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fearnleyfiction's review
3.0
Read for an honest review for NetGallery.
I liked this book but I thought it just touched the surface on the characters. I think the characters could of used a bit more development and there could of been more detail about the rift that happened to cause Carol and Bobby to fall out. I think a lot more could of been done with this story.
I enjoyed the christmas fair that they did, i think this was the best chapter in the book as it actually got down to the nitty gritty of everything. The reasons they fell out seemed a bit pathetic, money vs no money being one of them. The ending was a bit obvious, which I suppose is okay for a christmas story. It was different in the way that then company Carol owned was the main focus and everything happened around that.
It is an easy book to read and you do get into the ill just read another chapter and another, until your still there an hour later reading. If you want something light hearted then this is the book to go for.
I liked this book but I thought it just touched the surface on the characters. I think the characters could of used a bit more development and there could of been more detail about the rift that happened to cause Carol and Bobby to fall out. I think a lot more could of been done with this story.
I enjoyed the christmas fair that they did, i think this was the best chapter in the book as it actually got down to the nitty gritty of everything. The reasons they fell out seemed a bit pathetic, money vs no money being one of them. The ending was a bit obvious, which I suppose is okay for a christmas story. It was different in the way that then company Carol owned was the main focus and everything happened around that.
It is an easy book to read and you do get into the ill just read another chapter and another, until your still there an hour later reading. If you want something light hearted then this is the book to go for.
sairs_21's review
5.0
This was such a fantastic feel good read! I am still thinking about it now over 24 hours after reading it and still feel all fuzzy and warm! It is one of those books you could read again when you feel down to cheer you up and get you in the festive mood. It is like a rom-com movie you want to watch again and again! Had life not got in the way I would have read this in one sitting no problem I didn't want to put it down!
Until about half way through I personally forgot about the Christmas theme it is referred to but I kind of forgot about it. In my opinion the theme did pick up more the further into the book I got but that just means that really it is a fab read for any time of year!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as if you can't tell from the above. Seriously though it was really well written and I connected with the main character Bobbi straight away and with the all the other characters the more I got to know them. In parts I felt like I was reading about my own life and in others I actually wanted Bobbi's life! I rooted for Bobbi right from the beginning wanting everything to work out for her and well you will have to read and see if it really does but I promise you won't be disappointed!
I thought it was going to be the usual predictable romance tale which I love but I was kept guessing throughout wondering if it would really turn out the way I hoped or if I was just completely wrong in who I wanted to win. I won't tell you if I was right or not…..just go read it!
It made me laugh out loud, was a bit emotional in parts and definitely full of feel good cheeriness!
I can't wait to see what else this author writes and I will definitely be first in the queue to buy and read it!
Until about half way through I personally forgot about the Christmas theme it is referred to but I kind of forgot about it. In my opinion the theme did pick up more the further into the book I got but that just means that really it is a fab read for any time of year!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as if you can't tell from the above. Seriously though it was really well written and I connected with the main character Bobbi straight away and with the all the other characters the more I got to know them. In parts I felt like I was reading about my own life and in others I actually wanted Bobbi's life! I rooted for Bobbi right from the beginning wanting everything to work out for her and well you will have to read and see if it really does but I promise you won't be disappointed!
I thought it was going to be the usual predictable romance tale which I love but I was kept guessing throughout wondering if it would really turn out the way I hoped or if I was just completely wrong in who I wanted to win. I won't tell you if I was right or not…..just go read it!
It made me laugh out loud, was a bit emotional in parts and definitely full of feel good cheeriness!
I can't wait to see what else this author writes and I will definitely be first in the queue to buy and read it!
thejoyfulbookblogger's review
4.0
Review originally posted on my blog www.LifeWithJoyBlog.Wordpress.com
My Thoughts in a Nutshell
Humbugs and Heartstrings is a well-written story filled with fun, vibrant and entertaining characters and it had me laughing from the get go. Ferguson gives us a page-turning Christmas story that in between all the laughing, will make you think about what’s truly important in life; friendships and relationships with people that matter to you. There’s nothing more beautiful in this world than human relationships and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the different relationships in this novel.
My Review
Bobbie, a 29-year-old gal that’s a bit of a pushover, somehow got herself into a less than savory situation working for her ex-best friend Carol. The Boss -as her employees refer to her- is the most frugal and stingy businesswoman that ever walked the planet. She makes Bobbie’s life miserable but Bobbie feels like she can’t stand up to her because then she’d be out a job and moving back home with her mother and young brother. In many ways Bobbie is afraid of life and letting people in and thus leads a somewhat boring life; she never experiments with color, dresses in shapeless, boring clothing that do nothing to show off her youth and doesn’t ever stand up for herself when people push her around. Ferguson gives us a page-turning Christmas story that in between all the laughing, will make you think about what’s truly important in life; friendships and relationships with people that matter to you.
There are quite a few lessons learned throughout the novel and one that struck me the most is how toxic the topic of money can be when it comes to friendships, relationships and work ethic. Whether you don’t have enough of it, you have more of it than you know what to do with, or you’ve always had money because of your parents, money can cause people quite a bit of unnecessary stress. It’s always easy to assume that having a vast amount of money at your disposal instantly makes your life happy and easy, but that’s not always the case. Money can only be the solution to so many problems and most issues have to be solved through communication and compassion for one another. It’s important to ask questions and understand where someone is coming from before you judge them and assume you know what their life is like.
It’s inspiring to see that underneath it all and despite what they’ve been through, people are mostly good inside with good intentions. You have to step out of your fears and comfort zone and work for the things you want in life. Sometimes you have to accept that it’s a process and things aren’t always perfect. You have to let people in, even at the worst of times, in order to let relationships grow and let the people in your life see that they’re important and needed. There’s nothing more beautiful in this world than human relationships and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the different relationships in this novel.
I loved the friendships and romantic relationships that develop throughout the novel and would love to see a few more novels spring from these characters. I’d love to see a book about the romantic relationship that brews for Bobbie’s friend Shona, a book about Carol and where she goes from here or even a book about Ella and her escapades. Ferguson penned wonderful characters and I enjoyed reading about the journey that they go on to get where they end up at the end of the novel. I won’t give away any spoilers but I can tell you that I adored this novel and highly suggest you get yourself a copy.
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Maze publisher for providing me with A Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
A quick note for my US viewers, I didn’t realize when I requested this book through NetGalley that it’s a UK novel and not available in the US, but I believe you might be able to order it online through the UK’s amazon site rather than the US’s.
My Thoughts in a Nutshell
Humbugs and Heartstrings is a well-written story filled with fun, vibrant and entertaining characters and it had me laughing from the get go. Ferguson gives us a page-turning Christmas story that in between all the laughing, will make you think about what’s truly important in life; friendships and relationships with people that matter to you. There’s nothing more beautiful in this world than human relationships and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the different relationships in this novel.
My Review
Bobbie, a 29-year-old gal that’s a bit of a pushover, somehow got herself into a less than savory situation working for her ex-best friend Carol. The Boss -as her employees refer to her- is the most frugal and stingy businesswoman that ever walked the planet. She makes Bobbie’s life miserable but Bobbie feels like she can’t stand up to her because then she’d be out a job and moving back home with her mother and young brother. In many ways Bobbie is afraid of life and letting people in and thus leads a somewhat boring life; she never experiments with color, dresses in shapeless, boring clothing that do nothing to show off her youth and doesn’t ever stand up for herself when people push her around. Ferguson gives us a page-turning Christmas story that in between all the laughing, will make you think about what’s truly important in life; friendships and relationships with people that matter to you.
There are quite a few lessons learned throughout the novel and one that struck me the most is how toxic the topic of money can be when it comes to friendships, relationships and work ethic. Whether you don’t have enough of it, you have more of it than you know what to do with, or you’ve always had money because of your parents, money can cause people quite a bit of unnecessary stress. It’s always easy to assume that having a vast amount of money at your disposal instantly makes your life happy and easy, but that’s not always the case. Money can only be the solution to so many problems and most issues have to be solved through communication and compassion for one another. It’s important to ask questions and understand where someone is coming from before you judge them and assume you know what their life is like.
It’s inspiring to see that underneath it all and despite what they’ve been through, people are mostly good inside with good intentions. You have to step out of your fears and comfort zone and work for the things you want in life. Sometimes you have to accept that it’s a process and things aren’t always perfect. You have to let people in, even at the worst of times, in order to let relationships grow and let the people in your life see that they’re important and needed. There’s nothing more beautiful in this world than human relationships and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the different relationships in this novel.
I loved the friendships and romantic relationships that develop throughout the novel and would love to see a few more novels spring from these characters. I’d love to see a book about the romantic relationship that brews for Bobbie’s friend Shona, a book about Carol and where she goes from here or even a book about Ella and her escapades. Ferguson penned wonderful characters and I enjoyed reading about the journey that they go on to get where they end up at the end of the novel. I won’t give away any spoilers but I can tell you that I adored this novel and highly suggest you get yourself a copy.
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Maze publisher for providing me with A Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.
A quick note for my US viewers, I didn’t realize when I requested this book through NetGalley that it’s a UK novel and not available in the US, but I believe you might be able to order it online through the UK’s amazon site rather than the US’s.
debrasbookcafe's review
5.0
leahmichelle_13's review
5.0
When Avon announced their new digital first Maze imprint (following in the footsteps of Carina UK and their own Harper Impulse imprint) I was quite excited. When I heard Humbugs & Heartstrings by Catherine Ferguson was the first title they were planning to publish, I thought it sounded really interesting. One of my absolute favourite plots to read about is former friends who find themselves working together. There's so much scope there, and with the promise of mince pie flinging and a general feeling of festivity, I was so there. I was quite excited to receive a copy to review, and I couldn't wait to dive in, and the novel did not disappoint.
Humbugs & Heartstrings is the first Christmas novel I've read this year (because it's still only October) but it's definitely going to be a tough one to beat, because it's amazing. I literally flew through the book in two days, because I just loved Bobbie's voice. There was just something so easy and forthcoming about Bobbie, and her narrative just flowed so beautifully. I was taken in, right from the start, and my love for the novel never once waned. (Which was a relief because I've had a run of so so books recently.) It is the most delightful Christmas tale I have ever read and what's so great about it is how simplistic it is. Two ex best friends go to war over a hotelier whose name is Charlie, but who will always be Ronald McDonald to me (read the book, you'll get it). But Bobbie's voice is so good that you just keep reading becauase it's like you've never read the plot before, ever.
The characters in Humbugs & Heartstrings were awesome, too. Bobbie is by far one of my favourite heroines this year. She's a bit of a wimp, I will confess, unable to stand up to The Boss, Carol, and taking everything Carol throws at her without recourse, but I loved her anyway, and when she eventually needs to stand up for herself, she does. (Even if it takes having to hear how someone else sees you from behind a stage.) I felt quite sad that Carol had thrown away their friendship over something that turned out to be frivolous in the end, because who wouldn't want Bobbie in their corner? She was delightful. Carol on the other hand was a nightmare. I wanted to like her and she had her moments, but mostly I wanted to strangle her and tell her to get a grip and stop being childish. I really loved Charlie. From the early email exchanges with Bobbie, to the fact he spent a lot of time around her, near her, it was just so cute. I tell you, these fictional men need to stop being so awesome, because they give a girl false expectations.
It surprises me so much that this is Catherine Ferguson's debut novel, because her writing just flows so effortlessly, and I wish that she had 5 other novels that I could quickly buy and devour, that's how good Humbugs & Heartstrings was. I adored the characters, I liked the story involving Bobbie's brother, because it added a more real element to the novel, and Bobbie's narrative voice was second to none. The plot was delightful and the novel even made me laugh a time or two. It is literally the most perfect book to curl up with during the Winter months, in front of a roaring fire preferably and with a mince pie or two (not to throw at someone!!!) and a glass of wine. It just made me so warm and happy inside and it was such a pleasure to read a book without much angst. If you read one Christmas themed book this year, make it Humbugs & Heartstrings, it's really, really good.This review was originally posted on Girls Love To Read
Humbugs & Heartstrings is the first Christmas novel I've read this year (because it's still only October) but it's definitely going to be a tough one to beat, because it's amazing. I literally flew through the book in two days, because I just loved Bobbie's voice. There was just something so easy and forthcoming about Bobbie, and her narrative just flowed so beautifully. I was taken in, right from the start, and my love for the novel never once waned. (Which was a relief because I've had a run of so so books recently.) It is the most delightful Christmas tale I have ever read and what's so great about it is how simplistic it is. Two ex best friends go to war over a hotelier whose name is Charlie, but who will always be Ronald McDonald to me (read the book, you'll get it). But Bobbie's voice is so good that you just keep reading becauase it's like you've never read the plot before, ever.
The characters in Humbugs & Heartstrings were awesome, too. Bobbie is by far one of my favourite heroines this year. She's a bit of a wimp, I will confess, unable to stand up to The Boss, Carol, and taking everything Carol throws at her without recourse, but I loved her anyway, and when she eventually needs to stand up for herself, she does. (Even if it takes having to hear how someone else sees you from behind a stage.) I felt quite sad that Carol had thrown away their friendship over something that turned out to be frivolous in the end, because who wouldn't want Bobbie in their corner? She was delightful. Carol on the other hand was a nightmare. I wanted to like her and she had her moments, but mostly I wanted to strangle her and tell her to get a grip and stop being childish. I really loved Charlie. From the early email exchanges with Bobbie, to the fact he spent a lot of time around her, near her, it was just so cute. I tell you, these fictional men need to stop being so awesome, because they give a girl false expectations.
It surprises me so much that this is Catherine Ferguson's debut novel, because her writing just flows so effortlessly, and I wish that she had 5 other novels that I could quickly buy and devour, that's how good Humbugs & Heartstrings was. I adored the characters, I liked the story involving Bobbie's brother, because it added a more real element to the novel, and Bobbie's narrative voice was second to none. The plot was delightful and the novel even made me laugh a time or two. It is literally the most perfect book to curl up with during the Winter months, in front of a roaring fire preferably and with a mince pie or two (not to throw at someone!!!) and a glass of wine. It just made me so warm and happy inside and it was such a pleasure to read a book without much angst. If you read one Christmas themed book this year, make it Humbugs & Heartstrings, it's really, really good.This review was originally posted on Girls Love To Read
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