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The Runaway Bride
Here comes the bride ... but how long can she hide?
When Kitty Clayton flees her wedding with no money, no bank card and no phone, her life seems worryingly futureless. All she knows is, she'd rather sleep on the streets than go back home to cheating Ethan.
After picking her up hitch-hiking, widowed children's author Jack Duffy takes Kitty under his wing, looking out for her until she gets back on her feet. And it's not long before the two grow close...
But with Jack struggling to recover from the guilt he feels over his wife's death and Kitty refusing to face up to the problems she's running away from at home, will the two ever manage to share a happily ever after?
A heart-warming novel about love and new beginnings, you won't be able to put it down!
When Kitty Clayton flees her wedding with no money, no bank card and no phone, her life seems worryingly futureless. All she knows is, she'd rather sleep on the streets than go back home to cheating Ethan.
After picking her up hitch-hiking, widowed children's author Jack Duffy takes Kitty under his wing, looking out for her until she gets back on her feet. And it's not long before the two grow close...
But with Jack struggling to recover from the guilt he feels over his wife's death and Kitty refusing to face up to the problems she's running away from at home, will the two ever manage to share a happily ever after?
A heart-warming novel about love and new beginnings, you won't be able to put it down!
Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2018
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614 people want to read
About the author
Mary Jayne Baker
20 books295 followersMary Jayne Baker grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.
Mary Jayne also writes uplifting, feelgood romances under the pen name Lisa Swift.
Mary Jayne also writes uplifting, feelgood romances under the pen name Lisa Swift.
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June 1, 2023Contemporary Romance
Publication date : May 6, 2021
Narrated by: Laura Elsworthy
Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins
Kitty Clayton (26) is running away from her wedding reception. She has no money, not even her phone with her. When a man in a VW campervan stops and offers her a lift, she reluctantly accept the offer. Turns out that he is a children's books author Jack Duffy (31). As Kitty refuses to return to her cheating husband Ethan or to her controlling mother, Jack is determined to take her under his wing. He is good at rescuing damsels in distress and Kitty clearly needs rescuing.
Started off okay but at some point I got tired by the characters and their problems.
We meet Kitty after she has already ran off. I felt like I had missed something. I did not have the same base like her. It got irritating the way author referred to something that made Kitty bolt but not telling. After a while it got irritating. Especially when book's synopsis gave away so much from the plot and it was easy to suspect what had happened.
Author included serious topics like controlling relationships, the deaths of a loved ones, manipulation, mental health issues but the way they were told and handled...meh.
Sadly the narrator's performance didn't help. At first I had trouble understanding what narrator was saying due to the accent or the way she spoke. After a while I got more or less used to the narrator but as English is not my first language, then I struggled understanding some of the story (usually I don't have this sort of problems while listening books in English).
I listened to this story after finishing Natural Born Charmer, so contrast between these two stories was huge. The Runaway Bride wasn't bad story, touched serious topics but sadly it was quite lack-lustre, the characters felt flat and underdeveloped.
I want authors to show me the story. I do not want to be told what someone is feeling, thinking, going through. And why so many f-bombs? Also less vomiting would be appreciated!
Books with runing away brides that I really enjoyed : The Great Escape and Call Me Irresistible
Publication date : May 6, 2021
Narrated by: Laura Elsworthy
Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins
Kitty Clayton (26) is running away from her wedding reception. She has no money, not even her phone with her. When a man in a VW campervan stops and offers her a lift, she reluctantly accept the offer. Turns out that he is a children's books author Jack Duffy (31). As Kitty refuses to return to her cheating husband Ethan or to her controlling mother, Jack is determined to take her under his wing. He is good at rescuing damsels in distress and Kitty clearly needs rescuing.
Started off okay but at some point I got tired by the characters and their problems.
We meet Kitty after she has already ran off. I felt like I had missed something. I did not have the same base like her. It got irritating the way author referred to something that made Kitty bolt but not telling. After a while it got irritating. Especially when book's synopsis gave away so much from the plot and it was easy to suspect what had happened.
Author included serious topics like controlling relationships, the deaths of a loved ones, manipulation, mental health issues but the way they were told and handled...meh.
Sadly the narrator's performance didn't help. At first I had trouble understanding what narrator was saying due to the accent or the way she spoke. After a while I got more or less used to the narrator but as English is not my first language, then I struggled understanding some of the story (usually I don't have this sort of problems while listening books in English).
I listened to this story after finishing Natural Born Charmer, so contrast between these two stories was huge. The Runaway Bride wasn't bad story, touched serious topics but sadly it was quite lack-lustre, the characters felt flat and underdeveloped.
I want authors to show me the story. I do not want to be told what someone is feeling, thinking, going through. And why so many f-bombs? Also less vomiting would be appreciated!
Books with runing away brides that I really enjoyed : The Great Escape and Call Me Irresistible
February 16, 2022
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What do you do when your dreams become nightmares? Or when you thought everything was lovely and sunshiny only to find out that it was all a lie? Well, for Kitty, that days comes true. It just so happens to be on her wedding day. Hence the title, The Runaway Bride. Now I'm not a huge fan of running away from your problems but she has a ton to deal with. So, Kitty, run far away.
When she runs into a nice stranger, Jack, I don't think she realized what actually happened until she takes a deep breath. Eventually her life story comes out pretty quickly and Jack just sat back and listened. He offered some comforting words here and there, but I don't think he really realized what was going to happen later on.
Long story short, they leaned on one another when the time came. Both have a past that they are still grieving from, but their presence helps dull the pain a bit. I definitely enjoyed their company throughout the book because anyone was better than Ethan or her mom. Seriously... any other person.
In the end, I'm happy with everything that went down. I really enjoyed getting to know Jack and Kitty. Especially when all the secrets finally come out to play. Definitely planning to read another book by Mary in the near future!
What do you do when your dreams become nightmares? Or when you thought everything was lovely and sunshiny only to find out that it was all a lie? Well, for Kitty, that days comes true. It just so happens to be on her wedding day. Hence the title, The Runaway Bride. Now I'm not a huge fan of running away from your problems but she has a ton to deal with. So, Kitty, run far away.
When she runs into a nice stranger, Jack, I don't think she realized what actually happened until she takes a deep breath. Eventually her life story comes out pretty quickly and Jack just sat back and listened. He offered some comforting words here and there, but I don't think he really realized what was going to happen later on.
Long story short, they leaned on one another when the time came. Both have a past that they are still grieving from, but their presence helps dull the pain a bit. I definitely enjoyed their company throughout the book because anyone was better than Ethan or her mom. Seriously... any other person.
In the end, I'm happy with everything that went down. I really enjoyed getting to know Jack and Kitty. Especially when all the secrets finally come out to play. Definitely planning to read another book by Mary in the near future!
May 7, 2018
Kitty's wedding is a complete disaster. Instead of having a blissful day with her new husband Kitty flees her own party. She's in her wedding dress and doesn't have a phone or money. Hitchhiking seems to be the only way forward. Fortunately she meets Jack, a children's book illustrator and author, who lives in his retro campervan. Kitty has nowhere to go, so Jack takes her in and looks after her while she's trying to get over her heartbreak.
Jack has problems of his own. He's a widower suffering from immense guilt about his late wife's death. He's still grieving, but Kitty's presence seems to do him good. It's easier for them to face their problems together, they're both running away from something and sharing their hurt helps them to get through it. While their friendship slowly turns into something more, it's obvious they both aren't ready to deal with a new relationship. Will they figure out a way to make things work between them or will they both go through another awful loss instead?
Runaway Bride is a great heartwarming story. Kitty isn't used to doing what she wants and being free for the first time is a revelation. She has to find out who she is without any added pressure and I loved her personal journey. While traveling together with Jack she discovers her fierce side and I liked that a lot. Jack is a kind and caring man with plenty of baggage. He's always there for others, but he also needs someone to look after him and I loved how Kitty slowly breaks down his walls. They're perfect for each other, but they don't have an easy start. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out if they'd find the happiness they both very much deserve.
Mary Jayne Baker has a wonderful feelgood writing style. I love her sense of humor. Her stories are fun, but they also have a lot of depth, which is a great combination. Runaway Bride captivated me from the beginning. I loved every single page of this creative love story. I really enjoyed the abundance of unexpected twists and turns and I was spellbound by the setting, an orange VW campervan. Mary Jayne Baker made the enchantment complete with a couple of super cute dogs that are a joy to read about. Runaway Bride is an amazing story and I highly recommend this true gem of a book.
April 25, 2023
—3 stars—
“Love isn’t obsessive. It heals; it doesn’t break”
—mini review!—
I’ve been quietly reading this for a week...it’s been my I’m-bored-and-didn’t-bring my kindle/book book...
And while it’s sweet, it’s not anything special.
It touched on controlling relationships and grief for most of the book, and while I appreciate these messages being included, I don’t think they were handled very well.
And I think Kitty made a lot of choices that maybe weren’t the best, but I understand that she wasn’t quite thinking right.
“Love isn’t obsessive. It heals; it doesn’t break”
—mini review!—
I’ve been quietly reading this for a week...it’s been my I’m-bored-and-didn’t-bring my kindle/book book...
And while it’s sweet, it’s not anything special.
It touched on controlling relationships and grief for most of the book, and while I appreciate these messages being included, I don’t think they were handled very well.
And I think Kitty made a lot of choices that maybe weren’t the best, but I understand that she wasn’t quite thinking right.
February 21, 2018
-3,5-
The runaway bride, who experiences an incredible shock, still mournful writer, future dog mother, and the story is made.
This is my first book of this author and I admit I am very pleasantly surprised. The story is fluid, beautifully written with great humor (although with English humor, which is a little incomprehensible at the moment), which puts you in front of the fact that you have to face your own fears, otherwise you can not live normally.
The runaway bride, who experiences an incredible shock, still mournful writer, future dog mother, and the story is made.
This is my first book of this author and I admit I am very pleasantly surprised. The story is fluid, beautifully written with great humor (although with English humor, which is a little incomprehensible at the moment), which puts you in front of the fact that you have to face your own fears, otherwise you can not live normally.
March 23, 2018
I tend to read a lot of crime, mystery and darker stories, but every now and again I love to read a good feel good, lighter and much more heart warming story. The Runaway Bride is one of those stories. It was the perfect book for relaxing with as I followed the story of Kittie, married only 3 hours, running away from her own wedding reception. Bedraggled, broke, distraught and sat on the side of the road is where Jack finds her. A kind-hearted soul who cannot leave her there. As the story begins to unfold the story of Kittie’s wedding and life is revealed as well as the tragedy that befell Jack.
I really enjoyed this story, it is an enveloping read that leaves you feeling all warm and aaahhhhh! It has some really good back stories that explore the lives of our two main characters, this is gradually teased out as the characters find a way to tell each other their tale. They have both suffered in one form or another and it is their sharing of their lives that help them move forward. There are some surprising and unexpected turns that I didn’t expect or even see coming, they have darker underlying issues that made this intriguing.
This is my first time reading one Mary’s books and I can honestly say it will not be my last. A well paced, well written book with surprises and twists that kept me engaged from start to finish.
This is the perfect book to read for a lazy afternoon and one that I would happily recommend to readers who are after a good chick lit fiction book that will engross them.
I really enjoyed this story, it is an enveloping read that leaves you feeling all warm and aaahhhhh! It has some really good back stories that explore the lives of our two main characters, this is gradually teased out as the characters find a way to tell each other their tale. They have both suffered in one form or another and it is their sharing of their lives that help them move forward. There are some surprising and unexpected turns that I didn’t expect or even see coming, they have darker underlying issues that made this intriguing.
This is my first time reading one Mary’s books and I can honestly say it will not be my last. A well paced, well written book with surprises and twists that kept me engaged from start to finish.
This is the perfect book to read for a lazy afternoon and one that I would happily recommend to readers who are after a good chick lit fiction book that will engross them.
September 11, 2020
I adored this book! Devoured it so quickly and went on an emotional rollercoaster journey!
February 17, 2018
From the first few pages I loved this book with its fabulous sense of humour. I mean how often do you start a book with a bride running away from her own wedding,. wearing wellies with her wedding dress, and not caring about anything else other than how to get far far away.
Hitchhiking may not be the most logical thing but she ends up in the company of Jack Duffy and his little orange campervan, and his pregnant dog too. Jack appear to have a rescuer complex as he is determined to keep Kitty safe and really goes above and beyond to help her out.
I loved Jack and his whole nomadic way of life, he has a really cool job, and his dog is adorable too. Kitty is also a fabulous character and I loved seeing how the friendship between the two grows.
Finding out what caused Kitty to run from her wedding had me gasping in shock as did other storylines that were related to that. It was really compulsive, enjoyable reading.
This may only be the second book I've read by this author but she is quickly becoming a firm favourite and one I will attempt to read a lot sooner than I have been for her next releases.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Hitchhiking may not be the most logical thing but she ends up in the company of Jack Duffy and his little orange campervan, and his pregnant dog too. Jack appear to have a rescuer complex as he is determined to keep Kitty safe and really goes above and beyond to help her out.
I loved Jack and his whole nomadic way of life, he has a really cool job, and his dog is adorable too. Kitty is also a fabulous character and I loved seeing how the friendship between the two grows.
Finding out what caused Kitty to run from her wedding had me gasping in shock as did other storylines that were related to that. It was really compulsive, enjoyable reading.
This may only be the second book I've read by this author but she is quickly becoming a firm favourite and one I will attempt to read a lot sooner than I have been for her next releases.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
May 22, 2021
Yet another wonderful romantic comedy full of British humour by Mary Jayne Baker.
I seriously adore Mary Jayne Baker and her books. I'm British by blood, but Canadian by birth, so hearing the British comedy and trills in my head when I read brings me back. It reminds me of my Dad a lot, which makes me smile. The fact that I can bring my love for reading, romantic comedies and British humour all into one place? Golden.
This is another hit in my books. The story is fast paced, full of beautiful twists and turns, and feels like a great 2000s comedy. The theme of facing hardships and getting past them is also a really nice touch that will make you smile or cry (or both, you never know). Kitty and Jack are quite the pair, and make for a really good couple in this book.
Overall, I highly recommend picking this book up! If you like tv shows like Coronation Street but want more romantic comedy in it, this book is for you.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I seriously adore Mary Jayne Baker and her books. I'm British by blood, but Canadian by birth, so hearing the British comedy and trills in my head when I read brings me back. It reminds me of my Dad a lot, which makes me smile. The fact that I can bring my love for reading, romantic comedies and British humour all into one place? Golden.
This is another hit in my books. The story is fast paced, full of beautiful twists and turns, and feels like a great 2000s comedy. The theme of facing hardships and getting past them is also a really nice touch that will make you smile or cry (or both, you never know). Kitty and Jack are quite the pair, and make for a really good couple in this book.
Overall, I highly recommend picking this book up! If you like tv shows like Coronation Street but want more romantic comedy in it, this book is for you.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
May 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book quite a lot.
From the first chapter, I got myself immersed into the story and wanted to know what happened to the runaway bride and what’s going to happen in her future.
It reminded me of the movie with Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.
Lots of humours moments but also heartbreaking scenes where two people find themselves drawn to each other but also need time to heal from a hard past to be able to carry forward with their relationship.
From the first chapter, I got myself immersed into the story and wanted to know what happened to the runaway bride and what’s going to happen in her future.
It reminded me of the movie with Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.
Lots of humours moments but also heartbreaking scenes where two people find themselves drawn to each other but also need time to heal from a hard past to be able to carry forward with their relationship.
February 19, 2018
I tend to read a lot of crime, mystery and darker stories, but every now and again I love to read a good feel good, lighter and much more heart warming story. The Runaway Bride is one of those stories. It was the perfect book for relaxing with as I followed the story of Kittie, married only 3 hours, running away from her own wedding reception. Bedraggled, broke, distraught and sat on the side of the road is where Jack finds her. A kind-hearted soul who cannot leave her there. As the story begins to unfold the story of Kittie's wedding and life is revealed as well as the tragedy that befell Jack.
I really enjoyed this story, it is an enveloping read that leaves you feeling all warm and aaahhhhh! It has some really good back stories that explore the lives of our two main characters, this is gradually teased out as the characters find a way to tell each other their tale. They have both suffered in one form or another and it is their sharing of their lives that help them move forward. There are some surprising and unexpected turns that I didn't expect or even see coming, they have darker underlying issues that made this intriguing.
This is my first time reading one Mary's books and I can honestly say it will not be my last. A well paced, well written book with surprises and twists that kept me engaged from start to finish.
This is the perfect book to read for a lazy afternoon and one that I would happily recommend to readers who are after a good chick lit fiction book that will engross them.
I really enjoyed this story, it is an enveloping read that leaves you feeling all warm and aaahhhhh! It has some really good back stories that explore the lives of our two main characters, this is gradually teased out as the characters find a way to tell each other their tale. They have both suffered in one form or another and it is their sharing of their lives that help them move forward. There are some surprising and unexpected turns that I didn't expect or even see coming, they have darker underlying issues that made this intriguing.
This is my first time reading one Mary's books and I can honestly say it will not be my last. A well paced, well written book with surprises and twists that kept me engaged from start to finish.
This is the perfect book to read for a lazy afternoon and one that I would happily recommend to readers who are after a good chick lit fiction book that will engross them.
May 19, 2021
Wonderful romance with a bit of mystery set in as well! Kitty is our runaway bride, and we aren’t sure exactly why she is running at first. Only that something horrible has happened, and she has taken off from the reception in her gown with no purse or phone. Jack and his very pregnant pup, Sandy, happen to be driving by in their orange camper van and help her out with a ride, some money, and food.
We don’t get the whole picture for a bit into this story as to what all has happened and why she can’t bring herself to return home, or even talk to anyone from home. What we do get is a sweet picture of a friendship that grows between two very lost souls. Each is running from something, and what ensues is the unraveling of their lives’ stories amidst a new love story.
Jack and Kitty have the same dry sense of humor, so that their conversations keep you laughing, while their revelations might make you teary eyed. I loved this book, and couldn’t stop reading. I needed to know the whole story of why Kitty ran, and once I learned it, I needed to find out how their story ended.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review!
We don’t get the whole picture for a bit into this story as to what all has happened and why she can’t bring herself to return home, or even talk to anyone from home. What we do get is a sweet picture of a friendship that grows between two very lost souls. Each is running from something, and what ensues is the unraveling of their lives’ stories amidst a new love story.
Jack and Kitty have the same dry sense of humor, so that their conversations keep you laughing, while their revelations might make you teary eyed. I loved this book, and couldn’t stop reading. I needed to know the whole story of why Kitty ran, and once I learned it, I needed to find out how their story ended.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review!
March 2, 2021
Oh, how I loved this book. Jack and Kitty are wonderful, real characters. Their circumstances are wild but the emotion and struggle behind them are raw.
I didn't want to put this one down.
I didn't want to put this one down.
June 5, 2021
Kitty Clayton is on the side of the road in her wedding dress. She is running away from her new husband.
Jack Duffy picks Kitty up and quickly takes Kitty under his wing.
I loved this story. Mary Jane Baker has a great writing style that sucks you in and doesn’t let you go until the end. Her sense of humour had me laughing throughout the book.
Kitty is a great character that has a lot of growth and learning. She finally learns who she is as a person and what she loves and doesn’t love becoming a stronger person.
This is a fun heartwarming story with a couple of sensitive subjects that could be a trigger for some people.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
Jack Duffy picks Kitty up and quickly takes Kitty under his wing.
I loved this story. Mary Jane Baker has a great writing style that sucks you in and doesn’t let you go until the end. Her sense of humour had me laughing throughout the book.
Kitty is a great character that has a lot of growth and learning. She finally learns who she is as a person and what she loves and doesn’t love becoming a stronger person.
This is a fun heartwarming story with a couple of sensitive subjects that could be a trigger for some people.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
July 6, 2018
I really liked it. A little heavier than I anticipated but still pretty good!Would recommend !
3,7/5 stars
P.S.- Contains stuff that can be a trigger for someone(like abuse )
3,7/5 stars
P.S.- Contains stuff that can be a trigger for someone(like abuse )
May 4, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well, color me disappointed. And what makes it more infuriating is that until the last chapters I was enjoying this so much more than I thought I would. Up until then, I was loving both main characters and their chemistry, the mix of light and fluffy with some serious issues as grief, mental health and domestic abuse and the writing was nice. But then the third act drama came and with it one of my most hated tropes in romance novels, so it all started to go downhill for me. The ending felt rushed and one of the characters made a 180º so fast that I still have whiplash.
In the words of Tyra Banks (and also Kahmora Hall of Drag Race fame) “I was rootin’ for you/us” but with that ending I guess it was not meant to be.
Well, color me disappointed. And what makes it more infuriating is that until the last chapters I was enjoying this so much more than I thought I would. Up until then, I was loving both main characters and their chemistry, the mix of light and fluffy with some serious issues as grief, mental health and domestic abuse and the writing was nice. But then the third act drama came and with it one of my most hated tropes in romance novels, so it all started to go downhill for me. The ending felt rushed and one of the characters made a 180º so fast that I still have whiplash.
In the words of Tyra Banks (and also Kahmora Hall of Drag Race fame) “I was rootin’ for you/us” but with that ending I guess it was not meant to be.
February 21, 2018
What caught my eye was the front cover of this book its bold and colourful. This is the first book I have read by Mary Jayne Baker it certainly won't be my last from the first sentenced I was pulled in. I loved the storyline I was laughing at points and didn't see what was going to happen the book kept me reading didn't want it to end its a good romantic feel good book.
June 12, 2021
Funny cute and entertaining. The h&h are really good characters and I really liked them. This was a good romcom. I needed something light and something that would make me feel better and this was definitely it. I definitely recommend.
February 7, 2018
A wonderful, heart warming book. About friendship, love, new beginnings, friendship, secrets and happily ever afters. Loved it.
April 1, 2018
This is the first I have read by Mary Jayne Baker, so I didn’t know what to expect from her writing or this book. I all knew when I first opened this book was that I really liked the sound of the story and that was enough for me to start to read it. It’s been a while since I read a contemporary/chick-lit and this has just made me fall in love with this genre all over again. This is funny and infused with real warmth, realism and wit.
The opening grabs your attention right from the first sentence, it makes you wonder why Kitty is running down a dirt track in her wedding dress? What has made her do such a thing and more importantly is it really wise of her to be hitch hiking when she is in such a distraught state? But she does – and good thing too as she meets cheeky go lucky, free spirit Jack Duffy, who is traveling around in a campervan with a pregnant dog. Jack helps her in more ways than she ever realises.
This is such a sweet story of moving on, these two characters have each experienced some pretty awful things in their lives finding happiness and most of all love out of the ashes of life’s fire. This is written in first person, from Kitty’s point of view and even if your, not one to read this style I would say give it a go. Personally, I don’t care either way! If the story is strong well-articulated and extremely well written, Baker grabs your attention with her skilful words and her obvious passion for the story she has written. What I do like about first person narrative is that you are seeing the story unfold through that particular character’s eyes and this one really appealed to me Kit is a very ordinary woman. She’s starts off as a bit down on her luck, but’s she’s smart and savvy and once she figures out what direction she is going to go in, she goes for it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Runaway Bride, if you like the works of Lindsey Kelk, Jane Costello and Sophie Kinsella then you will love this book and this author, who I will definitely be reading again.
Very enjoyable read!
The opening grabs your attention right from the first sentence, it makes you wonder why Kitty is running down a dirt track in her wedding dress? What has made her do such a thing and more importantly is it really wise of her to be hitch hiking when she is in such a distraught state? But she does – and good thing too as she meets cheeky go lucky, free spirit Jack Duffy, who is traveling around in a campervan with a pregnant dog. Jack helps her in more ways than she ever realises.
This is such a sweet story of moving on, these two characters have each experienced some pretty awful things in their lives finding happiness and most of all love out of the ashes of life’s fire. This is written in first person, from Kitty’s point of view and even if your, not one to read this style I would say give it a go. Personally, I don’t care either way! If the story is strong well-articulated and extremely well written, Baker grabs your attention with her skilful words and her obvious passion for the story she has written. What I do like about first person narrative is that you are seeing the story unfold through that particular character’s eyes and this one really appealed to me Kit is a very ordinary woman. She’s starts off as a bit down on her luck, but’s she’s smart and savvy and once she figures out what direction she is going to go in, she goes for it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Runaway Bride, if you like the works of Lindsey Kelk, Jane Costello and Sophie Kinsella then you will love this book and this author, who I will definitely be reading again.
Very enjoyable read!
February 21, 2018
This was a lovely, funny read that is occasionally far-fetched in its coincidences and with a few darker undertones, but is wrapped up in a sweet romance. It’s full of Baker’s typically quirky charm and I really enjoyed seeing Kitty escape her previous life, recover her sense of self and grow into a much stronger woman, all because Jack gives her time and space to sort herself out.
I really liked both Jack and Kitty. They’re not perfect – she runs from her problems, he tries to ignore his – but they’re pretty perfect together. Their romance is sometimes a little rushed, but it works, because of who they are and the situation they’re in. Plus, puppies!
Away from the romance, both have a lot of heartache that needs to be dealt with. Kitty’s is much more dramatic and immediate, but Jack’s goes deeper and takes a while to really come to the fore. It was interesting to see Kitty’s drama unravel, bringing in a few unexpected twists here and there. When it does all finally come out, it’s a wonder she ever managed to run away in the first place.
If I’m totally honest, though, there was one aspect of the ending I thought was unnecessary. Especially as it doesn’t really affect how things turn out. It felt like one drama too far for me and was a shame, because it slightly dimmed my enjoyment of the end.
Overall, though, this was warm and funny and sweet in all the right places with a little bit of heat and a few darker moments to add some bite. I really like Mary Jayne Baker’s writing and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
I really liked both Jack and Kitty. They’re not perfect – she runs from her problems, he tries to ignore his – but they’re pretty perfect together. Their romance is sometimes a little rushed, but it works, because of who they are and the situation they’re in. Plus, puppies!
Away from the romance, both have a lot of heartache that needs to be dealt with. Kitty’s is much more dramatic and immediate, but Jack’s goes deeper and takes a while to really come to the fore. It was interesting to see Kitty’s drama unravel, bringing in a few unexpected twists here and there. When it does all finally come out, it’s a wonder she ever managed to run away in the first place.
If I’m totally honest, though, there was one aspect of the ending I thought was unnecessary. Especially as it doesn’t really affect how things turn out. It felt like one drama too far for me and was a shame, because it slightly dimmed my enjoyment of the end.
Overall, though, this was warm and funny and sweet in all the right places with a little bit of heat and a few darker moments to add some bite. I really like Mary Jayne Baker’s writing and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
May 9, 2021
The Runaway Bride by Mary Jayne Baker appears at first glance at the bright fun cover, to be a rom com about a wedding gone wrong. Well, there was trouble at the wedding, but this book is not a straight forward rom com. Instead we follow Kitty as she flees her husband of only hours without a cent, phone, or vehicle. She just knows she has to get away and figure out what to do. She is picked up off the side of the road by wandering children's author and illustrator, Jack. Jack has his own complicated back story that has him wandering the back roads of the UK, Scotland, and Ireland. Kitty and Jack find a comfortable companionship, but can their lives be ironed out enough for them to have a future together?
I loved this book. It was not, as I said above, the rom com I was expecting. While it did have some cute moments, it was the harder hitting moments that made the book for me. I loved how both Kitty and Jack are made to look at their lives and learn from their difficult experiences in anticipation of a different kind of future going forward. There were some unexpected things that happened that made the book more interesting. I was drawn in immediately and the book kept my interest all the way through.
My sincere thanks to the publisher, Aria, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my unbiased opinion of it. I look forward to more from this author.
I loved this book. It was not, as I said above, the rom com I was expecting. While it did have some cute moments, it was the harder hitting moments that made the book for me. I loved how both Kitty and Jack are made to look at their lives and learn from their difficult experiences in anticipation of a different kind of future going forward. There were some unexpected things that happened that made the book more interesting. I was drawn in immediately and the book kept my interest all the way through.
My sincere thanks to the publisher, Aria, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my unbiased opinion of it. I look forward to more from this author.
September 8, 2023
3,5
Kitty è una sposa in fuga. Letteralmente. E' fuggita durante il ricevimento, dopo aver visto qualcosa che l'ha sconvolta. Non ha soldi. Non ha con sé il telefono. O vestiti di ricambio. O documenti di identità. Ovviamente, questa situazione la spaventa ma, se c'è una cosa di cui è certa, è che non ha alcuna intenzione di tornare indietro. Mentre è seduta sul marciapiede, intenta a dare fondo a tutte le sue lacrime, qualcuno giunge in suo soccorso su un minivan arancione. Fortunatamente per lei non è un serial killer o un tizio strano, ma un autore e illustratore di libri per bambini: Jack Duffy, 31 anni, irlandese, idolo indiscusso dei bambini, uomo che ha trasformato il minivan citato prima nella sua casa. A corto di risorse, Kitty accetterà un passaggio ma, per varie vicissitudini, quella che doveva essere una semplice cortesia, dà il via a un rapporto più duraturo. Rapporto che farà bene a entrambi, visto che li aiuterà ad affrontare i rispettivi traumi.
Kitty sta fuggendo da un marito che, ha pensato bene di (SPOILER tradirla il giorno stesso delle nozze....con la mamma di lei! FINE SPOILER). In apparenza, Ethan è l'uomo perfetto, ha un ottimo lavoro, si prende cura di lei. Ma la realtà è molto diversa. L'andazzo è diventato molto chiaro fin da subito, fin dalla prima volta in cui Kitty ha detto di essere andata a convivere con lui a 16 anni. 16. Mentre lui ne aveva 24. Ethan l'ha isolata dagli amici e dalle persone che le volevano bene. Le ha impedito di raggiungere la sua indipendenza, non solo a livello economico (per esempio l'ha scoraggiata dal prendere la patente in modo da dover fare sempre affidamento su di lui, che così poteva controllare tutte le uscite della ragazza). Ma perché una ragazzina di 16 anni è andata a convivere con un adulto? Forse perché la situazione in casa sua non era delle migliori. Genitori divorziati e una madre con manie di controllo. Il tempo passato con Jack ha permesso alla povera Kitty di fare ordine nella sua vita, di capire che simili atteggiamenti non sono accettabili e nemmeno giustificabili. Tanto per dirne una, quando è stato il momento di organizzare il matrimonio, le opinioni di Kitty non sono nemmeno state prese in considerazione - senza contare che la poverina aveva perso il padre, stava ancora cercando di venire a patti con il suo dolore e quindi, forse forse, non era nemmeno il caso di organizzare una festa -, con madre e fidanzato impegnati nella loro personalissima competizione "chi sa interpretare meglio i bisogni di Kitty". Risposta: nessuno dei due. Questi personaggi sono davvero schifosi sotto tutti i punti di vista. Quando Kitty trova la forza di affrontarli, i due merdoni cercano di sviare la cosa puntando alla presunta instabilità mentale della ragazza (solo perché, dopo la perdita del padre, ha avuto un momento di sbandamento emotivo). Le hanno fatto dubitare della sua sanità mentale pur di pararsi il culo. Hanno cercato di manipolarla fino all'ultimo nel tentivo di riportarla sotto il loro controllo. Fortunatamente gli è andata male.
Jack, dal canto suo, non ha fatto davvero i conti con la morte prematura della moglie - un evento improvviso (è stata investita), il senso di colpa per non essere stato in grado di fare nulla, per non essere stato al suo fianco. Un dolore che l'ha spinto a scegliere una vita on the road, senza radici, focalizzata tutta sul presente. Gia perché, se Kitty fa fatica ad affrontare il suo passato (per larghi tratti del romanzo si rifiuterà di prendere anche solo in considerazione l'idea di parlare al telefono con i due merdoni, figurarsi tornare a casa e trovarseli davanti di persona), Jack cerca di non pensare al futuro. L'importante è stare bene ora. Jack è una persona gentile, ha la tendenza a salvare tutti i randagi bisognosi d'aiuto, ma rifiuta di farsi aiutare, di cercare supporto, non solo psicologico . La relazione tra lui e Kitty si sviluppa molto velocemente nell'arco di pochi mesi, però, a dispetto del sentimento sincero che prova per lui, la ragazza sa benissimo che non potranno passare tutta la vita a girovagare su un minivan, con Jack che si rifiuta categoricamente di dormire sotto un tetto. Con Jack che non fa nulla per affrontare il proprio dolore, il proprio senso di colpa. E proprio da questo partirà il momento drama che poi ci porterà al lieto fine - finale un tantino affrettato, in cui si liquida tutto con uno schiocco di dita. Questo è stato l'unico elemento che mi ha fatto storcere il naso e che mi ha portato ad abbassare la valutazione. (SPOILER non so nemmeno se ho gradito tanto l'aggiunta finale della gravidanza...mi sarebbe piaciuto di più vedere questo fantomatico percorso intrapreso da Jack di accettazione ed elaborazione del dolore, un tema che meritava decisamente più spazio. Mi sarebbe piaciuto anche qualche capitolo ambientato qualche mese o anno dopo per vedere come procedevano le cose FINE SPOILER).
Questo libro mette l'accento sul tema delle relazioni tossiche. La violenza non è solo di tipo fisico, come nel caso della zia di Kitty, Julia (anche se ci sarà una rivelazione bomba riguardo a questo), ma anche di tipo psicologico, come quella esercitata da Ethan sulla protagonista - niente lividi, ma un atteggiamento volta a isolarla da tutto e da tutti, in modo da diventare il suo unico punto di riferimento. E quando lei prova a far valere la sua opinione? Non esita a farla sentire in colpa, a farle credere che è lei quella che ha torto e che lui sa sempre cosa è meglio per lei. Sempre. Inutile dire che, quando si ha a che fare con gente del genere, è sempre meglio darsela a gambe senza voltarsi più indietro. (E Jack farà lo stesso sbaglio quando deciderà di lasciarla perché convinto che sia la cosa migliore per lei...ma che ne sai?).
In questo romanzo si parla anche di elaborazione del lutto, dell'importanza del chiedere aiuto quando ci si sente sopraffatti. Il dolore è un'esperienza molto personale, non bisogna mai vergognarsi della propria sofferenza perché nessuno ha il diritto di giudicare. Ognuno ha il diritto di muoversi secondo i propri ritmi, però è importante affrontare il dolore, altrimenti è impossibile andare avanti. Come nel caso del povero Jack.
Insomma, Mary Jayne baker è ormai una garanzia, con romanzi che sì spingono tanto sul lato romance, ma che lasciano vari spunti di riflessione. Una lettura carina e, a tratti, emozionante. Peccato per il finale un tantino frettoloso.
Kitty è una sposa in fuga. Letteralmente. E' fuggita durante il ricevimento, dopo aver visto qualcosa che l'ha sconvolta. Non ha soldi. Non ha con sé il telefono. O vestiti di ricambio. O documenti di identità. Ovviamente, questa situazione la spaventa ma, se c'è una cosa di cui è certa, è che non ha alcuna intenzione di tornare indietro. Mentre è seduta sul marciapiede, intenta a dare fondo a tutte le sue lacrime, qualcuno giunge in suo soccorso su un minivan arancione. Fortunatamente per lei non è un serial killer o un tizio strano, ma un autore e illustratore di libri per bambini: Jack Duffy, 31 anni, irlandese, idolo indiscusso dei bambini, uomo che ha trasformato il minivan citato prima nella sua casa. A corto di risorse, Kitty accetterà un passaggio ma, per varie vicissitudini, quella che doveva essere una semplice cortesia, dà il via a un rapporto più duraturo. Rapporto che farà bene a entrambi, visto che li aiuterà ad affrontare i rispettivi traumi.
Kitty sta fuggendo da un marito che, ha pensato bene di (SPOILER tradirla il giorno stesso delle nozze....con la mamma di lei! FINE SPOILER). In apparenza, Ethan è l'uomo perfetto, ha un ottimo lavoro, si prende cura di lei. Ma la realtà è molto diversa. L'andazzo è diventato molto chiaro fin da subito, fin dalla prima volta in cui Kitty ha detto di essere andata a convivere con lui a 16 anni. 16. Mentre lui ne aveva 24. Ethan l'ha isolata dagli amici e dalle persone che le volevano bene. Le ha impedito di raggiungere la sua indipendenza, non solo a livello economico (per esempio l'ha scoraggiata dal prendere la patente in modo da dover fare sempre affidamento su di lui, che così poteva controllare tutte le uscite della ragazza). Ma perché una ragazzina di 16 anni è andata a convivere con un adulto? Forse perché la situazione in casa sua non era delle migliori. Genitori divorziati e una madre con manie di controllo. Il tempo passato con Jack ha permesso alla povera Kitty di fare ordine nella sua vita, di capire che simili atteggiamenti non sono accettabili e nemmeno giustificabili. Tanto per dirne una, quando è stato il momento di organizzare il matrimonio, le opinioni di Kitty non sono nemmeno state prese in considerazione - senza contare che la poverina aveva perso il padre, stava ancora cercando di venire a patti con il suo dolore e quindi, forse forse, non era nemmeno il caso di organizzare una festa -, con madre e fidanzato impegnati nella loro personalissima competizione "chi sa interpretare meglio i bisogni di Kitty". Risposta: nessuno dei due. Questi personaggi sono davvero schifosi sotto tutti i punti di vista. Quando Kitty trova la forza di affrontarli, i due merdoni cercano di sviare la cosa puntando alla presunta instabilità mentale della ragazza (solo perché, dopo la perdita del padre, ha avuto un momento di sbandamento emotivo). Le hanno fatto dubitare della sua sanità mentale pur di pararsi il culo. Hanno cercato di manipolarla fino all'ultimo nel tentivo di riportarla sotto il loro controllo. Fortunatamente gli è andata male.
Jack, dal canto suo, non ha fatto davvero i conti con la morte prematura della moglie - un evento improvviso (è stata investita), il senso di colpa per non essere stato in grado di fare nulla, per non essere stato al suo fianco. Un dolore che l'ha spinto a scegliere una vita on the road, senza radici, focalizzata tutta sul presente. Gia perché, se Kitty fa fatica ad affrontare il suo passato (per larghi tratti del romanzo si rifiuterà di prendere anche solo in considerazione l'idea di parlare al telefono con i due merdoni, figurarsi tornare a casa e trovarseli davanti di persona), Jack cerca di non pensare al futuro. L'importante è stare bene ora. Jack è una persona gentile, ha la tendenza a salvare tutti i randagi bisognosi d'aiuto, ma rifiuta di farsi aiutare, di cercare supporto, non solo psicologico . La relazione tra lui e Kitty si sviluppa molto velocemente nell'arco di pochi mesi, però, a dispetto del sentimento sincero che prova per lui, la ragazza sa benissimo che non potranno passare tutta la vita a girovagare su un minivan, con Jack che si rifiuta categoricamente di dormire sotto un tetto. Con Jack che non fa nulla per affrontare il proprio dolore, il proprio senso di colpa. E proprio da questo partirà il momento drama che poi ci porterà al lieto fine - finale un tantino affrettato, in cui si liquida tutto con uno schiocco di dita. Questo è stato l'unico elemento che mi ha fatto storcere il naso e che mi ha portato ad abbassare la valutazione. (SPOILER non so nemmeno se ho gradito tanto l'aggiunta finale della gravidanza...mi sarebbe piaciuto di più vedere questo fantomatico percorso intrapreso da Jack di accettazione ed elaborazione del dolore, un tema che meritava decisamente più spazio. Mi sarebbe piaciuto anche qualche capitolo ambientato qualche mese o anno dopo per vedere come procedevano le cose FINE SPOILER).
Questo libro mette l'accento sul tema delle relazioni tossiche. La violenza non è solo di tipo fisico, come nel caso della zia di Kitty, Julia (anche se ci sarà una rivelazione bomba riguardo a questo), ma anche di tipo psicologico, come quella esercitata da Ethan sulla protagonista - niente lividi, ma un atteggiamento volta a isolarla da tutto e da tutti, in modo da diventare il suo unico punto di riferimento. E quando lei prova a far valere la sua opinione? Non esita a farla sentire in colpa, a farle credere che è lei quella che ha torto e che lui sa sempre cosa è meglio per lei. Sempre. Inutile dire che, quando si ha a che fare con gente del genere, è sempre meglio darsela a gambe senza voltarsi più indietro. (E Jack farà lo stesso sbaglio quando deciderà di lasciarla perché convinto che sia la cosa migliore per lei...ma che ne sai?).
In questo romanzo si parla anche di elaborazione del lutto, dell'importanza del chiedere aiuto quando ci si sente sopraffatti. Il dolore è un'esperienza molto personale, non bisogna mai vergognarsi della propria sofferenza perché nessuno ha il diritto di giudicare. Ognuno ha il diritto di muoversi secondo i propri ritmi, però è importante affrontare il dolore, altrimenti è impossibile andare avanti. Come nel caso del povero Jack.
Insomma, Mary Jayne baker è ormai una garanzia, con romanzi che sì spingono tanto sul lato romance, ma che lasciano vari spunti di riflessione. Una lettura carina e, a tratti, emozionante. Peccato per il finale un tantino frettoloso.
May 11, 2021
This ARC was provided courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Kitty and Jack's story is one about new beginnings, and the journey of self discovery that happens when you let go of guilt and regret.
Kitty's spirit has been broken by the controlling, oppressive life she runs away from. She leaves everything behind on her wedding day when she witnesses the ultimate betrayal. Jack and his pregnant dog Sandy rescue her. Jack gives her a roaming home, a new adventure, and safety and security.
Kitty begins to see herself as a strong, independent woman. She begins to confront the demons in her past. She finds love and freedom. She makes a choice- but the one man she wants to claim as her own has his own demons to battle.
This was a sweet, wonderful, slow burn romance. I loved both MCs and wanted to strangle the villains.
Kitty and Jack's story is one about new beginnings, and the journey of self discovery that happens when you let go of guilt and regret.
Kitty's spirit has been broken by the controlling, oppressive life she runs away from. She leaves everything behind on her wedding day when she witnesses the ultimate betrayal. Jack and his pregnant dog Sandy rescue her. Jack gives her a roaming home, a new adventure, and safety and security.
Kitty begins to see herself as a strong, independent woman. She begins to confront the demons in her past. She finds love and freedom. She makes a choice- but the one man she wants to claim as her own has his own demons to battle.
This was a sweet, wonderful, slow burn romance. I loved both MCs and wanted to strangle the villains.
March 6, 2018
A bride on the run, an enigmatic children's author/illustrator and a camper van are key to this novel. I found this a more serious read when compared to Mary Jayne Baker's because of the soul searching nature of the book. That's not to say it's not got Baker's trademark witty one-liners because it has, but as heroine Kitty strives to make sense of the mess she's leaving behind she goes on a literal and metaphorical journey of discovery which left me as a reader empathising with her whilst simultaneously trying to decipher exactly what she was running from.
I fell a little bit in love with the gorgeous Jack, too - what a swoonsome male lead!
I zoomed through this novel on a rainy day, loving watching Kitty blossom as the story developed. Fabulous!
I fell a little bit in love with the gorgeous Jack, too - what a swoonsome male lead!
I zoomed through this novel on a rainy day, loving watching Kitty blossom as the story developed. Fabulous!
July 27, 2022
*4.5 stars. MARY JAYNE! What was that? It was great was what it was. I’m usually great at guessing the twists but it didn’t see any of those twists coming.
Also, I’m mad about how it ended. I need more and I need it now… I need an epilogue about their little family a few years from now, it’s only fair.
Also, I’m mad about how it ended. I need more and I need it now… I need an epilogue about their little family a few years from now, it’s only fair.
June 18, 2021
A fun and cute rom com with a side of seriousness. The setting and story both worked well even if I did find the main character a bit of a doormat. She seemed to grow throughout the story so it worked out.
June 26, 2021
I thought this was a nice and light read though a touch predictable. There are several cute characters and a sweet story, but I found Kitty a bit annoying at times. But still an enjoyable read
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
August 17, 2019
Delightful
February 24, 2021
The Runaway Bride by Mary Jayne Baker a five-star read to run away with. This was such a glorious read, it was funny and brutally honest and just made me so desperate to read every page that I was sneaking pages in all the time, just to see what those sneaky marionettes were up to. There was something so enchanting about Jack Duffy, especially his reaction to a woman in a wedding dress and wellies. Overall, this was such a pleasant read, there were points that it was troubling, but the author did a great job of dealing with them that left you feeling like it was done well. This was my first read by this author, but it will not be the last I plan to go and check out the rest as what a lovely style of writing.
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