awfully familiar Lady Fatima!
The Magic Vodka Wardrobe: Book 3 is a fast and easy read that is more character than plot driven and oh boy were there memorable characters! It stood alone quite well and I look forward to reading book one and two.
Shaz thinks things like this, “Oh no, not that drunken nun – and not at Easter!” and speaks her mind whenever someone will listen.
“Dammit Janet ran ‘Mums & Tots’, Sunday school, and meditation classes at the Community Centre. In her spare time, she did whisky shots with the poor and homeless.”
Let’s stop for a moment to take a closer look. This story is written from a female point of view and we change narrators as the adventures also change. It’s snarky, irreverent and a ton of fun. It isn’t for the easily offended reader, because the colorful characters say and do whatever is on their minds… due to the influence perhaps of a magical vodka wardrobe with it’s own bartender? Or not?
It takes intelligence and keen insight on the part of an author to write unapologetic satire like this. I slapped my leg more than once with an, “Oh no she didn’t!” while reading.
My favorite character was Sheila. She won me over with an exuberant fan letter to James Bond, one that she never actually sent. “The dreams are getting better these days – the Night Nurse mixed with vodka really helps. I have to tell you, I’m still trying to get over my addiction of licking the TV screen every time I watch one of your movies.”
I have to admit that James Bond has always been right up there for me as well, although I don’t remember ever writing a letter quite as detailed to anyone, be it 007 or a man crush.
“When all four ladies were ready in their bling bling, they set off walking down the road, Shaz and Trace propping up both Sheila and Kirsty. Kirsty – who was wearing Uggs under her sari.” What an image! ☺
“Pandora Patel was the original Ling Lane bitch. She’d been at school with Shaz, and although Shaz and Pandora hated each other’s guts, Mother had insisted they remain friends as the Patel’s were a well-respected family at the temple and had contributed generously to the thirty year leaky roof fund.”
The similarities to suburban life, and keeping up with the Jones’s in America were delightful insights into British life. One of my favorite things about fiction is to offer a glimpse of another life, but to also assure that people share the same feelings and urges–– regardless of where they live or come from.
There are many lighthearted social discussions about married life, modern, single life, how women interact with each other as family members and friends, I could go on and on.
In many ways this story feels like an extended slumber party for grownups. Back in the day, twenty or so of my college friends would stay up all night gossiping and telling stories about our epic fails at romance. “Pandora’s new dentist boyfriend had taken her on a mini break to Antibes in the South of France, then had jibbed her off at Nice airport and gone off with a cross-eyed French girl off Tinder.”
“The front page of the Telegraph & Argus displayed a picture of the enormous ‘fatberg’ that had caused all the commotion. As it turned out, the years of pouring oil, ghee, and masala down the drains.”
If you are looking for a break from the everyday and don’t take yourself too seriously, you will have a blast reading and will relate to the witty and smart humor in The Magical Vodka Wardrobe.
“Lady Fatima was still annoyed about the young people coming straight to the temple after a night out clubbing,” Sounds awfully familiar Lady Fatima!
December 2, 2019
Even Though This Happens To Be The Third In The Four Book Series Yet It Can Be Thoroughly Enjoyed As A Standalone Read. The Magic Vodka Wardrobe By Sheila Patel Is Not Only Entertaining In Abundance But Also Introspective Behind The Veil Of Humour As It Offers Reflections On What It Was Like Growing Up In The ‘70’s When The World Was Quite Different From What It Is Today.
If You Don’t Belong To The Era Around Which The Magic Vodka Wardrobe Revolves Then Nobody Can Be Blamed If You Don’t Get The Sarcasm That Flows Deep Like An Undercurrent Below The Surface Of All The LaidBack Bonhomie.
Even Though You Get A Fairly Good Idea Irrespective Of Which End You Decide To Start Getting Intoxicated On The Magic Vodka Wardrobe By Chasing The Shots With One Bottoms Up After The Next In Quick Succession. Yet, If You Want To Flow With The Tide, It Would Only Be Prudent To Start At The Beginning And Go Binging One Diary At A Time In A Relaxed And Laid Back Manner Following It In A Chronological Manner. So That The Timeline Flows Consistently Though Many Readers Me Included Decide To Opt Plunging Into Sheila Patel’s Volume 3 As It Is The Quickest Of All The Reads And Get So Engrossed Before They Decide Which Way They Want To Travel Next? Move Ahead Onto The Next Rollercoaster Ride Or Move Back To Book 1& 2 Where It All Started.
Each & Almost Every Character Is Nutty In Their Own Unique Way But It’s Only When The Paths Cross That The Laugh Riot Really Begins In Full Earnest.
Be It Tattoo Tony Or Skinny Rita. Lady Fatima Or Gypo Bob Or Shaz And Bachittar Each Of Them Unique Characters Shall Leave You Chuckling At Their Antics Many Of Which You Could Actually Relate To If You Love Guzzling Vodka While Pub Hopping As A Gang.
If You Don’t Belong To The Era Around Which The Magic Vodka Wardrobe Revolves Then Nobody Can Be Blamed If You Don’t Get The Sarcasm That Flows Deep Like An Undercurrent Below The Surface Of All The LaidBack Bonhomie.
Even Though You Get A Fairly Good Idea Irrespective Of Which End You Decide To Start Getting Intoxicated On The Magic Vodka Wardrobe By Chasing The Shots With One Bottoms Up After The Next In Quick Succession. Yet, If You Want To Flow With The Tide, It Would Only Be Prudent To Start At The Beginning And Go Binging One Diary At A Time In A Relaxed And Laid Back Manner Following It In A Chronological Manner. So That The Timeline Flows Consistently Though Many Readers Me Included Decide To Opt Plunging Into Sheila Patel’s Volume 3 As It Is The Quickest Of All The Reads And Get So Engrossed Before They Decide Which Way They Want To Travel Next? Move Ahead Onto The Next Rollercoaster Ride Or Move Back To Book 1& 2 Where It All Started.
Each & Almost Every Character Is Nutty In Their Own Unique Way But It’s Only When The Paths Cross That The Laugh Riot Really Begins In Full Earnest.
Be It Tattoo Tony Or Skinny Rita. Lady Fatima Or Gypo Bob Or Shaz And Bachittar Each Of Them Unique Characters Shall Leave You Chuckling At Their Antics Many Of Which You Could Actually Relate To If You Love Guzzling Vodka While Pub Hopping As A Gang.
February 14, 2019
This series is like a dose of instant sunshine and as refreshing as a mini break. Having thoroughly enjoyed books 1 and 2 of this fun-filled series, I was keen to see how Ms Patel would take the story on. Book 3 does not disappoint, and we are catapulted straight into the action with an Easter Fair on one side of the infamous roundabout and a Sikh parade on the other. The established cast of wacky characters get up to more crazy but totally believable antics throughout yet another whirlwind year. We are entertained with a talent contest and barbecue on the roundabout, a hilarious incident with a telegraph pole and a memorable jolly to Buckingham Palace. Even the James Bond Fan Club gets woven into the story. I read the whole book in one sitting for it took less than two hours and each chapter has its own brilliant mini plot. Sometimes sequels can feel tired, as though the author has run out of ideas, but I found book 3 had even more sparkle than the previous two, and Ms Patel is really getting into her stride. This whole series would make a highly entertaining sitcom, and if you like 'Gavin and Stacey' you will surely enjoy this laugh out loud story.
September 2, 2019
What a whirlwind of fun! Patel’s characters Shaz, Trace and Sheila face the heat, get invited to various parties and brave the dreaded holiday season. All the while they are drinking and meeting at their favorite place to give Bachittar a hard time. Such a quick and entertaining read.
Having read this out of sequence, Patel’s writing was crisp, clean and electric with minute details. Some moments made me laugh out loud. Seriously, the letter to James Bond was a riot! Yet at the same time, I truly wanted to join Shaz’s party, however I would need at least a bottle of aspirin and Bloody Mary for the next day’s activities as a recouping devise. Bravo to Patel for making a fun, amusing and light hearted story swirled with an endless bottle of vodka. Alright, I am going to download the other parts to see what I missed!
Having read this out of sequence, Patel’s writing was crisp, clean and electric with minute details. Some moments made me laugh out loud. Seriously, the letter to James Bond was a riot! Yet at the same time, I truly wanted to join Shaz’s party, however I would need at least a bottle of aspirin and Bloody Mary for the next day’s activities as a recouping devise. Bravo to Patel for making a fun, amusing and light hearted story swirled with an endless bottle of vodka. Alright, I am going to download the other parts to see what I missed!
January 30, 2020
I've been depressed for the last few days.
I've been reading this book very, very slowly (my brain doesn't really deal with books when I'm depressed) (or with anything else, for that matter).
I laughed – more than once – and started on part 4. Also very slowly, but I was glad it was there for me. It's an easy, short, very, very WRONG, hilarious read. I need exactly that right now.
That's all.
I've been reading this book very, very slowly (my brain doesn't really deal with books when I'm depressed) (or with anything else, for that matter).
I laughed – more than once – and started on part 4. Also very slowly, but I was glad it was there for me. It's an easy, short, very, very WRONG, hilarious read. I need exactly that right now.
That's all.
December 31, 2019
Once again Author Sheila Patel takes us on the fun-filled, whirlwind of lives in the Magic Wardrobe disco lane with our now beloved characters Shaz, Trace, Sheila, and the ever patient Bachittar. We travel with the ladies month by month as they experience heat waves, a trip to the palace that I'm sure the Queen will not forget, love, fatbergs, the holidays, and the never ending hangovers.
The laughs are plentiful in this entertaining tale, spiced up with the antics of friends and family members that will keep you grinning to the end. I adore my time in the Magic Wardrobe--a great read that leaves you wanting more! CAUTION: you may have a sudden urge for a voddy when reading, #JustSayin.
The laughs are plentiful in this entertaining tale, spiced up with the antics of friends and family members that will keep you grinning to the end. I adore my time in the Magic Wardrobe--a great read that leaves you wanting more! CAUTION: you may have a sudden urge for a voddy when reading, #JustSayin.
March 19, 2019
Rajeev’s caravan remains parked on the roundabout, and the Easter Fare is in full swing. Bruno Mars is still playing on full volume, and the vodka continues to flow through the gals’ veins.
Yes, we are back in the crazy world of Sheila Patel. And all is good. Well, nearly.
The usual suspects are up to their usual reprehensible tricks. Flying chuppels and flip-flops make way for happy times at the Leeds Road police station. Letters to James Bond segue seamlessly into cricket, Shaz’s birthday celebrations, Diwali fireworks, bobble hats and ghee. further generous helpings of Indian diaspora insanity, in other words, and … oh, did I mention a wedding? I’m sure there was one in there somewhere.
I have now consumed (in large glasses, and with no ice) all three ‘Vodka’ offerings, and there is as yet no sign of the author’s invention flagging. These are truly ‘feel good’ books for the comatose generation.
Grab one – any one – and dive in.
Recommended for a hangover (giving you one, that is, not curing it). Warning: Contains nuts, and the occasional goat.
Yes, we are back in the crazy world of Sheila Patel. And all is good. Well, nearly.
The usual suspects are up to their usual reprehensible tricks. Flying chuppels and flip-flops make way for happy times at the Leeds Road police station. Letters to James Bond segue seamlessly into cricket, Shaz’s birthday celebrations, Diwali fireworks, bobble hats and ghee. further generous helpings of Indian diaspora insanity, in other words, and … oh, did I mention a wedding? I’m sure there was one in there somewhere.
I have now consumed (in large glasses, and with no ice) all three ‘Vodka’ offerings, and there is as yet no sign of the author’s invention flagging. These are truly ‘feel good’ books for the comatose generation.
Grab one – any one – and dive in.
Recommended for a hangover (giving you one, that is, not curing it). Warning: Contains nuts, and the occasional goat.
November 3, 2019
In today’s maddening world, this story was refreshingly chaotic and a great escape. Delightful and quirky situations, I never knew what was going to happen next with these fun-loving family members and friends: Shaz, Sheila, Trace, and Bachittar. Reading this story was like being invisible and naughtily peeking into windows or out from them. You never know what you will find when you shouldn’t be looking. But just in case invisible peeking isn’t for you, I’ve nabbed some gems for you.
"She looked over at Skinny Rita, who was using her burkha as her own makeshift picnic blanket."
"Soon the cocktails were ready, all bubbling and smoky. Slowly, the girls took tentative sips. It tasted like a mixture of rhubarb, polo mints, and a Twix bar, and it was strangely refreshing."
"Knackered mothers in pyjamas were sleepwalking into the shop, at a loss as to how to get their kids to fall asleep …"
This story is really lots of fun. It’s beautifully written and takes you on a wonderful and charmingly bumpy ride. Enjoy!
"She looked over at Skinny Rita, who was using her burkha as her own makeshift picnic blanket."
"Soon the cocktails were ready, all bubbling and smoky. Slowly, the girls took tentative sips. It tasted like a mixture of rhubarb, polo mints, and a Twix bar, and it was strangely refreshing."
"Knackered mothers in pyjamas were sleepwalking into the shop, at a loss as to how to get their kids to fall asleep …"
This story is really lots of fun. It’s beautifully written and takes you on a wonderful and charmingly bumpy ride. Enjoy!
February 13, 2019
A cultural romp through the changing seasons and alcoholic festivals, from Easter to Diwali, a vigil for David Cassidy to the erection of a new telegraph pole. There is always an excuse to party. Our Shaz, Trace and Aunt Sheila are as ridiculous and plastered as ever as they watch the melting pot from their corner shop that includes their dad who thinks he’s The Fonz, Nobhead The Rottie, the Avengers Kids, Pandora Patel and Tattoo Tony, tackling the cultural crises’ of our time. Is it possible to get kids to sleep with the internet switched off? Can you cook Christmas Dinner for a whole street on disposable BBQ’s after a ‘Fatberg’ takes out the gas mains? Will James Bond come and fix the gate at number 56?
Another crazy, fabulous and irreverent look at a Bradford community getting on with life the best way they know how.
Another crazy, fabulous and irreverent look at a Bradford community getting on with life the best way they know how.
March 5, 2019
Lol
What a funny little read!I love the characters and the laugh out loud humour! the book makes make me feel slightly tipsy at times it's as if I am in that wardrobe discussing current affairs and shoes!
What a funny little read!I love the characters and the laugh out loud humour! the book makes make me feel slightly tipsy at times it's as if I am in that wardrobe discussing current affairs and shoes!
May 27, 2019
This series has made me laugh A LOT. This particular book made me laugh from beginning to end as expected - and that rarely happens to me. Crazy, fun characters and happenings. Cannot wait for the next book in the series!
November 5, 2019
This One Is "SuperCoolFunny!" "Sheila Patel's "Magic Vodka Wardrobe Serie's!" Has A Destiny Date W/ The "BBC!" Soon I Thinke! All Are Five Star In "Amazon/Kindle!" Great "ChristMas Gift's!" LoveFun! "Thanke's Don Johnson!"
November 2, 2019
Enjoyed the third book in the series, love how the author thinks up the crazy scenarios. Very funny.
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December 22, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/22/2019)! 🎁
December 15, 2023
'The Magic Vodka Wardrobe: Book 3' by Sheila Patel is a delightfully chaotic escape into a world full of delightful and quirky characters. The unpredictable adventures of Shaz, Sheila, Trace, and Bachittar kept me turning the pages, giggling, unsure of what would happen next.
We travel with these vibrant friends encountering everything from scorching heat waves to unforgettable royal visits, all seasoned with love, the challenge of festive holidays, and never-ending hangovers.
The story deftly weaves together elements as disparate as letters to James Bond or cricket discussions, Shaz's memorable birthday celebrations, and the dazzling spectacle of Diwali fireworks. Patel's writing is not only entertaining but also beautifully crafted, taking readers on a delightful and charmingly bumpy ride through the lives lives of her colorful characters.
'The Magic Vodka Wardrobe: Book 3' is a charming story that promises to be a lot of fun. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a well-written, captivating story that will sweep you away.
We travel with these vibrant friends encountering everything from scorching heat waves to unforgettable royal visits, all seasoned with love, the challenge of festive holidays, and never-ending hangovers.
The story deftly weaves together elements as disparate as letters to James Bond or cricket discussions, Shaz's memorable birthday celebrations, and the dazzling spectacle of Diwali fireworks. Patel's writing is not only entertaining but also beautifully crafted, taking readers on a delightful and charmingly bumpy ride through the lives lives of her colorful characters.
'The Magic Vodka Wardrobe: Book 3' is a charming story that promises to be a lot of fun. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a well-written, captivating story that will sweep you away.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews