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One Chance
Paul manages an old-school plastics factory that has pivoted during the pandemic to making face masks and is now booming. Along comes Emily, the wayward daughter of an old friend, whom Paul hires to be his assistant, and she’s a sparkling force determined to prove her worth with the one chance she’s been given.
Imogen, a beautiful former acquaintance of Paul’s, also coincidently appears outside the factory, down on her luck and clearly full of ulterior motive. The masked truths of the women around him soon threaten to turn Paul’s quiet family life upside down.
Imogen, a beautiful former acquaintance of Paul’s, also coincidently appears outside the factory, down on her luck and clearly full of ulterior motive. The masked truths of the women around him soon threaten to turn Paul’s quiet family life upside down.
Audible Audio
Published June 1, 2021
12 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Overington
30 books576 followersCaroline Overington is an Australian author and journalist.
She has worked for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, and is is currently a staff writer for The Weekend Australian Magazine.
Caroline is a two-time winner of the Walkley Award for Investigative Journalism. She won her first Walkley for a series of articles about a literary fraud, and her second for a series about the AWB oil for food scandal.
She is also a winner of the Sir Keith Murdoch prize for excellence in Journalism; and of the Blake Dawson Prize.
Caroline has published five books. Her first, Only in New York, was about working as a foreign correspondent in Manhattan.
Her second, Kickback, was about the UN oil for food scandal. It won the Blake Dawson Prize for Business Literature.
Her first novel, Ghost Child, is about a child murdered by his parents.
Her second, I Came To Say Goodbye, takes the form of a letter from a grandfather to a Supreme Court judge. It was shortlisted for both the Fiction Book of the Year, and overall Book of the Year, in the 2011 Australian Book Industry Awards.
Her latest novel, published in October 2011, is called Matilda is Missing. It is set in the Family Court, and it is about a couple's war over custody of their two year old daughter, Matilda.
Caroline's books are proudly published by Random House Australia.
Caroline is a mother of delightful, 11-year-old twins. She lives with her kids, her husband, a blue dog, and a lizard, in Bondi.
She has worked for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, and is is currently a staff writer for The Weekend Australian Magazine.
Caroline is a two-time winner of the Walkley Award for Investigative Journalism. She won her first Walkley for a series of articles about a literary fraud, and her second for a series about the AWB oil for food scandal.
She is also a winner of the Sir Keith Murdoch prize for excellence in Journalism; and of the Blake Dawson Prize.
Caroline has published five books. Her first, Only in New York, was about working as a foreign correspondent in Manhattan.
Her second, Kickback, was about the UN oil for food scandal. It won the Blake Dawson Prize for Business Literature.
Her first novel, Ghost Child, is about a child murdered by his parents.
Her second, I Came To Say Goodbye, takes the form of a letter from a grandfather to a Supreme Court judge. It was shortlisted for both the Fiction Book of the Year, and overall Book of the Year, in the 2011 Australian Book Industry Awards.
Her latest novel, published in October 2011, is called Matilda is Missing. It is set in the Family Court, and it is about a couple's war over custody of their two year old daughter, Matilda.
Caroline's books are proudly published by Random House Australia.
Caroline is a mother of delightful, 11-year-old twins. She lives with her kids, her husband, a blue dog, and a lizard, in Bondi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 15, 2023
This is a short story about a really great guy who owns a plastic factory. Once Covid occurs, he reconfigures his factory into making face shields…the ones that allows you to see the face. Paul has a Russian bride, who is suffering from major anxiety. Their son is everything to his wife, and she fears everything. His son is 5 years-old, old enough for school, but she doesn’t want him to go because he’s “special” and “gifted” and she’s worried he’ll be bullied.
Meanwhile, his office life is getting messy. An old friend asks Paul to hire his daughter, Emily. As a favor, Paul hires Emily who is very immature. At the same time, another femme fatale enters into Paul’s life, Imogen. She also has a sad story and needs employment.
This is close to 5 hours of Paul attempting to keep all the women in his life happy. I was invested enough in the story that I wanted to see how author Caroline Overington was going to tie-up the story. It is an OK story. Overington had an interesting plot twist at the end, but other than that, it was a bit dull.
Meanwhile, his office life is getting messy. An old friend asks Paul to hire his daughter, Emily. As a favor, Paul hires Emily who is very immature. At the same time, another femme fatale enters into Paul’s life, Imogen. She also has a sad story and needs employment.
This is close to 5 hours of Paul attempting to keep all the women in his life happy. I was invested enough in the story that I wanted to see how author Caroline Overington was going to tie-up the story. It is an OK story. Overington had an interesting plot twist at the end, but other than that, it was a bit dull.
September 6, 2023
A fairly decent story with a pretty good plot. 7 of 10 stars
June 26, 2021
This is a short novella and it had a good plot. What I didn't like was the reference to Covid-19. It was strange to hear it in a fiction story. I think if another disease or a made up illness would've made this story more interesting. Also, the credit card scam felt confusing. There wasn't clarity on if she was guilty or not. Cody, the son, pops in and out of the book and I didn't know if he liked school.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2021
Take a chance on ONE CHANCE.
This fast-paced family/COVID workplace drama does not disappoint.
Featuring well-drawn characters and an unpredictable storyline, this compelling novella has no shortage of twists and turns. The book's ending is gasp-worthy.
My only disappointment with this book was its length. The book was short (4 hours, 45 minutes) and I wish that the author would have further developed the ending because I could have easily listened to the book for at least another 2 hours.
I listened to the audiobook that was a freebie on Audible Plus. Narrator Luke Arnold did a superb job with the narration.
This was my first book by author Caroline Overington and I will definitely be seeking future titles by this author.
This fast-paced family/COVID workplace drama does not disappoint.
Featuring well-drawn characters and an unpredictable storyline, this compelling novella has no shortage of twists and turns. The book's ending is gasp-worthy.
My only disappointment with this book was its length. The book was short (4 hours, 45 minutes) and I wish that the author would have further developed the ending because I could have easily listened to the book for at least another 2 hours.
I listened to the audiobook that was a freebie on Audible Plus. Narrator Luke Arnold did a superb job with the narration.
This was my first book by author Caroline Overington and I will definitely be seeking future titles by this author.
June 11, 2021
A pandemic story. I listened to it on Audible. Light storyline kept my interest. Still wondering why it was called One Chance? Did I miss something?
July 5, 2021
Taking COVID out of this story and what's left....a business owner trying to be a nice guy and look where it gets him. People around him with ulterior motives, a wife who is more interested in her son than her husband and not much more. This is a story about how one decision can alter your entire life. Not a bad story, but not one that had me massively turning pages.
July 21, 2021
As a fan of Caroline Overington's books, I was quite excited when I saw that she had a free audible original coming out revolving around the pandemic. This is another of what I suspect to be many books set during Covid-19 times.
It's the story of this old guy, Paul, known as your typical Mr. Nice Guy, with a factory that has adapted to making face masks during the pandemic and business has just boomed. People start filtering back into his life from out the woodwork, all with ulterior motives. As he lets these people in him family and life as he knows it become threatened.
As an author, Overington does well at keeping you engaged with the story and wanting to know more. Her writing flows and is easy to read. There was this very ominous, eerie tone to the book too from certain characters that intrigued me. While seemingly normal people, I always had this feeling something was a bit off and that's the mysterious, fun element to this book.
I'm not sure if the author got the ending she was hoping for in this book. It felt rushed. Swollen with the need for more. While the story was fine in itself, I'm not really sure I'm able to truly tell you the point of the story. It missed that overall reveal that tied everything together and painted the message you need in the final pages that makes. you appreciate reading it. It was honestly all just a bit too random and unfocused in my opinion.
There was nothing overly bad about this book yet at the same time nothing overly exciting, either. I didn't feel compelled to pick it back up. There wasn't much suspense or thrill to keep you turning the page besides perhaps towards the very end when things ramp up.
It's the story of this old guy, Paul, known as your typical Mr. Nice Guy, with a factory that has adapted to making face masks during the pandemic and business has just boomed. People start filtering back into his life from out the woodwork, all with ulterior motives. As he lets these people in him family and life as he knows it become threatened.
As an author, Overington does well at keeping you engaged with the story and wanting to know more. Her writing flows and is easy to read. There was this very ominous, eerie tone to the book too from certain characters that intrigued me. While seemingly normal people, I always had this feeling something was a bit off and that's the mysterious, fun element to this book.
I'm not sure if the author got the ending she was hoping for in this book. It felt rushed. Swollen with the need for more. While the story was fine in itself, I'm not really sure I'm able to truly tell you the point of the story. It missed that overall reveal that tied everything together and painted the message you need in the final pages that makes. you appreciate reading it. It was honestly all just a bit too random and unfocused in my opinion.
There was nothing overly bad about this book yet at the same time nothing overly exciting, either. I didn't feel compelled to pick it back up. There wasn't much suspense or thrill to keep you turning the page besides perhaps towards the very end when things ramp up.
June 20, 2021
*Spoilers*
This is a neat story that has some nice moments and interesting twists. Overington is a good storyteller and the narrative flows easily.
It felt a little plot driven - if I had to guess, I would say that the author decided on the conclusion of the story and then worked her way backwards - but the motivations and inner logic of the characters was deftly handled to reach the an ending which works pretty well.
That said - I didn't like Paul and was hoping Imogen would shoot him or something. I get that he's meant to be pretty clueless but sheesh. Hopefully the presumptive sequel - Cody's Darkness - centres around the kid drowning his dad in a Russian lake.
I found Nat and Stephen to be interesting characters and would have liked more about them. I think a bit more insight into Nat might have sold the twist a bit more, but we only saw her through Paul's eyes which meant a delicate balance - we needed him to be ignorant of her state of mind, but also to have empathy and emotional investment in her. Being told he loved her over and over, and the non-affair, wasn't enough to make me care deeply about her. Imogen had all the sympathy I think as the subtext of her situation took front and centre.
I enjoyed it. My second audiobook by this author and I would listen to more.
This is a neat story that has some nice moments and interesting twists. Overington is a good storyteller and the narrative flows easily.
It felt a little plot driven - if I had to guess, I would say that the author decided on the conclusion of the story and then worked her way backwards - but the motivations and inner logic of the characters was deftly handled to reach the an ending which works pretty well.
That said - I didn't like Paul and was hoping Imogen would shoot him or something. I get that he's meant to be pretty clueless but sheesh. Hopefully the presumptive sequel - Cody's Darkness - centres around the kid drowning his dad in a Russian lake.
I found Nat and Stephen to be interesting characters and would have liked more about them. I think a bit more insight into Nat might have sold the twist a bit more, but we only saw her through Paul's eyes which meant a delicate balance - we needed him to be ignorant of her state of mind, but also to have empathy and emotional investment in her. Being told he loved her over and over, and the non-affair, wasn't enough to make me care deeply about her. Imogen had all the sympathy I think as the subtext of her situation took front and centre.
I enjoyed it. My second audiobook by this author and I would listen to more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2022
This book is different than the ones I’ve previously read (and loved) by Caroline Overington. The others were fiction that read like non-fiction. This definitely felt like fiction from the start. It’s set in the U.S., not Australia… and there were a few moments of distraction as words/slang were used that are not common in the U.S. (at least not that I’m aware of, and I’ve lived in Washington for 8 years and the book was set in Washington state).
So, initially I was disappointed… that it wasn’t set in Australia, there was no lovely narration with an Australian accent, and that it didn’t feel so “realistic”. However, the characters grew on me and by the ending I was fully engrossed and invested in how it’d play out for all the characters.
So, initially I was disappointed… that it wasn’t set in Australia, there was no lovely narration with an Australian accent, and that it didn’t feel so “realistic”. However, the characters grew on me and by the ending I was fully engrossed and invested in how it’d play out for all the characters.
November 30, 2021
A short fast paced page turner. Demonstrating one never knows how ones day is going to turn out.
Enjoyed and would like to read more by this author.
Enjoyed and would like to read more by this author.
July 2, 2023
Not my favourite by this author but a good story none the less. Keeps you guessing who will betray the ML.
June 16, 2021
What a really nice story this is. Top to bottom. The characters were all great, easy to follow, and very well developed. This is a really great story about a snapshot from one personas life as our days go by on this neverending journey. I couldn’t put this book away. I was locked in early-on, excited for any chance to listen, and I made excuses to jump back into the story. Lol. Let’s just say that ALL the laundry in the house is washed, folded, and put away! Just a really superb job by both the author AND the narrator. Luke Arnold was in the exact “space” emotionally I think that Ms. Overington was as she put this heartfelt story together. I loved the ending also. The sort of “wrap up,” style where were brought up to speed on how everything worked out for each character. Like I said before...most of these characters are very likeable. If this was a series I would 100% check out more from them. That’s normally not my style, so it’s saying something! Now that the book is finished I’m left missing my “friends” now! Hahaha. I don’t give many 5-Star reviews, I feel that this quickie covered every reason I would ever have to give a fiver. Take a break from your life and spend a little time in this story. It’s a fun ride
July 3, 2021
Though I'm not 100% sure why this book is called One Chance, I think it might be because of the last few chapters. I've read another of Caroline's books which was premised on the mundane lives of people living through the COVID-19 pandemic and I thought this was another good one.
This story was based in America and showed how COVID-19 impacted a range of people. You have business owners who were able to profit by changing their business to make PPE supplies but also saw people without work who had to rely on family connections to find employment. You saw families who were excited to spend more time with each other but also families where domestic violence became worse due to the additional life stresses. You had characters where COVID-19 exacerbated their anxiety, and others who didn't even believe it existed.
I found Emily's point of view particularly interesting because of the recent literature I've read around work expectations and the next generation. This point of view seemed very well researched from the author and touched on the different beliefs around phone use and company expenditure.
All in all, I felt all the characters were super relatable, I thought the story was solid and unconfusing, and I thought there was enough drama to make it exciting with a surprise ending included. It's still a bit weird to have COVID-19 referred to in a fictional book, but I feel that this author has found a niche that works for her. Well done.
This story was based in America and showed how COVID-19 impacted a range of people. You have business owners who were able to profit by changing their business to make PPE supplies but also saw people without work who had to rely on family connections to find employment. You saw families who were excited to spend more time with each other but also families where domestic violence became worse due to the additional life stresses. You had characters where COVID-19 exacerbated their anxiety, and others who didn't even believe it existed.
I found Emily's point of view particularly interesting because of the recent literature I've read around work expectations and the next generation. This point of view seemed very well researched from the author and touched on the different beliefs around phone use and company expenditure.
All in all, I felt all the characters were super relatable, I thought the story was solid and unconfusing, and I thought there was enough drama to make it exciting with a surprise ending included. It's still a bit weird to have COVID-19 referred to in a fictional book, but I feel that this author has found a niche that works for her. Well done.
July 5, 2022
This was a short novella, only available on audible and free so I thought I would give it a go. It's set during covid when we all had to wear marks, keep our distance and hand sanitize regularly. Paul is the main character and he owns a factory making face shields. He's doing a roaring trade and his factory is expanding. He takes on 2 more office staff; Emily the daughter of a friend and Imogen who he had met years before at a conference and who worked for a rival factory. He also has a wife Natalie, a former Russian athlete, who struggles with mental health problems, and a 5-year-old son Cody who is just starting school. All these characters have emotional baggage and come with their own set of problems. It had the ingredients to be a great story but, probably due to the length it never seemed to get going properly there were too many loose ends for my liking but it's relatively short about 4 hours and it really helped me fall asleep quickly.... enough said .....try it yourself while it's free!
February 21, 2022
This was a reasonably short novel included free on audible so I thought I'd give it a try.
What a sad story.
It is set in covid times and Paul owns a factory which turned to making face sheilds during the pandemic.
He was doing very well and took on new staff to help with the supply and demand.
Two women he took on - one was Emily as a PA and the other Imogen as a logistics manager.
Paul is married to, Natalie, a former Russian athlete who defected after one Olympic games. She was a water polo player. They have a son called Cody. Natalie focuses all her attention on Cody to the extent that Paul is worried about her mental state and also feels a bit neglected.
What I found sad is that Paul is such a lovely person and yet people he tries to help take advantage and it is him who gets the suffering and pain.
I cain't say too much more for fear of spoiling the story.
What a sad story.
It is set in covid times and Paul owns a factory which turned to making face sheilds during the pandemic.
He was doing very well and took on new staff to help with the supply and demand.
Two women he took on - one was Emily as a PA and the other Imogen as a logistics manager.
Paul is married to, Natalie, a former Russian athlete who defected after one Olympic games. She was a water polo player. They have a son called Cody. Natalie focuses all her attention on Cody to the extent that Paul is worried about her mental state and also feels a bit neglected.
What I found sad is that Paul is such a lovely person and yet people he tries to help take advantage and it is him who gets the suffering and pain.
I cain't say too much more for fear of spoiling the story.
July 24, 2021
Book 61 of 2021;
One Chance
-Caroline Overington
Another free listen/read on audible. And so fitting…set on the time of the COVID Pandemic
Paul manages an old-school plastics factory that has pivoted during the pandemic to making face masks and is now booming. Along comes Emily, the wayward daughter of an old friend, whom Paul hires to be his assistant, and she’s a sparkling force determined to prove her worth with the one chance she’s been given.
Imogen, a beautiful former acquaintance of Paul’s, also coincidently appears outside the factory, down on her luck and clearly full of ulterior motive. The masked truths of the women around him soon threaten to turn Paul’s quiet family life upside down.
Not a regular pick…probs won’t listen to this again but it was enjoyable on my work drives .
3/5⭐️
Happy Reading x
One Chance
-Caroline Overington
Another free listen/read on audible. And so fitting…set on the time of the COVID Pandemic
Paul manages an old-school plastics factory that has pivoted during the pandemic to making face masks and is now booming. Along comes Emily, the wayward daughter of an old friend, whom Paul hires to be his assistant, and she’s a sparkling force determined to prove her worth with the one chance she’s been given.
Imogen, a beautiful former acquaintance of Paul’s, also coincidently appears outside the factory, down on her luck and clearly full of ulterior motive. The masked truths of the women around him soon threaten to turn Paul’s quiet family life upside down.
Not a regular pick…probs won’t listen to this again but it was enjoyable on my work drives .
3/5⭐️
Happy Reading x
November 7, 2021
The book was off to a great start and then towards the end it just fizzled.
Paul, Imogen and Emily are tied together by the same company. They each have their own agendas for working there and everything seems fine until it’s not. The storyline was going great until the last 3 minutes of the Audible and then it’s as of the author has to hurry up and finish the book so she throws everything out there to see if it sticks. It had so much potential.
The author also tried to throw in so many personal agendas and platforms (again most in the last few minutes of the book.) I’m all for having an agenda but having THIS was a bit too much: the COVID pandemic and safety precautions, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, post partium depression, suicide, bank fraud, embezzlement and the list goes on and on and on all within 3 min.
Paul, Imogen and Emily are tied together by the same company. They each have their own agendas for working there and everything seems fine until it’s not. The storyline was going great until the last 3 minutes of the Audible and then it’s as of the author has to hurry up and finish the book so she throws everything out there to see if it sticks. It had so much potential.
The author also tried to throw in so many personal agendas and platforms (again most in the last few minutes of the book.) I’m all for having an agenda but having THIS was a bit too much: the COVID pandemic and safety precautions, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, post partium depression, suicide, bank fraud, embezzlement and the list goes on and on and on all within 3 min.
February 17, 2025
Paul Campbell is the quintessential Mr Nice Guy. A successful entrepreneur running a plastics factory, who lives a simple life and helps everyone who requests him for assistance. The story is set during Covid times where Paul is running a business of making masks and shields. At this time he finds himself dealing with three women, Emily, his friend's daughter, who is his personal assistant, Imogen, his former acquaintance, and Natalie, his anxious wife. Unbeknownst to Paul, his interactions with these women are set to change the course of his life.
The character development is great, and Overington excels at showcasing the relationships between the characters. But what feels off is that the entire story feels a bit unfinished and the ending a bit rushed. It almost feels unsatisactory as a story. It had great potential but something was missing.
The character development is great, and Overington excels at showcasing the relationships between the characters. But what feels off is that the entire story feels a bit unfinished and the ending a bit rushed. It almost feels unsatisactory as a story. It had great potential but something was missing.
September 4, 2021
This book had exactly two hooks that made me start reading, it is set during the covid pandemic and it was offered for free on audible, but as I started reading I thought to myself "This book is going to suck" and as I finish the book I'm thinking "This book definitely sucked".
The writing isn't bad, the narrator actually seemed to suit the main character Paul very well and did a fine job overall but generalisations and stereotypes ruined this one for me, not that it had much else to offer. The plot was so bland that it felt like one of those daytime movie dramas that was popular with mothers and aunties in the 90s. Yes, that's a generalisation on my behalf... to be fair, not all moms and aunties were that lame.
The writing isn't bad, the narrator actually seemed to suit the main character Paul very well and did a fine job overall but generalisations and stereotypes ruined this one for me, not that it had much else to offer. The plot was so bland that it felt like one of those daytime movie dramas that was popular with mothers and aunties in the 90s. Yes, that's a generalisation on my behalf... to be fair, not all moms and aunties were that lame.
November 23, 2021
This would have been three stars for the storyline but the characters lifted it. They were in general a bit more complex than usual and I enjoyed the variety and styles they portrayed. each seemed to have quite different agenda. The downside for me of this book was it was short and didn't develop at a consistent pace. I liked the start, the middle was a bit plodding and the end felt rushed. This is the second book I have read by Caroline Overington that has a pandemic backdrop and I preferred this to the cuckoos cry but they were both quite unusual and worth a try. If you took the pandemic out they were quite simple stories with complex characters (although at times Paul felt a bit cliched and dull for me).
Read
July 5, 2022An Audible Original with a short but compelling story about Paul Campbell, who owns & manages a plastics factory that starts making plastic face shields during the COVID pandemic. He hires two women - Emily, the daughter of an old friend, and Imogen, an old acquaintance - whose combined involvement in the company results in disaster. Emily's use of the company credit card to get a tattoo results in thousands of fraudulent charges & when Imogen & Paul discover them, she gets angry & contacts his Russian immigrant wife who has anxiety issues, and, even though it was not true, tells her Paul is having an affair with Imogen and Paul's wife commits suicide. Sad outcome for someone who tried to help.
October 4, 2023
An unlikely story all around. Paul was such a dupe and a schmoe, letting every woman in his life manipulate him and tell him what to do. I couldn’t believe he was actually going to tell his wife about the non-event that took place between him and Imogin! Of course he was so clueless about Nat’s mental health anyway. (I suspected there was some trauma in her past so as unlikeable as she was I had more empathy for her than the others.) Then the whole credit card debacle with Emily was just plain underwhelming. There was no real suspense anywhere, and the only mystery is why an Australian production set in the US with a narrator who does pretty good American accents would blow it with all those “tadoos.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2021
A quick read that’s topical - set now during Covid-19. Leaves you guessing.
Summary
Paul manages an old-school plastics factory that has pivoted during the pandemic to making face masks and is now booming. Along comes Emily, the wayward daughter of an old friend, whom Paul hires to be his assistant, and she’s a sparkling force determined to prove her worth with the one chance she’s been given.
Imogen, a beautiful former acquaintance of Paul’s, also coincidently appears outside the factory, down on her luck and clearly full of ulterior motive. The masked truths of the women around him soon threaten to turn Paul’s quiet family life upside down.
Summary
Paul manages an old-school plastics factory that has pivoted during the pandemic to making face masks and is now booming. Along comes Emily, the wayward daughter of an old friend, whom Paul hires to be his assistant, and she’s a sparkling force determined to prove her worth with the one chance she’s been given.
Imogen, a beautiful former acquaintance of Paul’s, also coincidently appears outside the factory, down on her luck and clearly full of ulterior motive. The masked truths of the women around him soon threaten to turn Paul’s quiet family life upside down.
June 19, 2021
I still don’t know why the book is called One Chance. Like, is the author saying we get one chance at love and by having conflicting feelings the main character deserves their ending?
This book was just generally unpleasant. The main character is constantly taken advantage of, and also simultaneously oblivious to his personal life. He doesn’t listen to his wife at all, and the author does a good job of showing his less-than-perfect marriage. However, we barely interact with his child at all, not even in a negligent way, until near the end and the book’s conclusion is about how he needs to do that, but it doesn’t even make sense that his child survives.
Solid ehhhhh from me.
This book was just generally unpleasant. The main character is constantly taken advantage of, and also simultaneously oblivious to his personal life. He doesn’t listen to his wife at all, and the author does a good job of showing his less-than-perfect marriage. However, we barely interact with his child at all, not even in a negligent way, until near the end and the book’s conclusion is about how he needs to do that, but it doesn’t even make sense that his child survives.
Solid ehhhhh from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2021
An easy read capturing everyday life in a pandemic. Paul is Mr Nice Guy; a successful entrepreneur who pivots his business in response to covid but remains true to his values, being humble, caring, empathetic and loyal to his employees and family. The story acknowledges the vulnerabilities of people in a pandemic, their fears, anxieties and hopes and dips into issues such as domestic violence, mental health and scammers.
I listened to this on Audible and couldn't help but compare Paul's voice to Thunderbirds Jeff Tracy (sorry narrator Luke Arnold) but I guess Jeff and Paul are kindred spirits, successful fathers who want to do right by everyone.
I listened to this on Audible and couldn't help but compare Paul's voice to Thunderbirds Jeff Tracy (sorry narrator Luke Arnold) but I guess Jeff and Paul are kindred spirits, successful fathers who want to do right by everyone.
July 11, 2021
The lead up felt slow and I was often sighing and considering skipping ahead, because it felt like a really drawn out joke with a poor punch line. It did all come together in the end, but that felt rushed. The final segment happened in two or so chapters, and barely gave me time to register what had happened. While the situation was sad, I never really developed any connection with the characters, despite the authors obvious attempts at making characters ‘like-able’ and ‘relatable’. Overall, I felt like someone was telling me a poor sob story, instead of feeling the emotional pull into what was happening. Perhaps it was a case of ‘telling’ instead of ‘showing’ writing style?
May 22, 2023
This is an enjoyable audiobook about Paul who runs a plastics factory during Covid-19. He is having difficulties with his wife and young son, and also trying to keep the factory operational. His wife is struggling with anxiety, especially about their son starting school.
At the factory Paul is trying to help a young woman get a job, by hiring her as his PA. He also helps an old friend by hiring her to deal with logistics. But things do not go smoothly.
I loved the setting during the covid pandemic, as I think this is important to document how people were feeling and acting during this time. Also, I loved the ending of the story, as it was not what I predicted.
At the factory Paul is trying to help a young woman get a job, by hiring her as his PA. He also helps an old friend by hiring her to deal with logistics. But things do not go smoothly.
I loved the setting during the covid pandemic, as I think this is important to document how people were feeling and acting during this time. Also, I loved the ending of the story, as it was not what I predicted.
November 7, 2021
A free audible unlimited book.
Set in a recommissioned factory now making face shields for Ppe requirements, it’s a fairly good little short book only just over 4 hours long. Paul Campbell is a successful business man a kind caring boss a loyal husband and devoted father so of course when people need his help he is glad to help, first a PA position to a buddy’s daughter, and then a newly created logistics position for a very old friend who is down on her luck. These two woman are set to be the downfall of Paul’s world though…..
Set in a recommissioned factory now making face shields for Ppe requirements, it’s a fairly good little short book only just over 4 hours long. Paul Campbell is a successful business man a kind caring boss a loyal husband and devoted father so of course when people need his help he is glad to help, first a PA position to a buddy’s daughter, and then a newly created logistics position for a very old friend who is down on her luck. These two woman are set to be the downfall of Paul’s world though…..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2021
what happened to this book? starts off well good character and story development and then when the main plot event takes place it was done as a quick 2 page overview followed by a brief rundown on how people coped.
This smacked of deadline is Friday and the book has to be in no matter what, so all they had time for was to write a plot summary for the rest of the book.
Extremely disappointing to be treated this way after investing time in the book to that point.
This smacked of deadline is Friday and the book has to be in no matter what, so all they had time for was to write a plot summary for the rest of the book.
Extremely disappointing to be treated this way after investing time in the book to that point.
November 12, 2021
A very current novel that takes place in the US where Paul Campbell the owner of a plastics factory turns it into a factory make plastic shields to protect against Covid. He employs Emily the daughter of an old friend as his PA. He also employs an old friend Imogen, who has fallen on difficult times. His wife Natalie, who was a Russian water polo player, who is a doting mother. The novel describes the different relationships and how they are managing through Covid.
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