What do you think?
Rate this book
Ett väldigt stort hus på landet
Att hyra hus tillsammans på sommaren är ett mysigt sätt att umgås - eller? Claire Sandys nya charmiga feelgoodroman tar oss med på en semester vi sent ska glömma.
Under en lång, het sommar i Devon delar tre familjer ett väldigt stort hus på landet. Familjen Herrera består av två trötta föräldrar, tre gnälliga barn och en promiskuös hund. Sedan har vi familjen Little: han är stenrik (trots två skilsmässor och fem ungar), hon är en skönhet, men kanske är receptet på ett lyckligt äktenskap något mer komplicerat än så. Sist ut är familjen Brown, som verkar märkligt nervösa i sällskap med andra människor, men ännu mer med varandra.
Vid poolen blommar ny vänskap, vid Agaspisen börjar irritationen sjuda. Hemliga förälskelser tar form och hemliga cigaretter smusslas undan av tonåringarna, medan de vuxna börjar förlora hämningarna med hjälp av litervis av vitt vin - och kanske blir de lite för ärliga?
Evie Herreras har tagit på sig mammarollen i sällskapet, men hon har något att berätta. Något som skulle kunna förändra allt i hennes familj. Men kommer någon annan att hinna före?
Under en lång, het sommar i Devon delar tre familjer ett väldigt stort hus på landet. Familjen Herrera består av två trötta föräldrar, tre gnälliga barn och en promiskuös hund. Sedan har vi familjen Little: han är stenrik (trots två skilsmässor och fem ungar), hon är en skönhet, men kanske är receptet på ett lyckligt äktenskap något mer komplicerat än så. Sist ut är familjen Brown, som verkar märkligt nervösa i sällskap med andra människor, men ännu mer med varandra.
Vid poolen blommar ny vänskap, vid Agaspisen börjar irritationen sjuda. Hemliga förälskelser tar form och hemliga cigaretter smusslas undan av tonåringarna, medan de vuxna börjar förlora hämningarna med hjälp av litervis av vitt vin - och kanske blir de lite för ärliga?
Evie Herreras har tagit på sig mammarollen i sällskapet, men hon har något att berätta. Något som skulle kunna förändra allt i hennes familj. Men kommer någon annan att hinna före?
379 pages, Hardcover
First published July 30, 2015
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 24, 2023
Kā jau nereti te raksta, tad šis romāns ir ievietojams smadzeņu košļeņu plauktiņā. Kopumā bija o.k., bet vidusdaļā vienā brīdī bija riktīgs bardaks, kuram gan visi gali līdz beigām tika savilkti kopā. Nedaudz ienesa atvasaras sajūtu, jo atvaļinājums un laiska dzīvošanās, kurā gan ir iekļautas arī drūmākas notis - vardarbība ģimenē un cīņa pret to.
July 24, 2018
A very average chick lit novel, much the same as so many others.
July 30, 2015
For most families, holidays are a time for rest and relaxation - but sadly I think someone forgot to tell the three families in Claire Sandy's latest story.
When friends Shen Little and Evie Herreras (plus another couple Paula and Joe, who they only know very slightly) share a large luxurious house, Wellcome Manor, for a two week holiday, none of them can have any idea of the drama that will ensue along with secrets that will be disclosed.
Shen and Clive Ling-Little are the rich guys – Clive has buckets of money and Shen is his much younger third wife who doesn’t hold back on spending it. Their marriage appears to be more of a business arrangement than a true love match. Shen is very high maintenance and demands high standards of those around her – in fact she sounds quite exhausting to be around.
Evie and Mike are happily married, money is a bit tight and they’ve had their problems to deal with but they muddle along. Except that Evie knows something that Mike doesn’t.
The other couple Paula and Joe, are fairly new to the area and really were invited along to make up the numbers. Their children go the same school and Evie has always thought Paula a bit weird and certainly her behaviour confirms that impression. Paula was so jumpy and nervous that she put everybody on edge.
With three couples, several children and two dogs, this was never going to be a relaxing holiday. Family tensions, sulking children, adolescent hormones and secrets all add to the drama. Although much of the story is written as a funny read, there are subjects covered which are not so humorous and this gives the story that extra depth.
This was an entertaining and engaging read. All the characters come to life with their distinct personalities coming across and the descriptions of the Manor sound wonderful, I would love a holiday there myself. Mabel, the young daughter of Evie & Mike was adorable – with a mix of cuteness and precociousness, I wanted to adopt her! I loved the character of Evie, she was the rock of the family that held everyone together and was someone that would be a good friend. There was much snorting and several laugh out loud moments from me – and some strange looks from others as I read this on the train.
When friends Shen Little and Evie Herreras (plus another couple Paula and Joe, who they only know very slightly) share a large luxurious house, Wellcome Manor, for a two week holiday, none of them can have any idea of the drama that will ensue along with secrets that will be disclosed.
Shen and Clive Ling-Little are the rich guys – Clive has buckets of money and Shen is his much younger third wife who doesn’t hold back on spending it. Their marriage appears to be more of a business arrangement than a true love match. Shen is very high maintenance and demands high standards of those around her – in fact she sounds quite exhausting to be around.
Evie and Mike are happily married, money is a bit tight and they’ve had their problems to deal with but they muddle along. Except that Evie knows something that Mike doesn’t.
The other couple Paula and Joe, are fairly new to the area and really were invited along to make up the numbers. Their children go the same school and Evie has always thought Paula a bit weird and certainly her behaviour confirms that impression. Paula was so jumpy and nervous that she put everybody on edge.
With three couples, several children and two dogs, this was never going to be a relaxing holiday. Family tensions, sulking children, adolescent hormones and secrets all add to the drama. Although much of the story is written as a funny read, there are subjects covered which are not so humorous and this gives the story that extra depth.
This was an entertaining and engaging read. All the characters come to life with their distinct personalities coming across and the descriptions of the Manor sound wonderful, I would love a holiday there myself. Mabel, the young daughter of Evie & Mike was adorable – with a mix of cuteness and precociousness, I wanted to adopt her! I loved the character of Evie, she was the rock of the family that held everyone together and was someone that would be a good friend. There was much snorting and several laugh out loud moments from me – and some strange looks from others as I read this on the train.
September 9, 2018
Holidays are all about finding someone to look after cat and the gerbils and the fish. The next step is to pack your suitcase and think nothing else but the fact you are going on holiday to relax and have a good time with all the family. We all rely on the good old satnav for directions. What we do not expect is too get lost at the eleventh hour. I have not read a book that has so much humour packed on every page. I could just imagine the setting for the Wellcome Manor in Devon with its pool. I loved all the characters with things that went on while they were all on holiday. But with three families sharing one very big house in the country and wine flowing it does have big complicated matters ahead for some of them.
July 1, 2025
Started and finished date - 26.06.25 to 29.06.25.
My rating - Three Stars.
This book was okay but I found it very average book and I think people who like Mr right next door by Rachel Dove may like is book. The cover of book was okay but bit average. The writing was okay and the writing was very easy follow also the ending was okay. The romance was fine but it was bit bland and the atmosphere was okay. The paced of plot was well structured and steady paced. The characters was okay and they needed most them well flash out.
My rating - Three Stars.
This book was okay but I found it very average book and I think people who like Mr right next door by Rachel Dove may like is book. The cover of book was okay but bit average. The writing was okay and the writing was very easy follow also the ending was okay. The romance was fine but it was bit bland and the atmosphere was okay. The paced of plot was well structured and steady paced. The characters was okay and they needed most them well flash out.
August 4, 2015
Three families who don't know each other that well are sharing a 'very big house' in the country. It's by the sea and sounds an absolutely blissful place to stay. The book explores friendships, relationships and family life put under strain by being in close proximity to other people who may or may not have things to hide.
The children make new friendships and you can just imagine the heady days of childhood where they are making lifelong memories.
The characters are all so fascinating that you really feel like you could turn up and claim one of the free bedrooms and just slot into their holiday.
The first book I've read by Claire Sandy- but I will be very keen to read more. I loved her writing style.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
The children make new friendships and you can just imagine the heady days of childhood where they are making lifelong memories.
The characters are all so fascinating that you really feel like you could turn up and claim one of the free bedrooms and just slot into their holiday.
The first book I've read by Claire Sandy- but I will be very keen to read more. I loved her writing style.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
September 29, 2019
I must say I enjoyed reading this book, I liked the characters, loved the setting and the intrigue that popped up. A bit of everything here, light not too heavy, for me the perfect holiday read.
August 4, 2015
This was a book I'd been really looking forward to. Around this time last year, I thought I'd discovered a wonderful new writer that no-one else knew about - I loved What Would Mary Berry Do?, thrusting copies at friends I thought should discover her too. It's now a considerably less well-kept secret that Claire Sandy is the alter ego of the rather better known Bernadette Strachan, and not an undiscovered housewife scribbling at her kitchen table.
This book is very, very funny - beautifully written and a perfect summer read. If you like chaotic families, endearing children, teenage angst, female friendship, personal dramas, real life issues and shocks and surprises - all human life is here. It's very cleverly constructed - three families with very different backgrounds drawn together in one location, the wonderful Wellcome Manor, for a fortnight's holiday they'll never forget. I really liked the two central couples. Evie is wonderful, loyal, blunt, wise-cracking, and a wonderful way with words (and I loved the erotica she writes!) but with a sadness underlying it all - and her relationship with Mike is perfectly drawn, very real, very funny. Shen and Clive are people you might not identify with so easily - filthy rich, morally a teeny bit questionable, but there's a great deal more to them than it first appears.
There are some real secrets and surprises as you read - a few red herrings maybe, a few shocks, and some quite serious issues. Wellcome Manor is a character in its own right - a perfect backdrop for the story, and now as familiar as my own home. The "eights" - the younger children - were quite enchanting, with Mabel my particular favourite, wrestling with her unfamiliar words. The teenagers I found a little more difficult - very well done, but I just don't know very many teenagers to draw comparisons with (my problem, not the book's). And there's one wonderful bit when... no, I won't, you need to read it, there are so many wonderful bits!
I'm going to be honest and say that I think I enjoyed Claire Sandy's first book just a little more - but I'm approaching my pensioner bus pass, and I do think this one would resonate more with a younger reader, particularly someone more familiar with children and families than me. But this really was an excellent read that I'd highly recommend - most definitely absolute perfection for that rare sunny afternoon in the garden.
This book is very, very funny - beautifully written and a perfect summer read. If you like chaotic families, endearing children, teenage angst, female friendship, personal dramas, real life issues and shocks and surprises - all human life is here. It's very cleverly constructed - three families with very different backgrounds drawn together in one location, the wonderful Wellcome Manor, for a fortnight's holiday they'll never forget. I really liked the two central couples. Evie is wonderful, loyal, blunt, wise-cracking, and a wonderful way with words (and I loved the erotica she writes!) but with a sadness underlying it all - and her relationship with Mike is perfectly drawn, very real, very funny. Shen and Clive are people you might not identify with so easily - filthy rich, morally a teeny bit questionable, but there's a great deal more to them than it first appears.
There are some real secrets and surprises as you read - a few red herrings maybe, a few shocks, and some quite serious issues. Wellcome Manor is a character in its own right - a perfect backdrop for the story, and now as familiar as my own home. The "eights" - the younger children - were quite enchanting, with Mabel my particular favourite, wrestling with her unfamiliar words. The teenagers I found a little more difficult - very well done, but I just don't know very many teenagers to draw comparisons with (my problem, not the book's). And there's one wonderful bit when... no, I won't, you need to read it, there are so many wonderful bits!
I'm going to be honest and say that I think I enjoyed Claire Sandy's first book just a little more - but I'm approaching my pensioner bus pass, and I do think this one would resonate more with a younger reader, particularly someone more familiar with children and families than me. But this really was an excellent read that I'd highly recommend - most definitely absolute perfection for that rare sunny afternoon in the garden.
September 21, 2015
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2015/0...
There's humour from the beginning as Evie and her brood are journeying to Wellcome Manor. With a sullen teen who doesn't want to be there, two mischievous youngsters, both parents stressed from work and packing etc and a dog - it's a typical start to a holiday that all parents will probably identify with.
On their arrival, the Ling-Littles (Shen and Clive) are already there and Evie and Mike find out that Shen has argued with the woman who should be joining then and invited the Browns (Paula and Jon) instead. Both families are apprehensive about this. Clive has 3 ex wives and one of the sons from a previous marriage, Zane, is also joining them. Shen and Clive have two children of their own (plus a nanny) and the Browns also have two children.
You might be thinking "that's a lot of characters" but it didn't feel that way when I was reading. As they're settling in we get to know them better. And such a fabulous mix of characters they are! I have been entertained throughout from all of their antics and that's from the children too.
Evie really is a mother hen to them all and narrating in the 3rd person, we get to become attached to them. As the two weeks progress, we see changes in them all. There are plenty of misunderstandings (the error of changing names in Evie's word document and resulting scenes were hilarious) between characters. There's intrigue too. From information given I had made up my mind about certain things but actually, I was wrong. I believed the surface meaning. Very clever!
There's conflict when Shen and Clive look after their daughter and Zane provides plenty of conflict with his father. One particular scene when the teens go off had me on tenterhooks and the night of the storm ... a pivotal point in understanding one particular family.
Wellcome Manor is the perfect setting as a time out of routine which lends itself to confidences. If you're looking for entertainment and to experience a whole host of emotions, I recommend that you read this no matter the time of year.
I would like to thank the publishers for approval via Netgalley.
There's humour from the beginning as Evie and her brood are journeying to Wellcome Manor. With a sullen teen who doesn't want to be there, two mischievous youngsters, both parents stressed from work and packing etc and a dog - it's a typical start to a holiday that all parents will probably identify with.
On their arrival, the Ling-Littles (Shen and Clive) are already there and Evie and Mike find out that Shen has argued with the woman who should be joining then and invited the Browns (Paula and Jon) instead. Both families are apprehensive about this. Clive has 3 ex wives and one of the sons from a previous marriage, Zane, is also joining them. Shen and Clive have two children of their own (plus a nanny) and the Browns also have two children.
You might be thinking "that's a lot of characters" but it didn't feel that way when I was reading. As they're settling in we get to know them better. And such a fabulous mix of characters they are! I have been entertained throughout from all of their antics and that's from the children too.
Evie really is a mother hen to them all and narrating in the 3rd person, we get to become attached to them. As the two weeks progress, we see changes in them all. There are plenty of misunderstandings (the error of changing names in Evie's word document and resulting scenes were hilarious) between characters. There's intrigue too. From information given I had made up my mind about certain things but actually, I was wrong. I believed the surface meaning. Very clever!
There's conflict when Shen and Clive look after their daughter and Zane provides plenty of conflict with his father. One particular scene when the teens go off had me on tenterhooks and the night of the storm ... a pivotal point in understanding one particular family.
Wellcome Manor is the perfect setting as a time out of routine which lends itself to confidences. If you're looking for entertainment and to experience a whole host of emotions, I recommend that you read this no matter the time of year.
I would like to thank the publishers for approval via Netgalley.
September 24, 2015
A Very Big House in The Country is the story of three families who have never all been on holiday together before, but decide to hire a large country house in Devon with their children of all ages from babies to teenagers - what could possibly go wrong!!
Evie is married to Mike. I loved Evie, she was so easy going, never got stressed and aspired to be an author of raunchy novels. I must admit, it did make me laugh when she was reading what she had written - very Fifty Shades!! Mike, although a nice character, was very clingy and a bit needy due to his upbringing but they all seemed a really good family. Scarlett is their teenage daughter and so typically hates everything and everyone and doesn't want to be there at all!!
Evie's friends are the Ling-Littles' who are a very dysfunctional family with a baby they don't know how to look after and Clive has a son who is set to cause havoc!
Paula and Jon were the third couple to arrive at the house. Many things are brought out into the open regarding their relationship but Paula was an absolute nervous wreck! But what was so delightful about the author's writing, was that you understood why she was like that towards the end.
I can imagine this book turning into a comedy film as it was so full on and every character was different but as the book went on there were some real twists and turns. There were quite a few very funny situations and calamities, which by the end of the book, left me exhausted!!
Evie is married to Mike. I loved Evie, she was so easy going, never got stressed and aspired to be an author of raunchy novels. I must admit, it did make me laugh when she was reading what she had written - very Fifty Shades!! Mike, although a nice character, was very clingy and a bit needy due to his upbringing but they all seemed a really good family. Scarlett is their teenage daughter and so typically hates everything and everyone and doesn't want to be there at all!!
Evie's friends are the Ling-Littles' who are a very dysfunctional family with a baby they don't know how to look after and Clive has a son who is set to cause havoc!
Paula and Jon were the third couple to arrive at the house. Many things are brought out into the open regarding their relationship but Paula was an absolute nervous wreck! But what was so delightful about the author's writing, was that you understood why she was like that towards the end.
I can imagine this book turning into a comedy film as it was so full on and every character was different but as the book went on there were some real twists and turns. There were quite a few very funny situations and calamities, which by the end of the book, left me exhausted!!
May 15, 2016
Novel set in DEVON
I always enjoy a chick lit book – most of us have read them. A few couples and their children rent a big house in the country. Usually, the reader begins to question what the couples could possibly have in common.
Initially this is the case with this book. What starts off as your typical chick lit book quickly turns into a really gripping read as the plot twists and turns leaving the reader struggling with red herrings and then letting out a big sigh as the truth emerges.
How on earth could the couples have enough in common to risk a fortnight far away from their usual habitat? Evie and Shen may be best buddies but how on earth does Paula fit in? As for the husbands Mike, Clive and Jon – all appear to have their little and not so little secrets.
Are all the adults having affairs – surely not? Is young love developing in a smooth manner or is it about to bubble over into something else? Delinquent step sons, moody daughters and children whose inappropriate use of language makes the reader question where they originally heard it.
In TripFiction terms the book is set in Devon but it could just as easily be in Cornwall, Norfolk or even Northumberland.
I always enjoy a chick lit book – most of us have read them. A few couples and their children rent a big house in the country. Usually, the reader begins to question what the couples could possibly have in common.
Initially this is the case with this book. What starts off as your typical chick lit book quickly turns into a really gripping read as the plot twists and turns leaving the reader struggling with red herrings and then letting out a big sigh as the truth emerges.
How on earth could the couples have enough in common to risk a fortnight far away from their usual habitat? Evie and Shen may be best buddies but how on earth does Paula fit in? As for the husbands Mike, Clive and Jon – all appear to have their little and not so little secrets.
Are all the adults having affairs – surely not? Is young love developing in a smooth manner or is it about to bubble over into something else? Delinquent step sons, moody daughters and children whose inappropriate use of language makes the reader question where they originally heard it.
In TripFiction terms the book is set in Devon but it could just as easily be in Cornwall, Norfolk or even Northumberland.
August 3, 2015
I love Claire Sandy, simple as that. After reading her debut novel "What Would Mary Berry Do?" I just fell in love with her story - telling, her humour and her writing, and since last year I was waiting for her new novel. To be honest, I didn't even know that the Blog Tour organized by the lovely Francesca will be about Claire's book, so you can just imagine my excitement and joy when I discovered this fact...! Then I saw this lovely, colourful cover and read: "One house. Three families. What could possible go wrong?" Well, I was sure that EVERYTHING could go wrong, I only didn't expect in what direction, and so almost as soon as I got the book, I started to devour it.
I know that for some of the readers the book may seem too slow, but for me it was fast paced and there was something happening all the time. I also much more prefer book where the action happens via dialogues, conversations and banter to those where it's mostly descriptions - and "A Very Big House in the Country" was like this, there was a lot of talking, brilliant banter and sharp one - liners, and thanks to this I had a feeling the story was flying.
The idea of the plot is very simple: take two couples that know each other very good, add another couple that they don't know so well, all the couples have many children of different age between themselves and send them on a two - week - holiday to a very luxurious Wellcome Manor. Simple but genius! Evie Herrera and Shen Ling - Little are best friends, their husbands aren't. Paula and Joe are totally new to this company. All of them, absolutely all, have secrets that slowly start to see the light of day, so let's just imagine this drama and chaos that may ensue.
I really can't say that I had my favourite character in the book, as I've grown to like all of them! Evie and her husband Mike are a happy couple with three children and a dog, and they are truly a typical family. I think that Evie was closest to my heart, with the way she was, so relaxed, and how she was towards the children. I also loved her friendship with Shen, they were so casual around each other and it all looked so genuine and honest, even if they couldn't be more different - no matter if it was about clothes, money or raising children, they had different opinions. But they teamed up wonderfully and you could feel that they really like each other. Also Evie and her husband Mike were great together and I truly loved their relationship, how they understood each other and even if they both had some secrets, it still seemed a very genuine and honest marriage. And their children were also brilliant, and even though they all had their differences, they still held together and they supported each other - and no, it was not a meh kind of a family where everybody loves each other and causes no problems, oh no, they seemed as true and realistic as yours or mine family.
I also loved Shen, really, with her high maintenance demands and sharp tongue, but deep, deep inside she was a softie, methinks, and I really loved to see how she was able to change, to think some things over, and her approach to parenthood has just had me in stitches :)
Paula and Joe are the last minute addition to the holidays, and even though they do not appear as often on the scenes as Evie, Shen and Co., their subplot turned out to be very significant one. Paula, with her suspicions and conspiracy theories, being jumpy, made me feel jumpy as well, but you could very quickly guess that she also has something big to hide. But what?
The characters are incredible and they feel so realistic, I had a feeling that any moment they are going to jump off the pages. I, in fact, felt as if I was a witness to all their antics, as if I was a fly on the wall, watching all this happening with my own eyes - the author has incredible way with the words and makes this all so, so vivid!
The three families are so different and they were so brilliantly drawn with all their differences and different backgrounds, life approach and problems, and I found myself rooting for most of them right from the start. What is also great, they were so very mobile, they were changing through the whole story, the author didn't make them stagnant figures, but people living their own lives. I also found myself changing my opinion about some of them, especially about Paula, as I truly wasn't sure what to do with her. What I also liked was the fact that Ms Sandy let us to get to know all of the family members, together with children and dogs, and let all of them be significant to the story, and she described them all so completely, together with all their likes and dislikes, dreams, problems and orientations, and I enjoyed it immensely, this wide range of those brilliant, amusing characters.
The descriptions of the Wellcome Manor were great, the same as of the village, and Claire has this incredible talent to add a word or two here or there that makes this all even more realistic. It was this kind of escapism that I like most, and I was sure that I can look out of the window anytime to see a swimming pool, the tree house or a beautiful garden of the Manor. Her writing is so down to earth yet not for a single second the story feels flat, and she really brings all the places and characters to life.
What I can't not mention are the brilliantly funny postcards that all the family members were sending home from their holidays to their friends, neighbours or parents - they were hilariously straight to the point and every single one made me laugh.
Mostly there is a really funny side to the story, and it was also written in a very light, entertaining way. Nevertheless, Claire Sandy has added so much more important issues, which give the story extra depth. She also more than once takes us by surprise, and I often found myself laughing at myself that I got it all so wrong.
Claire Sandy writes about even obvious things and family life in a new and fresh way, and she truly wonderfully captures things and emotions that we take for granted or even don't notice anymore. She can so interestingly write about such trivial things like packing for holidays, travelling, cooking or arguing. This book has made me smile, laugh out loud and gasp, and it just made me feel so good and familiar. But this book is not laugh - only, there is a message and a life - lessons but it is all written in such a forthcoming way.
I truly adored this book. It is full of secrets to be revealed, and when they are revealed, nothing is the same any more. It is both very funny and touching, and it in a brilliant way tackles the way families operate, parenting and friendship, and many other different, important, issues. It really made me smile, and also reminisce a little some of my family - holidays, which were maybe not as hilarious, but still full of fun and left me with some brilliant memories.
"A Very big House in the Country" is one of those brilliant reads that you don't want to end, it was so full of warmth, larger than life characters and realistic situations and after the last page I felt totally satisfied and contented. It's not a book that you read, it's in fact a book that you live. The author has this incredible talent to transport you directly into the world of the characters, into Wellcome Manor and then you just don't want to leave. It is amazing what Claire Sandy was able to make out of a normal holiday. She has just added a new dimension to family holidays, teenagers sulking and secrets hidden. I enjoyed every single page of the story and I really didn't want this book to come to an end! I truly loved it and I can't wait for the next book from Claire!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
July 31, 2015
A Very Big House in the Country is the second book from Claire Sandy. I have to confess despite hearing great things about her début novel What Would Mary Berry Do? I still haven't read it. But I will now have to rectify that because this new book was funny, entertaining and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I was slightly apprehensive before starting this book as I had read a book with a similar theme and plot this year. Several families escape to the country for a holiday with various problems arising. That book proved to be dull and boring but thankfully within the first few chapters of Claire's book my fears were pushed aside and I was deeply invested in the three families. This is a great read with a fast pace and a varying cast of characters who keep you on your toes guessing what's going to happen and how will they react to each problem that inevitably arises. It's fresh,sharp and witty everything you could want in a summer read. Whoever said a holiday is all fun and games? Clearly they hadn't met the three families involved in this story. A little action and chaos thrown in is what spices things up. That is exactly what these people got and I laughed along with them when needed but also felt for the more deeper, serious conflicts arising. Both the humour and sensitive sides were dealt with really well with Claire Sandy achieving a nice balance.
Each chapter begins with a different person from each family sending a postcard home from the luxurious, beautiful Wellcome Manor in Devon. This was a great touch because this snippets were short and brief and gave us a characters perspective on what had happened in the previous chapter. Often providing the reader with a funny take on an event. With 3 families and a bunch of kids this two week break was inevitably going to be filled with drama, adventure, romance and fun and the author packed in all these elements in abundance. Evie Herreras is literally on her last legs, just bone tired and worn out. She is hoping this holiday will once again revitalise her and give her the chance to recharge. Married to Mike they have been through an awful lot together and always come out the other side even stronger. Hints are given to Evie's past and we can sense she has been through a really rough patch and is optimistic about the future and her family but yet she is still hiding something. This holiday with her friend Shen will bring her back to full speed. Evie has three children Scarlett - a typical teenager, extremely reluctant to be going on a family holiday and one who would rather be back at home with her friends. Mabel is 8 and Dan 10 they have their own moments and their blunt statements and take on things going on around them gave me plenty of laugh out loud moments.
Shen and Mike Ling Little (what names!) organised the holiday and house. A couple who are totally opposite to each other in every respect, you would never ever put them together but some how the majority of the time it seems to work. Shen has a son Miles and a six month old baby called Fang (don't ask that is her real name). Shen is one of those women who is always in firm control, a woman at the top of her game in her chosen profession. Behind her back people may hate her and call her a power freak but what she wants she gets. Surprisingly this didn't turn me off Shen. Herself and Evie had a great bond formed at the school gates and despite Shen's outer persona beneath that exterior was a nice person who always had Evie's back and listened and gave support when needed. Mike was a rich, rich man and this was his third marriage. Money could solve any problem but maybe oldest son Zane turning up will throw up some trouble that will keep Mike on his toes. The Ling Little's have a nanny for baby Fang Elisabetta .She is always in the background and dotes on the baby as Shen continues to embrace her holiday with scant regard for the care of her child. Elisabetta is well aware of every little thing that goes on in the house. The others may see her as little more than a childminder but you can tell her observations are being stored carefully away ready to be revealed at just the crucial moment. Or so I initially thought.
The last family to arrive were Paula and Jon Brown and their two children - Tillie and Amber. Last minute additions to the holiday after another family dropped out. Right from the get go there was something about this family that didn't add up. Paula is not known for being the most friendly at the school gates and presents a cold, aloof front. She is always anxious and on edge, never able to rest and unsettles those around her by her actions. She was always so vague and never seemed like she was fully present and enjoying her holiday. She wants to please her husband all the time and maintains a very high standard. God I just wanted her to relax and chill out a bit. Jon seems equally as cold and unaffectionate towards her. Evie's suspicions were aroused and so were mine. There was clearly a bigger story going on here than first meets the eye, I felt this throughout the book but in a good way. The author carefully alluded to certain things and made you think oh I don't like what that character is doing and really this is going on behind people's backs amongst the sunshine and laughter. Such clever writing from Claire Sandy you had me fooled all of the time. She basically said such a thing was going on without actually confirming it. So when you discovered the truth it was almost like the author was saying ha ha whatever gave you that impression I never actually confirmed anything. I loved this aspect of Claire's writing and it just really added to the story. It could have been boring and just run of the mill with long winded descriptions of what the families did every day on their holiday. Instead we had a brilliant take on the secrets ongoing within the families .We were observers looking in with excitement and curiosity at all the twists and turns and revelations unfolding.
So much goes on that the events had me rapidly turning the pages but at the same time counting myself lucky I wasn't on this family holiday. This is really an escapist read, sit by the pool or in the garden and get caught up in the trials and tribulations of the characters and enjoy the fact your summer is going a lot smoother. With such a gorgeous, cheerful cover you'd be forgiven this is all sweetness and light but Claire Sandy has chosen topical, relevant points to explore but done so in a fun, light hearted,believable way. A very Big House in the Country is certainly another one for your TBR piles this summer. Don't let this amusing, delightful book pass you by.
Each chapter begins with a different person from each family sending a postcard home from the luxurious, beautiful Wellcome Manor in Devon. This was a great touch because this snippets were short and brief and gave us a characters perspective on what had happened in the previous chapter. Often providing the reader with a funny take on an event. With 3 families and a bunch of kids this two week break was inevitably going to be filled with drama, adventure, romance and fun and the author packed in all these elements in abundance. Evie Herreras is literally on her last legs, just bone tired and worn out. She is hoping this holiday will once again revitalise her and give her the chance to recharge. Married to Mike they have been through an awful lot together and always come out the other side even stronger. Hints are given to Evie's past and we can sense she has been through a really rough patch and is optimistic about the future and her family but yet she is still hiding something. This holiday with her friend Shen will bring her back to full speed. Evie has three children Scarlett - a typical teenager, extremely reluctant to be going on a family holiday and one who would rather be back at home with her friends. Mabel is 8 and Dan 10 they have their own moments and their blunt statements and take on things going on around them gave me plenty of laugh out loud moments.
Shen and Mike Ling Little (what names!) organised the holiday and house. A couple who are totally opposite to each other in every respect, you would never ever put them together but some how the majority of the time it seems to work. Shen has a son Miles and a six month old baby called Fang (don't ask that is her real name). Shen is one of those women who is always in firm control, a woman at the top of her game in her chosen profession. Behind her back people may hate her and call her a power freak but what she wants she gets. Surprisingly this didn't turn me off Shen. Herself and Evie had a great bond formed at the school gates and despite Shen's outer persona beneath that exterior was a nice person who always had Evie's back and listened and gave support when needed. Mike was a rich, rich man and this was his third marriage. Money could solve any problem but maybe oldest son Zane turning up will throw up some trouble that will keep Mike on his toes. The Ling Little's have a nanny for baby Fang Elisabetta .She is always in the background and dotes on the baby as Shen continues to embrace her holiday with scant regard for the care of her child. Elisabetta is well aware of every little thing that goes on in the house. The others may see her as little more than a childminder but you can tell her observations are being stored carefully away ready to be revealed at just the crucial moment. Or so I initially thought.
The last family to arrive were Paula and Jon Brown and their two children - Tillie and Amber. Last minute additions to the holiday after another family dropped out. Right from the get go there was something about this family that didn't add up. Paula is not known for being the most friendly at the school gates and presents a cold, aloof front. She is always anxious and on edge, never able to rest and unsettles those around her by her actions. She was always so vague and never seemed like she was fully present and enjoying her holiday. She wants to please her husband all the time and maintains a very high standard. God I just wanted her to relax and chill out a bit. Jon seems equally as cold and unaffectionate towards her. Evie's suspicions were aroused and so were mine. There was clearly a bigger story going on here than first meets the eye, I felt this throughout the book but in a good way. The author carefully alluded to certain things and made you think oh I don't like what that character is doing and really this is going on behind people's backs amongst the sunshine and laughter. Such clever writing from Claire Sandy you had me fooled all of the time. She basically said such a thing was going on without actually confirming it. So when you discovered the truth it was almost like the author was saying ha ha whatever gave you that impression I never actually confirmed anything. I loved this aspect of Claire's writing and it just really added to the story. It could have been boring and just run of the mill with long winded descriptions of what the families did every day on their holiday. Instead we had a brilliant take on the secrets ongoing within the families .We were observers looking in with excitement and curiosity at all the twists and turns and revelations unfolding.
So much goes on that the events had me rapidly turning the pages but at the same time counting myself lucky I wasn't on this family holiday. This is really an escapist read, sit by the pool or in the garden and get caught up in the trials and tribulations of the characters and enjoy the fact your summer is going a lot smoother. With such a gorgeous, cheerful cover you'd be forgiven this is all sweetness and light but Claire Sandy has chosen topical, relevant points to explore but done so in a fun, light hearted,believable way. A very Big House in the Country is certainly another one for your TBR piles this summer. Don't let this amusing, delightful book pass you by.
Read
November 27, 2021Ja, jag vet inte. Jag gillade väl själva idén med tre familjer under samma tak och en massa hemligheter och avslöjanden.
Sen gillar jag inte riktigt sättet som författaren skriver på för det kan bli lite rörigt och jag måste ibland läsa om en hel del för att fatta vad som händer.
Jag gillade Evie men jag tyckte att hon kanske var lite för slapp ibland. Jag fattar inte varför deras j-a hund inte var kastrerad t.ex. De hade ju inte pli på den överhuvudtaget, den var inte det minsta uppfostrad så det är riktigt oansvarigt och nonchalant av dem att inte kastrera den.
Sen förstår jag verkligen inte detta med barnflickor. Varför ska de ha med sin barnflicka på semestern?? Bägge föräldrarna är ju med och kan ju ta hand om sina barn själva! Varför ska nån annan göra det?? Det är sånt jag aldrig har fattat.
Slutet var väl något bättre för där kom det ju fram en del hemligheter och så var det ju bra att det Evie hade upptäckt var något som var bättre än man trodde att det var.
Om jag ska anmärka på språket så är det översättningen som är konstig ibland och kanske lite svengelsk vissa gånger. Vissa fraser och ord är ordagrant översatta och heter inte riktigt så på svenska. Men det ska väl vara så numera om jag har fattat rätt.
Sen gillar jag inte riktigt sättet som författaren skriver på för det kan bli lite rörigt och jag måste ibland läsa om en hel del för att fatta vad som händer.
Jag gillade Evie men jag tyckte att hon kanske var lite för slapp ibland. Jag fattar inte varför deras j-a hund inte var kastrerad t.ex. De hade ju inte pli på den överhuvudtaget, den var inte det minsta uppfostrad så det är riktigt oansvarigt och nonchalant av dem att inte kastrera den.
Sen förstår jag verkligen inte detta med barnflickor. Varför ska de ha med sin barnflicka på semestern?? Bägge föräldrarna är ju med och kan ju ta hand om sina barn själva! Varför ska nån annan göra det?? Det är sånt jag aldrig har fattat.
Slutet var väl något bättre för där kom det ju fram en del hemligheter och så var det ju bra att det Evie hade upptäckt var något som var bättre än man trodde att det var.
Om jag ska anmärka på språket så är det översättningen som är konstig ibland och kanske lite svengelsk vissa gånger. Vissa fraser och ord är ordagrant översatta och heter inte riktigt så på svenska. Men det ska väl vara så numera om jag har fattat rätt.
August 9, 2020
Oh how I love this book. I really wanted to read something cheerful and entertaining and this book did not disappoint.
Evie Herrera, hubby Mike and family are off on holiday, sharing a huge country house in Devon with Evie's best friend Shen Ling-Little, hubby Clive and their family. Paula Brown, hubby Jon and their family (an odd couple who really are not very popular with either Evie or Shen) also join them at the last minute.
Clive's first son (by one of his previous marriages) Zane turns up in a very dramatic way and so the chaos starts.
During the holiday lots of secrets arise, friendships form and relationships become battered and torn. But will everything turn out alright in the end?
This book is absolutely hilarious from beginning to end from the funny antics of the Herrera and the Ling-Littles dogs to the humerous anecdotes coming from the mouths of the group of little eight year olds.
It's so well written and the characters are wonderful and so humane. It packs a few very dramatic moments which keep you on the edge of your seat and is utterly "unputdownable". What a terrific writer. I can't recommend this book enough!
Evie Herrera, hubby Mike and family are off on holiday, sharing a huge country house in Devon with Evie's best friend Shen Ling-Little, hubby Clive and their family. Paula Brown, hubby Jon and their family (an odd couple who really are not very popular with either Evie or Shen) also join them at the last minute.
Clive's first son (by one of his previous marriages) Zane turns up in a very dramatic way and so the chaos starts.
During the holiday lots of secrets arise, friendships form and relationships become battered and torn. But will everything turn out alright in the end?
This book is absolutely hilarious from beginning to end from the funny antics of the Herrera and the Ling-Littles dogs to the humerous anecdotes coming from the mouths of the group of little eight year olds.
It's so well written and the characters are wonderful and so humane. It packs a few very dramatic moments which keep you on the edge of your seat and is utterly "unputdownable". What a terrific writer. I can't recommend this book enough!
May 14, 2020
An enjoyable gentle read, amusing and relatable, but not as laugh out loud funny as ‘The Not Quite Perfect Family’. Easy to get absorbed and interesting enough to keep turning the pages, with some likeable characters that leave you wanting to know what happens to them next. The book takes a number of unexpected twists and turns - cleverly written, although I did feel like there was a bit of a rush at the end to tie up loose ends. In her various guises Claire Sandy is one of my favourite authors.
July 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this!
The house is in an idyllic setting, and the three families share a really well written holiday with twists, turns and misunderstandings.
I enjoyed it enough to bring it to work to read in my lunch break - not many make me do that :)
The house is in an idyllic setting, and the three families share a really well written holiday with twists, turns and misunderstandings.
I enjoyed it enough to bring it to work to read in my lunch break - not many make me do that :)
June 23, 2020
I needed a bit of a light read after my last book and this one ticked the boxes. Three unlikely families holidaying together with several children. Misbehaving and misunderstandings in abundance. Of course there was not 'A laugh on every page' as specified on the back but still a decent read.
November 7, 2021
Från första sidan kändes den bara… för mycket extra allt. För mycket text, uppskruvade karaktärer som känns plastiga, oäkta och väldigt svåra att tycka det minsta om. Jag gav upp efter två kapitel. Det går bara inte att ta sig igenom denna ytliga soppa, om man har det minsta krav på det man läser.
January 21, 2023
I did it. I officially DNF’d a book. I just couldn’t bear it anymore. I think I’ll read more if I ever battle to fall asleep because reading one page of this will put me down like I’ve been shot with an elephant tranquilliser.
August 28, 2017
What I thought would be an easy 'chick lit' type read turned into a more complicated plot with a few twists. which I didn't guess!
January 6, 2018
Nice twists, very enjoyable!
January 13, 2018
English author and setting, well written, interesting
March 20, 2018
Slow and dull with not one likeable character in the 70 odd pages I read. Couldn’t finish it.
January 8, 2019
First read of this author. Enjoyed every page , great story and we'll thought out plot . Well worth a read
April 14, 2019
What a fun, crazy holiday. Lots of unbelievable stuff but a light read.
March 27, 2021
A fun read!
December 3, 2021
Jag gav den en chans men den var inte min grej, om än stundtals rätt rolig och rapp.
June 17, 2024
A nice light read.
January 6, 2025
Great characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews