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Churchminster #1
Country Pursuits
Fans of Jilly Cooper will devour this racy, pacy and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from much loved author, Jo Carnegie.
'Sexy, scandalous and all firmly tongue in cheek' - Heat
'Carnegie gives Jilly Cooper a run for her money' - Glamour
'A right corker!' - Closer
'If you want pure escapism, this book is for you' -- ***** Reader review
'Funny and sexy and romantic and had everything a good chick lit should have!' -- ***** Reader review
'I was bereft when I finished it. Jilly Cooper watch out, Jo Carnegie is on your heels.' -- ***** Reader review
'This book made me laugh out loud, cry and everything in between, definitely recommend it!! BUY IT NOW!!!' -- ***** Reader review
*********************************************************** THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE... The gorgeous women of Churchminster know exactly what they want - a constant flow of champagne and the love of a good man . But faced with the likes of beer-guzzling farmer Angus , foul-tempered Lord Fraser and suave banker Sebastian (devoted only to himself), their attentions are increasingly drawn to more attractive possibilities . . . Meanwhile, when a part of their beloved village comes under threat from a villainous property developer and his bulldozer, the community is united by a different kind of passion and important questions occupy their Can they raise enough money to save Churchminster? And can a person actually die from too much extra-marital sex?
The Churchminster adventures continue in Naked Truths ...
'Sexy, scandalous and all firmly tongue in cheek' - Heat
'Carnegie gives Jilly Cooper a run for her money' - Glamour
'A right corker!' - Closer
'If you want pure escapism, this book is for you' -- ***** Reader review
'Funny and sexy and romantic and had everything a good chick lit should have!' -- ***** Reader review
'I was bereft when I finished it. Jilly Cooper watch out, Jo Carnegie is on your heels.' -- ***** Reader review
'This book made me laugh out loud, cry and everything in between, definitely recommend it!! BUY IT NOW!!!' -- ***** Reader review
*********************************************************** THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE... The gorgeous women of Churchminster know exactly what they want - a constant flow of champagne and the love of a good man . But faced with the likes of beer-guzzling farmer Angus , foul-tempered Lord Fraser and suave banker Sebastian (devoted only to himself), their attentions are increasingly drawn to more attractive possibilities . . . Meanwhile, when a part of their beloved village comes under threat from a villainous property developer and his bulldozer, the community is united by a different kind of passion and important questions occupy their Can they raise enough money to save Churchminster? And can a person actually die from too much extra-marital sex?
The Churchminster adventures continue in Naked Truths ...
496 pages, Paperback
First published August 14, 2008
32 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Jo Carnegie
8 books65 followersJo Carnegie lives in London and Cardiff. She spent her early career as a fledgling reporter on Bedfordshire’s Biggleswade Chronicle before working at more! and Glamour magazine, and most recently as deputy-editor of heat.
Jo has interviewed stars from George Clooney, Justin Timberlake and Will Smith to Posh and Becks and Kylie Minogue. She now writes features for heat and is the author of the Churchminster series which began with Country Pursuits.
Jo has interviewed stars from George Clooney, Justin Timberlake and Will Smith to Posh and Becks and Kylie Minogue. She now writes features for heat and is the author of the Churchminster series which began with Country Pursuits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 19, 2010
*spoiler-ish - No major plot lines revealed though.*
Wasn't really what I was expecting. A lot more... not really 'graphic' but Carnegie describes the sex more than a lot of other chick lit novels. I don't think it really added to the story and it seemed like she was doing it for the shock factor, only it didn't really work. If it was to gain attention for the novel, it didn't do that either. I just thought it was a bit over the top and didn't create the atmosphere it needed.
I found it, not so much confusing, but very cluttered; I thought her focus was too split at times which made the book overlong and almost boring in parts. Like most chick-lit, it’s an easy read and okay for an escapist read, but don’t expect too much from it.
Wasn't really what I was expecting. A lot more... not really 'graphic' but Carnegie describes the sex more than a lot of other chick lit novels. I don't think it really added to the story and it seemed like she was doing it for the shock factor, only it didn't really work. If it was to gain attention for the novel, it didn't do that either. I just thought it was a bit over the top and didn't create the atmosphere it needed.
I found it, not so much confusing, but very cluttered; I thought her focus was too split at times which made the book overlong and almost boring in parts. Like most chick-lit, it’s an easy read and okay for an escapist read, but don’t expect too much from it.
August 23, 2021
I like the light, fun, easy reading style of this book. I found the stories of the different characters somewhat interesting but also it was like a realistic day of the suburban lifestyle, - expect gossip, scandals, adultery, family and friends life drama.
On the other hand, for me there I felt there were too many characters in the one book. Off the top of my head I can at least count 12 characters. I often got confused because sometimes the chapter would suddenly change to another character's story. So it was hard to keep track of who was who and whose story I was reading.
But within saying that I do have to commend Jo Carnegie, as she was able to build each and every character profile up but in turn it took awhile for the stories to unfold. I like the story enough to read it, but I probably wouldn't read the next two in the series.
I want to say thank you to Netgalley, and Transworld Publishers for granting me the opportunity to read this copy of Country Pursuits.
On the other hand, for me there I felt there were too many characters in the one book. Off the top of my head I can at least count 12 characters. I often got confused because sometimes the chapter would suddenly change to another character's story. So it was hard to keep track of who was who and whose story I was reading.
But within saying that I do have to commend Jo Carnegie, as she was able to build each and every character profile up but in turn it took awhile for the stories to unfold. I like the story enough to read it, but I probably wouldn't read the next two in the series.
I want to say thank you to Netgalley, and Transworld Publishers for granting me the opportunity to read this copy of Country Pursuits.
March 20, 2014
Great read for a bit of escapism
June 8, 2021
Welcome to Churchminster home of the Standington Fulthorpe women: Caro new mum and unhappily married to philandering and largely absent Sebastian, Camilla stuck in a rut with her red faced young farmer , Calypso youngest and always outrageous arriving back in the village with a bang and matriarch Clementine grandmother to the whole village.
When the village comes under threat from a sleazy property developer Clementine won’t let it stand its up the village save itself.
Using the tried and tested Jilly Cooper template Carnegie can’t go far wrong. There’s plenty of hot bods, champagne swilling, dirty rotten scoundrels and a hero or two, it’s La Coop lite but also half the length. It’s frivolous and a jolly good read.
When the village comes under threat from a sleazy property developer Clementine won’t let it stand its up the village save itself.
Using the tried and tested Jilly Cooper template Carnegie can’t go far wrong. There’s plenty of hot bods, champagne swilling, dirty rotten scoundrels and a hero or two, it’s La Coop lite but also half the length. It’s frivolous and a jolly good read.
May 29, 2017
The characters of the book are simply insufferable! So they are impossibly rich doing very little or inconsequential jobs but maintaining an extremely expensive lifestyle and they are all in a fix because (gulp!) a self - made property developer wants to build a housing estate on their precious meadow. And not a luxury apartments estate either. That's right the plebs are coming! This, of course, means war! Hurry up, call Mick Jagger to stop this sacrilege. Their peace and quiet are threatened! Dear me the hoi poloi will overrun the place!
Well unfortunately he loses and the rich and spoilt again have their way.
Well unfortunately he loses and the rich and spoilt again have their way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2023
I got this book as a fan of Jilly Cooper, but I felt it tried too hard to be a Jilly Cooper copy and it fell very short of the mark.
One dimensional characters (pretty much all with double barrels surnames) who you couldn't really get to know or were that likeable to be memorable, and odd additions to chapters which felt like they were included as an afterthought for padding. The storyline of the developer ended weirdly in my opinion (and the fundraising totals were unbelievable!), the "murder" and missing persons stories were rushed and the "romances"\scandals seemed forced.
I don't think I'll read the rest in the series (sorry!)
One dimensional characters (pretty much all with double barrels surnames) who you couldn't really get to know or were that likeable to be memorable, and odd additions to chapters which felt like they were included as an afterthought for padding. The storyline of the developer ended weirdly in my opinion (and the fundraising totals were unbelievable!), the "murder" and missing persons stories were rushed and the "romances"\scandals seemed forced.
I don't think I'll read the rest in the series (sorry!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2021
Thank you #Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.
This is the first read of the Churchminster mini series. At first I thought there were a lot of characters introduced rather quickly that made it hard to follow the book. However, as it progressed, we learned how these characters all reside in the small community of Churchminster and how their lives are all connected. Now that the characters and plot lines have been well established, I look forward to reading the next two in the series.
This is the first read of the Churchminster mini series. At first I thought there were a lot of characters introduced rather quickly that made it hard to follow the book. However, as it progressed, we learned how these characters all reside in the small community of Churchminster and how their lives are all connected. Now that the characters and plot lines have been well established, I look forward to reading the next two in the series.
July 8, 2021
Very much a chick flick read. It is a "balls to the wall" type of reading...full speed ahead. It produced many emotions that hit all at once. It is a funny book enough to make you laugh out loud but several times to sad spots. Surprising and enjoyable. I gave it a 4 instead of 5 because I thought the ending was a bit rushed. But I would recommend this book and be prepared NOT to put it down once you start reading. This is 1st time reading this author and got this free to read but it will not be the last time I read this author. Dont miss it and it worth the late night!
August 18, 2021
A ripping yarn of a disastrous event hitting a small countryside community.
Told through an ensemble of characters that were witty and easy to conjure into life from their vivid descriptions, this story entertains, takes strange twists and turns before ending on a pleasing high.
My only issue with this book (considering it was penned by a woman) is the one character that wasn’t slim and beautiful had to become thin and beautiful to find her place in the world, not a particularly healthy message.
Told through an ensemble of characters that were witty and easy to conjure into life from their vivid descriptions, this story entertains, takes strange twists and turns before ending on a pleasing high.
My only issue with this book (considering it was penned by a woman) is the one character that wasn’t slim and beautiful had to become thin and beautiful to find her place in the world, not a particularly healthy message.
June 6, 2021
Country Pursuits Churchminister series 1
by Jo Carnegie
A really well written book set in the Cotswold countryside featuring all the village characters you’d expect. Alongside gossip, murder, adultery, upset and dodgy developer so much to keep you enthralled in the story .
Very enjoyable really look forward to reading book 2. Well done Jo! 4.5/5
by Jo Carnegie
A really well written book set in the Cotswold countryside featuring all the village characters you’d expect. Alongside gossip, murder, adultery, upset and dodgy developer so much to keep you enthralled in the story .
Very enjoyable really look forward to reading book 2. Well done Jo! 4.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2024
Unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy this book, nor the rest of the series.
There were certainly elements of humour, even some laugh out loud moments, and a good mix of characters, both likeable and not.
However, sadly the story just fell flat for me, and i found it a bit of a slog to work through the book.
There were certainly elements of humour, even some laugh out loud moments, and a good mix of characters, both likeable and not.
However, sadly the story just fell flat for me, and i found it a bit of a slog to work through the book.
November 7, 2017
Absolutely wow, this book was so wonderful. It drew me right from the start. I loved the story, all very cleverly done. Characters were really well thought out. I was absolutely memorized by this book. Definitely one of my top 10 reads so far this year.
March 27, 2020
This book probably isn't going to win any literary awards but it's engaging and good fun. The characters were likeable, the plot was pacy and in a time when escapism is what we crave this book went down really well.
July 10, 2021
Great story with plenty of detail! My reading of this started out kind of slow but as the story progressed I became vastly engrossed with the characters. Lots of details build the story and all combine in a fantastic ending!
October 1, 2021
A fantastic county romp! Romance, bonking and saving the meadows. A great read. Plenty of laugh out loud moments along with heart melting warmness that just entices you to read more. All the characters are so likeable (with a couple of exceptions). A jolly good book!
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
January 5, 2020
To bad to finish. Only booze and sex doesn't make a book interesting for me.
June 4, 2021
Since I was a child I've been a sucker for the country scene. As an adult, I've been a sucker for erotic chick-lit. Put them together, and *chef's kiss*
June 16, 2021
An Okay Read 🤔
If you like Desperate Housewives, you should like Country Pursuits as this is what it reminds me of. Whilst I read it, it didn't really grip me, overall okay read.
If you like Desperate Housewives, you should like Country Pursuits as this is what it reminds me of. Whilst I read it, it didn't really grip me, overall okay read.
October 8, 2021
Country Pursuits has a cast of interesting and colorful characters. There's love, betrayal, mystery and humor along with a few unexpected twists and turns.
April 8, 2022
This was another good read but very long and drawn out. It's not one of her best novels as others are far better but a very good read anyway.
July 15, 2024
This is a delightful read perfect for lighthearted and romantic readers who enjoy a slow-paced, humorous tale of love, community, and the power of passion, as they follow the charming women of Churchminster as they navigate their relationships and work together to save their beloved village.
January 26, 2022
I'm not a fan of romance stories that include an affair so that really bothered. I also felt the story moved between different characters a lot and as someone who stops and starts books a lot as life gets in the way, it got really difficult for me to remember people's names. If you really concentrate, you will probably enjoy it more than I did, but it wasn't my cup of tea. I would definitely recommend for people who like small towns, close-knit communities and British humor.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
July 18, 2010
Triumph of marketing and networking over substance. Cliché ridden, snobbish, small minded and dull. All the characters to an over-sexed man and woman are pure unadulterated cardboard. Painfully slow reading.
Good points - the cover and the photo of the author which has in a flash a thousand times more life and liveliness than she has failed to invest in the book. Her magazine connections have given the book the promotional push it needed.
One has to admire the drive of people with no interest in writing and no talent. No doubt they are fun company and I would feel bad about being so mean in person, but stick to magazine writing!
Good points - the cover and the photo of the author which has in a flash a thousand times more life and liveliness than she has failed to invest in the book. Her magazine connections have given the book the promotional push it needed.
One has to admire the drive of people with no interest in writing and no talent. No doubt they are fun company and I would feel bad about being so mean in person, but stick to magazine writing!
Read
October 18, 2014Review from when I read the novel four years ago:
I'm extremely anti extramarital sex and dishonesty, so all the affairs bother me, but I tend to like to finish a book once I start it, unless it's truly horrid. The book did start slow, but pick up. I liked that the copy I read had a map of the village in the inside covers noting where everyone lived, and I liked referring back to it. The affair you read about in the first chapter works though, because the guy is a narcissistic arsehole, and you hate him right off the bat, and it makes it easier for his lovely wife to be able to justify things against him later on.
I'm extremely anti extramarital sex and dishonesty, so all the affairs bother me, but I tend to like to finish a book once I start it, unless it's truly horrid. The book did start slow, but pick up. I liked that the copy I read had a map of the village in the inside covers noting where everyone lived, and I liked referring back to it. The affair you read about in the first chapter works though, because the guy is a narcissistic arsehole, and you hate him right off the bat, and it makes it easier for his lovely wife to be able to justify things against him later on.
November 3, 2015
Read this book after reading the reviews on Amazon and have to say I couldnt agree more. This story tells the lives of the residents of Churchminster. As other people have reviewed (and they havent been wrong) this book was an absolute corker. We meet Caro and her awful husband Sebastian, the two sisters Calypso and Camilla, along with their Grandmother amd the village spokeswoman Clemantine. Amongst all this there is the former rock star Devon Cornwall and a whole host of other intersting and colourful characters. It was wonderfully written and once you start you just can't put it down. Eagerly awaiting the next book.
November 15, 2009
I supposed if you like 'sex in the city', you will adore this book. The writing is crisp and humorous; and you feel good at the end of the read cos the women always wins. But I personally dont care much for chick-toilet-reads. Good for nights when you want to go brain dead and feel good.
February 7, 2016
I enjoyed this one, reminded me a little of Jilly Cooper's novels.
Already have the next book in the series and also the last one, think I'll be buying the 3rd and 4th books now to read.
Definitely a quick and easy book to read and escape away to a little country area - little thinking required
Already have the next book in the series and also the last one, think I'll be buying the 3rd and 4th books now to read.
Definitely a quick and easy book to read and escape away to a little country area - little thinking required
April 6, 2009
Charming chicklit about a town that pulls together to save their meadow. Some of the Brit pop culture references were over my head though.
May 7, 2009
A very easy read but very silly in places! Also quite predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews