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Some kind of wonderful
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When the love of your life says you're not The One, who are you?
Lizzy and Ian have been a couple since the first week of university. Now, after celebrating a decade together, everyone thinks they're about to get engaged.
Instead, a romantic escape to Dubai leaves Lizzy with no ring, no fiancé and no future.
Lizzy is heartbroken - but through the tears, she sees an opportunity. This is her moment to discover what she's been missing while playing Ian's ideal 'better half'.
But how much has Ian changed her, and who should she be without him?
Determined to discover who she is at heart, Lizzy sets out to rediscover the girl she was before - and, in the meantime, have a little fun . . .
When the love of your life says you're not The One, who are you?
Lizzy and Ian have been a couple since the first week of university. Now, after celebrating a decade together, everyone thinks they're about to get engaged.
Instead, a romantic escape to Dubai leaves Lizzy with no ring, no fiancé and no future.
Lizzy is heartbroken - but through the tears, she sees an opportunity. This is her moment to discover what she's been missing while playing Ian's ideal 'better half'.
But how much has Ian changed her, and who should she be without him?
Determined to discover who she is at heart, Lizzy sets out to rediscover the girl she was before - and, in the meantime, have a little fun . . .
When the love of your life says you're not The One, who are you?
Lizzy and Ian have been a couple since the first week of university. Now, after celebrating a decade together, everyone thinks they're about to get engaged.
Instead, a romantic escape to Dubai leaves Lizzy with no ring, no fiancé and no future.
Lizzy is heartbroken - but through the tears, she sees an opportunity. This is her moment to discover what she's been missing while playing Ian's ideal 'better half'.
But how much has Ian changed her, and who should she be without him?
Determined to discover who she is at heart, Lizzy sets out to rediscover the girl she was before - and, in the meantime, have a little fun . . .
When the love of your life says you're not The One, who are you?
Lizzy and Ian have been a couple since the first week of university. Now, after celebrating a decade together, everyone thinks they're about to get engaged.
Instead, a romantic escape to Dubai leaves Lizzy with no ring, no fiancé and no future.
Lizzy is heartbroken - but through the tears, she sees an opportunity. This is her moment to discover what she's been missing while playing Ian's ideal 'better half'.
But how much has Ian changed her, and who should she be without him?
Determined to discover who she is at heart, Lizzy sets out to rediscover the girl she was before - and, in the meantime, have a little fun . . .
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2017
285 people are currently reading
3690 people want to read
About the author
Giovanna Fletcher
24 books6,180 followersGiovanna grew up in Essex with her Italian dad Mario, mum Kim, big sister Giorgina and little brother Mario, and spent most of her childhood talking to herself (it seems no one wanted to listen) or reading books.
At thirteen she left Essex behind to attend the full-time Sylvia Young Theatre School, where she met her husband Tom Fletcher. Following SYTS she completed an acting BA (hons) at Rose Bruford – since then she's been acting, chaperoning mini actors and dabbling in a spot of freelance journalism.
Giovanna is a firm believer in the power of magpies and positive energy. To see what makes Giovanna smile, view her blog at www.giovannasworld.com, or her Twitter page @mrsgifletcher
Billy and Me is Giovanna's debut novel.
At thirteen she left Essex behind to attend the full-time Sylvia Young Theatre School, where she met her husband Tom Fletcher. Following SYTS she completed an acting BA (hons) at Rose Bruford – since then she's been acting, chaperoning mini actors and dabbling in a spot of freelance journalism.
Giovanna is a firm believer in the power of magpies and positive energy. To see what makes Giovanna smile, view her blog at www.giovannasworld.com, or her Twitter page @mrsgifletcher
Billy and Me is Giovanna's debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 643 reviews
February 14, 2018
This is a light and entertaining quick read by Giovanna Fletcher. Lizzie and Ian have been a couple for 10 years since university, and through the years Lizzie has obsessed about when Ian will propose. She has almost given up that he ever will, only to find on a holiday to Dubai, that he finally bring out the ring. However, to her horror, there is heartbreak when he comes out with the fact that he is just not able to propose and that he no longer wants to be with her. A shell shocked Lizzie returns from her nightmare holiday and moves in with her parents. She finds herself taking stock of her life as she wonders who she is without Ian. She embarks on a quest to trawl through her past history, noting all the things she could not do as a couple, how much Ian influenced her sense of who she was, and come to evolve a new sense of identity. There is a great cast of characters including her mother and husband, her father, her sister, Michelle with her competitive rivalries, and her friend, Connie. I like the fact that this does not turn into a search for a new man, but is instead a fun and humorous look at how there is life after a long term relationship breakdown amidst a background of music from the 1980s and 1990s. An enjoyable read. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
December 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this. It's a good fun, thoughtful and empowering read. Just my kind of commercial women's fiction.
March 4, 2020
After loving Billy and Me and Always With Love the other Giovanna Fletcher I have read were a little disappointing until now. This one had a Lindsey Kelk feel to it and I loved the story for it. I loved the mention of Billy Buskin (He's such a great character). Lizzy is the stereotypical lead female role with her heart broken by Ian, determined to fix it she has the mission of finding who is was before Ian. Lizzy learns that throughout your life you and the people around you change, in the end finding her current life Some Kind of Wonderful.
October 5, 2017
I'm sad to say that I really did not enjoy or get into this book. I wanted to love it as I think that Giovanna herself is absolutely brill! However, I got up to 20% and realised that I just wasn't enjoying it. There was so much padding in the narrative, and unnecessary detail, that I just wanted to get on with the main plot points. Still by 20% of the way through it felt like nothing had happened (admittedly the breakup had happened but that was being dragged out something chronic) and I wanted more. Given that I have so many other books that I want to read, I just couldn't justify persevering with this.
August 5, 2018
3.5 happy stars
I don't usually read chicklit, I tend to reach for PNR/UF, and now I'm wondering why I've never read more of this genre. Some Kind of Wonderful was an easy, light and relaxing read, with some emotional pain, but on the whole, it was full of hope, fun and girl-power message. It was just what I needed to relax with after reading an emotionally dark and subject heavy book like Between Shades of Gray.
“The only direction to go in life is forwards; staying put and pressing pause is simply not an option.”
Lizzy and Ian have been together since university, it has been ten years since and Lizzy has been feeling increasingly desperate waiting for Ian to propose to her, and the increasing pressure of family expectations adds tension to their relationship. Suddenly, all the bottled up emotions burst open when Ian breaks up with Lizzy on a couples holiday in the worse way imaginable...On his knees holding a ring! It was awful! Ian is portrayed as a gentleman but that move made him into a shitty person in my eyes.
“All this stuff, stuff that I thought held so much sentimental value, means nothing to me any more. Now it symbolizes empty promises, broken hearts and me not being good enough. I thought this was us building strong foundations for the future; turns out we were playing with sandcastles.”
Lizzy begins the difficult journey of self-discovery and finding out her real self, the woman she buried and compromised on in small ways to show Ian she's the perfect partner until she forgot who she was. I really enjoyed the slow process of self actualization. The story was focused on Lizzy finding herself, her dreams and ambitions and less on romance, although there is a small romance subplot but it doesn't dominate the main plotline.
This book is about being an individual, about the painful process of uncoupling and having the courage to find yourself again after being in a relationship for so long that the idea of an 'us' is firmly part of your being and your individuality has become compromised to an extend. It's about reaching out to your loved ones, friends and community and asking for help when your life and dreams are turned upside down and you feel like life has kicked you in the teeth.
“This isn't the end, Lizzy. It's the beginning of something new. Don't be scared of new. New can be wonderful.”
Really liked how Lizzy didn't allow herself to wallow in self pity or hide from the world. She forces herself to look at things rationally every time she drifts into self pity or negative thought cycle. Instead, Lizzy grows to accept the parts of her that was changed by being with Ian and how some changes can be good and an inevitable part of growing up and life in general.
“Everyone who comes into our lives leaves their mark. That's how we grow, mature and evolve as humans. There's nothing wrong with that.”
I wanted to see how the decisions Lizzy made changed her life at the end and some resolution with the potentional romance, so I wasn't happy with the open ending. But the overall hopeful tone, the hilarious loving family and friends and cheeky humour won me over.
Some Kind of Wonderful is about finding your individuality, it's about setting your own expectations and following your own path in life with courage; it's also about love, laughter, hope, family, friends and community and how they all shape who we are as individuals for the better.
“People are meant to come into our lives and affect us. They're meant to challenged us and help us to grow. From the very first time you're cradled into your mother's bosom you're learning about human contact, love and devotion. Not every interaction will be quite as significant or powerful, but they'll push and pull you through life and help you grow and learn.”
I don't usually read chicklit, I tend to reach for PNR/UF, and now I'm wondering why I've never read more of this genre. Some Kind of Wonderful was an easy, light and relaxing read, with some emotional pain, but on the whole, it was full of hope, fun and girl-power message. It was just what I needed to relax with after reading an emotionally dark and subject heavy book like Between Shades of Gray.
“The only direction to go in life is forwards; staying put and pressing pause is simply not an option.”
Lizzy and Ian have been together since university, it has been ten years since and Lizzy has been feeling increasingly desperate waiting for Ian to propose to her, and the increasing pressure of family expectations adds tension to their relationship. Suddenly, all the bottled up emotions burst open when Ian breaks up with Lizzy on a couples holiday in the worse way imaginable...On his knees holding a ring! It was awful! Ian is portrayed as a gentleman but that move made him into a shitty person in my eyes.
“All this stuff, stuff that I thought held so much sentimental value, means nothing to me any more. Now it symbolizes empty promises, broken hearts and me not being good enough. I thought this was us building strong foundations for the future; turns out we were playing with sandcastles.”
Lizzy begins the difficult journey of self-discovery and finding out her real self, the woman she buried and compromised on in small ways to show Ian she's the perfect partner until she forgot who she was. I really enjoyed the slow process of self actualization. The story was focused on Lizzy finding herself, her dreams and ambitions and less on romance, although there is a small romance subplot but it doesn't dominate the main plotline.
This book is about being an individual, about the painful process of uncoupling and having the courage to find yourself again after being in a relationship for so long that the idea of an 'us' is firmly part of your being and your individuality has become compromised to an extend. It's about reaching out to your loved ones, friends and community and asking for help when your life and dreams are turned upside down and you feel like life has kicked you in the teeth.
“This isn't the end, Lizzy. It's the beginning of something new. Don't be scared of new. New can be wonderful.”
Really liked how Lizzy didn't allow herself to wallow in self pity or hide from the world. She forces herself to look at things rationally every time she drifts into self pity or negative thought cycle. Instead, Lizzy grows to accept the parts of her that was changed by being with Ian and how some changes can be good and an inevitable part of growing up and life in general.
“Everyone who comes into our lives leaves their mark. That's how we grow, mature and evolve as humans. There's nothing wrong with that.”
I wanted to see how the decisions Lizzy made changed her life at the end and some resolution with the potentional romance, so I wasn't happy with the open ending. But the overall hopeful tone, the hilarious loving family and friends and cheeky humour won me over.
Some Kind of Wonderful is about finding your individuality, it's about setting your own expectations and following your own path in life with courage; it's also about love, laughter, hope, family, friends and community and how they all shape who we are as individuals for the better.
August 22, 2020
This is not a romance but more on the lines of women's fiction. The thing is: I've read this story before, a version of it at least. In my opinion, Kelly Harms did it better with "The overdue life of Amy Byler", or Sarah Haywood in "The Cactus". It's the typical story of a woman whose life is turned upside down over night and she needs to follow a path of self-discovery. Not that those books I mentioned started the same way because they had different plot lines, but the main focus of female empowerment with a single female lead who proves she can reinvent herself without relying on a man by her side is very much the same idea. "The cactus" got 4 stars because of its emotional depressing punch, and "The overdue life of Amy Byler" was delightfully funny with a stronger plot line so it got a 5 stars from me.
"Some kind of wonderful" may have gotten a higher rating if I hadn't read those other books before, but I don't think so, because I basically compared it with Fletcher's other book "You're the one that I want" which was a sad love triangle story that really got me and made me cry a lot. When comparing both "Some kind of wonderful" looses for a mile. Not that I hated it, 3 stars is an enjoyable read but pretty standard.
Lizzie, 28 years old, has been in a 10-year relationship with Ian, who she met at college and has been waiting for the expected marriage proposal for a long time. But the proposal has failed to come over the years. When the story begins, Lizzy and Ian are on their annual vacation in Dubai and she's hoping again for the impending proposal. This time he does proposes but for the wrong reasons, he does not want get married, he is not actually in love with her anymore but he's trying to do the honorable thing not the right thing. The proposal ends up in a break-up (not a break, a break-up: finito). That's a very uncomfortable plane ride back home they both have and then packing suitcases and both moving from their shared flat with their corresponding parents. We don't see much of Ian after that since the story focuses on Lizzy and how she has to start over, finding new projects, a new job, travelling, getting close with her family and friends again. Of course she realizes that she has been compromising too much of herself during her long time relationship with Ian, just to please him. And girl, we've all been there!
That's the premise. I liked it just fine and I recommend it to those who love this kind of books but I've read better ones. If you're looking for something light and breezy, this is it.
"Some kind of wonderful" may have gotten a higher rating if I hadn't read those other books before, but I don't think so, because I basically compared it with Fletcher's other book "You're the one that I want" which was a sad love triangle story that really got me and made me cry a lot. When comparing both "Some kind of wonderful" looses for a mile. Not that I hated it, 3 stars is an enjoyable read but pretty standard.
Lizzie, 28 years old, has been in a 10-year relationship with Ian, who she met at college and has been waiting for the expected marriage proposal for a long time. But the proposal has failed to come over the years. When the story begins, Lizzy and Ian are on their annual vacation in Dubai and she's hoping again for the impending proposal. This time he does proposes but for the wrong reasons, he does not want get married, he is not actually in love with her anymore but he's trying to do the honorable thing not the right thing. The proposal ends up in a break-up (not a break, a break-up: finito). That's a very uncomfortable plane ride back home they both have and then packing suitcases and both moving from their shared flat with their corresponding parents. We don't see much of Ian after that since the story focuses on Lizzy and how she has to start over, finding new projects, a new job, travelling, getting close with her family and friends again. Of course she realizes that she has been compromising too much of herself during her long time relationship with Ian, just to please him. And girl, we've all been there!
That's the premise. I liked it just fine and I recommend it to those who love this kind of books but I've read better ones. If you're looking for something light and breezy, this is it.
September 13, 2018
I adore Giovanna Fletchers books so was really looking forward to Some Kind of Wonderful. It follows a slightly different path from her previous books but that’s not a negative just an observation! But don’t worry fellows fans, it’s still the wonderfully funny and open Giovanna Fletcher that we all know and love!
Lizzie and Ian have been together since, like, FOREVER and surely the next step after the long term romance and the flat is that ring on her finger followed by the wedding of her dreams. But on a luxury holiday to Dubai, Ian tells Lizzie that he has realised that she’s not THE ONE!! Devastated, she returns to the UK and leaves their shared home to return to her mum and stepfathers house. But there she starts to realise how far she has deviated from the girl she used to be. Could this break be the making of her and give her the life she should be living?
Giovanna Fletcher always manages to create wonderfully strong female characters but I wasn’t sure I really liked Lizzie to begin with as she didn’t seem happy with her relationship with Ian and came across as a bit ungrateful. After 10 years she did seem overly obsessed with getting that engagement ring on her finger instead of just being content with her relationship as it was. But gradually, I warmed to her especially once she was back in the supportive arms of her family. And what a family they were! I loved the easy going relationships she had with her sister, mother and stepfather plus her father. The whole family dynamic was a joy to experience and that was my favourite part of the storyline. It was fresh and funny with often unexpected bittersweet confessions that I’m sure will resonate with so many of her readers.
This is a journey of self rediscovery for Lizzie that follows her through the peaks and troughs of life post Ian. I wasn’t sure how it was going to end and was glad that Giovanna Fletcher took the path she did. I loved the epilogue and thought it was the perfect finish to what had proceeded it. Whilst probably not my favourite of her books, it’s still a fabulous read especially as it’s a bit of a departure for her usual style.
A funny, feelgood read from the “mummy” of the romantic comedy.
Lizzie and Ian have been together since, like, FOREVER and surely the next step after the long term romance and the flat is that ring on her finger followed by the wedding of her dreams. But on a luxury holiday to Dubai, Ian tells Lizzie that he has realised that she’s not THE ONE!! Devastated, she returns to the UK and leaves their shared home to return to her mum and stepfathers house. But there she starts to realise how far she has deviated from the girl she used to be. Could this break be the making of her and give her the life she should be living?
Giovanna Fletcher always manages to create wonderfully strong female characters but I wasn’t sure I really liked Lizzie to begin with as she didn’t seem happy with her relationship with Ian and came across as a bit ungrateful. After 10 years she did seem overly obsessed with getting that engagement ring on her finger instead of just being content with her relationship as it was. But gradually, I warmed to her especially once she was back in the supportive arms of her family. And what a family they were! I loved the easy going relationships she had with her sister, mother and stepfather plus her father. The whole family dynamic was a joy to experience and that was my favourite part of the storyline. It was fresh and funny with often unexpected bittersweet confessions that I’m sure will resonate with so many of her readers.
This is a journey of self rediscovery for Lizzie that follows her through the peaks and troughs of life post Ian. I wasn’t sure how it was going to end and was glad that Giovanna Fletcher took the path she did. I loved the epilogue and thought it was the perfect finish to what had proceeded it. Whilst probably not my favourite of her books, it’s still a fabulous read especially as it’s a bit of a departure for her usual style.
A funny, feelgood read from the “mummy” of the romantic comedy.
November 16, 2017
Well I have to say this is a bit of a departure from the normal Giovanna Fletcher writing style but one that I absolutely loved. Lizzy has been with Ian since Uni and she has their whole lives planned out, even if it is only in her imagination. When they go on a trip to Dubai Lizzy is convinced that this is 'it'. Instead she finds herself at the polar opposite of where she thought she would be and flies home a single woman. This throws her and she returns to her Mum's house to lick her wounds and find out who she really is.
The reason I say this is a departure is that it doesn't follow suit with some of her other fabulous books where everything is wrapped up neatly by the end. This isn't about Lizzy finding the man of her dreams which will fix everything, it's about her journey from being part of a couple to suddenly re-discovering what she likes to do and the things she wants from life.
All of the additional characters were brilliant in this book especially her friendship with her friend Connie. Then there is her very funny sister Michelle, her Mum and husband, her Dad and a whole fleet of other people who pass through. This truly was a fantastic read if only because I think it will resonate with so many people. It's been written with humour and love throughout without the condescending tone that some books manage to spill out. It was a sheer joy to read and I loved every page of it. Although I absolutely loved her other type of books such as Billy & Me this really was a brilliant book. The icing on the cake was the ending where it's not all wrapped up and the options for Lizzy are limitless, bravo Giovanna!
The reason I say this is a departure is that it doesn't follow suit with some of her other fabulous books where everything is wrapped up neatly by the end. This isn't about Lizzy finding the man of her dreams which will fix everything, it's about her journey from being part of a couple to suddenly re-discovering what she likes to do and the things she wants from life.
All of the additional characters were brilliant in this book especially her friendship with her friend Connie. Then there is her very funny sister Michelle, her Mum and husband, her Dad and a whole fleet of other people who pass through. This truly was a fantastic read if only because I think it will resonate with so many people. It's been written with humour and love throughout without the condescending tone that some books manage to spill out. It was a sheer joy to read and I loved every page of it. Although I absolutely loved her other type of books such as Billy & Me this really was a brilliant book. The icing on the cake was the ending where it's not all wrapped up and the options for Lizzy are limitless, bravo Giovanna!
November 26, 2017
I really wanted to love this book, I love Giovanna's work but this book just wasn't for me. For starters the story of a break up and subsequent life change was good, however, the long and labourious remainder of the book didn't seem to go anywhere...it just petered out. Wish I'd have waited for a price drop before reading.
Read
August 18, 2021This was long and tedious.
There were a few bits here and there I liked but mostly, it wasn't my cup of tea and I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
There were a few bits here and there I liked but mostly, it wasn't my cup of tea and I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
June 30, 2019
It took me a while to finish this one. And thats mostly because the story didn't really get to me. I could pick this book up after I left it and not directly remembering it anymore what it was about. I think I was wanting for something exciting to happen which I missed a bit. There were good bits but not that it got me really hooked on the story. It was okay but I have had better reads.
June 16, 2022
Listened to the audiobook for this one - sadly I just got no emotional attachment to the characters at all? I did relate to some of the experiences Lizzy was having but this got no feelings out of me. Have preferred Giovanna's other works. But overall, not BAD, just no emotion.
January 31, 2024
Beach read and a total dream. Loved the characters, story line was comforting and fun.
October 15, 2022
This story follows the life of Lizzie after her ten-year long partner can no longer see a future for them, and Lizzie is left to return from her holiday with not only no fiance but no relationship. She returns to her family home where she rediscovers and accepts how she's changed since her uni days when her relationship first began, and pieces herself back together to strive forwards.
This is the type of story that's missing from every mainstream media, with a young women coming out of a long-term relationship and rediscovering who she is by herself, but there is no huge development or realisation, no moment where everything clicks into place and she's suddenly completely happy and everything is perfect and makes sense - and, most importantly, no instantaneous, perfect new guy who fixed everything for her so she didn't have to fix it herself.
I loved this story and how it captured so honestly an ordinary woman living a relatable and human life, picking up on and taking appreciation of all the little, good things that make up her life, and remembering how to be happy on your own without compensating for and relying on another person. Lizzie makes no one grand leap, but little by little she is striving in her independent life, and shows every reader how you build your life up after a big knock back, detail by detail, and what you can discover, reconnect with and be grateful for along the way.
A great story you can allow yourself to be enveloped in whilst also recognising Lizzie could be any ordinary person in your life, or even you yourself. Superb work by Giovanna Fletcher.
This is the type of story that's missing from every mainstream media, with a young women coming out of a long-term relationship and rediscovering who she is by herself, but there is no huge development or realisation, no moment where everything clicks into place and she's suddenly completely happy and everything is perfect and makes sense - and, most importantly, no instantaneous, perfect new guy who fixed everything for her so she didn't have to fix it herself.
I loved this story and how it captured so honestly an ordinary woman living a relatable and human life, picking up on and taking appreciation of all the little, good things that make up her life, and remembering how to be happy on your own without compensating for and relying on another person. Lizzie makes no one grand leap, but little by little she is striving in her independent life, and shows every reader how you build your life up after a big knock back, detail by detail, and what you can discover, reconnect with and be grateful for along the way.
A great story you can allow yourself to be enveloped in whilst also recognising Lizzie could be any ordinary person in your life, or even you yourself. Superb work by Giovanna Fletcher.
September 25, 2019
Banal and trite. Like the offspring of a set of wooden 'live, love, laugh' ornaments and a motivational poster featuring Johnny Depp standing in front of a rainbow.
December 14, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great book to get me out of a reading slump!! A funny, wholesome and relatable book bringing lots of laughter and tears of joy 💓💓💓
A great book to get me out of a reading slump!! A funny, wholesome and relatable book bringing lots of laughter and tears of joy 💓💓💓
April 14, 2024
I found this book while sorting through my old books at my mum's place and realised I'd never read it despite buying it right when it came out 7 years ago. I don't know if I would have liked it more back then (I was definitely less critical) but it really didn't convince me now.
The story was just not that interesting. Lizzy got dumped at the beginning and started out being devastated and from then on, only good things were happening to her. There was no tension whatsoever, nothing going wrong for longer than a few pages and everything just turned out perfect for her.
While I did like that the story focused on Lizzy finding her way back to herself a bit more and not on her finding a new guy (though I was disappointed that the book ended with her kissing a guy, come on?!), it just wasn't a very compelling story. So much of it was so stereotypical and there were never moments that were at least a little aware of it. The whole setup of Lizzy wanting to get married so badly and living a really traditional life was acknowledged a little but there was so much more potential!! Also considering the book spelled out so many things for the reads, I wouldn't have minded if it also spelt out that her relationship wasn't as great and equal as she thought (it was really very vague that she came to that realisation).
I also just didn't really enjoy Lizzy as a protagonist (couldn't relate to her at all) and found most of the other characters quite stereotypical and/or annoying. And the fact that the dad's coming out was handled as this big plot twist was just not it.
Overall a very easy, sometimes enjoyable read that was very stereotypical, slightly misogynistic and a bit boring.
The story was just not that interesting. Lizzy got dumped at the beginning and started out being devastated and from then on, only good things were happening to her. There was no tension whatsoever, nothing going wrong for longer than a few pages and everything just turned out perfect for her.
While I did like that the story focused on Lizzy finding her way back to herself a bit more and not on her finding a new guy (though I was disappointed that the book ended with her kissing a guy, come on?!), it just wasn't a very compelling story. So much of it was so stereotypical and there were never moments that were at least a little aware of it. The whole setup of Lizzy wanting to get married so badly and living a really traditional life was acknowledged a little but there was so much more potential!! Also considering the book spelled out so many things for the reads, I wouldn't have minded if it also spelt out that her relationship wasn't as great and equal as she thought (it was really very vague that she came to that realisation).
I also just didn't really enjoy Lizzy as a protagonist (couldn't relate to her at all) and found most of the other characters quite stereotypical and/or annoying. And the fact that the dad's coming out was handled as this big plot twist was just not it.
Overall a very easy, sometimes enjoyable read that was very stereotypical, slightly misogynistic and a bit boring.
September 12, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
There are times in life when you just need to read an uplifting, awe-inspiring, heartfelt novel,. Before I read ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’, I was definitely in the mindset of ‘omg can someone take me away from all this shizzle….’. I needed to read a book that allowed me to escape, give me hope and try to defrost the several layers around my heart.
Did it work?
At first I thought the storyline was a bit too sickly sweet, however, within a couple of chapters Lizzy’s world began to overshadow my grumpy mood and I ended up losing myself in hers and Connie’s lives.
Lizzy has been with her boyfriend for over ten years. They live together. Their lives are merged, yet for Lizzy, something is missing. I say something like it’s a very small thing, but it’s not. It’s something that Lizzy has been waiting for. It’s something that Lizzy’s friends and family have been waiting for. That said, it’s NOT something that Ian, her boyfriend, has been waiting for. All I will say here is that if Ian deserved extremely colourful language, and I may….just MAY have accidentally, probably, purposely…….called him a c-bomb out loud whilst my daughter was asleep (thankfully). Don’t look at me like that, he deserved it! Look, I have nothing against his choice as such because if he chooses that something isn’t for him, then who is anyone to judge? What I was miffed about was the way in which he conducted his twat-ism, because lets face it, he was very twattish.
I loved how we got to watch Lizzy blossom again, as she tried to find the confidence to spread her wings and live life selfishly. It’s clear that the last ten years of her life had been exciting, but it was also clear that those ten years ended up changing Lizzy. I know, I know – time does change people, it’s when you end up losing sight of yourself that you have a problem. Luckily Lizzy realised that, but it came with a price.
Even though I did think that the storyline was a bit too sickly to begin with (I blame my foul mood), I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book as the uplifting theme was very contagious. I’ll admit that I wasn’t in the frame of mind to suddenly make over my life, yet ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ made me want to do that. I adore Giovanna Fletcher’s heartfelt writing style as I could tell that the author believed in everything she was writing, even the uncertain parts in the book. I also loved how colourful all of the characters were – take a look at Connie for example. A woman who considered swiping left or right a pastime, yet Tinder ended up becoming an after thought. The personalities of the characters in this book could not be more different and whilst I thought that was a brilliant move, I found it to be brave as I’m sure a lot of readers may find some of their personality traits a little….shall we say, questionable? I didn’t…FYI. I laughed out loud and rubbed my genie lamp (no…that’s not a euphemism….I’m not Lizzy’s sister!) as I wanted a best friend like Connie!
Speaking of Lizzy’s sister. Hahahaha omg, Michelle is a hoot and again, even if you weren’t aware of Giovanna’s background from the media, you can definitely tell that the author has children because half of the things that were written involving Michelle just couldn’t have been Googled. High five sister!
All in all, ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ truly is, some kind of wonderful. I mean, it doesn’t matter whether you are in the most rubbish mood ever to begin with, or whether you’re sitting on your bed naked singing ‘All By Myself’ before starting this book, as I can guarantee that this book will end up making you laugh out loud, sigh with hope, and think about your own life whilst dusting off your SClub7 cd’s.
Giovanna Fletcher has a magical way of writing, and ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ is proof of that. An all round, gem of a book which made me feel rather cosy. ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ indeed!
There are times in life when you just need to read an uplifting, awe-inspiring, heartfelt novel,. Before I read ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’, I was definitely in the mindset of ‘omg can someone take me away from all this shizzle….’. I needed to read a book that allowed me to escape, give me hope and try to defrost the several layers around my heart.
Did it work?
At first I thought the storyline was a bit too sickly sweet, however, within a couple of chapters Lizzy’s world began to overshadow my grumpy mood and I ended up losing myself in hers and Connie’s lives.
Lizzy has been with her boyfriend for over ten years. They live together. Their lives are merged, yet for Lizzy, something is missing. I say something like it’s a very small thing, but it’s not. It’s something that Lizzy has been waiting for. It’s something that Lizzy’s friends and family have been waiting for. That said, it’s NOT something that Ian, her boyfriend, has been waiting for. All I will say here is that if Ian deserved extremely colourful language, and I may….just MAY have accidentally, probably, purposely…….called him a c-bomb out loud whilst my daughter was asleep (thankfully). Don’t look at me like that, he deserved it! Look, I have nothing against his choice as such because if he chooses that something isn’t for him, then who is anyone to judge? What I was miffed about was the way in which he conducted his twat-ism, because lets face it, he was very twattish.
I loved how we got to watch Lizzy blossom again, as she tried to find the confidence to spread her wings and live life selfishly. It’s clear that the last ten years of her life had been exciting, but it was also clear that those ten years ended up changing Lizzy. I know, I know – time does change people, it’s when you end up losing sight of yourself that you have a problem. Luckily Lizzy realised that, but it came with a price.
Even though I did think that the storyline was a bit too sickly to begin with (I blame my foul mood), I ended up thoroughly enjoying this book as the uplifting theme was very contagious. I’ll admit that I wasn’t in the frame of mind to suddenly make over my life, yet ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ made me want to do that. I adore Giovanna Fletcher’s heartfelt writing style as I could tell that the author believed in everything she was writing, even the uncertain parts in the book. I also loved how colourful all of the characters were – take a look at Connie for example. A woman who considered swiping left or right a pastime, yet Tinder ended up becoming an after thought. The personalities of the characters in this book could not be more different and whilst I thought that was a brilliant move, I found it to be brave as I’m sure a lot of readers may find some of their personality traits a little….shall we say, questionable? I didn’t…FYI. I laughed out loud and rubbed my genie lamp (no…that’s not a euphemism….I’m not Lizzy’s sister!) as I wanted a best friend like Connie!
Speaking of Lizzy’s sister. Hahahaha omg, Michelle is a hoot and again, even if you weren’t aware of Giovanna’s background from the media, you can definitely tell that the author has children because half of the things that were written involving Michelle just couldn’t have been Googled. High five sister!
All in all, ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ truly is, some kind of wonderful. I mean, it doesn’t matter whether you are in the most rubbish mood ever to begin with, or whether you’re sitting on your bed naked singing ‘All By Myself’ before starting this book, as I can guarantee that this book will end up making you laugh out loud, sigh with hope, and think about your own life whilst dusting off your SClub7 cd’s.
Giovanna Fletcher has a magical way of writing, and ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ is proof of that. An all round, gem of a book which made me feel rather cosy. ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ indeed!
November 10, 2017
Ah, how nice is it to have Gi back writing fiction? It seems like ages ago I last read something from Giovanna Fletcher, so I was eager to get stuck in to Some Kind of Wonderful as soon as I was approved for an advanced copy.
Some Kind of Wonderful is written in the first person so Lizzie herself tells her story and the book starts off with her and her partner of 10 years, Ian, enjoying a luxurious holiday in Dubai.
From the outset, there are a lot of difference's between the couple but Lizzie's love for Ian is second to none, unfortunately it soon becomes clear during a very romantic dinner on the beach that Ian's feelings don't quite match Lizzies, and even though he has the ring in his hand ready to ask that all important question Lizzie is desperate to hear, she ends up flying home - minus an engagement ring and minus a boyfriend.
Moving back to her childhood home and living with her Mum and Stepdad isn't exactly how Lizzie planned to spend the rest of the year but as she embarks on trying to mend her heart, she also works discovering who the real Lizzie is and what she is meant to be doing with her life.
Giovanna writes with such warmth and humour it's easy to get lost in her novels, for me though Some Kind of Wonderful lacked just a little bit of oomph in the middle - I sped through the beginning and the ending but I felt like I was waiting for something to happen in between which didn't come.
Don't get me wrong, Some Kind of Wonderful is a great read - it had me laughing and welling up in equal measures and had some great sub plots (Lizzie's sisters wedding and her Dad's secret spring to mind) and secondary characters (Connie is a hoot!) and of course Gi's signature reference to a certain Billy Buskin (Billy & Me - what a book!) - but I just lost my way a little in the middle of the book.
Despite this, I truly feel that Some Kind of Wonderful will make a fabulous gift to yourself this Christmas ;-)
Some Kind of Wonderful is written in the first person so Lizzie herself tells her story and the book starts off with her and her partner of 10 years, Ian, enjoying a luxurious holiday in Dubai.
From the outset, there are a lot of difference's between the couple but Lizzie's love for Ian is second to none, unfortunately it soon becomes clear during a very romantic dinner on the beach that Ian's feelings don't quite match Lizzies, and even though he has the ring in his hand ready to ask that all important question Lizzie is desperate to hear, she ends up flying home - minus an engagement ring and minus a boyfriend.
Moving back to her childhood home and living with her Mum and Stepdad isn't exactly how Lizzie planned to spend the rest of the year but as she embarks on trying to mend her heart, she also works discovering who the real Lizzie is and what she is meant to be doing with her life.
Giovanna writes with such warmth and humour it's easy to get lost in her novels, for me though Some Kind of Wonderful lacked just a little bit of oomph in the middle - I sped through the beginning and the ending but I felt like I was waiting for something to happen in between which didn't come.
Don't get me wrong, Some Kind of Wonderful is a great read - it had me laughing and welling up in equal measures and had some great sub plots (Lizzie's sisters wedding and her Dad's secret spring to mind) and secondary characters (Connie is a hoot!) and of course Gi's signature reference to a certain Billy Buskin (Billy & Me - what a book!) - but I just lost my way a little in the middle of the book.
Despite this, I truly feel that Some Kind of Wonderful will make a fabulous gift to yourself this Christmas ;-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2017
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Giovanna Fletcher is a great author and I couldn’t wait to read Some Kind of Wonderful.
The story follows Lizzie, who finally wants to get married to her boyfriend Ian. They have been together for many years. Her dreams a crushed though and after a holiday, she finds herself heartbroken and alone and back at her parent’s house.
It’s also her chance though, a chance for a fresh start and of figuring out what she really wants. It was fabulous following her new journey and I liked getting to know the other characters on the way. Like her sister, her parents or Connie. They had their story to tell as well, which was funny and entertaining.
I really liked the start of this book, but then I kind of got lost in the middle. It didn’t grab me as much and there was too much going on at times. The ending took me in again and I was actually sad it was over. A prequel to Lizzie’s story would be wonderful.
Giovanna Fletcher’s style is warm, funny and cosy.
3.5/5
Giovanna Fletcher is a great author and I couldn’t wait to read Some Kind of Wonderful.
The story follows Lizzie, who finally wants to get married to her boyfriend Ian. They have been together for many years. Her dreams a crushed though and after a holiday, she finds herself heartbroken and alone and back at her parent’s house.
It’s also her chance though, a chance for a fresh start and of figuring out what she really wants. It was fabulous following her new journey and I liked getting to know the other characters on the way. Like her sister, her parents or Connie. They had their story to tell as well, which was funny and entertaining.
I really liked the start of this book, but then I kind of got lost in the middle. It didn’t grab me as much and there was too much going on at times. The ending took me in again and I was actually sad it was over. A prequel to Lizzie’s story would be wonderful.
Giovanna Fletcher’s style is warm, funny and cosy.
3.5/5
October 9, 2017
This is a book that has its heart in the right place and is a lovely comfort read when you are feeling a bit meh and need cheering up.
Lizzie is a great character. I didn't warm to her at the start of the book, because she was so fixated on getting a ring on her finger that she lacked any depth or redeeming features. However, as the book progressed and Lizzie dealt with the realisation that she was now on her own, she became a much more endearing person and I found myself cheering her on as she made some quite dramatic life changes that were all about herself.
I did find the book a little obvious in places though and it felt a little too self conscious with the psychological insights. I also felt that these detracted from the cosy flow of the book.
Thank you to the publishers and net galley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Lizzie is a great character. I didn't warm to her at the start of the book, because she was so fixated on getting a ring on her finger that she lacked any depth or redeeming features. However, as the book progressed and Lizzie dealt with the realisation that she was now on her own, she became a much more endearing person and I found myself cheering her on as she made some quite dramatic life changes that were all about herself.
I did find the book a little obvious in places though and it felt a little too self conscious with the psychological insights. I also felt that these detracted from the cosy flow of the book.
Thank you to the publishers and net galley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
December 10, 2017
Lizzie is on a dream holiday with her boyfriend and expecting him to propose in the most romantic way. The book explores shattered dreams, family dynamics and rebuilding your whole life when the one you'd hoped and dreamt about is cruelly snatched away. Lizzie works to rediscover the girl she was before and that she is entitled to have her own thoughts and decisions on what happens.
I loved the characters and the whole feeling around the family, even her nightmare sister.
I always enjoy Giovanna Fletcher's books.
I loved the characters and the whole feeling around the family, even her nightmare sister.
I always enjoy Giovanna Fletcher's books.
March 27, 2018
Nicht ihr bestes Buch. Stellenweise sehr langatmig und zu ruhig. Die Übergänge zu einzelnen Handlungssträngen waren für mich manchmal echt fragwürdig. Es wurde sehr viel geredet. Nicht, dass das schlecht wäre, aber mir hat die Selbstfindungsphase gefehlt, also die Aktion an sich.
March 31, 2020
Likes it but didn’t love it which is unusual as I’m a huge fan.
A simple story with simple characters.
A nice easy read
A simple story with simple characters.
A nice easy read
March 21, 2018
I have thoroughly enjoyed this story! It began quite... "eesh" but I loved the transformation Lizzy went through.
It's refreshing to find realness in this contemporary books. The characters have flaws (quite real ones!) and aren't black or white.
Some parts were a bit too descriptive for my liking but Giovanna's style is fresh and light so they weren't too bad.
I finished this book feeling encouraged to pursue my happiness and my dreams. I loved the fact that the story makes you cheer for Lizzy but sometimes you want to hit her for being a drama queen (even if she admits it herself).
This story is full of heart and hurt. But so it's life :)
It's refreshing to find realness in this contemporary books. The characters have flaws (quite real ones!) and aren't black or white.
Some parts were a bit too descriptive for my liking but Giovanna's style is fresh and light so they weren't too bad.
I finished this book feeling encouraged to pursue my happiness and my dreams. I loved the fact that the story makes you cheer for Lizzy but sometimes you want to hit her for being a drama queen (even if she admits it herself).
This story is full of heart and hurt. But so it's life :)
March 26, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley. This is the first book I have read by Giovanna Fletcher but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was quite funny in places. There was not too many characters in the story which made it a nice easy read for me as I knew who everyone was without having to go back to parts in the book to refresh my memory. Highly recommended!
May 18, 2020
Nice easy read
October 30, 2017
Some Kind of Wonderful is the latest book from Giovanna Fletcher and is genuinely fantastic.
Lizzy and Ian have been a couple since their first day at university and have been together for a decade. They’re on a romantic holiday to Dubai and everyone assumes they’re going to get engaged. After all, it’s been ten years! There is a proposal but it’s nothing like Lizzy expected and slowly, through the tears and heartbreak, she realises being Ian’s other half for so long has caused her to miss out on opportunities. Once back in the UK, Lizzy is determined to discover who she really is.
This is a lovely heartwarming book with some great characters. It’s warm and witty and all round a joy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin UK Michael Joseph and the author for the chance to review.
Lizzy and Ian have been a couple since their first day at university and have been together for a decade. They’re on a romantic holiday to Dubai and everyone assumes they’re going to get engaged. After all, it’s been ten years! There is a proposal but it’s nothing like Lizzy expected and slowly, through the tears and heartbreak, she realises being Ian’s other half for so long has caused her to miss out on opportunities. Once back in the UK, Lizzy is determined to discover who she really is.
This is a lovely heartwarming book with some great characters. It’s warm and witty and all round a joy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin UK Michael Joseph and the author for the chance to review.
June 5, 2020
This book is definitely a feel good book. When Lizzie gets dumped she rediscovers what it means to be on her own, what she wants and who she is without being in a relationship. It's well written and I enjoy reading books by Giovanna Fletcher. Highly recommend!
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