great book, 26 Aug 2007
I read this book sraight after A Crowded Marriage and was not expecting to anjoy the main character as much, but i did. I also didn't find the plot as predictable as others did, i wondered throughout who Rosie would end up with and really enjoyed the final chapter.
Other parts of the book were slightly predicatle such as the problems Rosie would face and i found myself reading as quick as possible to get past the slightly irritating bits.
On the whole though, i found it laugh out loud funny, fast paced and really heart warming. Alliot has a great way of letting you really get into the characters head, feeling what they feel. An author i will continue to read.

It really does make you laugh out loud!, 29 Jan 2007
Having read the reviews of this book before I read it, I was delighted to discover that it really did make me laugh out loud, the incident of Harry and the babysitter's new coat was the first of many hilarious situations. Although the storyline is somewhat predictable, the outrageously funny way in which it is told makes up for it. You must read this book if you want a really really good laugh. I will definitely be reading more books by Catherine Alliott.

Hilarious!, 06 Nov 2006
I loved this book so much. I adored Rosie and her mental family, especially her mum. I didn't want the book to end and I would love a sequal as I'd like to know how the characters move on. If you like Bridget Jones, as I do, read this book as Rosie is just as clumsy and just as funny. Superb!

Funniest Ever, 21 Jun 2006
I borrowed this book from a friend and and thought it wasn't really my thing HOW WRONG was I. This was the most funniest book I have ever read and had me laughing out loud constantly. I have since read 3 other books by this author and they are all great, but this is by far the best. BUY IT NOW!

totally predictable and boring in parts, 22 May 2006
I feel like I have to review this book because I don't feel that it deserves 5*'s.
i did find the book funny in parts and I did laugh out only once. I don't think that is any where near as funny as the Shopaholic books or Can you keep a secret.
I found my self skipping whole parargraphs because a lot of what is written is rosies's thoughts half of the book is spent in her head.
You will know the outcome as soon as you meet the guy she is going to be with. I found it all too obvious like a cheesy made for tv film with the crossed wires, jealous exes, meddling parents and running to catch the man of your dreams before its too late!!
Read it if you have nothing better to read other wise pick up a sophie kinsella, I would not buy this book, I found it a disappointment after the reviews i read.

great book, 26 Aug 2007
I read this book sraight after A Crowded Marriage and was not expecting to anjoy the main character as much, but i did. I also didn't find the plot as predictable as others did, i wondered throughout who Rosie would end up with and really enjoyed the final chapter.
Other parts of the book were slightly predicatle such as the problems Rosie would face and i found myself reading as quick as possible to get past the slightly irritating bits.
On the whole though, i found it laugh out loud funny, fast paced and really heart warming. Alliot has a great way of letting you really get into the characters head, feeling what they feel. An author i will continue to read.

It really does make you laugh out loud!, 29 Jan 2007
Having read the reviews of this book before I read it, I was delighted to discover that it really did make me laugh out loud, the incident of Harry and the babysitter's new coat was the first of many hilarious situations. Although the storyline is somewhat predictable, the outrageously funny way in which it is told makes up for it. You must read this book if you want a really really good laugh. I will definitely be reading more books by Catherine Alliott.

Hilarious!, 06 Nov 2006
I loved this book so much. I adored Rosie and her mental family, especially her mum. I didn't want the book to end and I would love a sequal as I'd like to know how the characters move on. If you like Bridget Jones, as I do, read this book as Rosie is just as clumsy and just as funny. Superb!

Funniest Ever, 21 Jun 2006
I borrowed this book from a friend and and thought it wasn't really my thing HOW WRONG was I. This was the most funniest book I have ever read and had me laughing out loud constantly. I have since read 3 other books by this author and they are all great, but this is by far the best. BUY IT NOW!

totally predictable and boring in parts, 22 May 2006
I feel like I have to review this book because I don't feel that it deserves 5*'s.
i did find the book funny in parts and I did laugh out only once. I don't think that is any where near as funny as the Shopaholic books or Can you keep a secret.
I found my self skipping whole parargraphs because a lot of what is written is rosies's thoughts half of the book is spent in her head.
You will know the outcome as soon as you meet the guy she is going to be with. I found it all too obvious like a cheesy made for tv film with the crossed wires, jealous exes, meddling parents and running to catch the man of your dreams before its too late!!
Read it if you have nothing better to read other wise pick up a sophie kinsella, I would not buy this book, I found it a disappointment after the reviews i read.

disapointing, 05 Apr 2008
found this story a little difficult to follow initally as it was a tadge boring and confusing. At one point I nearly put the book away however as I dont like giving up half way through I finished the book . I must say towards the end it grabbed my attention and my concentration lifted although I would not pass this on to my daughter as I do with all my other books. Nothing like the title suggests

a HUGE disappointment, 09 Aug 2005
I am sorry to disagree with most of the reviewers here, however I found this book painfully annoying, tedious and stupid. It's almost like slapstick comedy if you enjoy that sort of thing. The central character plays the part of a complete moron. And when the main character grates on your nerves the whole book through, and other characters deserve nothing more than a good stomping on - which of course they never get - I'd say it's time to give the book a miss.

There is way to much background mumbo jumbo - in fact I'd go so far as to say there's more mumbo jumbo than dialogue and action. I kept skipping those bits if for no other reason than they were mind numbingly boring. I am amazed at the positive reaction to this book, but I'm afraid in this case, I'm going to be the odd one out.

Well worth a read!, 08 Jul 2004
I first read this book a couple of years ago and found it really good fun. It's the kind of book you can come back to and read again and again. It will still make you smile! Well worth reading.

Read it!, 08 Jul 2004
This is such a funny book. I read it for the first time a couple of years ago and it's the kind of book that you can go back to and read again and again because it will still make you smile! Well worth a read.

I love Polly!!!, 20 Feb 2004
On reading this book, Polly gets into your head. She became my new best friend. She is a wonderful character and made me laugh out loud so many times, it got a little embarrassing!! Read this book for smiles, laughs and a great love story with plenty of ups and downs!!

great book, 26 Aug 2007
I read this book sraight after A Crowded Marriage and was not expecting to anjoy the main character as much, but i did. I also didn't find the plot as predictable as others did, i wondered throughout who Rosie would end up with and really enjoyed the final chapter.
Other parts of the book were slightly predicatle such as the problems Rosie would face and i found myself reading as quick as possible to get past the slightly irritating bits.
On the whole though, i found it laugh out loud funny, fast paced and really heart warming. Alliot has a great way of letting you really get into the characters head, feeling what they feel. An author i will continue to read.

It really does make you laugh out loud!, 29 Jan 2007
Having read the reviews of this book before I read it, I was delighted to discover that it really did make me laugh out loud, the incident of Harry and the babysitter's new coat was the first of many hilarious situations. Although the storyline is somewhat predictable, the outrageously funny way in which it is told makes up for it. You must read this book if you want a really really good laugh. I will definitely be reading more books by Catherine Alliott.

Hilarious!, 06 Nov 2006
I loved this book so much. I adored Rosie and her mental family, especially her mum. I didn't want the book to end and I would love a sequal as I'd like to know how the characters move on. If you like Bridget Jones, as I do, read this book as Rosie is just as clumsy and just as funny. Superb!

Funniest Ever, 21 Jun 2006
I borrowed this book from a friend and and thought it wasn't really my thing HOW WRONG was I. This was the most funniest book I have ever read and had me laughing out loud constantly. I have since read 3 other books by this author and they are all great, but this is by far the best. BUY IT NOW!

totally predictable and boring in parts, 22 May 2006
I feel like I have to review this book because I don't feel that it deserves 5*'s.
i did find the book funny in parts and I did laugh out only once. I don't think that is any where near as funny as the Shopaholic books or Can you keep a secret.
I found my self skipping whole parargraphs because a lot of what is written is rosies's thoughts half of the book is spent in her head.
You will know the outcome as soon as you meet the guy she is going to be with. I found it all too obvious like a cheesy made for tv film with the crossed wires, jealous exes, meddling parents and running to catch the man of your dreams before its too late!!
Read it if you have nothing better to read other wise pick up a sophie kinsella, I would not buy this book, I found it a disappointment after the reviews i read.

disapointing, 05 Apr 2008
found this story a little difficult to follow initally as it was a tadge boring and confusing. At one point I nearly put the book away however as I dont like giving up half way through I finished the book . I must say towards the end it grabbed my attention and my concentration lifted although I would not pass this on to my daughter as I do with all my other books. Nothing like the title suggests

a HUGE disappointment, 09 Aug 2005
I am sorry to disagree with most of the reviewers here, however I found this book painfully annoying, tedious and stupid. It's almost like slapstick comedy if you enjoy that sort of thing. The central character plays the part of a complete moron. And when the main character grates on your nerves the whole book through, and other characters deserve nothing more than a good stomping on - which of course they never get - I'd say it's time to give the book a miss.

There is way to much background mumbo jumbo - in fact I'd go so far as to say there's more mumbo jumbo than dialogue and action. I kept skipping those bits if for no other reason than they were mind numbingly boring. I am amazed at the positive reaction to this book, but I'm afraid in this case, I'm going to be the odd one out.

Well worth a read!, 08 Jul 2004
I first read this book a couple of years ago and found it really good fun. It's the kind of book you can come back to and read again and again. It will still make you smile! Well worth reading.

Read it!, 08 Jul 2004
This is such a funny book. I read it for the first time a couple of years ago and it's the kind of book that you can go back to and read again and again because it will still make you smile! Well worth a read.

I love Polly!!!, 20 Feb 2004
On reading this book, Polly gets into your head. She became my new best friend. She is a wonderful character and made me laugh out loud so many times, it got a little embarrassing!! Read this book for smiles, laughs and a great love story with plenty of ups and downs!!

Regrets about The Real Thing, 03 Jul 2006
I have read Rosie Meadows Regrets and truly adored it. So it was with much anticipation that I picked up The Real Thing. Unfortunately, I am completely with the first two reviewers; in fact it is not often in my consumption of Chic Lit that I want the heroine to come to a sticky end, but my God how thick and self-obsessed was she? If you want to work up some annoyance it is probably worth reading. If you want a giggle and a deserved happy ending, read Rosie Meadows Regrets.

The worst thing I have read in a long time., 15 Mar 2006
I'm finding it hard to find suitable words to describe how I felt about this book. I found the main character to be completely self-obsessed and was at a loss as to how she had snared this wonderful husband she was considering cheating on. As a 'lower class' working mother, I became increasingly irritated at Tess' tribulations - school run and shopping in one morning - the poor love! I also wondered why it was necessary for brand names to be continually inserted throughout the book.

I found it completely unbelievable how the main characters would go into a rambling rant at the slightest thing - do people actually talk like that in Alliot's world?

The twists and turns in the plot were quite entertaining, but for me the book was spoilt because most of the characters in the book were irritating in the extreme.

Without doubt, the worst book I have read in a long time and I would have to be tortured before I read another book by this author.

Unappealing main character ruins this book, 30 Dec 2002
The Real Thing was my first Catherine Alliott read; she came highly recommended, but this book proved a tremendous disappointment. The book was well-written enough, but like a previous reviewer, I found the main character off-putting in the extreme. Her intense selfishness and nasty behavior made me long for her comeuppance, but alas, she was granted an undeserved happy ending. The fact that the book was written in the first person, from her point of view, only accentuated her utter self-obsession. I know the real world is full of such people, but hey, isn't this supposed to be fun escapist fiction?!

Funny book, shame about the main character, 07 Mar 2001
Mabye it's just me, but as much as I love Catherine Alliott's books, the main character, Tessa, in "The Real Thing" was absolutely irritating and annoying. Catherine Alliott writes some great stuff and is very witty, but Tess...I was secretly hoping that she would get what she deserved, and not the "happy" ending she got.

this book was so much fun to read., 04 Mar 2001
I've never read such a funny and recognizable book before. I think it's brilliant. I had to laugh loud so many times.

great book, 26 Aug 2007
I read this book sraight after A Crowded Marriage and was not expecting to anjoy the main character as much, but i did. I also didn't find the plot as predictable as others did, i wondered throughout who Rosie would end up with and really enjoyed the final chapter.
Other parts of the book were slightly predicatle such as the problems Rosie would face and i found myself reading as quick as possible to get past the slightly irritating bits.
On the whole though, i found it laugh out loud funny, fast paced and really heart warming. Alliot has a great way of letting you really get into the characters head, feeling what they feel. An author i will continue to read.

It really does make you laugh out loud!, 29 Jan 2007
Having read the reviews of this book before I read it, I was delighted to discover that it really did make me laugh out loud, the incident of Harry and the babysitter's new coat was the first of many hilarious situations. Although the storyline is somewhat predictable, the outrageously funny way in which it is told makes up for it. You must read this book if you want a really really good laugh. I will definitely be reading more books by Catherine Alliott.

Hilarious!, 06 Nov 2006
I loved this book so much. I adored Rosie and her mental family, especially her mum. I didn't want the book to end and I would love a sequal as I'd like to know how the characters move on. If you like Bridget Jones, as I do, read this book as Rosie is just as clumsy and just as funny. Superb!

Funniest Ever, 21 Jun 2006
I borrowed this book from a friend and and thought it wasn't really my thing HOW WRONG was I. This was the most funniest book I have ever read and had me laughing out loud constantly. I have since read 3 other books by this author and they are all great, but this is by far the best. BUY IT NOW!

totally predictable and boring in parts, 22 May 2006
I feel like I have to review this book because I don't feel that it deserves 5*'s.
i did find the book funny in parts and I did laugh out only once. I don't think that is any where near as funny as the Shopaholic books or Can you keep a secret.
I found my self skipping whole parargraphs because a lot of what is written is rosies's thoughts half of the book is spent in her head.
You will know the outcome as soon as you meet the guy she is going to be with. I found it all too obvious like a cheesy made for tv film with the crossed wires, jealous exes, meddling parents and running to catch the man of your dreams before its too late!!
Read it if you have nothing better to read other wise pick up a sophie kinsella, I would not buy this book, I found it a disappointment after the reviews i read.

disapointing, 05 Apr 2008
found this story a little difficult to follow initally as it was a tadge boring and confusing. At one point I nearly put the book away however as I dont like giving up half way through I finished the book . I must say towards the end it grabbed my attention and my concentration lifted although I would not pass this on to my daughter as I do with all my other books. Nothing like the title suggests

a HUGE disappointment, 09 Aug 2005
I am sorry to disagree with most of the reviewers here, however I found this book painfully annoying, tedious and stupid. It's almost like slapstick comedy if you enjoy that sort of thing. The central character plays the part of a complete moron. And when the main character grates on your nerves the whole book through, and other characters deserve nothing more than a good stomping on - which of course they never get - I'd say it's time to give the book a miss.

There is way to much background mumbo jumbo - in fact I'd go so far as to say there's more mumbo jumbo than dialogue and action. I kept skipping those bits if for no other reason than they were mind numbingly boring. I am amazed at the positive reaction to this book, but I'm afraid in this case, I'm going to be the odd one out.

Well worth a read!, 08 Jul 2004
I first read this book a couple of years ago and found it really good fun. It's the kind of book you can come back to and read again and again. It will still make you smile! Well worth reading.

Read it!, 08 Jul 2004
This is such a funny book. I read it for the first time a couple of years ago and it's the kind of book that you can go back to and read again and again because it will still make you smile! Well worth a read.

I love Polly!!!, 20 Feb 2004
On reading this book, Polly gets into your head. She became my new best friend. She is a wonderful character and made me laugh out loud so many times, it got a little embarrassing!! Read this book for smiles, laughs and a great love story with plenty of ups and downs!!

Regrets about The Real Thing, 03 Jul 2006
I have read Rosie Meadows Regrets and truly adored it. So it was with much anticipation that I picked up The Real Thing. Unfortunately, I am completely with the first two reviewers; in fact it is not often in my consumption of Chic Lit that I want the heroine to come to a sticky end, but my God how thick and self-obsessed was she? If you want to work up some annoyance it is probably worth reading. If you want a giggle and a deserved happy ending, read Rosie Meadows Regrets.

The worst thing I have read in a long time., 15 Mar 2006
I'm finding it hard to find suitable words to describe how I felt about this book. I found the main character to be completely self-obsessed and was at a loss as to how she had snared this wonderful husband she was considering cheating on. As a 'lower class' working mother, I became increasingly irritated at Tess' tribulations - school run and shopping in one morning - the poor love! I also wondered why it was necessary for brand names to be continually inserted throughout the book.

I found it completely unbelievable how the main characters would go into a rambling rant at the slightest thing - do people actually talk like that in Alliot's world?

The twists and turns in the plot were quite entertaining, but for me the book was spoilt because most of the characters in the book were irritating in the extreme.

Without doubt, the worst book I have read in a long time and I would have to be tortured before I read another book by this author.

Unappealing main character ruins this book, 30 Dec 2002
The Real Thing was my first Catherine Alliott read; she came highly recommended, but this book proved a tremendous disappointment. The book was well-written enough, but like a previous reviewer, I found the main character off-putting in the extreme. Her intense selfishness and nasty behavior made me long for her comeuppance, but alas, she was granted an undeserved happy ending. The fact that the book was written in the first person, from her point of view, only accentuated her utter self-obsession. I know the real world is full of such people, but hey, isn't this supposed to be fun escapist fiction?!

Funny book, shame about the main character, 07 Mar 2001
Mabye it's just me, but as much as I love Catherine Alliott's books, the main character, Tessa, in "The Real Thing" was absolutely irritating and annoying. Catherine Alliott writes some great stuff and is very witty, but Tess...I was secretly hoping that she would get what she deserved, and not the "happy" ending she got.

this book was so much fun to read., 04 Mar 2001
I've never read such a funny and recognizable book before. I think it's brilliant. I had to laugh loud so many times.

much more than an affair, 05 Aug 2007
I thought this book was going to simply be about a love affair with a married man, but it was sooooo much more. It had lots of other story lines running through and was very gripping. The characters were a cocktail of all sorts which kept it really interesting. It also had lots of twists and turns causing me to gasp out loud quite a few times! All in all I found this book was brilliant, lots going on but still a light read. I would definately recommend it!

Not bad...but room for improvement!, 21 Jan 2007
I think that Catherine Alliot has a great idea for a story here- I got hooked and wanted to find out what happened. Being a young girl and liking a married man myself I could relate to some of it. You will be gripped and some of the characters are easy to sympathise with. However in my opinion there was not enough sex and it was not particularly well written.

Awful!, 30 Mar 2006
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. It's so boring! Absolutely predictable! Awful!

Wonderful Read, 10 Mar 2005
I have now read 3 books by this author, very enjoyable, easy reading, good story. Only one criticism, she has tended to forget details further into the book, Friday's date becomes a Monday date, the dark blue aga turns red however, that aside I am looking forward to the next one

Has your heart in your mouth, 17 Aug 2004
I borrowed this book from the villa we stayed at recently on holiday and have never read a book by this author before, though I will go and find some of her previous titles very shortly. I loved this book. I particularly liked the way that it was about one person and that with each chapter the story just carried on, rather than jumping all over the place as some books do. The tension between her and Charlie was just so realistic, I could feel the anticipation and lust as though I was there with him. It was a sheer joy to read and made getting up with the little ones at 5.30am every day well worth it!

great book, 26 Aug 2007
I read this book sraight after A Crowded Marriage and was not expecting to anjoy the main character as much, but i did. I also didn't find the plot as predictable as others did, i wondered throughout who Rosie would end up with and really enjoyed the final chapter.
Other parts of the book were slightly predicatle such as the problems Rosie would face and i found myself reading as quick as possible to get past the slightly irritating bits.
On the whole though, i found it laugh out loud funny, fast paced and really heart warming. Alliot has a great way of letting you really get into the characters head, feeling what they feel. An author i will continue to read.

It really does make you laugh out loud!, 29 Jan 2007
Having read the reviews of this book before I read it, I was delighted to discover that it really did make me laugh out loud, the incident of Harry and the babysitter's new coat was the first of many hilarious situations. Although the storyline is somewhat predictable, the outrageously funny way in which it is told makes up for it. You must read this book if you want a really really good laugh. I will definitely be reading more books by Catherine Alliott.

Hilarious!, 06 Nov 2006
I loved this book so much. I adored Rosie and her mental family, especially her mum. I didn't want the book to end and I would love a sequal as I'd like to know how the characters move on. If you like Bridget Jones, as I do, read this book as Rosie is just as clumsy and just as funny. Superb!

Funniest Ever, 21 Jun 2006
I borrowed this book from a friend and and thought it wasn't really my thing HOW WRONG was I. This was the most funniest book I have ever read and had me laughing out loud constantly. I have since read 3 other books by this author and they are all great, but this is by far the best. BUY IT NOW!

totally predictable and boring in parts, 22 May 2006
I feel like I have to review this book because I don't feel that it deserves 5*'s.
i did find the book funny in parts and I did laugh out only once. I don't think that is any where near as funny as the Shopaholic books or Can you keep a secret.
I found my self skipping whole parargraphs because a lot of what is written is rosies's thoughts half of the book is spent in her head.
You will know the outcome as soon as you meet the guy she is going to be with. I found it all too obvious like a cheesy made for tv film with the crossed wires, jealous exes, meddling parents and running to catch the man of your dreams before its too late!!
Read it if you have nothing better to read other wise pick up a sophie kinsella, I would not buy this book, I found it a disappointment after the reviews i read.

disapointing, 05 Apr 2008
found this story a little difficult to follow initally as it was a tadge boring and confusing. At one point I nearly put the book away however as I dont like giving up half way through I finished the book . I must say towards the end it grabbed my attention and my concentration lifted although I would not pass this on to my daughter as I do with all my other books. Nothing like the title suggests

a HUGE disappointment, 09 Aug 2005
I am sorry to disagree with most of the reviewers here, however I found this book painfully annoying, tedious and stupid. It's almost like slapstick comedy if you enjoy that sort of thing. The central character plays the part of a complete moron. And when the main character grates on your nerves the whole book through, and other characters deserve nothing more than a good stomping on - which of course they never get - I'd say it's time to give the book a miss.

There is way to much background mumbo jumbo - in fact I'd go so far as to say there's more mumbo jumbo than dialogue and action. I kept skipping those bits if for no other reason than they were mind numbingly boring. I am amazed at the positive reaction to this book, but I'm afraid in this case, I'm going to be the odd one out.

Well worth a read!, 08 Jul 2004
I first read this book a couple of years ago and found it really good fun. It's the kind of book you can come back to and read again and again. It will still make you smile! Well worth reading.

Read it!, 08 Jul 2004
This is such a funny book. I read it for the first time a couple of years ago and it's the kind of book that you can go back to and read again and again because it will still make you smile! Well worth a read.

I love Polly!!!, 20 Feb 2004
On reading this book, Polly gets into your head. She became my new best friend. She is a wonderful character and made me laugh out loud so many times, it got a little embarrassing!! Read this book for smiles, laughs and a great love story with plenty of ups and downs!!

Regrets about The Real Thing, 03 Jul 2006
I have read Rosie Meadows Regrets and truly adored it. So it was with much anticipation that I picked up The Real Thing. Unfortunately, I am completely with the first two reviewers; in fact it is not often in my consumption of Chic Lit that I want the heroine to come to a sticky end, but my God how thick and self-obsessed was she? If you want to work up some annoyance it is probably worth reading. If you want a giggle and a deserved happy ending, read Rosie Meadows Regrets.

The worst thing I have read in a long time., 15 Mar 2006
I'm finding it hard to find suitable words to describe how I felt about this book. I found the main character to be completely self-obsessed and was at a loss as to how she had snared this wonderful husband she was considering cheating on. As a 'lower class' working mother, I became increasingly irritated at Tess' tribulations - school run and shopping in one morning - the poor love! I also wondered why it was necessary for brand names to be continually inserted throughout the book.

I found it completely unbelievable how the main characters would go into a rambling rant at the slightest thing - do people actually talk like that in Alliot's world?

The twists and turns in the plot were quite entertaining, but for me the book was spoilt because most of the characters in the book were irritating in the extreme.

Without doubt, the worst book I have read in a long time and I would have to be tortured before I read another book by this author.

Unappealing main character ruins this book, 30 Dec 2002
The Real Thing was my first Catherine Alliott read; she came highly recommended, but this book proved a tremendous disappointment. The book was well-written enough, but like a previous reviewer, I found the main character off-putting in the extreme. Her intense selfishness and nasty behavior made me long for her comeuppance, but alas, she was granted an undeserved happy ending. The fact that the book was written in the first person, from her point of view, only accentuated her utter self-obsession. I know the real world is full of such people, but hey, isn't this supposed to be fun escapist fiction?!

Funny book, shame about the main character, 07 Mar 2001
Mabye it's just me, but as much as I love Catherine Alliott's books, the main character, Tessa, in "The Real Thing" was absolutely irritating and annoying. Catherine Alliott writes some great stuff and is very witty, but Tess...I was secretly hoping that she would get what she deserved, and not the "happy" ending she got.

this book was so much fun to read., 04 Mar 2001
I've never read such a funny and recognizable book before. I think it's brilliant. I had to laugh loud so many times.

much more than an affair, 05 Aug 2007
I thought this book was going to simply be about a love affair with a married man, but it was sooooo much more. It had lots of other story lines running through and was very gripping. The characters were a cocktail of all sorts which kept it really interesting. It also had lots of twists and turns causing me to gasp out loud quite a few times! All in all I found this book was brilliant, lots going on but still a light read. I would definately recommend it!

Not bad...but room for improvement!, 21 Jan 2007
I think that Catherine Alliot has a great idea for a story here- I got hooked and wanted to find out what happened. Being a young girl and liking a married man myself I could relate to some of it. You will be gripped and some of the characters are easy to sympathise with. However in my opinion there was not enough sex and it was not particularly well written.

Awful!, 30 Mar 2006
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. It's so boring! Absolutely predictable! Awful!

Wonderful Read, 10 Mar 2005
I have now read 3 books by this author, very enjoyable, easy reading, good story. Only one criticism, she has tended to forget details further into the book, Friday's date becomes a Monday date, the dark blue aga turns red however, that aside I am looking forward to the next one

Has your heart in your mouth, 17 Aug 2004
I borrowed this book from the villa we stayed at recently on holiday and have never read a book by this author before, though I will go and find some of her previous titles very shortly. I loved this book. I particularly liked the way that it was about one person and that with each chapter the story just carried on, rather than jumping all over the place as some books do. The tension between her and Charlie was just so realistic, I could feel the anticipation and lust as though I was there with him. It was a sheer joy to read and made getting up with the little ones at 5.30am every day well worth it!

great book, 26 Aug 2007
I read this book sraight after A Crowded Marriage and was not expecting to anjoy the main character as much, but i did. I also didn't find the plot as predictable as others did, i wondered throughout who Rosie would end up with and really enjoyed the final chapter.
Other parts of the book were slightly predicatle such as the problems Rosie would face and i found myself reading as quick as possible to get past the slightly irritating bits.
On the whole though, i found it laugh out loud funny, fast paced and really heart warming. Alliot has a great way of letting you really get into the characters head, feeling what they feel. An author i will continue to read.

It really does make you laugh out loud!, 29 Jan 2007
Having read the reviews of this book before I read it, I was delighted to discover that it really did make me laugh out loud, the incident of Harry and the babysitter's new coat was the first of many hilarious situations. Although the storyline is somewhat predictable, the outrageously funny way in which it is told makes up for it. You must read this book if you want a really really good laugh. I will definitely be reading more books by Catherine Alliott.

Hilarious!, 06 Nov 2006
I loved this book so much. I adored Rosie and her mental family, especially her mum. I didn't want the book to end and I would love a sequal as I'd like to know how the characters move on. If you like Bridget Jones, as I do, read this book as Rosie is just as clumsy and just as funny. Superb!

Funniest Ever, 21 Jun 2006
I borrowed this book from a friend and and thought it wasn't really my thing HOW WRONG was I. This was the most funniest book I have ever read and had me laughing out loud constantly. I have since read 3 other books by this author and they are all great, but this is by far the best. BUY IT NOW!

totally predictable and boring in parts, 22 May 2006
I feel like I have to review this book because I don't feel that it deserves 5*'s.
i did find the book funny in parts and I did laugh out only once. I don't think that is any where near as funny as the Shopaholic books or Can you keep a secret.
I found my self skipping whole parargraphs because a lot of what is written is rosies's thoughts half of the book is spent in her head.
You will know the outcome as soon as you meet the guy she is going to be with. I found it all too obvious like a cheesy made for tv film with the crossed wires, jealous exes, meddling parents and running to catch the man of your dreams before its too late!!
Read it if you have nothing better to read other wise pick up a sophie kinsella, I would not buy this book, I found it a disappointment after the reviews i read.