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Pushing Her Luck
Holly Caulfield has won the Irish National Lottery and sets in motion a plan to save the village of Abbeyglen. But who would have thought that giving money away could be so difficult?
With a resident’s association that’s clamouring for more and more money, an old lady who’s decided that a dream cruise is in her grasp and a couple who may not want that dream wedding after all, Holly’s finding it hard to keep it together!
With a new love interest and an ex-husband hot on her heels, it’s up to Holly to figure out what can truly make her happy.
With a resident’s association that’s clamouring for more and more money, an old lady who’s decided that a dream cruise is in her grasp and a couple who may not want that dream wedding after all, Holly’s finding it hard to keep it together!
With a new love interest and an ex-husband hot on her heels, it’s up to Holly to figure out what can truly make her happy.
- GenresRomance
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2019
11 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
B.R. Maycock
7 books69 followersHi Readers, I’m Berni and I’m a rom-commer!
My start: Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and the entire contents of our local library, then Sweet Valley High, Point Horror, Babysitters Club and Saddle Club before edging into adulthood and reading … Jenny Colgan, Marian Keyes, Patricia Cornwall, Stephen King and John Grisham.
I am now an absolute chick lit, rom com, and thriller addict and former book blogger (you might know me from B R Maycock’s book blog).
My goal is always to give someone something they can settle down with for a bit of escapism and a laugh with small town series, ‘mom lit’ books and sparkly standalones.
Then there’s the official line...
B R Maycock (Berni to all you lovely people!) writes romantic comedies that are warm, sparkly and fun. She can be found in Co. Westmeath, Ireland with her brilliantly out there husband, Keith, their four epic little men, and four cats She has one goal and that’s simply to make readers smile and/ or laugh (a splutter rates highest;)).
My start: Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and the entire contents of our local library, then Sweet Valley High, Point Horror, Babysitters Club and Saddle Club before edging into adulthood and reading … Jenny Colgan, Marian Keyes, Patricia Cornwall, Stephen King and John Grisham.
I am now an absolute chick lit, rom com, and thriller addict and former book blogger (you might know me from B R Maycock’s book blog).
My goal is always to give someone something they can settle down with for a bit of escapism and a laugh with small town series, ‘mom lit’ books and sparkly standalones.
Then there’s the official line...
B R Maycock (Berni to all you lovely people!) writes romantic comedies that are warm, sparkly and fun. She can be found in Co. Westmeath, Ireland with her brilliantly out there husband, Keith, their four epic little men, and four cats She has one goal and that’s simply to make readers smile and/ or laugh (a splutter rates highest;)).
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 3, 2019
Am sure we have dreamt of what we would do if we won the lottery. Admittedly, I don’t think to start with I would be thinking of others. I would be straight on the internet looking for a lovely new home with new furniture and decor. Not Holly though. She wants to help others in the community.
This is a woman with a big heart. I did have concerns as to how well her idea was going to go. Least she has some common sense in hiring a financial advisor who helps oversees what she is spending her money on and letting the recipients know. I couldn’t help but be urging her to spend some money on herself though.
One thing I will say about this novel is that it does give food for thought. Whilst Holly’s intentions are good, I couldn’t also help but feel a bit put out on her behalf when people were spending it on things other than what the whole purpose for why they had been given it in the first place. The feeling of euphoria though when you know you have helped change someone’s life for the better, I couldn’t help but feel proud of what Holly was doing.
Pushing Her luck is a funny and heartfelt read that I truly adored. There are so many wonderful, and a couple of not so wonderful characters, who make this story so compelling. I love the whole village vibe that is realistic and not so idyllic as most books make them out to be. I think more than a few of us could learn from Holly’s generosity and how she manages to keep herself grounded even though she is a millionaire. A lighthearted and fun story of which I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
This is a woman with a big heart. I did have concerns as to how well her idea was going to go. Least she has some common sense in hiring a financial advisor who helps oversees what she is spending her money on and letting the recipients know. I couldn’t help but be urging her to spend some money on herself though.
One thing I will say about this novel is that it does give food for thought. Whilst Holly’s intentions are good, I couldn’t also help but feel a bit put out on her behalf when people were spending it on things other than what the whole purpose for why they had been given it in the first place. The feeling of euphoria though when you know you have helped change someone’s life for the better, I couldn’t help but feel proud of what Holly was doing.
Pushing Her luck is a funny and heartfelt read that I truly adored. There are so many wonderful, and a couple of not so wonderful characters, who make this story so compelling. I love the whole village vibe that is realistic and not so idyllic as most books make them out to be. I think more than a few of us could learn from Holly’s generosity and how she manages to keep herself grounded even though she is a millionaire. A lighthearted and fun story of which I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 8, 2019
There are some altruistic people in this world like Holly.
Holly had a big heart, she listened to a casual advice and bought a lottery and win it. Then she proceeded to give it away to people less deserving. The financial planner did try to guide her. Soon she realized the truth and new relationships happened while the older ones became stronger.
My second book by author B R Maycock, I couldn’t help but smile at Holly’s innocence and her belief in people. I did want to prod her to wake up at some points. The reasons begond her actions were told to me later down the pages.
The writing was sweet and humorous. It showed me that only kindness begets kindness. The author’s words brought out the deeper meaning of life and relationships. I loved Holly even when she was naive, I understood her need to do good and fulfill dreams of people.
With good and bad people, the story had a realistic tone to it. I liked how Holly grew up in the book and started to learn human psyche while retaining her inner goodness. The whole vibe of the book radiated with positivity. Relationships were strengthened with new ones emerging which made the whole book an interesting read.
Overall, a fun read.
Holly had a big heart, she listened to a casual advice and bought a lottery and win it. Then she proceeded to give it away to people less deserving. The financial planner did try to guide her. Soon she realized the truth and new relationships happened while the older ones became stronger.
My second book by author B R Maycock, I couldn’t help but smile at Holly’s innocence and her belief in people. I did want to prod her to wake up at some points. The reasons begond her actions were told to me later down the pages.
The writing was sweet and humorous. It showed me that only kindness begets kindness. The author’s words brought out the deeper meaning of life and relationships. I loved Holly even when she was naive, I understood her need to do good and fulfill dreams of people.
With good and bad people, the story had a realistic tone to it. I liked how Holly grew up in the book and started to learn human psyche while retaining her inner goodness. The whole vibe of the book radiated with positivity. Relationships were strengthened with new ones emerging which made the whole book an interesting read.
Overall, a fun read.
November 30, 2019
Have you ever dreamed of winning the lottery? Then this is the book for you!
Holly wins the Irish Lottery and the first thing she thinks of is how can she help others. You would think (I certainly did!) that recipients who have imagined improving their lives if only one certain thing was done for them would be massively grateful but - as Holly is about to find out - it's not that simple!
This is a fun read, and one which certainly gave me plenty of food for thought! Whilst Holly's heart is in the right place and the money doesn't change her, she's about to learn that it has a different effect on almost everyone else! I smiled, giggled and gasped (and, yes, spluttered) throughout this one and it definitely changed the way I would do things if my numbers came up! This is an easy flowing read with realistic, down-to-earth characters who worm their way inside your head until you find yourself thinking about them even when you don't have the book in front of you, and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every word. The best news is that it's first in series and I'm already looking forward to the next! One thing amazed me though; the author is mother to four small boys - when on earth does she find time to pen such a fabulous novel - AND write a blog?? I couldn't improve on this in any way, so it earns all five shiny stars!
Holly wins the Irish Lottery and the first thing she thinks of is how can she help others. You would think (I certainly did!) that recipients who have imagined improving their lives if only one certain thing was done for them would be massively grateful but - as Holly is about to find out - it's not that simple!
This is a fun read, and one which certainly gave me plenty of food for thought! Whilst Holly's heart is in the right place and the money doesn't change her, she's about to learn that it has a different effect on almost everyone else! I smiled, giggled and gasped (and, yes, spluttered) throughout this one and it definitely changed the way I would do things if my numbers came up! This is an easy flowing read with realistic, down-to-earth characters who worm their way inside your head until you find yourself thinking about them even when you don't have the book in front of you, and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every word. The best news is that it's first in series and I'm already looking forward to the next! One thing amazed me though; the author is mother to four small boys - when on earth does she find time to pen such a fabulous novel - AND write a blog?? I couldn't improve on this in any way, so it earns all five shiny stars!
June 21, 2020
I read and loved Snowday by B. R. Maycock last year so I was delighted to discover has has a new book out. I’m so happy to say that Pushing Her Luck more than lived up to my hopes for it.
Pushing Her Luck is set in a very small town called Abbeyglen and follows Holly. She works in the local shop so knows all the hopes and dreams of the locals. So when she wins the lottery she immediately decides to help out the people of her town. Unfortunately people don’t always do what you think they will and the locals who are given money have other ideas of what to spend it on!
Holly is such a big-hearted woman who really cares about people so when she wins the lottery she immediately thinks of all the good she can do with the money for the people in her town. She doesn’t think of herself for a second – her mind goes to the couple who haven’t been able to afford to get married, the woman who needs a new roof, the single mother who needs a home.
Holly enlists a financial advisor to help her with her quest to make people happy and there we meet John. He gets involved in keeping track of Holly’s spending and he gets to dish out the money to the lucky recipients as Holly wants to remain anonymous. Things start to get awkward when John realises that people aren’t spending the money on the things they were supposed to! Also, there is a slight complication as Holly is separated from her husband but not yet divorced, and she has a distant relationship with her parents. Life doesn’t run quite as smoothly as you might imagine after a huge lottery win!
Pushing Her Luck is a really wonderful novel. It looks at what it is to be a lottery winner and the way we all have dreams of what we’d do if we won but things don’t always work out the way you hope. Sometimes things have to go a bit awry in order for us to find out what we really wanted and needed in our lives and this novel is Holly’s journey to that place.
I completely and utterly fell in love with this novel and I can’t wait to read the sequel next year. I want to know what happens after the end of Pushing Her Luck and I really hope Holly has all of her wishes come true! She definitely won the biggest and best prize in this novel (and it’s not necessarily the lottery win!).
If you’re looking for a gorgeous feel-good read then look no further than Pushing Her Luck, I can’t recommend it highly enough!
This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com
Pushing Her Luck is set in a very small town called Abbeyglen and follows Holly. She works in the local shop so knows all the hopes and dreams of the locals. So when she wins the lottery she immediately decides to help out the people of her town. Unfortunately people don’t always do what you think they will and the locals who are given money have other ideas of what to spend it on!
Holly is such a big-hearted woman who really cares about people so when she wins the lottery she immediately thinks of all the good she can do with the money for the people in her town. She doesn’t think of herself for a second – her mind goes to the couple who haven’t been able to afford to get married, the woman who needs a new roof, the single mother who needs a home.
Holly enlists a financial advisor to help her with her quest to make people happy and there we meet John. He gets involved in keeping track of Holly’s spending and he gets to dish out the money to the lucky recipients as Holly wants to remain anonymous. Things start to get awkward when John realises that people aren’t spending the money on the things they were supposed to! Also, there is a slight complication as Holly is separated from her husband but not yet divorced, and she has a distant relationship with her parents. Life doesn’t run quite as smoothly as you might imagine after a huge lottery win!
Pushing Her Luck is a really wonderful novel. It looks at what it is to be a lottery winner and the way we all have dreams of what we’d do if we won but things don’t always work out the way you hope. Sometimes things have to go a bit awry in order for us to find out what we really wanted and needed in our lives and this novel is Holly’s journey to that place.
I completely and utterly fell in love with this novel and I can’t wait to read the sequel next year. I want to know what happens after the end of Pushing Her Luck and I really hope Holly has all of her wishes come true! She definitely won the biggest and best prize in this novel (and it’s not necessarily the lottery win!).
If you’re looking for a gorgeous feel-good read then look no further than Pushing Her Luck, I can’t recommend it highly enough!
This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com
June 20, 2020
The stories are set in Abbeyglen, a small, Irish village, a bit worn down as villages sometimes are when people leave to the big city either out of need or wanderlust.
In Pushing her Luck, Holly is left alone in the village when both her best friends have left for greener pasture. Catherine for Australia and Louise for London. She misses them, but has no intention of leaving the village. It's her life and she tries her best to manage everything. Her ex is no help at all, and her job doesn't really pay that much. Then she buys a lottery ticket and everything changes overnight. With her massive win, Holly decides to grant wishes. Working in the local shop, she thinks she know what people want and need. After all, they are griping about their lives to her all the time. So, with the help of John the Accountant, and with the very best intentions, she decides to use her money for good. It doesn't turn out the way she had envisioned it, after all, people are unpredictable and have their own ideas.
The story is hilarious at times, and so warm and loving at others. Holly learns that money doesn't solve everything, but it can help. She also learns to have fun and to love her new life.
B.R.Maycock tells the story with confidence and clearly loves her characters and her setting - it's not hard to fall in love with all of them, even the whiny ones, and with Aberglenny.
In Pushing her Luck, Holly is left alone in the village when both her best friends have left for greener pasture. Catherine for Australia and Louise for London. She misses them, but has no intention of leaving the village. It's her life and she tries her best to manage everything. Her ex is no help at all, and her job doesn't really pay that much. Then she buys a lottery ticket and everything changes overnight. With her massive win, Holly decides to grant wishes. Working in the local shop, she thinks she know what people want and need. After all, they are griping about their lives to her all the time. So, with the help of John the Accountant, and with the very best intentions, she decides to use her money for good. It doesn't turn out the way she had envisioned it, after all, people are unpredictable and have their own ideas.
The story is hilarious at times, and so warm and loving at others. Holly learns that money doesn't solve everything, but it can help. She also learns to have fun and to love her new life.
B.R.Maycock tells the story with confidence and clearly loves her characters and her setting - it's not hard to fall in love with all of them, even the whiny ones, and with Aberglenny.
January 26, 2020
So I have to say this is one of the longest books I have read in a while, it has 63 Chapters and an epilogue but I must say do not let this put you off. This book is really good. I will admit I did find it hard at first to get into the book, for some reason I just couldn't get gripped. Though as the chapters went on I soon found myself gripped in Holly's story. This book/ story is easy to read and you soon find yourself going from chapter 1 to chapter 4 in one sitting. The chapters are (I believe) on the small side but this just means that you soon find yourself flying through the book.
Holly as a character has a very generous nature and is very selfless. Reading about her journey from winning the lottery to working out how to spend the money was thought provoking making me wonder what would I do? The journey has its pitfalls, but it also has some very funny moments that will have you laughing.
Overall I enjoyed this book immensely to the point that I felt a little bit lost after finishing it. Once I was gripped with this book I was in love with everything and the rest of the book flew by way too soon. However I cheered up when I got to the end and found out that this book is actually the first one in a series! The second book is out in May and I can't wait to read it.
Holly as a character has a very generous nature and is very selfless. Reading about her journey from winning the lottery to working out how to spend the money was thought provoking making me wonder what would I do? The journey has its pitfalls, but it also has some very funny moments that will have you laughing.
Overall I enjoyed this book immensely to the point that I felt a little bit lost after finishing it. Once I was gripped with this book I was in love with everything and the rest of the book flew by way too soon. However I cheered up when I got to the end and found out that this book is actually the first one in a series! The second book is out in May and I can't wait to read it.
July 9, 2024
An interesting slow-burn love story featuring a heart-warming sense of community.
The concept of this is very sweet, something I've never read before. I liked that this book is about so much more than romance. It was lovely to see new friendships form. I much preferred the second half to the beginning.
I'd recommend this for fans of slow-burn, small town romance novels looking for something set in Ireland.
The concept of this is very sweet, something I've never read before. I liked that this book is about so much more than romance. It was lovely to see new friendships form. I much preferred the second half to the beginning.
I'd recommend this for fans of slow-burn, small town romance novels looking for something set in Ireland.
December 5, 2019
Finally getting around to my review here. I don't usually write long, gushy reviews and usually I don't read cosy nice stories – but this one interested me. Someone in a small village has won the lottery. Holly. She's a gem of a character (although she's far too generous!) and I loved the cast around her. The villagers, her love interests, colleagues and friends and there were also her parents who well... grrr. An all-round rom-com which you can imagine as you read. One for the stocking of someone who loves "a rounded nice story about the goodness in people and life." Looking forward to more by this author.
February 7, 2024
I absolutely loved this story!
April 23, 2020
I’ve read a lot of books in the “cosy” genre and this one is the first with such a different premise - a lottery winner (not a spoiler) who wants to help her struggling village with her winnings. But she wants to do it her way, and anonymously. A genius idea which leads to all sorted of unexpected outcomes and problems. I love that it seems the author has plans to write further books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews