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Saving the Day
_______________Katie Fforde's brilliant new book, A SPRINGTIME AFFAIR, is now available in paperbackShe has only one chance to turn her life around...Allie is bored with her job and starting to wonder whether she even likes her boyfriend, Ryan.The high point in her day is passing a café on her walk home from work. It is the sort of place where she'd really like to work.Then one day she sees as advert on the assistant wanted. But before she can land her dream job, Allie knows she must achieve two Learn to cook2. End her relationship with Ryan, especially as through the window of the café, she spies a waiter who looks much more like her type of man.And when she learns that the café is in danger of closing, Allie knows she must do her very best to save the day ..._______________This is a short story, not a full-length novel._______________'Modern-day Austen. Great fun' Red'Warm, brilliant and full of love' Heat'Deliciously enjoyable' Woman and Home
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2021
124 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Katie Fforde
95 books2,306 followersCatherine Rose Gordon-Cumming was born 27 September 1952 in England, UK, the daughter of Shirley Barbara Laub and Michael Willoughby Gordon-Cumming. Her grandfather was Sir William Gordon-Cumming. Her sister is fellow writer Jane Gordon-Cumming. Katie married Desmond Fforde, cousin of the also writer Jasper Fforde. She has three children: Guy, Francis and Briony and didn't start writing until after the birth of her third child. She has previously worked both as a cleaning lady and in a health food cafe.
Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."
Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.
Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."
Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
February 22, 2025
A short but sweet novella and a great way to pass a happy hour or so.
Allie is bored with her job and beginning to realise that her current boyfriend is not good for her. She spots an advert for her dream job and meets someone who can help both her and her father move onwards and upwards in life. Of course she also meets the man of her dreams.
This is a feel good story written just to give you a lift when life seems a bit dull. Of course it is all a little too good to be true but that does not make it any less enjoyable.
Allie is bored with her job and beginning to realise that her current boyfriend is not good for her. She spots an advert for her dream job and meets someone who can help both her and her father move onwards and upwards in life. Of course she also meets the man of her dreams.
This is a feel good story written just to give you a lift when life seems a bit dull. Of course it is all a little too good to be true but that does not make it any less enjoyable.
December 19, 2021
Bored with her job, Allie is equally fed up with her boyfriend Ryan, who treats her like a skivvy at the best of times. One day, she sees an ad in a café she likes on the way home - assistant wanted. Before she can land her dream job, Allie must learn to cook and end her relationship with Ryan. And when she learns the café is in danger of closing, Allie knows she must do her very best to save the day.
May 30, 2021
What a load of trollop.
I have read many a quick read and I understand they are a bit more succinct and to-the-point, but this one was as if it was written for a five-year old, it was so simple and dull I almost fell asleep in the bath with it and drowned myself.
Cringe-worthy read, just DONT EVEN BOTHER.
It gets a 2 star from me because it had a couple of recipes at the end.
I have read many a quick read and I understand they are a bit more succinct and to-the-point, but this one was as if it was written for a five-year old, it was so simple and dull I almost fell asleep in the bath with it and drowned myself.
Cringe-worthy read, just DONT EVEN BOTHER.
It gets a 2 star from me because it had a couple of recipes at the end.
November 29, 2023
Saving the Day is a sweet, lighthearted quick read about following your dreams, taking a chance on things, and bettering yourself. Allie works in a supermarket stacking shelves and has been dating Ryan since high school. Stick in a job she doesn't enjoy and a relationship to someone who makes her unhappy. She longs to work in a place like Jangos - a little coffee shop where everyone looks happy to work. When she passes one day after work, she spies an advertisement on the window for a kitchen assistant and takes the plunge to apply for the position. Allies' life changes for the better, and she takes better control of her future and what she really wants in life along with some new friendships, a new career and more.
February 21, 2023
Allie went into the kitchen. Tomorrow she would ask at the cafe again, to see if she'd learned enough about cooking to work there now. And then she's finish with Ryan. She put the kettle on. He wouldn't like her ending it between them. He'd be the one to do that. But if she wanted to change her life, she was the one who had to do it. (PGS 29-30)
A Quick Read UK book. I was looking forward to enjoying a light, quick read but it was a bit silly and elementary. The main character was acting like she was a teenager and therefore a bit simple in the head. I was rooting for her as she was in a relationship with some lazy bonehead bordering on mental and physical abuse but even then she was getting on my nerves.
Would not read this author again if this is the way the other books are written. Quick read in under an hour but glad it was done.
A Quick Read UK book. I was looking forward to enjoying a light, quick read but it was a bit silly and elementary. The main character was acting like she was a teenager and therefore a bit simple in the head. I was rooting for her as she was in a relationship with some lazy bonehead bordering on mental and physical abuse but even then she was getting on my nerves.
Would not read this author again if this is the way the other books are written. Quick read in under an hour but glad it was done.
May 27, 2021
I’ve always enjoyed a Katie Fforde book and this one immediately appealed. These Quick Reads books may be short, with just under 100 pages, but they do contain a fully fledged short story, as much as is possible. As an added bonus, this book also contains 3 recipes at the back, all of which are referred to in the story.
Twenty year old Allie worked had spent all her working life as a shelf stacker in a supermarket but wanted a new challenge. She desperately wanted to work in a local cafe however her lack of cooking skills was a definite disadvantage. Also dragging her down was her longterm boyfriend Ryan. A lazy little toerag who treated her like dirt and who she was really still with out of habit. She lived with her dad, and with Edith and Rita, her interfering work colleagues always criticising, her life really wasn’t much fun.
As it is such a short story I won’t go into details, but Saving the Day is a really enjoyable uplifting story about finding the courage to make changes, never being afraid to learn something new and making your own opportunities – and how showing kindness to others can pay dividends when you need help yourself. There are several delicious foody references – see recipes above together with some engaging characters – and the not so likeable! To prevent the story being overly sweet, there is a little bit of drama for that extra bite!
I’ve bought many of these Quick Reads over the years – they are quality reads and always enjoyable.
Twenty year old Allie worked had spent all her working life as a shelf stacker in a supermarket but wanted a new challenge. She desperately wanted to work in a local cafe however her lack of cooking skills was a definite disadvantage. Also dragging her down was her longterm boyfriend Ryan. A lazy little toerag who treated her like dirt and who she was really still with out of habit. She lived with her dad, and with Edith and Rita, her interfering work colleagues always criticising, her life really wasn’t much fun.
As it is such a short story I won’t go into details, but Saving the Day is a really enjoyable uplifting story about finding the courage to make changes, never being afraid to learn something new and making your own opportunities – and how showing kindness to others can pay dividends when you need help yourself. There are several delicious foody references – see recipes above together with some engaging characters – and the not so likeable! To prevent the story being overly sweet, there is a little bit of drama for that extra bite!
I’ve bought many of these Quick Reads over the years – they are quality reads and always enjoyable.
June 29, 2021
I don’t usually write reviews like this but in feel I need to defend myself here.
Bought this because:
1. I like the concept of quick reads from the Reading Agency and there were some available from authors I love like Oyinkan Braithwaite so I thought “what could go wrong?”
2. I never read books like this. By “like this” I guess I mean commercial women’s fiction? The sort of Jill Mansell vibe my mum was on in the 00s. Anyway wanted to give it a go cos it looked cute and who doesn’t love completely switching their brain off?
3. It was £1.
Unfortunately, it was quite shit. Like… this is the adult equivalent of Biff, Chip and Kipper. I don’t know why I expected more. I’ve enjoyed similar authors in the past, when I finished uni I had a volunteer job reviewing romance books like this and some of those were great reads, but this is really condescending. I get that the point here is accessibility and getting non readers reading again, but the language was so basic and repetitive and the plot was ridiculous. Boring, expected more!
I do plan on reading two other ‘quick reads’: The Skylight by Louise Candlish and The Baby is Mine by Oyinkan Braithwaite. My hopes are much higher for both.
Bought this because:
1. I like the concept of quick reads from the Reading Agency and there were some available from authors I love like Oyinkan Braithwaite so I thought “what could go wrong?”
2. I never read books like this. By “like this” I guess I mean commercial women’s fiction? The sort of Jill Mansell vibe my mum was on in the 00s. Anyway wanted to give it a go cos it looked cute and who doesn’t love completely switching their brain off?
3. It was £1.
Unfortunately, it was quite shit. Like… this is the adult equivalent of Biff, Chip and Kipper. I don’t know why I expected more. I’ve enjoyed similar authors in the past, when I finished uni I had a volunteer job reviewing romance books like this and some of those were great reads, but this is really condescending. I get that the point here is accessibility and getting non readers reading again, but the language was so basic and repetitive and the plot was ridiculous. Boring, expected more!
I do plan on reading two other ‘quick reads’: The Skylight by Louise Candlish and The Baby is Mine by Oyinkan Braithwaite. My hopes are much higher for both.
November 7, 2021
Saving the Day is an uplifting novella in the Quick Reads series. Everything tied together a little too neatly but I still enjoyed this story.
June 8, 2021
This is the fourth book I’ve read in the current Quick Reads list, and sadly to say it was really quite disappointing.
I completely understand there is only so much you can do with a novella of this size – there are limitations, and I have completely taken that in to account. However, for me, this felt like a really over-simplistic telling of a story. To be honest, it felt immature as both a concept, and in writing style.
Very one-dimensional, nothing happens – but there are some cracking looking recipes at the back.
I completely understand there is only so much you can do with a novella of this size – there are limitations, and I have completely taken that in to account. However, for me, this felt like a really over-simplistic telling of a story. To be honest, it felt immature as both a concept, and in writing style.
Very one-dimensional, nothing happens – but there are some cracking looking recipes at the back.
June 16, 2021
Naturally I read this quick read on one sitting! It was easy to read and follow and was a great uplifting story!
It managed to make me hate Ryan’s character is only a few pages!
I did feel like Allie was written as a much younger character that she was supposed to be but overall enjoyable, simple, with good flow.
It managed to make me hate Ryan’s character is only a few pages!
I did feel like Allie was written as a much younger character that she was supposed to be but overall enjoyable, simple, with good flow.
May 29, 2021
What a perfect little treat of a book! It's a story that will leave you smiling and having all the feels as you follow Allie on her journey in claiming back and life and doing what makes her happy! Ooh and there are recipes!!! It's a book that is good for your soul - and your stomach!!!
Allie is bored with her job, and her boyfriend! When she sees a vacancy advertised at her favourite cafe she takes the plunge and applies - despite being a very novice cook!! But with the help of a very lovely neighbour, she gets a crash course in the basics and suddenly her life starts to make her smile again.
What I loved was seeing Allie taking control of her life! She knew it wasn't working for her, so she grabbed an opportunity to change it! A lesson for us all!! And with her changing the course of her life, it sets changes up for others around her too. But with good news comes bad, and it starts to worry Allie that her happiness may be shortlived!
I loved this little glimpse into the life of Allie! And it was also a wonderful little break from life with a Quick Reads - being able to sit down, read a book, escape the world for a short while, and then get back to reality. We all need that break more than ever, so these bite sized books are the perfect way for us all to jump into another world!
Allie is bored with her job, and her boyfriend! When she sees a vacancy advertised at her favourite cafe she takes the plunge and applies - despite being a very novice cook!! But with the help of a very lovely neighbour, she gets a crash course in the basics and suddenly her life starts to make her smile again.
What I loved was seeing Allie taking control of her life! She knew it wasn't working for her, so she grabbed an opportunity to change it! A lesson for us all!! And with her changing the course of her life, it sets changes up for others around her too. But with good news comes bad, and it starts to worry Allie that her happiness may be shortlived!
I loved this little glimpse into the life of Allie! And it was also a wonderful little break from life with a Quick Reads - being able to sit down, read a book, escape the world for a short while, and then get back to reality. We all need that break more than ever, so these bite sized books are the perfect way for us all to jump into another world!
December 21, 2023
Super quick read! Short feel good story that made me smile. Full of recipes too which was a bonus.
May 15, 2021
What an amazingly uplifting positive piece of writing. Allie is very identifiable and seeing how she feels stuck and not sure how to make the changes she needs to make herself happy. All it took as one minute of courage to apply for a job she really wanted. The events that unfold after that are amazing. Each step on its own seems small and almost insignificant but all together they create a phenomenal result - she makes a new friend which leads to her being taught to cook, her dad finding love again and a new job and that much needed positive support network.
Katie fforde’s writing is always beautiful and timeless. She really captures human emotions and portrays them realistically. I know this was a quick read book but I really wish there was more to read of these amazing characters.
Katie fforde’s writing is always beautiful and timeless. She really captures human emotions and portrays them realistically. I know this was a quick read book but I really wish there was more to read of these amazing characters.
netgalley-recensiti-da-leggere
June 12, 2021I like the idea behind quick reads, I think it's brilliant. But being an avid reader, it is not the right read for me, because when a story is good, like this one, I don't want it to end so soon.
A throughly enjoyable quick story, definitely recommended for readers in their 20s and early 30s.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A throughly enjoyable quick story, definitely recommended for readers in their 20s and early 30s.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2021
This was the cutest little read. Katie fforde is good at what she does.i kind of wish this story was longer and had more to it because even in this short story, i really liked the characters and woukd love to see more of them
Want to read
July 1, 2023You can't g wrong with Katie Fforde and this glorious quick read does exactly what it says on the tin; charming, romantic, sweetly funny. Just the thing for an hour in the garden!
May 17, 2021
Allie might only be young but she already feels like her whole life is mapped out for her. Working at the local supermarket, marriage to her childhood sweetheart Ryan, never going anywhere or doing anything. She's not even sure if she likes Ryan who seems to treat her like a domestic servant, lolling around issuing orders.
Then one day Allie sees an advert in the window of a small café, the sort of place she'd love to go to and have a cake and a coffee with friends, she also quite likes the look of one of the guys who works there, help wanted it says. Unfortunately Allie can't cook, at all. All she does is microwave or cook ready meals or frozen prepared foods. She's never made a cake or cooked a roast dinner from scratch. But if learning to cook is the passport to her dream job then Allie is going to do whatever it takes.
This is a sweet novella about not letting your current circumstances prevent you from achieving your dreams. About taking a chance and reaching for the impossible. About believing in yourself and not listening to the doomsayers and doubters.
I loved it, but it was too short LOL.
I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Then one day Allie sees an advert in the window of a small café, the sort of place she'd love to go to and have a cake and a coffee with friends, she also quite likes the look of one of the guys who works there, help wanted it says. Unfortunately Allie can't cook, at all. All she does is microwave or cook ready meals or frozen prepared foods. She's never made a cake or cooked a roast dinner from scratch. But if learning to cook is the passport to her dream job then Allie is going to do whatever it takes.
This is a sweet novella about not letting your current circumstances prevent you from achieving your dreams. About taking a chance and reaching for the impossible. About believing in yourself and not listening to the doomsayers and doubters.
I loved it, but it was too short LOL.
I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 18, 2021
I've read Katie Fforde's books for years and loved the idea of getting a small dose of her storytelling in this Quick Read.
A cute story, which may or may not be a little too good to be true, but I have to admit, I wanted more!
Allie, our heroine, is stuck in a dead-end job, with a wastrel for a boyfriend, and, just as she thinks this is all life has in store for her, fate has other ideas.
Finding a dream job, eyeing up a much more suitable candidate for a life partner, and meeting a wonderful older woman who ends up giving her the boost she needs, to improve her future, it all falls into place for Allie, but not without a little drama.
As I said, before, it is a cute story but I really wanted to dig deeper into the characters, and the story! Katie Fforde, you might just have to develop this one a bit more and make it full length!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
A cute story, which may or may not be a little too good to be true, but I have to admit, I wanted more!
Allie, our heroine, is stuck in a dead-end job, with a wastrel for a boyfriend, and, just as she thinks this is all life has in store for her, fate has other ideas.
Finding a dream job, eyeing up a much more suitable candidate for a life partner, and meeting a wonderful older woman who ends up giving her the boost she needs, to improve her future, it all falls into place for Allie, but not without a little drama.
As I said, before, it is a cute story but I really wanted to dig deeper into the characters, and the story! Katie Fforde, you might just have to develop this one a bit more and make it full length!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
April 28, 2024
This is the first Katie Fforde book I've ever read and I need to read more by her!
This was such a lovely book that I read in one sitting.
The characters are great, the story is captivating, it made me smile and I even had tears in my eyes at the end!
Allie a 20 year old girl who works at a supermarket stacking shelves. Her dream job is to work at a lovely little café. Allie also has a horrible boyfriend called Ryan.
She meets her new next door neighbour Cherry, who teaches her how to cook.
Allie has an opportunity for her dream job. With some twists and turns will she make it? Will she stay with Ryan? Will she find a new love?
Will she save the day?
This was such a lovely book that I read in one sitting.
The characters are great, the story is captivating, it made me smile and I even had tears in my eyes at the end!
Allie a 20 year old girl who works at a supermarket stacking shelves. Her dream job is to work at a lovely little café. Allie also has a horrible boyfriend called Ryan.
She meets her new next door neighbour Cherry, who teaches her how to cook.
Allie has an opportunity for her dream job. With some twists and turns will she make it? Will she stay with Ryan? Will she find a new love?
Will she save the day?
November 30, 2024
Saving the Day
is a heartwarming short story about Allie, a young woman unhappy with her job and stuck in an unkind relationship. One day, she stumbles upon a charming café and dreams of working there. But before that dream can come true, she needs to learn how to cook. Thankfully, a kind neighbor steps in to teach Allie her way around the kitchen.
Why did I decide to read this book?
I’m a big fan of Katie Fforde’s novels, including her delightful short stories. Her books are fun, easy to read, and always leave me smiling. I discovered Saving the Day while browsing her collection on Amazon and decided to add it to my eBook library.
Short stories or full length novels?
Both! Sometimes I’m in the mood for a quick, uplifting story, and other times I prefer diving into a longer novel. With Katie Fforde’s romance novels, I tend to finish them quickly because they’re so enjoyable and easy to read.
What did I love about this book?
It’s a feel-good story filled with lovable characters (except the boyfriend!) who each bring unique and charming qualities to the narrative. The cozy atmosphere draws you in, and its shortness makes it a perfect quick read. The writing is simple yet engaging, making the story flow smoothly from start to finish.
And, of course, there’s a happy ending that ties everything up beautifully—like a lovely red bow on a gift.
Would I recommend this book?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a cozy, quick, and uplifting short story with romance and feel-good elements, this is the perfect pick. And if you’re new to Katie Fforde, her novels are a fantastic place to start—you won’t be disappointed!
Fun fact: I once met Katie Fforde at a book convention! She was incredibly sweet and even gave me a bookmark.
Why did I decide to read this book?
I’m a big fan of Katie Fforde’s novels, including her delightful short stories. Her books are fun, easy to read, and always leave me smiling. I discovered Saving the Day while browsing her collection on Amazon and decided to add it to my eBook library.
Short stories or full length novels?
Both! Sometimes I’m in the mood for a quick, uplifting story, and other times I prefer diving into a longer novel. With Katie Fforde’s romance novels, I tend to finish them quickly because they’re so enjoyable and easy to read.
What did I love about this book?
It’s a feel-good story filled with lovable characters (except the boyfriend!) who each bring unique and charming qualities to the narrative. The cozy atmosphere draws you in, and its shortness makes it a perfect quick read. The writing is simple yet engaging, making the story flow smoothly from start to finish.
And, of course, there’s a happy ending that ties everything up beautifully—like a lovely red bow on a gift.
Would I recommend this book?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a cozy, quick, and uplifting short story with romance and feel-good elements, this is the perfect pick. And if you’re new to Katie Fforde, her novels are a fantastic place to start—you won’t be disappointed!
Fun fact: I once met Katie Fforde at a book convention! She was incredibly sweet and even gave me a bookmark.
November 16, 2024
I liked the angle of the story but I felt it was simplicity was it downfall, it felt like instructions at times and had not real danger or threating moments because the hero was in two seconds later. This story is about if the world was prefect this is how it would be. Because of that for me it wasn't a quick read it was had to finish this. I stress this is only my opinion and you should give the book a go.
May 13, 2021
Thanks to the publishers for this advance read.
This quick read is about Allie, a twenty year old. She yearns to change things in her life and the story follows her as she attempts to do this.
Somehow the author manages to cram quite a lot into this quick read making it a delight to read.
Highly recommended for anyone wanting a feel good uplifting read.
This quick read is about Allie, a twenty year old. She yearns to change things in her life and the story follows her as she attempts to do this.
Somehow the author manages to cram quite a lot into this quick read making it a delight to read.
Highly recommended for anyone wanting a feel good uplifting read.
January 2, 2022
This is a very sweet, uplifting novella, perfect for right now, when the holidays are over, the skies are gray, and everyone is depressed from Covid, climate change, and bitter politics. Sometimes life works out when you make the right choices and take a chance on something new. I feel more positive after reading this, but Katie Fforde always has that effect on me!
May 13, 2021
I love quick reads, you get so much in short space and devour it in one sitting.
Allie wants to better herself and at least learn to cook this is what she sets out to achieve.
I really enjoyed this little delight, a perfect quick read, plus the added bonus of recipes at the end.
Allie wants to better herself and at least learn to cook this is what she sets out to achieve.
I really enjoyed this little delight, a perfect quick read, plus the added bonus of recipes at the end.
May 29, 2021
I always look forward to the quick reads publishing. Such a sweet uplifting story with great recipes to try. Happy Bank Holiday reading.
June 3, 2021
A nice read
One of my favourite authors. This is a nice book with a happy ending and the recipes at the end is an added bonus
One of my favourite authors. This is a nice book with a happy ending and the recipes at the end is an added bonus
October 9, 2021
Not something I would normally go for but still enjoyable.
January 18, 2022
#SavingtheDayQuickReads2021 #NetGalley. A delightful easy to read feel good story, in keeping with all of Katie FForde's novels, my only disappointment was that it was over too quickly!!
April 12, 2022
Zur Abwechslung ganz schön zu lesen :)
February 26, 2023
Mid confusing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews