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Travels with Denise : That Wasn’t Meant To Happen!
When Denise is captured by a policeman on her first day of school and kicked off the bus for having crabs, little does she know that it will be the beginning of a hilarious romp through life. Will she and her family survive a mysterious UFO encounter, deadly gas, ghostly goings-on, a cataclysmic quake, Cockney clowns and a gypsy curse? Join Denise on her misadventures from childhood to adulthood, through her home country of New Zealand to Fiji, Thailand, Australia, Europe and America. Written with her customary wicked humour, and proving that true life really is funnier than fiction, the stories provide a cautionary tale for anyone planning to travel with Denise—don’t do it!
Travels with Denise is a comedy memoir chronicling a lifetime of humorous misadventures and is perfect for fans of Bill Bryson, George Mahood and Tony James Slater.
Travels with Denise is a comedy memoir chronicling a lifetime of humorous misadventures and is perfect for fans of Bill Bryson, George Mahood and Tony James Slater.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2022
75 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Hayhurst
6 books22 followersSharon is a travel memoir writer who uses her customary wicked sense of humour to share her stories. She is a kindergarten teacher with a special talent for attracting trouble and falling over her own feet. Sharon lives on a rural property in New Zealand with her husband, Geoffrey, and an assortment of animals. Sharon’s writing draws the reader in, making them feel as if they are along for the ride, with plenty of laughs along the way.
Follow Sharon on Social Media to see photos that accompany her first book in the `Never A Dull Moment’ Series.
https://www.instagram.com/sharonhslm/
https://www.facebook.com/sharon.hayhu...
Follow Sharon on Social Media to see photos that accompany her first book in the `Never A Dull Moment’ Series.
https://www.instagram.com/sharonhslm/
https://www.facebook.com/sharon.hayhu...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 30, 2022
Another winner! A fun five-star read.
I had made SO many notes as I read this book, it’s taken ages to narrow them down-e.g. places where I had laughed at things — well, there were too many to keep count-so it’s definitely a very funny book.
Contains Travels from 1979, right up to present times of COVID-19; the book spans quite a few years and covers a wide variety of places. Travels with, and without their kids. The author is an absolute scream. The book is choc-full of escapades with the accident-prone Dense (Sharon).
For anyone who hasn't read her other book, ‘Travels With Geoffrey’ she briefly explains about their nicknames-e.g. why Denise in the title, when she's Sharon. A useful addition. This new book has that same fun, lively, vibrant style. It's not just what happens, it's how she writes about it that makes her books so entertaining. Another great read that you'll really enjoy. You'll laugh and titter all the way through. And it's not just funny stuff-the part in Fiji is very interesting: About the culture, ceremonies etc. Their travels are not all exotic though, as the young Geoffrey and Denise have a work trip to Salford Manchester, England.
The book is action-packed with accidents and escapades. It’s just hilarious the scrapes that family gets into! Another great memoir of fun and frolics, packed with chuckles, laughs, sniggers and smiles. But there’s history and facts too. You learn something, and she breaks it up a bit with her witty remarks between times. Fun, and rich travel experiences too.
In her usual accident-prone way, many events in this book weren't supposed to happen. But they do, and what we have is a wonderfully entertaining and enthralling read. Such a fun, lively and vibrant style, I love Sharon Hayhurst's writing, it’s just bursting with fun. And they laugh at their mishaps, that's what's so nice. No complaining, no moans, just a lovely light and humorous read. I can’t wait for more.
I had made SO many notes as I read this book, it’s taken ages to narrow them down-e.g. places where I had laughed at things — well, there were too many to keep count-so it’s definitely a very funny book.
Contains Travels from 1979, right up to present times of COVID-19; the book spans quite a few years and covers a wide variety of places. Travels with, and without their kids. The author is an absolute scream. The book is choc-full of escapades with the accident-prone Dense (Sharon).
For anyone who hasn't read her other book, ‘Travels With Geoffrey’ she briefly explains about their nicknames-e.g. why Denise in the title, when she's Sharon. A useful addition. This new book has that same fun, lively, vibrant style. It's not just what happens, it's how she writes about it that makes her books so entertaining. Another great read that you'll really enjoy. You'll laugh and titter all the way through. And it's not just funny stuff-the part in Fiji is very interesting: About the culture, ceremonies etc. Their travels are not all exotic though, as the young Geoffrey and Denise have a work trip to Salford Manchester, England.
The book is action-packed with accidents and escapades. It’s just hilarious the scrapes that family gets into! Another great memoir of fun and frolics, packed with chuckles, laughs, sniggers and smiles. But there’s history and facts too. You learn something, and she breaks it up a bit with her witty remarks between times. Fun, and rich travel experiences too.
In her usual accident-prone way, many events in this book weren't supposed to happen. But they do, and what we have is a wonderfully entertaining and enthralling read. Such a fun, lively and vibrant style, I love Sharon Hayhurst's writing, it’s just bursting with fun. And they laugh at their mishaps, that's what's so nice. No complaining, no moans, just a lovely light and humorous read. I can’t wait for more.
December 13, 2022
Denise, aka Sharon Hayhurst, attracts trouble like mosquitos round a pond. When she asks her mother; ‘When I was little, did I cause any trouble?’ the reply is; ‘You even need to ask? How long have you got?’
The answer sets Denise thinking about ‘things that weren’t supposed to happen’ – but did. From crabs aged five to UFO sightings, Salford ghosts and red witches in her teens, the wrong wedding and disastrous family holidays in Europe, to earthquakes and the funniest bicycle ride ever, this romp through Denise’s holidays is an hilarious follow up to her previous memoir, Travels with Geoffrey. At one point the author asks ‘What invisible force kept attracting weirdos? Could it be me?’ Whatever the universe has in store next for Denise and family, I hope we get to be a part of it.
If you need a good belly laugh this Christmas, this is the book to buy. Treat yourself or a loved one. You’ll be delighted you did!
The answer sets Denise thinking about ‘things that weren’t supposed to happen’ – but did. From crabs aged five to UFO sightings, Salford ghosts and red witches in her teens, the wrong wedding and disastrous family holidays in Europe, to earthquakes and the funniest bicycle ride ever, this romp through Denise’s holidays is an hilarious follow up to her previous memoir, Travels with Geoffrey. At one point the author asks ‘What invisible force kept attracting weirdos? Could it be me?’ Whatever the universe has in store next for Denise and family, I hope we get to be a part of it.
If you need a good belly laugh this Christmas, this is the book to buy. Treat yourself or a loved one. You’ll be delighted you did!
November 23, 2022
I laughed my way through Sharon's first book, so I was happy to be an ARC reader for her second. This is my unbiased opinion.
How do you follow the hilarity of Travels With Geoffrey? Well, you go back in time to Denise's childhood. Is it the Denise Factor that turns all their adventures into catastrophes? Well I'm not giving anything away, but suffice it to say that disasters have followed Denise all her life. From crabs on a bus at the age of five, disasters have followed her across the globe. If you don't laugh out loud several times during this book, I'll be surprised. Tears of laughter rolled down my cheeks for one whole chapter. I'm not going to spoil it, but Cycling and Italy. It's the funniest thing I've read in ages. Gypsy curses in Italy, Red Witches in Belfast, Ghosts in Salford, travelling around New Zealand with a salmon - no, that's not a typo - Denise and her long-suffering family take their happy brand of madness worldwide. And it's a rollicking, happy, feel-good read. I loved it. Escape from the madness and miseries of the world into this charming book. And I want more please, Sharon!
How do you follow the hilarity of Travels With Geoffrey? Well, you go back in time to Denise's childhood. Is it the Denise Factor that turns all their adventures into catastrophes? Well I'm not giving anything away, but suffice it to say that disasters have followed Denise all her life. From crabs on a bus at the age of five, disasters have followed her across the globe. If you don't laugh out loud several times during this book, I'll be surprised. Tears of laughter rolled down my cheeks for one whole chapter. I'm not going to spoil it, but Cycling and Italy. It's the funniest thing I've read in ages. Gypsy curses in Italy, Red Witches in Belfast, Ghosts in Salford, travelling around New Zealand with a salmon - no, that's not a typo - Denise and her long-suffering family take their happy brand of madness worldwide. And it's a rollicking, happy, feel-good read. I loved it. Escape from the madness and miseries of the world into this charming book. And I want more please, Sharon!
January 1, 2023
I’m recommending Travels With Denise for two reasons. Either one, on its own would make this a great read.
First, who hasn’t heard of the benefit of laughter on T-cells and immunity? Let’s just say this: your T-Cells will multiply!
Second, we all know life is messy, right? I mean, you’re probably either in a mess, headed for one or both. Denise shows us how we can actually embrace our messiness. I mean, if she can do it, you can too!
So grab a cup of coffee or pour a glass of wine, put your feet up, and enjoy the ride.
First, who hasn’t heard of the benefit of laughter on T-cells and immunity? Let’s just say this: your T-Cells will multiply!
Second, we all know life is messy, right? I mean, you’re probably either in a mess, headed for one or both. Denise shows us how we can actually embrace our messiness. I mean, if she can do it, you can too!
So grab a cup of coffee or pour a glass of wine, put your feet up, and enjoy the ride.
December 6, 2022
From crabs on the school bus to Covid in the cottage if it CAN go wrong, it WILL go wrong during New Zealand native Sharon Hayhurst’s travels recounted in the book “Travels with Denise: That Wasn’t Meant to Happen! (Never a Dull Moment).” Sharon, aka Denise, and her husband “Geoffrey” love to travel but know that no matter where they go, or with whom, they will encounter bumps in the road which might ruin a trip for another traveler but lead to roll on the floor laughter in the reader.
This book, and Sharon’s first book “Travels with Geoffrey” tell the unvarnished truth about travel-if you’ve traveled you’ve been there but probably can’t tell the story in as humorous a manner as Sharon does. What do you remember when you look back—the beautiful sunset views or the time your child tried to bring a medieval weapon through security? I leave that answer to you, but you can guess what Sharon remembers! I highly recommend this book and Sharon’s first. Read them in any order but read them. As the tears of laughter are spilling down your face, you will thank me.
This book, and Sharon’s first book “Travels with Geoffrey” tell the unvarnished truth about travel-if you’ve traveled you’ve been there but probably can’t tell the story in as humorous a manner as Sharon does. What do you remember when you look back—the beautiful sunset views or the time your child tried to bring a medieval weapon through security? I leave that answer to you, but you can guess what Sharon remembers! I highly recommend this book and Sharon’s first. Read them in any order but read them. As the tears of laughter are spilling down your face, you will thank me.
November 24, 2022
After too many holiday horrors and misadventures to mention Sharon wonders if she is just unfortunate or had she always attracted trouble. In ‘Travels with Denise’ she casts an eye back over time to find out. I can verify that she certainly has more than her fair share of hysterical happenings!
What a laugh - what a woman! She's a veritable disaster magnet. I must say I expected to enjoy it and I did. I just love Sharon's chatty writing style and her enthusiasm for the places she visits and the snippets of history she gives us as well as her side- splitting descriptions of the family escapades.
Despite the mishaps and the frequent fiascos, the family never lose their sense of adventure and fun. They do enjoy a laugh and so do I. Believe me when I say there are plenty laughs in this book. I could hardly read bits of it as I was laughing so much. Traveling with Thomas the Tank Engine, French haircuts, a circuit of Panzano and, I must say 'Amore' made me nearly choke! I could relate to this as we had a similar experience in Sorrento. This is another terrific, fun memoir which I can highly recommend. I look forward to book three.
I was privileged to be a beta reader for this book and this review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
What a laugh - what a woman! She's a veritable disaster magnet. I must say I expected to enjoy it and I did. I just love Sharon's chatty writing style and her enthusiasm for the places she visits and the snippets of history she gives us as well as her side- splitting descriptions of the family escapades.
Despite the mishaps and the frequent fiascos, the family never lose their sense of adventure and fun. They do enjoy a laugh and so do I. Believe me when I say there are plenty laughs in this book. I could hardly read bits of it as I was laughing so much. Traveling with Thomas the Tank Engine, French haircuts, a circuit of Panzano and, I must say 'Amore' made me nearly choke! I could relate to this as we had a similar experience in Sorrento. This is another terrific, fun memoir which I can highly recommend. I look forward to book three.
I was privileged to be a beta reader for this book and this review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 28, 2023
Do you want to laugh so hard that you cry? I was in a quiet room where you could hear a pin drop. So when I laughed out loud, everyone stared at me. Staring back, I asked, “What are you looking at? Haven’t you ever read Travels with Denise? If not, you really should. It’s part of the comedy memoir series Never a Dull Moment. After that, you’ll be hooked and have to read the first book, Travels with Geoffrey. Both books are full of travel misadventures that will have you falling off your seat with laughter.” Need I say more?
December 20, 2022
I was lucky enough to beta read this memoir - I read & thoroughly enjoyed the first in of the two book series ‘Travels with Geoffrey’ so I knew I wouldn’t be let-down by the author. An absolute hoot of a book. A book that has you giggling out-loud 🙂 Crabs, UFOs, & Ghostly Goings-on - you couldn’t make it up. I said in my review of the first book, ‘this author is a good egg’ - I still hold that view. Great way with words, funny - right up my street.
December 10, 2022
Sharon Hayhurst has done it again!
Love book 2 . Very well written and hilarious. Being American I have a Google time trying to figure out the meaning of some of the words but I find if I keep reading most of it comes out in the rest of the sentence. Half the fun of reading these books. Can't wait for book 3.
Love book 2 . Very well written and hilarious. Being American I have a Google time trying to figure out the meaning of some of the words but I find if I keep reading most of it comes out in the rest of the sentence. Half the fun of reading these books. Can't wait for book 3.
December 8, 2022
If laughter is the best medicine this book is a wonderful tonic,
‘Travels with Denise’ by Sharon Hayhurst is a wonderful, very funny book. I tried to ration it as I had waited ages for its publication but sadly the temptation was too great and I finished it in two days. Sharon’s somewhat wry writing style and the self deprecating descriptions of herself had the tears rolling down my face! The book would make an excellent Christmas gift.
‘Travels with Denise’ by Sharon Hayhurst is a wonderful, very funny book. I tried to ration it as I had waited ages for its publication but sadly the temptation was too great and I finished it in two days. Sharon’s somewhat wry writing style and the self deprecating descriptions of herself had the tears rolling down my face! The book would make an excellent Christmas gift.
February 28, 2023
Fun lil romp
Such a fun little romp through the good bits of life. Travel filled with self deprecating humour makes this a lovely snack read. So good.
Such a fun little romp through the good bits of life. Travel filled with self deprecating humour makes this a lovely snack read. So good.
February 23, 2023
delightful fun
I thoroughly enjoyed traveling with Denise and her crew! Hilarious and fun! I truly laughed out loud many times. Highly recommend!
I thoroughly enjoyed traveling with Denise and her crew! Hilarious and fun! I truly laughed out loud many times. Highly recommend!
January 15, 2023
Hilarious and entertaining!
Following on from her successful Travels with Geoffrey, this is Sharon’s life in stories. Right from 1979 to the present day, it seems that trouble seems to follow her wherever she travels! And she does like to travel... from New Zealand to Fiji, Thailand, Australia, Europe and the UK, and America. Whether she is with her family, or just her husband, the author seems to have the knack of courting disaster and inviting strange people to talk to her. The book is full of humour and the places they visit are described well, which makes it feel as if you are travelling alongside her - although I have to admit she’s so accident prone I think I’d rather keep her at a safe distance! A great read.
Following on from her successful Travels with Geoffrey, this is Sharon’s life in stories. Right from 1979 to the present day, it seems that trouble seems to follow her wherever she travels! And she does like to travel... from New Zealand to Fiji, Thailand, Australia, Europe and the UK, and America. Whether she is with her family, or just her husband, the author seems to have the knack of courting disaster and inviting strange people to talk to her. The book is full of humour and the places they visit are described well, which makes it feel as if you are travelling alongside her - although I have to admit she’s so accident prone I think I’d rather keep her at a safe distance! A great read.
January 9, 2023
Another great adventure read!
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and I didn't think this one would ge AS interesting seeing as there is a bit of home country (New Zealand) travel involved.. how wrong I was! Thoroughly enjoyed another kiwis perspective on traveling in our own place and the humour is spot on.
Am already looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and I didn't think this one would ge AS interesting seeing as there is a bit of home country (New Zealand) travel involved.. how wrong I was! Thoroughly enjoyed another kiwis perspective on traveling in our own place and the humour is spot on.
Am already looking forward to the next book.
February 5, 2023
I was wondering how this would top the first book, but I was not disappointed! Trouble really does follow Denise and Geoffrey around. Another hilarious account of their early travels with and without Jan and Don! I loved it!
September 27, 2023
Only Denise would find herself in an accident, near police, and surrounded by clowns. All at the same time! But somehow, she manages to escape, mostly unscathed … to approach yet another crisis. Oh, the places you will go with this family as their neurotic GPS takes them to the most unusual destinations.
In this hilarious memoir, we read about grumpy locals, mistaken identity and the consequences of a gypsy curse. Luckily for us, Denise returns home to tell us all about it. If you are looking for a good belly laugh, join Denise on her travels and read this book.
In this hilarious memoir, we read about grumpy locals, mistaken identity and the consequences of a gypsy curse. Luckily for us, Denise returns home to tell us all about it. If you are looking for a good belly laugh, join Denise on her travels and read this book.
October 7, 2023
A wonderful read especially for an armchair traveler. Hilarious but also very heart warming look into a family’s dynamics. Lyrical descriptions of people, places, nature.
April 2, 2023
Travels with Denise is the hilarious follow-up to Travels with Geoffrey and spans a fairly large time frame, from 1979 until the COVID pandemic strikes, detailing adventures had by Denise (Sharon) and Geoffrey while traveling, sometimes with their kids Jan and Don and sometimes without them.
The stories cover trips to Australia, Canada, France, Italy, America, Montenegro, Croatia, Thailand, visits with Denise’s family in Ireland and around their home country of New Zealand. The couple also visits a dreary Manchester, UK in 1986 which struck a chord with me personally, since I went to the University of Manchester in 1986 and well remember the rainy weather and glum red brick housing - I never encountered a haunted wardrobe, however! The Arndale Centre is mentioned, where I had a Saturday job in a Chelsea Girl clothes shop at that time - I wonder if our paths might have crossed!
This book has many laugh out loud moments, not necessarily because an event was particularly funny, but the lovely way Sharon relays it adds the magic of wit and slapstick to simple items such as a mirror at an airport, where she is convinced people are staring at them! The family’s escapades are interspersed with historical and cultural details when they travel to interesting destinations such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. There are eloquent descriptions of castles and churches but it’s the accident prone anecdotes which are the stars of the show, making me chuckle over and over again.
It seems that Denise attracts trouble and that crazy coincidences and unlikely accidents pursue her. Poor Denise, but lucky us as it ensures there is plenty of material for Sharon to write more ridiculous, hilarious escapades!!
Denise’s catchphrase is “That wasn’t supposed to happen”, but I disagree - everything was supposed to happen so that Sharon could describe it and bring joy to so many readers!!
The stories cover trips to Australia, Canada, France, Italy, America, Montenegro, Croatia, Thailand, visits with Denise’s family in Ireland and around their home country of New Zealand. The couple also visits a dreary Manchester, UK in 1986 which struck a chord with me personally, since I went to the University of Manchester in 1986 and well remember the rainy weather and glum red brick housing - I never encountered a haunted wardrobe, however! The Arndale Centre is mentioned, where I had a Saturday job in a Chelsea Girl clothes shop at that time - I wonder if our paths might have crossed!
This book has many laugh out loud moments, not necessarily because an event was particularly funny, but the lovely way Sharon relays it adds the magic of wit and slapstick to simple items such as a mirror at an airport, where she is convinced people are staring at them! The family’s escapades are interspersed with historical and cultural details when they travel to interesting destinations such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. There are eloquent descriptions of castles and churches but it’s the accident prone anecdotes which are the stars of the show, making me chuckle over and over again.
It seems that Denise attracts trouble and that crazy coincidences and unlikely accidents pursue her. Poor Denise, but lucky us as it ensures there is plenty of material for Sharon to write more ridiculous, hilarious escapades!!
Denise’s catchphrase is “That wasn’t supposed to happen”, but I disagree - everything was supposed to happen so that Sharon could describe it and bring joy to so many readers!!
August 17, 2024
A Laugh on Every Page. The author is truly a comedian! Her captivating brand of humour had me laughing on every page from start to finish. I found the humour somewhat deadpan - which for me made it even funnier. The humour often came out of the blue, touching that funny spot, and her timing is perfect, along with the style of writing and the way this talented author paints the scenes, interjected with the pertinent humour.
Having previously read "Travels With Geoffrey" which I thoroughly enjoyed, I was familiar with the author's propensity for attracting trouble and being somewhat accident-prone, and if it can go wrong it often does (though not always and the highlights are as enchanting to read as the things that go awry).
I love how the author can laugh at herself. Added to this, her descriptions of people, situations and scenery are vivid and the reader feels as if they're right alongside the family in their travels. I loved all the photos at the end of the chapters. The memoir begins as a prequel, mapping out Sharon's childhood mishaps, but spreads out to span a lifetime, and encompasses family life from children to Nana (who I loved).
A memoir with a difference, it's a prequel, a sequel and a travel memoir all in one, encompassing childhood memories, family travels and escapades right through to the COVID pandemic.
I'm now reading and thoroughly enjoying Book 3.
Having previously read "Travels With Geoffrey" which I thoroughly enjoyed, I was familiar with the author's propensity for attracting trouble and being somewhat accident-prone, and if it can go wrong it often does (though not always and the highlights are as enchanting to read as the things that go awry).
I love how the author can laugh at herself. Added to this, her descriptions of people, situations and scenery are vivid and the reader feels as if they're right alongside the family in their travels. I loved all the photos at the end of the chapters. The memoir begins as a prequel, mapping out Sharon's childhood mishaps, but spreads out to span a lifetime, and encompasses family life from children to Nana (who I loved).
A memoir with a difference, it's a prequel, a sequel and a travel memoir all in one, encompassing childhood memories, family travels and escapades right through to the COVID pandemic.
I'm now reading and thoroughly enjoying Book 3.
March 1, 2023
Hilarious and totally entertaining
We catch up with Denise back in 1979, when she asks her mother, When I was little did I cause any trouble? the reply is, Do you even need to ask, lol. It appears that even from an early age she attracts troubles and mishaps like flies around a honeypot.
We follow Denise, aka Sharon Hayhurst, through her life adventures to the present times of COVID. Lots of places are visited with and without the kids but, no matter who is or isn't there, trouble is never far behind.
It is Sharon's writing skills and the way she describes everything that makes her books so enjoyable to read. Never knowing what is going to happen next, you are on the edge of your seat, heart in your mouth but you can't put the book down. I had plenty of chuckles to myself and lots of laugh-out-loud moments. It makes one wonder how one family can have so many scrapes and be so accident-prone.
Wherever they may be, there are plenty of descriptions of the local culture and customs along with the delights of local foods. Their travels are not always exotic but they always make the best of them. I loved Mother's special birthday treat, well done Sharon and Helen.
This is true entertainment at its best, thank you Sharon for wonderful, action-packed adventures. I can highly recommend reading this and the author's other book, Travels with Geoffrey.
We catch up with Denise back in 1979, when she asks her mother, When I was little did I cause any trouble? the reply is, Do you even need to ask, lol. It appears that even from an early age she attracts troubles and mishaps like flies around a honeypot.
We follow Denise, aka Sharon Hayhurst, through her life adventures to the present times of COVID. Lots of places are visited with and without the kids but, no matter who is or isn't there, trouble is never far behind.
It is Sharon's writing skills and the way she describes everything that makes her books so enjoyable to read. Never knowing what is going to happen next, you are on the edge of your seat, heart in your mouth but you can't put the book down. I had plenty of chuckles to myself and lots of laugh-out-loud moments. It makes one wonder how one family can have so many scrapes and be so accident-prone.
Wherever they may be, there are plenty of descriptions of the local culture and customs along with the delights of local foods. Their travels are not always exotic but they always make the best of them. I loved Mother's special birthday treat, well done Sharon and Helen.
This is true entertainment at its best, thank you Sharon for wonderful, action-packed adventures. I can highly recommend reading this and the author's other book, Travels with Geoffrey.
April 23, 2024
Denise (the author's sobriquet) is an accident waiting to happen. She's not 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 bonkers, though you might be forgiven for thinking so. She doesn't 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺 court disaster, yet it stalks her nonetheless. So what is it about this ill-fated globetrotter that sees her lurching from one calamity to another? Why does travel equal trouble whenever she's around?
Sharon Hayhurst is a natural raconteuse with no reservations when it comes to giving readers a giggle at her own expense. Barely a page goes by without reason to chortle. From irony through to slapstick, Denise's escapades cover the full gamut of humour; the tongue-in-cheek narrative and dialogue are equally as entertaining as the side-splitting mishaps they recount. The author’s talent is by no means one-dimensional. Comedy episodes are skilfully juxtaposed with descriptive passages, adding a richly evocative and immersive dimension to the text.
For armchair travellers in search of misadventure there will be no shortage of laughter as they follow Denise on a helter-skelter ride from the sublime to the ridiculous, leaving a trail of mayhem and madness in her wake.
Sharon Hayhurst is a natural raconteuse with no reservations when it comes to giving readers a giggle at her own expense. Barely a page goes by without reason to chortle. From irony through to slapstick, Denise's escapades cover the full gamut of humour; the tongue-in-cheek narrative and dialogue are equally as entertaining as the side-splitting mishaps they recount. The author’s talent is by no means one-dimensional. Comedy episodes are skilfully juxtaposed with descriptive passages, adding a richly evocative and immersive dimension to the text.
For armchair travellers in search of misadventure there will be no shortage of laughter as they follow Denise on a helter-skelter ride from the sublime to the ridiculous, leaving a trail of mayhem and madness in her wake.
March 16, 2023
No matter where she travels, Denise has calamities, and it seems her anti-skill started early in life. In this second book of her travel series, the author takes us on a hilarious romp from childhood incidents to adventures as an adult with her own family.
Events described by the author are wide-ranging. From an unfortunate situation involving crabs on a bus to a shabby ghost-ridden apartment in the UK and surviving an earthquake in her native New Zealand, they never end. The family is beleaguered with further disasters on their globetrotting travels, but they’re a patient lot. They know how to cope with mum’s mishaps.
Woven between hilarious lines, the author somehow manages to share moments of great sensitivity, vivid descriptions of beautiful places visited and fascinating travel information. That takes lots of skill and is one of the ingredients that make this book such a winner.
Do I love the author’s sense of humour? Absolutely. Would I travel with her? Ahem, possibly not! This wonderfully upbeat book is packed with depth and fun. I highly recommend it.
Events described by the author are wide-ranging. From an unfortunate situation involving crabs on a bus to a shabby ghost-ridden apartment in the UK and surviving an earthquake in her native New Zealand, they never end. The family is beleaguered with further disasters on their globetrotting travels, but they’re a patient lot. They know how to cope with mum’s mishaps.
Woven between hilarious lines, the author somehow manages to share moments of great sensitivity, vivid descriptions of beautiful places visited and fascinating travel information. That takes lots of skill and is one of the ingredients that make this book such a winner.
Do I love the author’s sense of humour? Absolutely. Would I travel with her? Ahem, possibly not! This wonderfully upbeat book is packed with depth and fun. I highly recommend it.
September 17, 2023
This is a fun-filled collection of travel adventures to equal Travels With Geoffrey. I very much enjoyed the different anecdotal chapters of the family's overseas trips and there were a number of episodes that had me weeping with laughter (cycling in Lucca and Denise's inflatable pineapple are just two that come to mind). That said, there were also several chapters where Sharon Hayhurst focuses on the beauty of their surroundings and the poignant history of their destinations, for example Pompeii and Vesuvius. Her descriptions of these were really lovely.
As with all travel, some places were a bit of a let down, but even so, the family and Denise always made the best of things and found humour in their disasters. I have to say I was impressed by Geoffrey's willingness to drive everywhere they went, no matter which country or part of the world. They took fabulous trips through the US and Europe, as well as more locally in their own New Zealand and the only thing that seemed to rattle him was their malicious satnav. So three cheers to Geoffrey for his stoic driving and another three to Denise for entertaining me with all these great stories. Highly recommended.
As with all travel, some places were a bit of a let down, but even so, the family and Denise always made the best of things and found humour in their disasters. I have to say I was impressed by Geoffrey's willingness to drive everywhere they went, no matter which country or part of the world. They took fabulous trips through the US and Europe, as well as more locally in their own New Zealand and the only thing that seemed to rattle him was their malicious satnav. So three cheers to Geoffrey for his stoic driving and another three to Denise for entertaining me with all these great stories. Highly recommended.
February 4, 2023
If the eye-catching cover doesn’t prepare you for what’s in store – the author on a bicycle that is out of control heading perilously close to a precipice, then the first pages will – a spilled bucketful of crabs assailing the bare toes of children riding in a school bus. And if you still don’t get the message, the author’s wry admission makes it plain: ‘I’ve always attracted trouble,’ she admits, and then adds light-heartedly, ‘even prior to marrying my husband, Geoffrey’.
You will enjoy the merriment and the humorous digs of the elbow with which Sharon Hayhurst tells stories of her wacky life from New Zealand to Fiji, Australia to Canada, and all points in between.
You will enjoy the merriment and the humorous digs of the elbow with which Sharon Hayhurst tells stories of her wacky life from New Zealand to Fiji, Australia to Canada, and all points in between.
June 4, 2023
An amusing journey.
Travelling with Denise and her family is never straightforward; however, despite several disasters, these jet setters persevere. An amusing and informative memoir, taking the reader to several distant countries, as well as trips around their home country of New Zealand.
Perfect armchair travel, related with vivid descriptions of the locations, a touch of history, and a brilliant sense of humour.
Travelling with Denise and her family is never straightforward; however, despite several disasters, these jet setters persevere. An amusing and informative memoir, taking the reader to several distant countries, as well as trips around their home country of New Zealand.
Perfect armchair travel, related with vivid descriptions of the locations, a touch of history, and a brilliant sense of humour.
March 7, 2024
WICKEDLY FUNNY
Sharon Hayhurst manages to be absurdly funny, sentimental and poignant, all within in the covers of one book. Reading her wit is like eating potatoes chips; one leads to one more!
Sharon Hayhurst manages to be absurdly funny, sentimental and poignant, all within in the covers of one book. Reading her wit is like eating potatoes chips; one leads to one more!
May 10, 2024
Travels with Denise
This was a very funny book, I loved their amazing trips and the history oof the places they visited,Denise and her mishaps kept me laughing ,enjoyed this book.
This was a very funny book, I loved their amazing trips and the history oof the places they visited,Denise and her mishaps kept me laughing ,enjoyed this book.
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