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Alberta Clipper
Christine Grogan is a successful meteorologist with a loving family, great friends and an exciting career working for an international investment bank. So why does she spend every January 20th crying like her heart might break? As everyone around her appears to be moving on with their lives, Christine wears her past like a pair of concrete shoes. Can nothing, or nobody help her shake them?
Mark Harrington thought he had all he ever wanted. Head of the bank's Irish operations, he has the career, the house and the relationship any man would wish for. But when his seemingly perfectly planned life suddenly strays totally off course, Mark is confronted with the fact that he isn't actually in control at all...
The story of two people, each floundering in their own lives, who might just be able to save one another.
Mark Harrington thought he had all he ever wanted. Head of the bank's Irish operations, he has the career, the house and the relationship any man would wish for. But when his seemingly perfectly planned life suddenly strays totally off course, Mark is confronted with the fact that he isn't actually in control at all...
The story of two people, each floundering in their own lives, who might just be able to save one another.
347 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2012
17 people are currently reading
1331 people want to read
About the author
Sheena Lambert
3 books39 followersSheena Lambert is a writer from Dublin, Ireland.
www.sheenalambertauthor.com
www.sheenalambertauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 5, 2013
I really enjoyed this book - was immediately hooked by the protagonist, Christine, from the very start. It's refreshing to read a really good romance where the characters are original - Christine is a 28 year old meteorologist working for an investment bank (!) This is a book that is intelligently written so you learn a whole lot as well as have a great read!
It's a story about love and loss, about new relationships and has several unexpected twists - I won't spoil the plot by revealing anything, but rest assured, it's a satisfying well developed story - an impressive debut.
It's a story about love and loss, about new relationships and has several unexpected twists - I won't spoil the plot by revealing anything, but rest assured, it's a satisfying well developed story - an impressive debut.
May 5, 2013
Picture this: hands covering my eyes, fingers dragging slowly down, my eyes looking towards the heavens, with a loud sigh emanating from me. That should tell you exactly how I feel about this book. By the way, reading it in ebook format sucked big time as you couldn't figure out who was saying what as all the dialogue runs together. Here's a tip for your future novels, use paragraphs. That being said I didn't like the way the book was written.
I thought it would get better as I read on, instead I was left perplexed at what I read. Mark has been in love with Christine for two years. It would have been nice to know why he's in love with her as it's never mentioned. For that matter, why does Christine love Mark? She tells him she loves him at the end, but why? Because she feels "safe"? WTF? What baffles me the most is Mark's personal assistant, Petra. Can someone explain why the hell she's at the forefront of the novel? Holy crap! From beginning to end we're inundated with how terrific she is as a PA, what she wears, how many cups of coffee she delivers, how smart she is, etc., etc., etc. I kept thinking she was going to be a rival for Mark's affection, but no, she's just the PA who runs Mark's life efficiently. Hell, there are conversations about so-and-so instructed to tell Petra this, Petra that - everything that has nothing to do with the novel. I've never come across this before. Talk about weird. There's more written about Petra than about Christine's best friend, Emily.
A weak story that gives you nothing in the end.
I thought it would get better as I read on, instead I was left perplexed at what I read. Mark has been in love with Christine for two years. It would have been nice to know why he's in love with her as it's never mentioned. For that matter, why does Christine love Mark? She tells him she loves him at the end, but why? Because she feels "safe"? WTF? What baffles me the most is Mark's personal assistant, Petra. Can someone explain why the hell she's at the forefront of the novel? Holy crap! From beginning to end we're inundated with how terrific she is as a PA, what she wears, how many cups of coffee she delivers, how smart she is, etc., etc., etc. I kept thinking she was going to be a rival for Mark's affection, but no, she's just the PA who runs Mark's life efficiently. Hell, there are conversations about so-and-so instructed to tell Petra this, Petra that - everything that has nothing to do with the novel. I've never come across this before. Talk about weird. There's more written about Petra than about Christine's best friend, Emily.
A weak story that gives you nothing in the end.
January 29, 2013
I received a copy of Alberta Clipper by Sheena Lambert in exchange for an honest review. This novel unfolds the love story between Christine Grogan and Mark Harrington. Christine is a highly successful meteorologist at an investment bank with a loving father and sister – and a past that continues to haunt her. Mark thinks he is on top of the world. He has a lucrative career, a woman, a house – but then a flip is switched and his great life is now surrounded by question marks. The two struggle to regain their balance – and find one another.
Alberta Clipper is such a lovely romance story. Readers find out early on that Mark is in love with Christine, but she doesn’t have a clue. She tries dating other guys and even seems to hit the jackpot with one, all while Mark suffers in silence as he holds back his true feelings. There are many fabulous sub-plots in this novel – Christine’s past, her family life, even their co-workers and their issues. One word I keep thinking of while writing this review is smart. This is a smart book that explores a lot of different topics, and I highly enjoyed it. And it’s from an Irish author – not sure why that’s so fascinating to me but it is and I wanted to mention it! One for your shelves.
Alberta Clipper is such a lovely romance story. Readers find out early on that Mark is in love with Christine, but she doesn’t have a clue. She tries dating other guys and even seems to hit the jackpot with one, all while Mark suffers in silence as he holds back his true feelings. There are many fabulous sub-plots in this novel – Christine’s past, her family life, even their co-workers and their issues. One word I keep thinking of while writing this review is smart. This is a smart book that explores a lot of different topics, and I highly enjoyed it. And it’s from an Irish author – not sure why that’s so fascinating to me but it is and I wanted to mention it! One for your shelves.
January 12, 2013
Could not put this book down. Stayed up two nights in a row until 2:30 a.m. to finish! Absolutely loved it. Funny, smart, well-paced and super interesting. Loved the characters and would love a sequel!
It was also quite profound at times, without dragging at all, somehow... A story of love and loss, a must read, for sure.
It was also quite profound at times, without dragging at all, somehow... A story of love and loss, a must read, for sure.
January 8, 2013
Excellent - I really enjoyed reading Alberta Clipper by Sheena Lambert .. great story line, likeable characters and interesting twists. I couldn't put it down and stayed up late to finish it! This is Sheena's first novel and I look forward to reading her next one!
March 12, 2017
I read this as part of a buddy-read.
Engaging enough story to wile away a Saturday afternoon. Although the plot wasn’t original, or overly complicated, it was interesting to follow the life of two emotionally bottled-up Brits. Being one, at time, I can certainly relate. It was certainly refreshing to read about two ‘mature’ individuals.
This was a tussle between a 3.5 and a 4. Ultimately, as I wished the final connection between the two protagonists had been a little stronger – it’s a 3.5.
Engaging enough story to wile away a Saturday afternoon. Although the plot wasn’t original, or overly complicated, it was interesting to follow the life of two emotionally bottled-up Brits. Being one, at time, I can certainly relate. It was certainly refreshing to read about two ‘mature’ individuals.
This was a tussle between a 3.5 and a 4. Ultimately, as I wished the final connection between the two protagonists had been a little stronger – it’s a 3.5.
May 7, 2015
I was lucky to receive a copy of "Alberta Clipper" as a Goodreads giveaway.
About the book:
Christine is a meteorologist working for an international Bank in Dublin. Though her life seems to be a good one, with great friends and a loving family, she is not the content young woman she appears to be at first sight. As we get to know early on this seems to be connected to something that happened on a January 20th in her past.
Mark is the CEO of the bank Christine works at. He is in a long-term relationship of ten years and happy with his work life. However in the last 2 years he slowly came to realize that something is missing. As he asks his girlfriend a fundamental question about their relationship, which leads to their separation, he comes to a realisation. Part of his restlessness is caused by the fact that he has fallen in love with Christine.
But can they overcome Christine's trauma left by this fateful January 2oth?
What I thought:
"Alberta Clipper" or "A Gathering Storm", as it is now called, is a good contemporary romance. It focuses on two people, who seem to have happy enough lives, but are both at a crossroads. Mark because he is no longer content with his relationship and wonders if this is really what he wants. Christine because she finally seems to open up to other people again. It is clear from the start that it won't be easy for them to overcome Christine's emotional problems, but that also makes it more realistic than most HEA romances.
I liked that we get to know both Christine and Mark. The fact that the author changes the point of view gives us a good insight into the two protagonists.
The ending was also sweet without being sappy, hinting at possibilities of what is to come. The secondary characters were interesting for the most part, especially Christine's father, who helps her throughout the book
However there were also a few things that I didn't like about the book, primarily the way each new paragraph was indented. I know that this is a common way to separate your paragraphs, but the blank space at the beginning of each line was unusually big. While for me that makes sense when there is a conversation going on and you want to distinguish the direct speech, it was just irritating in the other parts of the story. It really took me some time to get used to. However as there now is a new version of this book, this might have been changed.
Another thing that I didn't like so much, was the big event at the end of the story which ultimately brings Christine and Mark together. This whole book distinguishes itself from other contemporary romances because it feels real. Something that could really happen, with problems that aren't far fetched or constructed for the sake of an obstacle that has to be overcome. And then more or less out of nowhere this thing happens.
I think the author could have found something more believable to get to her HEA.
All in all Alberta Clipper is a good book, which I would recommend to anyone in a mood for a realistic romance without the usual angsting about non-existing problems.
Definitely worth a read!
About the book:
Christine is a meteorologist working for an international Bank in Dublin. Though her life seems to be a good one, with great friends and a loving family, she is not the content young woman she appears to be at first sight. As we get to know early on this seems to be connected to something that happened on a January 20th in her past.
Mark is the CEO of the bank Christine works at. He is in a long-term relationship of ten years and happy with his work life. However in the last 2 years he slowly came to realize that something is missing. As he asks his girlfriend a fundamental question about their relationship, which leads to their separation, he comes to a realisation. Part of his restlessness is caused by the fact that he has fallen in love with Christine.
But can they overcome Christine's trauma left by this fateful January 2oth?
What I thought:
"Alberta Clipper" or "A Gathering Storm", as it is now called, is a good contemporary romance. It focuses on two people, who seem to have happy enough lives, but are both at a crossroads. Mark because he is no longer content with his relationship and wonders if this is really what he wants. Christine because she finally seems to open up to other people again. It is clear from the start that it won't be easy for them to overcome Christine's emotional problems, but that also makes it more realistic than most HEA romances.
I liked that we get to know both Christine and Mark. The fact that the author changes the point of view gives us a good insight into the two protagonists.
The ending was also sweet without being sappy, hinting at possibilities of what is to come. The secondary characters were interesting for the most part, especially Christine's father, who helps her throughout the book
However there were also a few things that I didn't like about the book, primarily the way each new paragraph was indented. I know that this is a common way to separate your paragraphs, but the blank space at the beginning of each line was unusually big. While for me that makes sense when there is a conversation going on and you want to distinguish the direct speech, it was just irritating in the other parts of the story. It really took me some time to get used to. However as there now is a new version of this book, this might have been changed.
Another thing that I didn't like so much, was the big event at the end of the story which ultimately brings Christine and Mark together. This whole book distinguishes itself from other contemporary romances because it feels real. Something that could really happen, with problems that aren't far fetched or constructed for the sake of an obstacle that has to be overcome. And then more or less out of nowhere this thing happens.
I think the author could have found something more believable to get to her HEA.
All in all Alberta Clipper is a good book, which I would recommend to anyone in a mood for a realistic romance without the usual angsting about non-existing problems.
Definitely worth a read!
March 7, 2013
Christine Grogan has been living with terrible guilt. On January 20th of each year she spends the day grieving over this guilt. The rest of the year her life appears great. She is 28 years old, with a job as a meteorologist at an investment bank, has a loving family, and great friends. She just has to find a way to move on with her life.
Mark Harrington is in a relationship that is heading any where and has realized he has not had any control over it. Other than that he has everything else going for him. He is head of an international bank, handsome, and owns his own house. He just needs to get control of his love life, which he hopes includes Christine.
Alberta Clipper is a true romance story. Early on I knew Mark was in love with Christine, but Christine was clueless. Through a Christmas party, conferences, and a New Years Eve party Christine and Mark finally start some type of a relationship. But I was still hoping Christine would open up and share a part of her that very few know about. For their relationship to last, and I was hoping it would, they had to have honesty and trust.
It seemed every character in this book had their own short story to add to the main story. All these stories let me better understand the hows and whys of how each character was as they were. Everything from insider trading, Christine’s past and office drama were covered making this so much more than just a love story.
Sheena Lambert wrote a believable story about love and loss and finding your soulmate. It is also a story of guilt, forgiveness, and betrayal. I highly recommend this novel to everyone.
Mark Harrington is in a relationship that is heading any where and has realized he has not had any control over it. Other than that he has everything else going for him. He is head of an international bank, handsome, and owns his own house. He just needs to get control of his love life, which he hopes includes Christine.
Alberta Clipper is a true romance story. Early on I knew Mark was in love with Christine, but Christine was clueless. Through a Christmas party, conferences, and a New Years Eve party Christine and Mark finally start some type of a relationship. But I was still hoping Christine would open up and share a part of her that very few know about. For their relationship to last, and I was hoping it would, they had to have honesty and trust.
It seemed every character in this book had their own short story to add to the main story. All these stories let me better understand the hows and whys of how each character was as they were. Everything from insider trading, Christine’s past and office drama were covered making this so much more than just a love story.
Sheena Lambert wrote a believable story about love and loss and finding your soulmate. It is also a story of guilt, forgiveness, and betrayal. I highly recommend this novel to everyone.
March 8, 2013
This story follows Christine Grogan and Mark Harrington. They both work for CarltonWachs Irish branch of the world famous bank. Christine is a meteorologist and Mark is the chief executive.
Christine has just started a new relationship with Gavan who she met on a blind date through her best friend Emily. What is it about 20th January that makes her so unhappy?
Mark has been in a relationship with Jennifer for 10 years but when he mentions having children she goes to Edinburgh to work for a year teaching English Lit at a University. He realises he's madly in love with Christine but can her reach out to her?
The first thing I want to mention about this book is the cover, I'm really not fussy on the cover despite it having a connection with the story. I personally feel that the cover could have been a lot different, it would have attracted me straight away. Luckily I live by the old adage 'Never judge a book by it's cover' and I'm glad I do as I would have missed out on a right gem of a book here.
I found myself getting heavily involved with the story, the raw emotion really did shine through the pages. The characters were well drawn and I found myself really caring about them, especially Christine and Mark who were fabulous main characters.
The story was good and while I did guess correctly at what the main point was, there was a twist towards the end which I hadn't expected so even though I had guessed it didn't spoil it for me.
I recommend this book and will certainly look out for more by this author. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
August 2, 2015
I really enjoyed this story, mostly because I liked both Christine and Mark. If I am going to want people to manage to form a relationship, I need to actually like the protagonists, and I don't always (I am not a fan of OTT arrogant, heavy handed alpha men - give me a nice guy any day).
Christine's role as a meteorologist for a large banking company was really interesting - I had no idea such a job existed! You soon realise that there is something in her past that has meant that she is very sensitive and damaged in some way, and you do wonder what on earth it could be.
She meets and falls for a friend of her best friend's boyfriend. Gavan seems like a really great guy. I did struggle with what ended their relationship being quite enough to be so definite. Not because I disagree that
There were a couple of things around timelines in the beginning of the novel that also seemed at odds (things happening over a day or two that seemed to be a week or so apart). But overall I enjoyed the style of the author so much that I decided not to obsess too much about those things. Overall, enjoyable and decent quality writing.
Christine's role as a meteorologist for a large banking company was really interesting - I had no idea such a job existed! You soon realise that there is something in her past that has meant that she is very sensitive and damaged in some way, and you do wonder what on earth it could be.
She meets and falls for a friend of her best friend's boyfriend. Gavan seems like a really great guy. I did struggle with what ended their relationship being quite enough to be so definite. Not because I disagree that
There were a couple of things around timelines in the beginning of the novel that also seemed at odds (things happening over a day or two that seemed to be a week or so apart). But overall I enjoyed the style of the author so much that I decided not to obsess too much about those things. Overall, enjoyable and decent quality writing.
May 4, 2015
I read this book under its original title of Alberta Clipper. This is a sweet modern romance set in present day Dublin, told from the point of view of two characters: Christine, a meteorologist working for an investment bank, and her boss, Mark. Sheena Lambert takes her time, setting out the details of her main characters’ lives in a way that draws you slowly into the story and gives the sense of a real world surrounding them. There are fun supporting characters, witty dialogue, and the setting, in both present-day Dublin and the office environment with its gossip and drunken Christmas parties, feels very authentic and realistically done.
What I liked best about this novel was the fact that it was a romance told from both sides, giving the male point of view as well as the heroine’s, and it was done in a way that felt like reality to me. This device works well to keep up the suspense: because you have both perspectives, you can see the different points where Mark and Christine misunderstand each other and pass up so many chances to be happy.
But all’s well in the end, despite some twists which I won’t give away, including a very suspenseful finale, and the trials that Mark and Christine have experienced give way to a satisfying emotional payoff.I’m looking forward to Sheena Lambert's next book.
What I liked best about this novel was the fact that it was a romance told from both sides, giving the male point of view as well as the heroine’s, and it was done in a way that felt like reality to me. This device works well to keep up the suspense: because you have both perspectives, you can see the different points where Mark and Christine misunderstand each other and pass up so many chances to be happy.
But all’s well in the end, despite some twists which I won’t give away, including a very suspenseful finale, and the trials that Mark and Christine have experienced give way to a satisfying emotional payoff.I’m looking forward to Sheena Lambert's next book.
July 3, 2013
Alberta Clipper is a solid chick lit book which really lifts off in the last quarter of the book. I was pleasantly surprised at the ending, because I really wasn’t expecting the direction it took in the last couple of chapters. The characters are likeable and hearing their different perspectives pulls the reader along wondering if these two are ever going to make it together.
Who knew that meteorologists work for investment banks and what they do there? I certainly didn’t and found it interesting. Alberta Clipper has something to do with weather, but I’ll let you read the book to find out what it is.
A romance novel filled with love, loss and finding your soul mate. A great first novel for Sheena Lambert.
Who knew that meteorologists work for investment banks and what they do there? I certainly didn’t and found it interesting. Alberta Clipper has something to do with weather, but I’ll let you read the book to find out what it is.
A romance novel filled with love, loss and finding your soul mate. A great first novel for Sheena Lambert.
July 23, 2013
I must say first and foremost that when I starting reading I thought to myself that this was going to be like any other romance book I hated. Woman and Man can’t be together but find a way in the end. That’s what I thought. Fortunately it was not that. It was a pretty realistic book. I felt really empathetic with pretty much all characters.
Even thought it is a romance it does have a few drama and tragedy elements. Most of which reminded me of the death of the loving grandma. That’s what I love most about this book. I can really relate to Christine’s grief on a much smaller scale. And that is the best about books. Good books like this.
I recommend it.
Even thought it is a romance it does have a few drama and tragedy elements. Most of which reminded me of the death of the loving grandma. That’s what I love most about this book. I can really relate to Christine’s grief on a much smaller scale. And that is the best about books. Good books like this.
I recommend it.
Read
January 2, 2016A very enjoyable read. It keeps you wondering what is Christine's problem as there has been something in her life previous that causes her great pain.
Christine is a successful meteorologist working for an international investment bank. Her boss and fellow employees and their spouses are colorful characters. Romance, mystery and intrigue.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Christine is a successful meteorologist working for an international investment bank. Her boss and fellow employees and their spouses are colorful characters. Romance, mystery and intrigue.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
January 21, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Alberta Clipper, I enjoyed following Christine's interactions with her very believable family, her co-workers and ultimately with herself in a story that carried me along nicely. A satisfying read with well drawn characters and whilst thought provoking, this book was not too serious, not too sweet, it was, in my view... just right.
August 17, 2015
I am a sucker for a good romance, and I wasn't disappointed. The story and characters are well developed. You care about Christine and her relationships. She comes across as a real person, not some wet woman waiting for Mr Right and not some mad ball-breaker either. I really enjoyed the story and the ending.
February 21, 2016
Reminiscent of Bridget Jones… a single girl living in the big city pines for love, but emotional issues keep her from truly letting go, in this novel that will satisfy fans of modern day chic lit. - Publishers Weekly Review
February 3, 2013
Great character development and realistic storyline. Enjoyed the read. Looking forward to the next one from Sheena.
August 13, 2016
Got this book from giveaways on Goodreads.
Can't wait to read it :)
Can't wait to read it :)
July 8, 2013
I loved this read!!! The story kept me going until I finished it. Couldn't put it down. Loved the characters. Hope there will be a second book to follow this one. Read it Today!!
March 8, 2017
I was generously given this book by the author.
Review tomorrow.
Edit:
From my blog, my "review".
http://books-reading-vice.blogspot.pt...
Review tomorrow.
Edit:
From my blog, my "review".
http://books-reading-vice.blogspot.pt...
June 15, 2015
I am one of the first reader, but unfortunately, due to my activity, i just finished it today(sorry).
At the beginning, the story remain quite slow, i was a little bored there, to much unneeded daily activities included (i think), but in the one-third of the end it was a great climax and also a smooth ending too.
so, i guess i just give three stars for this
At the beginning, the story remain quite slow, i was a little bored there, to much unneeded daily activities included (i think), but in the one-third of the end it was a great climax and also a smooth ending too.
so, i guess i just give three stars for this
May 4, 2015
The story just dragged on and on without really going anywhere. Sounded like it would be a really interest story but turned out to be a real disappointment and I totally lost interest by the second half of the story after it never got any better.
August 6, 2013
Wow, you read the blurb and all the ingredients are there but then the author forgets to turn the stove up to the highest...
So...not well-done, but rare (pun intended!)
So...not well-done, but rare (pun intended!)
April 27, 2015
Fair book
This book was difficult to read at the beginning. But the many twists and turns made it more enjoyable. I wish the ending would have been a more revealing
This book was difficult to read at the beginning. But the many twists and turns made it more enjoyable. I wish the ending would have been a more revealing
May 7, 2015
Loved this book! Couldn't hardly put it down....love the hurt, pain, and healing we go thru with ALL the characters but especially Mark and Christine....
May 7, 2015
2.5 stars
There were things I liked about this book and others I didn't. I didn't like the language and lusting involved. I did enjoy the character growth.
There were things I liked about this book and others I didn't. I didn't like the language and lusting involved. I did enjoy the character growth.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews