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The Book Lovers' Appreciation Society
Irresistible tales of love, friendship, passion and betrayal from some of the top names in fiction.
A woman planning not just what she wants to wear to a school reunion, but who she wants to be...
A couple hoping to start a new life in Spain - and completely misunderstanding what they each want...
A girl who's brother falls in love with a beautiful male impersonator...
A woman haunted by ghosts from her past...
A newly divorced mother taking her teenage daughter to Crete for a holiday, longing to be young again, until she remembers how awful it is to be 17...
From Maeve Binchy to Jane Fallon, Adriana Trigiani to Alexander McCall Smith, this is the must-have collection of the year.
A woman planning not just what she wants to wear to a school reunion, but who she wants to be...
A couple hoping to start a new life in Spain - and completely misunderstanding what they each want...
A girl who's brother falls in love with a beautiful male impersonator...
A woman haunted by ghosts from her past...
A newly divorced mother taking her teenage daughter to Crete for a holiday, longing to be young again, until she remembers how awful it is to be 17...
From Maeve Binchy to Jane Fallon, Adriana Trigiani to Alexander McCall Smith, this is the must-have collection of the year.
410 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
25 people are currently reading
4863 people want to read
About the author
Cecelia Ahern
101 books19.5k followersCecelia Ahern was born and grew up in Dublin. She is now published in nearly fifty countries, and has sold over twenty-five million copies of her novels worldwide. Two of her books have been adapted as films and she has created several TV series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 5, 2012
Mallard and May
This is a very unique story from a very unexpected perspective. Such a sad ending yet still contains a wistful or hopeful aspect...
Healthy Option
Fantastic story, awesome main character that seems so real and frighteningly familiar. The male students are a very interesting bunch and it is very sweet that they all try to fix her up; both personal and professional.
A Wasp Story
Definately a different type of story from the first two in this book. An interesting read that I am sure many readers can relate to... Could have done without the toe sucking personally, but I know that it appeals to others.
In Sunlight and in Shadow
This was a fantastic story! It's exactly the kind of story that my friends and I enjoy reading. The characters are so lifelike, we all have someone in our past that we wish we had the chance to spend more time with, and experiences that we hang onto throughout the years.
Sacred Spring
Really great way to begin the story and introduce the characters. The tangible link between the past, the present, and the future really makes the story come alive. You can almost feel yourself being transported to the tranquil little garden. I really loved that they manage to save the garden that she loves so much. I think that the implication at the end that the wise old man orchstrated all of it adds to the fantastical nature of the story.
People Like Us
The house sounds beautiful, heavenly even. This sounds like a fantastic place to live, a dream come true. As the story progresses I could feel her frustration and confusion as if it were my own, I found myself getting angry at her husband. The way that he turns it all arounf in the end was just to honest and real. Everything that he said was so rational and yet so sweet, this is the kind of relationship that everyone should want.
The Holiday of a Marriage
This story made my heart clench, the ups and downs felt so real. We all tend to stall when we are dealing with something difficult, especially when things seem to be going well... Who hasn't jumped to a conclusion when faced with uncertainty. I would be thinking many of the same things that she did.
It was such a wonderful ending though, it made my heart swell.
The Only Song
This was a fantastic story, so funny and realistic. Sometimes the thing that is bothering us or driving us crazy is really nothing at all. If they had just called him, rather than trying to cover it up, they could have saved themselves a lot of time and trouble... not to mention expense.
I will have to get my mom to read this.
Straight and True Like the Lilies of the Field
This is the kind of story that transports you to a similar time in your life, it allows us to feel those old feelings again, and remember things that we may have thought we had forgotten. It really makes you think about your past. Such a wonderfully (or chillingly) unexpected ending.
The Last Word
I had to read the last few pages of this story a second time to really absorb the implications... I know that things like this happen everyday but this just felt too real. Almost like you are standing in the flat, a ghost, just watching everything happen and not being able to do anything about it.
Knowing what most likely happened to Amy and what will quite possibly happen to Judy. I felt so helpless.
Cold Calling
Such a powerful story full of so many emotions, and such disappointment for what could have been. Perhaps if the characters had met sooner their lives would have been more fairy tale than tragedy. Perhaps one day they can be together.
At least that is how I will choose to thin kof the story ending, because that is how life should be, yet so seldom is.
The Widow's House
Such an interesting story, heart breaking yet still warm. The characters have a depth to them and the subject matter is breathtakingly similar to real life. I think that the two women really need eachother... they both need someone that they can be completely open and honest with, which neither seems to have at the moment.
The Warmest Christmas Ever
Sometimes I wish that Christmas was this organized at home... No matter how much work we put in something always happens to derail everything. At least Philip cares enough about his wife to try to protect her.
Brilliant, this sounds like an amazing Christmas! Even better than what she had planned. Sometimes it is better to be less than perfect because it is far easier to find hapiness and peace.
Oxbridge Blues
This is a fantastic story! We all lose our way at some point (for however long or brief a time) and I think that it is inspiring that she becomes so determined to find her way back to what she really wants to do and who she really wants to be.
I do not foresee her husband being agreeable but she seems strong enough to handle it.
The Christmas Ring
This story reminds me of Scrooge, in a way the story is similar... A modern Scrooge in New York City (because where else would a modern Scrooge live?).
If I were her I would never have agreed to give up that ring (especially because I did not believe his explanation for wanting the ring back. I would still try to help Gheddi and his family.
The ending feels empty somehow... a little hopeless, I hope that something good comes her way.
Valentine's Day Blues
I am sure we have all had Valentine's Day plans like Kate's before, & what woman can honestly say that she has not made the mistake of dating a guy that thinks he is God's gift and who is too charming for his own good... or ours.
Oliver seems like a great guy, the kind of guy that is worth waiting for, and that we should all be lucky to find.
Across the Bay
Sounds like a beautiful area of Greece to visit! Sometimes you have to go back to the beginning before you can find where you are suppose to go next.
The start is often the best place to go for some perspective, and perspective is priceless.
The Wedding Anniversary
Her parents must have nerves of steel, and they clearly love their daughter and grandchildren. This couple really should discuss their relationship, Cassie should not be the only one worrying about the health and stability of their marriage and Rory should know what she thinks and what she needs.
It is fantastic how he saves the day when the fire starts, he stays calm and collected and got them both out of their hotel room safely. They clearly love each other, and they deserve to live happily ever after.
Chocolate v. Husband
What an ass, you do not say such terrible things to your wife. He is even worse for cheating on her and then leaving her all alone. I am so glad that she does not let that creep back into her home or her life, and I think that Zak is a wonderful guy!
Live your life, and try to be happy!
Men Don't Wear Pink
Personally I disagree, Men can wear pink if they feel secure enough to choose to do so. I do agree that there are many men who do try to seize control, but not all.
This is an interesting story, not my favourite but I know many women that would definitely enjoy it.
Bred in the Bone
Such a sad story, one mistake could cost you everything. Think before making a decision, try to think one step ahead. I am glad that she tells her husband the truth in the end.
The Magic of Italy
I think that this is a really great story! I am so glad that she leaves the smug jerk, even if she does not live happily ever after with Fabio at least she will not be stuck in the nightmare that would have been her life if she had stayed with Robert.
A New Start
What a jerk, I bet the real reason he waited was so that he would not have to pay child support. I hope she had an ironclad prenup! How can a relationship work without honesty, couples need to talk about their problems so that they can fix them.
I am glad that she moves on with her life and is able to find some happiness after all that pain and betrayal. Taking him back would have been the worst kind of mistake... fool me once and all that.
The Blind Spot
Very interesting and well researched. Such a sad story, I am so glad that she decides to get in touch with her son, everyone makes mistakes especially when they are young.
Thirteen Days With John C.
This was an interesting read, I hate that she does not set things straight with John's wife, and that John's wife puts up with his cheating lying ways.
The Mother of the Bride
Such a fantastic story!
This is a very unique story from a very unexpected perspective. Such a sad ending yet still contains a wistful or hopeful aspect...
Healthy Option
Fantastic story, awesome main character that seems so real and frighteningly familiar. The male students are a very interesting bunch and it is very sweet that they all try to fix her up; both personal and professional.
A Wasp Story
Definately a different type of story from the first two in this book. An interesting read that I am sure many readers can relate to... Could have done without the toe sucking personally, but I know that it appeals to others.
In Sunlight and in Shadow
This was a fantastic story! It's exactly the kind of story that my friends and I enjoy reading. The characters are so lifelike, we all have someone in our past that we wish we had the chance to spend more time with, and experiences that we hang onto throughout the years.
Sacred Spring
Really great way to begin the story and introduce the characters. The tangible link between the past, the present, and the future really makes the story come alive. You can almost feel yourself being transported to the tranquil little garden. I really loved that they manage to save the garden that she loves so much. I think that the implication at the end that the wise old man orchstrated all of it adds to the fantastical nature of the story.
People Like Us
The house sounds beautiful, heavenly even. This sounds like a fantastic place to live, a dream come true. As the story progresses I could feel her frustration and confusion as if it were my own, I found myself getting angry at her husband. The way that he turns it all arounf in the end was just to honest and real. Everything that he said was so rational and yet so sweet, this is the kind of relationship that everyone should want.
The Holiday of a Marriage
This story made my heart clench, the ups and downs felt so real. We all tend to stall when we are dealing with something difficult, especially when things seem to be going well... Who hasn't jumped to a conclusion when faced with uncertainty. I would be thinking many of the same things that she did.
It was such a wonderful ending though, it made my heart swell.
The Only Song
This was a fantastic story, so funny and realistic. Sometimes the thing that is bothering us or driving us crazy is really nothing at all. If they had just called him, rather than trying to cover it up, they could have saved themselves a lot of time and trouble... not to mention expense.
I will have to get my mom to read this.
Straight and True Like the Lilies of the Field
This is the kind of story that transports you to a similar time in your life, it allows us to feel those old feelings again, and remember things that we may have thought we had forgotten. It really makes you think about your past. Such a wonderfully (or chillingly) unexpected ending.
The Last Word
I had to read the last few pages of this story a second time to really absorb the implications... I know that things like this happen everyday but this just felt too real. Almost like you are standing in the flat, a ghost, just watching everything happen and not being able to do anything about it.
Knowing what most likely happened to Amy and what will quite possibly happen to Judy. I felt so helpless.
Cold Calling
Such a powerful story full of so many emotions, and such disappointment for what could have been. Perhaps if the characters had met sooner their lives would have been more fairy tale than tragedy. Perhaps one day they can be together.
At least that is how I will choose to thin kof the story ending, because that is how life should be, yet so seldom is.
The Widow's House
Such an interesting story, heart breaking yet still warm. The characters have a depth to them and the subject matter is breathtakingly similar to real life. I think that the two women really need eachother... they both need someone that they can be completely open and honest with, which neither seems to have at the moment.
The Warmest Christmas Ever
Sometimes I wish that Christmas was this organized at home... No matter how much work we put in something always happens to derail everything. At least Philip cares enough about his wife to try to protect her.
Brilliant, this sounds like an amazing Christmas! Even better than what she had planned. Sometimes it is better to be less than perfect because it is far easier to find hapiness and peace.
Oxbridge Blues
This is a fantastic story! We all lose our way at some point (for however long or brief a time) and I think that it is inspiring that she becomes so determined to find her way back to what she really wants to do and who she really wants to be.
I do not foresee her husband being agreeable but she seems strong enough to handle it.
The Christmas Ring
This story reminds me of Scrooge, in a way the story is similar... A modern Scrooge in New York City (because where else would a modern Scrooge live?).
If I were her I would never have agreed to give up that ring (especially because I did not believe his explanation for wanting the ring back. I would still try to help Gheddi and his family.
The ending feels empty somehow... a little hopeless, I hope that something good comes her way.
Valentine's Day Blues
I am sure we have all had Valentine's Day plans like Kate's before, & what woman can honestly say that she has not made the mistake of dating a guy that thinks he is God's gift and who is too charming for his own good... or ours.
Oliver seems like a great guy, the kind of guy that is worth waiting for, and that we should all be lucky to find.
Across the Bay
Sounds like a beautiful area of Greece to visit! Sometimes you have to go back to the beginning before you can find where you are suppose to go next.
The start is often the best place to go for some perspective, and perspective is priceless.
The Wedding Anniversary
Her parents must have nerves of steel, and they clearly love their daughter and grandchildren. This couple really should discuss their relationship, Cassie should not be the only one worrying about the health and stability of their marriage and Rory should know what she thinks and what she needs.
It is fantastic how he saves the day when the fire starts, he stays calm and collected and got them both out of their hotel room safely. They clearly love each other, and they deserve to live happily ever after.
Chocolate v. Husband
What an ass, you do not say such terrible things to your wife. He is even worse for cheating on her and then leaving her all alone. I am so glad that she does not let that creep back into her home or her life, and I think that Zak is a wonderful guy!
Live your life, and try to be happy!
Men Don't Wear Pink
Personally I disagree, Men can wear pink if they feel secure enough to choose to do so. I do agree that there are many men who do try to seize control, but not all.
This is an interesting story, not my favourite but I know many women that would definitely enjoy it.
Bred in the Bone
Such a sad story, one mistake could cost you everything. Think before making a decision, try to think one step ahead. I am glad that she tells her husband the truth in the end.
The Magic of Italy
I think that this is a really great story! I am so glad that she leaves the smug jerk, even if she does not live happily ever after with Fabio at least she will not be stuck in the nightmare that would have been her life if she had stayed with Robert.
A New Start
What a jerk, I bet the real reason he waited was so that he would not have to pay child support. I hope she had an ironclad prenup! How can a relationship work without honesty, couples need to talk about their problems so that they can fix them.
I am glad that she moves on with her life and is able to find some happiness after all that pain and betrayal. Taking him back would have been the worst kind of mistake... fool me once and all that.
The Blind Spot
Very interesting and well researched. Such a sad story, I am so glad that she decides to get in touch with her son, everyone makes mistakes especially when they are young.
Thirteen Days With John C.
This was an interesting read, I hate that she does not set things straight with John's wife, and that John's wife puts up with his cheating lying ways.
The Mother of the Bride
Such a fantastic story!
July 20, 2022
One of the absolute best short story collections I've ever read! Many of these authors are some of my favorites and those I'd not read before had stories I found just as enjoyable! Highly recommended!
May 10, 2014
I must not have been concentrating when I put this book on my "to read" list as I did not realise it was a book of short stories. I do not enjoy reading short stories. However, when I saw that Alexander McCall Smith was a contributor I decided that it couldn't be all bad so I waded in. I was entranced from the start. But my feelings about short stories are still with me, ie you just get into the story and it finishes. These stories, however, managed to get the "meat" of the tale across to the reader and provide some food for thought. I could not relate the contents of any of these stories except one, Tokyo Girl Power. This is mainly due to my terrible memory rather than the quality of the stories. Tokyo Girl Power was intriguing, giving a rare view of Japanese life and leaving me pondering on how different are life styles from country to country. In all honesty, I can say I did enjoy this book but wish that the short stories had been long stories!
July 19, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read any real chick-lit for ages and this was ideal. Short stories that don't get too involved in people's lives but are interesting, and in a way fun. Easy to read, and easy to read three or four stories in one go. Perfect. All stories are by well known authors, and are all well written, in my opinion. Definitely recommend it. Especially if you need an easy light read as it contains many of those.
April 19, 2022
Lots of great short stories by many of my favourite authors and a few new ones to me. Really enjoyed all the tales.
February 27, 2024
This was my first time reading an anthology, so I had no expectations. But as someone who likes reading short stories, this was an instant decent read. Also, I had a hard time rating the book as a whole because I liked a few short stories but not the others.
The Book Lovers' Appreciation Society is a collection of short stories from various authors which mainly focused on women's journeys in life. It is also written for a cause which is a plus. And as it is composed of different short stories, it is easier to get through with them. Although it might be hard to have a deep connection with the characters because of the length for each one of them. But it worked just fine for me, and I enjoyed the diversity of these tales.
Anyway, here's my individual rating of the short stories:
Mallard and May ★★
Whoever decided to make this the introductory story wake up and chose violence. Lol.
Healthy Option ★★★
Good for you, girl!
A Wasp Sting ★
Erm, no comment.
In Sunlight and in Shadow ★★★★☆
I was torn with this one. I liked it but wished it had a different ending.
Sacred Spring ★★★☆
A little mystery/fantasy twist of a short story.
People Like Us ★★★
Three stars is a decent rating for the story of 'people like us', you know, 'ordinary people with ordinary lives'.
The Holiday of a Marriage ★★★★★
I ENJOYED THE ROLLER COASTER RIDE OF THIS STORY. AND ITS ANGST. I was so anxious for someone else's (note: they're fictional) marriage; I was relieved it had a nice ending.
The Only Snag ★
Yes, the manhole really was annoying so were the characters.
Straight and True Like the Lilies of the Field ★★★★★
I knew what was coming. But it was satisfying nonetheless.
The Last Word ★★★★★
A back-to-back suspense stories? Yup. Also, lesson learned: don't trust someone who keeps a tab of everything they've done for you. Once they ask for payback, you might lose big time.
Cold Calling ★★★★★
A story that offered hope. No matter how little that hope may seem.
The Widow's House ★★★
No. This was not a ghost story.
The Warmest Christmas Ever ★★
"Though he [the dog] did not know it, on a normal Christmas day he would have been left sitting in the car."
Oxbridge Blues ★★★☆
The end redeemed the story.
The Christmas Ring ★★★
At least someone had a good Christmas among them.
Valentine's Day Blues ★★
I dittoed the waitress at the end.
Across the Bay ★
Not my cup of tea.
The Wedding Anniversary ★★★
Another marriage was salvaged thanks to good sex.
Chocolate v. Husband ★★★★
Platonic relationships (friends, family) are as important as romantic ones. Also, always know your worth.
Men Don't Wear Pink ★★
Who said men can't? The dude was a douche. But I hoped the 'gentle way' of making men know boundaries shouldn't be addressed like this.
Bred in the Bone ★
What in the Philippine teledrama is this?
The Magic of Italy ★★★★☆
Losing one's self because of depending on someone else isn't worth it. It will never be.
A New Start ★★★★★
If letting go of something/someone is the better option, do it, no matter how much it hurts.
The Blind Spot ★★★★
A story about forgiveness. Or at least, the attempt to do so.
Thirteen Days with John C ★
What did you expect to happen?
The Mother of the Bride ★★★★★
This reminded me of that line in Little Women that goes, “Just because my dreams are different than yours, it doesn't mean they're unimportant.”
Topiary ★★★
Someone's going to play the cupid now.
One Careful Owner ★★★★
Goodbye, beautiful car.
Judging a Book by its Cover ★★★★☆
This might be the only love story in here that wasn't bittersweet.
Space of my Own ★★
Having a space of your own is a good thing.
The Handyman ★★★★★
Let yourself confront your prejudices and keep it in check.
The Last Joan ★★★
Nothing is certain.
Forty Wonderful ★★★★☆
Moral of the story: run. Literally and figuratively.
Tokyo Girl Power ★★★★★
Preach! Romantic love is not all there is in the world.
A Charitable Woman ★★★★☆
Empathizing is not easy, especially when you feel the unfairness of life. But that doesn't give you the right to be terrible. If kindness is too much, then decency should be enough.
The Book Lovers' Appreciation Society is a collection of short stories from various authors which mainly focused on women's journeys in life. It is also written for a cause which is a plus. And as it is composed of different short stories, it is easier to get through with them. Although it might be hard to have a deep connection with the characters because of the length for each one of them. But it worked just fine for me, and I enjoyed the diversity of these tales.
Anyway, here's my individual rating of the short stories:
Mallard and May ★★
Whoever decided to make this the introductory story wake up and chose violence. Lol.
Healthy Option ★★★
Good for you, girl!
A Wasp Sting ★
Erm, no comment.
In Sunlight and in Shadow ★★★★☆
I was torn with this one. I liked it but wished it had a different ending.
Sacred Spring ★★★☆
A little mystery/fantasy twist of a short story.
People Like Us ★★★
Three stars is a decent rating for the story of 'people like us', you know, 'ordinary people with ordinary lives'.
The Holiday of a Marriage ★★★★★
I ENJOYED THE ROLLER COASTER RIDE OF THIS STORY. AND ITS ANGST. I was so anxious for someone else's (note: they're fictional) marriage; I was relieved it had a nice ending.
The Only Snag ★
Yes, the manhole really was annoying so were the characters.
Straight and True Like the Lilies of the Field ★★★★★
I knew what was coming. But it was satisfying nonetheless.
The Last Word ★★★★★
A back-to-back suspense stories? Yup. Also, lesson learned: don't trust someone who keeps a tab of everything they've done for you. Once they ask for payback, you might lose big time.
Cold Calling ★★★★★
A story that offered hope. No matter how little that hope may seem.
The Widow's House ★★★
No. This was not a ghost story.
The Warmest Christmas Ever ★★
"Though he [the dog] did not know it, on a normal Christmas day he would have been left sitting in the car."
Oxbridge Blues ★★★☆
The end redeemed the story.
The Christmas Ring ★★★
At least someone had a good Christmas among them.
Valentine's Day Blues ★★
I dittoed the waitress at the end.
Across the Bay ★
Not my cup of tea.
The Wedding Anniversary ★★★
Another marriage was salvaged thanks to good sex.
Chocolate v. Husband ★★★★
Platonic relationships (friends, family) are as important as romantic ones. Also, always know your worth.
Men Don't Wear Pink ★★
Who said men can't? The dude was a douche. But I hoped the 'gentle way' of making men know boundaries shouldn't be addressed like this.
Bred in the Bone ★
What in the Philippine teledrama is this?
The Magic of Italy ★★★★☆
Losing one's self because of depending on someone else isn't worth it. It will never be.
A New Start ★★★★★
If letting go of something/someone is the better option, do it, no matter how much it hurts.
The Blind Spot ★★★★
A story about forgiveness. Or at least, the attempt to do so.
Thirteen Days with John C ★
What did you expect to happen?
The Mother of the Bride ★★★★★
This reminded me of that line in Little Women that goes, “Just because my dreams are different than yours, it doesn't mean they're unimportant.”
Topiary ★★★
Someone's going to play the cupid now.
One Careful Owner ★★★★
Goodbye, beautiful car.
Judging a Book by its Cover ★★★★☆
This might be the only love story in here that wasn't bittersweet.
Space of my Own ★★
Having a space of your own is a good thing.
The Handyman ★★★★★
Let yourself confront your prejudices and keep it in check.
The Last Joan ★★★
Nothing is certain.
Forty Wonderful ★★★★☆
Moral of the story: run. Literally and figuratively.
Tokyo Girl Power ★★★★★
Preach! Romantic love is not all there is in the world.
A Charitable Woman ★★★★☆
Empathizing is not easy, especially when you feel the unfairness of life. But that doesn't give you the right to be terrible. If kindness is too much, then decency should be enough.
November 28, 2021
I bought this book purely because it has a short story from the No:1 Ladies' Detective Agency in it - and a lovely short story about Precious and Grace it is, involving unsuitable dresses, and pink shirts - but I was caught by the other stories, too, and couldn't put the book down until now, at 4.35 in the morning.
Each short story, by authors I've never read before, got to the heart of their tale so quickly, but with a subtleness, tact, and a heart aching amount of emotion in most cases, and I enjoyed every single story, whether they were happy, sad, romantic, cynical or belly-laughing funny.
The final story, which deals with breast cancer, is actually the reason why the book was brought together in the first place, as these wonderful authors contributed their stories in aid of raising funds for breast cancer treatment.
I found this so poignant, after going through something similar, at 32 years of age, and it made me look back at that time, 28 years ago now, and made me so thankful to be one of the survivors, as the focus of the story was, too.
Cancer can strike anyone, at any age, no matter who, and what, you are, and I'm so very grateful to have been born in the UK, at a time when our NHS used to look after us from cradle to grave.
Unfortunately, we live in different times now, here in 2021 and, as more and more of our wonderful Health Service, free at the point of need, disappears into private health clinics, where profit for shareholders is more important than a patient's needs, I truly worry about all of those people, in all walks of life, but especially those that can't afford private medical insurance, who will be facing cancer, not knowing if they will get the treatment they need, without having to make harsh choices about paying for treatments.
I just hope, and pray, that anyone reading this in future years, can look back at this time, and remember how the NHS was saved from this!
Each short story, by authors I've never read before, got to the heart of their tale so quickly, but with a subtleness, tact, and a heart aching amount of emotion in most cases, and I enjoyed every single story, whether they were happy, sad, romantic, cynical or belly-laughing funny.
The final story, which deals with breast cancer, is actually the reason why the book was brought together in the first place, as these wonderful authors contributed their stories in aid of raising funds for breast cancer treatment.
I found this so poignant, after going through something similar, at 32 years of age, and it made me look back at that time, 28 years ago now, and made me so thankful to be one of the survivors, as the focus of the story was, too.
Cancer can strike anyone, at any age, no matter who, and what, you are, and I'm so very grateful to have been born in the UK, at a time when our NHS used to look after us from cradle to grave.
Unfortunately, we live in different times now, here in 2021 and, as more and more of our wonderful Health Service, free at the point of need, disappears into private health clinics, where profit for shareholders is more important than a patient's needs, I truly worry about all of those people, in all walks of life, but especially those that can't afford private medical insurance, who will be facing cancer, not knowing if they will get the treatment they need, without having to make harsh choices about paying for treatments.
I just hope, and pray, that anyone reading this in future years, can look back at this time, and remember how the NHS was saved from this!
November 6, 2014
Usually, I'm not a big fan of short stories since I prefer to get to know the characters in a book. I like it when their romance evolves gradually, not fast. But sometimes I also like to read short stories, where I don't get the chance to really get to know the characters, but at the same time I do. Sometimes all it takes is a couple of pages to understand a character.
Regarding the rating... Whilst reading I found myself thinking if it's a 3 or a 4 star book, but since I found it difficult to put myself in the characters' shoes, I decided that it's more of a 3 for me. I really liked a couple of the stories, most of them I liked and a couple made no impression what so ever.
Most of the stories featured women who were already in their thirties, forties or even in their fifties. Most of them had children and more than one of them had either left her husband or vice versa. Since I'm only 22, I've never been married and have no children, less any grown children, I found it really difficult to relate to most of them.
In a way, it could be said that most of these stories were love stories. Love stories about couples, love stories about loving oneself... I don't know if it's correct to say the latter, but I really felt that a lot of these protagonists learned to love themselves after years of neglect.
One might say that when you've given a book only 3 stars, you don't really recommend it, but I do recommend it. If you're into love stories, into short stories, into stories where the protagonist finds oneself and the sort, read this book. And if you're not not even one of those, read it still. If you don't want to read the whole thing, read my favourite "Mallard and May" by Cecilia Ahern. It's the very first one in the book and it has the biggest twist for a short story I've yet to read.
Regarding the rating... Whilst reading I found myself thinking if it's a 3 or a 4 star book, but since I found it difficult to put myself in the characters' shoes, I decided that it's more of a 3 for me. I really liked a couple of the stories, most of them I liked and a couple made no impression what so ever.
Most of the stories featured women who were already in their thirties, forties or even in their fifties. Most of them had children and more than one of them had either left her husband or vice versa. Since I'm only 22, I've never been married and have no children, less any grown children, I found it really difficult to relate to most of them.
In a way, it could be said that most of these stories were love stories. Love stories about couples, love stories about loving oneself... I don't know if it's correct to say the latter, but I really felt that a lot of these protagonists learned to love themselves after years of neglect.
One might say that when you've given a book only 3 stars, you don't really recommend it, but I do recommend it. If you're into love stories, into short stories, into stories where the protagonist finds oneself and the sort, read this book. And if you're not not even one of those, read it still. If you don't want to read the whole thing, read my favourite "Mallard and May" by Cecilia Ahern. It's the very first one in the book and it has the biggest twist for a short story I've yet to read.
March 24, 2014
I didn't finish this book and I probably never will. I expected a collection of comfy chick lit stories, but these are just too depressing for my liking. I'm really sorry to say but they're quite horrible.
February 17, 2010
Great collection of stories. Good way of introducing authors I've not heard of which I shall now be looking out for.
November 2, 2015
Pretty good collection of short stories!
April 14, 2022
2.5*
I picked up this book as I wanted a light read after having read lots of deep, dark books the previous few months before. It was just what I needed. I did expect the stories to be a little more compelling; some were really pointless and boring, and most seemed to revolve around the same issues - women stuck in unhappy relationships with men or wanting to get with men... I know the book was published in 2009, but it feels a little outdated now.
‘Mallard & May’ by Cecelia Ahern was a great little shocking story, and I hoped would set the tone for the rest of the book, but none of the other stories matched it. Cold Calling was a pretty decent story, in that I wanted to keep reading and it had a little shock factor to it.
Simple, light and airy. Not really my kind of thing, but did the job at the time.
I picked up this book as I wanted a light read after having read lots of deep, dark books the previous few months before. It was just what I needed. I did expect the stories to be a little more compelling; some were really pointless and boring, and most seemed to revolve around the same issues - women stuck in unhappy relationships with men or wanting to get with men... I know the book was published in 2009, but it feels a little outdated now.
‘Mallard & May’ by Cecelia Ahern was a great little shocking story, and I hoped would set the tone for the rest of the book, but none of the other stories matched it. Cold Calling was a pretty decent story, in that I wanted to keep reading and it had a little shock factor to it.
Simple, light and airy. Not really my kind of thing, but did the job at the time.
September 23, 2020
I like short stories because the writers will have to be focused and skip the arbitrary, irrelevant stuff that bad writers use to increase their page count. The writing also need to be good to engage the reader quickly within the few pages alloted.
As the introduction said, the book is like a box of chocolates and you get to enjoy it in bite-sized bits. Some stories may be rather run of the mill while others are surprisingly interesting, with unexpected twists. Most fascinating of all is that all the contributors are good writers that enthall the readers.
Highly recommended for light leisure reading.
As the introduction said, the book is like a box of chocolates and you get to enjoy it in bite-sized bits. Some stories may be rather run of the mill while others are surprisingly interesting, with unexpected twists. Most fascinating of all is that all the contributors are good writers that enthall the readers.
Highly recommended for light leisure reading.
February 7, 2023
Not very into short stories, but I am surprised but how much I enjoy most of the stories here.
Not gonna go in details for most, but some of my favorite are Healthy Options, People Like Us, Tokyo Girl Power, A Charitable Woman. It just feels relatable and also fun.
Many other stories dealt with grief , abandonment, new start in life which all honestly feel real and I would enjoy reading more even if its turn to a full length book. I feel like this book feel particularly close for people age 36 and above.
There is one story though which I have no idea whats it about, I am not sure I am rajin enough to search for the meaning of it.
Not gonna go in details for most, but some of my favorite are Healthy Options, People Like Us, Tokyo Girl Power, A Charitable Woman. It just feels relatable and also fun.
Many other stories dealt with grief , abandonment, new start in life which all honestly feel real and I would enjoy reading more even if its turn to a full length book. I feel like this book feel particularly close for people age 36 and above.
There is one story though which I have no idea whats it about, I am not sure I am rajin enough to search for the meaning of it.
March 5, 2017
There were some nice short stories in this book but there were also ones that I found a bit boring or a bit quick/far-fetched. I liked how different they all were to each other though and it was a great book to have next to my bed to read at night so that I could read a couple of complete short stories before going to sleep.
November 3, 2023
A book of short stories written by female authors.
This is a good way to dip in and get a taste of different authors and being short, you won't take long to reach the end of the story.
A breath of fresh air.
February 23, 2017
Very light reading. Predictable chapters
August 6, 2018
Usually I’m not one for short stories, but I quite liked this.
June 19, 2019
Enjoyed most of the stories in this book. Just passed over the ones l didn't connect with. Great book if you just want a short read.
March 8, 2021
A good mixture of short stories. Ideal to read just before bedtime
December 9, 2022
They chose many well known authors but the stories varied in quality. Easy to read.
July 8, 2024
Really enjoyed reading the different plots and hearing the different voices of the authors in this collection of short stories.
April 17, 2025
Average short stories .
Want to read
July 22, 2025Contains Men Don't Wear Pink (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, #10.5) by Alexander McCall Smith even though he isn't in the list of authors. There are too many to show all on screen apparently.
July 26, 2025
overall a collection of mainly negative views on marriage
August 2, 2011
A collection of short stories written by a number of top-selling authors – mainly British – in order to support a good cause: Breast Cancer Care.
It’s a book for women and about women. Old ones and young ones. Women in love, women looking for love, and women getting out of love. Women who are hurt, who fail and who succeed. Women who are happy with what they have and women who are tired of it all and step up to make a daring change. Women who cherish friendship and motherhood.
It’s all the women we can be.
As Geri Halliwell wrote in the introduction, this book is “like a cosy box of chocolates, each story has its individuality and comfort”.
It’s a book for women and about women. Old ones and young ones. Women in love, women looking for love, and women getting out of love. Women who are hurt, who fail and who succeed. Women who are happy with what they have and women who are tired of it all and step up to make a daring change. Women who cherish friendship and motherhood.
It’s all the women we can be.
As Geri Halliwell wrote in the introduction, this book is “like a cosy box of chocolates, each story has its individuality and comfort”.
February 10, 2016
I do not usually read short stories but I enjoyed them. Lovely little short stories about love, loss and family. These were apt for my breaks at work and to dip into every no and then with a bit of chocolate. My favourite short stories in the book were:
sunlight and in shadow by Rowan Coleman. People like us by Jane Fallon. The holiday of a marriage by Katie Fforde. Straight and true like the lilies of the field by nicci French. The last word by nicci French. Cold calling by Phillipa Gregory. Valentine's Day blues by Sophie Kinsella. A new start by Jane Moore and Thirteen days with John C by Jojo Moyes.
sunlight and in shadow by Rowan Coleman. People like us by Jane Fallon. The holiday of a marriage by Katie Fforde. Straight and true like the lilies of the field by nicci French. The last word by nicci French. Cold calling by Phillipa Gregory. Valentine's Day blues by Sophie Kinsella. A new start by Jane Moore and Thirteen days with John C by Jojo Moyes.
June 17, 2016
Read half the stories. As usual with compilations if was a mixed bag. Some of the stories were rather glib and irritating, particularly one of the early ones about the assistant to the cook who set up her own adult cooking classes and whom by the end was going to be successful TV chef. Really? How was that going to come about just because some of the adults in the class thought she'd be a natural! The problem, for me, with short stories is that if they're good you really want them to develop into full full-length books because the characters and the situations are so interesting. This is probably the reason I've always found short stories unsatisfying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2012
Along the way, I had to remind myself that this book is a collection of different stories written by different authors with different writing-style.
The stories are all good, though I only recognized two authors out of the thirty-five. Sad, I know.
Eh.
Anyway, my favourites are "Mallard and May", "Sacred Spring", "The Only Snag", "Straight and True Like the Lilies of the Field", "The Last Word", "Cold Calling", "Valentine's Blues" and "Tokyo Girl Power". Why? Because the stories moved me.
Aaaaand I suck at making reviews yet I'm attempting to write one so what.
The stories are all good, though I only recognized two authors out of the thirty-five. Sad, I know.
Eh.
Anyway, my favourites are "Mallard and May", "Sacred Spring", "The Only Snag", "Straight and True Like the Lilies of the Field", "The Last Word", "Cold Calling", "Valentine's Blues" and "Tokyo Girl Power". Why? Because the stories moved me.
Aaaaand I suck at making reviews yet I'm attempting to write one so what.
February 19, 2012
I really enjoyed this collection of short stories, it was nice to be able to skip about if i wasn't in the mood for a particular story. I love the fact that most of my favourite authors were in this book and also some authors that I had heard of but, as yet, hadn't fully explored their writing. I have passed this book on to a friend who I know doesn't have a lot if time to read because I know they will enjoy dipping in and out of it. Recommended for someone who hasn't got the time to fully immerse themselves in a lengthy novel. Not recommended for train journeys of more than 2 hours!
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