Beauchamp Hall

by Danielle Steel, Laura Bourgeois (Translator)

Il est temps de devenir l'héroïne de sa propre vie !Passionnée par Jane Austen et les sœurs Brontë, Winona Farmington a toujours désiré faire carrière dans l'édition à New York. Malheureusement, elle doit quitter l'université pour retourner s'occuper de sa mère malade dans le Michigan.Des années plus tard, coincée dans une relation amoureuse médiocre et sans perspectives professionnelles, Winnie s'évade en regardantBeauchamp Hall, une série télé historique. Une énième déception lui fait alors l'effet d'un électrochoc.Du jour au lendemain, la jeune femme s'envole pour l'Angleterre et pose ses valises dans le charmant village où est tournée sa série favorite. Elle y découvre l'envers du décor, se liant d'amitié avec les propriétaires du château qui l'a tant fait rêver. À leurs côtés, Winnie tentera de reprendre sa vie en main et d'en devenir l'héroïne...

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult, Historical Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2018

About the author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

When thirty-eight-year-old Winnie Farrington's boyfriend cheats on her with her best friend, and she is passed over for a promotion in which she deserves, she decides to go to England to visit the small village (Burnham Market) where her favorite TV show (Beauchamp Hall) is being filmed. Once there she makes new friends and she feels like she is home...

This was an extremely entertaining read. I really enjoyed the setting, the small English village, and the Beauchamp Hall set. It was nice seeing Winnie follow her dreams and become a success, since she was really taken for granted most of her life. A lovely, feel-good story.

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok story. Very fast paced but felt that some pieces were unnecessary.

[Jill McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Follow your dreams... You never know what magic will happen!”

A truly uplifting and feel-good story about a woman following her dreams, and the one daring choice that could change her world forever.

I think this was one of Danielle Steel’s best books she has written. This story grabbed me and pulled me right in - I didn’t want it to end! Highly Recommend.

[Suzzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0-4.5*

Oh I understand Winnie’s obsession completely. I can binge watch Downton Abbey like a champ! Add wine and I can binge watch the same episodes of Downton Abbey repeatedly. In all seriousness, I really enjoyed this book by Danielle Steel. It seemed less fluffy than some of her other books, but overall it is still a quick and easy read that does not take a huge emotional obligation. Yet...you still thoroughly enjoy the characters and story.

MY quick and simple overall: great for a quick and entertaining afternoon (I put on Downton Abbey in the background with no wine for this read.)

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

No research was done regarding the UK at all. As an expat, this book is horrible. Every single detail about the uk was incorrect. I finally gave up because it was making me mad. Do some research before you write about a location. Planes are not allowed to land at Heathrow after midnight. The time of year she visited was far from beach and bathing suit weather. You cannot work or volunteer on a tourist visa. Nor can you rent a place. I know these seem minute to people who haven’t lived or visited the uk, but to me after reading at least 50 untrue statements I was talking to the book and had to stop in the middle, which I rarely do. I never reach Danielle steel books because I always figured they were poorly written, this confirmed my suspicions.

[Joyreader · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think I read a Danielle Steel book as a teenager and not again since. I only remember it as being sad and possibly related to Russia. Thought I’d try her again as an adult. This was one of the most poorly written books I’ve ever read in my life. Are all her books this bad? How is she so successful? I’m a writer myself and if someone brought this to my critique group, I’d secretly think the person would never get published!

It’s all tell instead of show. The main character, Winnie, is the most wimpy woman to put up with the men she does. The writing is so repetitive, the characters even repeat back the same line of dialogue to each other. The POV hops from one person to the next. The entire book is so unrealistic! Who jumps on a plane, magically gets a job on a TV show (assisting the star no less!), rents an amazing cottage in an English village (does Steel know how expensive housing is in the U.K.?) and lands a sweet job at a castle as well? And the castle! Ugh. Winnie tells the owner she can make money hosting weddings there and (despite almost every castle in the U.K. that’s privately owned doing the same thing) the castle’s owner never thought of this and thinks Winnie is a genius. And the occasional references to sex in this book. The worst.

I’m so sorry, I just can’t even exaggerate how baaaaaaaaad this book was. It honestly reads like an amateur who just started learning the craft of writing. I only finished it to try to analyze why Steel is so successful, but I don’t think I’m going to find the answers in this book, and I don’t know if I have the fortitude to ever try another of hers. Do NOT waste your time. :(

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Drama, romance and pure entertainment. As soon as you select a novel written by one the world’s biggest bestselling authors, Danielle Steel, you know you will guaranteed a read that encompasses all three of these values. In Beauchamp Hall, the last release of Steel’s for 2018, the festive and snow filled cover was enough to entice me to put this on the top of my expansive tbr pile. Beauchamp Hall is a story of self discovery, hope and love as one woman realises her true calling in life, all thanks to a popular television series!

Beauchamp Hall is introduced as ‘the uplifting story of an ordinary woman embracing an extraordinary adventure, reminding us that we should follow our dreams and never accept second best’. This is a perfect outline of Beauchamp Hall. Winona (Winnie) Farmington is Steel’s heroine of the tale. When Winnie hits three blows in very close succession of unexpected unemployment, a break up with a long term boyfriend and a cutting betrayal from her very best friend, it seems the coast is clear for Winnie to finally make the move away from her home town. Winnie trades her ordinary life in Michigan for the bright lights of England, on an exclusive estate that is currently the central filming location for Winnie’s beloved favourite television show, Beauchamp Hall. This is the stuff dreams are made out of. It doesn’t take long before Winnie becomes an extra and then an errand girl for the popular television series. She makes friends with the cast and her life takes a turn for the better. Will Winnie find happiness, self satisfaction and love all within the walls of Beauchamp Hall?

Reading Beauchamp Hall, made me immediately think of the 2013 British-American film production of Austenland, which was inspired by the 2007 book with the same title. This romantic comedy centres around a thirty something woman obsessed with all things Jane Austen, who takes a life changing trip to a British resort that specialises in creating an Austen inspired experience for its visitors. I felt like Beauchamp Hall definitely has this line of thinking. There are also obvious parallels between Beauchamp Hall and the well received British television series Downton Abbey. I’m a big fan of this British period drama, which I miss dearly since it ended, so a book that fills this void was very much welcomed on my behalf!

Steel devotes a fair amount of time in her latest novel to setting the scene and circumstances of her leading lady, Winnie. We soon learn that Winnie is a fairly ordinary woman, she has a consistent day job with no prospects, a long term boyfriend who will not commit and a fairly unexciting day-to-day life, which revolves around visiting her sister and her family. It is a mundane existence and you get the feeling that Winnie is well and truly stuck in a rut, which has been the case since she returned home to see to the care of her sick mother, who has now passed on. In these sequences there are two clear bad guys of the story, Winnie’s boss, who delivers a low blow in the promotion stakes. Then there is Winnie’s long term loser boyfriend, who clearly does not love her, but would rather use her to deal with his sexual fantasies. For this, I do issue a trigger warning, as the scenes did contain some graphic content that didn’t sit too well with me. The unexpected third villain of the tale who disappointed me greatly was Winnie’s best friend. I’m not going to divulge anything further on this as I’m being careful not to ruin the story for you!

It was really heartwarming to see Winnie take the bull by the horns so to speak, to take charge of her life and realise that she needed to move on. I can only imagine how hard this would be, but Winnie shows the reader what she is made of and embarks on a trip of a lifetime across the globe to the quaint British estate where her favourite television show is based. Although Beauchamp Hall is set to a slow pace, the book does pick up at this point. When Winnie arrives in, we get a very good glimpse into the entertainment world. We get an insider’s view of filming, production, sets, cast and crew issues on a big budget production. I also liked how Steel allowed the reader to see how the residents of the small town of Burnham Market that played the home of Beauchamp Hall was so changed by the show. It was fascinating to follow. I did feel Winnie was almost too incredibly lucky to fall into the positions she does through the book, but as this is a modern fairytale story, I can forgive Ms Steel for this fancy!

Beauchamp Hall is a modern women’s fiction title with romance elements. Winnie does make a few wrong choices in the romance department with her suitors, but this adds a sense of complication to the tale. Expect your heart to beat a little faster in a few sequences of this novel, thanks to the romantic writing of Danielle Steel. All in all, I feel readers will find Winnie’s character and situation very relatable. Following Winnie’s romance is a nice way to spend a few hours.

Beauchamp Hall is a charming tale, that I can easily envisage being read by an open fire while the snow falls gently outside, it is the perfect winter warmer. One to sit back and enjoy this festive season!

*I wish to thank the publisher, Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really very much surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Watching the star go from rags to higher levels was really fun and enjoying.

I related to it because I’ve been to a number of times and could relate to the small towns and villages.

Additionally, my daughter is a costume designer in the movie industry and so much of the behind-the-scenes movies are things that my daughter had talk to us about.

The only negative, it was a bit predictable but still very enjoyable.

[Sam Bourgoin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have regrets...

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reads like a college student trying to turn a 500 word essay into 1000 word requirement an hour before it's due. Extremely drawn out and unnecessary and then ends very quickly. I have never read a Steel book before and the description really caught my interest as it connected to me on a personal level (sick/dead parents/halting your life/ dead end job/ wanting something more, etc). Man this was a disappointment. There is soo much time devoted to how terrible Winnie's life is at the beginning and it is unnecessary. Yeah Rob sounds terrible, do we need to stretch that into such a long period? This book could easily have been Chapter 1: Winnie's boss sucks she goes home after work find BF and BFF doing it and then Wham epiphany and onto the adventure in England. There was no need to endlessly drag that on when we all knew where it was going. So much of this story was so unbelievable that its hard to even get remotely invested. This nobody from nowhere with no experience lands great jobs with movie stars in a foreign country where visas etc are needed but shes so magical everything works out. What? the nephew thing seemed unnecessary and what just to prove what we already knew again? Will never bother with Steel again. I am not one to critique writers but this was bad. Edit: I forgot to also add how extremely annoying the male narrator was in the audiobook and how he sounded mocking when portraying upset women in nasally ridiculous tones. Poor choice.

[Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a Danielle Steel fan and have found her novels rather tedious and cliched riddled. And Beauchamp Hall does nothing to negate my opinion.

So why did I read it? The cover and the plot hooked me in! The cover showing an estate worthy of Downton Abbey, covered in snow, and the plot of a woman who chucks it all to move to England to pursue a dream, sounded like a perfect reading escape.

Sadly, within the first 30 pages I knew I was going to be in trouble. We're told about Winnie's boyfriend of eleven years. He likes porn. He likes porn a lot. He likes to watch porn with Winnie. Did I tell you he likes porn? Yes, we get it....he likes porn. I think in 30 pages we are told at least a dozen times about how much he likes porn. The repetition and the one dimensional character Ms. Steel created had me shaking my head. I should have known to just walk away from the book. But....

So Winnie decides that maybe porn guy isn't the one, quits her job (which I applaud her for!), and moves to England to become one with the Downton Abbey village.

Sigh, unfortunately Winnie is a mix between a martyr and doormat. The secondary characters added little to a story that was flat and mostly uninteresting. Overall, I was just annoyed. I guess I stuck it out to see how it would end. I gave it two stars as it wasn't the worse book I've read.

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve always been curious about DS given how prolific of an author she is, and I’ve seen her books in bookstores and libraries since, well, there used to be bookstores and libraries. Plus, I’ve stopped caring about what books are supposed to be read by which genders, although having read this book, I wouldn’t recommend it to any gender.

My overall impression that I got from this book was that although it may have been started by DS, it was almost certainly finished by either an intern at her publishing house, or by a computer. The writing style and plot simplicity was basically at a 5th grade level. The book is riddled with platitudes and cheesy/obvious statements, like: “The girls giggled. They were laughing about what they were talking about. They were becoming friends - and it showed.” (Not to mention these were 39 year-old women..) Toward the end, it got acceleratingly bad: “He looked handsome. The girl had a long necklace. She was pretty. The food was perfect, and delicious. She was happy. A man was somewhere. They were following their dreams.”

The gender role/stereotyping was also a bit excruciating at times. At one point they suggested hiring “a girl” to work at a store, and although I get that these characters may say something like that once, off the cuff, after they repeated it six or seven times, it seemed clear that it would be a bit uncomfortable for a man to apply for that position.

Not to mention the painfully obvious plot line, predictable within moments of starting the book. While I appreciate the noble theme of getting what you want by bravely following your dreams (and presumably expecting nothing in return), it is absurd to assume that everything will come off “flawlessly and without a hitch” at every imaginable moment along the way, with not even a single nuance or complication. I was holding out hope to the very end that there would be some kind of twist, but (spoiler alert!) there was none, and everything (other than the book) ended up being “absolutely magnificent”.

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

If there was a star lower than 1 that's what I would give this book! AWFUL!! AWFUL AWFUL! The writing was horrible, the characters were flat and the plot just plodded along. I have to admit I haven't read Danielle Steel in quite a while but I don't remember crap like this before. I only made it to chapter 4 before I threw in the towel. There's a couple of hours I'll never get back!

If you're thinking of reading it, go find something else.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

“She seemed so at home here in England, and reluctant to go back where she came from.” Danielle Steel’s Beauchamp (pronounced Bee-chum) Hall is set in Essex, England where the series ‘Beauchamp Hall’ is being filmed. Winona (Winnie) Farmington, an American, is in a dead-end job in her hometown which is two hours north of Detroit when three events happen to Win which make her realize that she does not belong in her hometown anymore. Winnie knew this when she was going to the university, but familial obligation made her return. She was given a gift of DVDs of Beauchamp Hall at Christmas many years later. When she watched them, she ‘fell in love’ with the series and, I believe, England! I definitely can relate to that! When the ‘three events’ occur, she packs up and flies to a England to watch the series being filmed. “Beauchamp Hall reminds us to follow our dreams......You never know what magic will happen!” The basic premise of this book grabbed me as I love England, but, surprisingly, the writing and the plot were repetitive and boring until the end. 3 stars.

[Lennora · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well this is currently the worst romance I've read, and I've read some doozies. I'm going to give it a generous two stars because I didn't throw it across the room and the plot was a decent idea that was just so terribly executed.

I had to check both the author (because apparently "everyone reads Danielle Steel" and you have to be a better writer to have sold that many books, right?) and that I was indeed reading a *romance*.

The plot was good in theory but I just can't express how much the writing aggravated me. Incredibly repetitive in both dialogue and narrative. The author didn't describe a single thing in the book but instead wrote this book as if it was a 311 page plot summary.

Now a major gripe about the "romance" side of things. If you're interested in reading about a character who is involved in two failed relationships (that were just *brutal* to read about) for 252 pages of the book and then finds "prince charming" who, with absolutely no lead up and hardly a kiss, goes from joking about picking up bridesmaids at weddings to proposing to the main character in the last 50 pages (and I do mean going from one extreme to the other in 50 pages). Honestly the MC had more interactions with his sister than him throughout the book, with his sister constantly affirming he's the "irresponsible, eternal bachelor" trope.

So disappointed in this one. It will be my last Danielle Steel if this is the way she writes.

[Gwen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought I'd try a Danielle Steel as an easy reading alternative to my usual murders and mysteries. After all, she's one of the biggest selling authors of all time, she's internationally famous, a legend.

I have no idea why.

I admit, I am probably being over critical, as a British reader but dear lord, I have never read such a bonkers range of stereotypes in one book before.

Downtrodden heroine who has no spine, an abusive boyfriend, and friends and family who gaslight her into believing his behaviour is normal? Tick.
Turning up in the UK and magically getting a job despite not having a visa? Tick.
Random mentions of vaguely British things to prove you've popped over the pond during the research process? Tick.
Random mentions of Earl Grey tea? Tick.
Confusing afternoon tea and high tea? Tick.
Unpleasant working class love interest? Tick.
Wealthy aristocratic hero? Tick.

Oh well. I tried. It passed a couple of hours. But I remain baffled as to the authors success.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is perfect for escaping whatever is causing you stress. I got swept away in classic Danielle Steel fashion. I connected with Winnie right away and her journey of self-discovery makes this a five-star read. Highly recommend!

My Rating: 5 stars

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very cute and a nice light read.

[Heidi (can’t retire soon enough) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

There’s no doubt that one of our most prolific writers, Danielle Steele, is a master of storytelling. Just look at the dozens and dozens of titles in her bio. Not generally a fan (not since the ‘90s), the novel’s tie-in to filming and the English countryside lured me in. As with other romance tropes, I knew what I wanted and I was certain that Ms. Steele would deliver.

Sadly, for me, this book didn’t rise above “pleasant.” Worse, rather than being a part of the main character’s story, I felt like I was reading the longest book summary— the ways that the “show don’t tell” rule was broken throughout this novel was, well, novel.

Normally, with the kind of repetitive summarizing of our characters’ thoughts (for example, Winnie debated her lack of feelings for her long-time boyfriend over the first 5-6 chapters, which quite frankly should have been 2 at most and I just wanted to know when she’d finally break and head to England to escape her dull life). Why didn’t I DNF—because that’s more my style these days? Because I figured the action would pick up once she landed on British soil and got involved with the moviemaking crew. Nope, a lot more telling, a few interesting characters, and very little authentic conflict.

Where was the editor? Where was the action? It was just all so milk toast— this was certainly not the Danielle Steele I remembered nor was looking for (I wanted a soap opera read to make me forget, not that I could, the last, very dark read I had just finished).

Before anyone wonders where my editor is, I’ll say that for other readers this book worked better for them (I know, the 4-star reviews overwhelm on GR), but this is a case that I should know better than to trust a good book blurb, even from well-known writers.

Next time I want a Danielle Steele novel, I’m going back to their earlier titles. Because she really did define and influence the romance genre back in the day!

[Loredana Mariana Bublitchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

După ce-și descoperită iubitul în pat cu cea mai bună prietenă, Winnie decide să plece în Anglia, în localitatea unde se filmează serialul “Beauchamp Hall”, serial de care a fost cucerită. Viața sa nu a fost deloc cum se aștepta până-n prezent, fiind nevoită să facă diverse sacrificii, iar pentru prima dată simte și vrea să facă ceva pentru sine, iar această călătorie este ce are nevoie.

Nu am mai citit de ceva vreme un roman semnat de Danielle Steel, deși am în bibliotecă, dar “Beauchamp Hall” mi-a captat atenția datorită coperții și mi-am dorit să o citesc iarna ☺️. A fost o poveste clișeică, am intuit fiecare pas al acțiunii, am urmărit-o cu drag pe Winnie și am apreciat-o pentru îndrăzneală, să faci asemenea schimbare nu e deloc ușor. Alături de ea mă simțeam ca parte din poveste, o însoțeam pretutindeni și o încurajam.

Mi-a plăcut cum s-a transformat până la finalul poveștii, că și-a permis să riște, să își abandoneze confortul și rutina pentru neprevăzut, ca să descopere exact ce avea nevoie, dar să se și descopere pe sine. Și-a permis să simtă după acea dezamăgire în dragoste, a legat prietenii și a prins rădăcini unde nu se aștepta vreodată.

Este o poveste ușoară, frumoasă, care amintește de filmele romantice din preajma sărbătorilor de pe Hallmark sau Diva și merge perfect în momentul în care cauți o lectură relaxantă, cu puțină emoție ☺️.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent. Cute and quick read!

[Cisz Geverink - Strasters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wat een ongelooflijk hartverwarmend verhaal was dit. Echt een meisjesdroom dat tot leven kwam, en als lezer wordt je er heerlijk in meegezogen. Danielle Steel heeft een fijne, vlotte schrijfstijl wat er voor zorgt dat je als lezer echt achterover kan zakken, en het gewoon allemaal over je heen kan laten komen. Het hele boek voelde echt als een film, waar je zelf de hoofdrol in zou willen ♡



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[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

My first Danielle Steel and I was impressed with the idea of this story. How everything possible can go wrong at once but afterwards, good things can happen. Soppy yes but It just seemed like miracles were working for this main character around every corner. Why not! The story was moreish and I loved the fantasy of managing to live your dreams and love the life you live.

A great book to read during Christmas which does a full year and ends on new years day!
The setting was perfect if you're a fan of Downton Abbey and all that goes with it.

[Karen F · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice fluff novel after reading a few longer and heavier books. Just what I needed.

All about following your dreams and taking risks. A small town girl from outside Detroit has her life fall apart over night. She flies to England to visit the filming of a tv series similar to downton Abby and ends up working as a support person. Nice story.

This Danielle Steele book was a little different format as nobody died at the beginning to advance the story and it didn’t take place in San Francisco or New York!

It was one of her better books. 3.5 probably a 4 if you’re a lover of romance.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with this setting, the feel of the story and the fact that it was very Downton Abbey-ish. I am a sucker for a main female character whose dreams come true. Poor Winnie had a horrible afternoon, her life completely changed in an afternoon so she binge watched her favorite show, Beauchamp Hall, after all watching this show was like comfort food to her. Then Winnie decides hey I have no real ties here and a bit of savings so why not go to England and see where my fave show is filmed.

What follows is a bit like a fairy-tale , with some ups and downs of course, for Winnie.

Winnie meets and interacts with many of her idols from the show. What I absolutely love about Danielle Steel's books is that they can be a bit like a fairy-tale escape for me and this just took me away to a place were dreams come true for Winnie. The story is not all wishes coming true and happy endings, Winnie needs to make things happen and work through a few relationship issues but still this book was a great escape.This review was originally posted on Fictional Blonde

[Lindsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I figured someone who was so well-known for prolifically writing romance novels would actually write well, but I was very wrong. Reading my first (and only, I must say) Daniele Steele novel helped me understand why romance has such a terrible reputation in popular culture, and this realization makes me so irritated. There is so much good romance writing out there!

The writing in this book is redundant, ridiculously detailed around the dumbest plot points, and sadly reminiscent of middle-school level writing. No, I don’t need you to explain how the game White Elephant works. No, I don’t care about the main character’s travel schedule and modes of transportation between Michigan and England. No, I don’t need you to tell me five different ways that reality television can be “extremely lucrative.” There was no way to feel part of the story when the senses were completely ignored in favor of shopping-list-like descriptions. The characters felt like paper dolls with no feelings, and while the basic story idea had some promise, everything felt like such a waste.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible! Couldn’t even suffer through more than 1/4 of the book before finally having enough. It was so poorly written it gave me a headache with the short and bland sentences. Is Danielle Steel even writing these anymore? It seriously reads at an elementary school level.

Characters were boring and unlikeable and it was so freaking REPETITIVE. Ugh. Disappointed — Danielle Steel has such good books, this one is just awful.

[Runner10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauchamp Hall is classic Danielle Steel. I fell in love with Winnie and wanting her to find the love she deserved. I can easily see this book being made in to a movie. If you are a fan on Downton Abbey you will love this book.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have something else, you better read that.

[Kennedy Cannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Made it all of 14 pages. The writing was so bad, I feel like I’m being gaslighted by how popular she is.

There was so much unnecessary telling, and so many sentences repeating the exact same thing in one paragraph. An example: “Her mother had been "The Story Lady" to the local children, and Winnie happily stepped into her shoes.” And then only a few sentences later: Every Saturday morning, Winnie spent two hours at the library, and was "The Story Lady," carrying on her mother's tradition and following in her footsteps.

The first chapter was just telling and telling and telling and then her at work for two minutes and then “Both women got busy at work then, Winnie went to push the production department. At the end of the day, Barb turned to her with a question.”

Also has this woman never heard of a semi-colon?? So many instances of her using a comma (like the example above) where she should have used a semi-colon.

I even flipped through to see when it would get to her visiting Beauchamp Hall and she doesn’t even leave until 75 pages in.