With Her Boots On

by Lisa Dow

Mel Melrose is getting ready to be a bridesmaid in her brother’s wedding and the bridesmaids’ dresses that “won’t be over-the-top” have actually raised the bar for over-the-top. These dresses are poofier than poof even before the full-crinoline enhancement and the colour can only be described as construction cone orange. Unfortunately, atrocious wedding attire and drunken bridal showers aren’t her only stressors—Mel’s career is turned upside down with the addition of a personal translator, a run in with a sea mammal and a television commercial producer with an affinity for very large dogs. Any attempts to find solace at home in the arms of Charlie Brown are foiled by Charlie Brown’s sudden infatuation with all things modern dance—especially a new-age blogger named Undulating Ursula. Control freak Mel is on the edge even before her neighbours produce a stash of lawn adornments that rival Disney’s “It’s A Small World” in both taste and number; now something really has to give…and quickly. Will Mel manage to clamber off the edge with her four-inch heels intact, or will she discover that maybe, just maybe, Prada boots aren’t the answer to all of life’s hurdles?

Genres: Chick Lit

463 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Lydia Laceby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed at Novel Escapes

With Her Boots On has some hilarious moments and I laughed out loud frequently right from the first page. This is the story of Mel finding herself, discovering aspects of her personality she didn't necessarily want to accept, and finally learning and moving on. I loved that she didn't shove her relationship issues under the rug, but dealt with an learned from them.

I found out half way through this novel that it`s a sequel and I had no idea, so it obviously stands well on it's own. Although somewhat predictable, this novel was still a satisfying read and I quite enjoyed the later part of the novel during Mel's journey of self discovery.

Unfortunately there were a few inconsistencies that threw me including Mel's fear of sea creatures and then a mention of her having fish. There was also a mention of a Wrangler Cowboy commercial in the early 1980's which was such a tiny spot in the book, but it threw me right out trying to figure out when exactly this novel took place and whether the characters would remember (I don't). I'm just being really nit picky I know, but they really did throw me.

This novel moved along at a rapid pace, was frequently funny and I enjoyed how Mel manages to get out of her shell and seeing her self-discovery journey. I loved the relationship between Mel and her best friend, Kit, and their two families. I thought all the characters were well drawn and this novel had some quirky and unusual elements including Mel's personal translator at work, and the lawn ornament loving neighbours. There were definitely some unforgettable aspects to this novel.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading With Her Boots On and will look out for Lisa Dow novels in the future.

[Brooke Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like the shopaholic series you will love this book.

[Shonna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Total Chick-lit. It was ok. Very predictable. Would appeal to readers that enjoy the Confessions of a Shopaholic series.

[Marci - · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved her first book and devoured this one faster! hilarious at every page!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read! Chick lit.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just found a few parts really unbelievable.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I laughed so much while reading it! One of my favorites !