Flappy Entertains

by Santa Montefiore

Flappy Scott-Booth is the self-appointed queen bee of Badley Compton, a picturesque Devon village. While her husband Kenneth spends his days on the golf course, she is busy overseeing her beautiful house and gardens, and organising unforgettable events, surrounded by friends who hang on to her every word.

Her life is a reflection of herself – impossibly perfect.

Until the day that Hedda Harvey-Smith and her husband Charles move into the village. Into an even grander home than hers. Taking the front seat on the social scene, quite literally.

That simply will not do.

Flappy is determined to show Hedda how things are done here in Badley Compton. But then she looks into Charles’s beautiful green eyes. And suddenly, her focus is elsewhere. She is only human, after all…

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Collections, Adult, Roman

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 4, 2021

About the author

Santa Montefiore is the number one bestselling author of over thirty novels and has sold over eight million copies worldwide. Her books have been translated into twenty-five languages and she won an RNA Award for The Temptation of Gracie in 2019, which is currently in development for film. Born in England in 1970, she grew up in Hampshire and now lives in London with her husband, writer Simon Sebag-Montefiore, their daughter, son, and dog Simba.

Shadows in the Moonlight is the first novel of a trilogy following the character Pixie Tate, with Secrets of the Starlit Sea following in summer 2025. Santa loves to hear from readers and you can find her at www.santamontefiore.co.uk.

Reviews

[Miniikaty · Rating 2 out of 5]

1,5

Reseña completa http://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com/...

Pues nada, otro libro más que va a mi lista de peores lecturas del año (que este año es inmensa), no ha sido para nada lo que esperaba y según iba avanzando menos me convencía lo que leía. Primero pensé que sería una lectura romántica histórica, ligera y repleta de humor pero nop, es un libro contemporáneo donde he encontrado poco -o nada- de romance y de comedia, que trata una infidelidad y cuenta con uno de los personajes más odiosos y pedantes que he conocido.

Ya de primeras las infidelidades en los libros no me gustan nada, a menos que estén muy bien llevadas, encima iba con unas perspectivas que no se han cumplido ni de lejos, la trama me ha parecido repetitiva porque todo el rato está centrada en la vida de Flappy, sus pensamientos de superioridad y actitudes de snob y ya, no se nos cuenta nada más y encima la protagonista es de lo peor y claro si ella es la narradora y tienes que intentar ponerte en su piel o simplemente aguantarla pues la cosa va a peor.

Un libro de romántica contemporánea con una protagonista muy peculiar.

[Elke Eelbode · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dat boek was totaal niet mijn ding, wat een vreselijk hoofdpersonage! Heel soft verhaal met flauwe grappen die niet aanspreken. Vlug naar iets anders.

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels so different from Santa's previous books in so many ways but the writing style is still just so her. I love the way she describes things in her novels, you can instantly picture the mood and the setting because of her vivid but subtle descriptions and this book was no exception. I felt like I was really there is Flappy's house with her living her busy life and like I really knew who she was and her circle of friends from the very beginning.

With that being said I didn't necessarily warm to Flappy from the very beginning. I would compare my journey with Flappy as a character to my journey with Cher from Clueless the movie. To begin with I thought she was somewhat shallow and just doing things for show and I did not like that but once I got to know that she had hidden depths and a reason for behaving the way she did I really grew to appreciate her. Her keeping up appearances kind of behaviors also forms most of the plot for the book and whilst is can be disastrous at times it can also be very funny and has obviously served her well.

This book was great to spend a day reading because it takes place over a short time in a small setting with a small cast of characters. I felt like we got a lot of depth with this village and its characters rather than trying to cover a whole lot of geography or time and that just made me feel all the cozier and all the more invested. I really loved the way we got to spend most of the time inside of Flappy's head and see her perspective of her circle but then we also got glimpses of her assistant Persephone and her perception of Flappy and her lifestyle. Those little glimpses were short but very very valuable.

I am glad that we have another Flappy book coming out from this author because I do feel like just as I was getting to know Flappy the book ended and I really want to know how things move forward after the ending of Flappy entertains. Don't you just love when a book leaves you wanting more like that?

[Mel Hamilton · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the only book they had in English in the hotel on holiday and is literally the worst book I’ve read in years. I never write reviews but feel compelled to warn people against reading this even if it’s the only book available, pick one of the French novels instead.

[A J HOOPER · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm puzzled by Santa Montefiore's latest. Flappy, as a character, is trite, shallow, self deluded and pretty unpleasant. I kept waiting for her to crash spectacularly. But she didn't. And for the sake of drama, she needed to.
Most of Montefiore's books have some mystery to solve or hidden plot to unfold. But this didn't. I truly could find no redeeming features. What's more, the author apparently likes her new character so much that she's written a sequel. For once, I won't be reading it.

[Beth Poole · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the words of Flappy; “I am so, so lucky” to have read this book… said no readers, surely ever. I can’t agree that this is ‘a story filled with humour and heart’ as it so proudly proclaims on the cover. Maybe the humour is meant to be ironic and the heart made of ice or stone.

There is very little to like or find redeeming about the pretentious, snobbery of the title character, and her one-upmanship among upper class circles of similar ilk. There are so many stereotypes in this book as to make you feel nauseous, of which the character names are just one example.

Essentially, the plot - as weak as it is - revolves around Flappy’s 3-week extra-marital affair with Charles, the philandering husband of an equally grandiose village newcomer. They meet for their dalliances in the meditation cottage retreat on her large estate, after which she invariably listens to Celine Dion soon after. You get the idea.

There is no comeuppance, and no happy reprieve for the reader. It’s a shame because the writing in itself is quite good, albeit for a lighter read. There is nothing though that would endear me to read the next book in this series (series?!), or tempt me to read other books by this author, except maybe for Flappy to find herself penniless and investigating what it truly means to be enlightened. Not getting caught out in affair or losing everything as a consequence is really not it.

[Živilė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visai smagi knyga. Kiek jau nuspėjamas rašytojos braižas, bet Flepės personažas kiek atpirko pasikartojimus :)

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flappy Entertains is the title of the book and Flappy most certainly does entertain, as does Santa Montefiore. If you have read The Temptation of Gracie by the same author, you’ll have met Flappy Scott-Booth already. I looked back at my review of that book and wasn’t surprised to see that Flappy had been mentioned. Flappy considers herself the most important person in Badley Compton. Not that she’d ever actually say that, she’s far too modest to boast. She likes to think that she knows everything about everyone and is involved in so many activities in the community. Her parties at her magnificent home, Darnley, are renowned. Everyone wants to be her friend and is secretly scared of earning her disapproval. So her nose is somewhat put out of joint with the arrival of Hedda and Charles Harvey Smith who move into a house even bigger than hers!

Flappy is such a brilliant character. She’s rather full of her own importance but in a rather endearing way. Think Penelope Keith in The Good Life and you have the idea. She’s so competitive and always likes to be the best and most important whether it’s hosting various events at her home for the community, choosing the most suitable books for her book group, sitting in the front row at Church or having the most tastefully decorated house. You’d think she would be insufferable but really she’s not as is evidenced by all her friends. Flappy is most certainly thought of fondly by the villagers.

One of the main plotlines in this book is Flappy discovering that there are passions within herself she didn’t know existed and they were so funny to read about. From her initial surprise, to her deciding that she would resist such passion, to her embracing her feelings, it was such an engaging and humorous journey to follow. If anyone ever mentions to you that they are taking up meditating, you may well have a little smile to yourself.

Flappy is a hoot and this is such a fun book to read. It’s just what is needed to take your mind off reality and some much needed escapism. Let Flappy entertain you!

[Elinor Dorrian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t see the point of this book. I didn’t enjoy it, (did read the whole thing in case it got better. It didn’t). I didn’t like Flappy, and the authour poking fun at her got really irritating. Predictable plot, unlikeable characters, rich people talking about their expensive stuff. Don’t waste your precious time.

[Analia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5⭐

Tercer libro de Santa Montefiore donde mi nota no es un 5⭐ y segundo de la autora que toca el tema de la infidelidad. Me duele darle ésta nota pero es que no pude con Flappy, pese a que, y como su autora lo dice: “ terrible pero adorable”.
Antes que nada ACLARAR que Flappy es un personaje secundario de “La Tentación de Gracie” que NO está publicado en español, como tampoco la segunda parte de “Flappy se atreve”. 😑

Escrito durante la pandemia y ambientada en Badley Compton, Devon, 2010, se leé rápido, es muy divertida la novela aunque la protagonista es bastante insoportable porque Flappy Scott-Booth, es la autoproclamada reina de la pequeña pero no insignificante ciudad de Badley Compton, en Devon, una mujer que “vea suficiente belleza cada vez que se mira al espejo”, sesenta años, que tiene una reputación que mantener, de “pómulos altos, el mentón fuerte y unos ojos aguamarina muy separados y enmarcados por largas pestañas de color azabache.” De “cutis impecable, el cabello teñido de rubio ceniza”. Solo Flappy es la única belleza de la ciudad, no quiere envejecer y su vida gira en torno a las apariencias a tal punto que termina siendo divertido, me reía de las ocurrencias de nuestra protagonista y en la manera en que lo narra la autora.
Flappy no es mala en el trato con los otros, es amable, sin importar su estado de ánimo pero sé que hay un mensaje en la transformación que sufre: “Creo que es imperativo soltarse el pelo de vez en cuando, ¿no crees, Persephone? La vida es muy aburrida si uno siempre se comporta correctamente, y qué mejor ocasión para soltarse el pelo que cuando se está con los mejores amigos?”
Flappy según ella, tiene muchas amigas, pero las que pertenecen al club de lectura de Badley Compton son: Mabel Hitchens, la amiga más cercana, Sally Hancock, “una mujer descarada de cabello rojo y afición por los suéteres con brillos”, y Esther Tennant, “a quien no podía importarle menos su cabello o su ropa porque pasaba la mayor parte de su tiempo montada en un caballo”. Sally escribe novelas románticas “desvergonzadamente vulgares bajo el seudónimo de Charity Chance”.
Flappy está casada con Kennet Scott-Booth (su Sapo como lo llama cariñosamente) de “voluminoso vientre”, que mide un metro setenta y dos de altura, que se nos presenta en el capítulo uno bajando de su jaguar color caramelo, con un par de pantalones amarillos de talla grande, calcetines amarillos y un suéter de cachemir con cuello en V a juego, habría resultado una figura cómica si no fuera tan inmensamente rico. Es un hombre astuto para los negocios, juega golf en el campo que ha construido en Badley Compton que lleva su nombre, y vive la vida por todo lo alto.
El golf, más que cualquier otra cosa, lo inspira e impulsa día tras día; Hedonista, nacido en el lado equivocado de las vías, trabajó duro para construir un imperio de restaurantes populares de comida rápida en la década de 1970, que vendió luego por varios millones diez años después. Y Flappy Booth, como se llamaba cuando se casó con ella, había sido la guinda del pastel. Fue ella quien tuvo la idea de unir sus apellidos. Así, con el Scott-Booth tienen sus razones para darse aires de grandeza. Ahora, con el perfil de éste hombre, entiendo que en Flappy se despierten unos deseos que creyó dormidos e incluso nunca los sintió con su marido, cuando conoce a Charles, el cual está casado con Hedda Harvey-Smith. Él es un hombre muy atractivo, “un tigre blanco o un zorro plateado” y será quien despierte a la bestia que Flappy lleva dentro, convirtiéndola en una mujer nueva. De hipnóticos ojos verdes muy atractivos con una mirada profunda, inquisitiva y depredadora, Charles tiene “el tipo de mirada que un hombre no destina a su esposa”, de cuerpo delgado y atlético, Flappy sabe que es una mujer casada pero siente muy divertido el coqueteo y la transformación que empieza a sufrir es tal que su esposo y sus amigas más cercanas empiezan a preocuparse porque ella no es el tipo de mujer que se involucra en algo tan dramático como una aventura extramatrimonial a ciegas y olvidando a su esposo, pero pierde el control y veremos en qué terminará todo.

Es una novela de Santa Montefiore diferente de las que venía leyendo, pero como lo último fue la saga Deverill, viene bien algo light de ella. “Flappy se atreve” nos muestra la superficialidad de la protagonista principal como de sus amigas, habla de la ostentación, el glamour, las mentiras y el “querer destacar, ser la única y estar por encima de todos”.
Charles es😍es directo para declararse pero es casado y 🙅🏻‍♀️no, no puedo con ello. Flappy me resultó insoportable al principio, luego divertida por su ego, audaz y atrevida con la decisión que toma y, al final es una mujer que trata de disfrutar la vida.
¿Dónde está la parte divertida? En las amigas de Flappy que quieren recuperar a su antigua amiga.
Recomendado para las que amamos leer a Santa, porque la autora la ha escrito de una manera divertida que te lleva a leer y leer hasta encontrarte con una mención al tango y a la Argentina y… Se me puso la piel de gallina.

[Guusje · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wederom een bookazine van Wilgaerden. De hoofdpersonage was erg irritant, egoïstisch en vol van zichzelf. Heel even had ze vooruitgang geboekt met haar persoonlijkheid om vervolgens precies hetzelfde irritante gedrag op het einde te vertonen. Totaal geen character development. Dit boek was zo slecht dat het daarom nog best vermakelijk was. Deels doordat de hoofdpersonage “Flappy” heet. Deel 2 heb ik ook gekregen, dus lees die evengoed. Ben benieuwd of die net zo slecht is, dat het vermakelijk wordt.

[Ellen Bossink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wat een leuk boek was dit. Anders dan alle andere boeken. Wie ooit genoten heeft van Hyacinth Bouquet.... The lady of the house speaking, Zal haar bij het lezen van dit boek zeker in gedachten hebben.
@santamontefioreofficial wil zelfs een serie aan deze dame wijden. Het boek is grappig en leest heerlijk weg. Je wordt er vrolijk van! aanrader!

@boekerij #bijhetlichtvandemaan #samenlezenisleuker #hebbanreadingchallenge2021 #boekenlezen #boekentip #lezen
#bookstagram #boekstagram

[Iracema Miel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este librito es atrevido, simpático, ligero, solo para pasar el rato.

La infidelidad es un tema que no se debe tomar a la ligera. Siempre alguien sale dañado. Cuando leo sobre este tema, prefiero que se haga literatura con él, y se trate de manera seria.

Las personas superficiales las rechazo, por lo general cumplen un estándar: POCA MASA GRIS EN EL CEREBRO. Y la protagonista en una señora rica, superficial a grandes zancadas, que quiere ser siempre bella, tener la mejor casa, la mejor fiesta, la mejor ropa y esa gente...vamos...me aburre.

Envía algunas señales buenas sobre el buen gusto como que la elegancia no lleva maquillaje, uñas largas, tacones aguja, extravagancias, algo que ahora abunda mucho, hay gente que cree ir "chic" y solo le falta la carpa para completar el circo, pero viniendo de este personaje, tampoco cae bien, porque elegancia también es pasar desapercibido y a nuestra protagonista "le gusta las luces".

En este mundo "del envase" en el que estamos viviendo, donde el continente importa más que el contenido, sobra una historia como esta.

Es mi primera vez con Santa Montefiori, su esposo (comparten apellido) , autor del libro Jerusalén (muy bueno, sobre todo por el debate en mi casa), es un gran historiador y la busqué a ella por eso. Espero darle oportunidad con otro libro, este...hmmm...paso.

Te lo recomiendo solo si quieres algo ligero, de poco pensar, rápido de leer, con una historia sosa...para matar una espera en la consulta del doctor.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read but a bit of a silly story. Flappy can do no wrong, she sees herself way above the rest of society and frankly is annoying. The way she has an affair with a newcomer to the village, no remorse for his wife and just thankful and glad that her husband doesn’t find out, I found to be crass. Gossipy and frivolous but entertaining!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightfully fun read this was, the perfect anecdote to a Covid enforced lockdown. I must premise this review by stating this book is a comedy, light hearted, nothing serious and a very easy read with a lot of dialogue. However underneath there is a message of gratitude for ones relationships with their spouse, and their friendship group.

Flappy Scott-Booth is as outrageous as her name sounds. Both frivilous and snobbish, she will annoy and entertain you in equal measures and I did like her immensely. Flappy is all about show, and it made me think of Mrs Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances. Underneath Flappy is just insecure and wants people to like her.

When Flappy has a brief dalliance outside her marriage, she discovers a renewed joie de vivre, and it may sound cliched, but she comes to appreciate what an excellent partner she has in her happy-go-lucky husband whom she calls Toad. In fact she is so thankful to have such a wonderful partner she does an about take and invites him back into her bed after 15 years apart (although Saturday nights only please Toad).

This is a thoroughly entertaining read that may give you a bit of a giggle. Whilst it is no Booker prize contender it did lift my spirits and make me smile, hence my rare 5 star review. I think my first ever for a book that is so light hearted and written solely to entertain.

[Sjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zo niet des Montefiore's, maar desalniettemin heerlijk nonsens feelgood boek!

[Jenny Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great light-hearted, funny, short, easy read.
Very much enjoyed and look forward to the next installment.

[Renée Zwart · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kutboek.

[NEspręsk _iš _viršelio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeigu tai būtų kitos autorės knyga, gal nebūtų taip gaila, kad tokio malonaus įspūdžio, kokio tikėjausi, deja, nepaliko.

Labai stengiaus nepasikliaut kitų vertinimais ir pažvelgt į romaną savom akim. Visgi man dabar kaip tik lengvesnio turinio, tokie 'cheesy' romaniukai labiau patinka. Be didelės įtampos, nesudėtingi, tiesiog skaitai, bet kada gali sustot. Bet to saldaus cinkelio, dėl kurio taip myliu Santos Montefiore kūrybą, čia pasigedau.

Veikėjai pasirodė kažkokie net ne tikroviški, vietom perspausti, vietom paviršutiniški. Pagrindinės veikėjos Flepės Skot But mąstymas, vertybės daugiau prilygo paauglei iš High School Musical, o ne 7 dešimtį einančios moters. Juk tokio amžiaus moteris turėtų atspindéti visapusišką brandą, jai jau nebeturėtų rūpėti tiek verstis per galvą dėl populiarumo ir noro būti geriausia visame kame ir, žinoma, tik tarp geriausių, visuomenėje tam tikrą lygį užimančių žmonių (o žmones, beje, ji pati ir sukategorizuoja). Skaitydama jos nuotykius (būtent taip autorė pristato) turėjau vis sau priminti, kad veikėjai vyresnio amžiaus nors ir situacijos, kuriose jie atsiduria nelabai dera jų gyvenimo etapui, mano nuomone. Visgi sarkastiški autorės komentarai apibūdinant Flepę, kuri mat iš prigimties ir jaunatviška, ir idealių manierų, ir talentinga, ir visokia dar kokia, bet jokiu būdu nepagirūniška, visai skaniai susiderėjo labiau atvirkščią realybę atspindinčiame siužete. Flepės vyras Kenetas visiška žmonos priešingybė: nerangus, perdėtai taikus, naivus, net blankus charakterio prasme, bet be proto turtingas. Skaitant taip ir susidaro įvaizdis, kad ne iš meilės čia ta santuoka. Ech, man jo net gaila buvo pasidarę... Tiesa, man dar pritrūko Persefonės (asmeninės Flepės asistentės), jos romane norėjosi daugiau. Tikėjausi kažkokios stipresnės intrigos ar įvykio su ja. Beje, autorė knygos pabaigoje rašo, kad Flepės nuotykių bus ir daugiau. Bus matyti ar norėsis juos patirt.

Reziume. Kiti autorės romanai, kuriuos teko skaityti (Dvasių medis, Sodininkas iš Prancūzijos, Po Italijos saule, Prarastos meilės jūra) paliko tikrai kur kas stipresnį įspūdį nei šis.

[Linda Louch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Santa Montefiore's books and although this is very different to her usual way of writing, a much more lighthearted and humorous story I enjoyed it. With a name like Flappy you know straight away she will be a colourful character. I have read about her before in The Temptation of Gracie, and so she and her lifestyle were familiar. It is hilarious that she appears to others that she is always so very busy but she is very good at delegating. She sees herself as the most important woman in the little Devon Village of Badley Compton and so when a woman moves into the village into a grander home and then takes her front row pew at the church she is determined to set Hedda Harvey-Smith straight.

[5centreview · Rating 3 out of 5]

Лекичка история за презадоволени съпруги, които скучаят от задоволството и търсят разнообразие в прегръдките на чужд съпруг. Подходящо четиво за няколко мързеливи часа на плажа или през уикенда на терасата с кафе (постоянно си мислех, че името на героинята е Карън, защото и подхожда доста повече от Флапи) ✌️ Книгата е писана от трето лице на всевиждащ разказвач и има доста голяма доза хумор за сметка на наивните и егоцентрични персонажи, което внася доза свежест в изтъркания сюжет тип "можеш ли да повярваш какви са им проблемите, мислите и възприятията на тия богаташи"... НО може и да не е за всеки читател, имайте го предвид 💕📚

[Franki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice quick and easy read. It was pleasant and fun. The posh character did amuse me to be fair and reminded me of the dramas my Nan tells me about and how she is in her local area with gossiping etc and getting stressed about very minute things😂 good to up the reading count as easy to follow and the characters are unique but wouldn’t be the first I’d be picking off my shelf to give to people. The actual party the book is themed into lasted all but 5 pages which was disheartening… 3.5 ⭐️

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining and amusing easy read

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing

[Deblieck Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Zwak verhaal met niet echt een einde. Teleurgesteld.

[Angelique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Achterin lees ik bij het dankwoord dat het een boek vol humor is wat ze geschreven heeft. Ik denk dat ik niet zo van dit genre houd of de manier waarop zij dit boek met humor geschreven heeft. Ik heb andere boeken van haar gelezen waarvan de stijl me veel meer aansprak.

[Saskia Van Herck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genoten van een kort luchtig boek van Santa Montefiore. Eens iets anders dan we van haar gewend zijn.

[Charlotte Paerewyck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dit was het eerste Santa Montefiore boek dat mij niet kon bekoren. De instalust/instalove en overspel trope zijn afknappers voor mij.

[Victoria Wickham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very silly funny characters. Utter trash but I could not put it down. A great easy quick read.

[Ingeborg Berckmoes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het is een andere stijl, niet zo.mojn di g,maar ik ga de reeks toch uitlezen😄