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If Only
Find love. Have a baby. Ditch the mother-in-law from hell. Three best friends, each wishing for the one thing they want the most. But what if they’re searching for happiness in all the wrong places?
Cher is head over heels for her new boss. He’s gorgeous, smart and funny but he barely even notices her except to ask for a coffee refill. How can she get him to see that she’s the perfect girl for him?
Sarah is longing for a baby with the man she loves. The only trouble is David is already married. Will he finally leave his wife so they can be together?
Deb should be looking forward to her wedding with lovely fiancé Mark but with her mother-in-law from hell Margie taking control of everything, will her dream day turn into her worst nightmare?
So, when one summer evening, over several glasses of wine, Cher, Sarah and Deb stumble across an old book on Sarah’s shelf and drunkenly decide to cast a wishing spell, they don’t think for one minute that it will come true. It’s just three best friends having a laugh and throwing some herbs around the garden. Or is it?
Cher is head over heels for her new boss. He’s gorgeous, smart and funny but he barely even notices her except to ask for a coffee refill. How can she get him to see that she’s the perfect girl for him?
Sarah is longing for a baby with the man she loves. The only trouble is David is already married. Will he finally leave his wife so they can be together?
Deb should be looking forward to her wedding with lovely fiancé Mark but with her mother-in-law from hell Margie taking control of everything, will her dream day turn into her worst nightmare?
So, when one summer evening, over several glasses of wine, Cher, Sarah and Deb stumble across an old book on Sarah’s shelf and drunkenly decide to cast a wishing spell, they don’t think for one minute that it will come true. It’s just three best friends having a laugh and throwing some herbs around the garden. Or is it?
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2021
340 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Angela Marsons
45 books4,932 followersAngela is the author of the Kim Stone Crime series. She discovered a love of writing at Primary School when a short piece on the rocks and the sea gained her the only merit point she ever got.
Angela wrote the stories that burned inside and then stored them safely in a desk drawer.
After much urging from her partner she began to enter short story competitions in Writer's News resulting in a win and three short listed entries.
She used the Amazon KDP program to publish two of her earlier works before concentrating on her true passion - Crime.
Angela is now signed to write a total of 16 Kim Stone books for http://bookouture.com and has secured a print deal with Bonnier Zaffre Publishing.
Angela wrote the stories that burned inside and then stored them safely in a desk drawer.
After much urging from her partner she began to enter short story competitions in Writer's News resulting in a win and three short listed entries.
She used the Amazon KDP program to publish two of her earlier works before concentrating on her true passion - Crime.
Angela is now signed to write a total of 16 Kim Stone books for http://bookouture.com and has secured a print deal with Bonnier Zaffre Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
July 10, 2021
2.5
I like a good ole Chick Lit/Rom Com sometimes to shake things up so I decided to give this one a try.
Three friends; Cher, Sarah and Deb are sharing wine and conversation together one evening. They are messing around and find an old Magic Spells book on the shelf. As they sift through it they think it would be fun to try one of the spells on themselves. Why not? Cher is in love with her boss who hardly notices her, Sarah is in love with a married man and wants his baby (yes...I know 🙄) and Deb is set to marry the love of her life but has a meddling mother-in-law. Perhaps if they cast a spell then their wishes could come true?
Sounds like a fun storyline, right? Only it wasn't all that fun.
Bits of the story were interesting but after they cast the spell I kept waiting for something magical to occur. The spell was hardly referred to again as the women continued on with their goals.
The book is written well and the narration was pretty good too but the overall story was just not very interesting to me. I realize this may be the author's first time writing for this genre. Her writing is good though so perhaps I will check out one of her crime/thriller novels.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Bookouture for granting me access to this Advanced Audio Copy.
I like a good ole Chick Lit/Rom Com sometimes to shake things up so I decided to give this one a try.
Three friends; Cher, Sarah and Deb are sharing wine and conversation together one evening. They are messing around and find an old Magic Spells book on the shelf. As they sift through it they think it would be fun to try one of the spells on themselves. Why not? Cher is in love with her boss who hardly notices her, Sarah is in love with a married man and wants his baby (yes...I know 🙄) and Deb is set to marry the love of her life but has a meddling mother-in-law. Perhaps if they cast a spell then their wishes could come true?
Sounds like a fun storyline, right? Only it wasn't all that fun.
Bits of the story were interesting but after they cast the spell I kept waiting for something magical to occur. The spell was hardly referred to again as the women continued on with their goals.
The book is written well and the narration was pretty good too but the overall story was just not very interesting to me. I realize this may be the author's first time writing for this genre. Her writing is good though so perhaps I will check out one of her crime/thriller novels.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Bookouture for granting me access to this Advanced Audio Copy.
July 7, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC for review.
______
DNF @ 40%
Well.
My first ARC that I am DNFing.
This book was NOT it. None of the characters were likeable. They acted like teenagers even though they are in their mid/late twenties, and they are just so... awful.
Sarah is having an affair with a married man and her plan is to get herself pregnant by him so he will leave his wife.
Cher is obsessed with her kinda asshole boss with whom she's hardly even had a conversation. Like, she literally moons over him and thinks about their ~wedding~ and whatnot like a 14 year old.
Deb is the only kind of likeable character. Honestly, if this book was just about Deb, her overbearing mother-in-law-to-be, and her wish for her to disappear, I would read that. This did not need to be an ensemble book.
Sorry. I tried.
______
DNF @ 40%
Well.
My first ARC that I am DNFing.
This book was NOT it. None of the characters were likeable. They acted like teenagers even though they are in their mid/late twenties, and they are just so... awful.
Sarah is having an affair with a married man and her plan is to get herself pregnant by him so he will leave his wife.
Cher is obsessed with her kinda asshole boss with whom she's hardly even had a conversation. Like, she literally moons over him and thinks about their ~wedding~ and whatnot like a 14 year old.
Deb is the only kind of likeable character. Honestly, if this book was just about Deb, her overbearing mother-in-law-to-be, and her wish for her to disappear, I would read that. This did not need to be an ensemble book.
Sorry. I tried.
June 27, 2021
Romcoms aren’t normally my cup of tea, but I do enjoy a good one now and again and I love Angela Marsons’ crime novels so thought I’d give this a try. Alas, it wasn’t really for me, but it was well written with some funny moments and those who enjoy a light, fun romcom might enjoy it.
The novel is centred around three young women who are close friends, Cher, Sarah and Deb, and each have a problem in their lives, either with their love lives or with an interfering, controlling mother-in-law to be. One night after a few glasses of wine they go into the garden and cast a spell wishing all their problems away. However, when this comes to pass, they find that what they get might not be what they had imagined. I found all the characters fairly shallow and there were few surprises in the plot but it made for a quick, entertaining read. Perfect for the beach. 2.5★
With thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a copy to read
The novel is centred around three young women who are close friends, Cher, Sarah and Deb, and each have a problem in their lives, either with their love lives or with an interfering, controlling mother-in-law to be. One night after a few glasses of wine they go into the garden and cast a spell wishing all their problems away. However, when this comes to pass, they find that what they get might not be what they had imagined. I found all the characters fairly shallow and there were few surprises in the plot but it made for a quick, entertaining read. Perfect for the beach. 2.5★
With thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a copy to read
July 6, 2021
We all know that romcoms are supposed to be predictable. In fact, that’s one of their strong appeals: the fact that we can hope for everything to become alright at the end, a true “happily ever after” to satiate us tired souls fed up of reality. But even within this realm of predictability, there has to be some bit of sense, something realistic, something you can connect with. That’s where this book failed me.
Story:
• I liked this idea of having dual focus areas per character. It is like having two stories per character. Unfortunately, the implementation left a little to be desired. For instance, Deb and Cher both deal with office-related issues. So at times, their character arcs blur into each other (especially when you are hearing the audio.) Having a different location setting could have helped.
• The three ladies are in their (late?) twenties. But some of their actions are downright illogical. I couldn’t put my head around how confident Sarah decides that a baby will be a solution to her problems, or how otherwise smart Cher can’t see any of the flaws in her dreamy boss even though there are so many clear indications of that. Deb was the most realistic of the trio and I enjoyed her story. Sarah’s arc is the most disappointing; she comes across as selfish and short-sighted.
• When the wishing spell part came, I thought the story might go into some comic fantasy mode and was looking forward to a lot of hilarious outcomes. Unfortunately, after that scene, the wishing spell part is hardly referred to. It seemed like a wasted opportunity.
Overall, it is a decent beach read, nothing more. Only a few of the characters are likeable. Recommended for those who want a quick read-and-forget kind of book.
I see from other reviews that the author is known for her crime novels and most of those are very highly rated. But as I haven’t read any of her other works, and going strictly by the Goodreads ratings for those works, I think she might be a better crime fiction novelist than a chick-lit writer.
I heard the audiobook narrated by Alex Tregear. She does a pretty good job of incorporating peppiness and zest in her rendition. However, I kept muddling up the characters (especially when it came to Deb’s and Cher’s office scenes) because they were written so similarly. This isn’t the narrator’s fault; as the book is in third person, she would obviously keep her voice same for all the chapters. Still it is a breezy 9.5 hour audio and goes by quickly.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
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Story:
The story is told from the third person perspective of three women in their twenties. Usually, when it comes to multiple lead characters, each of them is dealing with one specific problem area. But in this case, we have two main problems per character that need to be resolved by ‘The End’.
Deb:
1. Getting married soon to Mark. But her future mother-in-law is a dominant know-it-all who wants to have her say in every bit of the wedding.
2. Up for a prospective promotion at work, she has three months in which to prove herself better suited to the new job than the other colleague who is a sneaky fox.
Sarah:
1. Having an extra-marital affair with David. Decides that her only solution to get him to leave his family is if she becomes pregnant with his child. (Don’t even ask!!)
2. Wants to have a career as a writer but afraid to give up her day job and take this big risk.
Cher:
1. Loves her low-grade job, loves the main boss in her company even more, Keeps dreaming about when they can be together, though he shows no signs of being interested in her.
2. With many layoffs in her company, her future seems to be shaky. Added to this, she is constantly put down by her family for being an underachiever.
One evening, after a heavy drinking bout, they come across an old book of spells and decide to try their luck, casting a wishing spell to make their dreams come true. But as they say, you have to be careful what you wish for.
• I liked this idea of having dual focus areas per character. It is like having two stories per character. Unfortunately, the implementation left a little to be desired. For instance, Deb and Cher both deal with office-related issues. So at times, their character arcs blur into each other (especially when you are hearing the audio.) Having a different location setting could have helped.
• The three ladies are in their (late?) twenties. But some of their actions are downright illogical. I couldn’t put my head around how confident Sarah decides that a baby will be a solution to her problems, or how otherwise smart Cher can’t see any of the flaws in her dreamy boss even though there are so many clear indications of that. Deb was the most realistic of the trio and I enjoyed her story. Sarah’s arc is the most disappointing; she comes across as selfish and short-sighted.
• When the wishing spell part came, I thought the story might go into some comic fantasy mode and was looking forward to a lot of hilarious outcomes. Unfortunately, after that scene, the wishing spell part is hardly referred to. It seemed like a wasted opportunity.
Overall, it is a decent beach read, nothing more. Only a few of the characters are likeable. Recommended for those who want a quick read-and-forget kind of book.
I see from other reviews that the author is known for her crime novels and most of those are very highly rated. But as I haven’t read any of her other works, and going strictly by the Goodreads ratings for those works, I think she might be a better crime fiction novelist than a chick-lit writer.
I heard the audiobook narrated by Alex Tregear. She does a pretty good job of incorporating peppiness and zest in her rendition. However, I kept muddling up the characters (especially when it came to Deb’s and Cher’s office scenes) because they were written so similarly. This isn’t the narrator’s fault; as the book is in third person, she would obviously keep her voice same for all the chapters. Still it is a breezy 9.5 hour audio and goes by quickly.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
July 8, 2021
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I’ve read some of these authors books in the past and liked what I read. When I saw this one by the same author, a detour from her usual genre I thought I’d see what she had to offer.
I occasionally like to steer away from my usual heavy thrillers and read something totally different.
The three grown women in this story were all different, yet had something in common. All friends and each having problems in their lives.
I’ve heard some give negative reviews on books if they don’t like the character/characters. I don’t do that as we can’t like everyone….right? And although one of the characters needed a good shake, there was another one that was totally gobsmacked into her “dream fairytale” world that I felt like pouring cold water over to wake her up!
As for the one trying to get pregnant from her married lover (and yes, I know it happens the world over) I hated her manipulative ways. And her lover didn’t rate in my book either.
It could have been so much better with some depth to these people, but, it’s a rom com huh?
It was ok. I liked it but it’s not something I’d recommend to everyone .
I don’t think it’s memorable.
Ask me in six months.
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I’ve read some of these authors books in the past and liked what I read. When I saw this one by the same author, a detour from her usual genre I thought I’d see what she had to offer.
I occasionally like to steer away from my usual heavy thrillers and read something totally different.
The three grown women in this story were all different, yet had something in common. All friends and each having problems in their lives.
I’ve heard some give negative reviews on books if they don’t like the character/characters. I don’t do that as we can’t like everyone….right? And although one of the characters needed a good shake, there was another one that was totally gobsmacked into her “dream fairytale” world that I felt like pouring cold water over to wake her up!
As for the one trying to get pregnant from her married lover (and yes, I know it happens the world over) I hated her manipulative ways. And her lover didn’t rate in my book either.
It could have been so much better with some depth to these people, but, it’s a rom com huh?
It was ok. I liked it but it’s not something I’d recommend to everyone .
I don’t think it’s memorable.
Ask me in six months.
June 14, 2021
If Only is a contemporary romantic comedy about three women in their twenties figuring out what they want in life and love, by the author of one of my favourite crime series. I grew out of this sort of nonsense about twenty years ago, but figured that Marsons is such a good writer that I had to give it a go. Unfortunately the unlikeable characters, predictable plot and cringey set pieces all reminded me that I am definitely too old for chick lit.
Cher is a ditzy secretary with a crush on her arrogant boss, Sarah a scheming cow planning to drag her married lover away from his family by getting pregnant, and Deb is a spineless saleswoman who lets her awful future mother-in-law walk all over her. Over drinks one night, the three friends cast a spell from an old book to make their wishes come true - but will they get what they want - or what they need?
On the plus side, this was well written with some funny moments, and some entertaining minor characters like Cher’s bonkers family, the cover is great and it’s relatively short (the ebook stops at 91% with the rest being promotion of the author’s other books - in this case it was a relief but I’d’ve felt cheated if I were actually enjoying it and had paid for it.) Unfortunately the three leading ladies were like the companions in The Wizard of Oz - missing a brain, a heart and courage, and it was obvious from the start exactly how each plotline would play out, however implausible.
A lot of it also felt quite dated, with all the mentions of cheques, smoking, and the workplace culture - I wondered if this was something Marsons wrote years ago being published to cash in on her popularity now, but according to the afterword, this is not the case. It would’ve been better to put this out under a pseudonym, as I’m sure readers who love this genre will lap it up, whereas Marsons’ legion of crime fiction fans are likely to feel rather let down. 2.5 rounded down for lack of originality.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
If Only is published on July 6th.
Cher is a ditzy secretary with a crush on her arrogant boss, Sarah a scheming cow planning to drag her married lover away from his family by getting pregnant, and Deb is a spineless saleswoman who lets her awful future mother-in-law walk all over her. Over drinks one night, the three friends cast a spell from an old book to make their wishes come true - but will they get what they want - or what they need?
On the plus side, this was well written with some funny moments, and some entertaining minor characters like Cher’s bonkers family, the cover is great and it’s relatively short (the ebook stops at 91% with the rest being promotion of the author’s other books - in this case it was a relief but I’d’ve felt cheated if I were actually enjoying it and had paid for it.) Unfortunately the three leading ladies were like the companions in The Wizard of Oz - missing a brain, a heart and courage, and it was obvious from the start exactly how each plotline would play out, however implausible.
A lot of it also felt quite dated, with all the mentions of cheques, smoking, and the workplace culture - I wondered if this was something Marsons wrote years ago being published to cash in on her popularity now, but according to the afterword, this is not the case. It would’ve been better to put this out under a pseudonym, as I’m sure readers who love this genre will lap it up, whereas Marsons’ legion of crime fiction fans are likely to feel rather let down. 2.5 rounded down for lack of originality.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
If Only is published on July 6th.
December 15, 2021
IF ONLY is a contemporary romcom by Angela Marsons, a complete change of genre, the author of the DI Kim Stone crime series. Not normally the type of book that I would pick up, but it was a pleasant surprise and a very good effort.
This is the story of three women Cher, Sarah and Deb, the best of friends, who are all looking for a change in their lives. They all have their own baggage.
Company secretary, Cher is head over heels in love with her gorgeous boss, but he barely even notices her except to ask her to make a pot of coffee. Cher is organized and smart and had studied business and commerce.
Sarah who worked as a manager in a bookshop is having an affair for five years with David, hoping that he will leave his wife, Bianca and spoiled five-year-old brat, Chelsea. Sarah is longing for a baby with the man she loves, but when or if was he going to leave his wife?
Deb, a sales manager is in a committed relationship, and due to marry Mark but marriage plans are not going smoothly due to Mark’s mother, Margie, who is trying to control and plan her whole wedding. Deb feels that her mother-in-law is probably never going to allow her to marry her precious son.
When all three friends get together one evening to discuss their problems, while consuming lots of wine, they discover a spell-book on Sarah’s bookshelf. They then all decide to cast a spell and make wishes…find love…have a baby and ditch the mother-in-law!
But it appears they are all searching for happiness in all the wrong places.
This well written book was a definite change in the genre that I normally read, but was a nice change. But I still love her DI Kim Stone Crime Series!
Many thanks to the author and Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
This is the story of three women Cher, Sarah and Deb, the best of friends, who are all looking for a change in their lives. They all have their own baggage.
Company secretary, Cher is head over heels in love with her gorgeous boss, but he barely even notices her except to ask her to make a pot of coffee. Cher is organized and smart and had studied business and commerce.
Sarah who worked as a manager in a bookshop is having an affair for five years with David, hoping that he will leave his wife, Bianca and spoiled five-year-old brat, Chelsea. Sarah is longing for a baby with the man she loves, but when or if was he going to leave his wife?
Deb, a sales manager is in a committed relationship, and due to marry Mark but marriage plans are not going smoothly due to Mark’s mother, Margie, who is trying to control and plan her whole wedding. Deb feels that her mother-in-law is probably never going to allow her to marry her precious son.
When all three friends get together one evening to discuss their problems, while consuming lots of wine, they discover a spell-book on Sarah’s bookshelf. They then all decide to cast a spell and make wishes…find love…have a baby and ditch the mother-in-law!
But it appears they are all searching for happiness in all the wrong places.
This well written book was a definite change in the genre that I normally read, but was a nice change. But I still love her DI Kim Stone Crime Series!
Many thanks to the author and Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
July 1, 2021
If Only is a stand-alone novel by British author, Angela Marsons, who is well known for her crime novels. This one is a light romance that features three main female characters. Initially, Cher will probably strike the reader as shallow: too dazzled by her manager’s good looks to notice the genuinely decent guy in front of her; Sarah, whose selfish plan to fall pregnant to lure her married lover away from his family, makes her difficult to like; Deb is plagued by a manipulative, controlling prospective mother-in-law and needs to grow a backbone.
It says something about this trio that the only criticism Sarah’s plan to snare a married man with a baby attracts is logistical rather than moral. These women are all wishing for something: to be noticed by a cocky, arrogant male, or for a man to leave his wife, or for a woman to disappear; on their girls’ night in, they consult a spell book and drunkenly try to magic what they want. A few weeks later, their lives look very much like a case of “be careful what you wish for.”
There are subplots to fill out the main stories and distract the women from their primary wants: Cher’s workplace is subject to a management audit; Deb is thrown into competition with her work rival for a better position; Sarah begins to focus on her lifelong ambition to write.
While there are some twists and surprises, overall the plot is fairly predictable. Cher will frustrate with her ongoing blind loyalty to a user; sympathy for Sarah’s situation is hard to muster; and Deb takes way too long to stand up for herself. Three of the four children are obnoxious and only two male characters really impress. This one may appeal to readers wanting a light romcom, but is likely not representative of her usual quality, and fans of her crime fiction will probably be disappointed
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Bookouture.
It says something about this trio that the only criticism Sarah’s plan to snare a married man with a baby attracts is logistical rather than moral. These women are all wishing for something: to be noticed by a cocky, arrogant male, or for a man to leave his wife, or for a woman to disappear; on their girls’ night in, they consult a spell book and drunkenly try to magic what they want. A few weeks later, their lives look very much like a case of “be careful what you wish for.”
There are subplots to fill out the main stories and distract the women from their primary wants: Cher’s workplace is subject to a management audit; Deb is thrown into competition with her work rival for a better position; Sarah begins to focus on her lifelong ambition to write.
While there are some twists and surprises, overall the plot is fairly predictable. Cher will frustrate with her ongoing blind loyalty to a user; sympathy for Sarah’s situation is hard to muster; and Deb takes way too long to stand up for herself. Three of the four children are obnoxious and only two male characters really impress. This one may appeal to readers wanting a light romcom, but is likely not representative of her usual quality, and fans of her crime fiction will probably be disappointed
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Bookouture.
September 17, 2021
I am a big fan of Angela Marsons and have happily devoured all of her exceptional crime novels, so when I saw this stand alone novel, (her first) I had to try it.
Not only is this the first stand alone novel by this author, it is also a complete change of genre, being classified as a Romantic Comedy.
The story revolves around the lives of three 30 something year old single ladies and their love lives.
All three are in various degrees of love life dilemmas…
Deb, Sarah and Cher are best friends and meet regularly over drinks and meals to discuss everything going on in their lives. They know everything about each other and comfortably share their deepest secrets and desires.
Deb is about to be married, she’s planning her wedding for the third time after interference from her future mother in law stalled previous attempts at wedding plans.
Sarah is having a long term relationship with a married man and has decided that the only way to get him to leave his wife is to have a baby with him.
Cher has a huge crush on her manager and is blind to his abuse of powers where she and other employees are concerned.
Be careful what you wish for….might be a good catchphrase for all three of them to consider as they naively navigate their relationship ordeals.
You will get caught up in their day to day lives and wonder at their choices, possibly shaking your head or even cringing at times as you wander through the landscape of their relationship trials with them…not just their romantic relationships, but also familial as well as casual and occupational.
This is easy reading and a well written story by this seasoned author and would be enjoyed by lovers of this genre looking for some light reading.
With book #15 of the excellent Kim Stone crime series soon to be released, it leaves only one more book to come…under the current agreement with Bookouture for 16 books in that crime series.
It would be understandable that the author might wish for a change of scenery, even characters, after 16 books, but I truly hope this venture into Romcom doesn’t augur an end to crime fiction from Angela Marsons…That would be a crime imho.
As a first foray into this genre, If Only was just an ok in my opinion.
whatever Angela Marsons decides to write, she is an author to watch out for.
4⭐️s
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture publishers for my copy to read and review.
August 14, 2021
A complete change of direction for author Angela Marsons. I love the DI Kim Stone crime series and can’t believe book 15 is due to be released in November 2021. ‘If Only’ is a romcom and a very good effort for an author known for writing far more serious crime novels. Not really the sort of book I would normally read, but because it was written by Angela Marsons felt it was worth a try. Well I got quite a surprise, after a fairly slow start the book suddenly came to life and I was gripped.
Three women Cher, Deb and Sarah, all friends and all looking for a change in their lives. Company secretary Cher is in love with her boss but unfortunately for her he doesn’t even seem to know she exists. Sarah is having an affair with David, hoping that he will leave his wife. And Deb is the only one who appears to be in a more accepted relationship, she is due to marry Mark but marriage plans are not going smoothly due to Mark’s mother. The three friends are spending an evening together each sharing their troubles while drinking plenty of wine when they discover an old spell-book. Amid the emotions and wine they decide to all cast a spell and make wishes.
What follows is a fun plot with the story being told by each of the friends. Like I said, I didn’t instantly take to the story but was pulled into the fun of the novel and by the end was very entertained. It made a pleasant change to the more serious book topics I normally read.
Three women Cher, Deb and Sarah, all friends and all looking for a change in their lives. Company secretary Cher is in love with her boss but unfortunately for her he doesn’t even seem to know she exists. Sarah is having an affair with David, hoping that he will leave his wife. And Deb is the only one who appears to be in a more accepted relationship, she is due to marry Mark but marriage plans are not going smoothly due to Mark’s mother. The three friends are spending an evening together each sharing their troubles while drinking plenty of wine when they discover an old spell-book. Amid the emotions and wine they decide to all cast a spell and make wishes.
What follows is a fun plot with the story being told by each of the friends. Like I said, I didn’t instantly take to the story but was pulled into the fun of the novel and by the end was very entertained. It made a pleasant change to the more serious book topics I normally read.
July 6, 2021
What a little gem this book is, proving what we’ve known all along: there really is no end to this multi-million bestselling author’s talent! With sparkling characters and a laugh a minute, I ripped through the story. A light-hearted study of female friendship, IF ONLY was the perfect antidote to troubling times. Writing in a completely different genre is not a skill everyone can claim to have, but Angela Marsons pulls it off effortlessly. Bravo, and a big fat ***** FIVE STARS from me!
July 3, 2023
Do you ever find yourself amongst people or in a situation that you might not normally be in & ask yourself how you got there? This was how I felt about my listening experience of this book.
Marsons introduces the readers to three (3) characters; four (4) friends in their 20's who have, at face value, adult lives & will, we assume, encounter adult problems. Unfortunately, very early on in the book, I understood that I was not reading about adult experiences but instead, the warped experiences of underdeveloped characters with the intention of making them fun, quirky & relatable.
Cher —There is a scene in the opening chapters in which she is told by her boss that the company will be performing an audit of managerial staff—which Cher is not. He tells her that this is a stressful time for him but that the general working staff, of which Cher is a part, have no need to worry because they are not being considered in the audit & subsequent plans to downsize.
We then read about Cher asking if she will have to update her resume, her concluding she will have to apply to new jobs & that she's worried about being downsized, over & over again. Did you not hear the very clear sentence that your boss just said? It was abundantly clear that you were not part of the audit so why did we have to read about her thoughts on the stability of her position? To me, this felt like a perfect reflection of Cher; she's all about herself while simultaneously ignoring her own needs resulting in her inability or lack of desire, to perform with any intention of being productive.
Sarah— I wanted to appreciate the point of view that Marsons took with regard to this character. I wanted to appreciate that Sarah was 'the other woman' & had been for close to a decade with the same man. However, Sarah is an idiot manipulator & I felt as though I were reading about a person who wasn't smart enough to read simple cues. It felt lazy to have Sarah decide to pursue wanting to get pregnant to 'trap' the man she was having an affair with.
How many times has this been done? As well, this man already has a kid & I mean, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell you that a kid is not holding him back from living his preferred lifestyle. I was so uninterested in this point of view from that moment on. Sarah was bringing nothing unique to the already explored point of view of 'the other woman'. It didn't make sense that after almost 10 years she would randomly want the man whom she was sleeping with—whom she knew was married with a child—to be her monogamous boyfriend. What would have possibly brought that on?
Deb— If you hate your in-laws so very much don't answer the phone when they call. What is the point of us having to read about how manipulative the in-law is only for Deb to be a doormat of a person the entire time? Deb felt like such an insanely weak character that I was bored with all of her parts. Bringing up the fact that she had a parent who had passed away only for her to turn around & wish death on the parent of the person she 'loves' because she wasn't able to stand up for herself was mind-blowing.
Overall, this wasn't a great book. I've read other reviews where people have praised Marsons for her books in different genres & maybe one day I will venture to read one. Unfortunately, this read as though a group of 12-year-olds had been granted full reign in their lives & had had zero parental supervision throughout their entire existence. I was kind of floored by how immature & ignorant they all were.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, & Angela Marsons for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Marsons introduces the readers to three (3) characters; four (4) friends in their 20's who have, at face value, adult lives & will, we assume, encounter adult problems. Unfortunately, very early on in the book, I understood that I was not reading about adult experiences but instead, the warped experiences of underdeveloped characters with the intention of making them fun, quirky & relatable.
Cher —There is a scene in the opening chapters in which she is told by her boss that the company will be performing an audit of managerial staff—which Cher is not. He tells her that this is a stressful time for him but that the general working staff, of which Cher is a part, have no need to worry because they are not being considered in the audit & subsequent plans to downsize.
We then read about Cher asking if she will have to update her resume, her concluding she will have to apply to new jobs & that she's worried about being downsized, over & over again. Did you not hear the very clear sentence that your boss just said? It was abundantly clear that you were not part of the audit so why did we have to read about her thoughts on the stability of her position? To me, this felt like a perfect reflection of Cher; she's all about herself while simultaneously ignoring her own needs resulting in her inability or lack of desire, to perform with any intention of being productive.
Sarah— I wanted to appreciate the point of view that Marsons took with regard to this character. I wanted to appreciate that Sarah was 'the other woman' & had been for close to a decade with the same man. However, Sarah is an idiot manipulator & I felt as though I were reading about a person who wasn't smart enough to read simple cues. It felt lazy to have Sarah decide to pursue wanting to get pregnant to 'trap' the man she was having an affair with.
How many times has this been done? As well, this man already has a kid & I mean, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell you that a kid is not holding him back from living his preferred lifestyle. I was so uninterested in this point of view from that moment on. Sarah was bringing nothing unique to the already explored point of view of 'the other woman'. It didn't make sense that after almost 10 years she would randomly want the man whom she was sleeping with—whom she knew was married with a child—to be her monogamous boyfriend. What would have possibly brought that on?
Deb— If you hate your in-laws so very much don't answer the phone when they call. What is the point of us having to read about how manipulative the in-law is only for Deb to be a doormat of a person the entire time? Deb felt like such an insanely weak character that I was bored with all of her parts. Bringing up the fact that she had a parent who had passed away only for her to turn around & wish death on the parent of the person she 'loves' because she wasn't able to stand up for herself was mind-blowing.
Overall, this wasn't a great book. I've read other reviews where people have praised Marsons for her books in different genres & maybe one day I will venture to read one. Unfortunately, this read as though a group of 12-year-olds had been granted full reign in their lives & had had zero parental supervision throughout their entire existence. I was kind of floored by how immature & ignorant they all were.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, & Angela Marsons for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
June 20, 2021
Narrator 5 stars
Love this narrator and her voice!
Story 4 stars
Um..... Is this Angela Marsons author of the Kim Stone crime series??? Because of its in fact the same author I am shocked!!!
I really enjoyed this story and the women. I loved them all. This was told so beautifully and if it is the crime writer bonus stars for writing something so bloody good that's outside her normal.
Great job.
Love this narrator and her voice!
Story 4 stars
Um..... Is this Angela Marsons author of the Kim Stone crime series??? Because of its in fact the same author I am shocked!!!
I really enjoyed this story and the women. I loved them all. This was told so beautifully and if it is the crime writer bonus stars for writing something so bloody good that's outside her normal.
Great job.
June 29, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest review!
🍷 The story 🍷
The book is about three friends, Cher, Sarah and Deb, who each have their own troubles in life. The story follows them on their journey, while coping with their problems.
I had quite some trouble with getting invested in this story. I'm not sure what it was, but I just hated the characters so damn much at first, that it was hard to keep reading. I was on the verge of DNF-ing this book quite a few times, but in the end I'm glad I pulled through, because the story definitely got better. However, I must say that I feel like the blurb of the story was kind of deceiving. I mean - it talks about them doing a spell that might change their lives. Yes, sure, that happens, but it made me think that the magic would at least be obvious and they would all want to change it back or something like that. That didn't happen at all - they did mention it again at the ending and there were some hints to their wishes taking root, but I feel like that was quite deceiving since it wasn't really an important part of the story. I was satisfied with how the story ended,
🍷 The characters 🍷
I'm going to start off with talking about Deb, because I liked her the most.
👰🏽Deb👰🏽
When the characters were first introduced, I immediately liked Deb the most. Which wasn't hard, because I really disliked the others, but still. I really didn't understand why she wouldn't just tell Margie off, nor why she'd cancel her wedding like that so many times, but okay then. I really loved her relationship with Mark, and I wish we'd gotten more of them together, because the moments we did get were damn good. From the blurb it seemed like Mark didn't support her - which again, wasn't true. I loved how he had her back and was ready to beat up his mother for her. It feels like we just scratched the surface of Deb's character; we still barely know anything about her parents and stuff like that. I was left wondering why her relationship with her father had been so strained, why he treated her and her brothers like that when they were younger, why he was barely taking care of himself now, etc. etc. It also took me a while to figure out what exactly her job was, because it wasn't really clear what she did exactly in that company - nor what the company even was.
I was really rooting for her in the race for the job, I definitely didn't understand why she didn't do it earlier! Damn, Margie is so infuriating, I would totally freak out if she was my mother in law lol.
🛵Cher🛵
I hated Cher SO much until like 50% into the story. The way she was pining for Michael wasn't relatable - it was bordering on stalker psycho. That might be a bit exaggerated lol, but still. I can't believe you'd be so in love with someone you literally don't even know? Again, from the blurb I got the impression that Michael would actually be her boss, but he wasn't? Sure, she had to work for him a couple of days, but that doesn't make him her new boss. Sorry, but that's just not what the blurb said. I just really don't understand why she kept defending him throughout this entire book while he had been nothing but a dick to her and everyone else. It just annoyed me so damn much that she was so convinced that Michael was in love with her - he literally never spoke a word to you? How desperate can a person be?!
But, after a while, I liked her more and more. I was rooting for Dan so much, it annoyed me how she couldn't see what was right in front of her. But like I said, I liked her character development and the way she was finally put in her place by Michael. I mean sure, it was terrible, but also very necessary. What the hell was she thinking, Damn, that was so desperate and I hated it. I loved every scene with Dan, and her hate for her nephews was so relatable, it made me laugh quite a few times. I really loved the scene where she had to babysit her nephews, although it was ruined again when she wished Dan was Michael thoughplease stop being so desperate. But I really didn't hate her that much in the end!
📝 Sarah 📝
Onto the girl I really freaking hate. I've never seen a more desperate character in my life, holy shit. The way That was so messed up and needy, I hated it. I was happy with her character development, when she started to write again - because she was finally not just sitting around and moaning about wanting to be with David. I felt so damn bad for her when that's like my worst nightmare aaah! I definitely hated Chelsea lol, what a spoiled brat. Besides that, I again feel like we have barely scratched the surface of this character, since we barely know anything about her sister Stella and her husband. I'm still wondering what happend for Sarah and Stella's relationship to be this strained, and I was left wondering what Stella's husband exactly knew about Stella and her activities (if you get what I mean), and whether or not he was having an affair with that Amelia - or America or something? - neighbour woman. Like I said, I still have many questions.
🍷 Writing 🍷
The time jumps were a bit confusing at times, because sometimes there were just sudden jumps and the story was way ahead in time without any real clue that it even happend. Maybe that’s just because of the Netgalley app, but I'm not sure if that's the case. Take Deb’s meeting for example, Mrs Stringer was asking Ricky about his handicap, the next sentence was her talking about why they were there..? So we didn't get his answer, and I was really confused at the sudden jump. After a while it was more obvious when there was a time jump, but it just wasn't always very clear in the Netgalley app. Besides that, it was easy to read, with both short and long sentences.
🍷 Overall conclusion 🍷
Overall, the characters reminded me of children/teenagers at first. The character development was good, but I feel like the author threw in all kinds of terrible pasts/family relations without really explaining them or elaborating on them. My own stubbornness not to DNF the book kept me going and in the end, I'm glad that I did keep reading, because there were definitely some cute scenes. But still, I'm not too sure if I really liked this book.
👍🏻 Character development; Dan; the ending
👎🏻 How annoying most of the characters were at first; the shallowness of the side characters; the deceiving information in the blurb
🍷 The story 🍷
The book is about three friends, Cher, Sarah and Deb, who each have their own troubles in life. The story follows them on their journey, while coping with their problems.
I had quite some trouble with getting invested in this story. I'm not sure what it was, but I just hated the characters so damn much at first, that it was hard to keep reading. I was on the verge of DNF-ing this book quite a few times, but in the end I'm glad I pulled through, because the story definitely got better. However, I must say that I feel like the blurb of the story was kind of deceiving. I mean - it talks about them doing a spell that might change their lives. Yes, sure, that happens, but it made me think that the magic would at least be obvious and they would all want to change it back or something like that. That didn't happen at all - they did mention it again at the ending and there were some hints to their wishes taking root, but I feel like that was quite deceiving since it wasn't really an important part of the story. I was satisfied with how the story ended,
🍷 The characters 🍷
I'm going to start off with talking about Deb, because I liked her the most.
👰🏽Deb👰🏽
When the characters were first introduced, I immediately liked Deb the most. Which wasn't hard, because I really disliked the others, but still. I really didn't understand why she wouldn't just tell Margie off, nor why she'd cancel her wedding like that so many times, but okay then. I really loved her relationship with Mark, and I wish we'd gotten more of them together, because the moments we did get were damn good. From the blurb it seemed like Mark didn't support her - which again, wasn't true. I loved how he had her back and was ready to beat up his mother for her. It feels like we just scratched the surface of Deb's character; we still barely know anything about her parents and stuff like that. I was left wondering why her relationship with her father had been so strained, why he treated her and her brothers like that when they were younger, why he was barely taking care of himself now, etc. etc. It also took me a while to figure out what exactly her job was, because it wasn't really clear what she did exactly in that company - nor what the company even was.
I was really rooting for her in the race for the job, I definitely didn't understand why she didn't do it earlier! Damn, Margie is so infuriating, I would totally freak out if she was my mother in law lol.
🛵Cher🛵
I hated Cher SO much until like 50% into the story. The way she was pining for Michael wasn't relatable - it was bordering on stalker psycho. That might be a bit exaggerated lol, but still. I can't believe you'd be so in love with someone you literally don't even know? Again, from the blurb I got the impression that Michael would actually be her boss, but he wasn't? Sure, she had to work for him a couple of days, but that doesn't make him her new boss. Sorry, but that's just not what the blurb said. I just really don't understand why she kept defending him throughout this entire book while he had been nothing but a dick to her and everyone else. It just annoyed me so damn much that she was so convinced that Michael was in love with her - he literally never spoke a word to you? How desperate can a person be?!
But, after a while, I liked her more and more. I was rooting for Dan so much, it annoyed me how she couldn't see what was right in front of her. But like I said, I liked her character development and the way she was finally put in her place by Michael. I mean sure, it was terrible, but also very necessary. What the hell was she thinking, Damn, that was so desperate and I hated it. I loved every scene with Dan, and her hate for her nephews was so relatable, it made me laugh quite a few times. I really loved the scene where she had to babysit her nephews, although it was ruined again when she wished Dan was Michael though
📝 Sarah 📝
Onto the girl I really freaking hate. I've never seen a more desperate character in my life, holy shit. The way That was so messed up and needy, I hated it. I was happy with her character development, when she started to write again - because she was finally not just sitting around and moaning about wanting to be with David. I felt so damn bad for her when that's like my worst nightmare aaah! I definitely hated Chelsea lol, what a spoiled brat. Besides that, I again feel like we have barely scratched the surface of this character, since we barely know anything about her sister Stella and her husband. I'm still wondering what happend for Sarah and Stella's relationship to be this strained, and I was left wondering what Stella's husband exactly knew about Stella and her activities (if you get what I mean), and whether or not he was having an affair with that Amelia - or America or something? - neighbour woman. Like I said, I still have many questions.
🍷 Writing 🍷
The time jumps were a bit confusing at times, because sometimes there were just sudden jumps and the story was way ahead in time without any real clue that it even happend. Maybe that’s just because of the Netgalley app, but I'm not sure if that's the case. Take Deb’s meeting for example, Mrs Stringer was asking Ricky about his handicap, the next sentence was her talking about why they were there..? So we didn't get his answer, and I was really confused at the sudden jump. After a while it was more obvious when there was a time jump, but it just wasn't always very clear in the Netgalley app. Besides that, it was easy to read, with both short and long sentences.
🍷 Overall conclusion 🍷
Overall, the characters reminded me of children/teenagers at first. The character development was good, but I feel like the author threw in all kinds of terrible pasts/family relations without really explaining them or elaborating on them. My own stubbornness not to DNF the book kept me going and in the end, I'm glad that I did keep reading, because there were definitely some cute scenes. But still, I'm not too sure if I really liked this book.
👍🏻 Character development; Dan; the ending
👎🏻 How annoying most of the characters were at first; the shallowness of the side characters; the deceiving information in the blurb
July 6, 2021
Wow wow Wow this book! Is there anything this incredibly versatile author cannot do? Her crime novels rank as my absolute favourite number 1 series and her women's fiction books made me cry. And this one, wow. It ma're me laugh and cry and root for each if the beautiful, lovely, real, wonderful protagonists. A beautiful, emotional, heart warming tale to impress and transport anyone. Do read this one. Just wow.
July 15, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for the audio copy. Three friends Cher, Sarah and Deb have had a few drinks when they find a old book of spells. They each take part in a wishing spell. Cher wants her gorgeous boss to fall in love with her. Sarah wants her married lover to leave his wife for her and Deb wants the mother-in-law from hell to disappear. A amusing feel good read.
May 12, 2021
A tale of 3 best friends Cher. Sarah and Deb!
Loved the girls in this story, their fun and adventure while dealing with every day life problems. Loved it.
A new genre for Angela and this was brilliant.
Very light hearted easy read and and enjoyed every page.
Loved the girls in this story, their fun and adventure while dealing with every day life problems. Loved it.
A new genre for Angela and this was brilliant.
Very light hearted easy read and and enjoyed every page.
May 19, 2022
If Only by new to me author Angela Marsons was a breath of fresh air for me. I was quickly drawn into this story of three women who have been the best of friends for ages get together over several glasses of wine to commiserate the misery of their lives. Cher is in love with her boss, who is a tool and barely acknowledges her existence. Sarah has been seeing a married man for five years and longs for a baby, thinking it will bind him to her forever. Deb is in the middle of wedding planning hell with her future mother-in-law trying to control every aspect of the nuptials and was the cause of the last two attempts to be postponed.
Do you know what they say about not making important decisions while under the influence? That goes for casting wish spells too. After finding a book about casting spells on Sarah’s bookshelf, they decide to try it. Cher wishes for her boss to fall in love with her, Sarah wishes to have David’s child and Deb wishes her fiancé’s mother would disappear. I say be careful of what you wish. Your wish may be granted, but not in the way you are expecting.
What follows is a story I found difficult to put down. I truly liked these women and cared about their lives and with what they were dealing. I could be friends with these women. I had a bit of a struggle with Sarah dating a married man but she isn’t the type of man-stealing femme fatale character I usually think of when I envision the “other woman.” I’ve never been a fan of the adultery plot device, but the author writes it so well that it garnered more empathy from me for Sarah than I normally would feel.
The chapters skip between each of the women, giving me the sense that I was a part of the story, present with each of them as friends would be, with laughter and sympathy for what they are going through. Isn’t that what life is all about? Surrounding yourself with the people you care about the most who are there ready to celebrate your victories and mourn your losses with you, with or without wine, is the best way to live.
My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this book to readers who love stories that draw on their emotions from laughing to righteous indignation to tears. I listened to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed the narrator’s voice and the personality that shines through the characters. I doubt I would have enjoyed it as well if I had read it in my own voice.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of If Only from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Do you know what they say about not making important decisions while under the influence? That goes for casting wish spells too. After finding a book about casting spells on Sarah’s bookshelf, they decide to try it. Cher wishes for her boss to fall in love with her, Sarah wishes to have David’s child and Deb wishes her fiancé’s mother would disappear. I say be careful of what you wish. Your wish may be granted, but not in the way you are expecting.
What follows is a story I found difficult to put down. I truly liked these women and cared about their lives and with what they were dealing. I could be friends with these women. I had a bit of a struggle with Sarah dating a married man but she isn’t the type of man-stealing femme fatale character I usually think of when I envision the “other woman.” I’ve never been a fan of the adultery plot device, but the author writes it so well that it garnered more empathy from me for Sarah than I normally would feel.
The chapters skip between each of the women, giving me the sense that I was a part of the story, present with each of them as friends would be, with laughter and sympathy for what they are going through. Isn’t that what life is all about? Surrounding yourself with the people you care about the most who are there ready to celebrate your victories and mourn your losses with you, with or without wine, is the best way to live.
My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this book to readers who love stories that draw on their emotions from laughing to righteous indignation to tears. I listened to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed the narrator’s voice and the personality that shines through the characters. I doubt I would have enjoyed it as well if I had read it in my own voice.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of If Only from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2021
If Only by Angela Marsons is a stand-alone novel and a departure from the crime novels she usually pens, so I was mightily curious to read it.
Cher, Sarah and Deb are best friends. Cher works at a company as a secretary and is in love with her boss, who has yet to notice her, romantically. Sarah is having an affair with David and sure that if she gets pregnant, he will leave Bianca, his wife. Deb's going to marry her fiancé, Mark but is having problems with his overbearing mother, Margie. The three women are having a girls night in at Cher's place with wine, lasagne and cheesecake. After several glasses of wine, they find an old spellbook and decide to formulate a plan to cast a wishing spell.
The plot unfolds at a steady pace and the story develops via alternative chapters from the friends. The characters are well-drawn and they were great in the roles the author had earmarked for them, creating a fun, amusing and entertaining tale.
With intrigue and lots of comedic moments, the ending was satisfying and I'm pleased to have read this mesmerising novel. Well done Angela Marsons!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Cher, Sarah and Deb are best friends. Cher works at a company as a secretary and is in love with her boss, who has yet to notice her, romantically. Sarah is having an affair with David and sure that if she gets pregnant, he will leave Bianca, his wife. Deb's going to marry her fiancé, Mark but is having problems with his overbearing mother, Margie. The three women are having a girls night in at Cher's place with wine, lasagne and cheesecake. After several glasses of wine, they find an old spellbook and decide to formulate a plan to cast a wishing spell.
The plot unfolds at a steady pace and the story develops via alternative chapters from the friends. The characters are well-drawn and they were great in the roles the author had earmarked for them, creating a fun, amusing and entertaining tale.
With intrigue and lots of comedic moments, the ending was satisfying and I'm pleased to have read this mesmerising novel. Well done Angela Marsons!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
March 2, 2022
This book goes to prove that not only is this author the Queen of Crime, but that she can also write a pretty damn good light-hearted romantic read! Completely different to her bestseller Kim Stone crime series, this book focusses on three women – Cher, Sarah and Deb. Cher only has eyes for the big boss man, Michael Hunter, but he barely even looks her way, Sarah is having an affair with a married man and wants to start a new life with him and Deb is getting married, but her future mother in law is a complete nightmare! If only the boss would notice Cher, if only Sarah’s boyfriend left his wife and if only Deb’s future mother in law would just go away! Can those “if only’s” really happen?
I loved this book, it was such an easy, uncomplicated read! The characters were all likeable in their own ways, and I connected with each one of the women in one way or another. Told from the perspectives of Cher, Sarah and Deb, this story took me on a rollercoaster journey through their lives. The storyline was highly entertaining and kept me chuckling all the way through! Deb had to be my favourite character, all she wanted to do was get married, and yet with her future mother in law in charge of planning the wedding, Deb was never going to get the wedding she wanted. I really liked Cher as well, even though it did feel like you needed to bang her on the head to get her to open her eyes and realise what was going on! Sarah, for me, was the least likeable of the three, but only because she came across as very self-centred. All of the women did learn though, as the book moved on, that things aren’t always what they seem, and the grass is never greener on the other side!
This book held my interest from very early on, and I happily ploughed my way through it in a couple of days! I loved the ending, felt it really rounded up the women’s stories well, and I must admit to wiping away a tear or two with Deb’s wedding. The storyline was well paced and realistic – I could imagine myself doing a lot of the things that all three women did! – and I lost myself in their stories very easily. Yes, it’s completely different to what I’m used to from this author, but it made a wonderfully refreshing change! How clever to be able to write both – is there nothing that this author can’t do! Would definitely recommend!
I loved this book, it was such an easy, uncomplicated read! The characters were all likeable in their own ways, and I connected with each one of the women in one way or another. Told from the perspectives of Cher, Sarah and Deb, this story took me on a rollercoaster journey through their lives. The storyline was highly entertaining and kept me chuckling all the way through! Deb had to be my favourite character, all she wanted to do was get married, and yet with her future mother in law in charge of planning the wedding, Deb was never going to get the wedding she wanted. I really liked Cher as well, even though it did feel like you needed to bang her on the head to get her to open her eyes and realise what was going on! Sarah, for me, was the least likeable of the three, but only because she came across as very self-centred. All of the women did learn though, as the book moved on, that things aren’t always what they seem, and the grass is never greener on the other side!
This book held my interest from very early on, and I happily ploughed my way through it in a couple of days! I loved the ending, felt it really rounded up the women’s stories well, and I must admit to wiping away a tear or two with Deb’s wedding. The storyline was well paced and realistic – I could imagine myself doing a lot of the things that all three women did! – and I lost myself in their stories very easily. Yes, it’s completely different to what I’m used to from this author, but it made a wonderfully refreshing change! How clever to be able to write both – is there nothing that this author can’t do! Would definitely recommend!
July 8, 2021
1.5 stars I was drawn to this book based on the last couple of sentences in the publisher’s description. It suggests that something magical or fantastic is going to happen to the three characters. To my utmost disappointment, there was nothing magical or otherworldly in the plot of this story. I felt like it was a wasted opportunity for the author to really bring it on! There were SO MANY roads the author could’ve chosen to go with a “book of spells” yet she chose the I 95…straight and predictable.
If you are contemplating this read, just know there isn’t any magical realism weaved into the plot. And to add insult to injury, the plot line wasn’t spectacular either. The pacing was off - way too slow - and it was hard to relate to the characters. They were one note and boring people with trivial problems.
I listened to the audiobook and the performance was just okay. It was confusing sometimes as it jumped around between characters randomly. Sometimes spending more than a couple of chapters on one character and then suddenly switching to another character briefly. It needed more prominent warning when switching POV’s.
Sadly the execution didn’t work for me. I needed more emotional depth and was seriously disappointed by the lack of magical realism and fantasy that was promised. Perhaps that should be taken out of the pub description since it’s such a minor element.
I received an advanced audio copy from Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review
If you are contemplating this read, just know there isn’t any magical realism weaved into the plot. And to add insult to injury, the plot line wasn’t spectacular either. The pacing was off - way too slow - and it was hard to relate to the characters. They were one note and boring people with trivial problems.
I listened to the audiobook and the performance was just okay. It was confusing sometimes as it jumped around between characters randomly. Sometimes spending more than a couple of chapters on one character and then suddenly switching to another character briefly. It needed more prominent warning when switching POV’s.
Sadly the execution didn’t work for me. I needed more emotional depth and was seriously disappointed by the lack of magical realism and fantasy that was promised. Perhaps that should be taken out of the pub description since it’s such a minor element.
I received an advanced audio copy from Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review
September 16, 2021
Don’t condemn what you can’t comprehend.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook arc in exchange for a honest review
I still don’t know what to think about this book for I am still confused. This book sure as hell left me dumb-founded. Some chapters are really good and some are really bad. Lets once see the blurb.
"I want Michael Hunter to fall so deeply in love with me that he can’t bear to be more than 50 feet away,” Cher declares to her best friends over cheesecake and wine. But what if she’s searching for happiness in the wrong place?
I hated this part about Cher. She was SO OBSESSED with Michael Hunter!
As Cher types up letters about overflowing rubbish bins in a job she hates, she dreams of Michael Hunter. He’s gorgeous, smart, funny, and he’s about to become her new boss. But he barely looks at Cher except to ask for a coffee refill. How can she get him to notice she’s the perfect girl for him?
That is what Cher ever think about. ‘Michael Hunter. Michael Hunter. Michael Hunter. He is my love. He is my heart. The love of my life.’
While Cher ignores the warning from workmate Dan that Michael is bad news, her friends have their own problems to fix.
Okay, I hope we all are clear about one thing. Cher doesn’t deserve Dan. Dan is too good for her, too sweet for her, he is someone that deserves the love of someone way better than Dan. Dan is awesome though! Michael is not.
Sarah is longing to start a new life with a man who won’t commit,
I hated her at first. She was just-too much. She acted like one of those ‘drama queens’. Thank the saints she finally (a bit) learned her lesson by the end.
and bride-to-be Deb should be looking forward to her wedding, but her future mother-in-law is turning it into a nightmare from hell.... If only her fiancé could see it that way.
Deb is alright but her future mother-in-law wasn’t.
So, when one summer evening, over several glasses of wine, Cher, Sarah, and Deb stumble across an old book and decide to cast a wishing spell, they don’t think for one minute that it will come true. It’s just three best friends having a laugh and throwing some herbs around the garden. Or is it?
That whole para is wrong. It isn’t as cheerful as it sounds. There is not one drop of magic in the whole story.
Listening Length: 9 hours and 36 minutes
9 hours and 36 minutes of hell and heaven.
Plot:
Cher, Sarah and Deb are three best friends who have their own problems and suffering. They utter some magic words and BAM! Everything changes. Their lives change. For good or bad? Read and find out.
Michael suddenly talks to Cher which doesn’t involve coffee.
David chooses to live with Sarah.
And there is a new wedding date for Deb that might actually go according to her plans without Margie (mother-in-law) involving.
But at what cost?
Would they fully have what they deeply wanted or would they regret uttering the words? Choose your words carefully. I think that’s the moral…
The Writing:
It was alright but a bit um dolty? Its also a bit chatty. But I didn’t get attached to it; the sentences didn’t pull me in and it felt incomplete.
The Characters
Cher
One of the most annoying character I have ever met. I enjoyed her chapters at first even though it was just a holy Michael Hunter chant. But then it got to a point where I just couldn’t handle it anymore. She was way worse than both Sarah and Deb combined. I kept skipping (a bit) her chapters continuously so now I have zero idea what happened to her by the end. I just remember her finally think ‘but she DID love him’ to Dan. Seriously?
Sarah
I don’t know whether I like her or hate her, but I do feel bad for her by the end. She was the only character that I liked out of the three and the one I connected with and didn’t feel annoyed.
I kinda feel ashamed (a bit) that I liked her but one cannot control their heart. It has a mind of it own. But mostly I think liking arose from pity. I swear her story by the end is really mobilising.
Deb
I liked her but by the end I didn’t feel any kind of connection which is annoying as I found her personality better than that of Sarah’s. She was not treated properly by Margie which angered me. (obviously!) I don’t have much to add but she is really sweet. You all would love her.
Michael
Number one asshole in this book. He was just Cher for his own good and didn’t deserve a~n~y~t~h~i~n.
Dan
I liked Dan. He was sweet, kind, polite and not someone who should settle for someone like Cher. Not judging though…
The Ending:
Th ending seriously disappointed me. It was fine and okay if your expectations are low but this just didn’t meet mine. Romantically. Personally. In every way. I would have given it a 4 star if there was an alternate ending to this book.
My thoughts:
Well, it wasn’t that bad and is definitely worth a read. It did have flaws and the characters were a bit bland whose world revolved around the men but this was a sweet read. Don’t let that three star fool you.
Audiobook Comments:
This was the first audiobook that I have ever listened and man! Its long!
The voice was a bit breathy and failed to pull me in some chapters but overall, it okay and definitely worth listening to. To be honest, the voice suited this book.
~Is it time to start wishing and start living?~
June 21, 2021
Whenever I read a romance book like this one, I try to be aware of the genre it belongs to and the tropes that are a part of it. So I can give it a fair chance.
This book is very obvious in its use of classic tropes and it's quite easy to guess what's going to happen next, which doesn't have to be a bad thing necessarily. I can still have a good time even though it's predictable. However, that only happened for the final 15% of the book. The rest was harder to read for a few reasons.
At the beginning of the book, one of the characters mentioned that "feminists will frown at her behaviour" or something along the lines. This made me think the book was going to be full of tropes but self-aware and sort of making fun of those tropes, which was an idea I was into. It really wasn't like that, even if there is some "redemption" for some of the characters at the end when they finally open their eyes a little and become aware of what really is going on.
The character of Sarah plans something that I can't quite believe is an ok thing to publish in 2021. The act itself is horrible and the fact that no one tells her to stop is worrying. It romanticizes doing something like that which is not ok.
And of course, the self-deprecating comments are a bit too much. It's tiring to read, multiple times, how an average-sized woman mentions that she should skip meals not to get fat.
If it wasn't for those small details (not so small to me), I could have really enjoyed this book a lot more.
The audiobook was great. The narrator had a clear voice and made good voices for the different characters. Very suited to this genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an early copy of the audiobook.
This book is very obvious in its use of classic tropes and it's quite easy to guess what's going to happen next, which doesn't have to be a bad thing necessarily. I can still have a good time even though it's predictable. However, that only happened for the final 15% of the book. The rest was harder to read for a few reasons.
At the beginning of the book, one of the characters mentioned that "feminists will frown at her behaviour" or something along the lines. This made me think the book was going to be full of tropes but self-aware and sort of making fun of those tropes, which was an idea I was into. It really wasn't like that, even if there is some "redemption" for some of the characters at the end when they finally open their eyes a little and become aware of what really is going on.
The character of Sarah plans something that I can't quite believe is an ok thing to publish in 2021. The act itself is horrible and the fact that no one tells her to stop is worrying. It romanticizes doing something like that which is not ok.
And of course, the self-deprecating comments are a bit too much. It's tiring to read, multiple times, how an average-sized woman mentions that she should skip meals not to get fat.
If it wasn't for those small details (not so small to me), I could have really enjoyed this book a lot more.
The audiobook was great. The narrator had a clear voice and made good voices for the different characters. Very suited to this genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an early copy of the audiobook.
June 28, 2021
I am sure most girls and young women wished that a certain person might find them attractive, or ask them out, or fall in love with them, but these three women go one step further. Cher has been mooning over her new boss. Even after Dan, another person she works with, warns her off, she still wants him to fall in love with her. Sarah has been having an affair with a married man. She is sure that if she gets pregnant, he will commit to her. The final friend is Deb. Deb is living with the man she loves and trying to plan a wedding. The small affair they want has been hijacked by her future mother-in-law and she is driving Deb crazy. So one summer evening, after several glasses of wine, they find an old book and decide to cast a wishing spell. It’s just three friends having a laugh and throwing some herbs around the garden. They are just having fun, but, be careful what you wish for.
This was a fun story, but had some serious themes. I did not like all of the women, specifically Sarah. I thought she was selfish and was only thinking about what she wanted. She was hard to like and I didn't change my opinion of her. I really liked Deb. She was happy with her life and didn't want a big shindig. She didn't like getting manipulated by her future MIL and I kept yelling at her to stand up for herself. She was willing to put up with her for the sake of her relationship. Cher was in between. She was infuriating and wanted a man based on his looks, not his personality. She did come around eventually. I did enjoy seeing their wishes come true, albeit not the way they wanted them to. Overall this was a fun romcom. I have to say that the narrator was wonderful. This is the first book that I have listened to that was narrated by Alex Tregear. She was able to give each of the characters their own voice by using tone and expression. I will not hesitate to listen to books she has narrated. If you enjoy romcoms, you need to pick this one up. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
This was a fun story, but had some serious themes. I did not like all of the women, specifically Sarah. I thought she was selfish and was only thinking about what she wanted. She was hard to like and I didn't change my opinion of her. I really liked Deb. She was happy with her life and didn't want a big shindig. She didn't like getting manipulated by her future MIL and I kept yelling at her to stand up for herself. She was willing to put up with her for the sake of her relationship. Cher was in between. She was infuriating and wanted a man based on his looks, not his personality. She did come around eventually. I did enjoy seeing their wishes come true, albeit not the way they wanted them to. Overall this was a fun romcom. I have to say that the narrator was wonderful. This is the first book that I have listened to that was narrated by Alex Tregear. She was able to give each of the characters their own voice by using tone and expression. I will not hesitate to listen to books she has narrated. If you enjoy romcoms, you need to pick this one up. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
July 3, 2021
Cher often works late because her boss says he needs her to attend a meeting. Today, even though she has plans with her 2 friends, Sarah, and Deb, she doesn't mind terribly because Michael Hunter will be at the meeting as well. He is so handsome and she wishes he would notice her for more than to just ask for a cup of coffee.
Sarah is in love with David whom she met 5 years ago when he came into her bookshop asking for recommends for some books for his pregnant wife. Later, he returned and asked to take her for coffee to thank her for the book suggestions. They are now in the midst of an affair and she just wants him to agree to leave his wife. She thinks if she gets pregnant, he will.
Deb is being pressured by her fiancé’s mother, Margie, take over lots of plans for Deb’s upcoming wedding. The woman is a total irritant and is driving Deb crazy. She just wants to plan her own wedding.
At their latest get-together, the friends find an old book about casting spells. That’s when they decide to cast a spell on Margie; a spell for fertility for Sarah; and a spell for Michael Hunter to become obsessed with Cher.
I admit that I had a hard time getting into this book as it was nearly at the end before it finally got somewhere. Deb is the most level leaded person who dearly loves her fiancé but is so exasperated at her mother-in-law to be who made outrageous demands about her wedding. I’m surprised she gave into the woman as much as she did. Cher’s idea that Michael Hunter is her ideal man is rather pathetic. What a jerk. Sarah’s obsession with a married man is simply sad. Don’t try to break up a marriage. All in all, the ending for each woman is good and satisfying.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Sarah is in love with David whom she met 5 years ago when he came into her bookshop asking for recommends for some books for his pregnant wife. Later, he returned and asked to take her for coffee to thank her for the book suggestions. They are now in the midst of an affair and she just wants him to agree to leave his wife. She thinks if she gets pregnant, he will.
Deb is being pressured by her fiancé’s mother, Margie, take over lots of plans for Deb’s upcoming wedding. The woman is a total irritant and is driving Deb crazy. She just wants to plan her own wedding.
At their latest get-together, the friends find an old book about casting spells. That’s when they decide to cast a spell on Margie; a spell for fertility for Sarah; and a spell for Michael Hunter to become obsessed with Cher.
I admit that I had a hard time getting into this book as it was nearly at the end before it finally got somewhere. Deb is the most level leaded person who dearly loves her fiancé but is so exasperated at her mother-in-law to be who made outrageous demands about her wedding. I’m surprised she gave into the woman as much as she did. Cher’s idea that Michael Hunter is her ideal man is rather pathetic. What a jerk. Sarah’s obsession with a married man is simply sad. Don’t try to break up a marriage. All in all, the ending for each woman is good and satisfying.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 6, 2021
When you say ‘Angela Marsons’, you say ‘Kim Stone’. There are few people who don’t know them and I have to say I had to read it twice when it was being announced that she had written a romcom. I never saw that coming if I have to be honest, but why not? A lot of authors have written different genres and excelled in all of them.
Romcom, the word says it alI: a mixture of romance and comedy. I think being able to make people laugh is one of the most difficult things and yes, this story has put a smile on my face more than once. Now about the ‘love’ side: a wedding, falling in love with the one and starting to love yourself again… I’d say this box has been ticked too.
Why did I fall in love with this genre? It’s because it gives you a chance to escape the serious things in real life for a while and in my opinion this story was like they wrote them years ago. The heroin(s) was/were naive, they often wanted what was not possible and did not see what was right in front of them. Nowadays romcoms often have a more serious theme too like dead or an illness and I still prefer the ‘old fashioned’ ones.
So, yes I liked it a lot. Was it a bit predictable? Yes, but that is typical for this genre and that is something you know even before you open such a book.
The author has proved, once again, what an amazing writer she is. Thriller or romcom, she just nails both genres. 5 stars
Thank you Angela Marsons and Bookouture
Romcom, the word says it alI: a mixture of romance and comedy. I think being able to make people laugh is one of the most difficult things and yes, this story has put a smile on my face more than once. Now about the ‘love’ side: a wedding, falling in love with the one and starting to love yourself again… I’d say this box has been ticked too.
Why did I fall in love with this genre? It’s because it gives you a chance to escape the serious things in real life for a while and in my opinion this story was like they wrote them years ago. The heroin(s) was/were naive, they often wanted what was not possible and did not see what was right in front of them. Nowadays romcoms often have a more serious theme too like dead or an illness and I still prefer the ‘old fashioned’ ones.
So, yes I liked it a lot. Was it a bit predictable? Yes, but that is typical for this genre and that is something you know even before you open such a book.
The author has proved, once again, what an amazing writer she is. Thriller or romcom, she just nails both genres. 5 stars
Thank you Angela Marsons and Bookouture
May 16, 2021
Three best friends Debs, Sarah and Cher decide to half-jokingly cast a spell to achieve their dreams regarding an interfering mother-in-law to be, a commitment-phobe lover and gorgeous boss.
They really haven't heard the phrase 'Be careful what you wish for'!
What an unputdownable read! I devoured it in a few days. This story has got everything you'd wish for in a lighthearted escape - romance, intrigue, lots of laughs and and characters to root for. I couldn't wait to get to the end and see how each of these women's stories unfolded.
If Only certainly cast a spell on me!
They really haven't heard the phrase 'Be careful what you wish for'!
What an unputdownable read! I devoured it in a few days. This story has got everything you'd wish for in a lighthearted escape - romance, intrigue, lots of laughs and and characters to root for. I couldn't wait to get to the end and see how each of these women's stories unfolded.
If Only certainly cast a spell on me!
June 26, 2021
I'm pretty sure I've met all these characters throughout my life. I could even give them a name of people I've know and has been in every situation describe in this wonderful book. I know is fiction but it is definitely very real.
I still don't know why for society is so wrong to be alone. Why do we have to be married or in a relationship? I've never understood why is that so important. Why people need to have children if they don't want any? Why?
And I've realized that it's not just us being criticize, guys also go through that, if they don't get "settled down" by a certain age people around them also start "worrying" about whether if they are gay or not, and WHAT IF?
I still don't know why for society is so wrong to be alone. Why do we have to be married or in a relationship? I've never understood why is that so important. Why people need to have children if they don't want any? Why?
And I've realized that it's not just us being criticize, guys also go through that, if they don't get "settled down" by a certain age people around them also start "worrying" about whether if they are gay or not, and WHAT IF?
June 17, 2021
I would like to thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-copy ARC of this book in exchange for my review.
I first 'met' Angela Marsons a few years ago when granted an ARC for her then-current Kim Stone book - and I wanted MORE! I was so impressed with the book, well into an established series, that was written in a way that could be well read and understood as a stand alone. I loved her character development and story and pace - it was wonderful. I've gone back to book #1 and am actually buying the books (something I don't often do, usually rely on the library) and read them slowly - enjoying and cherishing - when in a reading slump. So a new Angela Marsons book?! Yes please! New genre - no problem, obviously she's a master and this will be amazing. But - for me - it's not.
Although chick lit/romance isn't my usual type of book, I have been trying some out and do follow a few authors, so I thought this would be a good fit for me, as I already enjoy the author's work. But the characters seemed so superficial and just unlikeable, I didn't care what happened to any of them, really. If this were a debut book, I would just assume the author would have time to grow and perfect their style, but this book does not feel like it was written by the same person who created Kim Stone and all of her characteristics - not to mention the rest of the crew.
As a chick-lit type book, I guess it was ok. Maybe 2.5-3 stars? Thought I do feel like with a little bit of editing, it could be marketed as a YA book, be much more believable, maybe on the level of the movie "13 Going on 30" and more fun. This is difficult for me to do, but I have to rate 2 stars for 'it was ok'. I"m sorry, Angela - please return to Kim Stone!
I first 'met' Angela Marsons a few years ago when granted an ARC for her then-current Kim Stone book - and I wanted MORE! I was so impressed with the book, well into an established series, that was written in a way that could be well read and understood as a stand alone. I loved her character development and story and pace - it was wonderful. I've gone back to book #1 and am actually buying the books (something I don't often do, usually rely on the library) and read them slowly - enjoying and cherishing - when in a reading slump. So a new Angela Marsons book?! Yes please! New genre - no problem, obviously she's a master and this will be amazing. But - for me - it's not.
Although chick lit/romance isn't my usual type of book, I have been trying some out and do follow a few authors, so I thought this would be a good fit for me, as I already enjoy the author's work. But the characters seemed so superficial and just unlikeable, I didn't care what happened to any of them, really. If this were a debut book, I would just assume the author would have time to grow and perfect their style, but this book does not feel like it was written by the same person who created Kim Stone and all of her characteristics - not to mention the rest of the crew.
As a chick-lit type book, I guess it was ok. Maybe 2.5-3 stars? Thought I do feel like with a little bit of editing, it could be marketed as a YA book, be much more believable, maybe on the level of the movie "13 Going on 30" and more fun. This is difficult for me to do, but I have to rate 2 stars for 'it was ok'. I"m sorry, Angela - please return to Kim Stone!
June 13, 2021
I usually try to be generous and honest with my book reviews. I understand that writing a book is a huge commitment and often an effort that takes years and years. And I can tell many others loved this book.
Alas, I did not.
A book like this (where each of the three main characters is going through a journey where they realize what they think they want isn't really what they truly want and what's good for them) requires the reader to root for the main characters. It requires the reader to care about their dreams, to cheer for them when they win and want to hold their hand when they struggle.
The characters in this book all made me cringe. One woman wants to date her good looking senior boss even though it's super clear he's a total jerk, but she can't see beyond his looks. Another woman wants to lure the man she's having an affair with by secretly getting pregnant. Even though this man is married and has a child. And yet a third woman hates her mother in law who was almost comically annoying in the book.
All of these characters are petty, superficial and just annoying. Even though they each come to their senses in some ways, they behave abhorrently in most of the book and with the exception of a few select scenes (mostly with cher) I found myself getting more and more annoyed with them.
This was not the book for me.
with gratitude to netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Alas, I did not.
A book like this (where each of the three main characters is going through a journey where they realize what they think they want isn't really what they truly want and what's good for them) requires the reader to root for the main characters. It requires the reader to care about their dreams, to cheer for them when they win and want to hold their hand when they struggle.
The characters in this book all made me cringe. One woman wants to date her good looking senior boss even though it's super clear he's a total jerk, but she can't see beyond his looks. Another woman wants to lure the man she's having an affair with by secretly getting pregnant. Even though this man is married and has a child. And yet a third woman hates her mother in law who was almost comically annoying in the book.
All of these characters are petty, superficial and just annoying. Even though they each come to their senses in some ways, they behave abhorrently in most of the book and with the exception of a few select scenes (mostly with cher) I found myself getting more and more annoyed with them.
This was not the book for me.
with gratitude to netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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