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Personally, I Blame My Fairy Godmother

3.62 of 5 stars 3.62 · rating details · 464 ratings · 52 reviews

Jessie Woods absolutely believes in fairytale endings. So would you if you had a recession-proof career as a daredevil TV host, a palatial pink mansion, and the dream boyfriend.��But, quicker than you can say Cinderella, her life falls to pieces and suddenly her prince isn't quite so charming, her party-loving friends disappear and even her faithful friend Visa no longer l...more

Paperback, 411 pages

Published by HarperCollins (first published May 3rd 2010)

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Sep 04, 2010 Pia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Any story that begins with “Once Upon a Time,” captures my insatiable interest. Jessie Woods aptly compares herself to the story of Cinderella. From the early death of her mother, her father remarries Joan who has two daughters, both are older than Jessie, Maggie and Sharon. Then the story becomes more evidently similar to the fairytale especially after the unforeseen death of Jessie’s father….

The actual story begins right when Jessie is in the middle of an interview which is clear to the reader...more Any story that begins with “Once Upon a Time,” captures my insatiable interest. Jessie Woods aptly compares herself to the story of Cinderella. From the early death of her mother, her father remarries Joan who has two daughters, both are older than Jessie, Maggie and Sharon. Then the story becomes more evidently similar to the fairytale especially after the unforeseen death of Jessie’s father….

The actual story begins right when Jessie is in the middle of an interview which is clear to the readers that she has made it big on her own. Her hard work paid off – and now has her own TV show. In addition to all the glamour and success, Jessie is involved with Sam, an entrepreneur who has his share of media exposure because of his latest book launch. For years life has indeed been a dream for her.

Then the clock strikes midnight and everything turns back to reality, so to speak. It begins after her car was repossessed, Jessie was blindsided when she was accused of accepting a bribe – to which the story was leaked to the media. Thus, comes the end of her career and her lifelong work. Also, Sam, who was her source of comfort, was keeping his distance and eventually told her (and his publicist) that they were on a break. Without a home, the love of her life, and with the disappearance of her so-called friends, Jessie’s last option was to go back to her old home and live with her step mother and step sisters.

Since Jessie did not have an income, Joan, Maggie and Sharon decided that in order for her to live in their home (although she legally owns half of the house), she should do household chores. Life for her became a struggle at first but soon enough, her relationship with Sharon started to unravel into a friendship. Jessie provided her with support as she coached her with the latest trend in the dating world. Maggie and Jessie also had a chance to get to know each other at a deeper level and talk out all their past hurts which gave them an opportunity to work on rebuilding their relationship.

Some of Jessie’s friends came back to her life including Steve, he paved the way for her to work at their local radio station. His friendship and intentions were genuine and in the brief moments they spend together, it was obvious that they were a good match.

Jessie found a shocking surprise - Emma, whom she looked up to and respected was the person behind the bribery and the downfall of her career. When the truth came out, Emma’s old job was offered to her, with that Sam was back in the picture. For a moment Jessie seemed confused with Sam but soon realized that her Prince Charming is Steve and now Jessie did live happily ever after.

This is my first novel by Claudia Carroll and I truly love her writing style. The story flows well, I truly enjoyed Jessie’s story being referenced to Cinderella’s. Jessie, is a wonderful character, she is naïve in some ways, and resilient. There were a lot of funny moments and also heartwarming ones like when Sharon who was initially overweight, have never been on a date was asking advice on how to meet men. Another moment was when Maggie and Jessie had that long overdue talk and realized that they had more in common especially because they both loved their father. This is a story about finding oneself and what family truly means. (less)

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Apr 28, 2013 Tazzie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jessie Woods is living the high life. She has a high flying career as a daredevil TV host, a huge mansion and a gorgeous boyfriend to boot. But no sooner than you can say Cinderella Rockefeller, it is all taken away from her. And now she’s jobless, homeless, friendless, and boyfriendless (if that’s a word). She’s forced to move back in with her stepmother and her two evil stepsisters, Maggie & Sharon. She’s always wanted to forget about them so she’s not initially happy. We see her going on...more

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Apr 19, 2011 AvonBooks added it · review of another edition

The fairytale ending was just the beginning…
Jessie Woods absolutely believes in fairytale endings. So would you if you had a recession-proof career as a daredevil TV host, a palatial pink mansion, and the dream boyfriend.

But, quicker than you can say Cinderella, her life falls to pieces and suddenly her prince isn't quite so charming, her party-loving friends disappear and even her faithful friend Visa no longer loves her…

Utterly heartbroken and jobless, Jessie is forced back home, to live with...more

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May 24, 2011 Chanpreet rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love the story of Cinderella and most girls do too. We love HEAs and Prince Charming(s). In this book, I loved Cinderella less, and her step family more! This ia a hilarious modern retelling, where the "nasty" step-family stole the show.

Jessie Woods is living her dream. She's got a fantastic job on TV, she's got a gorgeous man who's nuts for her, and she's living the high life (while she freaks out over credit card bills). Due to a live, on air mistake, all of a sudden she has nothing. No job,...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Having read and enjoyed four other books from Claudia Carroll, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?, I Never Fancied Him Anyway, Do You Want To Know a Secret and Remind Me Again Why I Need a Man?, I spotted this book when I was out and about (somehow I found myself in a bookshop….. again) and just had to get it! I really love the title and the cover too – anything with shiny writing will always grab my attention.

This really is a Cinderella type story, at the beginning Jessie leads a crazy fast paced...more

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Apr 09, 2011 Samantha Robey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What girl doesn’t love the Cinderella fairy tale? A young woman coming from nothing, living with her horrible stepmother and retched step-sisters, only to fall madly in love with Prince Charming and live happily ever after. Jessie Woods believes her life rivals the one of Cinderella. She didn’t have much as a child, but with the love and support from her father, she determinedly made something of herself. Working as a daredevil TV host, living in a mansion, and dating one of the most eligible ba...more

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Aug 28, 2012 Amenah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When I first read the title and saw the cover page,I thought it was another Sophie Kinsella rip-off.
The typical rich-party-girl-who's-life-falls-apart with money troubles and flaky boyfriends.
But the more I got into it, the more I liked Jessie Woods. She wasn't just totally love-able but funny too. The way she dealt with all the problems, the words she used to describe every situation was very hilarious.
I'm glad it wasn't another 'Shopaholic' novel but something much more. Jessie Woods is a fant...more

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Jul 10, 2011 Agi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

Let me tell you that I love the cover of the book. It's so, so nice, I am a sucker for such covers. Secondly, the title doesn't suit the book at all, what has a Fairy Godmother to do with this book??? But all the rest is just brilliant.
First I though, Oh no, not a heroine with financial problems, with debts up to her nose again! It took a little time before I warmed to Jessie, she was so, so childish at the beginning, so naive, she couldn't believe that it's over between her and whatshisname Sam...more

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Jan 05, 2013 Nash Nordin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit, romance, contemporary, 2013

I have to say that I am absolutely in love with the title and the cover. Personally I Blame My Fairy Godmother is a modern Cinderella story with a bit twist! Jessie was a fan of ‘happily ever after’ and she worked hard to achieve her own happiness after her father died. Jessie figured out that fame was the key to her new world and work as a TV host. But when she accepted an offer to a free car in her TV show, she was fired. With no job and money to pay for her lifestyle, she was forced to go bac...more

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Nov 11, 2010 Rosie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2010

I have no idea where to begin with this. I picked this book off the shelf as I thought it would be an interesting read and I was completely correct. I was on a trip to Alabama and when I was in the hotel room I'd pick it up and then find that I couldn't even put it down!

I always loved Fairytales and all the Disney Princess films. Although sometimes when a story is linked to Cinderella it's the classic evil step family and in the end Cinderella gets her Prince Charming and it's pretty textbook s...more I have no idea where to begin with this. I picked this book off the shelf as I thought it would be an interesting read and I was completely correct. I was on a trip to Alabama and when I was in the hotel room I'd pick it up and then find that I couldn't even put it down!

I always loved Fairytales and all the Disney Princess films. Although sometimes when a story is linked to Cinderella it's the classic evil step family and in the end Cinderella gets her Prince Charming and it's pretty textbook stuff. This on the other hand was incredible! Nothing that I was expecting!

When we start the novel we're introduced to Jessie Woods and her dad. She tells us of her love of fairytales. On the outside she has everything the dream life of being the most popular TV personality with the perfect job; perfect boyfriend; perfect friends and her step family cut out of her life. Everything she has always wanted. She has the lifestyle that she loves but can hardly afford it, however that's not the only problem that she has. When a, what seems like, innocent offer came her way when she was live on TV how could she say no? What would be the harm in it? Well. She lost everything and wound back up on her step family's doorstep.

When we first met her step family I took an instant dislike to them and I couldn't blame her for cutting them out of her life. Joan was vile and her daughters Sharon and Maggie weren't that much different. Forced to stay in the garage it didn't seem like Jessie could do anything to stop it. Until one night when Joan said something that actually made Sharon think and ask for Jessie's help. After a while a relationship blossomed between them which I thought was nice, although it wasn't all smooth. Maggie was a much tougher cookie to break and person to win over. Jessie was often left alone with her whilst Joan was out with her secret (and very unusual) business deals and "wine tasting".

When Jessie became a huge success she blocked most of her old life out, including everyone that was in it. She left her best friend Hannah and replaced her for Emma and completely forgot about Steve (even though he was on the scene a lot once she came back). I really liked Steve's character he was so nice and warm. Like a brother to her (and she even mentions that at some point). He was there for her all the time. I thought that they were going to get together as soon as they got close, but of course that didn't happen as no book runs that smoothly.

There was a couple of twists in the book and there was a huge one towards the end that I hadn't seen coming even though there was a hint to it. I loved the way Jessie faced it too. A lot of things in this book made me smile. The things that stick out the most were the conversations that Sharon and Jessie would have. I would have given the book five out of five however I would have liked to have at least one chapter of where a certain couple were together properly. Although the ending was pretty amazing, the simplicity but the punch it had was very nice.

All in all this was a fantastic read and I'd recommend it to anyone! Even those who might be a bit weary at first of it being a fairytale spin off. (less)

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Aug 12, 2010 Leah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, books-read-2010

Jessie Woods is a modern day Cinderella: she lives in a fabulous pink ‘palazzo’, has her very own TV show as a daredevil and has managed to bag herself her very own Prince Charming in the shape of Sam. However before you can say ‘fairytale ending’, Jessie finds herself jobless, friendless, boyfriend-less and moneyless all within the space of a couple of days. There’s only one thing Jessie can do, and that’s to swallow her pride and go back to her childhood home, to stay with her evil step-mother...more Jessie Woods is a modern day Cinderella: she lives in a fabulous pink ‘palazzo’, has her very own TV show as a daredevil and has managed to bag herself her very own Prince Charming in the shape of Sam. However before you can say ‘fairytale ending’, Jessie finds herself jobless, friendless, boyfriend-less and moneyless all within the space of a couple of days. There’s only one thing Jessie can do, and that’s to swallow her pride and go back to her childhood home, to stay with her evil step-mother and wicked step-sisters, despite cutting them out of her life as best she could after leaving home at 16. Will Jessie be able to claw her way back to the top again, or is she destined to spend her days suffering with her family for ever more?

I read my first Claudia Carroll book around three years a go, in the form of her debut novel He Loves Me Not… He Loves Me. I wasn’t too impressed, but I’m well aware of the fact that sometimes the debut novel of any author isn’t going to be spectacular and I decided to pick up some more of Claudia’s books to read. I managed to get my hands on another two books of hers, but have yet to read them (as is usually the case) but when I heard the sound of her new book Personally, I Blame My Fairy Godmother, I was intrigued, because I’m a huge fan of the Cinderella fairytale and I love it when authors decide to do a modern version of classic fairy-tales.

Personally, I Blame My Fairy Godmother is unmistakeably one big homage to Cinderella. The Cinderella fairytale is everywhere, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but which I enjoyed. Jessie Woods has managed to achieve her ‘happy every after’, until it all comes crashing down around her ears. Which makes it a reverse Cinderella tale, if you like, as Jessie already has her happy ever after (or so she thinks) and the real Cinderella stuff only begins after her happy ever after collapses all around her. We have the not-so-charming Prince Charming in Sam, Jessie’s boyfriend, the wicked step-mother and evil step-sisters in the shape of Joan, Maggie and Sharon, not to mention the passed-away father. The absolute clincher, though, is the Cinderella-type-duties her step-sisters and step-mother have Jessie do when she has to go and stay with them after her life falls apart. I thought the references to Cinderella were a bit cringe-worthy in how stereo-typical they were, but I mainly just found them amusing and they made me smile.

The book starts well, with Jessie doing her latest daredevil TV stunt (as well as having a TV crew filming it for a ‘Day in the Life’ feature), until, of course, it all goes wrong for Jessie. It did seem to slow down a little after Jessie lost everything, as she wallows around wondering what to do, but it soon picks up again when Jessie realises she has to move in with her step-family. I did manage to get into the book easily, despite some of the slower moments, and the only problem I actually had was just how long it took Jessie to cop on to the fact Sam was not going to be reuniting with her anytime soon; it took an inexplicable amount of time (and embarrassment) for her to finally see that! Once Jessie did finally realise Sam wasn’t coming back, the book really managed to hook me, as Jessie tries to get her life back to some kind of normality. From then on, I couldn’t help hoping Jessie would be able to claw back some of her dignity and be able to work again at some point and get the happy-ever-after she was after!

I must admit, I did like Jessie. Yes, her denial over Sam irked me a little bit, but apart from that I liked her. She isn’t exactly a ‘girl next door’ type character, not when we first meet her anyway, with her fantastic house and platinum blonde hair and mountains of debt. It’s Jessie’s massive debts that help force her back to her childhood home (will these characters ever learn? – spending beyond your means doesn’t work and always ends in tears!). Having to move back to her childhood home and how she handles it, is what made me like Jessie because it meant she could act ‘normal’ instead of having to keep up with the Jones-es, which is what got her into trouble in the first place. At the beginning of the book Jessie’s step-mum, Joan, and step-sisters Maggie and Sharon are portrayed similarly to Cinderella’s very own, evil, cruel and they make Jessie do all the house work after she moves in. But once we scratched the surface of all three of them, we learn why they are they way they are towards Jessie. Joan didn’t seem too bad, and Sharon became one of my favourite characters as the book progressed. It took me the longest to warm to Maggie, but I managed it eventually, she had some hidden depths! I didn’t like Sam, Jessie’s boyfriend, at all, not even at the beginning when he was portrayed as some sort of Prince Charming replica, I wasn’t convinced.

Personally, I Blame My Fairy Godmother is written fairly well. It’s written in a typically Irish way with ‘so you know’s and all things you usually expect from Irish novelists. It isn’t a criticism, just an amusing quirk with Irish writers and I’m sure English writers have a similar style. The book is told entirely from Jessie’s point of view and I enjoyed getting into her head, the writing style works well for the tone of the book. It was a bit slow to begin, as I said, not to mention I just didn’t get the chance to sit down and read it fully until I was a third of the way through and then I easily got into it and managed to finish the book within hours. I look forward to diving into Claudia’s earlier books as she certainly has a writing flair and she seems to have made the successful transition from actress to author, not something that happens every day.(less)

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Mar 12, 2012 Helene Harrison rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: genre-chic-lit, i-own, theme-family, author-female, genre-romance, 2010s-publication, setting-british, format-paperback, genre-humour

This is a bit like a modern Cinderella story, but with a twist. Living dream never ends well, as this book demonstrates. It is well-written and the characters all seem to have backgrounds that we don't know much about. I think this is my favourite Claudia Carroll book of them all because the storyline is one that is well-known but with a modern twist. Plus, I love anything that is based around celebrities and the Hollywood lifestyle, more than reading about real celebrities.

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Nov 01, 2012 Becks Dawe rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was an easy enough read and as you can tell from the cover, pure chick-lit. However, I can't really say I enjoyed this.

The story really is an up-to-date adult version of Cinderella (including the missing shoe!). I didn't feel anything for the main character and felt all her "issues" were really her own doing.

It certainly filled a gap in my schedule. Hopefully the next Carroll book I read will be better.

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Aug 08, 2012 Louwenna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Read it. Liked it. found it a bit repetitious with alot of borrowed material, however, it was good enough for simple escapism and enjoyment. story line twists and turns right up until the end but I found it a little predictable and also not as good as her other work such as 'I never fancied him anyway' and 'Remind me again why I need a man'. Great book for light reading by the pool, on a plane or jusy before bed.

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Oct 16, 2010 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

On the whole a generally good entertaining read. Suprisingly set in Ireland although you just presume it's the USA at first. Characters are all uniquely crazy and definitely a bit crazy but the overall story is slightly mad as the first person narrator does natter on a bit but it becomes endearing in the end. Typical message of the tale is that Prince Charming characters are never really what you want, need or expect.

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Nov 27, 2012 Danielle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

This is the 3rd book i have read by Claudia Carroll and i wasn't disappointed with it. Her writing style is very easy to follow and i found it very hard to put the book down.

Claudia Carroll is one of my favourite authors and i have enjoyed all her books.

The book starts out with Jessie Woods who works as a TV presenter and lives the high life with it, the nice house, nice car, handsome boyfriend. But then something happens and her world comes crashing around her and she finds herself jobless, h...more

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Sep 06, 2010 Monica rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It was cute. It was a quick read, made me mad at points when her step-sisters were being evil, but she kind of deserved it since she shouldn't have lives beyond her means. It was a good read but Jessie kind of got herself into the mess she created. The only plus side was that she got the guy she was meant to be with rather than the jerk who only wanted her because she was famous and would get him published.

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Jun 10, 2011 Shell Stitcher rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Took a little while to get into this one, but after sticking with it, it became a very witty enjoyable read.

You want to keep reading to find out what happens to each of the characters because even though Jessie Woods is the main one, each of the other characters are so well written it doesn't feel that the book is centered around one individual.

I enjoyed it!

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Apr 22, 2013 Kath rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-pdfs

Kinda Cinderella story too with a modern twist :) Usually it's from Rags to Riches but what happened to her is the opposite, but i loved how she let herself get to the top again. at least she now knows who's there for her for real

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Jun 25, 2011 Danielle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It was enjoyable and easy to read with lovable characters.

The book is a fun fluffy read about a girl called Jessie, who has it all, a wonderful boyfriend, a great place to live, a TV career and a lifestyle to be envious of. But not all is what it seems and when it's all taken away Jessie has to go and live with her step mother and 2 step-sisters. The main outline of the book is Cinderella in reverse. We see how Jessie picks herself up and gets on with her life and how she comes to understand he...more

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Nov 17, 2010 Maggie White rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It was a good chiclit book that had me laughing out loud after chapter3. It took me that long to find my way in it.
Tv IT girl loses job, house and boyfriend. She then has to move back hometo live with her step family. It is about what she learns about relationships she has in her life.

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Jul 08, 2012 Marie Godley rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

a good book with an updated version of the cinderella story. Told through the eyes of the "cinderella" you see how she cahnges through the book and changes others along the way.

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Mar 31, 2011 Aileen rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a good book, when I finally managed to understand it, it did
make me laugh in places. However I had a very late night, I wanted to finish it to see what happened.

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Aug 17, 2011 Catherine rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was okay as a feel good chick book! However I did get annoyed with the constant references to movies and lines direct from sex and the city. :(

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Mar 22, 2013 Adele rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's as predictable as they come but that was what I expected. An ideal read if you don't want to run the risk of getting too absorbed in a book. The step family are the saviours of the novel - I only finished the book because I enjoyed their wit. A light happy chic lit.

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Dec 20, 2010 Anna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Had to read a light book after finishing a Jodi Picoult. Entertaining & some lessons to be learned in this fairy tale book.

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Jun 24, 2012 Ruth rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A very readable, light entertaining bit of chick lit - not my ususal type but mad me smile and kept my attention

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Oct 16, 2012 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Read this book in a day. 100% my kinda book. Easy read, funny and fab story line. I love chick lit :)

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Aug 29, 2010 Jacquiline Brassington rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

loved this was an easy read and made me laugh,sympathise and generally smile : )

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Apr 15, 2013 Zoe rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Loved the idea as bit like my ideas. Ok story didn't love it though. Marian Keyes Miss Carroll is not

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About Claudia Carroll

Claudia was born in Dublin and is a graduate of UCD, the College of Music and of the Gaiety School of Acting. Since then she has worked extensively as an actress on the Irish stage, but is probably best known for her role as TV’s Nicola Prendergast in the long running Dublin soap opera, ‘Fair City.’

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