Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Under Construction: When Life Becomes a Building Site

Rate this book
Adine du Toit’s comfortable life is thrown into turmoil, creating a weighty problem that could force her to choose between the two loves of her life.
Her new boss seems determined to make her life miserable. An unwanted visit from a family member makes her question long-held beliefs.
Old friendships are threatened; new friendships tested.

Will Adine be chased by shadows forever?

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2022

3 people are currently reading
3 people want to read

About the author

Allyson Koekhoven

3 books5 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
10 (76%)
4 stars
1 (7%)
3 stars
1 (7%)
2 stars
1 (7%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Vida Sik.
Author 27 books87 followers
July 29, 2022
Entertaining debut novel
Adine is a female engineer bent on making her mark in the tough construction industry. But has she bitten off more than she can chew? Her boss thinks so and gives her an ultimate to make a life-altering decision. As she grapples with this weighty issue, she encounters even more complications.

Adine is a larger than life, but relatable woman, but it took me a while to warm up to her. Some mishaps she experiences are a bit over the top, but they give the supporting cast a chance to shine without hogging the spotlight. I loved the support she received from her friends, but found her sister very trying.

The story is written well, with some very original metaphors, and plenty of humour.
I loved learning about the construction industry. The author created vivid pictures of the setting, and I can picture her stumbling over bodies or bounty in a sugarcane field some time in the future.

This is an excellent debut novel, and I look forward to following Adine around on her adventures.

I received an ARC from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shirley Corder.
Author 26 books73 followers
July 30, 2022
FRESH OFF THE PRESS! Allyson Koekhoven's debut novel, UNDER CONSTRUCTION makes for an entertaining read.

I enjoyed reading this book! The main character, Adine, was an entertaining character that often had me chuckling out loud by the ridiculous misunderstandings. Under construction was not just the name of a book for her.

Her main problem is a weighty issue, and her new boss seems determined to make her life miserable and threatens her future. An unwanted family visitor further complicates Adine's efforts to sort out her life, and Ms. Koekhoven's sense of humour shines throughout.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, easy read that will both entertain and amuse. It is available NOW at Amazon.

This book is the opening story in a series and I look forward to reading more about Adine, especially as she takes on the role or detective.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to read for review purposes, but she did not ask me to say nice things! The thoughts expressed are purely my own. Thank you Ms. Koekhoven for introducing me to Adine.
Profile Image for Deryn Tang.
Author 7 books17 followers
July 29, 2022
The story is set on a Construction site in South Africa. This book is for anyone wanting a chuckle as they read. I was highly entertained by the antics of Adine, her dysfunctional sister Xanthe, her friends, and the dogs. Allyson’s vast experience of using words to describe certainly brought every demoralizing incident to life, even though they were not humorous situations. I was kept in suspense as the story unfolded as Adine’s life became a nightmare, like a hamster wheel, passing the same places without going anywhere. There was the elephant in the room that no one was prepared to discuss; Allyson described it perfectly “we had all become so good at wrapping in a serviette and tossing away like half-masticated pork fat.” Finally, a crisis brought things to a head, and Adine and Xanthe learned the lessons they needed to gain new perspectives on their many problems. An entertaining and wholesome read with a surprising ending.
1 review
August 14, 2022
Had the privilege of having pre-publication access to this really enjoyable light hearted story.

The heroine Adine Du Toit made me chuckle as her haphazard approach to life leads her into a spiral and potential love. Her dysfunctional sister and relationships with the people in her life added to the humour.

Her career on a construction site, her boss' misguided approach highlights the reality of a women in a make dominated working environment, albeit Allyson made some strong statements but kept the tone light hearted to keep the reader engrossed in Adine's capers.

A few times I thought I had worked out the end of her story but the author Allyson manages to mislead us very subtlety.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to any future publications by Allyson who has a lot to offer the reader.
Profile Image for Anna Jensen.
Author 30 books71 followers
August 1, 2022
Enjoy a light-hearted read following the trials and tribulations of Adine du Toit as she navigates life as a civil engineer, friend and sister. Chuckle at her mishaps and cheer her through her challenges in this delightful debut novel by Allyson Koekhoven.
I'm looking forward to reading more about Adine in the future.
1 review
August 1, 2022
Loved this little item and it was such an easy read and very entertaining and left me wanting more each time I picked it up!
Cannot wait for the next book in the series!
29 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2024
What a fun book to read! The main character is feisty and with her heart in the right place while trying to balance all that life throws at her. Just brilliant!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.