A sparkling new tale from the author of "A Breath of Fresh Air," for anyone who has ever dreamt of starting over Alice Shoemaker habitually goes to...
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reviews
Sep 01, 2010
Goddess
rated it: 
The first half of the book is funny, emotional, brilliant and captivating. Unlike some of Erica James' other books, you don't have to read 3 chapters before you're totally engrossed. The characters are cute, eccentric, funny and distinguishable from the usual cast of characters that authors seem to draw from their cupboard of tricks. And you feel quite attached to them. For example, we're introduced to Clayton Miller (the principal male protagonist) as a lonely man who spends his time typing out
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Nov 06, 2011
Cheryl
rated it: 
I really, really liked this book. The hero, a successful sit-com writer, is hiding from the press after an embarrassing public display to do with his old writing partner and his old girlfriend now with his partner.
His cleaning lady turns out to be the heroine who immediately, annoyed by his rudeness, pretends to be a Latvian maid. In reality she does voiceovers.
As the gentle romance unfolds, Alice tells her tale and Clayton tells his and they grow close. Then Clayton does a t More...
His cleaning lady turns out to be the heroine who immediately, annoyed by his rudeness, pretends to be a Latvian maid. In reality she does voiceovers.
As the gentle romance unfolds, Alice tells her tale and Clayton tells his and they grow close. Then Clayton does a t More...
Nov 11, 2011
Chamar
rated it:
I was sucked into the story of Alice Shoemaker as she opened herself to tell her life's story to foundering t.v. show writer Clayton Miller. Watching as the relationship of the two progressed as Alice's story unfolded was intriguing, but Alice's story itself was heart-wrenching. I couldn't help but hate the antagonists and cheer for Alice as she overcame adversity in both the past and present. Clayton's emotional upheavals were interesting and believable, and while the two main characters had th
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Dec 05, 2011
Bookmaniac70
rated it: 
I picked up this book from Amazon.com limited time offers:-)). I was not sure what to expect but decided to give it a try. It was a light and easy-going story about a TV script writer in hiding and a young woman with troublesome childhood. The story was simple and predictable. Erica James`writing flows with skill and ease, and the plot was well build. I liked to have a quick look into british TV industry and celebrity gossip. Generally, a good book to spend few hours of leisure and relax with it
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Sep 15, 2010
Suzanne
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Oh, i don't care.. i liked this book! It's not deep and thought provoking, there are no thrills or horrors or anything to make your mind work a little harder than usual, it was just enjoyable, simple and fun.. what's wrong with that? :)
The main characters 'Alice' and 'Clayton' were likable and interesting, the story itself was quite fascinating once it got going a little, I don't like reading about shopaholics or other superficial stuff like that, i like these kind of reads to have at least More...
The main characters 'Alice' and 'Clayton' were likable and interesting, the story itself was quite fascinating once it got going a little, I don't like reading about shopaholics or other superficial stuff like that, i like these kind of reads to have at least More...
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Mar 23, 2010
Steph
rated it:
Well Erica has done it again, I am sure they should put a warning on the cover of her books 'Warning this book could seriously ruin your plans' I couldn't put it down. One night my husband turned over in bed at 12.30 and said "are you still reading?" I guess I am a bit biased as Erica is a family friend but all her books are great and are real page turners and this one is no exception. Great characters woven into a fantastic story. 10 our of 10 again!
Mar 16, 2011
Sue
rated it:
Alice doesn't like to think too much about her past, but something has drawn her back to her childhood village, and, temporarily out of work, she agrees to a cleaning job despite some serious reservations...
Clayton used to be part of an excellent script-writing duo, but things fell apart when his girlfriend and his writing partner decided to get together. Right now he's in hiding - on his agent's advice - because of something terrible he did recently, for which the media is houndin More...
Clayton used to be part of an excellent script-writing duo, but things fell apart when his girlfriend and his writing partner decided to get together. Right now he's in hiding - on his agent's advice - because of something terrible he did recently, for which the media is houndin More...
Dec 30, 2011
Angela
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I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! While the author spends a great deal of time developing the two main characters, she also manages to provide fully-formed supporting characters, who add depth, nuance, and texture to the overall progression of the plot.
Even more fun for me was taking a tour of the English countryside in a way that read completely authentic, and with language that was not forced.
There is no drawback to this novel, and I recommend it highly!
Even more fun for me was taking a tour of the English countryside in a way that read completely authentic, and with language that was not forced.
There is no drawback to this novel, and I recommend it highly!
Nov 06, 2011
Capella
rated it:
The Queen of New Beginnings is surprisingly good, considering it was free for my Kindle.
I felt the character development was very well done, making good sense as to where and why the main characters agree and collide.
I read this in a day, and it's a very fast leisurely read.
I recommend this to anyone who likes a strong female lead, surprising backstories, a touch of romance and underdog stories.
I felt the character development was very well done, making good sense as to where and why the main characters agree and collide.
I read this in a day, and it's a very fast leisurely read.
I recommend this to anyone who likes a strong female lead, surprising backstories, a touch of romance and underdog stories.
Dec 29, 2011
Gayle
rated it:
I picked this up again as I had run out of new things to read. I do love books by Erika James and this one was more special since it was signed by the author herself when I went to her local book signing event in March 2010.
Dec 01, 2011
Valerie
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This was a good read. I loved the characters, and while there was romance involved it wasn't the only thing the book was about (and there weren't graphic sex scenes). This book was all about the characters, and it works well.
Jul 31, 2011
I thought this was a good book, great story line and characters you actually feel something for, whether it be hatred or wishing them well. I love Erica James' writing and will be reading more of her work.
Dec 31, 2011
Shazi
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I loved how it told three stories, which all linked together in the third story (the present day) and I also liked how a friendship was formed through telling the different stories!!
Jan 29, 2012
Amber
rated it:
This book was okay, very long and drawn out.
The step brother/step sister romance was a little disgusting and I was glad when I got thru that part.
A lot of revenge in this book.
I was expecting something different I think.
My favorite character was George. What an eccentric gal.
The step brother/step sister romance was a little disgusting and I was glad when I got thru that part.
A lot of revenge in this book.
I was expecting something different I think.
My favorite character was George. What an eccentric gal.
Jan 12, 2012
Fricka
rated it:
Completely unoriginal, totally predictable, but enjoyable enough. Some funny moments so not bad if you are only looking for a book to kill a couple of hours.
Aug 24, 2010
Jacquiline
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Loved this !! The story carries you along and you care about all the characters, it made me laugh out loud in places which is always a good sign : )
Jan 13, 2012
Kari
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I really liked this book. I wasn't sure what to expect. It wasn't like anything I've read before, but it was fun and entertaining!
Apr 21, 2011
Trish
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Silly book. Sometimes the writing felt a little awkward. But a good book for a light, easy reading |escape|.
Jan 16, 2012
Leah
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I loved this book. It was filled with the kind of quirky characters you remember long after you finish it.
Jul 01, 2011
Janette
rated it:
Easy read. Fairly forgettable. Otherwise good characters, but the writing felt a little pushed at times.
Jan 18, 2012
Minx
rated it:
Really fun read. Wacky characters that you remember long after you put it down
Dec 08, 2011
Shannon
rated it:
I really loved this book. Lots of laughs and feeling bad for people, and I was involved with the story and the characters from page one.
