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Surfing in Stilettos

by Carol E. Wyer (Goodreads Author)

4.74 of 5 stars 4.74 · rating details · 23 ratings · 17 reviews

Amanda Wilson is all geared up for an exciting gap-year, travelling across Europe. She soon finds her plans thwarted when she is abandoned in France with only a cellarful of Chateau Plonk, a large, orange Space Hopper, and Old Ted, the dog, for company. Fate has intervened to turn Amanda's life on its head. First the campervan breaks down. Then her dopey son, Tom, who is s...more

Paperback, 384 pages

Published 2012 by Lightning Source UK Ltd

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Dec 10, 2012 LindyLouMac rated it 5 of 5 stars

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It is just over a year since I published my review of Carol Wyer's début novel Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines, the last paragraph of which I shall repeat here. 'A very funny book and I feel an excellent début from an author whose writing we can expect to see get even better as she grows in confidence. She has a tremendous sense of humour and has the ability to see the funny side of life in every day events. Keep writing Carol as I think there are many of us women of a certain age that will keep...more It is just over a year since I published my review of Carol Wyer's début novel Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines, the last paragraph of which I shall repeat here. 'A very funny book and I feel an excellent début from an author whose writing we can expect to see get even better as she grows in confidence. She has a tremendous sense of humour and has the ability to see the funny side of life in every day events. Keep writing Carol as I think there are many of us women of a certain age that will keep reading.' My predictions were correct Carol Wyer is back with Surfing in Stilettos which is I felt a stronger novel, showing her increased confidence, indeed a brilliant sequel. Although the two novels stand alone as stories, this is a sequel and if you read Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines first, which is my recommendation, then you will be able to pick this up and at once feel familiar with the characters.

It is another hilarious novel about Amanda Wilson, a role model for those looking to age disgracefully. Amanda and her husband Phil, newly retired and leaving there son in charge at home have set off in a camper van to spend a 'gap year' travelling across Europe. It does not start off well as the camper van breaks down, enforcing an extended stay in rural France. Unfortunately even this does not turn out to be as idyllic as Amanda had hoped for as she finds herself alone there, with unbeknown to herself her life in danger! What happens? To reveal any more will spoil this delightful novel for you, read it for yourself, it will stir your emotions from tears to laughter, as lives are thrown into turmoil.

Once again the author has succeeded in providing us with an entertaining light hearted read, but with a touch of suspense and surprises. As contemporary modern fiction with all the 21st century necessities of our computer orientated lives, there is something to appeal to all age groups not just those of us of a certain age! Do pick these up to read, because they will make you smile and we all know that smiling is good for us.

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Apr 02, 2013 Sylv Kerslake rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am going to admit, Surfing in Stilettos isn’t a genre that I would normally read but, it looked fun from the reviews I had already read, so thought I would give it a go and signed up with her book tour to read and review.

Well I loved it, I loved Amanda and her blog, I was giggling throughout the book, the worse time to actually laugh out loud is in a crowded Drs Surgery {blush} yep that was me. I took my daughter to the Drs last week, she was snuggled up with me, and I got my tablet out with S...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Lucinda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Surfing in Stilettos is the spectacular sequel to Carol E Wyer’s first novel Mini Skirts and Laughter lines, continuing the story of the determined and captivating Amanda Wilson.
With much anticipation and expectation preceding her former work as standards were raised high, I was hence delighted as once again Carol has produced something of outstanding caliber that is as brilliant as book one. As a consequence of my enthusiasm for book one that I acquired through DizzyC’s book blog as a giveaway...more Surfing in Stilettos is the spectacular sequel to Carol E Wyer’s first novel Mini Skirts and Laughter lines, continuing the story of the determined and captivating Amanda Wilson.
With much anticipation and expectation preceding her former work as standards were raised high, I was hence delighted as once again Carol has produced something of outstanding caliber that is as brilliant as book one. As a consequence of my enthusiasm for book one that I acquired through DizzyC’s book blog as a giveaway, the author most kindly sent me book two to read which is most generous of her; albeit very overwhelming. Delving once again into Amanda’s story and instantly feeling at home, I became lost once more within the pages that contained such intensity, thought and emotion as to grip you to your seat. Full of humor and whit this is a story designed to entertain, whilst reaching out to its readers in a most personal way as you are able to connect and relate to the characters. Being contemporary and modern many readers of all ages can comprehend what Carol strives to achieve, with references to the internet and also understanding the world at large and life as it is.
Off on a thrilling adventure across Europe in her gap-year unexpected happenings occur that will shock and startle not only Amanda but yourself, as she is left abandoned in France on her own with a small dog. It seems that fate or providence has been watching over her, as once again her past comes knocking at her door in the form of the lonely Todd Bradshaw who has had an epiphany regarding his first true love. In between all the commotion with her son Tom who seems determined to wreck the house and her philandering husband who she devises a plan for, there is also a deeper underlying meaning to this tale that is most poignant. Thought-provoking and meaningful here Carol E Wyer opens her heart and soul showing you the other side of life where not everyone is genuine, as Amanda’s identity is taken from her online thus making things become quite dangerous. It is a tale about self-discovery that many readers will all be able to connect with, touching on all emotion as well as being an enjoyable sequel to a captivating story.

Once again I cannot enthuse enough about an author who has surpassed herself once more, by producing a fantastic novel that is a joy to read and a delight to behold. A book that you can take on holiday or to the beach, which appeals to all kinds of reader both young and old who enjoy well-written fiction. Brimming full of drama and suspense, adventure and intrigue along with those lines that will make you laugh out loud whilst sobbing into a tissue, Surfing in Stilettos is without a doubt my favorite book of the year. I would like to wish Carol Wyer all the very best with the pending new book release of ‘Follow you, Follow me’ in that she has as much success as her previous works. She is a true inspiration and heroine to many aspiring authors, and for the female sex and mature woman hence why I feel so strongly that you should read this novel because you will love it. Life is not always easy and there are many ups and downs along the way, but if you continue on your chosen path with a copy of Surfing in Stilettos and a smile then things may not seem too bad “for he who laughs…lasts”.
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Aug 18, 2012 Nikki Bywater rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the sequel to the fabulous Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines. The story follows on from the first book.

Amanda Wilson and her husband Phil and not forgetting a bright orange space hopper. Are about to embark on a gap year of travelling. They have arrived in France in a camper van. The trip is to bring them closer together, but they are in for a bumpy ride.

Todd Bragshaw is back on the scene, now seemingly a changed man, after a cycle accident leaves him seriously injured. Todd has set his mi...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Sylvia Massara rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am very upset with this author! Surfing in Stilettos had me laughing, crying, wondering in suspense, guessing what would happen to the heroine every step of the way, and finally using heaps of tissues as I wound my way around a story line that was written from multiple points of view, which is no mean feat, I tell you!

How does Carol E. Wyer evoke such emotions in me: a rather cynical and slightly used up 50-year-old author who is still smarting from a horrid marriage breakup and obsessing abou...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Dannye rated it 5 of 5 stars

The title of Carol E. Wyer’s book "Surfing In Stilettos" brought strange visions into my head. Once I started reading, I realized that it was internet surfing. I admit it was a letdown at first because I was looking forward to seeing how she could pull off some of those strange visions I’d had! It was only a short-term depression, however, because Wyer’s writing style and her stimulating characters took me on a thoroughly enjoyable ride!

Amanda Wilson, Wyer’s down-to-earth main character, drew me...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Cathy Speight rated it 4 of 5 stars

Next time you’re feeling a little bit down in the dumps, don’t go to the doctor or reach for a happy pill, read this book. It’s a tonic, it’s feel-good, it’s fun. I guarantee it will lift your spirits and that you will ‘click’ the last page and say, “Oh, how I enjoyed that!”

The story centres around Amanda Wilson, who is in her fifties and has a newly retired husband. Husband Phil hasn’t quite encompassed the wonders of retirement too enthusiastically, and with an adult son who hasn’t grasped the...more

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Apr 06, 2013 Janie Morris rated it 5 of 5 stars

I discovered Carol E Wyer thanks to a friend who recommended her book. I read her first book, Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines and enjoyed it so much, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this, the sequel.
Was I disappointed? No way! Was it as good as the first book? No, it was even better and that is saying something.
In Surfing in Stilettos Ms Wyer shows gives us even more rounded characters, a plot that has an abundance of twists and turns, and a huge amount of hilarity.
Do not make the mistake of...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Jane rated it 3 of 5 stars

I like the concept of writing a 'blog post' with comments after some of the chapters making it very real for the popular blogging community out there. I think many women of this age will identify with Amanda to some extent, when you are able to indulge in freedom from young children or have those old enough to have left home or be away at University. My other half would love to spend a year or more touring Europe in a motorhome, instead we have a tiny caravan and still a teen at home. I must adm...more

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Mar 28, 2013 JB rated it 5 of 5 stars

Surfing in Stilettos is the follow up to Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines. However, saying that, Surfing in Stilettos can be read as a stand alone book. Having not previously read Mini Skirts and Laughter I did not have any difficulties at all getting into the story of Surfing in Stilettos.

Amanda and her super grumpy husband Phil are off on an adventure 'Gap Year' with Bertie the very unreliable camper van. The first leg of their journey starts off in France but Bertie has other ideas and breaks d...more Surfing in Stilettos is the follow up to Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines. However, saying that, Surfing in Stilettos can be read as a stand alone book. Having not previously read Mini Skirts and Laughter I did not have any difficulties at all getting into the story of Surfing in Stilettos.

Amanda and her super grumpy husband Phil are off on an adventure 'Gap Year' with Bertie the very unreliable camper van. The first leg of their journey starts off in France but Bertie has other ideas and breaks down. Amanda and Phil are forced to spend longer in France than they first intended. Amanda spends the time wondering if she will be able to stop herself from strangling Phil as he constantly complains, is poor company and seems downright miserable! Amanda is kept company via Skype with her very eccentric and totally bonkers mother Grace, whose philosophy of life is to live it to the full. Grace is a die-hard party animal who believes that one can never have too much fun, with age being no barrier!

Amanda and Phil leave their son Tom to house-sit, although they soon realise that this was a huge mistake and soon Phil leaves France to evict some uninvited house guests. Amanda decides to stay in France and soon meets the wonderful Bibi and they two become firm friends. But, Bibi has her own story and difficulties within her marriage that she endeavours to fix. However, Bibi's plan may backfire, having consequences for poor Amanda!

I have to say I absolutely adored this book! The characters were so entertaining and there were parts in the book that did make me laugh out loud. I loved them all! Grace is the sort of person I want to be when I am elderly! She is without doubt a Granny who rocks! I love that Amanda is unaware of the effect that she has on those around her. She really doesn't realise just how loved she is. Anytime I thought of Bibi I kept thinking of a very young Audrey Hepburn.

The story has a wonderful plot with keeps the reader interested and entertained. There are a few exciting plot twists that were not expected at all! I loved the fact that Amanda has a blog and shares her adventures with all her online friends. The central message throughout the book is that you are never too old for adventure, love, new direction in your life and a damn good time! I highly recommend this book! Its great fun and wonderfully entertaining. It is very well written, in a refreshing and humorous way and has that 'feel-good' factor that lots of books sadly lack.

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Jul 31, 2012 Kim (Wistfulskimmies Book Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the story of Amanda. She has decided to take a 'gap' year off and travel around Europe with her husband Phil in their camper van, that she has affectionately named Bernie. Along the way Bernie breaks down and they find themselves taking an extended stay in France. There Amanda befriends a chic frenchwoman Bibi, takes on a stepdog and works on her blog. When a family disaster forces Phil to return to the UK, she puts all her energy into her new lifestyle and her blog. Will she stay in Fra...more

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Mar 25, 2013 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I first started this book I admit that I was worried about not being able to relate to the main character who was in her fifties, because I hadn’t got there myself yet. Well I’m pleased to say that it wasn’t an issue at all – I grew very fond of Amanda and thanks to the clear writing style I was easily able to understand where she was coming from.

It did take me a little while to fully engage with the storyline but once I did I was hooked, from then on I found it easy to sail through the pag...more When I first started this book I admit that I was worried about not being able to relate to the main character who was in her fifties, because I hadn’t got there myself yet. Well I’m pleased to say that it wasn’t an issue at all – I grew very fond of Amanda and thanks to the clear writing style I was easily able to understand where she was coming from.

It did take me a little while to fully engage with the storyline but once I did I was hooked, from then on I found it easy to sail through the pages with laughter and a smile on my face. The blog posts and comments were definitely my favourite part of the book, I just loved the familiarity of it especially when DizzyC popped up – I actually shouted ‘yay it’s Dizzy’ which resulted in a raised eyebrow from my husband (he still doesn’t really understand my obsession with fiction, bless him).

So as the blurb has already told you, Amanda and her husband Phil were on a tour of Europe and they both seemed to feel differently about the situation – Amanda saw it as a way of rekindling their love for one another but Phil, who was feeling troubled about other parts of his life, seemed to be annoyed by the whole thing. The author tackled the subject of marriage gone stale perfectly, it was written in a light and refreshing way but still managed to get the message across. I personally loved the idea of having a gap year and would be keen to do something similar in the future (though I’m not sure about being stuck in a camper van with my husband for a year either)!

Amanda’s ex Todd was lurking in the background, he felt like Amanda was the one that got away and seemed intent on getting her back. I just couldn’t predict how this part of the story would turn out and I must admit that I enjoyed the unknown. Amanda’s mother was hugely entertaining and I absolutely loved reading about her antics, the mother and daughter Skype chats were a particular favourite of mine because I found myself comparing them to FaceTime chats with my own mum . I loved the dogs that were featured in the story, being an animal lover I always enjoy a book with a pet or two included – it makes a story whole in my opinion!

Being mostly set in France it gave me a warm holiday type feeling which was very welcome seeing as it was snowy and freezing cold outside my window. However, when the story took a sinister turn I got chills and felt deeply concerned for the character involved – it certainly made me think more about the darker side of social media.

Towards the end there was an interesting and very clever twist, it made my thoughts go in completely the wrong direction – the end result of this really made me smile and finished everything off beautifully.

This was a fun read that took my mind to many interesting places, it doesn’t matter if you’re facing fifty or not because there was something for everyone within its pages.(less)

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Oct 23, 2012 Joanna Lambert rated it 5 of 5 stars

I took Surfing in Stilettos away with me on holiday. I like to try different genres and as everyone seemed to love it, thought it would make a good holiday read. I was not disappointed and quickly became embroiled in the ups and downs of Amanda's life. She had a lot to contend with - a somewhat reluctant husband accompanying her across Europe in a not-fit-for purpose mobile home plus a disaster-prone son left back in the UK to house sit. Poor Amanda lurched from one situation to another and once...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Jacqueline Gum rated it 5 of 5 stars

I became aware of Carol Weyer’s work through her blog and found her writing so entertaining that I decided to read Surfing in Stilettos. I wasn’t disappointed.

I needed a break and turns out this book gave me one. I had quite a romp through the French countryside, many laugh-out loud moments, and became thoroughly engaged with Amanda and particularly her mother.

But underneath are real-life issues that women are facing or will have to in the future and Carol has woven these deeper matters into an...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Sharon Goodwin rated it 4 of 5 stars

We begin our journey with a blog post. Amanda has blogged on Fortifying Your Fifties about the impending gap year. Some of the comments make me chuckle.

Chapter One sees Todd Bradshaw experiencing a night of passion with Amanda. Waking exhausted he finds it was only a dream! Todd is a man who has missed the opportunities in the past but Amanda is still haunting him.

On the road, we learn from Phil about the night before. Amanda and her mother Grace (having recently got in touch) were up all night...more We begin our journey with a blog post. Amanda has blogged on Fortifying Your Fifties about the impending gap year. Some of the comments make me chuckle.

Chapter One sees Todd Bradshaw experiencing a night of passion with Amanda. Waking exhausted he finds it was only a dream! Todd is a man who has missed the opportunities in the past but Amanda is still haunting him.

On the road, we learn from Phil about the night before. Amanda and her mother Grace (having recently got in touch) were up all night drinking and reminiscing. Amanda is feeling rather ill …

Next we meet Bibi and we’re introduced to her life and her relationship with husband Didier.

With all our characters in place, what follows is a fast paced and engaging story of how their lives end up weaving in and out, with moments that make you laugh out loud but others more serious and in one particular case, life threatening.

Phil has lost his place in the world after retiring and right from the start of their gap year is grumpy. After Bertie the camper van breaks down and they stay in a rustic village, what should have been idyllic only exacerbates his feelings. With son Tom texting with disasters at home, one such text sends Phil home leaving Amanda in France.

Bibi’s husband has been having an affair and she uses social media as a non-threatening way to try to win him back. Amanda and Bibi become friends … and two other connections become important to them both (not both in a good way!)

Grace’s zany front hides a vulnerability underneath. She is such a fabulous character. We could all learn something from her!

With each character narrating in the third person, we get to know them well. Interspersed with the story are the blog posts from Amanda, filling in information and garnering some funny comments. I was delighted to see DizzyC making a comment

Surfing with Stilettos touches on some very real and harrowing life experiences. Marital infidelity, false identities and how that can be used to prey on vulnerable members of our society … and how we in our culture identify strongly with the work we do.

I have enjoyed being transported to France and being a part of these characters finding their own places in the world. My imagination has been fired, I’ve chuckled and bitten my nails in tension. I have no hesitation in recommending you add Surfing in Stilettos to your reading pile.

I would like to thank the author for providing a Kindle copy in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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Aug 22, 2012 E.C. Stilson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Carol E. Wyer has this amazing ability to write humor that works. Her books are real, funny and heartwarming all in one. She weaves everything masterfully together, drawing the reader into the story. I am a HUGE fan and will gladly read anything she writes!

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Feb 22, 2013 Barbara White rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. It was a "can't put it down" and so fun. I cannot wait for the next one to be released. Carol's such an awesome writer!! Great job Carol! Keep 'em coming.

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About Carol E. Wyer

A humorous writer and blogger whose light hearted novels and articles encourage others to laugh at life and grow old disgracefully.
Her best selling novel 'Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines' won five awards for humour including Readers Views Reviewer's Choice 2012 and Silver medal in the Indie Book Awards 2012.
The sequel 'Surfing in Stilettos', released July 2012, was a Costa Award nominee. It charts...more

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