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Isabel Bookbinder #3
Confetti Confidential: A Novel
Having realized that fashion design may not be the best profession for her, Isabel Bookbinder has made another career move - this time, into the world of wedding planning! She's still the ditzy, adorable heroine that we love, and her early misadventures include brides being delivered to the wrong ceremony, brides not actually turning up at all – that sort of thing! But despite all that, she is really beginning to get quite good at her job. She's landed a big celebrity client, and she's moved in with her perfect lawyer boyfriend, Will - and this time, it's for good. So when her best friend gets engaged to her brother, it seems like the universe is finally aligning in Isabel's favor - that is, until Will becomes increasingly reluctant to discuss their future...
Will Isabel be able to pull off the wedding that could make or break her career? Can she ever measure up in her father's eyes? And will she ever have a wedding day all of her own?
With her characteristic humor, charm, and tendency to stumble into sticky situations, Isabel Bookbinder is an irresistible heroine you’re sure to fall in love with.
421 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2010
9 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Holly McQueen
12 books63 followersHolly McQueen has wanted to be a writer ever since discovering that the nuns at her junior school would let her off maths homework if she wrote a story instead. After unexpected detours via law, magazine journalism, and even musical theatre, she began writing her first novel in 2006. Holly lives with her husband in London. She still avoids math.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 19, 2011
My thoughts:
Within the first few pages I noticed that this story seemed similar to the Confessions of a Shopaholic series. I loved and adored that series, so I wasn't put off by it at all. I think the first thing that struck me was the similarities between Becky Bloomwood and our heroine, Isabel Bookbinder. They are both shallow, amusing and slightly annoying. I mean that in the nicest of ways, because Isabel truly is a loveable character...although she doesn't seem to be the brightest crayon in the box.
Isabel has hopped from career to career and this novel is focused on her career as a wedding planner. She is employed by a rather famous wedding planner, but after a hundred or so pages she manages to get herself fired. It's one of those silly-miscommunication-not-really-her-fault-but-it-kinda-is situations. She sets out on her own as a wedding planner and through sheer luck and some ridiculous determination she lands a HUGE client and well, more hilarity ensues.
Although she has a gorgeous, successful lawyer boyfriend that she lives with, she often flirts with other guys and is thrown into some precarious situations involving other men. I thought that her boyfriend was very patient and sweet. I think their relationship and the crappy way she treated him was the only thing that irritated me in the book.
I really enjoyed all the supporting characters in the story, Isabel's friends and family were all wonderfully written and I can't wait to read more about them. I am hoping that there will be a fourth book, maybe somethihng to do with her own wedding or babies?
I never read books out of order, but I made an exception for this book. It did well as a stand-alone novel, but I am definitely going to be reading the first and second book of this series. I actually bought the second book already, and now I just have to hunt down the first one.
There has been a lack of good chick-lit these past few years, so I am really excited I was introduced to this series. This is classic chick lit, through and through. Love Becky Bloomwood? You'll LOVE Isabel Bookbinder!
Within the first few pages I noticed that this story seemed similar to the Confessions of a Shopaholic series. I loved and adored that series, so I wasn't put off by it at all. I think the first thing that struck me was the similarities between Becky Bloomwood and our heroine, Isabel Bookbinder. They are both shallow, amusing and slightly annoying. I mean that in the nicest of ways, because Isabel truly is a loveable character...although she doesn't seem to be the brightest crayon in the box.
Isabel has hopped from career to career and this novel is focused on her career as a wedding planner. She is employed by a rather famous wedding planner, but after a hundred or so pages she manages to get herself fired. It's one of those silly-miscommunication-not-really-her-fault-but-it-kinda-is situations. She sets out on her own as a wedding planner and through sheer luck and some ridiculous determination she lands a HUGE client and well, more hilarity ensues.
Although she has a gorgeous, successful lawyer boyfriend that she lives with, she often flirts with other guys and is thrown into some precarious situations involving other men. I thought that her boyfriend was very patient and sweet. I think their relationship and the crappy way she treated him was the only thing that irritated me in the book.
I really enjoyed all the supporting characters in the story, Isabel's friends and family were all wonderfully written and I can't wait to read more about them. I am hoping that there will be a fourth book, maybe somethihng to do with her own wedding or babies?
I never read books out of order, but I made an exception for this book. It did well as a stand-alone novel, but I am definitely going to be reading the first and second book of this series. I actually bought the second book already, and now I just have to hunt down the first one.
There has been a lack of good chick-lit these past few years, so I am really excited I was introduced to this series. This is classic chick lit, through and through. Love Becky Bloomwood? You'll LOVE Isabel Bookbinder!
June 17, 2010
Isabel Bookbinder is back and after failing as both a novelist and a fashion designer, this time she’s determined to make her career choice work and has decided to become a wedding planner. Isabel manages to bag a job working for Pippa Everitt but after losing a couple of brides, she ends up losing her job. Isabel isn’t deterred and instead decides to start up her own wedding planning business. Her first few clients include best friend Lara, who is marrying Matthew, Isabel’s brother and Summer Shelley, an ex-pop star who’s determined to have a lavish bash. But, with Isabel, life never runs smoothly; the question is, can she manage to get her brides up the aisle without too many hitches?
I first heard about Holly McQueen’s Isabel Bookbinder series when I saw it on Amazon. I liked the sound of the synopsis for the first book (The Glamorous (Double) Life of Isabel Bookbinder) and I wanted to read it even more after reading all the reviews on Amazon. They weren’t nice and likened Isabel to everyone’s favourite heroine Becky Bloomwood which is why I wanted to read the book; I love Becky so I figured it would be interesting to see if the Amazon reviewers were correct and Isabel was indeed a carbon copy of Becky. I managed to get a hold of the book and I actually loved it. Yes, it was remarkably similar to Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series but I enjoyed it nevertheless. I then picked up book two (The Fabulously Fashionable Life of Isabel Bookbinder) and I didn’t think it was as good. After reading the synopsis of Confetti Confidential, though, I decided I would buy the book because, believe it or not, I do like Isabel so I was looking forward to reading it.
All of Holly McQueen’s books seem to follow the same format for Isabel: she comes up with a wacky new career she’d like to try (novelist, fashion designer and, now, wedding planner), she ends up getting herself a good job in each of those careers before messing it up spectacularly and deciding she’ll just do it herself. There may be some variations on that theme, but that’s generally how the books go. It works, don’t get me wrong, although it is debatable just how believable it is that Isabel changes careers so often. My main problem with the second Isabel Bookbinder book (Fabulously Fashionable) was that Isabel didn’t seem to learn anything after everything that happened in book one (Glamorous (Double) Life). That’s the only problem I had with the book and overall I did enjoy it.
Confetti Confidential sees Isabel trying to become a wedding planner. She manages to wangle herself a job with Pippa Everitt but it all goes inevitably wrong so she decides to set up her own wedding planning business called Isabel Bookbinder, Individual Weddings. I have to admit I do admire Isabel’s determination. Despite not being a very good novelist, and not being able to stitch or anything, she does stick to her career choice (until another one comes along, anyway). Isabel is easily likeable, too. A lot of people may use the term ‘annoying’ rather like ‘likeable’ but I personally like her. She’s sweet and the things she does aren’t out of spite or anything but to try and help her friends and family. Isabel does seem to have grown up a little bit and does recognize (eventually) how some of her ideas and full-on-ness might be misconstrued. Isabel’s family and best friend Lara play a huge part in all of the books and despite the fact that it seems Isabel’s dad doesn’t totally get her, they do seem like a nice family. Finally we have Will, Isabel’s boyfriend. I like Will, but even after three books I still don’t think we know him as well as we could and I wish he featured a bit more.
Confetti Confidential is fairly well written; it’s very similar to Sophie Kinsella’s writing so it’s easy to read and I did manage to fly through the book which has just over 500 pages. One thing that is starting to get a little annoying is the many letters/interviews Isabel conducts between some of the chapters. They kind of break up the flow of the story, despite some of them being a bit amusing. There are also some amusing parts throughout the book and Holly McQueen definitely writes some good comedy moments. My main problem with Confetti Confidential though was how Isabel and Will’s relationship progressed. Or, rather, how it didn’t progress. You would think after two books we would be making good progress in the third but there wasn’t much, not really. Isabel does wonder if he might be about to propose, and Isabel does move back in, but as expected another man comes into the picture and it all goes back to square one. It’s frustrating because I personally believe that instead of throwing other men between Isabel and Will, we should instead see how their relationship moves on (like Becky and Luke’s in the Shopaholic series). There’s no need for man drama, because Isabel has enough drama with her job.
There was a nice ending to Confetti Confidential, which rather paves the way for book four, should such a book be in the works and I will certainly buy it. I do enjoy getting into Isabel’s life because it’s certainly full of colour and drama but I do wish there’d be more progress made. I’d love to see Isabel stick with a job for more than one book and I’d love it if Isabel and Will could make a bit more progress together. Overall, it was a decent enough read and it certainly has readability. It’s a good series, don’t get me wrong, but the two sequels so far haven’t managed to live up to the fab first book
I first heard about Holly McQueen’s Isabel Bookbinder series when I saw it on Amazon. I liked the sound of the synopsis for the first book (The Glamorous (Double) Life of Isabel Bookbinder) and I wanted to read it even more after reading all the reviews on Amazon. They weren’t nice and likened Isabel to everyone’s favourite heroine Becky Bloomwood which is why I wanted to read the book; I love Becky so I figured it would be interesting to see if the Amazon reviewers were correct and Isabel was indeed a carbon copy of Becky. I managed to get a hold of the book and I actually loved it. Yes, it was remarkably similar to Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series but I enjoyed it nevertheless. I then picked up book two (The Fabulously Fashionable Life of Isabel Bookbinder) and I didn’t think it was as good. After reading the synopsis of Confetti Confidential, though, I decided I would buy the book because, believe it or not, I do like Isabel so I was looking forward to reading it.
All of Holly McQueen’s books seem to follow the same format for Isabel: she comes up with a wacky new career she’d like to try (novelist, fashion designer and, now, wedding planner), she ends up getting herself a good job in each of those careers before messing it up spectacularly and deciding she’ll just do it herself. There may be some variations on that theme, but that’s generally how the books go. It works, don’t get me wrong, although it is debatable just how believable it is that Isabel changes careers so often. My main problem with the second Isabel Bookbinder book (Fabulously Fashionable) was that Isabel didn’t seem to learn anything after everything that happened in book one (Glamorous (Double) Life). That’s the only problem I had with the book and overall I did enjoy it.
Confetti Confidential sees Isabel trying to become a wedding planner. She manages to wangle herself a job with Pippa Everitt but it all goes inevitably wrong so she decides to set up her own wedding planning business called Isabel Bookbinder, Individual Weddings. I have to admit I do admire Isabel’s determination. Despite not being a very good novelist, and not being able to stitch or anything, she does stick to her career choice (until another one comes along, anyway). Isabel is easily likeable, too. A lot of people may use the term ‘annoying’ rather like ‘likeable’ but I personally like her. She’s sweet and the things she does aren’t out of spite or anything but to try and help her friends and family. Isabel does seem to have grown up a little bit and does recognize (eventually) how some of her ideas and full-on-ness might be misconstrued. Isabel’s family and best friend Lara play a huge part in all of the books and despite the fact that it seems Isabel’s dad doesn’t totally get her, they do seem like a nice family. Finally we have Will, Isabel’s boyfriend. I like Will, but even after three books I still don’t think we know him as well as we could and I wish he featured a bit more.
Confetti Confidential is fairly well written; it’s very similar to Sophie Kinsella’s writing so it’s easy to read and I did manage to fly through the book which has just over 500 pages. One thing that is starting to get a little annoying is the many letters/interviews Isabel conducts between some of the chapters. They kind of break up the flow of the story, despite some of them being a bit amusing. There are also some amusing parts throughout the book and Holly McQueen definitely writes some good comedy moments. My main problem with Confetti Confidential though was how Isabel and Will’s relationship progressed. Or, rather, how it didn’t progress. You would think after two books we would be making good progress in the third but there wasn’t much, not really. Isabel does wonder if he might be about to propose, and Isabel does move back in, but as expected another man comes into the picture and it all goes back to square one. It’s frustrating because I personally believe that instead of throwing other men between Isabel and Will, we should instead see how their relationship moves on (like Becky and Luke’s in the Shopaholic series). There’s no need for man drama, because Isabel has enough drama with her job.
There was a nice ending to Confetti Confidential, which rather paves the way for book four, should such a book be in the works and I will certainly buy it. I do enjoy getting into Isabel’s life because it’s certainly full of colour and drama but I do wish there’d be more progress made. I’d love to see Isabel stick with a job for more than one book and I’d love it if Isabel and Will could make a bit more progress together. Overall, it was a decent enough read and it certainly has readability. It’s a good series, don’t get me wrong, but the two sequels so far haven’t managed to live up to the fab first book
October 24, 2024
I enjoyed this! The main character was charming and relatable. I felt really bad for her though because honestly everyone except Dan Britton-Jones and Licky treated her so disrespectfully and condescendingly! I think she was so used to being treated poorly she couldn’t see when people actually cared about her.
April 14, 2011
What a fun, delightful, and charming book. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from the publisher and experience my first foray into the world of Isabel Bookbinder (though I will certainly be looking for the first two books and for any future!)
Isabel is a cheerful go-getter who has big ideas, but not necessarily the best execution. Or, things happen to her that are simply and entirely out of her control; either way, she manages to buck up and get matters straightened out. Like Rebecca Bloomwood of the Shopaholic series, Isabel is prone to miscommunication, but her light-heartedness and wholesomeness is what really makes her stand apart. She seems to know what her boundaries are and her "mistakes" are often derived from her conscience calling out for correction when something is so very clearly wrong.
In "Confetti Confidential" Isabel ventures into the world of wedding planning, initially working for an uptight wedding planner who has very strict ideas and ambitions that greatly differ than Isabel's understanding of the wedding business. As she strikes out on her own, Isabel meets a variety of people who help her figure out what it is she really wants and what she really excels at. There is just enough depth to Isabel and her relationships with friends, family, and clients that you find yourself rooting for her and engrossed in her every day drama. Often, I find myself removed from the characters, so I was very pleased to discover that Isabel was one who stuck with me, and from whom I wanted more.
McQueen's writing is very much in the vein of Sophie Kinsella's Shop-a-holic series, but in no way derivative or repetitive. I enjoyed getting to know Isabel, and look forward to more from McQueen.
All in all, it's a perfect book to pick up for some light reading.
Isabel is a cheerful go-getter who has big ideas, but not necessarily the best execution. Or, things happen to her that are simply and entirely out of her control; either way, she manages to buck up and get matters straightened out. Like Rebecca Bloomwood of the Shopaholic series, Isabel is prone to miscommunication, but her light-heartedness and wholesomeness is what really makes her stand apart. She seems to know what her boundaries are and her "mistakes" are often derived from her conscience calling out for correction when something is so very clearly wrong.
In "Confetti Confidential" Isabel ventures into the world of wedding planning, initially working for an uptight wedding planner who has very strict ideas and ambitions that greatly differ than Isabel's understanding of the wedding business. As she strikes out on her own, Isabel meets a variety of people who help her figure out what it is she really wants and what she really excels at. There is just enough depth to Isabel and her relationships with friends, family, and clients that you find yourself rooting for her and engrossed in her every day drama. Often, I find myself removed from the characters, so I was very pleased to discover that Isabel was one who stuck with me, and from whom I wanted more.
McQueen's writing is very much in the vein of Sophie Kinsella's Shop-a-holic series, but in no way derivative or repetitive. I enjoyed getting to know Isabel, and look forward to more from McQueen.
All in all, it's a perfect book to pick up for some light reading.
June 24, 2017
2 stars
May 27, 2017
Isabelle Bookbinder works for Pippa Everett a wedding designer and planning company which isn't her dream of running her own company doing the same.
Her parents, best friend Lana who's dating her brother and boyfriend Will all support her as she moves in with Will and sets up her company from their home, unlike working for Pippa where Pippa's office is her house.
She has to deal with celebrity clients, dramatic brides and families while she dreams of a spontaneous proposal and plans to have a family while her boyfriend would rather discuss mortgages and never approach the subject of marriage.
So when Lana and Matt get engaged and she has to help plan their wedding, she feels very upset and stressed between her two life problems all while getting her business as a solo wedding planner off the ground by taking on high profile Summer's wedding with a huge million pound budget too.
There's tons of drama, happy and sad times you'll be thrown into as you read the book and most of all, it's like the Shopaholic series only with Wedding's and more drama instead! A great chick lit for a summer night's reading when you're single!
Her parents, best friend Lana who's dating her brother and boyfriend Will all support her as she moves in with Will and sets up her company from their home, unlike working for Pippa where Pippa's office is her house.
She has to deal with celebrity clients, dramatic brides and families while she dreams of a spontaneous proposal and plans to have a family while her boyfriend would rather discuss mortgages and never approach the subject of marriage.
So when Lana and Matt get engaged and she has to help plan their wedding, she feels very upset and stressed between her two life problems all while getting her business as a solo wedding planner off the ground by taking on high profile Summer's wedding with a huge million pound budget too.
There's tons of drama, happy and sad times you'll be thrown into as you read the book and most of all, it's like the Shopaholic series only with Wedding's and more drama instead! A great chick lit for a summer night's reading when you're single!
January 30, 2020
Una commedia carina, piacevole e che si legge velocemente.
E' vero che il lavoro viene prima di tutto, ma questo lavoro della wedding planner praticamente imperversa su tutto il libro andando a descrivere i minimi particolari, dai fiori, alla disposizione dei tavoli al colore degli abiti delle damigelle, della madre della sposa, quella dello sposo, il tipo di macchine ecc... forse sono stati questi particolari che hanno in alcuni punti appesantito il romanzo, per il resto è filato liscio con il classico happy end come ci si aspetta in questo tipo di libri.
Ancora non ho capito se la protagonista era una incosciente, o una svampita o una arrampicatrice.
Troppi sotterfugi e sopratutto mi stupisce anche la complicità del fidanzato e dei parenti.
E' vero che il lavoro viene prima di tutto, ma questo lavoro della wedding planner praticamente imperversa su tutto il libro andando a descrivere i minimi particolari, dai fiori, alla disposizione dei tavoli al colore degli abiti delle damigelle, della madre della sposa, quella dello sposo, il tipo di macchine ecc... forse sono stati questi particolari che hanno in alcuni punti appesantito il romanzo, per il resto è filato liscio con il classico happy end come ci si aspetta in questo tipo di libri.
Ancora non ho capito se la protagonista era una incosciente, o una svampita o una arrampicatrice.
Troppi sotterfugi e sopratutto mi stupisce anche la complicità del fidanzato e dei parenti.
April 7, 2018
Had a really tough time 'getting into' this book, was bored out of my mind for quite a few chapters and it really didnt help that i found Isabel's childishly perky personality very annoying. Almost all her problems stemmed from not thinking things through and just jumping blindly into anything and everything. I get that there will be people that will love her optimistic personality but for me it was tiresome and cringe-worthy.
So yeah there were funny bits but because of her being a "clutz" in almost every aspect of her life it wasn't enjoyable. So its pretty safe to say that even though i've "started' with the last book, not going to search/read for the previous ones.
So yeah there were funny bits but because of her being a "clutz" in almost every aspect of her life it wasn't enjoyable. So its pretty safe to say that even though i've "started' with the last book, not going to search/read for the previous ones.
April 7, 2019
What a welcome relief to read this book whilst the weather has been so up and down recently. It took me a little longer than anticipated to read because adulthood kept getting in the way !
I absolutely love Isabel Bookbinders character ... She reminds me a little of Bridet Jones.
I laughed quite a lot reading this book and once i woke the hubby up from his snoring laughing
Ooops :)
I absolutely love Isabel Bookbinders character ... She reminds me a little of Bridet Jones.
I laughed quite a lot reading this book and once i woke the hubby up from his snoring laughing
Ooops :)
August 6, 2020
Blech... this book was so boring and unnecessarily long. I was so bored through out the whole thing. None of the characters connected to me. I don’t know how I finished it. I just knew I had to to get my team on book battle some points!!
July 6, 2017
Easy, fast read.
Read
January 5, 2021A fun, easy read. VEEERRYYY similar to the Shopaholic books.
June 8, 2021
Banale,ripetitivo e prevedibile. Dopo un po' tutte le cose che combina stancano. Inoltre mi sembra la copia dei vari "i love shopping"
November 30, 2022
All'inizio stavo per abbandonarlo ma poi devo dire che ho fatto bene a dargli una possibilità.. molto bello ed emozionante 🙂
June 23, 2024
Fluffy and funny
February 8, 2025
Utterly enjoyable and entertaining, in a nutshell. A lovely little escape wrapped up in a bow with a perfect rom-com ending to the trilogy.
June 15, 2025
leggero e divertente ma pieno di info inutili e la protagonista odiosa sin da subito
October 21, 2015
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Isabel Bookbinder lavora come assistente di una famosa wedding planner, anche se, in pratica, il suo lavoro è lontanamente simile a quello di una wedding planner poiché si limita a preparare tè e a risolvere questioni burocratiche. Durante un matrimonio vip, la giovane combina un gran caos confondendo due spose e mandandole nella chiesa sbagliata. Nonostante sia stata licenziata in tronco, Isabel non si arrende e decide di mettersi in proprio e di organizzare ben due matrimoni: quello della sua migliore amica e quello di una celebrità. Tra equivoci, bugie, momenti esilaranti e parentesi di dolcezza, Isabel ha la possibilità di mostrare le sue capacità e il suo talento. E se il bouquet atterrasse proprio tra le sue mani?
“«Sei Daniel Craig, Brad Pitt e Johnny Depp messi assieme, d’accordo?» […] «Ma non è questo il punto. Non sei… Will.»”
La commedia romantica si propone di presentare in maniera leggera e ironica la figura della wedding planner e ammetto che l’autrice riesce abbastanza bene nel suo intento.
Isabel infatti incarna alla perfezione l’organizzatrice di matrimoni intraprendente, dotata di fantasia e capace d’interagire con le spose in preda alle crisi più disparate. Sicuramente dotata d’immenso coraggio, la donna prova a crearsi da sé e a realizzare il suo sogno. La sua determinazione talora rasenta il grottesco e l’irresponsabilità ed è in queste situazioni che il personaggio perde leggermente di credibilità, risultando antipatico agli occhi del lettore. Dal punto di vista privato, Isabel è una figura assai fragile. Ama Will, il suo fidanzato neo convivente, vorrebbe sposarlo, avere dei figli, ma dagli atteggiamenti fa dedurre al pover’uomo l’esatto contrario. Nel momento in cui incontra un aitante fotografo, non esita a flirtare con lui e a provocare un grandissimo quanto imbarazzante equivoco.
Gli altri personaggi ruotano attorno alla protagonista e incidono, in maniera più o meno decisiva, sullo sviluppo della trama. Ognuno di loro incarna un prototipo: la madre moderna, il padre legato alle tradizioni, la bambinetta prodigio, l’amica leale…
L’autrice si serve del tipico stile da chick lit: prosa semplice, fluida, molto dialogata e ironica e non mancano i momenti seri o ad alto contenuto emozionale. Il lettore si sente abbastanza coinvolto nella vicenda, soprattutto da metà opera in poi, in quanto nella prima parte il romanzo scorre piuttosto lento, probabilmente a causa dei numerosi cliché in materia di matrimoni.
Una commedia romantica di piacevole lettura, capace di strappare un sorriso e di colorare una giornata grigia.
Isabel Bookbinder lavora come assistente di una famosa wedding planner, anche se, in pratica, il suo lavoro è lontanamente simile a quello di una wedding planner poiché si limita a preparare tè e a risolvere questioni burocratiche. Durante un matrimonio vip, la giovane combina un gran caos confondendo due spose e mandandole nella chiesa sbagliata. Nonostante sia stata licenziata in tronco, Isabel non si arrende e decide di mettersi in proprio e di organizzare ben due matrimoni: quello della sua migliore amica e quello di una celebrità. Tra equivoci, bugie, momenti esilaranti e parentesi di dolcezza, Isabel ha la possibilità di mostrare le sue capacità e il suo talento. E se il bouquet atterrasse proprio tra le sue mani?
“«Sei Daniel Craig, Brad Pitt e Johnny Depp messi assieme, d’accordo?» […] «Ma non è questo il punto. Non sei… Will.»”
La commedia romantica si propone di presentare in maniera leggera e ironica la figura della wedding planner e ammetto che l’autrice riesce abbastanza bene nel suo intento.
Isabel infatti incarna alla perfezione l’organizzatrice di matrimoni intraprendente, dotata di fantasia e capace d’interagire con le spose in preda alle crisi più disparate. Sicuramente dotata d’immenso coraggio, la donna prova a crearsi da sé e a realizzare il suo sogno. La sua determinazione talora rasenta il grottesco e l’irresponsabilità ed è in queste situazioni che il personaggio perde leggermente di credibilità, risultando antipatico agli occhi del lettore. Dal punto di vista privato, Isabel è una figura assai fragile. Ama Will, il suo fidanzato neo convivente, vorrebbe sposarlo, avere dei figli, ma dagli atteggiamenti fa dedurre al pover’uomo l’esatto contrario. Nel momento in cui incontra un aitante fotografo, non esita a flirtare con lui e a provocare un grandissimo quanto imbarazzante equivoco.
Gli altri personaggi ruotano attorno alla protagonista e incidono, in maniera più o meno decisiva, sullo sviluppo della trama. Ognuno di loro incarna un prototipo: la madre moderna, il padre legato alle tradizioni, la bambinetta prodigio, l’amica leale…
L’autrice si serve del tipico stile da chick lit: prosa semplice, fluida, molto dialogata e ironica e non mancano i momenti seri o ad alto contenuto emozionale. Il lettore si sente abbastanza coinvolto nella vicenda, soprattutto da metà opera in poi, in quanto nella prima parte il romanzo scorre piuttosto lento, probabilmente a causa dei numerosi cliché in materia di matrimoni.
Una commedia romantica di piacevole lettura, capace di strappare un sorriso e di colorare una giornata grigia.
January 28, 2013
More two and a half stars than three, and I'm kind.
I didn't read the first two books of the Isabel Bookbinder series - in fact, I pretty much picked up this one because it was only five bucks and I was in the need of a book to read during a long travel with the train.
Of course, it's chick-lit, so if you're not into that kind of novels, you will surely find yourself bored by it. I do appreciate a nice chick-lit from time to time when I need to clear my mind, but it has to be written fairly good and mostly has to have a protagonist which I like and may identify myself with to a certain point. This, however, was not the case with this book. While it's not badly written, Isabel itself just didn't enthusiasm or even entertain me and I often found myself thinking that she acts strange and in a really weird way. She changes her mind frequently, but doesn't seem to know (or at least I didn't got the reasons) why. What bothered me most was that so many plots and storylines were built and then, all of the sudden, brought to a very quick end in the last few pages. (Dan anyone? Was this seriously the end with him? And the reason why Isabel's Mom made such a secret around her visit was simply that she went to the doctor for John?) I feel like there was potential for a lot more and maybe too many different storylines.
Apart from that, the book wasn't actually this bad; it's light lecture, easy to read in a sitting and ideal to have a break when you don't feel like doing something that requires much concentration. Overall, I don't regret bying it because it was on sale - but I wouldn't pay the full prize for it.
I didn't read the first two books of the Isabel Bookbinder series - in fact, I pretty much picked up this one because it was only five bucks and I was in the need of a book to read during a long travel with the train.
Of course, it's chick-lit, so if you're not into that kind of novels, you will surely find yourself bored by it. I do appreciate a nice chick-lit from time to time when I need to clear my mind, but it has to be written fairly good and mostly has to have a protagonist which I like and may identify myself with to a certain point. This, however, was not the case with this book. While it's not badly written, Isabel itself just didn't enthusiasm or even entertain me and I often found myself thinking that she acts strange and in a really weird way. She changes her mind frequently, but doesn't seem to know (or at least I didn't got the reasons) why. What bothered me most was that so many plots and storylines were built and then, all of the sudden, brought to a very quick end in the last few pages. (Dan anyone? Was this seriously the end with him? And the reason why Isabel's Mom made such a secret around her visit was simply that she went to the doctor for John?) I feel like there was potential for a lot more and maybe too many different storylines.
Apart from that, the book wasn't actually this bad; it's light lecture, easy to read in a sitting and ideal to have a break when you don't feel like doing something that requires much concentration. Overall, I don't regret bying it because it was on sale - but I wouldn't pay the full prize for it.
April 18, 2011
Isabel Bookbinder has flitted from job to job, and she’s now working for a wedding planner. She loves the biz and would love to start her own “bride management” company. Alas! She just cannot avoid wedding disasters. Not a good thing for an aspiring wedding planner.
On the personal front, she’s just moved in with her boyfriend, Will. And as you might guess, she’s love to seen an engagement ring soon.
Can Isabel realize her dream of becoming an independent and successful wedding planner? Will she ever plan her own wedding? And how many scrapes will she get into along the way?
Read and find out. This is a really cute and humorous novel.
On the personal front, she’s just moved in with her boyfriend, Will. And as you might guess, she’s love to seen an engagement ring soon.
Can Isabel realize her dream of becoming an independent and successful wedding planner? Will she ever plan her own wedding? And how many scrapes will she get into along the way?
Read and find out. This is a really cute and humorous novel.
June 30, 2011
Isabel Bookbinder has had several career paths however she is now in
her dream job Top wedding planner, as she likes to call herself she is
just an Assistant to Pippa Everett, she misplaces a couple of brides
and loses her job. She has always wanted to run her own Business so
launches Isabel Binder Individual Weddings, however she takes on a bit
more than she can chew can she pull it off? Or will it all end in tears?
I agree this book is a mix between Sophie Kinsella and Bridget Jones, I
found it really funny, very easy to read and follow, I would definitely
recommend.
her dream job Top wedding planner, as she likes to call herself she is
just an Assistant to Pippa Everett, she misplaces a couple of brides
and loses her job. She has always wanted to run her own Business so
launches Isabel Binder Individual Weddings, however she takes on a bit
more than she can chew can she pull it off? Or will it all end in tears?
I agree this book is a mix between Sophie Kinsella and Bridget Jones, I
found it really funny, very easy to read and follow, I would definitely
recommend.
October 14, 2011
This was a really cute book that grabbed my attention from the first page. It's chock full of really interesting characters that the author wove together perfectly. The heroine's hard work at becoming a wedding planner was at times painful, embarrassing, and funny. Working on her own love life keeps the reader guessing all the way to the end of the book as to which man she would choose. A wonderful read that makes one wonder why we go to all the trouble that we do in planning a wedding when elopement is so much simpler.
December 13, 2012
I truely never thought I would finish this book. I am on my fourth round of checking it out, but I finally finished it.
This is the 3rd installment of the Isabel Bookbinder series and I really think it needed to be the last.
All 3 stories have been very similar with the same income (everything always works out in the end).
I STRUGGLED to finish this book, but I could not stop.
I sincerely hope there is not a 4th installment. I'm not even going to check because then I will feel obligated to read it and I cannot do another 12 weeks reading the same book.
This is the 3rd installment of the Isabel Bookbinder series and I really think it needed to be the last.
All 3 stories have been very similar with the same income (everything always works out in the end).
I STRUGGLED to finish this book, but I could not stop.
I sincerely hope there is not a 4th installment. I'm not even going to check because then I will feel obligated to read it and I cannot do another 12 weeks reading the same book.
June 25, 2011
I really enjoyed these books, the review was right, it's a great combination of Becky Bloomwood and Bridget Jones. Not quite as superficial as Becky, and not quite as witty as Bridget, but a great combination of the two characters that makes it almost realistic. The third book ended in such a way that I think this is the end of the series, and if that's the case I'm disappointed because I did enjoy it, but it's probably best that it ends on a high note rather than get tired and dragged out.
April 29, 2011
Isabel is an assistant to a well known wedding planner but attempts to pyll off a ridiculous wedding involving a porn star and another minor celebrity all by herself. it does not work out well. she and her boyfriend are having their own troubles and there is also birth family problems to consider. nothing special as far as I am concerned. the characters just are not very interesting, the plot leaves a lot to be desired and the characters are shallow.
February 2, 2012
This was much better than the second part of Isabel's adventures. Much faster, much more interesting, much more happened. And really, after all the diseaster, after all this bad luck I really hoped something will be okay, at least once, in Isabel's life: at work or private. I mean, honestly, how much bad luck and cancelled weddings one can stand?:)
Easy, nice reading.
Easy, nice reading.
February 24, 2012
Cute book, perhaps formulaic at times, though. Isabel is goofy and sweet, and the messes she got herself into made me laugh. I wasn't totally totally sold on Will, however; I would have rather seen her end up with Dan...
March 1, 2014
This book had me laughing out loud. Once again the main character deperately wants to be someone succesfull. Now she wants to be a weddingplanner (after wanting to be a famous author). Of couse things are not going the way she plans. A hilarious book.
June 29, 2013
Such a fun read! I've read and thoroughly enjoyed all three of the Isabel Bookbinder books and hope the author plans to do more. So funny and entertaining! Isabel is a likeable character and I think that most of us have a friend or relative (or at least know someone) that is just like Isabel...
July 18, 2011
Easy read but kind of predictable.
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