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West End Girls
The streets of London are paved with gold ...allegedly. They may be twin sisters, but Lizzie and Penny Berry are complete opposites - Penny is blonde, thin and outrageous; Lizzie quiet, thoughtful and definitely not thin. The one trait they do share is a desire to DO something with their lives, and as far as they are concerned, the place to get noticed is London. Out of the blue they discover they have a grandmother living in Chelsea - and when she has to go into hospital, they find themselves flat-sitting on the King's Road. But, as they discover, it's not as easy to become It Girls as they'd imagined, and west end boys aren't at all like Hugh Grant ...
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
351 people are currently reading
6270 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Colgan
101 books11.9k followersJenny Colgan is the author of numerous bestselling novels, including 'The Little Shop of Happy Ever After' and 'Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery', which are also published by Sphere.' Meet Me at the Cupcake Café' won the 2012 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance and was a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller, as was 'Welcome to Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop of Dreams', which won the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2013.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 413 reviews
January 2, 2021
Before requesting for review, I should have looked to see if this was one of Colgan's earlier books and it is. These early books are, in a word, awful. The characters are caricatures, not real people, the situations are dated and cringey, and I rolled my eyes so much that they ache now.
There are bits of humor scattered throughout, which is why I was able to finish, but fortunately it is a very quick read because it isn't one I'd want to spend lots of time dwelling on. I will stick with her later books and ones that are part of a series from here on out because these older standalones just shine a spotlight on how far she has come as a writer over the years.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
There are bits of humor scattered throughout, which is why I was able to finish, but fortunately it is a very quick read because it isn't one I'd want to spend lots of time dwelling on. I will stick with her later books and ones that are part of a series from here on out because these older standalones just shine a spotlight on how far she has come as a writer over the years.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
October 30, 2023
Was ok, would be a good read if you're on holiday.
Zero concentration required and not very engaging in my opinion.
Two stars.
Zero concentration required and not very engaging in my opinion.
Two stars.
January 18, 2021
3.5 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a fun contemporary romance that is a quick and easy read. The story follows twins that go to live in their grandmother's flat in Chelsea with hopes to change their lives.
Lizzie and Penny are opposites in looks and character. Lizzie is a thin, blonde party girl that dreams of snagging a rich husband and living large. Penny is quiet and responsible, with a more subdued look. They live in a poor council flat with their mother and have dead-end, unsatisfying jobs. They had only minimal contact with their father and grandmother when they were young, so they were surprised when their grandmother asked them to stay in her Chelsea flat and look after it while she stays in nursing home after an incident.
Both girls are excited, especially Lizzie who believes she will finally be able to find a rich husband to take care of her. Penny is a little more reserved. Both girls move in and quickly find jobs, Lizzie in an art gallery and Penny in a small cafe. The book follows the girls' antics and their budding romances.
The characters are a bit one note and the storyline is routine and predictable. That doesn't mean it wasn't a fun book to read, but it's not one that you'll remember down the road. It is a good beach read, or one that you take on a trip. It's a book to read if you can only read in small spurts of time because it's easy to pick up and put down without feeling like you won't remember what you just read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and William Morrow and Custom House. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a fun contemporary romance that is a quick and easy read. The story follows twins that go to live in their grandmother's flat in Chelsea with hopes to change their lives.
Lizzie and Penny are opposites in looks and character. Lizzie is a thin, blonde party girl that dreams of snagging a rich husband and living large. Penny is quiet and responsible, with a more subdued look. They live in a poor council flat with their mother and have dead-end, unsatisfying jobs. They had only minimal contact with their father and grandmother when they were young, so they were surprised when their grandmother asked them to stay in her Chelsea flat and look after it while she stays in nursing home after an incident.
Both girls are excited, especially Lizzie who believes she will finally be able to find a rich husband to take care of her. Penny is a little more reserved. Both girls move in and quickly find jobs, Lizzie in an art gallery and Penny in a small cafe. The book follows the girls' antics and their budding romances.
The characters are a bit one note and the storyline is routine and predictable. That doesn't mean it wasn't a fun book to read, but it's not one that you'll remember down the road. It is a good beach read, or one that you take on a trip. It's a book to read if you can only read in small spurts of time because it's easy to pick up and put down without feeling like you won't remember what you just read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and William Morrow and Custom House. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 30, 2013
I was quite enjoying this until the author had Penny used the word 'retard' as a way to run down her sister's dress sense, "come in that dirty thing that makes you look retarded." What is she actually saying? "That thing makes you look as bad as someone with learning difficulties."
Every time people use the word 'retard' in some casual, derogatory context to call people dumb or stupid it degrades and belittles people with intellectual disabilities, and it reinforces painful stereotypes that people with learning difficulties are a less worthy part of humanity. So, there will be no more Jenny Colgan for me. I'm returning West End Girls to Amazon for a refund on the basis of offensive content.
Perhaps Ms Colgan would like to watch this video http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=m-... or look at this website www.r-word.org and take the pledge to end the use of 'retard'/'retarded' as a derogatory term synonymous with being dumb or stupid.
Every time people use the word 'retard' in some casual, derogatory context to call people dumb or stupid it degrades and belittles people with intellectual disabilities, and it reinforces painful stereotypes that people with learning difficulties are a less worthy part of humanity. So, there will be no more Jenny Colgan for me. I'm returning West End Girls to Amazon for a refund on the basis of offensive content.
Perhaps Ms Colgan would like to watch this video http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=m-... or look at this website www.r-word.org and take the pledge to end the use of 'retard'/'retarded' as a derogatory term synonymous with being dumb or stupid.
May 28, 2024
Nothing special, the usual chick-lit fairy-tale, with a few changes of scenario, as there are two girls, instead of three. Otherwise, the father is the bad dragon, the rich boy is quite poor and the apparent poor one is rich, the grandmother is some kind of fairy (I would also like a house for nothing), there is one bad girl, or even more...
What saves the book is humor, and that's not to be neglected, so average is the name.
What saves the book is humor, and that's not to be neglected, so average is the name.
December 14, 2020
An enjoyable feel-good contemporary story about sisters moving to the big city and launching new versions of their lives. West End Girls is a fun, light read, but misses some of the depth and emotion of the author's more recent books.
September 5, 2019
Have you ever wondered what kind of a cardboard cut-out of a character you would be in a novel like this? Now is your time to find out!
There are plenty of options. Below you can find your romcom personality, based on your qualities.
Are you a woman?
(The division into two genders is very rigid. Do not question it. If you’re woman you wouldn’t even think to, right? You’re probably too busy thinking about handbags, haha!!!)
Skinny = Slut. Skank. Vapid. Beautiful.
Chubby = Lazy, ugly, unattractive, stupid. Desperate for male attention, due to the aforementioned qualities. You are the enormous butt of every possible cruel joke. Someone might be dumb enough to fall enough love with you - but only after you’ve lost weight. This will be made very clear. Obviously your man (obviously a man; lesbianism exists but only as a joke) will also be chubby and all other kinds of disgusting, but he will nevertheless tell you very clearly he did not fall in love with you until you lost weight. Also the key to losing weight is falling in love.
Rich = Skinny (see above). Probably married for money, obsessed with youth, beauty, and skinniness. Empty heads enhanced with plastic surgery, cruel thoughts, cruel words, cruel actions.
Poor = Lazy, ugly skank, strapped with multiple children from different fathers and other miscellaneous stereotypes. You have no style, no class, and your poverty is the only relatable quality you possess. Also the only thing you possess. If you’re black, your name is Dwaneesa.
Big-breasted = This is the quality all women strive for. If you have naturally huge melons, congratulations, you have a reason to live! If not, plastic surgery is the option for you. Caution: you will still be made fun of in a very cruel and unnecessary fashion.
Oh, and by the way: big breasts don’t count if you’re fat. But at least you’ve got that one quality that might trick some dummy into giving you the love you are so very desperate for.
Blond: Beautiful slutty skank (to mix it up a little).
It’s good to be aware that women in general are kind of stupid - sometimes in a heart-warming, pathetic, adorable way, sometimes in a bitchy, witchy, mean kind of way. Choose your fighter. If you’re not married by 25, yikes. If you’re not married by 28… just give up.
Are you a man?
Rich = Cruel, self-absorbed playboy.
Poor = I mean… If you’re not rich, what’s the point of you? Pass.
Foreign = You are a thinly veiled, borderline offensive stereotype of a vaguely Mediterranean man with lots of hair all over. You are described as “animalistic”. You make your characterization work for you and end up being the only relatively normal person in the book, and also the only one the reader actually roots for. So, congrats?
Artsy = Gold-digging, good-for-nothing son-of-a-bitch. Preys on rich women in hopes of squeezing some money out of them. Dreamy, but deplorable. Also poor (see above).
Chubby: Ew. Oh, you’re secretly rich? Well, that changes everything.
The point of men in general is to support at least one woman in his lifetime. It is a well-known fact that a woman cannot support herself. Education, careers and personal or professional dreams and aspirations do not exist - for women, at least. So be prepared, especially if you’re rich, because women will be basically breaking into your house to try and force you into marriage.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FYI: I read this book because it lives in the breakroom at my place of work, and I like to read while I eat. Probably shouldn’t eat while reading something that makes me nauseous. Although it might be a good way to lose weight, and as a woman, being as skinny as possible is obviously of utmost importance, so… yay?
There are plenty of options. Below you can find your romcom personality, based on your qualities.
Are you a woman?
(The division into two genders is very rigid. Do not question it. If you’re woman you wouldn’t even think to, right? You’re probably too busy thinking about handbags, haha!!!)
Skinny = Slut. Skank. Vapid. Beautiful.
Chubby = Lazy, ugly, unattractive, stupid. Desperate for male attention, due to the aforementioned qualities. You are the enormous butt of every possible cruel joke. Someone might be dumb enough to fall enough love with you - but only after you’ve lost weight. This will be made very clear. Obviously your man (obviously a man; lesbianism exists but only as a joke) will also be chubby and all other kinds of disgusting, but he will nevertheless tell you very clearly he did not fall in love with you until you lost weight. Also the key to losing weight is falling in love.
Rich = Skinny (see above). Probably married for money, obsessed with youth, beauty, and skinniness. Empty heads enhanced with plastic surgery, cruel thoughts, cruel words, cruel actions.
Poor = Lazy, ugly skank, strapped with multiple children from different fathers and other miscellaneous stereotypes. You have no style, no class, and your poverty is the only relatable quality you possess. Also the only thing you possess. If you’re black, your name is Dwaneesa.
Big-breasted = This is the quality all women strive for. If you have naturally huge melons, congratulations, you have a reason to live! If not, plastic surgery is the option for you. Caution: you will still be made fun of in a very cruel and unnecessary fashion.
Oh, and by the way: big breasts don’t count if you’re fat. But at least you’ve got that one quality that might trick some dummy into giving you the love you are so very desperate for.
Blond: Beautiful slutty skank (to mix it up a little).
It’s good to be aware that women in general are kind of stupid - sometimes in a heart-warming, pathetic, adorable way, sometimes in a bitchy, witchy, mean kind of way. Choose your fighter. If you’re not married by 25, yikes. If you’re not married by 28… just give up.
Are you a man?
Rich = Cruel, self-absorbed playboy.
Poor = I mean… If you’re not rich, what’s the point of you? Pass.
Foreign = You are a thinly veiled, borderline offensive stereotype of a vaguely Mediterranean man with lots of hair all over. You are described as “animalistic”. You make your characterization work for you and end up being the only relatively normal person in the book, and also the only one the reader actually roots for. So, congrats?
Artsy = Gold-digging, good-for-nothing son-of-a-bitch. Preys on rich women in hopes of squeezing some money out of them. Dreamy, but deplorable. Also poor (see above).
Chubby: Ew. Oh, you’re secretly rich? Well, that changes everything.
The point of men in general is to support at least one woman in his lifetime. It is a well-known fact that a woman cannot support herself. Education, careers and personal or professional dreams and aspirations do not exist - for women, at least. So be prepared, especially if you’re rich, because women will be basically breaking into your house to try and force you into marriage.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FYI: I read this book because it lives in the breakroom at my place of work, and I like to read while I eat. Probably shouldn’t eat while reading something that makes me nauseous. Although it might be a good way to lose weight, and as a woman, being as skinny as possible is obviously of utmost importance, so… yay?
March 28, 2021
2.5 stars for this re-issue of one of Jenny Colgan’s early books. The good news is that her writing has evolved significantly and her latest works have charming sympathetic characters with honest challenges and complicated emotions as real people do. The bad news is that this book predates that evolution and the characters are vapid cardboard cut-outs of people filling stereotypical roles, facing tired tropes as tribulations, and living in a one-dimensional setting that makes Chelsea seem like an unredeemable expanse of cookie-cutter stage sets. My advice: skip this one and wait for Colgan’s next new novel.
December 18, 2020
Saved to read as a treat and did not disappoint :)
Favorite line - "She bites?" Not sure what my husband thought about that grin on the treadmill
Favorite line - "She bites?" Not sure what my husband thought about that grin on the treadmill
September 22, 2017
Rating: ⛤⛤⛤⛤/ 4.5 Stars
I picked this book up from my school’s library when I was craving for contemporary (fantasy gets a bit over whelming sometimes). If you’re looking for a break like I was, then this book is the way to go!
*The-Actual-Review*
The streets of London are paved with gold …allegedly. They may be twin sisters, but Lizzie and Penny Berry are complete opposites – Penny is blonde, thin and outrageous; Lizzie quiet, thoughtful and definitely not thin. The one trait they do share is a desire to DO something with their lives, and as far as they are concerned, the place to get noticed is London. Out of the blue they discover they have a grandmother living in Chelsea – and when she has to go into hospital, they find themselves flat-sitting on the King’s Road. But, as they discover, it’s not as easy to become It Girls as they’d imagined, and west end boys aren’t at all like Hugh Grant …
I loved this! Did I mention I loved this?
I didn’t agree with everything that happened and that’s why I gave it 4.5 stars but if you round that for simplicity, it’s 5 stars…😉
If you’re a fan of contemporary books, you should definitely read this! It’s highly enjoyable and quirky, the characters are simply adorable in their own different ways. Plus there are lots of points on sisterhood/family and some mature content but nonetheless, it’s a winner!
• Characters; 4.5 Stars! I love how Jenny gave us two very different couples which are unique in their own ways, looks and personalities included!
• Writing; 4.5 Stars! (Wish I could give it 5 but as I mentioned before, there are bad times…some confusing aspects)
• Plot; 5 Stars! Pulled me in with all the drama and I was grinning stupidly by the end of it. It’s not exactly NOT predictable but it’s refreshing in its own way…
• Dialogues; 4 Stars! You’ll just have to read it…
• Ending/Conclusion; 5 Stars! Swoon-worthy😍 All you happy-ending fanatics will cry over it😏
*Please refrain from reading this book if you do not like books with a lot of drama going on or plot driven stories (though aren’t all good books plot driven?)
I picked this book up from my school’s library when I was craving for contemporary (fantasy gets a bit over whelming sometimes). If you’re looking for a break like I was, then this book is the way to go!
*The-Actual-Review*
The streets of London are paved with gold …allegedly. They may be twin sisters, but Lizzie and Penny Berry are complete opposites – Penny is blonde, thin and outrageous; Lizzie quiet, thoughtful and definitely not thin. The one trait they do share is a desire to DO something with their lives, and as far as they are concerned, the place to get noticed is London. Out of the blue they discover they have a grandmother living in Chelsea – and when she has to go into hospital, they find themselves flat-sitting on the King’s Road. But, as they discover, it’s not as easy to become It Girls as they’d imagined, and west end boys aren’t at all like Hugh Grant …
I loved this! Did I mention I loved this?
I didn’t agree with everything that happened and that’s why I gave it 4.5 stars but if you round that for simplicity, it’s 5 stars…😉
If you’re a fan of contemporary books, you should definitely read this! It’s highly enjoyable and quirky, the characters are simply adorable in their own different ways. Plus there are lots of points on sisterhood/family and some mature content but nonetheless, it’s a winner!
• Characters; 4.5 Stars! I love how Jenny gave us two very different couples which are unique in their own ways, looks and personalities included!
• Writing; 4.5 Stars! (Wish I could give it 5 but as I mentioned before, there are bad times…some confusing aspects)
• Plot; 5 Stars! Pulled me in with all the drama and I was grinning stupidly by the end of it. It’s not exactly NOT predictable but it’s refreshing in its own way…
• Dialogues; 4 Stars! You’ll just have to read it…
• Ending/Conclusion; 5 Stars! Swoon-worthy😍 All you happy-ending fanatics will cry over it😏
*Please refrain from reading this book if you do not like books with a lot of drama going on or plot driven stories (though aren’t all good books plot driven?)
September 16, 2009
West End Girls is my third Jenny Colgan novel after Talking To Addison and Amanda’s Wedding. West End Girls tells the story of Lizzie and Penny Berry who are fed up with life in Brandsford. A way out of their old life comes in the form of their grandmother’s flat in Chelsea so they end up flatsitting whilst their grandmother is in hospital.
I quite enjoyed West End Girls. Mainly because of Lizzie. Had the novel just been about Penny I would have gotten bored of it very quickly. Lizzie and Penny may be twins but they are poles apart. Lizzie is the meeker, heavier twin whereas Penny is the model-look-a-like twin.
I found Penny very selfish throughout most of the book and much preferred Lizzie. However Penny does redeem herself towards the end of the novel and becomes a lot more likeable. I hated the way Penny wanted to be a Chelsea-girl (I had no idea there was such a thing!), it was quite irritating to read about.
I liked the fact that both twins were different to each other – it made the story much more interesting because even though Lizzie generally did what Penny did they were both different and both had their own minds.
Georges was my favourite male character, I found him hilarious. I found Will quite underused but enjoyable whenever he was present. Sloan was slimy but was rarely used as he was only Penny’s boss.
I enjoyed the underlying story of Lizzie and Penny’s father and wondered if he would make an appearance. The twist at the end was a surprise but wasn’t a surprise, if that makes any sense. If you read it, you’ll understand!
I also enjoyed Minty and Brooke with their “yah’s” and Chelsea-girl-ways. Penny and Lizzie’s mum, Eilish, wasn’t in much of the story but it was great when she made an appearance.
My favourite parts of the book was the interaction between Lizzie “Little Twin” and her grandmother, I loved those scenes and thought they were well written.
Overall it was an enjoyable read and a very quick one, too.
Rating: 3/5
I quite enjoyed West End Girls. Mainly because of Lizzie. Had the novel just been about Penny I would have gotten bored of it very quickly. Lizzie and Penny may be twins but they are poles apart. Lizzie is the meeker, heavier twin whereas Penny is the model-look-a-like twin.
I found Penny very selfish throughout most of the book and much preferred Lizzie. However Penny does redeem herself towards the end of the novel and becomes a lot more likeable. I hated the way Penny wanted to be a Chelsea-girl (I had no idea there was such a thing!), it was quite irritating to read about.
I liked the fact that both twins were different to each other – it made the story much more interesting because even though Lizzie generally did what Penny did they were both different and both had their own minds.
Georges was my favourite male character, I found him hilarious. I found Will quite underused but enjoyable whenever he was present. Sloan was slimy but was rarely used as he was only Penny’s boss.
I enjoyed the underlying story of Lizzie and Penny’s father and wondered if he would make an appearance. The twist at the end was a surprise but wasn’t a surprise, if that makes any sense. If you read it, you’ll understand!
I also enjoyed Minty and Brooke with their “yah’s” and Chelsea-girl-ways. Penny and Lizzie’s mum, Eilish, wasn’t in much of the story but it was great when she made an appearance.
My favourite parts of the book was the interaction between Lizzie “Little Twin” and her grandmother, I loved those scenes and thought they were well written.
Overall it was an enjoyable read and a very quick one, too.
Rating: 3/5
December 30, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this review copy of West End Girls by Jenny Colgan.
West End Girls is a chick-lit style story of non-identical twins who after a lifetime in government housing in Essex get the opportunity to move a chic London neighborhood in Chelsea. Both girls are unemployed and single and this is the perfect opportunity to start their lives over.
Lizzie is the responsible twin and finds herself helping out in a charming cafe run by bigger than life Portuguese chef, Georges. And Penny is the gorgeous and irresponsible sister that stumbles into a new career in any gallery and a relationship with artist Will. Both girls learn a lot about life, love and what it takes to be one of those classy west end girls.
I enjoyed this fun little slice of life in London. I thought both sisters were funny and although they weren’t perfect (especially Penny) I rooted for them and wanted them to have a crack at their dreams. I will say there are a few pop-culture references that make this clear that this may not be a newer release. As other reviewers pointed out there are some negative “fat” references, constant mentions of breast size and enhancements and the casual use of the derogatory term for intellectual delays that some readers may find offensive and jarring.
Despite all that I recommend West End Girls for women’s fiction fans that want a fun fish out of water story that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
West End Girls is a chick-lit style story of non-identical twins who after a lifetime in government housing in Essex get the opportunity to move a chic London neighborhood in Chelsea. Both girls are unemployed and single and this is the perfect opportunity to start their lives over.
Lizzie is the responsible twin and finds herself helping out in a charming cafe run by bigger than life Portuguese chef, Georges. And Penny is the gorgeous and irresponsible sister that stumbles into a new career in any gallery and a relationship with artist Will. Both girls learn a lot about life, love and what it takes to be one of those classy west end girls.
I enjoyed this fun little slice of life in London. I thought both sisters were funny and although they weren’t perfect (especially Penny) I rooted for them and wanted them to have a crack at their dreams. I will say there are a few pop-culture references that make this clear that this may not be a newer release. As other reviewers pointed out there are some negative “fat” references, constant mentions of breast size and enhancements and the casual use of the derogatory term for intellectual delays that some readers may find offensive and jarring.
Despite all that I recommend West End Girls for women’s fiction fans that want a fun fish out of water story that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
February 28, 2022
One star because I managed to finish it without dying of embarrassment and one star because I liked Lizzie.
Just awful.
I like Jenny Colgan these days and I knew this was an older one but I didn’t expect it to be quite so cringe.
And at times it was offensive. Actually, a lot of times. Loads of references to people being fat, sluts and even ‘retard’. I get that this is an older book and maybe these things have become even less appropriate these days, but the edition I have was actually printed in 2021 so there’s really no excuse!
Terrible.
Just awful.
I like Jenny Colgan these days and I knew this was an older one but I didn’t expect it to be quite so cringe.
And at times it was offensive. Actually, a lot of times. Loads of references to people being fat, sluts and even ‘retard’. I get that this is an older book and maybe these things have become even less appropriate these days, but the edition I have was actually printed in 2021 so there’s really no excuse!
Terrible.
June 10, 2019
I quite like Colgan for a light and fluffy read, but every once in a while she turns up with a book that feels like slogging through a swamp. West End Girls is, unfortunately, one of those books, and there is exactly one likable character, while the rest are woefully stereotypical and kind of whiny. The book has its moments, but overall the tone is rather misogynistic and miserable.
January 7, 2021
I’m a big fan of Jenny Colgan books. This story is a cute little quick read of twin sisters trying to make it in London. And of course learning about life and love in the big city.
August 15, 2021
When I need a break I pick up a Jenny Colgan book. As always her characters are believable, some loveable and always find their path in a chaotic world.
January 19, 2024
DNF!
I'm afraid I might get a book slump if I force myself to finish this book.
I'm afraid I might get a book slump if I force myself to finish this book.
November 11, 2022
This is an interesting read, about adult female twins who have the chance to improve their lifestyle by moving into a house in Chelsea. It has a couple of nice, muted, love stories and tells realistically about their jobs.
November 23, 2020
This entertaining novel features a set of non-identical twins whose father has long been absent from their lives. Living in Brandford, a dingy, working-class suburb of London with their school lunch-lady mother, the twins couldn’t be more different in looks or personality. Penny is slim and glamourous, a real good-time girl; Lizzie is plump and plain, a real introvert. Penny is hoping to catch the eye of a rich sugar daddy, while Lizzie works a dead-end job in the office of a stamp-importing business. Just as she thinks her life can’t get much worse, Lizzie is told that her job, along with the stamp importing concern, is ending. Then a letter arrives notifying both the girls that their father’s mother, whom they haven’t set eyes on since their early childhood, is in a nursing home and wants them to move into her luxury flat in Chelsea and take care of the property. Things seem to be looking up, until their ne’er-do-well father reappears to claim the flat and evict them.
The novel is written in a light vein, whimsical and wittily comical, like a Nora Ephron screenplay. The twins, along with their respective love interests (a Greek restaurant owner and a starving artist) are appealing characters who navigate their changing circumstances and relationships with panache, if not always with success. Readers will find themselves rooting for both the twins, even as they wince at some of the girls’ choices along the way. This is a thoroughly fun and delightful read. It’s froth, but well-written and engaging froth that draws you in and makes you laugh.
I haven’t yet read a novel by this author that I didn’t like, but this one is especially charming. I recommend that you look out for it when it comes out in January of 2021.
The novel is written in a light vein, whimsical and wittily comical, like a Nora Ephron screenplay. The twins, along with their respective love interests (a Greek restaurant owner and a starving artist) are appealing characters who navigate their changing circumstances and relationships with panache, if not always with success. Readers will find themselves rooting for both the twins, even as they wince at some of the girls’ choices along the way. This is a thoroughly fun and delightful read. It’s froth, but well-written and engaging froth that draws you in and makes you laugh.
I haven’t yet read a novel by this author that I didn’t like, but this one is especially charming. I recommend that you look out for it when it comes out in January of 2021.
February 24, 2021
I saw 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 on @netgalley and decided take a chance on it. I originally thought West End meant like London’s version of Broadway. I learned pretty quickly that is not what it meant! 😆
Lizzie and Penny are twin sisters from Branford, England. They may be twins, but they couldn’t be more different. Lizzie is chubby, thoughtful and is trying to make something of herself. Her sister Penny is thin, wild, and is looking for a rich husband. Their father left when they were kids so when their paternal grandmother offers them her flat in Chelsea, they decide to become fancy city girls!
They both try to get jobs although it’s harder than it looks. Penny gets a job in an art gallery and ends dating with the first artist she meets. Lizzie gets a job in a cafe with a Portuguese owner who teaches her about food and cooking. They try to hang with their posh neighbors in their apartment building, but they find they can’t keep up.
This book was a fun trip to London. The twins get into a lot of shenanigans and they learn about their family along the way. Buy the girls could be pretty rude and mean to others and there’s definitely a lot of stereotyping which got to be a little much. I still thought it was a enjoyable quick read.
Thank you to @williammorrowbooks and @netgalley for the review copy. This book is on sale now!
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Lizzie and Penny are twin sisters from Branford, England. They may be twins, but they couldn’t be more different. Lizzie is chubby, thoughtful and is trying to make something of herself. Her sister Penny is thin, wild, and is looking for a rich husband. Their father left when they were kids so when their paternal grandmother offers them her flat in Chelsea, they decide to become fancy city girls!
They both try to get jobs although it’s harder than it looks. Penny gets a job in an art gallery and ends dating with the first artist she meets. Lizzie gets a job in a cafe with a Portuguese owner who teaches her about food and cooking. They try to hang with their posh neighbors in their apartment building, but they find they can’t keep up.
This book was a fun trip to London. The twins get into a lot of shenanigans and they learn about their family along the way. Buy the girls could be pretty rude and mean to others and there’s definitely a lot of stereotyping which got to be a little much. I still thought it was a enjoyable quick read.
Thank you to @williammorrowbooks and @netgalley for the review copy. This book is on sale now!
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
January 17, 2021
This was a light fluffy book and perfect to read on a depressing winter day. I do have a major problem with it -- as I was reading, I kept thinking that I'd read it before but it published in 2021 so how was that possible. After doing some research, I found out that it was originally published in 2006. I need to watch dates on books that I order more closely because this is the second time that it's happened with one of Jenny Colgan's books.
Lizzie and Penny are twins but totally different in both looks and attitudes. Penny is blond and thin and always looking for a good time. Lizzie is very introverted and not happy with her extra weight. They live with their mother in a poor part of London and when they get a chance to stay at their grandmother's flat in Chelsea, they both know that their lives are going to change drastically. Penny tries to totally re-invent herself. She becomes a receptionist at an art gallery and her main job is to sit and look pretty. Lizzie gets a job at a restaurant and works very hard learning how to cook. In the evenings, Penny wants to party and Lizzie wants to stay home. They are both looking for love but in all the wrong places. After the trials and tribulations that they go through, they both learn what's really important in life.
Lizzie and Penny are twins but totally different in both looks and attitudes. Penny is blond and thin and always looking for a good time. Lizzie is very introverted and not happy with her extra weight. They live with their mother in a poor part of London and when they get a chance to stay at their grandmother's flat in Chelsea, they both know that their lives are going to change drastically. Penny tries to totally re-invent herself. She becomes a receptionist at an art gallery and her main job is to sit and look pretty. Lizzie gets a job at a restaurant and works very hard learning how to cook. In the evenings, Penny wants to party and Lizzie wants to stay home. They are both looking for love but in all the wrong places. After the trials and tribulations that they go through, they both learn what's really important in life.
February 5, 2021
Colgan does it again!
Though not one of her Scotland books, which I love, this was another good Colgan book. Twin sisters, Lizzie and Penny, who live with their mother in the East End of London, both suddenly lose their jobs. Lizzie is overweight and more comfortable staying home every night snacking and watching tv. Penny is attractive in a tarty way and loves clubbing in search of a man. But good luck comes their way when their absent father's mother lets them live in her apartment in Chelsea, a much more high end area of London. Perhaps their lives are looking up.
Though not one of her Scotland books, which I love, this was another good Colgan book. Twin sisters, Lizzie and Penny, who live with their mother in the East End of London, both suddenly lose their jobs. Lizzie is overweight and more comfortable staying home every night snacking and watching tv. Penny is attractive in a tarty way and loves clubbing in search of a man. But good luck comes their way when their absent father's mother lets them live in her apartment in Chelsea, a much more high end area of London. Perhaps their lives are looking up.
May 3, 2022
You can tell this is an early novel by Jenny Colgan - the characters are less believable than in her more recent ones, and they didn't hold my interest in the way that, say Cormac and Lissa in 'Five Hundred Miles from You' did, in fact I found myself skipping bits.
It is probably as well that I didn't read it back when it was written as I might not have, then, picked up any of the later books.
It is probably as well that I didn't read it back when it was written as I might not have, then, picked up any of the later books.
June 17, 2018
nice little story. it kind of had me hooked all the way through with little twists and turns. relatable characters and typical romantic comedy. guy gets the girl...
typically Jenny Colgan and thoroughly enjoyable
typically Jenny Colgan and thoroughly enjoyable
May 21, 2021
Well, it had to happen. Ms. Colgan finally wrote a book that I didn't fall completely in love with. Her quirky characters weren't quite as quirky and the scenery wasn't quite as scenic. Still a good book and it won't stop me from picking up her next one, two, dozen......
January 4, 2022
Bordering on Ok to good. Characters never developed the sympathy or compassion you felt for some of her characters in her later books. It was hard to like Penny who took advantage of her looks and big boobs to advance in life and whined when she didn’t get her way.
January 2, 2021
3.75 stars for this older novel by St Jenny. An easy fun read, a neat ending and the perfect way to start 2021.
January 10, 2021
So much fat shaming in this book. Plus the use of the word “retard” as an insult twice was just such poor form. Overall, it was just a crappily done book.
February 12, 2024
I’m not sure why people have been so picky about this book. Yes, it is a bit dated, but it seems to me to be par for the course for chick lit. If you want something to critique then this book just wouldn’t be for you.
It is what it is and that is chick lit, plain and simple.
It is satisfying as a genre for me on an occasional basis. I like quite diverse types of books and I feel some of the reviewers are just being a bit pretentious about the genre.
It is a light story, with the all-important feel good factor at the end. Why else would you want to read a novel in this category except as escapism.
It is what it is and that is chick lit, plain and simple.
It is satisfying as a genre for me on an occasional basis. I like quite diverse types of books and I feel some of the reviewers are just being a bit pretentious about the genre.
It is a light story, with the all-important feel good factor at the end. Why else would you want to read a novel in this category except as escapism.
February 2, 2022
2.5 stars. A tricky one this, I have enjoyed other books from this author, however this is one of their earlier writings and it shows. I don’t think all elements of the book aged well, and the characters were such a caricature. However it was an extremely easy read, and parts of it were quite enjoyable, hence the quick read, however I did almost decide not to bother after the first few pages!
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