aliciafromtheashes's review against another edition
2.0
I loosely give this book two stars because of the fact that Madeleine Wickham has a fantastic writing style. That aside, I didn’t care for this book at all. I picked it up because I wanted a quick read after finishing Siege and Storm. I have so many fantasy books on my TBR for the summer that I felt the need for a quick contemporary to break some of that up.
Usually, Madeleine Wickham/Sophie Kinsella does this for me. Even though I know a lot of people don’t enjoy her writing as Madeleine Wickham, I typical do. I certainly enjoy Sophie Kinsella stories more, but I can at least find something in the others to find enjoyable.
With The Gatecrasher there was nothing. Not one single thing about this book is likeable. The only characters that even halfway make sense are the teenagers, but not even they are believable. There’s no way that these two rational teens are being raised with such an irrational cast of adults surrounding them. The story falls flat in so many ways that I don’t really know where to begin, and the ending made me so mad that I threw the paperback across the room, just barely missing my husband. I was immensely disappointed in her for this one.
I’ll continue reading Madeleine Wickham/Sophie Kinsella. I love her, and she’s one of my favorites. Sadly, she just didn’t cut it for me with this one.
Usually, Madeleine Wickham/Sophie Kinsella does this for me. Even though I know a lot of people don’t enjoy her writing as Madeleine Wickham, I typical do. I certainly enjoy Sophie Kinsella stories more, but I can at least find something in the others to find enjoyable.
With The Gatecrasher there was nothing. Not one single thing about this book is likeable. The only characters that even halfway make sense are the teenagers, but not even they are believable. There’s no way that these two rational teens are being raised with such an irrational cast of adults surrounding them. The story falls flat in so many ways that I don’t really know where to begin, and the ending made me so mad that I threw the paperback across the room, just barely missing my husband. I was immensely disappointed in her for this one.
I’ll continue reading Madeleine Wickham/Sophie Kinsella. I love her, and she’s one of my favorites. Sadly, she just didn’t cut it for me with this one.
nee223's review against another edition
3.0
I was a little disappointed in the ending. I don't want to give too much away, it was just a little unrealistic how Richard acted. But it kept my attention.
brinastewart's review against another edition
4.0
This is my second Madeleine Wickham book and it is a tad racier than the other one I read (The Wedding Girl) as well as her books when writing as Sophie Kinsella. There were a couple of quick, descriptive sex comments (not bad just for those who like a heads up).
I found the idea of Fleur's gatecrashing for find wealthy widowers funny and I liked that she became attached to one and falls in love (though she may not see it or acknowledge it).
I found the idea of Fleur's gatecrashing for find wealthy widowers funny and I liked that she became attached to one and falls in love (though she may not see it or acknowledge it).
chrissireads's review against another edition
3.0
I always enjoy Madeleine Wickham's/Sophie Kinsella's writing and this book wasn't an exception. It's easy to read and a nice bit of escapism! I will definitely be reading more of her earlier work!
kimmetjuh23's review against another edition
2.0
Fleur Daxeny heeft alles. Nou ja bijna alles misschien. Het enige wat ontbreekt is een fatsoenlijke baan. Maar dat is toch eigenlijk wel essentieel als je een beetje geld wil verdienen. Voor Fleur is het hebben van geld toch echt heel belangrijk. Zij houdt er ook een onorthodoxe manier op na om aan geld te komen. In de krant zoekt ze rouwadvertenties in de hoop op een begrafenis te stuiten van een vrouw waarvan de arme weduwnaar (lees: steenrijke) voor het grijpen is. Fleur zorgt ervoor dat ze een goldcard krijgt, neemt vervolgens het geld op en weg is ze. Na de zoveelste man, komt ze terecht bij Richard Favour, een ietwat saaie maar wel steenrijke zakenman. Nog wel tenminste, Richard heeft zo zijn eigen plannen om zijn geld uit te geven. Ook is Fleur niet de enige die uit is op het grote geld. Fleurs 13-jarige dochter heeft er onderhand een beetje genoeg van. Ze dreigt alles te vertellen aan de familie Favour, aangezien zij het heel goed kan vinden met de familie. Voor Fleur komt het erop neer dat ze een belangrijke vraag zal moeten beantwoorden: wat is belangrijker geld of liefde.
Na Slapeloze Nachten en Dubbel Feest is dit het derde boek wat ik gelezen heb van Madeleine Wickham. Dubbel Feest vind ik toch nog steeds de betere van de drie. "Zoete Tranen" viel toch wel weer een beetje tegen. Ik heb nog steeds het idee dat er nog iets mist. De personages worden niet echt uitgediept en het verhaal op zich is ook best slapjes te noemen. Wickham schrijft ook onder de naam Sophie Kinsella. Haar boeken zijn stuk voor stuk briljant. Maar de boeken onder haar eigen naam zijn niet echt geweldig.
Na Slapeloze Nachten en Dubbel Feest is dit het derde boek wat ik gelezen heb van Madeleine Wickham. Dubbel Feest vind ik toch nog steeds de betere van de drie. "Zoete Tranen" viel toch wel weer een beetje tegen. Ik heb nog steeds het idee dat er nog iets mist. De personages worden niet echt uitgediept en het verhaal op zich is ook best slapjes te noemen. Wickham schrijft ook onder de naam Sophie Kinsella. Haar boeken zijn stuk voor stuk briljant. Maar de boeken onder haar eigen naam zijn niet echt geweldig.
wmatamoros's review against another edition
3.0
Despite how long it took to read this--damn you fall tv-- it was super cute and a great book considering it was in the $4 bargain bin!
babiibueno's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
katiecatbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Romance. Chick lit. Light fluffy read.
Story: Fleur leads her life by taking advantage of wealthy men and running off to the next as the opportunity strikes. Richard has just lost his wife and it's at the funeral that he meets Fleur. He's used to a life of comfort and predictability, but something changes when Fleur enters his life.
Language: Third person, from various perspectives. 90's, Surrey, UK. If you are expecting Sophie Kinsella, then you'll be surprised by the different writing style. Unlike Shopaholic, which has a fast pace flitting from sale to sale, worry to worry, this book is slower paced as Fleur makes her way into the lives and world of the characters.
Characters: Fleur thinks and plans her life out and is always at least one step ahead. She enjoys a high class lifestyle and doesn't mind taking others out to have it. Richard is a business man who enjoys his spare time on the golf course, competing in tournaments and making deals with other businessman on the green.
I came into this book expected a light, fluffy read and got what I wanted. It was as enjoyable as a shopaholic book, but I enjoyed the differences. My only quibble is with the ending, but perhaps there will be a sequel in the future? I'd be interesting in reading about the future of Philippa and Gillian.
Story: Fleur leads her life by taking advantage of wealthy men and running off to the next as the opportunity strikes. Richard has just lost his wife and it's at the funeral that he meets Fleur. He's used to a life of comfort and predictability, but something changes when Fleur enters his life.
Language: Third person, from various perspectives. 90's, Surrey, UK. If you are expecting Sophie Kinsella, then you'll be surprised by the different writing style. Unlike Shopaholic, which has a fast pace flitting from sale to sale, worry to worry, this book is slower paced as Fleur makes her way into the lives and world of the characters.
Characters: Fleur thinks and plans her life out and is always at least one step ahead. She enjoys a high class lifestyle and doesn't mind taking others out to have it. Richard is a business man who enjoys his spare time on the golf course, competing in tournaments and making deals with other businessman on the green.
I came into this book expected a light, fluffy read and got what I wanted. It was as enjoyable as a shopaholic book, but I enjoyed the differences. My only quibble is with the ending, but perhaps there will be a sequel in the future? I'd be interesting in reading about the future of Philippa and Gillian.