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Lessons in Laughing Out Loud
Willow and Holly are identical twins. They are everything to each other. Holly calls Willow her rock, her soul mate, her other half. And Willow feels the same about Holly. They are alike in every respect except one - Willow is afraid on the inside. And all because of a secret - one that binds the sisters closely together and yet has meant their adult lives have taken two very different paths. Willow often feels there are large parts of her missing, qualities she only knows she's lacking because she sees them in her sister. For a very long time Willow has felt separated from Holly by one terrible moment in time - a moment that meant Willow's life was never the same again. And when the past catches up with her, Willow realises it's finally time for her to face her fears, and - with Holly's help - learn to laugh out loud once more...
373 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
35 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
About the author
Rowan Coleman
48 books844 followersRowan Coleman lives with her husband, and five children in a very full house in Hertfordshire. She juggles writing novels with raising her family which includes a very lively set of toddler twins whose main hobby is going in the opposite directions. When she gets the chance, Rowan enjoys sleeping, sitting and loves watching films; she is also attempting to learn how to bake.
Rowan would like to live every day as if she were starring in a musical, although her daughter no longer allows her to sing in public. Despite being dyslexic, Rowan loves writing, and The Memory Book is her eleventh novel. Others include The Accidental Mother, Lessons in Laughing Out Loud and the award-winning Dearest Rose, a novel which lead Rowan to become an active supporter of domestic abuse charity Refuge, donating 100% of royalties from the ebook publication of her novella, Woman Walks Into a Bar, to the charity. Rowan does not have time for ironing.
Rowan would like to live every day as if she were starring in a musical, although her daughter no longer allows her to sing in public. Despite being dyslexic, Rowan loves writing, and The Memory Book is her eleventh novel. Others include The Accidental Mother, Lessons in Laughing Out Loud and the award-winning Dearest Rose, a novel which lead Rowan to become an active supporter of domestic abuse charity Refuge, donating 100% of royalties from the ebook publication of her novella, Woman Walks Into a Bar, to the charity. Rowan does not have time for ironing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
June 11, 2018
I did actually really like this but it’s not quite 4 stars...it’s close, but not quite.
November 3, 2014
I can't stand the long, cheesy dialogues and the long narrations, too. JUST GET TO THE POINT ALREADY AND JUST TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED OMG DOES IT REALLY NEED 7 PAGES TO MAKE YOUR POINT??? Too much distractions too. New shoes. New coat. The friend-with-benefit thing. One of those books that you keep reading because you want to know the ending, but not really the whole plot.
May 28, 2016
Wolken wegschieben
Rowan Coleman
ROMAN
Erschienen am 01.04.2016
Übersetzt von: Marieke Heimburger
448 Seiten, Kartoniert
ISBN: 978-3-492-30796-3
€ 9,99 [D], € 10,30 [A]
Zum Buch: https://www.piper.de/buecher/wolken-w...
Manchmal hat Willow Briar das Gefühl, unter einer dicken Regenwolke zu leben. Sie könnte es darauf schieben, dass sie ein paar Pfunde zu viel auf die Waage bringt. Oder dass sie verlernt hat zu lieben. Oder dass ihre skrupellose Chefin sie als ihre Leibeigene betrachtet. Doch der eigentliche Grund für ihre Unzufriedenheit liegt tief in ihrer Vergangenheit. Willow weiß: Sie muss etwas ändern und ihre Dämonen besiegen. Denn nur Verlierer stehen im Regen – aber wahre Gewinner schieben die Wolken einfach weg.
Meine Meinung:
Ich habe die beiden vorigen Bücher der Autorin schon gelesen und diese haben mir sehr gut gefallen. Daher wollte ich dann natürlich schnell auch das neueste Werk der Autorin lesen.
Der Einstieg in das Buch ist mir sehr leicht gefallen, der Schreibstil war wieder sehr flüssig, das hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Das Thema fand ich auch sehr interessant, das Thema Panikattacken interessiert mich sowieso sehr.
Willow Briar ist schon ein spezieller Charakter, aber andererseits hat sie auch Probleme und Sorgen, die jedermann kennt. Die pubertierende ehemalige Stieftochter fand ich sehr erfrischend in diesem Roman.
Allerdings muss ich auch sagen, dass mich das Buch immer mehr enttäuscht hat, je weiter die Geschichte voran geschritten ist. Für mich ist es das bisher schwächste Buch der Autorin, der Schreibstil war toll wie immer, aber dieses Buch konnte mich insgesamt nicht so begeistern wie ihre anderen Werke.
Alles in allem war dies eine interessante Geschichte, deren Potenzial aber nicht ausgeschöpft wurde, ich hatte ehrlich gesagt etwas mehr erwartet und bewerte dieses Buch daher leider nur mit 3,5 Sternen.
Rowan Coleman
ROMAN
Erschienen am 01.04.2016
Übersetzt von: Marieke Heimburger
448 Seiten, Kartoniert
ISBN: 978-3-492-30796-3
€ 9,99 [D], € 10,30 [A]
Zum Buch: https://www.piper.de/buecher/wolken-w...
Manchmal hat Willow Briar das Gefühl, unter einer dicken Regenwolke zu leben. Sie könnte es darauf schieben, dass sie ein paar Pfunde zu viel auf die Waage bringt. Oder dass sie verlernt hat zu lieben. Oder dass ihre skrupellose Chefin sie als ihre Leibeigene betrachtet. Doch der eigentliche Grund für ihre Unzufriedenheit liegt tief in ihrer Vergangenheit. Willow weiß: Sie muss etwas ändern und ihre Dämonen besiegen. Denn nur Verlierer stehen im Regen – aber wahre Gewinner schieben die Wolken einfach weg.
Meine Meinung:
Ich habe die beiden vorigen Bücher der Autorin schon gelesen und diese haben mir sehr gut gefallen. Daher wollte ich dann natürlich schnell auch das neueste Werk der Autorin lesen.
Der Einstieg in das Buch ist mir sehr leicht gefallen, der Schreibstil war wieder sehr flüssig, das hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Das Thema fand ich auch sehr interessant, das Thema Panikattacken interessiert mich sowieso sehr.
Willow Briar ist schon ein spezieller Charakter, aber andererseits hat sie auch Probleme und Sorgen, die jedermann kennt. Die pubertierende ehemalige Stieftochter fand ich sehr erfrischend in diesem Roman.
Allerdings muss ich auch sagen, dass mich das Buch immer mehr enttäuscht hat, je weiter die Geschichte voran geschritten ist. Für mich ist es das bisher schwächste Buch der Autorin, der Schreibstil war toll wie immer, aber dieses Buch konnte mich insgesamt nicht so begeistern wie ihre anderen Werke.
Alles in allem war dies eine interessante Geschichte, deren Potenzial aber nicht ausgeschöpft wurde, ich hatte ehrlich gesagt etwas mehr erwartet und bewerte dieses Buch daher leider nur mit 3,5 Sternen.
July 15, 2011
This is Rowan Coleman’s ninth novel, but my first. I really must explore her back catalogue, because this was the kind of grown-up chick lit read that’s all too rare. Willow is a highly competent “fixer” with a talent agency run by a Cruella Deville type boss who provides a lot of the laughs in this most enjoyable read. Willow is a twin, the “disappointing twin”, overweight, going home to her empty flat, with a failed marriage behind her, and her life brightened only by some close male friends (one of whom she thinks she’s in love with) and her passion for beautiful shoes. Holly is the perfect one – beautiful home, perfect family, lovely figure...sounds like standard chick lit so far? Then Willow finds some beautiful shoes and a moth-eaten fur coat in a hidden shop, provides a home for a rebellious teenager and a hiding starlet, and finds the strength to take action to turn her life around. And the secret Holly needs to face up to is pretty hard-hitting stuff.
Rowan Coleman writes extremely well, with humour, and a keen eye for situations that makes them live, however ridiculous or painful. She creates characters that are sometimes caricatures and ciphers where not central to the story but at other times with very believable depths, concerns and feelings. The night at the comedy club was particularly well done, as was the climax. The story moves at a good pace, and there are enough twists and turns and character development to keep your interest throughout. This isn’t great literature by any stretch, but if this is your kind of read – as it was mine - you should really enjoy it.
Rowan Coleman writes extremely well, with humour, and a keen eye for situations that makes them live, however ridiculous or painful. She creates characters that are sometimes caricatures and ciphers where not central to the story but at other times with very believable depths, concerns and feelings. The night at the comedy club was particularly well done, as was the climax. The story moves at a good pace, and there are enough twists and turns and character development to keep your interest throughout. This isn’t great literature by any stretch, but if this is your kind of read – as it was mine - you should really enjoy it.
September 11, 2011
In Lessons in Laughing Out Loud, several conflicts are woven together to create a work of contemporary fiction at it's best. I wanted to read this book constantly as each reveal occurred, right until 20 pages from the end. Then it took me over a week to read the last 20 pages, because I slowed to a crawl as I didn't want to reach the end.
Willow is a likeable protagonist, as flawed as any human being but written in a way that makes you think the author knows this woman (or women like her). Fundamentally this book is about human relationships; the good, the bad, and the shockingly, hideously evil.
There are three men in this book; the traditional Alpha Male, irresistible Daniel, the one that got away Sam, and the faltering geeky type, James. They are written in such a way that you like all of them and have no idea who will end up with Willow until the conclusion is reached.
But this book is so much more than romance. It's about relationships at work, at home, everywhere. I particularly liked the character of Willow's control-freak boss, who, despite seeming like the boss from hell in some respects, is a fascinating character to read. But the relationship that struck a chord with me was that of Willow and Chloe, Sam's daughter. Having a step daughter myself I can relate to the love between them, and this is what had me reading through tears towards the end of the book.
I recommend this book to anyone out there who likes a bit of romance but with added meat to the story. You will not be disappointed.
Willow is a likeable protagonist, as flawed as any human being but written in a way that makes you think the author knows this woman (or women like her). Fundamentally this book is about human relationships; the good, the bad, and the shockingly, hideously evil.
There are three men in this book; the traditional Alpha Male, irresistible Daniel, the one that got away Sam, and the faltering geeky type, James. They are written in such a way that you like all of them and have no idea who will end up with Willow until the conclusion is reached.
But this book is so much more than romance. It's about relationships at work, at home, everywhere. I particularly liked the character of Willow's control-freak boss, who, despite seeming like the boss from hell in some respects, is a fascinating character to read. But the relationship that struck a chord with me was that of Willow and Chloe, Sam's daughter. Having a step daughter myself I can relate to the love between them, and this is what had me reading through tears towards the end of the book.
I recommend this book to anyone out there who likes a bit of romance but with added meat to the story. You will not be disappointed.
July 22, 2011
I really don’t know what to write here as I want to write a lot about this book, but feel it would give 2 much away. I sat and read it without reading much about it, so was pleasantly surprised by the touch of magic in the book. The characters make you fall in love with them instantly and i am sure I will think about Willow and Chloe for a long time. The stories Rowan write are always good but this one is touching on being in comparison with Cecelia Ahern! The mystery and the subjects that are touched in this book will be felt by every one that reads the book. I think there is a touch of Willow in all of us; I know I certainly connected with the character a lot, for some of her hang ups.
I won’t write much else except to say it’s a brilliant story, without all the romance set in some novels and loads of drama. I will certainly be buying it for a couple of my friends that I know will love it.
I won’t write much else except to say it’s a brilliant story, without all the romance set in some novels and loads of drama. I will certainly be buying it for a couple of my friends that I know will love it.
April 27, 2017
Sweet and fun, light but not stupid (though there are a few silly moments). Good characters, good pacy plot, heart-warming and uplifting.
July 8, 2023
Hab das Buch in einer zu verschenken Kiste am Straßenrand gefunden und hab mich ernsthaft gewundert, weshalb man ein Buch mit einer so schönen Beschreibung wegschmeißen will. Nach wenigen Kapiteln wurde mir dann aber auch klar wieso...
April 20, 2018
Three things I regret:
-reading this book
-wasting my time on this book
-buying this book
-reading this book
-wasting my time on this book
-buying this book
July 26, 2011
We all seem to be Rowan Coleman fans over here on Rea Book Review so there was no hesitation in picking up her new book Lessons in Laughing Out Loud. After Rowan kindly gave an interview to us we have been eagerly awaiting the release date of this latest book and it has finally come and the book has been read so now it is time to let you know if this book is worth picking up and if she has managed to give us another exciting read.
Plot
Willow and Holly are identical twins. They are everything to each other. Holly calls Willow her rock, her soul mate, her other half. And Willow feels the same about Holly. They are alike in every respect except one – Willow is afraid on the inside. And all because of a secret – one that binds the sisters closely together and yet has meant their adult lives have taken two very different paths.
Willow often feels there are large parts of her missing, qualities she only knows she’s lacking because she sees them in her sister. For a very long time Willow has felt separated from Holly by one terrible moment in time – a moment that meant Willow’s life was never the same again. And when the past catches up with her, Willow realises it’s finally time for her to face her fears, and – with Holly’s help – learn to laugh out loud once more…
My Opinion
Rowan Coleman Strikes again! Our main Character Willow is such a warm and loveable character. She seems so down to earth which makes us connect with her straight away as she is a believable, realistic character. What made me love Willows character was that she seemed to be hiding a secret and this made her character more intriguing. We really want to see our heroine find some happiness in life but happiness doesn’t seem to find Willow.
One of the other characters who come up a lot in this book is Chloe. Chloe has issues with Willow and I like the way that she is so much like the teenagers of today who are so stubborn and would not just let the situation go easily it took time for her to come around. I really liked her character she seemed so angry but I think this was just masking her vulnerability.
Rowan has based this story on many issues that seem to be becoming a regular occurrence in life now which makes the book feel a little deeper than her previous works. Although there is the deeper topic here Rowan approaches these issues gently without being judgmental and she manages to wind a little light hearted humour around the topics which manage to lighten the situation a little.
What I loved about this book was the mysterious element around the shoes ( I am saying no more as we do not do spoilers over here!) and the suspense. I really had no idea how this book was going to end or what the deep dark secret would be that seemed to be ruling poor Willow’s life.
There really is a mixture of content in this book although there is a relative amount of romance and humour in this book there is so much more to this truly captivating storyline.
I really feel that this book was worth the wait and I would defiantly recommend you pick this book up and find yourself getting lost in this wonderfully written story. I only hope that Rowan doesn’t keep us waiting too long for her next piece of work!!
Review also On my blog http://reabookreview.blogspot.com
Plot
Willow and Holly are identical twins. They are everything to each other. Holly calls Willow her rock, her soul mate, her other half. And Willow feels the same about Holly. They are alike in every respect except one – Willow is afraid on the inside. And all because of a secret – one that binds the sisters closely together and yet has meant their adult lives have taken two very different paths.
Willow often feels there are large parts of her missing, qualities she only knows she’s lacking because she sees them in her sister. For a very long time Willow has felt separated from Holly by one terrible moment in time – a moment that meant Willow’s life was never the same again. And when the past catches up with her, Willow realises it’s finally time for her to face her fears, and – with Holly’s help – learn to laugh out loud once more…
My Opinion
Rowan Coleman Strikes again! Our main Character Willow is such a warm and loveable character. She seems so down to earth which makes us connect with her straight away as she is a believable, realistic character. What made me love Willows character was that she seemed to be hiding a secret and this made her character more intriguing. We really want to see our heroine find some happiness in life but happiness doesn’t seem to find Willow.
One of the other characters who come up a lot in this book is Chloe. Chloe has issues with Willow and I like the way that she is so much like the teenagers of today who are so stubborn and would not just let the situation go easily it took time for her to come around. I really liked her character she seemed so angry but I think this was just masking her vulnerability.
Rowan has based this story on many issues that seem to be becoming a regular occurrence in life now which makes the book feel a little deeper than her previous works. Although there is the deeper topic here Rowan approaches these issues gently without being judgmental and she manages to wind a little light hearted humour around the topics which manage to lighten the situation a little.
What I loved about this book was the mysterious element around the shoes ( I am saying no more as we do not do spoilers over here!) and the suspense. I really had no idea how this book was going to end or what the deep dark secret would be that seemed to be ruling poor Willow’s life.
There really is a mixture of content in this book although there is a relative amount of romance and humour in this book there is so much more to this truly captivating storyline.
I really feel that this book was worth the wait and I would defiantly recommend you pick this book up and find yourself getting lost in this wonderfully written story. I only hope that Rowan doesn’t keep us waiting too long for her next piece of work!!
Review also On my blog http://reabookreview.blogspot.com
March 23, 2020
I liked the characters, but there was too much filler. Took to long to get through the story and uncover Willow's secret.
September 25, 2017
This book bothered me for several reasons.
1) According to the blurb, this is going to be one of those 'sisterly' stories based ontwin sisters Holly and Willow helping one another in eachothers time of need. It was absolutely NOT that, in fact- Holly was probably mentioned around 5 times in this entire book. The twin thing needn't have been featured at all and I don't know why Rowan Coleman tried to draw us in with an Endearing-Bond-Between-Sister premise. It just wasn't there.
2) Willow is overweight. And my god doesn't the author want us to know it. Willow is a UK Size 18 - and I have lost count of the endless 'fat jokes', 'fat' mentions and utterly grotesque descriptions of her size. I get that Willow had low self esteem but I was actually hugely offended by the total body shame that took place on almost every page. It wasn't cute and 'Bridget Jonesey' which I can only imagine was the intended reaction -it was irritating, offensive and annoying. A woman can't be over a size 10 in this story. If she is over a size 10 - she is 'Fat' and 'The laughing stock'.
3) Willow stumbled into a charity shop and found a pair of shoes. Upon putting her feet in to the shoes, her 'luck' started changing and 'life' started getting better for her. Magic shoes! And how did life get better for her? She noticed she was losing weight. NEVER MIND all the other traumas in her life, she was losing weight and suddenly people started complimenting her and thus, life was improving. Ugh.
Maybe I just didn't "Get" the whole idea of this book. To me, I couldn't see past the absolute ridiculousness to see the 'deep meanings' here (Which apparently WERE there somewhere?). I just found this entire thing quite sickly - and magic shoes..? No.
1) According to the blurb, this is going to be one of those 'sisterly' stories based ontwin sisters Holly and Willow helping one another in eachothers time of need. It was absolutely NOT that, in fact- Holly was probably mentioned around 5 times in this entire book. The twin thing needn't have been featured at all and I don't know why Rowan Coleman tried to draw us in with an Endearing-Bond-Between-Sister premise. It just wasn't there.
2) Willow is overweight. And my god doesn't the author want us to know it. Willow is a UK Size 18 - and I have lost count of the endless 'fat jokes', 'fat' mentions and utterly grotesque descriptions of her size. I get that Willow had low self esteem but I was actually hugely offended by the total body shame that took place on almost every page. It wasn't cute and 'Bridget Jonesey' which I can only imagine was the intended reaction -it was irritating, offensive and annoying. A woman can't be over a size 10 in this story. If she is over a size 10 - she is 'Fat' and 'The laughing stock'.
3) Willow stumbled into a charity shop and found a pair of shoes. Upon putting her feet in to the shoes, her 'luck' started changing and 'life' started getting better for her. Magic shoes! And how did life get better for her? She noticed she was losing weight. NEVER MIND all the other traumas in her life, she was losing weight and suddenly people started complimenting her and thus, life was improving. Ugh.
Maybe I just didn't "Get" the whole idea of this book. To me, I couldn't see past the absolute ridiculousness to see the 'deep meanings' here (Which apparently WERE there somewhere?). I just found this entire thing quite sickly - and magic shoes..? No.
April 17, 2012
This deserves at least 3.75 stars! Rowan Coleman always creates warm, wonderful stories that celebrate family love and deal with serious social issues. Willow and Holly are identical twins although they look different now since Willow has sprouted into XL clothes while Holly has remained a Small. Willow, a warm, funny woman, has really low self-esteem based on serious issues she hasn't even had the courage to talk about with a therapist, and has only been able to confide in Holly. She takes a short-cut back to her office one lunchtime when she finds herself in a small alleyway she never saw before and staring through the dirty window of an old shop which is a thrift store run by an ancient woman. She buys the shoes for a ridiculously low price and the shop owner gives her a musty old fur coat and a stack of romance novels as well. The shoes apparently have magical powers since people start commenting on how lovely Willow looks and asking what she has changed. I rooted for Willow all the way in this charming story.
October 11, 2018
The blurb of this book was quite different to the actual story. You think this will be about twins and their relationship, but one of the twins-Holly-is hardly mentioned at all. That's not so say i didn't like the book, but don't go into it thinking it is a twin story.
Willow has been listlessly going through life for a long time. She's single, ~40, and has few friends. Her only solace is her job at a talent agency, which is the complete opposite to her put together twin who is married with kids. Until one day she takes a wrong turn and stumbles across a pair of perfect shoes in a tiny shop. As soon as she buys them her luck starts to change. Her step daughter from her previous marriage turns up and she is given the task of hiding a famous actress who has had some bad press. Will she get the strength to help them and get over the secrets of her past to change her life?
I thought this was a nice read, although i didn't really like the mother at all and wished there had been more justice. If you're looking for something quick and not that taxing, this is a nice book
Willow has been listlessly going through life for a long time. She's single, ~40, and has few friends. Her only solace is her job at a talent agency, which is the complete opposite to her put together twin who is married with kids. Until one day she takes a wrong turn and stumbles across a pair of perfect shoes in a tiny shop. As soon as she buys them her luck starts to change. Her step daughter from her previous marriage turns up and she is given the task of hiding a famous actress who has had some bad press. Will she get the strength to help them and get over the secrets of her past to change her life?
I thought this was a nice read, although i didn't really like the mother at all and wished there had been more justice. If you're looking for something quick and not that taxing, this is a nice book
May 26, 2013
Seriously sad. And self-indulgent. I get that sexual abuse affects the victims for the rest of their lives. I don't get that this woman is choosing to let it rule her life & her choices. Which are crappy, FYI--IMO. The first 3/4 of the book are about how Willow tells her husband that she was sexually abused as a child, and he can't handle it so she hops into bed with her best friend & her husband catches them & they get divorced. So then she has no further contact with her ex or his impressionable young daughter until said daughter turns up on Willow's doorstep--pregnant. The rest of the book is Willow helping her stepdaughter learn to cope with her pregnancy & the fallout from it, making her Mother come to grips with the fact that her husband sexually molested her child, and developing a healthy new relationship. It does have a good resolution--which works for me.
December 12, 2011
I didnt like this book at all at first, found it really slow but then it suddenly grabbed me & I quite enjoyed it
April 17, 2017
Inhalt
Willow Briar lebt mit einer immerwährenden Regewolke über ihrem Kopf.
Sie bringt ein paar Kilo mehr auf die Waage, als ihre Zwillingschwester. Ihre Arbeit in der Talentagentur wird von ihrer tyrannisierenden Chefin kaum wahrgenommen und zu alldem ist sie auch noch unglücklich verliebt.
Doch eines Tages trifft sie auf einen kleinen verwunschenen Laden, der ihr Leben gehörig auf den Kopf stellt...
Meinung
Man könnte sagen, dass 2016 mein Rowan Coleman Jahr ist. Ich habe durch Zufall die Autorin für mich entdeckt und war mehr als gespannt, was sich hinter diesem Buch versteckt.
Ich habe mich diese Mal bewusst dagegen entschieden, schon im voraus mehr über den Inhalt zu erfahren und wusste daher kaum, was mich dieses Mal hinter dem hübschen Cover erwartet.
Die ersten Seiten haben mich durch lockere Dialoge und Gedankengänge von Willow gleich unterhalten. Dieser flüssige, lockere Schreibstil, der typisch für die Autorin ist, hat sich auch hier wieder durch das ganze Buch gezogen und es wurde während des Lesens nie langweilig.
"Nur Verlierer stehen im Regen - aber wahre Gewinner schieben die Wolken einfach weg."
Rowan Coleman hat ganz bezaubernde Charaktere erschaffen, in denen so viel Persönlichkeit und Liebenswürdigkeit steckt, die facettenreich und vielschichtig sind. Sie haben das Buch erst zu etwas Besonderem gemacht und mir immer wieder ein Lächeln aufs Gesicht gezaubert.
Und auch bei ihnen kristallisiert sich wieder ein Coleman-Motiv heraus: Die Liebe.
Die Liebe zur Familie und zu sich Selbst. Akzeptanz. Ehrlichkeit.
Sie beweist ihren Lesern, dass es in Ordnung ist, nicht perfekt zu sein.
Und sie zeigt uns durch Willow, was es bedeutet, mutig zu sein.
Fazit
Wenn du dich den ganzen Tag darauf freust, ein Buch endlich weiter zu lesen, dann weißt du, dass es sich um eine hervorragende Geschichte handelt.
Und genauso ist es mir mit "Wolken wegschieben" gegangen.❤
Ich habe jede freie Minute genutzt, um das Buch weiterzulesen, weil ich es so schön und unterhaltsam fand, wie schon lange kein Buch mehr.
Die Geschichte ist wie aus dem Leben gegriffen und zugleich doch so außergewöhnlich, so voller Zauber.
Für mich eindeutig das beste Buch von Rowan Coleman bisher! ❤
Willow Briar lebt mit einer immerwährenden Regewolke über ihrem Kopf.
Sie bringt ein paar Kilo mehr auf die Waage, als ihre Zwillingschwester. Ihre Arbeit in der Talentagentur wird von ihrer tyrannisierenden Chefin kaum wahrgenommen und zu alldem ist sie auch noch unglücklich verliebt.
Doch eines Tages trifft sie auf einen kleinen verwunschenen Laden, der ihr Leben gehörig auf den Kopf stellt...
Meinung
Man könnte sagen, dass 2016 mein Rowan Coleman Jahr ist. Ich habe durch Zufall die Autorin für mich entdeckt und war mehr als gespannt, was sich hinter diesem Buch versteckt.
Ich habe mich diese Mal bewusst dagegen entschieden, schon im voraus mehr über den Inhalt zu erfahren und wusste daher kaum, was mich dieses Mal hinter dem hübschen Cover erwartet.
Die ersten Seiten haben mich durch lockere Dialoge und Gedankengänge von Willow gleich unterhalten. Dieser flüssige, lockere Schreibstil, der typisch für die Autorin ist, hat sich auch hier wieder durch das ganze Buch gezogen und es wurde während des Lesens nie langweilig.
"Nur Verlierer stehen im Regen - aber wahre Gewinner schieben die Wolken einfach weg."
Rowan Coleman hat ganz bezaubernde Charaktere erschaffen, in denen so viel Persönlichkeit und Liebenswürdigkeit steckt, die facettenreich und vielschichtig sind. Sie haben das Buch erst zu etwas Besonderem gemacht und mir immer wieder ein Lächeln aufs Gesicht gezaubert.
Und auch bei ihnen kristallisiert sich wieder ein Coleman-Motiv heraus: Die Liebe.
Die Liebe zur Familie und zu sich Selbst. Akzeptanz. Ehrlichkeit.
Sie beweist ihren Lesern, dass es in Ordnung ist, nicht perfekt zu sein.
Und sie zeigt uns durch Willow, was es bedeutet, mutig zu sein.
Fazit
Wenn du dich den ganzen Tag darauf freust, ein Buch endlich weiter zu lesen, dann weißt du, dass es sich um eine hervorragende Geschichte handelt.
Und genauso ist es mir mit "Wolken wegschieben" gegangen.❤
Ich habe jede freie Minute genutzt, um das Buch weiterzulesen, weil ich es so schön und unterhaltsam fand, wie schon lange kein Buch mehr.
Die Geschichte ist wie aus dem Leben gegriffen und zugleich doch so außergewöhnlich, so voller Zauber.
Für mich eindeutig das beste Buch von Rowan Coleman bisher! ❤
August 25, 2020
I bought this book new a few years ago and held onto it to read again for some reason (or probably because I hate getting rid of books I bought new). In any case, I read this book a second time and thoroughly enjoyed it. The complexities, secrets, relationships, and turmoils were all fun the second time around. I didn't remember the narrative of the story well between readings (I read a lot of books) so it was fun to feel like I was reading it for the first time again. Although the twin thing isn't highlighted as much as I think it deserves, I still enjoyed the relationship as I am a twin. I'm probably the Holly, but don't tell my sister that. The fact that it took so long to reveal Willow's secret did annoy me, but it also made me want to keep reading, so I suppose that's a job well done on the part of Rowan Coleman. I'd read it a third time if I didn't have so many other books waiting to be read.
January 9, 2021
Not my usual genre but a nice easy read over the Xmas period.
Willow and Holly are twins but both have very different lifestyles. Holly is married to a rich man and has twins of her own. Willow lives in a flat in a dingy part of London but does have a good job. However she has a failed marriage behind her.
All the way through the book there are hints at something traumatic having happened to Willow at some point and this does get addressed close to the end of the book.
What I found a bit weird was the ‘magical’ shoes and coat that she found in a thrift shop that seemed to something change her life.
Anyway if you like chick lit and don’t want to think too hard give it a go
Willow and Holly are twins but both have very different lifestyles. Holly is married to a rich man and has twins of her own. Willow lives in a flat in a dingy part of London but does have a good job. However she has a failed marriage behind her.
All the way through the book there are hints at something traumatic having happened to Willow at some point and this does get addressed close to the end of the book.
What I found a bit weird was the ‘magical’ shoes and coat that she found in a thrift shop that seemed to something change her life.
Anyway if you like chick lit and don’t want to think too hard give it a go
May 8, 2025
I dont know what to say
But i really really love this book !
After all years back she was struggle with her own laugh to be happy. All the mess for 25 years.
Now she can laughed out loud for joy, that is a title about.
Somehow i feel willow it is me. This is why i give 5 stars for messy, confusion, loving, happy, & light hearted to read with a joy.
🔖
Today looked like a good day to start again; today looked like a day when it might be possible to ditch thae ballast of the past and sail away up into the sky.
Maybe today it would be possible to be free, to leave those locked rooms behind for ever.
But i really really love this book !
After all years back she was struggle with her own laugh to be happy. All the mess for 25 years.
Now she can laughed out loud for joy, that is a title about.
Somehow i feel willow it is me. This is why i give 5 stars for messy, confusion, loving, happy, & light hearted to read with a joy.
🔖
Today looked like a good day to start again; today looked like a day when it might be possible to ditch thae ballast of the past and sail away up into the sky.
Maybe today it would be possible to be free, to leave those locked rooms behind for ever.
August 3, 2017
This was a great story. Willow has thrown herself into her job and doesn't have much of a personal life. She purchases a magical pair of shoes secondhand that make her look and feel more attractive. Her former step-daughter shows up pregnant. She wants to stay with Willow. Willow is forced to confront and make peace with the past.
I love watching Willow's character grow and develop in this book. It had a great message about not letting the past define you, but not burying it either. This was a heartwarming story, although it definitely discussed some serious topics as well.
I love watching Willow's character grow and develop in this book. It had a great message about not letting the past define you, but not burying it either. This was a heartwarming story, although it definitely discussed some serious topics as well.
July 31, 2018
I would say this book is on the verge between 3 and 4 stars, and in this case I really felt for Willow and loved that it was not all super predictable and lovey dovey.
This is the story of Willow, part of a twin but unlike her twin no longer slim and beautiful (in her own eyes), not happy or deserving to be happy. It takes nearly the whole book before we find out why this is the case, what happened to her to make her think she was not worthy and to prefer the comfort of food over relationships.
This is the story of Willow, part of a twin but unlike her twin no longer slim and beautiful (in her own eyes), not happy or deserving to be happy. It takes nearly the whole book before we find out why this is the case, what happened to her to make her think she was not worthy and to prefer the comfort of food over relationships.
September 1, 2022
When I finished the book and reflected back on it, it was better than what I expected during the read, if that makes sense! I listened to a 13 hour audio book, and it took until hour 11 to get to the “secret” they allude to throughout the book. A bit of a slog! Ultimately I’m glad I stuck with it, but probably overall a 2.5 star book. Book summary does not really match the story, or at least 80% of the story.
April 24, 2022
Listened to this well narrated romantic fiction with a twist. Having just finished a book with an eerily similar plot line (twins, child rape/abuse, pregnancy, mother issues) I felt this book dealt with the central issue in a much less reverent way. Nonetheless it was a bit of a fun romp and good easy Brit read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2018
I loved this book! This is the second book by Rowan Coleman that I have read and it was wonderful too. I plan to read everything she has written but not all at once, so that I can enjoy them over time. I thought it was a great story about facing and dealing with trouble from the past.
May 6, 2020
Heartwarming and enriching!
Treat yourself to a a wonderful journey with believable characters and a great story. Everyday life, family strife, hard choices, and love, it’s great! Her books are amazing, I like each one better than the last, or at least as much. Enjoy!!!
Treat yourself to a a wonderful journey with believable characters and a great story. Everyday life, family strife, hard choices, and love, it’s great! Her books are amazing, I like each one better than the last, or at least as much. Enjoy!!!
June 5, 2017
3 stars. the book is easy to read (the style) and the story had potential, but unfortunately it wasn't realised.
i wouldn't recommend this book, but will try another one by the same author.
i wouldn't recommend this book, but will try another one by the same author.
June 25, 2017
A magical story about finding yourself. Loved the twins Willow and Holly, this was a heartwarming story that tackled some serious issues.
I loved the book.
I loved the book.
March 25, 2018
Anfangs war das Buch ziemlich schleppend und eher langweilig, aber jetzt am Ende hat es mich echt gepackt.
January 28, 2021
Liked this book very much. Surprised by ending. Recommend!
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