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Not Quite Perfect
Sometimes having it all isn't enough... Emma has everything she's ever wanted. Her boyfriend's just proposed and her career has finally taken off. And so what if her latest client just happens to be downright gorgeous? She's getting married. Isn't she? Rachel's married with 2.4 children (well, actually, 3) and life is all about trying to leave the house in a non-stained top. Once it was about skinny cappuccinos, cocktails and dynamic ad agency meetings. She wants her old life back, but can it ever be the same? A sparkling, funny tale of two sisters and how often you don't know what you've got until it's gone.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
108 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Annie Lyons
14 books855 followersDear Reader,
thank you for dropping by to visit my Goodreads page. I am the author of seven novels and one novella. My first book, Not Quite Perfect was a Kindle number one bestseller and my novel featuring octogenarian, Eudora Honeysett was a USA Today bestseller as well as being nominated for the RNA Contemporary Novel Award. My latest book, The Air Raid Book Club is my first historical fiction novel. It tells the story of recently-widowed bookseller, Gertie Bingham and fifteen-year-old Hedy Fischer, who are thrown together by the events of the Second World War and who form a book club to support their community through these dark times. This book is particularly special to me as I’ve spent my life around books, from trips to the library with my mum as a child to my early career as a bookseller on Charing Cross Road and then over ten years in publishing and now as a writer and creative writing teacher. If I’m not writing or reading books, I like nothing more than to lose myself for an hour (or two if I can manage it) in a library or bookshop. I love the quiet calm and the smell of books, old and new. My favourite writers are Anne Tyler, Ruth Hogan, David Nicholls, Rachel Joyce, William Boyd, Katherine Heiny and Maggie O’Farrell but I love anything which makes me laugh and cry. I try to reflect this in my own writing and for me, it begins with the characters. I work to get to know them as well as my own friends and family as I write and allow them to lead the story. My aim is to write stories which are uplifting and ultimately hopeful as these are the books I love to read. My stories feature families, friendship, grief, love, happiness, singing, loss, betrayal, forgiveness, death, hope, books, joy and plenty more besides, and they invariably include a beloved family pet! My favourite thing about being an author is when readers contact me to let me know that a book has touched them, made them laugh or just served as a companion for a while. I recently received a card all the way from New York from eighty-four-year-old Rita in praise of the story of eighty-four-year-old Eudora and that was my week made. If you would like to get in touch, you can also find me on social media (links below) where I mainly talk about books, writing, my garden and my black Labrador, Nelson.
Happy reading!
Annie x
Instagram: @annielyonsauthor
Twitter: @1AnnieLyons
Facebook: www.facebook.com/annielyonswriter
Website: www.annielyons.com
thank you for dropping by to visit my Goodreads page. I am the author of seven novels and one novella. My first book, Not Quite Perfect was a Kindle number one bestseller and my novel featuring octogenarian, Eudora Honeysett was a USA Today bestseller as well as being nominated for the RNA Contemporary Novel Award. My latest book, The Air Raid Book Club is my first historical fiction novel. It tells the story of recently-widowed bookseller, Gertie Bingham and fifteen-year-old Hedy Fischer, who are thrown together by the events of the Second World War and who form a book club to support their community through these dark times. This book is particularly special to me as I’ve spent my life around books, from trips to the library with my mum as a child to my early career as a bookseller on Charing Cross Road and then over ten years in publishing and now as a writer and creative writing teacher. If I’m not writing or reading books, I like nothing more than to lose myself for an hour (or two if I can manage it) in a library or bookshop. I love the quiet calm and the smell of books, old and new. My favourite writers are Anne Tyler, Ruth Hogan, David Nicholls, Rachel Joyce, William Boyd, Katherine Heiny and Maggie O’Farrell but I love anything which makes me laugh and cry. I try to reflect this in my own writing and for me, it begins with the characters. I work to get to know them as well as my own friends and family as I write and allow them to lead the story. My aim is to write stories which are uplifting and ultimately hopeful as these are the books I love to read. My stories feature families, friendship, grief, love, happiness, singing, loss, betrayal, forgiveness, death, hope, books, joy and plenty more besides, and they invariably include a beloved family pet! My favourite thing about being an author is when readers contact me to let me know that a book has touched them, made them laugh or just served as a companion for a while. I recently received a card all the way from New York from eighty-four-year-old Rita in praise of the story of eighty-four-year-old Eudora and that was my week made. If you would like to get in touch, you can also find me on social media (links below) where I mainly talk about books, writing, my garden and my black Labrador, Nelson.
Happy reading!
Annie x
Instagram: @annielyonsauthor
Twitter: @1AnnieLyons
Facebook: www.facebook.com/annielyonswriter
Website: www.annielyons.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 28, 2015
Rachel et Emma sont sœurs et mènent des existences plutôt ordinaires (famille, amour, boulot), pimentées par les aléas de la vie. L'une ne supporte plus sa vie au foyer, l'autre jongle entre carrière et épanouissement personnel.
On a là des personnages ordinaires, qui vivent des choses tout aussi basiques, sans tomber dans une routine assommante. Au contraire, on se sent en territoire familier et confortable. J'ai beaucoup apprécié, alors que j'avais tendance à juger le début lisse et platonique, j'ai fini par m'attacher à la banalité ambiante, et malgré tout chaleureuse !
L'histoire est aussi adorable que possible, avec des séquences drôles, pathétiques ou émouvantes. À déguster en toute simplicité et sans réserve. J'ai aimé les dialogues francs et naturels, les soirées entre filles, les questions qu'on se pose sur son couple, l'importance de la famille, etc.
Je pense aussi que le milieu professionnel d'Emma ne manquera pas de séduire d'autres amoureux des livres, comme moi, en y découvrant les coulisses et les rouages diaboliques d'une maison d'édition ! En bref, ce roman a été une agréable et onctueuse découverte, ni trop sucrée, ni trop mielleuse. Parfait pour les vacances.
On a là des personnages ordinaires, qui vivent des choses tout aussi basiques, sans tomber dans une routine assommante. Au contraire, on se sent en territoire familier et confortable. J'ai beaucoup apprécié, alors que j'avais tendance à juger le début lisse et platonique, j'ai fini par m'attacher à la banalité ambiante, et malgré tout chaleureuse !
L'histoire est aussi adorable que possible, avec des séquences drôles, pathétiques ou émouvantes. À déguster en toute simplicité et sans réserve. J'ai aimé les dialogues francs et naturels, les soirées entre filles, les questions qu'on se pose sur son couple, l'importance de la famille, etc.
Je pense aussi que le milieu professionnel d'Emma ne manquera pas de séduire d'autres amoureux des livres, comme moi, en y découvrant les coulisses et les rouages diaboliques d'une maison d'édition ! En bref, ce roman a été une agréable et onctueuse découverte, ni trop sucrée, ni trop mielleuse. Parfait pour les vacances.
September 13, 2013
A great holiday read!,
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel about two sisters,Rachel, a stay-at-home to three, and soon-to-be married Emma who has a thriving career in publishing. The story charts the challenges and temptations both sisters face and how their choices impact not only on their own lives, but on each other's too.
There is a fabulous cast or characters and some really funny moments that will have you laughing out loud.
It's funny, heartwarming and poignant. A must-read this summer.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel about two sisters,Rachel, a stay-at-home to three, and soon-to-be married Emma who has a thriving career in publishing. The story charts the challenges and temptations both sisters face and how their choices impact not only on their own lives, but on each other's too.
There is a fabulous cast or characters and some really funny moments that will have you laughing out loud.
It's funny, heartwarming and poignant. A must-read this summer.
November 28, 2013
Couldn't put this down. Need to come back and add a proper review, but a very good read. Should have saved it for upcoming holiday.
October 19, 2018
Never finished...
September 8, 2014
Firstly thank you to Harlequin for sending me a copy of this book, the first Carina UK print book!
The story is all about two sisters Rachel and Emma and their day to day lives which are hectic and full of challenges to juggle including work, men and kids (same thing sometimes).
The story starts off well and I actually found that I was reading through quite fast and I think that’s partly to do with both characters being easy to relate to. However, I found myself quickly coming to be unsure whether I actually was enjoying the book as I was reading it.
The narrative is written in present tense which at first felt a bit stilted and awkward to read although I did get used to it and adjusted to it. I think although I felt I was reading quickly at first I actually glossed over some of the narrative and found myself going back to reread parts where I didn’t think it made sense which I think was all down to the tense.
Rachel and Emma’s lives are both very different in an almost “Sliding Doors”, what if this and what if that scenario. On the one hand you have Emma, the career girl who is climbing steadily up the career ladder and enjoys being successful, at the start of her life in terms of settling down. On the other hand you have Rachel who gave up her career to focus on her family.
Rachel sometimes felt a bit “woe is me” to read as she was always complaining and I found myself comparing her to Lynette Scavo’s character in Desperate Housewives. I don’t have children (yet) but I do have a career and I kind of got annoyed that it almost felt like Rachel resented her children slightly as if they were imposing on her life. I felt like Emma’s character was a bit more realistic in that respect as it felt like she knew more what she wanted her focus to be in life.
One of the themes in the story is not knowing what you’ve got until it’s gone and one thing that is present in all of the relationships in the story, not just Rachel and Emma’s is this idea of infidelity. Both main characters are faced with the subject in some way throughout and I felt like it was a bit overkill that the other relationships that surrounded the two main characters also had this element about them too. I felt like it would have been good if there had been one solid, dependable marriage example to even out the storyline.
The other issue for me was the children in the story, particularly the twins. I felt like their ages were indiscernible at times and at other times Lily’s vocabulary and mature sentence structure was way above what you would expect from a four year old. Now, again, I don’t have kids but I do know some four year olds and I don’t think I’ve heard any of them be quite so loquacious.
What started off well unfortunately turned into a book that was just not for me in the end.
The story is all about two sisters Rachel and Emma and their day to day lives which are hectic and full of challenges to juggle including work, men and kids (same thing sometimes).
The story starts off well and I actually found that I was reading through quite fast and I think that’s partly to do with both characters being easy to relate to. However, I found myself quickly coming to be unsure whether I actually was enjoying the book as I was reading it.
The narrative is written in present tense which at first felt a bit stilted and awkward to read although I did get used to it and adjusted to it. I think although I felt I was reading quickly at first I actually glossed over some of the narrative and found myself going back to reread parts where I didn’t think it made sense which I think was all down to the tense.
Rachel and Emma’s lives are both very different in an almost “Sliding Doors”, what if this and what if that scenario. On the one hand you have Emma, the career girl who is climbing steadily up the career ladder and enjoys being successful, at the start of her life in terms of settling down. On the other hand you have Rachel who gave up her career to focus on her family.
Rachel sometimes felt a bit “woe is me” to read as she was always complaining and I found myself comparing her to Lynette Scavo’s character in Desperate Housewives. I don’t have children (yet) but I do have a career and I kind of got annoyed that it almost felt like Rachel resented her children slightly as if they were imposing on her life. I felt like Emma’s character was a bit more realistic in that respect as it felt like she knew more what she wanted her focus to be in life.
One of the themes in the story is not knowing what you’ve got until it’s gone and one thing that is present in all of the relationships in the story, not just Rachel and Emma’s is this idea of infidelity. Both main characters are faced with the subject in some way throughout and I felt like it was a bit overkill that the other relationships that surrounded the two main characters also had this element about them too. I felt like it would have been good if there had been one solid, dependable marriage example to even out the storyline.
The other issue for me was the children in the story, particularly the twins. I felt like their ages were indiscernible at times and at other times Lily’s vocabulary and mature sentence structure was way above what you would expect from a four year old. Now, again, I don’t have kids but I do know some four year olds and I don’t think I’ve heard any of them be quite so loquacious.
What started off well unfortunately turned into a book that was just not for me in the end.
September 3, 2015
Mlle Alice, pouvez-vous nous raconter votre rencontre avec Presque Parfait d'Annie Lyons?
"Ce livre m'a été proposé en service presse et j'avoue, j'ai été faible lorsqu'on me l'a vanté comme s'inspirant de l'univers de Jane Austen. Oui, je sais, je me laisse encore avoir..."
Dites-nous en un peu plus sur son histoire...
"Emma Darcy doit bientôt se marier à son adorable fiancé quand un nouvel auteur de sa maison d'édition vient chambouler ses certitudes. Sa soeur aînée, quant à elle, mariée avec trois enfants, n'est pas insensible au charme de son voisin..."
Mais que s'est-il exactement passé entre vous?
"Ce livre est presque le total opposé de Je le Veux dont je vous parlais la semaine dernière mais je ne l'ai pas beaucoup plus apprécié. Tout d'abord, soyons clair une bonne fois pour toute, à part le nom de famille des soeurs qui est Darcy, ce livre n'a absolument aucun rapport avec Jane Austen, ni de près ni de loin, dans le noir, les yeux fermés!! En dehors de ça, il aurait pu malgré tout être sympathique mais dès les premières pages nous savons pertinemment comment tout cela va finir et c'est d'un ennui!! Autant Je le Veux prônait la débauche, autant celui-ci basculerait presque dans le sermon moralisateur. Pitié, où est passée la demi-mesure? Bien sûr, il y a plein de petites choses amusantes dans ce roman, des scènes touchantes également, n'allez pas croire que c'est l'horreur totale, mais je suis tellement agacée que j'ai du mal à vous parler des points positifs."
Et comment cela s'est-il fini?
"Sur une scène tellement "cliché" que je m'en serais arrachée les cheveux..."
http://booksaremywonderland.hautetfor...
"Ce livre m'a été proposé en service presse et j'avoue, j'ai été faible lorsqu'on me l'a vanté comme s'inspirant de l'univers de Jane Austen. Oui, je sais, je me laisse encore avoir..."
Dites-nous en un peu plus sur son histoire...
"Emma Darcy doit bientôt se marier à son adorable fiancé quand un nouvel auteur de sa maison d'édition vient chambouler ses certitudes. Sa soeur aînée, quant à elle, mariée avec trois enfants, n'est pas insensible au charme de son voisin..."
Mais que s'est-il exactement passé entre vous?
"Ce livre est presque le total opposé de Je le Veux dont je vous parlais la semaine dernière mais je ne l'ai pas beaucoup plus apprécié. Tout d'abord, soyons clair une bonne fois pour toute, à part le nom de famille des soeurs qui est Darcy, ce livre n'a absolument aucun rapport avec Jane Austen, ni de près ni de loin, dans le noir, les yeux fermés!! En dehors de ça, il aurait pu malgré tout être sympathique mais dès les premières pages nous savons pertinemment comment tout cela va finir et c'est d'un ennui!! Autant Je le Veux prônait la débauche, autant celui-ci basculerait presque dans le sermon moralisateur. Pitié, où est passée la demi-mesure? Bien sûr, il y a plein de petites choses amusantes dans ce roman, des scènes touchantes également, n'allez pas croire que c'est l'horreur totale, mais je suis tellement agacée que j'ai du mal à vous parler des points positifs."
Et comment cela s'est-il fini?
"Sur une scène tellement "cliché" que je m'en serais arrachée les cheveux..."
http://booksaremywonderland.hautetfor...
June 25, 2015
A fabulous read. My copy came in a goody bag full of delish books, buy this one is my favourite by far. More importantly, I'm so pleased to have discovered Annie Lyons. I love the humour in this book, which was a fast read for me, simply because I couldn't put it down. The family settings were great – I found it was easy to identify with the characters, and their situations and struggles were very true to life. Not Quite Perfect has a delightfully light touch, coupled with more poignant, thought provoking, and surprising moments, which give it a satisfying depth. This book will make you laugh and cry. Ideal for summer holidays, or weekends lazing in the garden.
September 1, 2013
I really enjoyed this thoughtful and thought-provoking novel. It's written in the present tense, which jarred with me at first but the story was so interesting it soon swept me up with it and I stopped noticing.
Sisters Emma and Rachel are very realistically drawn, with flaws and imperfections like most people, and the family dynamic was beautifully portrayed. I really recommend this easy, interesting read.
Sisters Emma and Rachel are very realistically drawn, with flaws and imperfections like most people, and the family dynamic was beautifully portrayed. I really recommend this easy, interesting read.
October 6, 2017
It was an ok story the siblings interactions were funny but neither sisters were all that great character wise. The story is told through the siblings point of view which shows the different perspectives that each sister sees. But things do tend to feel a bit rushed from time to time. The story had some funny moments but the whole book seemed lacking to me in some way and I can't put my finger on why I feel that way.
August 11, 2013
This is a warm and funny romance about two sisters who don't quite have it all. With Austen-esque family dynamics and likeable central characters, this is a definite 'to-read' for what remains of our (not quite perfect) summer. Well done to my fellow UK Carina author!
September 17, 2013
Great read you'll laugh out loud and cry buckets. A truly great writer in real life terms. The emotional roller coaster of these sisters makes for a great read. But what ever you do don't mess with this family the payback comes from a sassy 3yr old I wouldn't mess with
August 22, 2013
lighthearted romance about how the grass isn't always greener. Bit more realistic than your usual chic lit. enjoyable read.
November 11, 2020
It so needed better editing to make what basically is a good plot for romantic light fiction less ridiculous. The writing is awful. Emma “shambled” to her desk. “‘Sorry’ trills Rachel smiling manically.” Seriously! Many more examples of this tripe. Given Emma is an editor, it’s ironic.
Poor proofreading adds to the effect. “Alfie followed suite .” “I’ll bare it in mind.”
There is this gem “She wants to follow Martin’s example and lie on the sofa, snoozing with the papers. However, as a woman she knows this option is simply not open to her.” This is Emma, in a full time job living with her fiancé. Nothing very modern here.
The kids are annoying or awful. Lily is rude, though I guess that’s an attempt to make her funny, and she gets to put her pooped pants in someone’s handbag. Her mum thinks this is funny. Maybe it’s all the rubbish food they eat throughout the book that makes them so dreadful.
The other jarring note is the names borrowed from Austen’s novels. One perhaps, but so many?
Poor proofreading adds to the effect. “Alfie followed suite .” “I’ll bare it in mind.”
There is this gem “She wants to follow Martin’s example and lie on the sofa, snoozing with the papers. However, as a woman she knows this option is simply not open to her.” This is Emma, in a full time job living with her fiancé. Nothing very modern here.
The kids are annoying or awful. Lily is rude, though I guess that’s an attempt to make her funny, and she gets to put her pooped pants in someone’s handbag. Her mum thinks this is funny. Maybe it’s all the rubbish food they eat throughout the book that makes them so dreadful.
The other jarring note is the names borrowed from Austen’s novels. One perhaps, but so many?
July 6, 2023
I wonder if the author looks back at this book with embarrassment, because it is indeed embarrassing.
- the mention of a transgender person for no reason other than to make a tasteless joke that does nothing to fuel the plot
- the incessant alcohol/mommy wine culture nonsense
- the othering of every non English character from the Swiss Christa who is ridiculed in every scene, to the Asian nurse who speaks in broken English to the nonsensical talk about terrorists in the airport.
So much of this book is tone deaf for no good reason. None of the main characters are likeable, and for a book in which one of the mains is a freaking book editor, this book reads as though it was never touched by one.
Bah. No stars. I was mad the whole time.
- the mention of a transgender person for no reason other than to make a tasteless joke that does nothing to fuel the plot
- the incessant alcohol/mommy wine culture nonsense
- the othering of every non English character from the Swiss Christa who is ridiculed in every scene, to the Asian nurse who speaks in broken English to the nonsensical talk about terrorists in the airport.
So much of this book is tone deaf for no good reason. None of the main characters are likeable, and for a book in which one of the mains is a freaking book editor, this book reads as though it was never touched by one.
Bah. No stars. I was mad the whole time.
June 22, 2017
Entertaining
This is an easy but engaging read about modern women juggling careers, families and relationships. The outcomes might be predictable, but it is still a worthwhile, if unchallenging way to spend a few hours.
This is an easy but engaging read about modern women juggling careers, families and relationships. The outcomes might be predictable, but it is still a worthwhile, if unchallenging way to spend a few hours.
February 25, 2019
Familial
This is about two sisters in different stages of their lives get facing similar issues. Unlike Ms. Lyons other books this one is a little more serious but just as endearing. I actually have at one point!
This is about two sisters in different stages of their lives get facing similar issues. Unlike Ms. Lyons other books this one is a little more serious but just as endearing. I actually have at one point!
December 5, 2020
I don’t know how I felt about this book. I spent a long time in the beginning trying to keep all of the characters straight. Then I felt like it dragged on. In the end, I didn’t hate it, but probably wouldn’t recommend it.
September 18, 2023
I was disappointed by this book. I get the concept of “you don’t know what you have until you lose it” but I really didn’t think that Martin was such a great catch. Emma should have ridden off into the sunset alone, IMO.
November 12, 2025
Absolutely laughed out loud for a lot of this book...the kids played great roles in it and it was so heartwarming to see the relationships between Emma and Rachel and their parents ..emotional in parts but a fab read all round !
January 18, 2022
Delightful read!
March 23, 2022
Chic lit beach read!
December 4, 2022
Good story! it didn't always go the way I thought it would but I find that Over all, I like Annie Lyon's books.
January 17, 2023
I'm 60 years old and I cried. Thanks Annie x
June 6, 2023
Took me forever to get through. Very dragged out & quick ending.
February 18, 2024
It was a heartfelt story about two sisters who have it all but didn't know what they had until it's gone.
August 30, 2025
Two sisters. Their lives. I can't remember/
Checked it out again.
Can't remember.
Checked it out again.
Can't remember.
October 25, 2014
Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
I suppose it would be fitting if I were to say, "This novel was #NotQuitePerfect..." but if I were to say that then I would lying, because this novel was perfect in every sense of the word. Annie has created the most gorgeous 384 pages, full of family drama, two sister's with very different lives and a countless number of problems that crop up along the way, rocking Emma and Rachel's boats very firmly from side to side. It was chaotic, charming and incredibly moving. Most definitely one of my favourite reads of 2014, without a doubt.
Rachel and Emma are the leading ladies in Annie Lyon's Not Quite Perfect, and what a brilliant pair of women they are. Right from the get go, I loved the both of them, despite the very different lives that they so obviously led. Annie chose to split the narrative between the sisters, so you get to see a glimpse of life from both sides, which really highlighted the contrasts between them.
Emma is the working girl with a job in a publishing house, whereas Rachel is a stay-at-home-mum with three children who she loves dearly but who drive her completely up the wall. Annie did a fantastic job of putting across Rachel's chaotic mornings and Emma's own personal dilemma that crops up within the story and it was just such a bloody pleasure to read. The women, both with their own problems, were just incredibly easy to love and understand, and at times I wanted to throw my arms around them and SQUEEZE!
Annie really brings their lives to life within the novel. Every up, every down, and everything in-between. It felt like I was right there with them both, living through the tough times with them, as well as the good times. I felt, strangely, like I was involved in their decision making too, and I was shaking the book in frustration as well as clapping with glee. It was a roller-coaster of a read, and it made me want to gather my sisters around me and tell each one of them that I love them to pieces!
Not Quite Perfect spoke right to my heart. Not only does the story focus on Rachel and Emma, but Annie involves their entire family too. It was warm, it was homely and it was just such a superbly put-together story, I would happily read it again and again and again!
Annie, Becca's Books is giving your fabulous novel Not Quite Perfect a twinkling rating of five cupcakes! I loved everything about this book, EVERYTHING!!!
I suppose it would be fitting if I were to say, "This novel was #NotQuitePerfect..." but if I were to say that then I would lying, because this novel was perfect in every sense of the word. Annie has created the most gorgeous 384 pages, full of family drama, two sister's with very different lives and a countless number of problems that crop up along the way, rocking Emma and Rachel's boats very firmly from side to side. It was chaotic, charming and incredibly moving. Most definitely one of my favourite reads of 2014, without a doubt.
Rachel and Emma are the leading ladies in Annie Lyon's Not Quite Perfect, and what a brilliant pair of women they are. Right from the get go, I loved the both of them, despite the very different lives that they so obviously led. Annie chose to split the narrative between the sisters, so you get to see a glimpse of life from both sides, which really highlighted the contrasts between them.
Emma is the working girl with a job in a publishing house, whereas Rachel is a stay-at-home-mum with three children who she loves dearly but who drive her completely up the wall. Annie did a fantastic job of putting across Rachel's chaotic mornings and Emma's own personal dilemma that crops up within the story and it was just such a bloody pleasure to read. The women, both with their own problems, were just incredibly easy to love and understand, and at times I wanted to throw my arms around them and SQUEEZE!
Annie really brings their lives to life within the novel. Every up, every down, and everything in-between. It felt like I was right there with them both, living through the tough times with them, as well as the good times. I felt, strangely, like I was involved in their decision making too, and I was shaking the book in frustration as well as clapping with glee. It was a roller-coaster of a read, and it made me want to gather my sisters around me and tell each one of them that I love them to pieces!
Not Quite Perfect spoke right to my heart. Not only does the story focus on Rachel and Emma, but Annie involves their entire family too. It was warm, it was homely and it was just such a superbly put-together story, I would happily read it again and again and again!
Annie, Becca's Books is giving your fabulous novel Not Quite Perfect a twinkling rating of five cupcakes! I loved everything about this book, EVERYTHING!!!
July 22, 2014
The story gives one a real sense of the chaos, bustle and the unpredictability of life, especially when small children are thrown in the mix. The miniature humans in this tale could give the kids from the TV series Outnumbered a run for their money.
Speaking from experience I can say that the scenarios with children in this story, aren’t unusual at all. One of mine used to be a bit of a Lily, and I also believed in letting her explore her own sense of fashion, much to her grandmothers chagrin and more often than not to my horror. I would like to say that she grew out of it, needless to say she is still a walking fashion statement now at 21, although I still quite uncertain of which particular statement we are trying to make.
As the mother of small children life can often seem like a whirlwind episode on the Harry Potter ghost bus, travelling at high speeds with no stops and many bumps in the road. The adult or mother, who was previously the career gal suddenly becomes just so and so’s mom.
First names cease to exist, personalities get lost, and the relationships between husband and wife are often put on hold until the kiddy stress dies down a little. Not all marriages cope with the extreme pressure of child rearing and family life. A lot crumble under the pressure.
Rachel seems to be losing sight of her relationship within the busy and chaotic life they have built for themselves and Emma thinks she is living in one of the books she helps to edit. Both of them need a wake-up call and unfortunately there is one heading right in their direction.
The author has added an unexpected plot twist, one that I found very emotional and indeed it made me cry. Perhaps because it hits upon a fear or apprehension I have about something I know is inevitable, but have no idea how I will handle the situation when it arises.
I think one of the strengths of this book is Lyons portrayal of a realistic family setting. There are no perfect relationships, encounters or family dynamics for that matter. The reality is none of us are perfect and we all make mistakes.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and Carina UK.
Speaking from experience I can say that the scenarios with children in this story, aren’t unusual at all. One of mine used to be a bit of a Lily, and I also believed in letting her explore her own sense of fashion, much to her grandmothers chagrin and more often than not to my horror. I would like to say that she grew out of it, needless to say she is still a walking fashion statement now at 21, although I still quite uncertain of which particular statement we are trying to make.
As the mother of small children life can often seem like a whirlwind episode on the Harry Potter ghost bus, travelling at high speeds with no stops and many bumps in the road. The adult or mother, who was previously the career gal suddenly becomes just so and so’s mom.
First names cease to exist, personalities get lost, and the relationships between husband and wife are often put on hold until the kiddy stress dies down a little. Not all marriages cope with the extreme pressure of child rearing and family life. A lot crumble under the pressure.
Rachel seems to be losing sight of her relationship within the busy and chaotic life they have built for themselves and Emma thinks she is living in one of the books she helps to edit. Both of them need a wake-up call and unfortunately there is one heading right in their direction.
The author has added an unexpected plot twist, one that I found very emotional and indeed it made me cry. Perhaps because it hits upon a fear or apprehension I have about something I know is inevitable, but have no idea how I will handle the situation when it arises.
I think one of the strengths of this book is Lyons portrayal of a realistic family setting. There are no perfect relationships, encounters or family dynamics for that matter. The reality is none of us are perfect and we all make mistakes.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and Carina UK.
July 22, 2014
3.5*
*Received in exchange for an honest review*
*Thank you Carina*
This was such a fun little read. I seem to be on a bit of a contemporary/ chick-lit kick at the moment because I'm devouring them! Not Quite Perfect is one of those easy reads that you can devour in just a few hours. Not only is it a really sweet little read, it's also Harlequin's Carina's very first physical book! So a massive congratulations to them :). Going back to the book though, I was completely drawn in by the lifestyles of the two sisters, Emma and Rachel, and I was really excited to find out what was going to happen to make things 'not quite perfect'.
Not Quite Perfect follows the path of the recently engaged editor Emma and the married mother, Rachel. From the very first chapter we're made aware that things aren't going to run smoothly through this novel. Questionable thoughts are popping up inside both of the womens minds about their lives and choices. Rachel feels stuck in a rut and appears to regret not immediately going back to work and Emma is having a difficult engagement with Martin; lack of communication is such a key element to this novel but it makes for some hysterical moments. With the author being an ex-publishing bod there was plenty of detail on Emma's job; a major bonus for me. I'm fascinated by the publishing industry and bursting to get into it so reading a book with an editor as a main character was right up my street!
I think the only thing I wish had been done differently is the mistakes that were made by the two sisters. I'd have preferred it if they had both made drastically different mishaps to see how different characters deal with different situations. At times it was a little too convenient that certain things happened making it less believable. Overall though, Not Quite Perfect is a very humorous read. I loved reading the scenes with Rachel's children - they guarantee plenty of laugh out louds! A light and fun book, Not Quite Perfect makes for the perfect summer read!
*Received in exchange for an honest review*
*Thank you Carina*
This was such a fun little read. I seem to be on a bit of a contemporary/ chick-lit kick at the moment because I'm devouring them! Not Quite Perfect is one of those easy reads that you can devour in just a few hours. Not only is it a really sweet little read, it's also Harlequin's Carina's very first physical book! So a massive congratulations to them :). Going back to the book though, I was completely drawn in by the lifestyles of the two sisters, Emma and Rachel, and I was really excited to find out what was going to happen to make things 'not quite perfect'.
Not Quite Perfect follows the path of the recently engaged editor Emma and the married mother, Rachel. From the very first chapter we're made aware that things aren't going to run smoothly through this novel. Questionable thoughts are popping up inside both of the womens minds about their lives and choices. Rachel feels stuck in a rut and appears to regret not immediately going back to work and Emma is having a difficult engagement with Martin; lack of communication is such a key element to this novel but it makes for some hysterical moments. With the author being an ex-publishing bod there was plenty of detail on Emma's job; a major bonus for me. I'm fascinated by the publishing industry and bursting to get into it so reading a book with an editor as a main character was right up my street!
I think the only thing I wish had been done differently is the mistakes that were made by the two sisters. I'd have preferred it if they had both made drastically different mishaps to see how different characters deal with different situations. At times it was a little too convenient that certain things happened making it less believable. Overall though, Not Quite Perfect is a very humorous read. I loved reading the scenes with Rachel's children - they guarantee plenty of laugh out louds! A light and fun book, Not Quite Perfect makes for the perfect summer read!
September 15, 2013
Not quite perfect but a really great read.
I have really enjoyed reading this book. The resume about the book, customer reviews and the cover of the book all tempted me. I wasn't too sure then once I had started the book as it is about two sisters and the writer keeps changing the writing from one sister to the other, and, at first, it seemed to alter too quickly in my opinion. I was just starting to get to know a character then she changed onto the other sister before I was ready. It was a little annoying and I was going to give this book 3 stars but it got much better and soon I just couldn't put it down. The writing flowed and the scenes swopped at just the right time from sister to sister so that the pace moved along really well. I did find it irritating that the sisters called each other pet-names such as 'tart-face' and 'slag-bag' ???? It just didn't ring true with me and spoilt the realism slightly, just didn't feel right. Other than that it is a satisfying feel good read. You get to like and feel for the characters. Wishing to be constructive: there is a mistake in this book and, with Kindle editions this could be corrected and updated: The error is at location 3111-The paragraph begins with 'Rachael looks at the man she is destined to marry and sighs.' I have read and re-read this bit to make sure and later in the page it keeps mentioning Emma and Martin, these are the two getting married, not Rachel who is already married. Wrong sister here and I know it is just a little niggle but it just spoilt the flow a bit for me and I feel it should have been picked up by editors/proof-readers. Another small mistake is location 4485 'This bring on a fresh round of tears'-(Should have been 'this brings on a fresh round of tears) Anyway, on the whole I did enjoy this book, the quality of the writing is very high after the first few chapters and I would definitely read more from this author.
I have really enjoyed reading this book. The resume about the book, customer reviews and the cover of the book all tempted me. I wasn't too sure then once I had started the book as it is about two sisters and the writer keeps changing the writing from one sister to the other, and, at first, it seemed to alter too quickly in my opinion. I was just starting to get to know a character then she changed onto the other sister before I was ready. It was a little annoying and I was going to give this book 3 stars but it got much better and soon I just couldn't put it down. The writing flowed and the scenes swopped at just the right time from sister to sister so that the pace moved along really well. I did find it irritating that the sisters called each other pet-names such as 'tart-face' and 'slag-bag' ???? It just didn't ring true with me and spoilt the realism slightly, just didn't feel right. Other than that it is a satisfying feel good read. You get to like and feel for the characters. Wishing to be constructive: there is a mistake in this book and, with Kindle editions this could be corrected and updated: The error is at location 3111-The paragraph begins with 'Rachael looks at the man she is destined to marry and sighs.' I have read and re-read this bit to make sure and later in the page it keeps mentioning Emma and Martin, these are the two getting married, not Rachel who is already married. Wrong sister here and I know it is just a little niggle but it just spoilt the flow a bit for me and I feel it should have been picked up by editors/proof-readers. Another small mistake is location 4485 'This bring on a fresh round of tears'-(Should have been 'this brings on a fresh round of tears) Anyway, on the whole I did enjoy this book, the quality of the writing is very high after the first few chapters and I would definitely read more from this author.
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