When I Fall In Love

Nov 26, 2012 Hannah (Jaedia) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, received-for-review, fiction, france

First and foremost When I Fall in Love, though you’d definitely think as much from the very festive and lovely cover art, is not a Christmas themed book. In fact, not a single part of it is set in December. What it is is a gorgeous story about moving on from a great loss and discovering life and how to love once again, and it definitely has that magical feeling. When I Fall in Love is the kind of book that can be read and enjoyed at any time of year and as such would make a perfect Christmas pre...more First and foremost When I Fall in Love, though you’d definitely think as much from the very festive and lovely cover art, is not a Christmas themed book. In fact, not a single part of it is set in December. What it is is a gorgeous story about moving on from a great loss and discovering life and how to love once again, and it definitely has that magical feeling. When I Fall in Love is the kind of book that can be read and enjoyed at any time of year and as such would make a perfect Christmas present for chick lit readers.

When I Fall in Love is actually the first of Miranda Dickinson’s novels I have read but I’m definitely a convert. The warmth of her writing is simply amazing and her sense of humour makes me feel right at home. She also happened to get something in my eye once or twice.. how that happened is beyond me. It was just dust I swear.

The characters in the novel really make the story what it is. Miranda has written side characters with as much life as the heroine, including characters that make just a small cameo, and without overburdening us with too much information either. They really give us a well rounded story and I loved every moment of Cher’s dating exploits and ice cream experiments in her little retro ice cream café, Woody’s bizarre quips and speeches but ever-present minuscule fanbase from his 15 minutes of fame in the 80′s, and Torin’s sporadic appearances. I did find the way Elsie treated Torin quite annoying, if I’m honest. Every time they met, he was nothing but kind but she would take something the wrong way and an argument would ensue but I have to admit that I loved the other part of Elsie that we saw whenever she was around him. To everybody else she was nothing but sweet but he brought out her passion. And I couldn’t stop laughing at Elsie and her sister’s trip to ‘that European furniture store’. I’m not saying why though, that would spoil the fun, but I had to mention it.

While there are some sad parts, that’s inevitable with a story about recovering yourself from a great loss, When I Fall in Love is altogether an uplifting novel that I’d be happy to read by the fire or on the beach. Elsie is a lovely character and I just wanted the best for her all along. I’m also very tempted to see how many items from The List I can complete before my fiancé completely disowns me for being an embarrassing weirdo.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 11, 2012 Kevin I Heart.. Chick Lit rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review originally on I Heart.. Chick Lit.
www.chicklitkevinxx.blogspot.com

When I Fall In Love is the first book I've read by the lovely Miranda Dickinson, not that I've never heard of her - she's famous for her inspiring tales of young, independent women living their life as if in a fairytale - and I have to say, When I Fall In Love blown me away! I know I can be very persistent to read something that has caught my attention and for that, I'd like to apologise to Avon's PR.

The thing is, I've neve...more Review originally on I Heart.. Chick Lit.
www.chicklitkevinxx.blogspot.com

When I Fall In Love is the first book I've read by the lovely Miranda Dickinson, not that I've never heard of her - she's famous for her inspiring tales of young, independent women living their life as if in a fairytale - and I have to say, When I Fall In Love blown me away! I know I can be very persistent to read something that has caught my attention and for that, I'd like to apologise to Avon's PR.

The thing is, I've never read any by Miranda, so I told myself to think of When I Fall In Love as a debut novel. Well, it would definitely make a hell of a debut novel, I tell you. I neglected my Economics trial exam to finish this lovely, heartwarming tale. I just hope that I'd pass Econs, either way, I gained something I'd never regret, which is having the chance to read this life-changing book.

When I Fall In Love is about Elsie Maynard's life, recovering from a *NOT TELLING YOU*, she's finally standing on her two feet, moving on. From the first chapter, I knew Elsie would be a lovable character, one I'd root for. She's exactly what a chick lit heroine should be, friendly, warm, loving and caring. I loved how she dealt with everything when things were not going the way she hoped they would, and for that, I'm glad to report that Elsie Maynard is a character you'd want to be best friends with.

Aside from Elsie, the characters in the book were really, really wonderful and I'd be the happiest person to have them in my life. Well, in my head, they are my best friends, so you can imagine how deeply affected I am by the book. You know the feeling you get when you feel so warmly welcomed you are when you're with people? That's the feeling I got when I read the parts where Elsie, Daisy, Woody and the gang meet up. And I'm not telling you who these characters are. It's a surprise for you when you read the book once it releases on the 8th of November.

The storyline is deeply moving, think of it as a really heartbreaking story with the most supportive family members and friends who'd help you get by. It's a really warm and compelling tale, perfect for the wintry days of the snowy season. Another thing that made me enjoy this little nugget of chick lit is that a part of the book was set in Paris! PARIS! Parfait! I strongly recommend this book to readers who loved Cecelia Ahern and Jojo Moyes.

All in all, I loved it. And When I Fall In Love has definitely earned a spot to win a category in the Chick Litter Awards... Well, just saying ;)

Rating : 5/5(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Feb 25, 2013 Tali rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit

First of, I'd like to say that this is a good book. But at the same time, it's because it's a good book and not a great book, that I then have to confess that I was a little disappointed by it. Maybe this was because I've read Miranda Dickinson before and really enjoyed her previous novels, but this one just didn't match my expectations of it. I think a lot of this disappointment has to do with characters, or mainly, that there are too many of them and not enough of a personality assigned to eac...more First of, I'd like to say that this is a good book. But at the same time, it's because it's a good book and not a great book, that I then have to confess that I was a little disappointed by it. Maybe this was because I've read Miranda Dickinson before and really enjoyed her previous novels, but this one just didn't match my expectations of it. I think a lot of this disappointment has to do with characters, or mainly, that there are too many of them and not enough of a personality assigned to each one. Of the characters there are, only Elsie and Daisy really made me care about them. The rest drift in and out of the novel with varying degrees of page-time, but even those allocated more of a presence still seem to just portray some kind of stereotype: the aging rocker, the tart with a heart, the shy young lovers, the arrogant love interest. None of them seem well developed enough to spark any interest in them and their lives, of which there is a lot. I kind of feel that if Dickinson had tightened up her characters (maybe ditched some of them and expanded the roles of others) then this book would have been left with a lot more people that you actually want to read about.
My other problem with this novel is the subject matter: dealing with the death of a loved one and moving on from that death. Part of my disappointment from this side of the novel isn't from the book itself, but that at the end of last year, I read Lucy Dillon's Walking Back to Happiness, which deals with the same subject but isn't quite as glossy or dewy-eyed over the subject, and therefore I enjoyed that story more. When I Fall in Love follows the pattern of a fairytale with regards to that more and in my opinion comes off the worse for it.
Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read for a trip away, and does what it says on the tin, although I don't think it'll be a book that I'll probably read again. Decent chick-lit with a nice story and a happy ending, but unlike I did, I wouldn't expect any more from it.(less)

like · see review

Dec 01, 2012 BestChickLit.com rated it 4 of 5 stars

What is on the secret list Elsie Maynard carries with her everywhere? What is the tragedy in her past that denies her from moving on? And where in Paris can you get creamy artichoke soup with crunchy slices of stonebaked baguette? These questions and many more will have been answered by the time you put down Miranda Dickinson’s latest novel, When I Fall In Love. It’s a story that not only takes you on a geographical journey from Brighton to Paris, but an emotional journey, too – and one with a s...more

like · see review

Nov 21, 2012 Kirsty Maclennan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Miranda Dickinson brings us an emotional and heart warming tale that will have you reaching for the tissues.

Elsie Maynard is starting again after a difficult 18 months. Its time to face new challenges and keep a promise she made to someone very special.
But through keeping the promise Elsie will travel on a rollercoaster of emotions that will have us laughing, crying and smiling.

Join the wonderfully loveable characters of ‘When I Fall in Love’ as we experience Elsie starting over.

When an imprompt...more

like · see review

Nov 13, 2012 Rosie Review rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: must-read

Taken from my blog: www.rosiereview.wordpress.com

When I Fall In Love is the latest moving read from Miranda Dickinson. It will make you cry, laugh and feel part of the story. The reason why Elsie is starting again is withheld from the reader at the beginning of the book. This unusual choice allows the reader to warm to Elsie without feeling sorry for her. And warm to her I did. I could relate to her location, Brighton is very close to where I live and have spent many a weekend there either shopp...more

like · see review

Nov 06, 2012 Megan Readinginthesunshine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourites

I am a huge fan of Miranda Dickinson I have fallen in love with all of her books so far and the way they are like real-life fairy tales. For me, It Started With A Kiss was my favourite book that I read last year, which by the way, if you have not read then buy it, borrow it, read it, it is lovely! Anyways, I was very very excited about Miranda’s new release, and I couldn’t wait to get started!

Without giving too much away, Elsie Maynard has had a difficult time in life, and eighteen months on, wa...more I am a huge fan of Miranda Dickinson I have fallen in love with all of her books so far and the way they are like real-life fairy tales. For me, It Started With A Kiss was my favourite book that I read last year, which by the way, if you have not read then buy it, borrow it, read it, it is lovely! Anyways, I was very very excited about Miranda’s new release, and I couldn’t wait to get started!

Without giving too much away, Elsie Maynard has had a difficult time in life, and eighteen months on, wants to do something in her life. After an impromptu piano and singing performance at a seaside cafe in Brighton after being dared to by her sister Daisy, Woody Jenson, ex-band member of the 80′s rocker group Hellfinger, jumps into Elsie’s life with a proposition for her: Starting a choir with him. And not just any old choir, but a choir with a difference, with a sparkle and a bang to them. Soon Elsie and Woody set up rehearsals in the ice cream cafe where Elsie works, and The Sundaes is born – A mix of local people who all want to belong to something and have a sense of community around them. From young couple Danny and Aoife, to louder than life Sasha, to the elderly and sweet Irene – the Sundaes has it all! Alongside Elsie’s new project, Elsie wants to start dating again…Will she find her happiness and figure out where she belongs?

I absolutely LOVED this book. As I’ve said from the beginning, It Started With A Kiss was a stand-out book for me, and Miranda has done it again, bringing out a truly beautiful book that will touch your heart, take you on a rollercoaster of a journey and at the end having you believing all over again in the romance of fairy-tales and happiness.

Elsie is the perfect lead. I warmed to her straight away, as I’m sure everyone who reds this book will too! I really rooted for Elsie with the choir, and I desperately wanted her to have the life she so deserves. I became very emotionally involved with Elsie, I cringed at her embarrassing situations, I laughed with her during her conversations with the crazy Woody Jenson, and I cried with her during the sad moments. After my journey with her, I feel as though I know her as well as my best friend, and I would be absolutely honoured to know her in real life!

The characters were EXCEPTIONAL! I cannot fault Miranda on one single aspects of her characters, they were perfect and every single one of them added to the story. I particularly loved how each character in the book not only had their own part to play in the main event, but they each had their own individual story that was delicately explored and intricately woven into the novel. It was such a joy getting to know each character, forming a bond with them and learning more about their personalities. Personal favourite characters of mine include the eccentric but charming Woody – I think his humour and optimism really brightened up the story, he had me giggling all the time with the way he is! I loved Daisy and her loyalty to her younger sister. Irene was also a wonderful lady who in many ways reminded me of my Nan, so I thoroughly enjoyed the parts that she was in. The Sundaes as a whole were brilliant, I’ve never looked forward to reading about what a choir gets up to more in my life! With some air guitar moves and crazy mash-ups, they had me laughing along with them all the way!

The List – Now I can’t give this part away but when you read the book you will get it. This idea was brilliant. Miranda really brought the story into my heart with this, and it added a beautiful layer to the book. It was touching, it was imaginative and it had me laughing one minute at the scenes that featured because of The List, and crying the next because of the sentiment. I will admit here, I cried buckets! If like me, you got a little sensitive, you’re a bit soppy or a hopeless romantic, you will need a box of tissues! I imagine this book will get comparisons to a certain book by Cecelia Ahern, and you’ll find out why when you read it, but coming from a huge fan of Cecelia, I think Miranda may have just topped it and completely deserves all the success she gets from this book.

I finished this book yesterday and I still cannot stop thinking about it. Miranda Dickinson has completely blown me away with this story and I’m sure it will stay with me for a while. When I Fall In Love is a beautiful, moving tale of a young woman who is bravely stepping out into the world again, full of hope and courage. This story is delicately written, and although it has some sad moments in, there is a lot of humour and fun included to leave you with a warm loving feeling long after you have finished the story. Another dazzling novel from Miranda Dickinson!(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Dec 23, 2012 Alana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Miranda Dickinson's books are always a lot of fun, very much in the vein of Sophie Kinsella. When I Fall in Love read rather like a cross between anything by Sophie Kinsella and Cecelia Ahern's 'PS I love you'. It was fluffy, sentimental and fun and I did like it as a light read over the holidays but for some reason or other there is still something missing in her books. Her characters often felt like caricatures rather than actual people, Cher and Woody in particular were written a little over...more

like · see review

Jan 11, 2013 Lucy Felthouse rated it 5 of 5 stars

Article first published as Book Review: When I Fall in Love by Miranda Dickinson on Blogcritics.

This is the first book by Miranda Dickinson that I've read, and based on that, I'll definitely be checking out her other titles.

When I Fall in Love is based in Brighton, with a jaunt to Paris, which I confess is what made me buy the book. Any book with Paris on the cover, and I'm sold.

This is the story of Elsie Maynard, a young woman who is starting life again. She overcame a huge challenge eighteen m...more

like · see review

Jun 08, 2013 Natacake rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Dec 14, 2012 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed all of this authors previous books it was a bit of a no-brainer that I would buy this one. As with all Miranda’s books the cover was gorgeous and I was looking forward to jumping into her latest creation.

Wow! I’ve always loved this authors writing style so I was pretty confident that I would enjoy the book, but I was surprised that I felt so connected to the storyline when I haven’t been through it myself. Tears didn’t just fall – they poured as this wonderful story took...more Having read and enjoyed all of this authors previous books it was a bit of a no-brainer that I would buy this one. As with all Miranda’s books the cover was gorgeous and I was looking forward to jumping into her latest creation.

Wow! I’ve always loved this authors writing style so I was pretty confident that I would enjoy the book, but I was surprised that I felt so connected to the storyline when I haven’t been through it myself. Tears didn’t just fall – they poured as this wonderful story took me to places I had never thought of. I didn’t only feel sadness though, there was laughter, shock and happiness all rolled up in one fabulous book!

I was laughing out loud by page two – what a great start! I was keen to find out exactly what had happened eighteen months previously to stop Elsie dating, I was just as keen to find out the meaning of ‘The List’ and the lovely little notes. Once I understood what they were all about I filled up with tears every time a new one came up.

Elsie was a wonderfully warm character who I liked straight away, I loved the closeness of her family and I quickly felt like I was a part of it too. A spontaneous singing moment that had me smiling from ear to ear was an important turning point for Elsie and I couldn’t wait to see where it would take her.

I can’t write this review without mentioning Woody, he was such a fantastic character (one of my favourites in fact). I would say to watch out for him when you read it but the truth is you won’t be able to miss him because he is so vibrant! I found him very easy to visualise and regularly laughed out loud at the things he said:

“We’ll be like undercover agents for the forces of music: choir ninjas, if you will.”

I was completely torn between the two main male characters, I kind of fell in love with them both and couldn’t decide who would be best for Elsie.

The choir was another great part of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed following their progress, one of my favourite choir moments came during a performance – an 84-year-old member finished the show with some awesome air-guitar moves!

Paris was lovely and also the cause of most of my tears, there was a particularly heartbreaking moment that had me sobbing – it was written beautifully and I was so caught up in Elsie’s life that I just couldn’t stop crying.

At the end of the story I got to read the actual ‘List’ and I thought this was a lovely way to end the book as it made me smile before I closed it.

This was a captivating tale that really touched my heart in a completely unexpected way.(less)

like · see review

Jan 07, 2013 Tiff rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013, romance-flava-flavs

I didn't enjoy this book at all. The emotions I had at the start of the book were similar to the emotions I felt when reading Mhairi McFarlane's "You Had at Me At Hello." I thought that the beginning was draggy and in contrast to the thrill I felt towards the latter (Mhairi's), I just finished Dickinson's book for the sake of finishing it. I hated Woody Jensen and his annoying lingo (no offense to rockers) and I didn't really like the character development of Elsie. The only decent characters th...more

like · see review

Nov 27, 2012 Chelsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Elsie Maynard has decided that it is time to start again and pick up the pieces of her rather broken heart and spirit. She has faced a tragedy that I would never wish on anyone, and I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give key elements in the story away. When I started reading the book, Elsie seemed very solemn and somber and maybe even a little bitter. I later learned why. After a few pages in she makes an announcement to her sisters and family that she is ready to start dating...more Elsie Maynard has decided that it is time to start again and pick up the pieces of her rather broken heart and spirit. She has faced a tragedy that I would never wish on anyone, and I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give key elements in the story away. When I started reading the book, Elsie seemed very solemn and somber and maybe even a little bitter. I later learned why. After a few pages in she makes an announcement to her sisters and family that she is ready to start dating again, and I immediately started asking questions. I became attached to Elsie rather quickly and was cheering her on the entire time. This story is Elsie’s journey through heartache and her rebirth!

Miranda Dickinson can write some really strong and moving characters, and believe me this book was full of them. I personally fell in love with the relationship that Elsie shared amongst her sisters, Daisy and Guin. I loved their connection and the laughter that they brought right from the start. We also have Elsie’s dad who I could tell was where a lot of her strength and support came from. Possibly one of my favorite characters was Cher, who owns the café in which Elsie works in called Sundae & Cher, quoted above. All of these secondary characters, and so many more, help Elsie on her trying and tremendous journey to start all over again. I was laughing my head off because of the wittiness and just pure sparkle that some of these characters brought the pages.

Elsie finds herself in some pretty amazing situations and presented with some awesome opportunities that I am sure she never thought she would experience. This book is about learning to live and love again, and Elsie is a truly inspiring and dynamic character. From her moments in the ice cream shop, Sundae & Cher, to the streets of Paris with her choir, she is experiencing a life-altering change and I felt like she invited me, graciously, along for the ride. This is truly a story about love, loss, and learning to start over from the ashes. I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter story that truly pulled on all of my heart strings. This book made me question things in my life and what I would do if I were ever in Elsie’s shoes. Truly a great reflection novel and I am new born fan of Miranda Dickinson!

***Lots of hugs and thanks to the publishers at Avon for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review***
(less)

like · see review

Nov 20, 2012 Rea Sinfield rated it 5 of 5 stars

Miranda is back this year with another fantastic read When I Fall in Love, this lady continually brings us stunning covers containing beautiful storylines you have got to love her.

Elsie Maynard never expected to be starting again...

...but eighteen months on from the biggest challenge of her life, she is doing just that –because she made a promise to the person who believed in her the most. Determined to step into her uncertain future, Elsie meets handsome Oliver Hogarth, who seems intent on win...more Miranda is back this year with another fantastic read When I Fall in Love, this lady continually brings us stunning covers containing beautiful storylines you have got to love her.

Elsie Maynard never expected to be starting again...

...but eighteen months on from the biggest challenge of her life, she is doing just that –because she made a promise to the person who believed in her the most. Determined to step into her uncertain future, Elsie meets handsome Oliver Hogarth, who seems intent on winning her heart; she inadvertently founds a choir, and overcomes obstacles – most of which involve arrogant Torin Stewart. Then a heartfelt request brings her to Paris – and the final item on ‘The List’ that she never dared complete.

Can Elsie follow her heart and put her past to rest?

I loved our heroine in this book, Elsie has just had the toughest eighteen months of her life but she now has to take the steps to start building a new life. Out of all of the storylines Miranda has brought us this is the one that touched my heart the most. Elsie has an edge of vulnerability about her but after finding out what it is that has occurred in her life you actually think how well she is coping and you can’t help but hope that with each step she takes in building her new life she will start to mend her heartache and start to find happiness. She is a very selfless character and is instantly loveable.

I have to say this is one of the rare books where I loved each and individual character in this book from members of the Maynard family who really show the meaning of family support, to each member of Elsie’s new venture all who are very different from each other and bring a something different to the storyline.
I loved both Torin and Oliver who were our male characters and I never quite knew all the way through who if either of them Elsie would open her heart to. Miranda’s descriptive writing is back again giving us a mini tour of Paris which has made me rather excited about my trip there for New Year now.

It is quite clear that Miranda has brought her own personal interests in music and singing into this book and I think that is why the book flows so well because it was so natural for her to right about something that is a great interest to her. I was hoping that there would be a little hint of festivity in this book but unfortunately there wasn’t any, and yet I still thoroughly enjoyed this touching read.

A very emotional and moving read that I highly recommend.(less)

like · see review

Nov 26, 2012 Nikki Bywater rated it 5 of 5 stars

Elsie Maynard is slowly moving forward with her life. It is a new start for Elsie, a new beginning, something she had never expected but now she had accepted it. Elsie puts together a choir with the help of former 80’s rock star Woody Jenson and this is when the adventure starts in her new life. She meets Torin Stewart in awkward circumstances and after that he seems to have a knack of turning up in Elsie’s life unexpectedly and it is happening more and more much to Elsie’s annoyance. Not like O...more

like · see review

Dec 31, 2012 Rachelle Gravely rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I have to say I was BLOWN AWAY.

Reading this book was like falling in love while simultaneously having your heart broken.

I'm not sure how an author achieves both of those feelings in a single novel, but BRAVO!

Even whilst my heart was breaking along with the main character, I longed for more of Eloise and Lucas' story. I was torn between wanting more of their story and wanted more of Eloise and Torin.

There are only two things I really didn't care for -

*Just as the characters get together - the...more

like · see review

Nov 21, 2012 C rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was so excited about Miranda Dickinson’s latest novel, having been lucky enough to receive a sneak-preview chapter from her in the post; I was desperate to read the rest! I so pleased to find that book number four from this lovely author delivered her usual mix of optimism, cake and of course romance, the perfect recipe! Although the cover might suggest a Christmasey or even a wintery novel, don’t be fooled, none of this book is set in December! When I fall in Love follows Elsie eighteen month...more I was so excited about Miranda Dickinson’s latest novel, having been lucky enough to receive a sneak-preview chapter from her in the post; I was desperate to read the rest! I so pleased to find that book number four from this lovely author delivered her usual mix of optimism, cake and of course romance, the perfect recipe! Although the cover might suggest a Christmasey or even a wintery novel, don’t be fooled, none of this book is set in December! When I fall in Love follows Elsie eighteen months on from the death of her husband and her dealings with her best friend Cher, a new choir project and two possible new love interests. Elsie is such a lovely character. She seems too innocent and open for someone who has lost their husband at such a young age… ‘I was loved by the most amazing guy in the world for eight wonderful years. Most people don’t get to enjoy that kind of love their whole lives. I count myself as one of the lucky few’. She has the typical optimism of one of Dickinson’s characters, and you find yourself willing her to open her heart and find love again, all the way through the book.

The story centres around Elsie’s dealings with a new choir she has started with a local, aging rocker. This was unchartered territory for me but I found it to be a really nice hook into the storyline, and it leads to the introduction of several new characters, each of whom add depth to the storyline and come with their own brand of love and sweetness. The addition of Elsie’s family is also really lovely because it makes the whole novel feel like a comfortable cosy night in surrounded by friends and family. The two male characters vying for Elsie’s attention are equally well-developed and seemingly couldn’t be more different from one another, and I think that this was vital for the structure of the storyline. ‘I want to make you feel cared for all the time…and I know were taking it slowly and you’ve had things you wanted to deal with, but I just want you to know that you only have to say the word and…I’ll be there’.

The setting of the novel was really well described, having never been to Brighton, I really felt like I got to know the town and was wandering through its streets with Elsie and the other characters, and of course, Paris was also as elaborately described, and given the level of romance befitting of Miranda Dickinson’s writing. Obviously the book deals in some part with death, and so I did shed a few tears, but there were also parts of the book that made me laugh, especially when Elsie and her sister take a trip to a Swedish furniture store in Croydon, ‘Croydon? Who goes to Croydon for anything?’ A lovely thing is that at the end of the book, the reader is given a bonus, a list of the messages that Elsie’s late husband left for her. I defy even the coldest of hearts not to be warmed by this list, and indeed the whole of the book for that matter. Even if you haven’t read any of Miranda Dickinson’s previous novels, you will be certain to enjoy this one, and most probably want to acquire her others as soon as you finish it. A truly lovely novel!
(less)

like · see review

Apr 18, 2013 Jeanbooknerd rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

Miranda Dickinson’s When I Fall in Love is a beautiful story about loss, moving on, being able to rediscover life, and love once again. After recovering from a significant event in her life, Elsie Maynard finally finds the strength to move on. Now she has the task of facing new challenges and keeping a promise she made to someone who believed in her the most. It is this promise that will have Elsie go through a series of emotions and providing readers a journey filled with smiles, laughs, and cr...more

like · see review

Nov 27, 2012 Leah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-2012, for-review

Miranda Dickinson is one of my favourite authors, ever. I feel like I say that a lot, but trust me, I don’t. Since her first novel, Fairytale of New York, I have been enchanted by her novels. She writes the most romantic Chick Lit you will EVER read. They’re pure love stories, and she’s now on her fourth novel (which makes me say in disbelief, only four?) called When I Fall In Love and is yet another fantastic novel. She cannot do no wrong as far as I’m concerned, she just captures your imaginat...more Miranda Dickinson is one of my favourite authors, ever. I feel like I say that a lot, but trust me, I don’t. Since her first novel, Fairytale of New York, I have been enchanted by her novels. She writes the most romantic Chick Lit you will EVER read. They’re pure love stories, and she’s now on her fourth novel (which makes me say in disbelief, only four?) called When I Fall In Love and is yet another fantastic novel. She cannot do no wrong as far as I’m concerned, she just captures your imagination so well, with such warm characters and clever plots, and if you haven’t ever tried Miranda’s books before you really are missing out because she’s a Chick Lit treasure.

When I Fall In Love tells the story of Elsie Maynard. She’s had a very tough year, and her life has fallen apart. So when she ends up putting on an impromptu singing performance at a local cafe, she finds her life looking a little rosier as Woody Jensen saw her performance and wants to start a choir. But not an ordinary choir – for washed-up rockstar Woody, a normal choir would never do. No, he wants to have a modern choir, a choir that will speak to everyone, a choir Elsie is very happy to be a part of, and so, starts The Sundaes. As Elsie battles to re-start her love life, the choir is a solace from everything, and as she finds herself attracted to Olly, and butting heads with irrepresible Torin, will she be able to overcome her difficult year and fall in love again?

What I loved about When I Fall In Love was the characters. The characters are a massive, massive part of the novel and right from the start I was caught up in Elsie’s life, and her sisters’ and dad’s lives. The choir idea was utterly brilliant. Choirs don’t interest me in the slightest, and yet, I absolutely adored everything to with The Sundaes. I loved all the singers, I loved the setting (Sundae & Cher, the shop where Elsie works), I loved their meetings, their arguments, their passion, their performances. I’d still say, if you asked me, that I wouldn’t go and see a choir perform because it just isn’t my cup of tea, but Miranda Dickinson writes SO well that it could be about anything and you would still be interested. It could be about something you hate with a passion and she’d still make it sound like something wonderful and something you really loved reading about. That’s Miranda’s talent, she makes you love something you wouldn’t normally ever love. I loved everything to do with The Sundaes, and all the various personalities meant I never got confused with all the characters.

If I had any issue with the novel, it was perhaps the love story. It was really good, but because of how long the Olly thing went on, the other bit sort of got a bit left. I liked Olly, but I felt that if Elsie was interested she would just go for it. Despite everything Elsie had been through, I firmly believed that she would have just went for it if it was meant to be with Olly, despite what she believed. I loved Torin, and I would have just liked a bit more of him. I liked that he and Elsie rubbed each other up the wrong way. I liked their arguments because it added a bit of spice to proceedings, and I never felt that their arguments were genuine arguments, well except for one instance. It was banter, at best. I did adore the family element to the story. How the Maynards are this superclose family, with Elsie, Guin and Daisy, the sisters, and their dad, Jim. The closeness was so lovely, and even the bond between The Sundaes was really great, in particular I loved Woody, he really made an impression on me!

I really enjoyed When I Fall In Love. It reminded me a little bit of PS I Love You by Cecelia Ahern, what with the affirmations Elsie gets. It was a solid, solid book. Miranda Dickinson is one of the best writers around at the moment, and long may that continue. She really knows how to write books you fall in love with and books you remember for ages to come. The biggest disappointment is knowing I have to wait a whole year for her next one! She needs to be an author who releases two books a year, that would do me just nicely. (I’m greedy, I know.) I thoroughly recommend the book, I really, really enjoyed it and Miranda really knows what she’s writing about with the choir, having a music background herself. She’s in her element, let me tell you. Also, if anyone wants to open a shop like Sundae & Cher, please can you do it in Tenerife because I would REALLY like a shop like Sundae & Cher. Do you know how hard it is to concentrate on reading when you’re dreaming about ice cream, and copious amounts of ice cream, too? And, now, I want some ice cream. Do read the book, preferably with ice cream…(less)

like · see review

Dec 02, 2012 Abbey Liddle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourite-chick-lit-reads

Here is my original review on my blog http://missbookworm23.blogspot.co.uk/...

Elsie Maynard never expected to starting again...

But eighteen months on from the biggest challenge of her, she is doing just that - because she made a promise to the person who believed in her the most.
Determined to step into her uncertain future, Elsie meets handsome Oliver Hogarth who seems intent on winning her heart and inadvertently founds a choir.
Then a heartfelt request brings her to Paris - and the final item o...more Here is my original review on my blog http://missbookworm23.blogspot.co.uk/...

Elsie Maynard never expected to starting again...

But eighteen months on from the biggest challenge of her, she is doing just that - because she made a promise to the person who believed in her the most.
Determined to step into her uncertain future, Elsie meets handsome Oliver Hogarth who seems intent on winning her heart and inadvertently founds a choir.
Then a heartfelt request brings her to Paris - and the final item on 'The List' she never dared complete. Can Elsie follow her heart and put her past to rest?

So we meet the lovely Elsie Maynard who's recently had a heartbreak and it had taken her eighteen months to recover with the lovely help of her dad Jim, and her sisters Daisy and Guin and also her Boss Cher Pettinger owner of Sundae & Cher. In the opening chapter we read that Elsie getting in trouble for Thieft from a shop however a stranger near by stops to help her and makes the security guy forget about it. The handsome stranger called Torin Stewart her knight in shining armour who she thinks is a complete weirdo...
Elsie starts to make a fresh start in her life by starting to read little messages from a box that her husband left her before he died from Cancer.. step by step Elsie starts to rebuild her life by starting a Choir with her great friend Woody, creating them to recruite people to join their choir.. in the mean time her family and friends feel the need to start setting her up on blind dates...where she meets the lovely Olly Hogarth...

I am a big Miranda Dickinson fan, Iv read all of her books she has ever written and Loved them all so I knew I couldn't be dissapointed with this one either. I was lucky enough when I bought this book to get a copy of the Limited Edition Pink Pages one hehe! Oh how wonderful it brightens the book up! :)

I just loved this book so much, It tugged at my heart strings so much and left me in floods of tears by the end, I loved the flow of writing and how Miranda gets you sucked in the book so much as though you feel like you've known the characters all your life. It was a fantastic read and with all the mix of characters they all just mixed nicely together and you never get confused with which character is who.
I would say Elsie Maynard would have to be my favourite Heroine indeed, she came across as such a lovely woman who is clearly had a tough eighteen months of losing her husband to Cancer and then having to rebuild her life which is what her husband Lucas' wishes were. I felt at times I just needed to give her a big hug and make everything okay. Having lost a family member to Cancer myself I clearly knew how Elsie was going through and how tough it actually can be.
For Elsie and all her choir to get the chance to go to Paris made me smile and dream alot when describing Paris and all the iconic scenic places.

There was some funny parts in the book which will have you giggling and maybe even singing along too hehe! I loved all the flavours of ice cream from Cher's Sundae & Cher business, she did make some weird ones like Horseradish (Ewww!) but then also some rather gorgeous tempting ones too hehe!(Donuts oh yum yum)

I liked that at the end of the story, Miranda included 'The List' that Elsie and Lucas created together, it was cute but also funny to imagine some of the things being done on the list.

I do think this book is a perfect winter read which you will need a box of tissues at the ready.
You must all grab a copy of this book now! Miranda Dickinson you have done it again, You've wrote a perfect chick lit book that people are going to remember for months n months. This book certainly deserves the 5 star rating it's wonderful romantic and perfect for this winter!(less)

like · see review

Nov 11, 2012 Ari J Bookzilla rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-absolute-favorites, clean-read

I'm a huge fan of Miranda Dickinson - I have loved two out of three of her books so far, and I've been eagerly waiting for this - it was so well worth the wait.

Once again, Miranda Dickinson sets a wonderful Brighton scene (seriously, I would live there, that's how beautiful she makes it sound), amazing, colorful characters and tells a heartfelt, wonderful story with a healthy dose of humor - all of it written in a very skillful way, the prose was just wonderful, the chemistry between the charact...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 27, 2013 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit-and-romance

I thought the characterisation in this was very good. I especially liked that the characters were able to have conflicts which were talked out sensibly, instead of a book where lots of dramatic things happen which lead to hug arguments and misunderstandings and no one speaking to each other. I thought the exploration of Elsie and Lucas' relationship was well portrayed without being rose tinted. I liked that the sisters got on so well, but I thought Guin disappeared without any real explanation a...more

like · see review

Feb 24, 2013 Meg_inthecity rated it 2 of 5 stars

Miranda Dickinson does such an amazing job of writing settings. Her novels are set in fabulous places that I'd love to slip into - and this book doesn't disappoint on that front. Sadly, the characters felt a bit flat to me, the story was predictable, and I felt like I was 3/4 of the way through with still no real substantial story or plot to keep me interested. It was a sweet story and I hope her next novel suits me better!

like · see review

Jan 10, 2013 Théa rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read this over Christmas and it took me a long time. I love a romantic novel, however from the off it was too predicatable which unfortunately ruined this for me.

The story is quite sad but as I began reading it, I could guess what was going to happen chapter after chapter. I don't think I'd consider re-reading this book, however I've kept it for a rainy day!

like · see review

Nov 27, 2012 Book-shelf Shelf rated it 4 of 5 stars

A story which brings a mix of people together for something that wouldn't normally do, but thanks to Elsie they are. The spirit if Christmas shines through the pages with all the help and support Elsie gets from family & friends, old and new. Certainly a read that will warm you throughout on the cold winter nights

like · see review

Nov 29, 2012 Taran Baker rated it 2 of 5 stars

I've now read all of Miranda Dickinson's book and I have to say this isn't my favourite, something about the conclusion just doesn't gel with my preconceptions.
Of course it has all the right parts and loveable characters, but something is missing!
But to be honest it probably won't put me off of reading next years offering, but maybe I will go into it expecting less.

like · see review

Mar 02, 2013 Mo rated it 4 of 5 stars

It's P.S. I Love You meets Evening Class. It's a quick and easy read, and I really liked the main character and her quirky family. No one in the book annoyed me to the point where I threatened to quit reading, which is very rare in a chick lit book. I would definitely read more books by this author.

like · see review

Nov 18, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Having read other books by Miranda Dickinson I was keen to read this one, and I wasn't dissapointed.

It was one of those books that makes you laugh, makes you smile, makes you cringe and also makes you cry!!

I loved Elsie and I held my breath every time I turned a page to see what was going to happen to next, I wanted to see Elsie grow & change and I was sad when I finished the story as I wanted to see what was going to happen next!

like · see review

Feb 04, 2013 Victoria Eveniss murray rated it 3 of 5 stars

Enjoyed the book but sadly spoilt by the flashbacks to her husband dying and the notes echoes of ps i love you.

If that was removed would be a fantastic book, felt sorry for Ollie though.

Woud like to hear more of the characters in another novel.

like · see review

Apr 06, 2013 Kirsten rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-books, chick-lit

I just fell in love with this one, for so many reasons. And even though, like all chick lit, everything was happy in the end, I'd still like to see a sequel just so I could know what happens with all the characters.

like · see review

title link	preview: When I Fall In Love
avg rating	preview: When I Fall In Love Goodreads rating: 3.99 (200 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12968131-when-i-fall-in-love?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1339763271l/12968131.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12968131-when-i-fall-in-love?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]When I Fall In Love by Miranda Dickinson[/url]

When I Fall In Love

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Miranda Dickinson

Books by Miranda Dickinson

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About When I Fall In Love