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Near & Far
All Over the Place
The perfect sweet escape for lovers of feel-good British rom coms and sigh-worthy happily ever afters!How far would you go to find the place you’re meant to be?It was a South Pacific paradise...until it wasn’t. After a reality TV disaster in New Zealand, Livi Callaway heads back to London, determined to stay under the radar. But her new life is complicated by unexpected visitors from her old one, and new dangers and temptations lie in wait.Late one night, she meets a mysteriously sexy American on the Underground, and the events that follow take her from the heart of London to the golden lights of Paris, via a trail of rock stars dead and alive. A family in disarray, a determined Swede, a crazed Australian, and a childhood friend (who might yet be more than that) have her all over the place as she tries to discover the American’s secret—while keeping her own.With help—and occasional hindrance—from her friends, what she eventually finds is something unexpected...sometimes, running away can lead you to exactly what you didn’t know you needed.“Charming, sassy, and utterly romantic.” – A Tasty Read Book Reviews“This book reminded me of a great chick-flick kind of movie, only in book form. And everyone knows the book is always better!” – SMI Book Club“If you’re looking for something just a little different, but are still a romantic at heart, I recommend this book. And be prepared to be entertained!” – Find Your Next Read“One of the best, most romantic, awe-inspiring and awwwww-inspiring happily ever afters I’ve read in a long time.” – Random Book Muses“Filled with rich, deep emotion, engaging characters and dialogue, and plenty of intrigue that kept me turning the pages...Ms Clarke is certainly an author to keep an eye out for!” – Storm Goddess Book Reviews
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2013
77 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
About the author
Serena Clarke
8 books186 followersSerena Clarke writes escapist romantic fiction set all over the world. Readers have described her books as engaging page-turners, with sigh-worthy happy endings that will leave you smiling.
Her own story? She's lived in thirty-nine houses, in seven cities, in four countries. She's been a riding instructor, edited a medical journal, worked at a London law firm, and taught English as a second language to wayward teenagers. And now she's found her own happy ending — living near the beach in beautiful New Zealand with her family, writing the kind of feel-good books she loves to read. She hopes you’ll love them too!
Serena's newsletter: https://www.serenaclarke.com/newsletter/
Apple Books: http://apple.co/1JVwcJU
Amazon: viewAuthor.at/SerenaClarke
BookBub: bookbub.com/profile/serena-clarke
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Facebook: facebook.com/SerenaClarkeAuthor
Her own story? She's lived in thirty-nine houses, in seven cities, in four countries. She's been a riding instructor, edited a medical journal, worked at a London law firm, and taught English as a second language to wayward teenagers. And now she's found her own happy ending — living near the beach in beautiful New Zealand with her family, writing the kind of feel-good books she loves to read. She hopes you’ll love them too!
Serena's newsletter: https://www.serenaclarke.com/newsletter/
Apple Books: http://apple.co/1JVwcJU
Amazon: viewAuthor.at/SerenaClarke
BookBub: bookbub.com/profile/serena-clarke
Instagram: instagram.com/serenaclarkeauthor
Facebook: facebook.com/SerenaClarkeAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
July 6, 2015
When I write reviews on books that I didn't love I at least try to be constructive in my thoughts. So, here it goes...This book started out so promising. I was immediately drawn to the main character and was excited to learn more about the mysterious American. But then the author decided to give some back history to the main character's tragic latest relationship. But instead of summing up the drama and facts in one or two really good detailed paragraphs, there were multiple chapters going into so much detail, that I felt like I was reading a completely different story. All of a sudden I was supposed to care about characters and events that I had barely learned about. And I didn't. I just wanted to get back to the beginning of the story. Once the back history was finally over and I thought I was going to learn more about the American, the story went in a totally different direction. If there ever was a book with a more perfect title, this book takes the cake. I was so frustrated with this story because it went all over the place. And as a reader I was emotionally jerked around here and there. Sometimes too many subplots can ruin and muddy a story. That's what this story did. It just didn't work for me.
February 21, 2013
Reels you in and won’t let you go. I found myself cancelling fun things about two chapters in, then with a sigh of relief, sat back on my sofa and allowed myself to be entertained. All Over The Place is a romance with the freedom of chick-lit, resulting in a fun, light-hearted read that will stay with you long after the end.
Livi is a total sweetheart, doing everything in her power to ensure the people around her are happy. She lands herself in some mad capers with her friends, and makes you laugh and wish that you were her, living her fun life, with her zest for living and going out to get what she wants. Her mother lands on her doorstep too and so begins a series of mad characters through the flat – I especially enjoyed Journey, with her Eckhart Tolle words of wisdom, a philosophy that is always great to read and re-read. As for her hero?! He's pretty darn wonderful too, a man I think I've lost a bit of my heart to him.
All Over The Place has that wonderful feeling of friends, fun and the love of both. I challenge you not to like it.
Livi is a total sweetheart, doing everything in her power to ensure the people around her are happy. She lands herself in some mad capers with her friends, and makes you laugh and wish that you were her, living her fun life, with her zest for living and going out to get what she wants. Her mother lands on her doorstep too and so begins a series of mad characters through the flat – I especially enjoyed Journey, with her Eckhart Tolle words of wisdom, a philosophy that is always great to read and re-read. As for her hero?! He's pretty darn wonderful too, a man I think I've lost a bit of my heart to him.
All Over The Place has that wonderful feeling of friends, fun and the love of both. I challenge you not to like it.
January 1, 2018
This was okay. It didn't seem to have a good flow. I really had to force myself to finish by year end.
Read
April 22, 2013****This book was part of a blog tour I received a copy for my honest review****
Livi Callaway has suffered the humiliation of rejection on T.V in New Zealand. Running away to London, she leaves everything behind to start a new life, including her life long best friend Cam. But you can't run away from your life forever as Livi finds out when her family and past arrive in London.
This is a book of looking for love, fate, destiny and finding you have exactly what you need right in front of you in the first place.
There is a array of crazy, outlandish characters in this book that lead to many weird and wacky situations. Some that were just a little too weird for me. I found it very hard to get into, and the bits that I was longing for , the emails back and forward between Cam and Livi, were few and far between. Maybe this is just my romance junky self, but I was expecting a bit more of the romance in this book. What I got was a wild ride through the many wacky adventures of Livi and her friends and family.
It started to pick up toward the end of the book, but even then, I didn't feel the spark I wanted to between the two characters.
I am sorry to say that this book and I just didn't connect.
Livi Callaway has suffered the humiliation of rejection on T.V in New Zealand. Running away to London, she leaves everything behind to start a new life, including her life long best friend Cam. But you can't run away from your life forever as Livi finds out when her family and past arrive in London.
This is a book of looking for love, fate, destiny and finding you have exactly what you need right in front of you in the first place.
There is a array of crazy, outlandish characters in this book that lead to many weird and wacky situations. Some that were just a little too weird for me. I found it very hard to get into, and the bits that I was longing for , the emails back and forward between Cam and Livi, were few and far between. Maybe this is just my romance junky self, but I was expecting a bit more of the romance in this book. What I got was a wild ride through the many wacky adventures of Livi and her friends and family.
It started to pick up toward the end of the book, but even then, I didn't feel the spark I wanted to between the two characters.
I am sorry to say that this book and I just didn't connect.
August 2, 2013
All Over the Place is a riot of twists and turns as we follow self-confessed ‘country mouse’ Livi Callaway’s exploits when she unexpectedly seeks out love far away from home. Serena certainly knows how to twist stories together to make a satisfying whole.
The book starts with Livi finally feeling happy in her new life in London, having escaped from a broken engagement and national humiliation back in her home country of New Zealand. With a new job, a new home and a collection of glamorous friends, Livi is finally settling down. However, a chance meeting with the mysterious and handsome American Ryan, on a crowded and sweaty London Underground train, leaves her with a battered old satchel and a mystery to solve – and an adventure for the reader!
Encouraged by her flatmate, Cas, Livi determines to return the satchel to the American. With no name or address to go on, Livi and her friends set to deciphering a series of clues as to the whereabouts of the man, taking them from Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre wood to the romance and sophistication of Paris. Sweet-natured and kind-hearted, Livi must also cope with unwanted romantic overtures and a family drama which reaches out from the other side of the world. Along the way we learn about Livi’s past and why it is she fears that she cannot return home.
All Over the Place is a fun romance novel. Livi’s character is instantly likable, and she is someone to whom we can all relate. From her neuroses to her secret shoebox of chocolates, Livi is the best friend that we would all wish we could be. It is a strong testament to the realism of Serena Clarke’s writing that the reader can feel such an attachment to her, and I was desperate for things to work out for the best in the end. Serena’s writing perfectly captures the realities of living in a city such as London, from the drabness of the daily commute to colourful descriptions of the Notting Hill carnival and the elegance and high culture of the National Gallery. We also get a taste of the downsides and camaraderie of working in a glamorous Soho salon.
Within the book, Livi is in the enviable position of being almost assailed by offers from handsome, eligible men – from her former fiancé Rob, to the kind-hearted translator Matthias – and it seems at times that Livi is batting them off. However, it is the attentions of two men in particular that catch the reader’s attention, and this forms the major romantic thrust of the novel. Both men are well written and encapsulate all of the best elements of the spectrum of perfect leading men, leaving Livi with that most delicious of dilemmas – should she choose the mysterious and exciting Ryan or the bookish good-guy and childhood friend, Cam? Suffice it to say that the ending does leave the reader satisfied, but also wondering what happens next.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There are some books that call out for a sequel and All Over the Place is certainly one of those!
The book starts with Livi finally feeling happy in her new life in London, having escaped from a broken engagement and national humiliation back in her home country of New Zealand. With a new job, a new home and a collection of glamorous friends, Livi is finally settling down. However, a chance meeting with the mysterious and handsome American Ryan, on a crowded and sweaty London Underground train, leaves her with a battered old satchel and a mystery to solve – and an adventure for the reader!
Encouraged by her flatmate, Cas, Livi determines to return the satchel to the American. With no name or address to go on, Livi and her friends set to deciphering a series of clues as to the whereabouts of the man, taking them from Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre wood to the romance and sophistication of Paris. Sweet-natured and kind-hearted, Livi must also cope with unwanted romantic overtures and a family drama which reaches out from the other side of the world. Along the way we learn about Livi’s past and why it is she fears that she cannot return home.
All Over the Place is a fun romance novel. Livi’s character is instantly likable, and she is someone to whom we can all relate. From her neuroses to her secret shoebox of chocolates, Livi is the best friend that we would all wish we could be. It is a strong testament to the realism of Serena Clarke’s writing that the reader can feel such an attachment to her, and I was desperate for things to work out for the best in the end. Serena’s writing perfectly captures the realities of living in a city such as London, from the drabness of the daily commute to colourful descriptions of the Notting Hill carnival and the elegance and high culture of the National Gallery. We also get a taste of the downsides and camaraderie of working in a glamorous Soho salon.
Within the book, Livi is in the enviable position of being almost assailed by offers from handsome, eligible men – from her former fiancé Rob, to the kind-hearted translator Matthias – and it seems at times that Livi is batting them off. However, it is the attentions of two men in particular that catch the reader’s attention, and this forms the major romantic thrust of the novel. Both men are well written and encapsulate all of the best elements of the spectrum of perfect leading men, leaving Livi with that most delicious of dilemmas – should she choose the mysterious and exciting Ryan or the bookish good-guy and childhood friend, Cam? Suffice it to say that the ending does leave the reader satisfied, but also wondering what happens next.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There are some books that call out for a sequel and All Over the Place is certainly one of those!
January 23, 2013
After a personal disaster played out in public, Livi Callaway ran away from her home in New Zealand to London, where she settles in to what she hopes will be a more peaceful life. Fat chance author Serena Clarke will let her heroine off the hook that easily.
For starters, after a brief encounter on the tube, she ends up with a briefcase belonging to a sexy American. From Idaho, no less. She combs through his belongings trying to find a clue to who he is. All she works out is that he’s chasing dead rock stars. Or at least visiting the graves of dead rock stars. She follows the trail but has no luck meeting up with him.
In the meantime, the cast of characters in her life keeps her life from being anything but peaceful. Her flat mate Cass brings home Steve. Livi’s mother shows up having left her home in New Zealand for a different life, which includes the slightly sleazy Len. Mattias, the quiet man who’s been hanging around Peach where she works, bringing her hot chocolate every day, makes his move. And Cam Holden, a long-time friend from New Zealand, along with the paparazzi from home, show up on her doorstep.
Luckily, for the reader (and for Livi), author Clarke knows exactly how to keep all the balls in the air and winds up all the loose ends before the last page. You’ll have to read the book to find out if she ever finds her mysterious Yank and who she ends up falling for. I recommend you do. You won’t regret it.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For starters, after a brief encounter on the tube, she ends up with a briefcase belonging to a sexy American. From Idaho, no less. She combs through his belongings trying to find a clue to who he is. All she works out is that he’s chasing dead rock stars. Or at least visiting the graves of dead rock stars. She follows the trail but has no luck meeting up with him.
In the meantime, the cast of characters in her life keeps her life from being anything but peaceful. Her flat mate Cass brings home Steve. Livi’s mother shows up having left her home in New Zealand for a different life, which includes the slightly sleazy Len. Mattias, the quiet man who’s been hanging around Peach where she works, bringing her hot chocolate every day, makes his move. And Cam Holden, a long-time friend from New Zealand, along with the paparazzi from home, show up on her doorstep.
Luckily, for the reader (and for Livi), author Clarke knows exactly how to keep all the balls in the air and winds up all the loose ends before the last page. You’ll have to read the book to find out if she ever finds her mysterious Yank and who she ends up falling for. I recommend you do. You won’t regret it.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2013
All Over the Place is a rollicking romp with wonderfully drawn characters that you'll love to meet. This book has it all - flirtation, adventure, romance and a healthy dose of pure whimsy. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The lovely Livi Callaway meets a stranger on the London tube, someone who sets her pulse racing and she has no idea she's in for the roller coaster ride of a lifetime.
After having her heart broken on national TV by her then fiancé, Rob, Livi decides to throw caution to the winds and embark on her adventure.
I found I really wanted to work in the very chic hair salon in London- 'Peaches' with Livi and the rest of her friends. I had to say I was extremely jealous of the looks of the lovely Cass- 'red hair, creamy skin, long limbs' - the way I've always wanted to look. She's a real hoot too. I loved the relationship between Aidan and Will, two guy men who apart from each other also love - hair.
But I confess, very early in the book, I found myself really developing a soft spot for the adorable Cam - Livi's childhood friend, motorbike nut, sexy as hell and generally all round good guy.And he's extremely intelligent too, which is always such a turn on for me. A lecturer in Economics? Believe me, it's not as dry as it sounds, I promise. This man has moves...and a great backside.
The story moves, as the book title suggests ' All Over the Place' not just geographically but in a whirlwind ride of friendship, relationships and a growing awareness of where true happiness actually resides.
I look forward to reading Serena's Clarke's next book.
The lovely Livi Callaway meets a stranger on the London tube, someone who sets her pulse racing and she has no idea she's in for the roller coaster ride of a lifetime.
After having her heart broken on national TV by her then fiancé, Rob, Livi decides to throw caution to the winds and embark on her adventure.
I found I really wanted to work in the very chic hair salon in London- 'Peaches' with Livi and the rest of her friends. I had to say I was extremely jealous of the looks of the lovely Cass- 'red hair, creamy skin, long limbs' - the way I've always wanted to look. She's a real hoot too. I loved the relationship between Aidan and Will, two guy men who apart from each other also love - hair.
But I confess, very early in the book, I found myself really developing a soft spot for the adorable Cam - Livi's childhood friend, motorbike nut, sexy as hell and generally all round good guy.And he's extremely intelligent too, which is always such a turn on for me. A lecturer in Economics? Believe me, it's not as dry as it sounds, I promise. This man has moves...and a great backside.
The story moves, as the book title suggests ' All Over the Place' not just geographically but in a whirlwind ride of friendship, relationships and a growing awareness of where true happiness actually resides.
I look forward to reading Serena's Clarke's next book.
August 25, 2013
This book drew me in - and kept me guessing - right to the very end.
Its been fifteen years since I've travelled to London and France, but this book took me back into the heart of those countries, reminding me of why I fell in love with them both and took me on a journey far from my reality. What an adventure!
Marked as a romance, this book for me was so much more than just a great romance story. I loved the dynamics of each character and who they were to Livvy and how they helped shape her into the person she is today. She is resilient, but that is in no small way because of the people she surrounds herself with. Each interaction showed more of her character and I thought it was such a fun way of getting to know her more deeply. But there were some really emotional moments too. The situation that stands out in my mind was the scene with her mum. It made me cry. It was a powerful moment and one most of us have played out in our own lives. That moment of when a child is forced to recognize a parent as being a person, separate from that role we've known them as for the first time.
Why it kept me guessing was, I was never really sure WHO Livvy was going to choose to be with. I knew who I WANTED her to be with, but it wasn't until we got nearer the ending that her choice was finally revealed - and boy, was it worth the wait! *Happy sigh*
All Over the Place is an outstanding debut novel and I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.
Its been fifteen years since I've travelled to London and France, but this book took me back into the heart of those countries, reminding me of why I fell in love with them both and took me on a journey far from my reality. What an adventure!
Marked as a romance, this book for me was so much more than just a great romance story. I loved the dynamics of each character and who they were to Livvy and how they helped shape her into the person she is today. She is resilient, but that is in no small way because of the people she surrounds herself with. Each interaction showed more of her character and I thought it was such a fun way of getting to know her more deeply. But there were some really emotional moments too. The situation that stands out in my mind was the scene with her mum. It made me cry. It was a powerful moment and one most of us have played out in our own lives. That moment of when a child is forced to recognize a parent as being a person, separate from that role we've known them as for the first time.
Why it kept me guessing was, I was never really sure WHO Livvy was going to choose to be with. I knew who I WANTED her to be with, but it wasn't until we got nearer the ending that her choice was finally revealed - and boy, was it worth the wait! *Happy sigh*
All Over the Place is an outstanding debut novel and I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.
September 2, 2013
Livi is a New Zealander who runs away to London after a humiliating - and very public - breakup. While she's doing the single-working-girl thing in England, the book read like straight chick-lit, which I love. She had fun with her best friends, kept in touch with some schoolmates back home, flirted with a smattering of guys, and alternately complained about and thrived on her work in a hair salon.
And then all hell broke loose.
Livi's mother came to London to "find herself" while Livi's dad was nowhere to be found. Livi's best friend Cam was sometimes being his sweet self and sometimes ignoring her texts and emails. Finally, Livi got stuck with a handsome American's leather satchel due to a mishap on the train.
With a nudge from her flatmate, Livi went all over the place - throughout town, on day trips around England, and even a few days in romantic Paris - trying to find the American and return his satchel. She also went all over the place in her heart and mind, trying to figure out where her life was going and who she wanted to spend it with.
And there's where chick-lit turned to romance.
I won't give away details, but Livi got one of the best, most romantic, awe-inspiring and awwwww-inspiring happily ever afters I've read in a long time.
Brava, Serena Clarke! I plan to read more by you!
And then all hell broke loose.
Livi's mother came to London to "find herself" while Livi's dad was nowhere to be found. Livi's best friend Cam was sometimes being his sweet self and sometimes ignoring her texts and emails. Finally, Livi got stuck with a handsome American's leather satchel due to a mishap on the train.
With a nudge from her flatmate, Livi went all over the place - throughout town, on day trips around England, and even a few days in romantic Paris - trying to find the American and return his satchel. She also went all over the place in her heart and mind, trying to figure out where her life was going and who she wanted to spend it with.
And there's where chick-lit turned to romance.
I won't give away details, but Livi got one of the best, most romantic, awe-inspiring and awwwww-inspiring happily ever afters I've read in a long time.
Brava, Serena Clarke! I plan to read more by you!
February 12, 2013
ALL OVER THE PLACE, the debut novel by Serena Clarke, was a thoroughly engaging, globe-hopping confection of a novel.
When heroine Livi flees her homeland and a painful betrayal for an exciting new life in faraway hotspots, Clarke takes the reader on an enchanting journey of both distance and heart. Livi was at turns feisty, sympathetic, and driven. The men in her life were both hot and mysterious, a perfect combination. The supporting characters were numerous and diverse. And Livi's best friend, Cam, is a dead-sexy guy with a heart of gold and a secret worth guarding.
ALL OVER THE PLACE is a fast-paced, fun journey through sparkling locations and the turbulent tides of love, one that ends with a sweet, satisfying HEA. If you're looking for a fantastic read full of well-drawn characters and great plot, this book is the one for you!
***I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When heroine Livi flees her homeland and a painful betrayal for an exciting new life in faraway hotspots, Clarke takes the reader on an enchanting journey of both distance and heart. Livi was at turns feisty, sympathetic, and driven. The men in her life were both hot and mysterious, a perfect combination. The supporting characters were numerous and diverse. And Livi's best friend, Cam, is a dead-sexy guy with a heart of gold and a secret worth guarding.
ALL OVER THE PLACE is a fast-paced, fun journey through sparkling locations and the turbulent tides of love, one that ends with a sweet, satisfying HEA. If you're looking for a fantastic read full of well-drawn characters and great plot, this book is the one for you!
***I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2013
All Over The Place is surprisingly a debut novel by Serena Clarke. I really enjoy getting in on the ground floor of a debut. I saw so much potential and she will be an author to watch in this genre. The book was thoroughly engaging and filled with lots of scenery and locations you can only imagine! Livi leaves New Zealand after being humiliated, trying to recover from a very painful betrayal.
ALL OVER THE PLACE is perfect for the chick lit lovers I know. They will just devour this one! If you're a chick lit and romance fan this is for you. Filled with great characters and great plot.
ALL OVER THE PLACE is perfect for the chick lit lovers I know. They will just devour this one! If you're a chick lit and romance fan this is for you. Filled with great characters and great plot.
August 26, 2015
"Near and yet so far"
Interesting characters in a mix of plausible and implausible situations. At times this lacked a little pace and my attention drifted; at others the action raced along and it was much more engaging. I can see this being extremely popular; it's a love story after all, although Livi doesn't know who her leading man will be, even if we know right from the beginning. For me this was almost a great book, but I can't quite put my finger on what was missing
Interesting characters in a mix of plausible and implausible situations. At times this lacked a little pace and my attention drifted; at others the action raced along and it was much more engaging. I can see this being extremely popular; it's a love story after all, although Livi doesn't know who her leading man will be, even if we know right from the beginning. For me this was almost a great book, but I can't quite put my finger on what was missing
July 4, 2015
Just like the title the story is all over the place. London, New Zealand, present, past, conversations that made me go back and reread to see what happened.
The author has promise. I'd like to read more from the author later to see if she develops her voice.
The author has promise. I'd like to read more from the author later to see if she develops her voice.
May 12, 2016
The book was very slow and the flashbacks were not in logical spots of the book. Then the whole story is wrapped up so quickly in the last chapter you're left wondering what just happened. The book had the makings of being great, but it just fell flat.
March 4, 2013
I adored this book and the adventures Livi had with her friends. If you're in for a carefree and fun read check out All Over the Place.
June 26, 2015
Author just threw in large amounts of pointless information to hide the fact that the plot line was lacking and the characters had no depth
September 20, 2015
Fun, easy read. A cut above the usual chick-lit fare
July 9, 2017
Light, not too cringe-worthy and quick to read. The characters are likeable and the story is fairly quickly paced. A good beach read.
February 9, 2020
All Over the Place
I liked this book because it had me intrigued until the very end. Livi Callaway’s relationship status went from humiliating to enviable. I can’t wait to read more books by Serena Clarke.
I liked this book because it had me intrigued until the very end. Livi Callaway’s relationship status went from humiliating to enviable. I can’t wait to read more books by Serena Clarke.
September 8, 2020
Just fun.
The plot was a bit all over the place but I was willing to follow this breezy, well-written bit if escape fiction.
The plot was a bit all over the place but I was willing to follow this breezy, well-written bit if escape fiction.
June 9, 2023
Unbelievably fake, poor writing, poor story graphing and planning, poor characters who never felt more than created, poor plot, terribly unrealistic ending.
September 18, 2025
A good chick lit with the right amount of men who weren't right and then realising loved childhood friend. Good amount of drama. Easy read.
April 21, 2013
I received an ARC copy of this book in an exchange for a honest review for www.SMIBookClub.com
All Over The Place is… well, all over the place! You really do take a wonderful trip with this book. Livi and her friends take out on some adventures that makes me want to pack my suitcases as well. This book reminded me of a great chick-flick kind of movie, only in book form. And everyone knows the book is always better!
One unsuspecting day on the train Livi meets a mysterious American man. A chance encounter leaves her with his leather satchel and so the story begins! She goes home and wonders what to do next…
While thinking of what to do, the book revisits her past and the “how and why” of where she is today. Livi was humiliated by her fiancé on television while he was competing on a reality show. Everyone had told Livi that he was not any good for her, including a childhood friend. And he seems to have a special interest in her, himself. She escapes to her home country after the initial shock (that she hasn’t been to since she was a small child) to try to put her life back together, meeting some great friends and starting a great job. So you can tell why Livi is kind of hesitant about what to do with the satchel.
With clues they can figure out, her and her friends set out on a hilarious adventure to find this mysterious guy. This is the bulk of the book, and I would probably liked to seen more romance. The romance and some serious decisions doesn’t happen until later on in the book after quite an adventure to get there. This, to me, was more about Livi and her friends on an adventure of the heart together, not just Livi trying to find love on her own. Since it was between them, there was a lot of dialogue. Sometimes I felt maybe even too much.
But it does come full circle for Livi. It was worth going through the adventure! And I won’t spoil it by saying who this quote is from to her…
“I needed to know if it was something real.” His fingers were warm and steady around hers. “Until you followed it through, you wouldn’t know. And if it wasn’t real, then you could let it go. I was hoping, anyway.”
The ending does not disappoint though! This was one of the happiest HEA’s I’ve ever read. I think I may have even cried a few happy tears! This was a fun read. I rate this book 3.5 stars.
All Over The Place is… well, all over the place! You really do take a wonderful trip with this book. Livi and her friends take out on some adventures that makes me want to pack my suitcases as well. This book reminded me of a great chick-flick kind of movie, only in book form. And everyone knows the book is always better!
One unsuspecting day on the train Livi meets a mysterious American man. A chance encounter leaves her with his leather satchel and so the story begins! She goes home and wonders what to do next…
While thinking of what to do, the book revisits her past and the “how and why” of where she is today. Livi was humiliated by her fiancé on television while he was competing on a reality show. Everyone had told Livi that he was not any good for her, including a childhood friend. And he seems to have a special interest in her, himself. She escapes to her home country after the initial shock (that she hasn’t been to since she was a small child) to try to put her life back together, meeting some great friends and starting a great job. So you can tell why Livi is kind of hesitant about what to do with the satchel.
With clues they can figure out, her and her friends set out on a hilarious adventure to find this mysterious guy. This is the bulk of the book, and I would probably liked to seen more romance. The romance and some serious decisions doesn’t happen until later on in the book after quite an adventure to get there. This, to me, was more about Livi and her friends on an adventure of the heart together, not just Livi trying to find love on her own. Since it was between them, there was a lot of dialogue. Sometimes I felt maybe even too much.
But it does come full circle for Livi. It was worth going through the adventure! And I won’t spoil it by saying who this quote is from to her…
“I needed to know if it was something real.” His fingers were warm and steady around hers. “Until you followed it through, you wouldn’t know. And if it wasn’t real, then you could let it go. I was hoping, anyway.”
The ending does not disappoint though! This was one of the happiest HEA’s I’ve ever read. I think I may have even cried a few happy tears! This was a fun read. I rate this book 3.5 stars.
June 24, 2013
Yummy fiancé and happy days that was the life of Livi. She thought that was her life anyway…then *boom* the rug went flying out from under her and life is changed. Changed in a big way!
Livi had an idealic life in New Zealand. Yummy fiancé. Happiness. STOP! Did I forget to mention he does an awful thing to her, it’s played on television for the masses to see? Yes.. Awful lot she has been dealt. It’s back home for our leading lady. Livi is going back to London. She wants peace back and a fresh start.
In London Livi settles into life. She works at the Peach Salon. She is surrounded by quite a cast of characters. They help Livi on her adventure which begins after a trip on the tube (Train) where she meets an American from Idaho. His bag is left behind and with the help of Cass and Mia – the search begins. The search for a man from America and she does not even know his name. They search throug the things she has from the bag left behind and they are hot on the trail.
“No, if you were a vegetable it would be something much more delicious. Sweet corn, cherry tomato, maybe.”
While all of this is going on, things from New Zealand end up in London (Cam) – she has one man bringing her sweet treats daily (Mattias) and one that is simply put a bit of a sleaze ball (Len).
I wanted her to stop her chase. I had my pick of who and where I thought she needed to be but I will not tell you, I will let you decide on your own. The story is a whirlwind and my feet hurt. (She was all over the place searching!) HA-HA! She is on the run searching and trying to find her American, or should she just go for love.
“Sometimes you have to go full circle – all over the place, maybe – to get back to the right beginning.”
In the end the story comes together nicely and you get the answers. I will not give it away but let me tell you Livi is one crazy gal, and I did enjoy her adventures. How does it all turn out and does that lovely American ever get his bag back? Read it and see for yourself …lol!
Livi had an idealic life in New Zealand. Yummy fiancé. Happiness. STOP! Did I forget to mention he does an awful thing to her, it’s played on television for the masses to see? Yes.. Awful lot she has been dealt. It’s back home for our leading lady. Livi is going back to London. She wants peace back and a fresh start.
In London Livi settles into life. She works at the Peach Salon. She is surrounded by quite a cast of characters. They help Livi on her adventure which begins after a trip on the tube (Train) where she meets an American from Idaho. His bag is left behind and with the help of Cass and Mia – the search begins. The search for a man from America and she does not even know his name. They search throug the things she has from the bag left behind and they are hot on the trail.
“No, if you were a vegetable it would be something much more delicious. Sweet corn, cherry tomato, maybe.”
While all of this is going on, things from New Zealand end up in London (Cam) – she has one man bringing her sweet treats daily (Mattias) and one that is simply put a bit of a sleaze ball (Len).
I wanted her to stop her chase. I had my pick of who and where I thought she needed to be but I will not tell you, I will let you decide on your own. The story is a whirlwind and my feet hurt. (She was all over the place searching!) HA-HA! She is on the run searching and trying to find her American, or should she just go for love.
“Sometimes you have to go full circle – all over the place, maybe – to get back to the right beginning.”
In the end the story comes together nicely and you get the answers. I will not give it away but let me tell you Livi is one crazy gal, and I did enjoy her adventures. How does it all turn out and does that lovely American ever get his bag back? Read it and see for yourself …lol!
June 24, 2013
Yummy fiancé and happy days that was the life of Livi. She thought that was her life anyway…then *boom* the rug went flying out from under her and life is changed. Changed in a big way!
Livi had an idealic life in New Zealand. Yummy fiancé. Happiness. STOP! Did I forget to mention he does an awful thing to her, it’s played on television for the masses to see? Yes.. Awful lot she has been dealt. It’s back home for our leading lady. Livi is going back to London. She wants peace back and a fresh start.
In London Livi settles into life. She works at the Peach Salon. She is surrounded by quite a cast of characters. They help Livi on her adventure which begins after a trip on the tube (Train) where she meets an American from Idaho. His bag is left behind and with the help of Cass and Mia – the search begins. The search for a man from America and she does not even know his name. They search throug the things she has from the bag left behind and they are hot on the trail.
“No, if you were a vegetable it would be something much more delicious. Sweet corn, cherry tomato, maybe.”
While all of this is going on, things from New Zealand end up in London (Cam) – she has one man bringing her sweet treats daily (Mattias) and one that is simply put a bit of a sleaze ball (Len).
I wanted her to stop her chase. I had my pick of who and where I thought she needed to be but I will not tell you, I will let you decide on your own. The story is a whirlwind and my feet hurt. (She was all over the place searching!) HA-HA! She is on the run searching and trying to find her American, or should she just go for love.
“Sometimes you have to go full circle – all over the place, maybe – to get back to the right beginning.”
In the end the story comes together nicely and you get the answers. I will not give it away but let me tell you Livi is one crazy gal, and I did enjoy her adventures. How does it all turn out and does that lovely American ever get his bag back? Read it and see for yourself …lol!
April 15, 2013
Liv goes back to London to get away from the humiliation her ex fiance put her thru on t.v. She figures a big city and a fresh start and no one will care or know about her past. Working at a salon she is moving on with her life and hanging out with friends. That changes when she meets a mysterious American and ends up with his briefcase and now decides to track down the mysterious stranger and return the case. As she hunts for clues her life gets even any crazier as her mom comes for an unexpected visit that cause some crazy situations. Along the hunt for her stranger she has some help from a childhood friend. A friend she wonders if he is just a friend. Her past also comes back to haunt her as some reporters show up to interview her about her ex. A quiet life is what she wants but her life is far from it.
Liv is a hard worker who really doesn't want to be in the spotlight. She wants to find happiness but in a way is afraid of being burned by love. I really liked Liv and at times she could be so funny. Her mom seems like at times has hit a mid life crisis. She wants a change and just goes for it not really knowing what she wants. Cam was another favorite of mine. He is her childhood friend and even if he lives far away he is always there for her. There is tons more fasctinatinfg characters in this book from Cass, Steve, Mia and even a woman name Journey.
I really liked this book as it is a quick light hearted read that had me laughing several times. The book flows very well and is written wonderfully. You get to visit several cities and wonderful places as Liv hunts down her mystery man. All the crazy antics seem very real and likely and the characters seem believable. I would recommend this to anyone wanted a lighthearted book full of laughter, love, family and friends.
Liv is a hard worker who really doesn't want to be in the spotlight. She wants to find happiness but in a way is afraid of being burned by love. I really liked Liv and at times she could be so funny. Her mom seems like at times has hit a mid life crisis. She wants a change and just goes for it not really knowing what she wants. Cam was another favorite of mine. He is her childhood friend and even if he lives far away he is always there for her. There is tons more fasctinatinfg characters in this book from Cass, Steve, Mia and even a woman name Journey.
I really liked this book as it is a quick light hearted read that had me laughing several times. The book flows very well and is written wonderfully. You get to visit several cities and wonderful places as Liv hunts down her mystery man. All the crazy antics seem very real and likely and the characters seem believable. I would recommend this to anyone wanted a lighthearted book full of laughter, love, family and friends.
March 22, 2013
Livi Callaway has left her home in New Zealand to return to her birth place England. She's getting away from the fact that her ex boyfriend has totally humiliated her by appearing on a dancing reality TV show. Will she ever be able to show her face again?
While in London she's on a packed tube train, chatting/flirting with an American man, in the rush to get off at his stop his bag gets tangled with hers and he gets off without it. She knows nothing about him, not even his name, only that he is from Idaho.
Her best friend and flatmate Cass convinces her to hunt him down, telling Livi that he could be the love of her life but will Livi agree?
At first glance of this book I thought it might be a bit Mills & Boon type judging by the cover. Thankfully it's nothing like that. I finished this book over 12 hours ago and have thought and thought about it but I still can't make my mind up about it.
While there was plenty going on in the story, a few twists to it, I didn't find it really engaging. I didn't really care what happened to the characters, I just kept on reading to find out what happened. A bit of the plot had no need to be there, like what happened with Livi's parents, that could have been filled with something else which would have made a lot of difference. There were plenty of different characters in the book which made it a bit more livelier.
Told in the third person narrative, there were a few emails between Livi and her old childhood friend Cam. I enjoyed those as it's a bit of a favourite format of mine when reading, anything a bit out of the norm! The author did write this well as it the story did flow.
Would I recommend All Over The Place? I would recommend it, purely because we all have different tastes. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.
While in London she's on a packed tube train, chatting/flirting with an American man, in the rush to get off at his stop his bag gets tangled with hers and he gets off without it. She knows nothing about him, not even his name, only that he is from Idaho.
Her best friend and flatmate Cass convinces her to hunt him down, telling Livi that he could be the love of her life but will Livi agree?
At first glance of this book I thought it might be a bit Mills & Boon type judging by the cover. Thankfully it's nothing like that. I finished this book over 12 hours ago and have thought and thought about it but I still can't make my mind up about it.
While there was plenty going on in the story, a few twists to it, I didn't find it really engaging. I didn't really care what happened to the characters, I just kept on reading to find out what happened. A bit of the plot had no need to be there, like what happened with Livi's parents, that could have been filled with something else which would have made a lot of difference. There were plenty of different characters in the book which made it a bit more livelier.
Told in the third person narrative, there were a few emails between Livi and her old childhood friend Cam. I enjoyed those as it's a bit of a favourite format of mine when reading, anything a bit out of the norm! The author did write this well as it the story did flow.
Would I recommend All Over The Place? I would recommend it, purely because we all have different tastes. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.
April 30, 2013
Serena Clarke’s debut novel lives up to its title All Over The Place. While I did like it, the story itself seemed to jump around a lot and with the constant stream of new characters it made it unnecessarily complex and just a tad hard to follow. There were several elements, like Livi’s parental drama, that I felt could have been left out entirely as they added very little to the story and seemed more like filler than anything else. Maybe with a little reworking they could have been incorporated a little more smoothly into the story. Livi was endearing in her awkwardness through her search to find herself and the charming, sexy owner of the backpack that she accidentally ended up with after a chance meeting on the tube. The other characters that popped up, with a few exceptions, definitely served to liven up the novel and I liked the majority of them, even if there were one too many. The author has a good “voice” and wrote with humor and a touch of sassiness that won me over in the end. The British terms did throw me for a loop at first, but luckily my Kindle’s dictionary was pretty worldly and when it couldn’t offer any suggestions as to a possible meaning it turned out it wasn’t too hard to figure out for myself. It got easier as time went on as I slipped farther into the story and its setting. I can’t say much about the ending for fear of giving too much away but it was sweet and satisfying and made the entire book worth reading, in my opinion. If you’re in the mood for a adventure/romance or a relatively quick, fun beach read then this is your cup of tea (which, by the way, you’ll be craving after all of the mentions it gets! ;)).
I received a complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
August 4, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this funny, relatable and all around well written novel by Serena Clarke. In the first chapter Livi is on a subway journey home from a late shift at work when we are somewhat introduced to 'The American', a mysteriously and handsome stranger with whom she is forced into close quarters with; due to limited space on the train. There meeting is brief, however sparks appear to fly between the two and ends with the throng of passengers pushing past exiting the train leaving Livi holding onto 'The American's' satchel while he looks on from outside the train. From this point onwards we get to know Livi better through glimpses into her past (her past love and her flighty response to it's hurtful ending) and we follow her on her journey in trying to find 'The American' to return his satchel and to perhaps find out where those sparks may have led them. Serena Clarke has us believing for the majority of the novel that the story is about Livi finding 'The American' and them falling in love (or along those lines) however it is shown that this isn't quite the case when Livi's best friend from back home flies through to London to surprise her and feelings she never thought she would have for him start to bloom. Now she must choose between Cam, the man who she has known since they were very little, who knows her better than anyone or 'The American' whom she barely knows but feels she had a connection with. I was very happy to find her choosing Cam in the end, or really it was Cam stepping up and choosing her with a very romantic and well thought out proposal! All in all this is a fantastic novel that I couldn't find myself able to put down from start to finish and I would recommend this to anyone who loves romantic comedies and light hearted fluff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2013
ALL OVER THE PLACE is Charming, Sassy and Utterly Romantic. So many Swoon worthy men, and so little time!
I had such a GREAT time reading this debut Romance from Serena Clarke. Livi, our heroine, was such a wonderful character, and so relatible, you almost feel as if you are there, among her friends, hanging out, gossiping and watching the drama unfold.
Oh poor Livi, so many men, so little time! Haha! If only we ALL had this problem...But...I think she ends up with the Best One of All...I won't divulge this information because you will just have to read the story to find out WHO, but I will say, this certain man captured my heart along the way...and I was overjoyed that Livi FINALLY gets a fairytale ending...especially after all the drama that led her to it.
I loved Livi, and she certainly steals the show, but I will say all the secondary characters, especially Cass and Steve, well I just LOVED them from the moment we meet them. And Cam, well, I think just his name says it all...swoon...and Ryan Velez....yum...I'll give Serena Clarke huge points for giving these men such sexy names!!
Fans of Jill Mansell will absolutely adore ALL OVER THE PLACE, and I see Serena Clarke making a huge splash with this debut. I look forward to reading more from her, and would definitely recommend ALL OVER THE PLACE to anyone who love a Exciting, Drama-Filled, World win Adventure, with Fantastic Characters and a HEA!!
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