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The Lonely Heart Attack Club #1
The Lonely Heart Attack Club
When Helen walked out on Jack, she left him with three things:
1. The lease on a decrepit flat that fortunately only had a couple of months to run.
2. The lease on a failing coffee shop - that had ‘always been her dream’.
3. Horace the cat.
The client base on the once thriving shop was now threadbare.
The salvation for Jack - and the shop - could be right in front of his very eyes; the beautiful and underappreciated shop assistant and friend, Emma. Her insistence that Jack cared about someone – other than himself – would bring him closer to those who were keeping his business alive; his elderly customers.
A disgraced, ex-BBC presenter and a world record attempt would also be a key ingredient in the success of the Isle of Man’s only dating and social club for the elderly – The Lonely Heart Attack Club.
1. The lease on a decrepit flat that fortunately only had a couple of months to run.
2. The lease on a failing coffee shop - that had ‘always been her dream’.
3. Horace the cat.
The client base on the once thriving shop was now threadbare.
The salvation for Jack - and the shop - could be right in front of his very eyes; the beautiful and underappreciated shop assistant and friend, Emma. Her insistence that Jack cared about someone – other than himself – would bring him closer to those who were keeping his business alive; his elderly customers.
A disgraced, ex-BBC presenter and a world record attempt would also be a key ingredient in the success of the Isle of Man’s only dating and social club for the elderly – The Lonely Heart Attack Club.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2017
1629 people are currently reading
1084 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Williams
22 books64 followersJ C Williams is an author from the Isle of Man.
He's delighted to advise his hilarious new book, the Crafternoon Sewcial Club is now available on Amazon.
His books are for those who don’t take life too seriously and are funny, poignant and ultimately uplifting.
He writes books both for the little ankle-biters and also the older audience. They're written with delightful humour and will leave you with a huge smile on your face.
He presently has seventeen titles and all are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle with some now also available in Audio format.
He'd love to hear from you!
Email - authorjcwilliams@gmail.com
You can follow him on Facebook at @jcwilliamsauthor
You can also subscribe to his newsletter by visiting his website www.authorjcwilliams.com
He's delighted to advise his hilarious new book, the Crafternoon Sewcial Club is now available on Amazon.
His books are for those who don’t take life too seriously and are funny, poignant and ultimately uplifting.
He writes books both for the little ankle-biters and also the older audience. They're written with delightful humour and will leave you with a huge smile on your face.
He presently has seventeen titles and all are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle with some now also available in Audio format.
He'd love to hear from you!
Email - authorjcwilliams@gmail.com
You can follow him on Facebook at @jcwilliamsauthor
You can also subscribe to his newsletter by visiting his website www.authorjcwilliams.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
October 9, 2021
Light and Easy Read
I enjoyed this book. As the title says, it is a light and easy story and lots of fun scenes. .
There are a number of different types of characters in the book. What the title led me to believe was about senior citizens. However, seniors are only part of the story there are like young peoples romance, a gay twist.
Also the novel is very predictable. I understood that it’s not a great murder mystery and was not billed that way but tease me a bit.
Sometimes I need books like this after reading a heavy nonfiction book about topics of difficult strains on our society. So, if ever happens to you and this would be a good quick and easy book that I recommend.
I enjoyed this book. As the title says, it is a light and easy story and lots of fun scenes. .
There are a number of different types of characters in the book. What the title led me to believe was about senior citizens. However, seniors are only part of the story there are like young peoples romance, a gay twist.
Also the novel is very predictable. I understood that it’s not a great murder mystery and was not billed that way but tease me a bit.
Sometimes I need books like this after reading a heavy nonfiction book about topics of difficult strains on our society. So, if ever happens to you and this would be a good quick and easy book that I recommend.
June 8, 2024
2 stars—it was okay.
This book had a great premise. So many of these mid-life reinvention novels centre around women. I was interested to read one about a man, written by a man. It unfortunately didn't come close to meeting my expectations.
On the very first page, I was confused about who the main character was, Jack or Geoffrey, Jack’s father. (The illustration on the cover pointed toward the older gentleman.) Then, when I realised that Jack was the choice, I was completely unimpressed. Now, I know that I was supposed to feel that way, giving Jack room for a redemptive arc, but he is soooo unlikable! He is very, very selfish. A very low bar indeed. I did not wonder why Helen had left him, only why Emma could possibly be interested in him. I just could not fathom her devotion to him. He gets excited by their new business neighbour, not because she's a pleasant person, but because he wants to have sex with her. Talk about male privilege—he doesn't consider whether he has anything to offer to her, it's all about him. Emma unfathomably remains attracted to him. There must be a drastic shortage of men on the Isle of Man.
Then there was the writing, which I will call basic. Honestly, it was like I had tried to write a novel and trust me, I'm a complete amateur. All of the characters are rather two dimensional, but the women are particularly undifferentiated. The author obviously had little interest in them beyond as sexual interests for Jack. The only notable elderly women from the club are made to look silly because they are still interested in men at their age. Yes, Jack ends up more likeable at the end, but his arc only went from boorish to barely decent behaviour. I remained skeptical of Emma’s attraction to him.
The very obvious message of the book is a worthwhile one. Doing things for other people is not only charitable but improves the life of the giver. Both Jack and the celebrity Kelvin discover this by book's end. You can't miss it, as the author clubs you over the head with this theme. Nevertheless this thought was the only reason that I added a second star to my rating.
This book had a great premise. So many of these mid-life reinvention novels centre around women. I was interested to read one about a man, written by a man. It unfortunately didn't come close to meeting my expectations.
On the very first page, I was confused about who the main character was, Jack or Geoffrey, Jack’s father. (The illustration on the cover pointed toward the older gentleman.) Then, when I realised that Jack was the choice, I was completely unimpressed. Now, I know that I was supposed to feel that way, giving Jack room for a redemptive arc, but he is soooo unlikable! He is very, very selfish. A very low bar indeed. I did not wonder why Helen had left him, only why Emma could possibly be interested in him. I just could not fathom her devotion to him. He gets excited by their new business neighbour, not because she's a pleasant person, but because he wants to have sex with her. Talk about male privilege—he doesn't consider whether he has anything to offer to her, it's all about him. Emma unfathomably remains attracted to him. There must be a drastic shortage of men on the Isle of Man.
Then there was the writing, which I will call basic. Honestly, it was like I had tried to write a novel and trust me, I'm a complete amateur. All of the characters are rather two dimensional, but the women are particularly undifferentiated. The author obviously had little interest in them beyond as sexual interests for Jack. The only notable elderly women from the club are made to look silly because they are still interested in men at their age. Yes, Jack ends up more likeable at the end, but his arc only went from boorish to barely decent behaviour. I remained skeptical of Emma’s attraction to him.
The very obvious message of the book is a worthwhile one. Doing things for other people is not only charitable but improves the life of the giver. Both Jack and the celebrity Kelvin discover this by book's end. You can't miss it, as the author clubs you over the head with this theme. Nevertheless this thought was the only reason that I added a second star to my rating.
September 9, 2020
I like the concept of this book, which is why I gave it 2 stars. It was unique and quirky. But for me there just wasn't enough happening, and even the blooming romance which usually pulls a book through for me just didn't do it. I felt bad for some of the characters, and felt pleased for them, but other than that I didn't have any strong emotions and wasn't rooting for anyone like I felt like I should. It was also confusing at times too, like two characters would be talking and then all of a sudden another character would be talking too but in the description they weren't said to be there. There's a lot of good aspects and ideas in the the book, and I especially liked that it was set in the Isle of Man, but after around 60% I had to DNF and could not handle anymore cliches. My main reason to DNF was Jack, who was presented as a bit of a douche, to put it nicely. He liked the new girl that had just moved in next door (classic cliche) however she admitted to being more interested in his business partner Emma, in which Jack then described having some sexual thoughts and images about his love interest and his colleague together, in which a chapter later he finally decided he fancies his business partner after all. I was disturbed by this and just couldn't take the book seriously.
July 27, 2020
Cute but predictable. Suitable for a Hallmark movie. Two middle-aged owners of a faltering coffee shop on the Isle of Mann come up with a business development idea. They elect to turn their shop into a social scene for the elderly since that is who comprises most of their custom anyway. Their speed dating night was more "leisurely shuffling dating." When I think of a social event for senior citizens, I still picture Big Band era music. I forget that I am now among the seniors. When the coffee shop has a dance, they outfit the space like a mini disco, with flashing lights, disco ball, and a full sound system. Ah yes. That would be my era. While the book was short and essentially forgettable, what I really liked was learning about the setting. I looked up the Isle of Mann and learned so much that I had absolutely not known! Really fascinating. Maybe I'll visit someday.
August 6, 2020
What a charming, sweetly funny, embarrassingly funny, sometimes laugh out loud tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this visit to the Isle of Mann and be part of the adventures of the Lonely Heart Attack Club when it got started and became firmly a force to be reckoned with in the small British town of Douglas. There are some incredibly touching moments to be had, as well.
Well done, J.C. Williams...I am absolutely a fan from this book forward. Thank you for such a lovely gift to a book lover and a reader first and foremost.
Well done, J.C. Williams...I am absolutely a fan from this book forward. Thank you for such a lovely gift to a book lover and a reader first and foremost.
November 5, 2020
This was a fun and humorous read. All of the characters made an impact on me (except for that one reporter). I actually found myself wanting to help with the wall of flowers they were working on. I would definitely recommend for someone needing a light read.
February 20, 2021
Brilliant
What a wonderful book from start to end laughter and tears please read so glad I did a brilliant story
What a wonderful book from start to end laughter and tears please read so glad I did a brilliant story
December 16, 2020
A few elderly men and women meet for coffee at Java the Hut Coffee shop and find that some of the patrons have been scammed by charity mail and phone calls as well as investment scammers. A new flower shop is just starting up next door and suggesting a community event to invite other friends and interested parties to join in on a Guinness World Record project. Jack and Emma don't realize it yet, but even tho' Jack sometimes embarrasses people and Emma is really a very nice lady, the two of them like each other. Dating is on the minds of several who frequent the shop. When a few of these people put their heads together, the Coffee shop becomes the center of "The Lonely Heart Attack Club." A real folksy friendly community on the Isle of Man becomes more cozy day by day. I liked this story very much and will read #2 in the series next.
February 27, 2022
This was such a funny and warm-hearted story set on the Isle of Man! Jack finds himself middle-aged, overweight, and single after his last relationship failed. Despite all the suggestions from Emma, his supportive employee, Jack’s coffee shop is failing to attract much business, the bills are piling up, and he’s facing eviction. When Emma notices the number of vulnerable elderly people in the neighbourhood, she makes a win/win suggestion: the cafe should run a lonely hearts club for the elderly. Jack christens the venture ‘The Lonely Heart Attack Club’ and things start to turn around for everyone. This was written with a lot of sweet humour involving hilarious situations and banter: Emma has a soft spot for the good-naturedly clueless and shambolic Jack and it’s lovely to see their repartee. Audio narrator Chris Devon has a great regional UK accent that really suited the characters - great work!
January 16, 2021
Loved the title.
What drew me to the story was the title. When I started reading it I thought it was going to be a cheesey story. But it really became a very inspirational story. Makes you want to do more, like volunteering your time with the elderly. This really is an inspiring story.
What drew me to the story was the title. When I started reading it I thought it was going to be a cheesey story. But it really became a very inspirational story. Makes you want to do more, like volunteering your time with the elderly. This really is an inspiring story.
January 28, 2022
A joyful read.
Lots of laughs and feel good factors. A heartwarming and enjoyable read. I was looking for a book as an alternative to my usual reading of crime and thrillers and I certainly found that within this book. This book also included the up to date topic of financial scams and acts as a warning to those who might be vulnerable. A wonderful read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Lots of laughs and feel good factors. A heartwarming and enjoyable read. I was looking for a book as an alternative to my usual reading of crime and thrillers and I certainly found that within this book. This book also included the up to date topic of financial scams and acts as a warning to those who might be vulnerable. A wonderful read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
March 11, 2025
3.5. This was a very sweet and charming read, and was actually quite funny. If you need something light, short, and funny, this is a great little read. It dealt with aging, loneliness, friendships, and being vulnerable. Being kind can make everyone feel better. It reminded me that we all have the ability to laugh through everything life throws at us.
August 19, 2020
3.5 - great story of compassion and people coming together to enrich other peoples lives. Only issue was that it was a little hard to read sometimes due to it being written by a UK author and their language/slang was a guess at times.
April 18, 2021
Wonderful wonderful story
I loved this book. Funny, heartbreaking yet positive. A story about people supporting and caring for each other,being kind. And did I mention it’s bloody hilarious. Written with a deft touch and such realistic characters I feel as though I know them all and want to hear more of their doings. Highly recommend.
I loved this book. Funny, heartbreaking yet positive. A story about people supporting and caring for each other,being kind. And did I mention it’s bloody hilarious. Written with a deft touch and such realistic characters I feel as though I know them all and want to hear more of their doings. Highly recommend.
June 3, 2025
I was under the impression from the title and the synopsis that the focus would be on the seniors. While that was certainly part of the story, the main focus was on the grandson. This was still a cute story, and there were a few laugh out loud scenes (I'm looking at you department store naked butt scene and gym toilet scene!!)
January 18, 2022
Brilliant
Being a silver surfer myself I loved it. Not my usual read, but I laughed a lot and cried too.
Being a silver surfer myself I loved it. Not my usual read, but I laughed a lot and cried too.
August 18, 2023
I needed a nice story and this was perfect!
I can't really think how to review it without giving a lot away, so I'll leave it like this for now!
I can't really think how to review it without giving a lot away, so I'll leave it like this for now!
February 20, 2024
Wholesome content x
March 17, 2024
A lovely read if you're a sucker for warm characters and a lovely story (which, as it happens, turns out to be me).
August 12, 2024
What a wonderful feel good book. It made me laugh several times it also made me cry. Will definitely be reading more of C. Williams books. Good job 👍
August 22, 2025
I cannot understand what Emma sees in Jack... what a tool!
March 30, 2023
Loved this story!
Heartwarming, special and funny! The characters were so special, I would like to have a club where I live!! Thank you I C Williams.
Heartwarming, special and funny! The characters were so special, I would like to have a club where I live!! Thank you I C Williams.
November 24, 2022
Feel good
One of only afew books that has had me laughing out loud, so much so l had to put it away on a flight as l think l was getting on people's nerves
One of only afew books that has had me laughing out loud, so much so l had to put it away on a flight as l think l was getting on people's nerves
March 28, 2023
Only one thing let this story down ...
This is one of the best modern day stories EVER ... But ... Derek had a dog that was never mentioned again ... Us animal lovers take note of these things and we are sad ... What happened to his dog??
This is one of the best modern day stories EVER ... But ... Derek had a dog that was never mentioned again ... Us animal lovers take note of these things and we are sad ... What happened to his dog??
September 19, 2023
loved it. most entertaining.
Made me book a tour to the Isle of Man! Will be buying more books by the author. Love his style.
Made me book a tour to the Isle of Man! Will be buying more books by the author. Love his style.
November 18, 2022
Funny and sweet.
Loved how the characters grew. Hilariously funny parts of the book. The sense of community is what we're all looking for.
Loved how the characters grew. Hilariously funny parts of the book. The sense of community is what we're all looking for.
February 9, 2023
Enjoyed this book thoroughly. It makes being human a lot more tolerable than the way things are at present. Too much division in our society. This story gave the sense of treating everyone a little better and improving lives. All todays people seem to want to go to war with one another. Nice to try and remember how much kindness there could be.
July 30, 2022
"WHEN HELEN WALKED OUT ON JACK SHE LEFT HIM WITH 3 THINGS:
"1. The Lease on a Decrepit Flat that fortunately only had a couple of months to run.
"2. The lease on a failing Coffee Shop -- that had 'Always Been Her Dream'.
"3. Horace the Cat.
"The client base on the once thriving shop was now threadbare. The salvation for Jack -- and the shop -- could be right in front of his very eyes; the beautiful and underappreciated shop assistant and friend, Emma. Her insistence that Jack cared about someone -- other than himself -- would bring him closer to those who were keeping his business alive; his elderly customers.
"A disgraced, ex-BBC presenter and a world record attempt would also be a key ingredient in the success of the Isle of Man's only dating and social club for the elderly -- the Lonely Heart Attack Club."
~~back cover
A very charming story -- silly in spots, a bit risque in others, but a overall a good deal of fun and with some great philosophy underneath. And an HEA.
"1. The Lease on a Decrepit Flat that fortunately only had a couple of months to run.
"2. The lease on a failing Coffee Shop -- that had 'Always Been Her Dream'.
"3. Horace the Cat.
"The client base on the once thriving shop was now threadbare. The salvation for Jack -- and the shop -- could be right in front of his very eyes; the beautiful and underappreciated shop assistant and friend, Emma. Her insistence that Jack cared about someone -- other than himself -- would bring him closer to those who were keeping his business alive; his elderly customers.
"A disgraced, ex-BBC presenter and a world record attempt would also be a key ingredient in the success of the Isle of Man's only dating and social club for the elderly -- the Lonely Heart Attack Club."
~~back cover
A very charming story -- silly in spots, a bit risque in others, but a overall a good deal of fun and with some great philosophy underneath. And an HEA.
April 25, 2022
If you need a good laugh, this is the book for you!
Jack owns a coffee sbop called Java the Hut, and has one mostly unpaid employee named Emma, who is considering going to Singapore, perhaps permanently. With all the corporate coffee chains competing, pretty much all their clientele are seniors. After a few encounters of various sorts by both of them, Emma suggests a social club for seniors, since so many are their customers. So, they have an event and the local journalist stops by for an interview and to get a feel for what the club is about. While he's being interviewed Jack blurts out something about the club breaking a world record, then realizes now he has to find something to do.
The whole thing, plus a new neighboring businesswoman and a mirror, make Jack realize he needs to get in shape, so he makes a start on that. Soon he has a group of "Silver Sprinters" he leads in regular walks/jogs together.
They come up with the idea of a wall of flowers as the record to break, and involve all ages, all groups, anyone who wants to contribute. They arrange for a disgraced former BBC star to come as a draw. His agent handles a major problem and the journalist that ruined him the first time is at it again, until he confesses to illegal activity caught on audio - which was on even though the cameras were off. Scrub one more muckraker!
There is romance, there are ribald moments, plenty of moments of Jack being a tool and of him being a great guy. There are sad moments and happy ones. And plenty of laughs. And Emma and Jack are both surprised by love.
Jack owns a coffee sbop called Java the Hut, and has one mostly unpaid employee named Emma, who is considering going to Singapore, perhaps permanently. With all the corporate coffee chains competing, pretty much all their clientele are seniors. After a few encounters of various sorts by both of them, Emma suggests a social club for seniors, since so many are their customers. So, they have an event and the local journalist stops by for an interview and to get a feel for what the club is about. While he's being interviewed Jack blurts out something about the club breaking a world record, then realizes now he has to find something to do.
The whole thing, plus a new neighboring businesswoman and a mirror, make Jack realize he needs to get in shape, so he makes a start on that. Soon he has a group of "Silver Sprinters" he leads in regular walks/jogs together.
They come up with the idea of a wall of flowers as the record to break, and involve all ages, all groups, anyone who wants to contribute. They arrange for a disgraced former BBC star to come as a draw. His agent handles a major problem and the journalist that ruined him the first time is at it again, until he confesses to illegal activity caught on audio - which was on even though the cameras were off. Scrub one more muckraker!
There is romance, there are ribald moments, plenty of moments of Jack being a tool and of him being a great guy. There are sad moments and happy ones. And plenty of laughs. And Emma and Jack are both surprised by love.
January 16, 2021
Cute Title
This was a fun little read. Forty year old Jack has been wallowing in misery since his significant other left him with a broken heart, her cat, and her failing coffee shop. Emma, his only employee, loves her job there, and sincerely cares about her few customers. She develops the idea of starting a social club for seniors, and convinces Jack it wouldn't hurt: the neglected coffee shop is limping along with a scant clientele and a plethora of overdue bills.
I had expected the story to be about the "old folks" but it's really more focused on Jack and Emma, and the positive changes they bring to their small town and its older residents. It's quite a sweet story, with some interesting characters and a good bit of humor. It's not great literature, but it is a very pleasant, feel-good story with no heavy lifting required by the reader, and it was just what I needed to read right now.
This was a fun little read. Forty year old Jack has been wallowing in misery since his significant other left him with a broken heart, her cat, and her failing coffee shop. Emma, his only employee, loves her job there, and sincerely cares about her few customers. She develops the idea of starting a social club for seniors, and convinces Jack it wouldn't hurt: the neglected coffee shop is limping along with a scant clientele and a plethora of overdue bills.
I had expected the story to be about the "old folks" but it's really more focused on Jack and Emma, and the positive changes they bring to their small town and its older residents. It's quite a sweet story, with some interesting characters and a good bit of humor. It's not great literature, but it is a very pleasant, feel-good story with no heavy lifting required by the reader, and it was just what I needed to read right now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews