The perfect light romantic novel , 26 Sep 2008
Robyn Sisman is not only a consistently good writer of light romantic novels , but simultaneously manages to find fresh plots and characters.

In this one, Hollywood star and intellectual snob documentary maker come to self knowledge through getting to know and fall in love with each other.

This book is so much more than it's bare bones. The lively writing style is easy to read. The characters are interesting,funny and not predictable. Hollywood and London theatre are well researched.
It is a kindly book with a happy ending: perfect escapism. Great for romantic novel veterans and to encourage the less enthusiastic female reader. Go and try all her others too!

The perfect light romantic novel , 26 Sep 2008
Robyn Sisman is not only a consistently good writer of light romantic novels , but simultaneously manages to find fresh plots and characters.

In this one, Hollywood star and intellectual snob documentary maker come to self knowledge through getting to know and fall in love with each other.

This book is so much more than it's bare bones. The lively writing style is easy to read. The characters are interesting,funny and not predictable. Hollywood and London theatre are well researched.
It is a kindly book with a happy ending: perfect escapism. Great for romantic novel veterans and to encourage the less enthusiastic female reader. Go and try all her others too!

Enjoyable, 20 Jul 2008
Molly Clearwater, the heroine of this book, is a likeable character although a bit naive. Escaping the clutches of her sleazy English boss she takes the Eurostar to Paris on a whim and ends up going on a mad weekend adventure. At times it all seems a bit far fetched but there are some great characters here such as Molly's slightly mad mother! It's pure escapism and although perhaps I didn't love it as much as some of Sysman's earlier offerings such as Just Friends, I did enjoy reading this book on holidays and it was a very pleasant way to while away the time. If you love Paris then you will like this as the author depicts the magical essence of Paris extremely well.

3 ½ stars...., 16 Oct 2005
Molly Clearwater is a young woman who'd never managed to find her way out of her hometown until she got a job with a pharmaceutical company in London. Now, after a year of hard work and long hours, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to accompany her boss to a weekend conference in Paris! Molly is thrilled that she has been chosen for this opportunity until she learns of her boss's plan to seduce her during their trip. After confronting her boss Molly resigns from her position and finds herself jobless and even worse out of a free trip to Paris.
Impulsively Molly decides to hop on a train and spend the weekend in Paris after all. Once in Paris Molly meets a host of people who will change her outlook on life forever, there is Alicia, a carefree Australian girl with no inhibitions, a gorgeous young French artist, and as she sneaks into her boss's hotel in disguise she meets the most unlikely person of all.

For Molly her `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was a life changing experience, for me...it was just OK. There were parts of this book where I found myself laughing out loud while there were other parts where I found my mind completely wandering. I give this book 3 ½ stars because it is very funny in some areas and the descriptions of Paris were very vivid, however, in my opinion Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS' is a much better book.

Excellent read, 31 Jul 2005
I was given this book by someone who had it repeated for a present, never read any of Robyn Sisman's books before but would certainly consider reading the other titles. Really enjoyable read and very easy going (would be a great holiday read).

pretty, 17 Jun 2005
I cant believe the rants! I found this book quite gripping actually, very fast-paced, and as for the "contrived, unrealistic, beyond fictitious" snarls, let me assure you that things like that DO happen! What's so unbelievable about a frustrated pretty young woman flying over to Paris alone for a weekend and immediately meets and befriends a couple of party animals plus a French hunk and hit it off?!

However, I do agree with the reviewer who dubbed a couple of other characters, especially the mother, caricatures. Nevertheless, it makes a very pleasant and quick read.

Weekend in... my house reading this book!, 01 Jun 2005
I loved this book... I simply couldn't put it down... which surprised me immensely - usually I don't go for chick lit, preferring Sci Fi and Fantasy books, but I picked this up as it was a bargain and had a good deal on a Paris travel guide and I'm so so glad that I did.... I spent the entire weekend with it in front of my nose dying to know what happened next.

OK, as it's been said by other reviewers, it's completely unrealistic, our lead character (Molly)competely throws caution to the wind and gets extremely close with a number of different people over 48 hours, but that's half the fun... it's fast paced because of the time frame and the slight lack of realism makes it good fiction with a fairytale feel to it... which is exactly what it is - it never claimed to be a 'guide to what to do on a weekend in Paris'.

In summary... extremely enjoyable... fun, gripping, sometimes emotional and bought back those feelings of reading a story when I was little - like an adult fairytale. Can't wait to try out some of her other books.

As the blurb and the book jacket make clear, for a man and woman to be "just friends" is as likely as pigs flying. However, Freya and Jack, the chief characters of Robyn Sisman's story Just Friends, have managed this unlikely feat for over 10 years--until they are forced to act as a couple. Although Sisman sets up a scenario that seems obvious to the reader but, in an age-old tradition, is hidden from the characters, the anticipation of the romance still titillates.

After a schlep through the trials of Freya's life--all mounting up to the failure she will appear when she arrives at her step-sister's wedding without a handsome hunk (read also intelligent, witty, rich, charming etc...)--the reader is rewarded with a page-turning story line. Sisman makes a geographical leap that matches the emotional gymnastics of Freya's heart, transferring the story from crowded and cosmopolitan New York to rurally idyllic Cornwall. Thankfully, the events in Cornwall act more as a scene setter for the resolution of the plot than as the final act itself: if Sisman had succumbed to a pastoral scene of true love, rather than an urban one of human confusion, our faith in her characters would have been destroyed. Here she ruminates on the nature of true love:

What was the secret of true love between a man and a woman, she wondered? Sex, certainly; romance, ideally; domestic stability, probably. Anything else? She shrugged: whatever it was, she hadn't found it yet.

Sisman's novel shines in its keenness for honesty of character--each and every one is laid out with all their faults. Though slow at times, Just Friends has its moments, with the pace quickening when necessary. Perhaps, as Sisman hopes for with love, this is just a reflection of real life. --Olivia Dickinson

The perfect light romantic novel , 26 Sep 2008
Robyn Sisman is not only a consistently good writer of light romantic novels , but simultaneously manages to find fresh plots and characters.

In this one, Hollywood star and intellectual snob documentary maker come to self knowledge through getting to know and fall in love with each other.

This book is so much more than it's bare bones. The lively writing style is easy to read. The characters are interesting,funny and not predictable. Hollywood and London theatre are well researched.
It is a kindly book with a happy ending: perfect escapism. Great for romantic novel veterans and to encourage the less enthusiastic female reader. Go and try all her others too!

Enjoyable, 20 Jul 2008
Molly Clearwater, the heroine of this book, is a likeable character although a bit naive. Escaping the clutches of her sleazy English boss she takes the Eurostar to Paris on a whim and ends up going on a mad weekend adventure. At times it all seems a bit far fetched but there are some great characters here such as Molly's slightly mad mother! It's pure escapism and although perhaps I didn't love it as much as some of Sysman's earlier offerings such as Just Friends, I did enjoy reading this book on holidays and it was a very pleasant way to while away the time. If you love Paris then you will like this as the author depicts the magical essence of Paris extremely well.

3 ½ stars...., 16 Oct 2005
Molly Clearwater is a young woman who'd never managed to find her way out of her hometown until she got a job with a pharmaceutical company in London. Now, after a year of hard work and long hours, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to accompany her boss to a weekend conference in Paris! Molly is thrilled that she has been chosen for this opportunity until she learns of her boss's plan to seduce her during their trip. After confronting her boss Molly resigns from her position and finds herself jobless and even worse out of a free trip to Paris.
Impulsively Molly decides to hop on a train and spend the weekend in Paris after all. Once in Paris Molly meets a host of people who will change her outlook on life forever, there is Alicia, a carefree Australian girl with no inhibitions, a gorgeous young French artist, and as she sneaks into her boss's hotel in disguise she meets the most unlikely person of all.

For Molly her `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was a life changing experience, for me...it was just OK. There were parts of this book where I found myself laughing out loud while there were other parts where I found my mind completely wandering. I give this book 3 ½ stars because it is very funny in some areas and the descriptions of Paris were very vivid, however, in my opinion Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS' is a much better book.

Excellent read, 31 Jul 2005
I was given this book by someone who had it repeated for a present, never read any of Robyn Sisman's books before but would certainly consider reading the other titles. Really enjoyable read and very easy going (would be a great holiday read).

pretty, 17 Jun 2005
I cant believe the rants! I found this book quite gripping actually, very fast-paced, and as for the "contrived, unrealistic, beyond fictitious" snarls, let me assure you that things like that DO happen! What's so unbelievable about a frustrated pretty young woman flying over to Paris alone for a weekend and immediately meets and befriends a couple of party animals plus a French hunk and hit it off?!

However, I do agree with the reviewer who dubbed a couple of other characters, especially the mother, caricatures. Nevertheless, it makes a very pleasant and quick read.

Weekend in... my house reading this book!, 01 Jun 2005
I loved this book... I simply couldn't put it down... which surprised me immensely - usually I don't go for chick lit, preferring Sci Fi and Fantasy books, but I picked this up as it was a bargain and had a good deal on a Paris travel guide and I'm so so glad that I did.... I spent the entire weekend with it in front of my nose dying to know what happened next.

OK, as it's been said by other reviewers, it's completely unrealistic, our lead character (Molly)competely throws caution to the wind and gets extremely close with a number of different people over 48 hours, but that's half the fun... it's fast paced because of the time frame and the slight lack of realism makes it good fiction with a fairytale feel to it... which is exactly what it is - it never claimed to be a 'guide to what to do on a weekend in Paris'.

In summary... extremely enjoyable... fun, gripping, sometimes emotional and bought back those feelings of reading a story when I was little - like an adult fairytale. Can't wait to try out some of her other books.

Lovely, 27 Jun 2008
This is the first I've read by Robyn Sisman. Four words: I loved this book. Will be reading her others too !

Not Just Chick Lit, 20 Feb 2006
Robyn Sisman's writing is often very funny, touching, with more than a hint of the embarrassing real-life situations desperate people (particularly those in love) inadvertently get themselves into. Just Friends oozes charm, Sisman is a clever writer, tugging at the readers' heartstrings at every given opportunity whilst also managing to bring to life a comedy of errors and misunderstandings. Fans of Chris Manby, Fiona Walker, Freya North and Jane Green will love this book along with everything else Sisman has written. This particular book is however,is her best in my humble opinion.

Just plain fun!, 11 Oct 2005
'JUST FRIENDS' is a timeless story about long time friends Freya and Jack who get more than they bargained for after Freya's lawyer boyfriend dumps her and she is forced to move in with Jack. The story moved at a slow paced in the beginning but once the bickering between Freya and Jack began so did the fun.
Freya and Jack have a hard time adjusting to life as roommates especially when Jack starts dating a much younger woman and Freya takes to answering personals ads but when Freya needs someone to accompany her to England and pose as her boyfriend for her "wicked" step-sisters wedding its Jack that she turns to. Once these two get to England things really begin to heat up and the story takes an unexpected twist that will have you scrambling to finish this book.

My only regret about 'JUST FRIENDS' is that the author did not, in my opinion, sufficiently develop the characters of Cat and Michael. I would have loved to see more interaction between those two but overall 'JUST FRIENDS' was a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes romantic comedies. 5 Stars!

Just Friends, 07 Feb 2005
Wonderful book!! Much better than Weekend In Paris which was dull and boring in comparison. This is filled wqith laughter, love and fun but touching at the same time, a brilliant escapism read!!

just brilliant, 16 Jul 2004
if you like will-they-wont-they type books, you'll like this one. it was very easy to put yourself in the main characters shoes and imagine everything going on in her life as it happens. once involved in the story it was hard to put down as you wanted to know what happens next!

The perfect light romantic novel , 26 Sep 2008
Robyn Sisman is not only a consistently good writer of light romantic novels , but simultaneously manages to find fresh plots and characters.

In this one, Hollywood star and intellectual snob documentary maker come to self knowledge through getting to know and fall in love with each other.

This book is so much more than it's bare bones. The lively writing style is easy to read. The characters are interesting,funny and not predictable. Hollywood and London theatre are well researched.
It is a kindly book with a happy ending: perfect escapism. Great for romantic novel veterans and to encourage the less enthusiastic female reader. Go and try all her others too!

Enjoyable, 20 Jul 2008
Molly Clearwater, the heroine of this book, is a likeable character although a bit naive. Escaping the clutches of her sleazy English boss she takes the Eurostar to Paris on a whim and ends up going on a mad weekend adventure. At times it all seems a bit far fetched but there are some great characters here such as Molly's slightly mad mother! It's pure escapism and although perhaps I didn't love it as much as some of Sysman's earlier offerings such as Just Friends, I did enjoy reading this book on holidays and it was a very pleasant way to while away the time. If you love Paris then you will like this as the author depicts the magical essence of Paris extremely well.

3 ½ stars...., 16 Oct 2005
Molly Clearwater is a young woman who'd never managed to find her way out of her hometown until she got a job with a pharmaceutical company in London. Now, after a year of hard work and long hours, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to accompany her boss to a weekend conference in Paris! Molly is thrilled that she has been chosen for this opportunity until she learns of her boss's plan to seduce her during their trip. After confronting her boss Molly resigns from her position and finds herself jobless and even worse out of a free trip to Paris.
Impulsively Molly decides to hop on a train and spend the weekend in Paris after all. Once in Paris Molly meets a host of people who will change her outlook on life forever, there is Alicia, a carefree Australian girl with no inhibitions, a gorgeous young French artist, and as she sneaks into her boss's hotel in disguise she meets the most unlikely person of all.

For Molly her `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was a life changing experience, for me...it was just OK. There were parts of this book where I found myself laughing out loud while there were other parts where I found my mind completely wandering. I give this book 3 ½ stars because it is very funny in some areas and the descriptions of Paris were very vivid, however, in my opinion Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS' is a much better book.

Excellent read, 31 Jul 2005
I was given this book by someone who had it repeated for a present, never read any of Robyn Sisman's books before but would certainly consider reading the other titles. Really enjoyable read and very easy going (would be a great holiday read).

pretty, 17 Jun 2005
I cant believe the rants! I found this book quite gripping actually, very fast-paced, and as for the "contrived, unrealistic, beyond fictitious" snarls, let me assure you that things like that DO happen! What's so unbelievable about a frustrated pretty young woman flying over to Paris alone for a weekend and immediately meets and befriends a couple of party animals plus a French hunk and hit it off?!

However, I do agree with the reviewer who dubbed a couple of other characters, especially the mother, caricatures. Nevertheless, it makes a very pleasant and quick read.

Weekend in... my house reading this book!, 01 Jun 2005
I loved this book... I simply couldn't put it down... which surprised me immensely - usually I don't go for chick lit, preferring Sci Fi and Fantasy books, but I picked this up as it was a bargain and had a good deal on a Paris travel guide and I'm so so glad that I did.... I spent the entire weekend with it in front of my nose dying to know what happened next.

OK, as it's been said by other reviewers, it's completely unrealistic, our lead character (Molly)competely throws caution to the wind and gets extremely close with a number of different people over 48 hours, but that's half the fun... it's fast paced because of the time frame and the slight lack of realism makes it good fiction with a fairytale feel to it... which is exactly what it is - it never claimed to be a 'guide to what to do on a weekend in Paris'.

In summary... extremely enjoyable... fun, gripping, sometimes emotional and bought back those feelings of reading a story when I was little - like an adult fairytale. Can't wait to try out some of her other books.

Lovely, 27 Jun 2008
This is the first I've read by Robyn Sisman. Four words: I loved this book. Will be reading her others too !

Not Just Chick Lit, 20 Feb 2006
Robyn Sisman's writing is often very funny, touching, with more than a hint of the embarrassing real-life situations desperate people (particularly those in love) inadvertently get themselves into. Just Friends oozes charm, Sisman is a clever writer, tugging at the readers' heartstrings at every given opportunity whilst also managing to bring to life a comedy of errors and misunderstandings. Fans of Chris Manby, Fiona Walker, Freya North and Jane Green will love this book along with everything else Sisman has written. This particular book is however,is her best in my humble opinion.

Just plain fun!, 11 Oct 2005
'JUST FRIENDS' is a timeless story about long time friends Freya and Jack who get more than they bargained for after Freya's lawyer boyfriend dumps her and she is forced to move in with Jack. The story moved at a slow paced in the beginning but once the bickering between Freya and Jack began so did the fun.
Freya and Jack have a hard time adjusting to life as roommates especially when Jack starts dating a much younger woman and Freya takes to answering personals ads but when Freya needs someone to accompany her to England and pose as her boyfriend for her "wicked" step-sisters wedding its Jack that she turns to. Once these two get to England things really begin to heat up and the story takes an unexpected twist that will have you scrambling to finish this book.

My only regret about 'JUST FRIENDS' is that the author did not, in my opinion, sufficiently develop the characters of Cat and Michael. I would have loved to see more interaction between those two but overall 'JUST FRIENDS' was a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes romantic comedies. 5 Stars!

Just Friends, 07 Feb 2005
Wonderful book!! Much better than Weekend In Paris which was dull and boring in comparison. This is filled wqith laughter, love and fun but touching at the same time, a brilliant escapism read!!

just brilliant, 16 Jul 2004
if you like will-they-wont-they type books, you'll like this one. it was very easy to put yourself in the main characters shoes and imagine everything going on in her life as it happens. once involved in the story it was hard to put down as you wanted to know what happens next!

Special relationship, 11 Aug 2002
The most enjoyable book I have read for years!
Witty, intelligent,emotional, intense. All these elements make for a truly gripping story. First love is very powerful and not easily forgotten and Annie and Jordan's story stirs up painful and pleasant emotions in us all.

A REALLY GREAT READ, 11 Aug 1999
This is a well written and very entertaining romantic novel with a clever slant on American presidential politics. The author's second book, PERFECT STRANGERS, is also excellent. Both are highly recommended.

Suze Wilding is overjoyed when she's given the chance to job swap with New York-based colleague Lloyd Rockwell. Excited by the prospect of living the American dream for a few weeks, she eagerly trades her desk, job and London flat with a colleague she's never met for the bright lights of Manhattan and a step up the career ladder at Schneider Fox, one of the world's leading ad agencies. Through necessary transatlantic phone calls regarding cat and plant care, Suze begins to build a picture of the person she's swapped lives with, and finds herself increasingly looking forward to his calls. But whilst Suze's career is going from strength to strength under the expert tutelage of Shelley, one of Schneider Fox's leading career women, Lloyd's stay in London is not going so well. When Suze uncovers a plot to oust Lloyd from his job, she finds herself pulling out all the stops to help him, despite the fact they've never met. As Suze asks herself why she's putting her neck on the line for a perfect stranger, she realises that her feelings for Lloyd are driven by more than just concern for a fellow colleague; whilst on the other side of the Atlantic Lloyd becomes ever more curious about the lively, vivacious voice on the end of the line, and realises he wants to know more about the woman who's willing to risk all to help him. Witty, engaging and peppered with interesting and entertaining characters, Perfect Strangers is a lively and fast-paced tale with many twists, turns and heart-stopping moments--and, strangely enough, a perfect ending. Robyn Sisman is also the author of the hugely popular Just Friends. --Emily Lowson

The perfect light romantic novel , 26 Sep 2008
Robyn Sisman is not only a consistently good writer of light romantic novels , but simultaneously manages to find fresh plots and characters.

In this one, Hollywood star and intellectual snob documentary maker come to self knowledge through getting to know and fall in love with each other.

This book is so much more than it's bare bones. The lively writing style is easy to read. The characters are interesting,funny and not predictable. Hollywood and London theatre are well researched.
It is a kindly book with a happy ending: perfect escapism. Great for romantic novel veterans and to encourage the less enthusiastic female reader. Go and try all her others too!

Enjoyable, 20 Jul 2008
Molly Clearwater, the heroine of this book, is a likeable character although a bit naive. Escaping the clutches of her sleazy English boss she takes the Eurostar to Paris on a whim and ends up going on a mad weekend adventure. At times it all seems a bit far fetched but there are some great characters here such as Molly's slightly mad mother! It's pure escapism and although perhaps I didn't love it as much as some of Sysman's earlier offerings such as Just Friends, I did enjoy reading this book on holidays and it was a very pleasant way to while away the time. If you love Paris then you will like this as the author depicts the magical essence of Paris extremely well.

3 ½ stars...., 16 Oct 2005
Molly Clearwater is a young woman who'd never managed to find her way out of her hometown until she got a job with a pharmaceutical company in London. Now, after a year of hard work and long hours, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to accompany her boss to a weekend conference in Paris! Molly is thrilled that she has been chosen for this opportunity until she learns of her boss's plan to seduce her during their trip. After confronting her boss Molly resigns from her position and finds herself jobless and even worse out of a free trip to Paris.
Impulsively Molly decides to hop on a train and spend the weekend in Paris after all. Once in Paris Molly meets a host of people who will change her outlook on life forever, there is Alicia, a carefree Australian girl with no inhibitions, a gorgeous young French artist, and as she sneaks into her boss's hotel in disguise she meets the most unlikely person of all.

For Molly her `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was a life changing experience, for me...it was just OK. There were parts of this book where I found myself laughing out loud while there were other parts where I found my mind completely wandering. I give this book 3 ½ stars because it is very funny in some areas and the descriptions of Paris were very vivid, however, in my opinion Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS' is a much better book.

Excellent read, 31 Jul 2005
I was given this book by someone who had it repeated for a present, never read any of Robyn Sisman's books before but would certainly consider reading the other titles. Really enjoyable read and very easy going (would be a great holiday read).

pretty, 17 Jun 2005
I cant believe the rants! I found this book quite gripping actually, very fast-paced, and as for the "contrived, unrealistic, beyond fictitious" snarls, let me assure you that things like that DO happen! What's so unbelievable about a frustrated pretty young woman flying over to Paris alone for a weekend and immediately meets and befriends a couple of party animals plus a French hunk and hit it off?!

However, I do agree with the reviewer who dubbed a couple of other characters, especially the mother, caricatures. Nevertheless, it makes a very pleasant and quick read.

Weekend in... my house reading this book!, 01 Jun 2005
I loved this book... I simply couldn't put it down... which surprised me immensely - usually I don't go for chick lit, preferring Sci Fi and Fantasy books, but I picked this up as it was a bargain and had a good deal on a Paris travel guide and I'm so so glad that I did.... I spent the entire weekend with it in front of my nose dying to know what happened next.

OK, as it's been said by other reviewers, it's completely unrealistic, our lead character (Molly)competely throws caution to the wind and gets extremely close with a number of different people over 48 hours, but that's half the fun... it's fast paced because of the time frame and the slight lack of realism makes it good fiction with a fairytale feel to it... which is exactly what it is - it never claimed to be a 'guide to what to do on a weekend in Paris'.

In summary... extremely enjoyable... fun, gripping, sometimes emotional and bought back those feelings of reading a story when I was little - like an adult fairytale. Can't wait to try out some of her other books.

Lovely, 27 Jun 2008
This is the first I've read by Robyn Sisman. Four words: I loved this book. Will be reading her others too !

Not Just Chick Lit, 20 Feb 2006
Robyn Sisman's writing is often very funny, touching, with more than a hint of the embarrassing real-life situations desperate people (particularly those in love) inadvertently get themselves into. Just Friends oozes charm, Sisman is a clever writer, tugging at the readers' heartstrings at every given opportunity whilst also managing to bring to life a comedy of errors and misunderstandings. Fans of Chris Manby, Fiona Walker, Freya North and Jane Green will love this book along with everything else Sisman has written. This particular book is however,is her best in my humble opinion.

Just plain fun!, 11 Oct 2005
'JUST FRIENDS' is a timeless story about long time friends Freya and Jack who get more than they bargained for after Freya's lawyer boyfriend dumps her and she is forced to move in with Jack. The story moved at a slow paced in the beginning but once the bickering between Freya and Jack began so did the fun.
Freya and Jack have a hard time adjusting to life as roommates especially when Jack starts dating a much younger woman and Freya takes to answering personals ads but when Freya needs someone to accompany her to England and pose as her boyfriend for her "wicked" step-sisters wedding its Jack that she turns to. Once these two get to England things really begin to heat up and the story takes an unexpected twist that will have you scrambling to finish this book.

My only regret about 'JUST FRIENDS' is that the author did not, in my opinion, sufficiently develop the characters of Cat and Michael. I would have loved to see more interaction between those two but overall 'JUST FRIENDS' was a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes romantic comedies. 5 Stars!

Just Friends, 07 Feb 2005
Wonderful book!! Much better than Weekend In Paris which was dull and boring in comparison. This is filled wqith laughter, love and fun but touching at the same time, a brilliant escapism read!!

just brilliant, 16 Jul 2004
if you like will-they-wont-they type books, you'll like this one. it was very easy to put yourself in the main characters shoes and imagine everything going on in her life as it happens. once involved in the story it was hard to put down as you wanted to know what happens next!

Special relationship, 11 Aug 2002
The most enjoyable book I have read for years!
Witty, intelligent,emotional, intense. All these elements make for a truly gripping story. First love is very powerful and not easily forgotten and Annie and Jordan's story stirs up painful and pleasant emotions in us all.

A REALLY GREAT READ, 11 Aug 1999
This is a well written and very entertaining romantic novel with a clever slant on American presidential politics. The author's second book, PERFECT STRANGERS, is also excellent. Both are highly recommended.

Perfect, 02 Jan 2007
Couldn't express in as many words how great this book is! It's enspired me to try and buy more of Robyn Sismans book. It's such a lovely read and i could not put it down, i totally fell in love with the characters, Suze is such a real girl and Lloyd is one of those guy's you just wish you could find. Read this and wont regret it!

Summer in the City/ Perfect Strangers, 17 Oct 2005
I loved Robyn Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS', thought `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was just okay and now found the newly re-released `SUMMER IN THE CITY' to be somewhere in between the two. I found the story of straight-laced Lloyd Rockwell and the free spirited Suze Wilding swapping jobs and lives for a summer to be quite charming. I loved the vivid descriptions Sisman gave of New York and London and how different life was for Lloyd and Suze living in a strange city as well as a stranger's apartment. My only wish for this book would have been that Sisman focus less on the job and more on the budding romance between Lloyd and Suze. I began to look forward to the phone exchanges between Lloyd and Suze, which in my opinion were too few and far between. Overall I did enjoy `SUMMER IN THE CITY' but `JUST FRIENDS' still remains Sisman's standout novel, 3 ½ stars.

Boring, 12 Jul 2005
I was excited to read this book after seeing its great rating and reading a little summary but I was very dissapointed. The book was like a potentially great joke without a punch line so, essentially, a potentially great book with nearly no climax. I found myself always waiting for something big to happen, for the story to have that moving moment where you just want to smile or cry, or do something. But I didn't find that in this book.

Sparks ... all over this book, 20 Apr 2003
This is the best romantic novel I have read¡­ not that I'm much of a reader, but this book fits into one of those box-office romantic comedies with the setting of New York and London and the rest I leave you to figure out¡­

The book is not only a feel-good romantic novel, it actually makes you really believe that there is a guy out there, and it is just a matter of time when fate hits.Sparks is a sure way to measure the relationship¡­ at least you will fell that way after reading ¡°Perfect Strangers¡±.

enchanting romantic comedy, 04 Jan 2003
Robyn Sisman is one of my top five romantic comedy authors, streets ahead of the dismal chick lit brigade. Not only does she create characters you feel you know and care about, she writes with real verve and wit, and with the emotional honesty of a true romantic. Like Sleepless in Seattle this is full of yearning but you could give it to your grnadmother and not be embarrassed because it's all about what leads up to two people finally getting together.
English Suze and US Lloyd swap jobs and flats, and in entering each other's world rock it to its core. Suze is as warm and chaotic as Lloyd is WASPily uptight, yet each has the qualities needed to rescue the other from personal and professional disaster. There are great set-pieces, such as Suze's miserable affair with a man who can't be prised from his mobile phone, but each setting is developed with loving detail. Alongside Meg Cabot's The Guy Next Door this is one of the most charming work-life romances ever

The perfect light romantic novel , 26 Sep 2008
Robyn Sisman is not only a consistently good writer of light romantic novels , but simultaneously manages to find fresh plots and characters.

In this one, Hollywood star and intellectual snob documentary maker come to self knowledge through getting to know and fall in love with each other.

This book is so much more than it's bare bones. The lively writing style is easy to read. The characters are interesting,funny and not predictable. Hollywood and London theatre are well researched.
It is a kindly book with a happy ending: perfect escapism. Great for romantic novel veterans and to encourage the less enthusiastic female reader. Go and try all her others too!

Enjoyable, 20 Jul 2008
Molly Clearwater, the heroine of this book, is a likeable character although a bit naive. Escaping the clutches of her sleazy English boss she takes the Eurostar to Paris on a whim and ends up going on a mad weekend adventure. At times it all seems a bit far fetched but there are some great characters here such as Molly's slightly mad mother! It's pure escapism and although perhaps I didn't love it as much as some of Sysman's earlier offerings such as Just Friends, I did enjoy reading this book on holidays and it was a very pleasant way to while away the time. If you love Paris then you will like this as the author depicts the magical essence of Paris extremely well.

3 ½ stars...., 16 Oct 2005
Molly Clearwater is a young woman who'd never managed to find her way out of her hometown until she got a job with a pharmaceutical company in London. Now, after a year of hard work and long hours, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to accompany her boss to a weekend conference in Paris! Molly is thrilled that she has been chosen for this opportunity until she learns of her boss's plan to seduce her during their trip. After confronting her boss Molly resigns from her position and finds herself jobless and even worse out of a free trip to Paris.
Impulsively Molly decides to hop on a train and spend the weekend in Paris after all. Once in Paris Molly meets a host of people who will change her outlook on life forever, there is Alicia, a carefree Australian girl with no inhibitions, a gorgeous young French artist, and as she sneaks into her boss's hotel in disguise she meets the most unlikely person of all.

For Molly her `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was a life changing experience, for me...it was just OK. There were parts of this book where I found myself laughing out loud while there were other parts where I found my mind completely wandering. I give this book 3 ½ stars because it is very funny in some areas and the descriptions of Paris were very vivid, however, in my opinion Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS' is a much better book.

Excellent read, 31 Jul 2005
I was given this book by someone who had it repeated for a present, never read any of Robyn Sisman's books before but would certainly consider reading the other titles. Really enjoyable read and very easy going (would be a great holiday read).

pretty, 17 Jun 2005
I cant believe the rants! I found this book quite gripping actually, very fast-paced, and as for the "contrived, unrealistic, beyond fictitious" snarls, let me assure you that things like that DO happen! What's so unbelievable about a frustrated pretty young woman flying over to Paris alone for a weekend and immediately meets and befriends a couple of party animals plus a French hunk and hit it off?!

However, I do agree with the reviewer who dubbed a couple of other characters, especially the mother, caricatures. Nevertheless, it makes a very pleasant and quick read.

Weekend in... my house reading this book!, 01 Jun 2005
I loved this book... I simply couldn't put it down... which surprised me immensely - usually I don't go for chick lit, preferring Sci Fi and Fantasy books, but I picked this up as it was a bargain and had a good deal on a Paris travel guide and I'm so so glad that I did.... I spent the entire weekend with it in front of my nose dying to know what happened next.

OK, as it's been said by other reviewers, it's completely unrealistic, our lead character (Molly)competely throws caution to the wind and gets extremely close with a number of different people over 48 hours, but that's half the fun... it's fast paced because of the time frame and the slight lack of realism makes it good fiction with a fairytale feel to it... which is exactly what it is - it never claimed to be a 'guide to what to do on a weekend in Paris'.

In summary... extremely enjoyable... fun, gripping, sometimes emotional and bought back those feelings of reading a story when I was little - like an adult fairytale. Can't wait to try out some of her other books.

Lovely, 27 Jun 2008
This is the first I've read by Robyn Sisman. Four words: I loved this book. Will be reading her others too !

Not Just Chick Lit, 20 Feb 2006
Robyn Sisman's writing is often very funny, touching, with more than a hint of the embarrassing real-life situations desperate people (particularly those in love) inadvertently get themselves into. Just Friends oozes charm, Sisman is a clever writer, tugging at the readers' heartstrings at every given opportunity whilst also managing to bring to life a comedy of errors and misunderstandings. Fans of Chris Manby, Fiona Walker, Freya North and Jane Green will love this book along with everything else Sisman has written. This particular book is however,is her best in my humble opinion.

Just plain fun!, 11 Oct 2005
'JUST FRIENDS' is a timeless story about long time friends Freya and Jack who get more than they bargained for after Freya's lawyer boyfriend dumps her and she is forced to move in with Jack. The story moved at a slow paced in the beginning but once the bickering between Freya and Jack began so did the fun.
Freya and Jack have a hard time adjusting to life as roommates especially when Jack starts dating a much younger woman and Freya takes to answering personals ads but when Freya needs someone to accompany her to England and pose as her boyfriend for her "wicked" step-sisters wedding its Jack that she turns to. Once these two get to England things really begin to heat up and the story takes an unexpected twist that will have you scrambling to finish this book.

My only regret about 'JUST FRIENDS' is that the author did not, in my opinion, sufficiently develop the characters of Cat and Michael. I would have loved to see more interaction between those two but overall 'JUST FRIENDS' was a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes romantic comedies. 5 Stars!

Just Friends, 07 Feb 2005
Wonderful book!! Much better than Weekend In Paris which was dull and boring in comparison. This is filled wqith laughter, love and fun but touching at the same time, a brilliant escapism read!!

just brilliant, 16 Jul 2004
if you like will-they-wont-they type books, you'll like this one. it was very easy to put yourself in the main characters shoes and imagine everything going on in her life as it happens. once involved in the story it was hard to put down as you wanted to know what happens next!

Special relationship, 11 Aug 2002
The most enjoyable book I have read for years!
Witty, intelligent,emotional, intense. All these elements make for a truly gripping story. First love is very powerful and not easily forgotten and Annie and Jordan's story stirs up painful and pleasant emotions in us all.

A REALLY GREAT READ, 11 Aug 1999
This is a well written and very entertaining romantic novel with a clever slant on American presidential politics. The author's second book, PERFECT STRANGERS, is also excellent. Both are highly recommended.

Perfect, 02 Jan 2007
Couldn't express in as many words how great this book is! It's enspired me to try and buy more of Robyn Sismans book. It's such a lovely read and i could not put it down, i totally fell in love with the characters, Suze is such a real girl and Lloyd is one of those guy's you just wish you could find. Read this and wont regret it!

Summer in the City/ Perfect Strangers, 17 Oct 2005
I loved Robyn Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS', thought `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was just okay and now found the newly re-released `SUMMER IN THE CITY' to be somewhere in between the two. I found the story of straight-laced Lloyd Rockwell and the free spirited Suze Wilding swapping jobs and lives for a summer to be quite charming. I loved the vivid descriptions Sisman gave of New York and London and how different life was for Lloyd and Suze living in a strange city as well as a stranger's apartment. My only wish for this book would have been that Sisman focus less on the job and more on the budding romance between Lloyd and Suze. I began to look forward to the phone exchanges between Lloyd and Suze, which in my opinion were too few and far between. Overall I did enjoy `SUMMER IN THE CITY' but `JUST FRIENDS' still remains Sisman's standout novel, 3 ½ stars.

Boring, 12 Jul 2005
I was excited to read this book after seeing its great rating and reading a little summary but I was very dissapointed. The book was like a potentially great joke without a punch line so, essentially, a potentially great book with nearly no climax. I found myself always waiting for something big to happen, for the story to have that moving moment where you just want to smile or cry, or do something. But I didn't find that in this book.

Sparks ... all over this book, 20 Apr 2003
This is the best romantic novel I have read¡­ not that I'm much of a reader, but this book fits into one of those box-office romantic comedies with the setting of New York and London and the rest I leave you to figure out¡­

The book is not only a feel-good romantic novel, it actually makes you really believe that there is a guy out there, and it is just a matter of time when fate hits.Sparks is a sure way to measure the relationship¡­ at least you will fell that way after reading ¡°Perfect Strangers¡±.

enchanting romantic comedy, 04 Jan 2003
Robyn Sisman is one of my top five romantic comedy authors, streets ahead of the dismal chick lit brigade. Not only does she create characters you feel you know and care about, she writes with real verve and wit, and with the emotional honesty of a true romantic. Like Sleepless in Seattle this is full of yearning but you could give it to your grnadmother and not be embarrassed because it's all about what leads up to two people finally getting together.
English Suze and US Lloyd swap jobs and flats, and in entering each other's world rock it to its core. Suze is as warm and chaotic as Lloyd is WASPily uptight, yet each has the qualities needed to rescue the other from personal and professional disaster. There are great set-pieces, such as Suze's miserable affair with a man who can't be prised from his mobile phone, but each setting is developed with loving detail. Alongside Meg Cabot's The Guy Next Door this is one of the most charming work-life romances ever

The perfect light romantic novel , 26 Sep 2008
Robyn Sisman is not only a consistently good writer of light romantic novels , but simultaneously manages to find fresh plots and characters.

In this one, Hollywood star and intellectual snob documentary maker come to self knowledge through getting to know and fall in love with each other.

This book is so much more than it's bare bones. The lively writing style is easy to read. The characters are interesting,funny and not predictable. Hollywood and London theatre are well researched.
It is a kindly book with a happy ending: perfect escapism. Great for romantic novel veterans and to encourage the less enthusiastic female reader. Go and try all her others too!

The perfect light romantic novel , 26 Sep 2008
Robyn Sisman is not only a consistently good writer of light romantic novels , but simultaneously manages to find fresh plots and characters.

In this one, Hollywood star and intellectual snob documentary maker come to self knowledge through getting to know and fall in love with each other.

This book is so much more than it's bare bones. The lively writing style is easy to read. The characters are interesting,funny and not predictable. Hollywood and London theatre are well researched.
It is a kindly book with a happy ending: perfect escapism. Great for romantic novel veterans and to encourage the less enthusiastic female reader. Go and try all her others too!

Enjoyable, 20 Jul 2008
Molly Clearwater, the heroine of this book, is a likeable character although a bit naive. Escaping the clutches of her sleazy English boss she takes the Eurostar to Paris on a whim and ends up going on a mad weekend adventure. At times it all seems a bit far fetched but there are some great characters here such as Molly's slightly mad mother! It's pure escapism and although perhaps I didn't love it as much as some of Sysman's earlier offerings such as Just Friends, I did enjoy reading this book on holidays and it was a very pleasant way to while away the time. If you love Paris then you will like this as the author depicts the magical essence of Paris extremely well.

3 ½ stars...., 16 Oct 2005
Molly Clearwater is a young woman who'd never managed to find her way out of her hometown until she got a job with a pharmaceutical company in London. Now, after a year of hard work and long hours, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to accompany her boss to a weekend conference in Paris! Molly is thrilled that she has been chosen for this opportunity until she learns of her boss's plan to seduce her during their trip. After confronting her boss Molly resigns from her position and finds herself jobless and even worse out of a free trip to Paris.
Impulsively Molly decides to hop on a train and spend the weekend in Paris after all. Once in Paris Molly meets a host of people who will change her outlook on life forever, there is Alicia, a carefree Australian girl with no inhibitions, a gorgeous young French artist, and as she sneaks into her boss's hotel in disguise she meets the most unlikely person of all.

For Molly her `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was a life changing experience, for me...it was just OK. There were parts of this book where I found myself laughing out loud while there were other parts where I found my mind completely wandering. I give this book 3 ½ stars because it is very funny in some areas and the descriptions of Paris were very vivid, however, in my opinion Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS' is a much better book.

Excellent read, 31 Jul 2005
I was given this book by someone who had it repeated for a present, never read any of Robyn Sisman's books before but would certainly consider reading the other titles. Really enjoyable read and very easy going (would be a great holiday read).

pretty, 17 Jun 2005
I cant believe the rants! I found this book quite gripping actually, very fast-paced, and as for the "contrived, unrealistic, beyond fictitious" snarls, let me assure you that things like that DO happen! What's so unbelievable about a frustrated pretty young woman flying over to Paris alone for a weekend and immediately meets and befriends a couple of party animals plus a French hunk and hit it off?!

However, I do agree with the reviewer who dubbed a couple of other characters, especially the mother, caricatures. Nevertheless, it makes a very pleasant and quick read.

Weekend in... my house reading this book!, 01 Jun 2005
I loved this book... I simply couldn't put it down... which surprised me immensely - usually I don't go for chick lit, preferring Sci Fi and Fantasy books, but I picked this up as it was a bargain and had a good deal on a Paris travel guide and I'm so so glad that I did.... I spent the entire weekend with it in front of my nose dying to know what happened next.

OK, as it's been said by other reviewers, it's completely unrealistic, our lead character (Molly)competely throws caution to the wind and gets extremely close with a number of different people over 48 hours, but that's half the fun... it's fast paced because of the time frame and the slight lack of realism makes it good fiction with a fairytale feel to it... which is exactly what it is - it never claimed to be a 'guide to what to do on a weekend in Paris'.

In summary... extremely enjoyable... fun, gripping, sometimes emotional and bought back those feelings of reading a story when I was little - like an adult fairytale. Can't wait to try out some of her other books.

Lovely, 27 Jun 2008
This is the first I've read by Robyn Sisman. Four words: I loved this book. Will be reading her others too !

Not Just Chick Lit, 20 Feb 2006
Robyn Sisman's writing is often very funny, touching, with more than a hint of the embarrassing real-life situations desperate people (particularly those in love) inadvertently get themselves into. Just Friends oozes charm, Sisman is a clever writer, tugging at the readers' heartstrings at every given opportunity whilst also managing to bring to life a comedy of errors and misunderstandings. Fans of Chris Manby, Fiona Walker, Freya North and Jane Green will love this book along with everything else Sisman has written. This particular book is however,is her best in my humble opinion.

Just plain fun!, 11 Oct 2005
'JUST FRIENDS' is a timeless story about long time friends Freya and Jack who get more than they bargained for after Freya's lawyer boyfriend dumps her and she is forced to move in with Jack. The story moved at a slow paced in the beginning but once the bickering between Freya and Jack began so did the fun.
Freya and Jack have a hard time adjusting to life as roommates especially when Jack starts dating a much younger woman and Freya takes to answering personals ads but when Freya needs someone to accompany her to England and pose as her boyfriend for her "wicked" step-sisters wedding its Jack that she turns to. Once these two get to England things really begin to heat up and the story takes an unexpected twist that will have you scrambling to finish this book.

My only regret about 'JUST FRIENDS' is that the author did not, in my opinion, sufficiently develop the characters of Cat and Michael. I would have loved to see more interaction between those two but overall 'JUST FRIENDS' was a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes romantic comedies. 5 Stars!

Just Friends, 07 Feb 2005
Wonderful book!! Much better than Weekend In Paris which was dull and boring in comparison. This is filled wqith laughter, love and fun but touching at the same time, a brilliant escapism read!!

just brilliant, 16 Jul 2004
if you like will-they-wont-they type books, you'll like this one. it was very easy to put yourself in the main characters shoes and imagine everything going on in her life as it happens. once involved in the story it was hard to put down as you wanted to know what happens next!

Special relationship, 11 Aug 2002
The most enjoyable book I have read for years!
Witty, intelligent,emotional, intense. All these elements make for a truly gripping story. First love is very powerful and not easily forgotten and Annie and Jordan's story stirs up painful and pleasant emotions in us all.

A REALLY GREAT READ, 11 Aug 1999
This is a well written and very entertaining romantic novel with a clever slant on American presidential politics. The author's second book, PERFECT STRANGERS, is also excellent. Both are highly recommended.

Perfect, 02 Jan 2007
Couldn't express in as many words how great this book is! It's enspired me to try and buy more of Robyn Sismans book. It's such a lovely read and i could not put it down, i totally fell in love with the characters, Suze is such a real girl and Lloyd is one of those guy's you just wish you could find. Read this and wont regret it!

Summer in the City/ Perfect Strangers, 17 Oct 2005
I loved Robyn Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS', thought `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was just okay and now found the newly re-released `SUMMER IN THE CITY' to be somewhere in between the two. I found the story of straight-laced Lloyd Rockwell and the free spirited Suze Wilding swapping jobs and lives for a summer to be quite charming. I loved the vivid descriptions Sisman gave of New York and London and how different life was for Lloyd and Suze living in a strange city as well as a stranger's apartment. My only wish for this book would have been that Sisman focus less on the job and more on the budding romance between Lloyd and Suze. I began to look forward to the phone exchanges between Lloyd and Suze, which in my opinion were too few and far between. Overall I did enjoy `SUMMER IN THE CITY' but `JUST FRIENDS' still remains Sisman's standout novel, 3 ½ stars.

Boring, 12 Jul 2005
I was excited to read this book after seeing its great rating and reading a little summary but I was very dissapointed. The book was like a potentially great joke without a punch line so, essentially, a potentially great book with nearly no climax. I found myself always waiting for something big to happen, for the story to have that moving moment where you just want to smile or cry, or do something. But I didn't find that in this book.

Sparks ... all over this book, 20 Apr 2003
This is the best romantic novel I have read¡­ not that I'm much of a reader, but this book fits into one of those box-office romantic comedies with the setting of New York and London and the rest I leave you to figure out¡­

The book is not only a feel-good romantic novel, it actually makes you really believe that there is a guy out there, and it is just a matter of time when fate hits.Sparks is a sure way to measure the relationship¡­ at least you will fell that way after reading ¡°Perfect Strangers¡±.

enchanting romantic comedy, 04 Jan 2003
Robyn Sisman is one of my top five romantic comedy authors, streets ahead of the dismal chick lit brigade. Not only does she create characters you feel you know and care about, she writes with real verve and wit, and with the emotional honesty of a true romantic. Like Sleepless in Seattle this is full of yearning but you could give it to your grnadmother and not be embarrassed because it's all about what leads up to two people finally getting together.
English Suze and US Lloyd swap jobs and flats, and in entering each other's world rock it to its core. Suze is as warm and chaotic as Lloyd is WASPily uptight, yet each has the qualities needed to rescue the other from personal and professional disaster. There are great set-pieces, such as Suze's miserable affair with a man who can't be prised from his mobile phone, but each setting is developed with loving detail. Alongside Meg Cabot's The Guy Next Door this is one of the most charming work-life romances ever

The perfect light romantic novel , 26 Sep 2008
Robyn Sisman is not only a consistently good writer of light romantic novels , but simultaneously manages to find fresh plots and characters.

In this one, Hollywood star and intellectual snob documentary maker come to self knowledge through getting to know and fall in love with each other.

This book is so much more than it's bare bones. The lively writing style is easy to read. The characters are interesting,funny and not predictable. Hollywood and London theatre are well researched.
It is a kindly book with a happy ending: perfect escapism. Great for romantic novel veterans and to encourage the less enthusiastic female reader. Go and try all her others too!

Enjoyable, 20 Jul 2008
Molly Clearwater, the heroine of this book, is a likeable character although a bit naive. Escaping the clutches of her sleazy English boss she takes the Eurostar to Paris on a whim and ends up going on a mad weekend adventure. At times it all seems a bit far fetched but there are some great characters here such as Molly's slightly mad mother! It's pure escapism and although perhaps I didn't love it as much as some of Sysman's earlier offerings such as Just Friends, I did enjoy reading this book on holidays and it was a very pleasant way to while away the time. If you love Paris then you will like this as the author depicts the magical essence of Paris extremely well.

3 ½ stars...., 16 Oct 2005
Molly Clearwater is a young woman who'd never managed to find her way out of her hometown until she got a job with a pharmaceutical company in London. Now, after a year of hard work and long hours, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to accompany her boss to a weekend conference in Paris! Molly is thrilled that she has been chosen for this opportunity until she learns of her boss's plan to seduce her during their trip. After confronting her boss Molly resigns from her position and finds herself jobless and even worse out of a free trip to Paris.
Impulsively Molly decides to hop on a train and spend the weekend in Paris after all. Once in Paris Molly meets a host of people who will change her outlook on life forever, there is Alicia, a carefree Australian girl with no inhibitions, a gorgeous young French artist, and as she sneaks into her boss's hotel in disguise she meets the most unlikely person of all.

For Molly her `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was a life changing experience, for me...it was just OK. There were parts of this book where I found myself laughing out loud while there were other parts where I found my mind completely wandering. I give this book 3 ½ stars because it is very funny in some areas and the descriptions of Paris were very vivid, however, in my opinion Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS' is a much better book.

Excellent read, 31 Jul 2005
I was given this book by someone who had it repeated for a present, never read any of Robyn Sisman's books before but would certainly consider reading the other titles. Really enjoyable read and very easy going (would be a great holiday read).

pretty, 17 Jun 2005
I cant believe the rants! I found this book quite gripping actually, very fast-paced, and as for the "contrived, unrealistic, beyond fictitious" snarls, let me assure you that things like that DO happen! What's so unbelievable about a frustrated pretty young woman flying over to Paris alone for a weekend and immediately meets and befriends a couple of party animals plus a French hunk and hit it off?!

However, I do agree with the reviewer who dubbed a couple of other characters, especially the mother, caricatures. Nevertheless, it makes a very pleasant and quick read.

Weekend in... my house reading this book!, 01 Jun 2005
I loved this book... I simply couldn't put it down... which surprised me immensely - usually I don't go for chick lit, preferring Sci Fi and Fantasy books, but I picked this up as it was a bargain and had a good deal on a Paris travel guide and I'm so so glad that I did.... I spent the entire weekend with it in front of my nose dying to know what happened next.

OK, as it's been said by other reviewers, it's completely unrealistic, our lead character (Molly)competely throws caution to the wind and gets extremely close with a number of different people over 48 hours, but that's half the fun... it's fast paced because of the time frame and the slight lack of realism makes it good fiction with a fairytale feel to it... which is exactly what it is - it never claimed to be a 'guide to what to do on a weekend in Paris'.

In summary... extremely enjoyable... fun, gripping, sometimes emotional and bought back those feelings of reading a story when I was little - like an adult fairytale. Can't wait to try out some of her other books.

As the blurb and the book jacket make clear, for a man and woman to be "just friends" is as likely as pigs flying. However, Freya and Jack, the chief characters of Robyn Sisman's story Just Friends, have managed this unlikely feat for over 10 years--until they are forced to act as a couple. Although Sisman sets up a scenario that seems obvious to the reader but, in an age-old tradition, is hidden from the characters, the anticipation of the romance still titillates.

After a schlep through the trials of Freya's life--all mounting up to the failure she will appear when she arrives at her step-sister's wedding without a handsome hunk (read also intelligent, witty, rich, charming etc...)--the reader is rewarded with a page-turning story line. Sisman makes a geographical leap that matches the emotional gymnastics of Freya's heart, transferring the story from crowded and cosmopolitan New York to rurally idyllic Cornwall. Thankfully, the events in Cornwall act more as a scene setter for the resolution of the plot than as the final act itself: if Sisman had succumbed to a pastoral scene of true love, rather than an urban one of human confusion, our faith in her characters would have been destroyed. Here she ruminates on the nature of true love:

What was the secret of true love between a man and a woman, she wondered? Sex, certainly; romance, ideally; domestic stability, probably. Anything else? She shrugged: whatever it was, she hadn't found it yet.

Sisman's novel shines in its keenness for honesty of character--each and every one is laid out with all their faults. Though slow at times, Just Friends has its moments, with the pace quickening when necessary. Perhaps, as Sisman hopes for with love, this is just a reflection of real life. --Olivia Dickinson

The perfect light romantic novel , 26 Sep 2008
Robyn Sisman is not only a consistently good writer of light romantic novels , but simultaneously manages to find fresh plots and characters.

In this one, Hollywood star and intellectual snob documentary maker come to self knowledge through getting to know and fall in love with each other.

This book is so much more than it's bare bones. The lively writing style is easy to read. The characters are interesting,funny and not predictable. Hollywood and London theatre are well researched.
It is a kindly book with a happy ending: perfect escapism. Great for romantic novel veterans and to encourage the less enthusiastic female reader. Go and try all her others too!

Enjoyable, 20 Jul 2008
Molly Clearwater, the heroine of this book, is a likeable character although a bit naive. Escaping the clutches of her sleazy English boss she takes the Eurostar to Paris on a whim and ends up going on a mad weekend adventure. At times it all seems a bit far fetched but there are some great characters here such as Molly's slightly mad mother! It's pure escapism and although perhaps I didn't love it as much as some of Sysman's earlier offerings such as Just Friends, I did enjoy reading this book on holidays and it was a very pleasant way to while away the time. If you love Paris then you will like this as the author depicts the magical essence of Paris extremely well.

3 ½ stars...., 16 Oct 2005
Molly Clearwater is a young woman who'd never managed to find her way out of her hometown until she got a job with a pharmaceutical company in London. Now, after a year of hard work and long hours, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to accompany her boss to a weekend conference in Paris! Molly is thrilled that she has been chosen for this opportunity until she learns of her boss's plan to seduce her during their trip. After confronting her boss Molly resigns from her position and finds herself jobless and even worse out of a free trip to Paris.
Impulsively Molly decides to hop on a train and spend the weekend in Paris after all. Once in Paris Molly meets a host of people who will change her outlook on life forever, there is Alicia, a carefree Australian girl with no inhibitions, a gorgeous young French artist, and as she sneaks into her boss's hotel in disguise she meets the most unlikely person of all.

For Molly her `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was a life changing experience, for me...it was just OK. There were parts of this book where I found myself laughing out loud while there were other parts where I found my mind completely wandering. I give this book 3 ½ stars because it is very funny in some areas and the descriptions of Paris were very vivid, however, in my opinion Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS' is a much better book.

Excellent read, 31 Jul 2005
I was given this book by someone who had it repeated for a present, never read any of Robyn Sisman's books before but would certainly consider reading the other titles. Really enjoyable read and very easy going (would be a great holiday read).

pretty, 17 Jun 2005
I cant believe the rants! I found this book quite gripping actually, very fast-paced, and as for the "contrived, unrealistic, beyond fictitious" snarls, let me assure you that things like that DO happen! What's so unbelievable about a frustrated pretty young woman flying over to Paris alone for a weekend and immediately meets and befriends a couple of party animals plus a French hunk and hit it off?!

However, I do agree with the reviewer who dubbed a couple of other characters, especially the mother, caricatures. Nevertheless, it makes a very pleasant and quick read.

Weekend in... my house reading this book!, 01 Jun 2005
I loved this book... I simply couldn't put it down... which surprised me immensely - usually I don't go for chick lit, preferring Sci Fi and Fantasy books, but I picked this up as it was a bargain and had a good deal on a Paris travel guide and I'm so so glad that I did.... I spent the entire weekend with it in front of my nose dying to know what happened next.

OK, as it's been said by other reviewers, it's completely unrealistic, our lead character (Molly)competely throws caution to the wind and gets extremely close with a number of different people over 48 hours, but that's half the fun... it's fast paced because of the time frame and the slight lack of realism makes it good fiction with a fairytale feel to it... which is exactly what it is - it never claimed to be a 'guide to what to do on a weekend in Paris'.

In summary... extremely enjoyable... fun, gripping, sometimes emotional and bought back those feelings of reading a story when I was little - like an adult fairytale. Can't wait to try out some of her other books.

Lovely, 27 Jun 2008
This is the first I've read by Robyn Sisman. Four words: I loved this book. Will be reading her others too !

Not Just Chick Lit, 20 Feb 2006
Robyn Sisman's writing is often very funny, touching, with more than a hint of the embarrassing real-life situations desperate people (particularly those in love) inadvertently get themselves into. Just Friends oozes charm, Sisman is a clever writer, tugging at the readers' heartstrings at every given opportunity whilst also managing to bring to life a comedy of errors and misunderstandings. Fans of Chris Manby, Fiona Walker, Freya North and Jane Green will love this book along with everything else Sisman has written. This particular book is however,is her best in my humble opinion.

Just plain fun!, 11 Oct 2005
'JUST FRIENDS' is a timeless story about long time friends Freya and Jack who get more than they bargained for after Freya's lawyer boyfriend dumps her and she is forced to move in with Jack. The story moved at a slow paced in the beginning but once the bickering between Freya and Jack began so did the fun.
Freya and Jack have a hard time adjusting to life as roommates especially when Jack starts dating a much younger woman and Freya takes to answering personals ads but when Freya needs someone to accompany her to England and pose as her boyfriend for her "wicked" step-sisters wedding its Jack that she turns to. Once these two get to England things really begin to heat up and the story takes an unexpected twist that will have you scrambling to finish this book.

My only regret about 'JUST FRIENDS' is that the author did not, in my opinion, sufficiently develop the characters of Cat and Michael. I would have loved to see more interaction between those two but overall 'JUST FRIENDS' was a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes romantic comedies. 5 Stars!

Just Friends, 07 Feb 2005
Wonderful book!! Much better than Weekend In Paris which was dull and boring in comparison. This is filled wqith laughter, love and fun but touching at the same time, a brilliant escapism read!!

just brilliant, 16 Jul 2004
if you like will-they-wont-they type books, you'll like this one. it was very easy to put yourself in the main characters shoes and imagine everything going on in her life as it happens. once involved in the story it was hard to put down as you wanted to know what happens next!

Special relationship, 11 Aug 2002
The most enjoyable book I have read for years!
Witty, intelligent,emotional, intense. All these elements make for a truly gripping story. First love is very powerful and not easily forgotten and Annie and Jordan's story stirs up painful and pleasant emotions in us all.

A REALLY GREAT READ, 11 Aug 1999
This is a well written and very entertaining romantic novel with a clever slant on American presidential politics. The author's second book, PERFECT STRANGERS, is also excellent. Both are highly recommended.

Perfect, 02 Jan 2007
Couldn't express in as many words how great this book is! It's enspired me to try and buy more of Robyn Sismans book. It's such a lovely read and i could not put it down, i totally fell in love with the characters, Suze is such a real girl and Lloyd is one of those guy's you just wish you could find. Read this and wont regret it!

Summer in the City/ Perfect Strangers, 17 Oct 2005
I loved Robyn Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS', thought `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was just okay and now found the newly re-released `SUMMER IN THE CITY' to be somewhere in between the two. I found the story of straight-laced Lloyd Rockwell and the free spirited Suze Wilding swapping jobs and lives for a summer to be quite charming. I loved the vivid descriptions Sisman gave of New York and London and how different life was for Lloyd and Suze living in a strange city as well as a stranger's apartment. My only wish for this book would have been that Sisman focus less on the job and more on the budding romance between Lloyd and Suze. I began to look forward to the phone exchanges between Lloyd and Suze, which in my opinion were too few and far between. Overall I did enjoy `SUMMER IN THE CITY' but `JUST FRIENDS' still remains Sisman's standout novel, 3 ½ stars.

Boring, 12 Jul 2005
I was excited to read this book after seeing its great rating and reading a little summary but I was very dissapointed. The book was like a potentially great joke without a punch line so, essentially, a potentially great book with nearly no climax. I found myself always waiting for something big to happen, for the story to have that moving moment where you just want to smile or cry, or do something. But I didn't find that in this book.

Sparks ... all over this book, 20 Apr 2003
This is the best romantic novel I have read¡­ not that I'm much of a reader, but this book fits into one of those box-office romantic comedies with the setting of New York and London and the rest I leave you to figure out¡­

The book is not only a feel-good romantic novel, it actually makes you really believe that there is a guy out there, and it is just a matter of time when fate hits.Sparks is a sure way to measure the relationship¡­ at least you will fell that way after reading ¡°Perfect Strangers¡±.

enchanting romantic comedy, 04 Jan 2003
Robyn Sisman is one of my top five romantic comedy authors, streets ahead of the dismal chick lit brigade. Not only does she create characters you feel you know and care about, she writes with real verve and wit, and with the emotional honesty of a true romantic. Like Sleepless in Seattle this is full of yearning but you could give it to your grnadmother and not be embarrassed because it's all about what leads up to two people finally getting together.
English Suze and US Lloyd swap jobs and flats, and in entering each other's world rock it to its core. Suze is as warm and chaotic as Lloyd is WASPily uptight, yet each has the qualities needed to rescue the other from personal and professional disaster. There are great set-pieces, such as Suze's miserable affair with a man who can't be prised from his mobile phone, but each setting is developed with loving detail. Alongside Meg Cabot's The Guy Next Door this is one of the most charming work-life romances ever

The perfect light romantic novel , 26 Sep 2008
Robyn Sisman is not only a consistently good writer of light romantic novels , but simultaneously manages to find fresh plots and characters.

In this one, Hollywood star and intellectual snob documentary maker come to self knowledge through getting to know and fall in love with each other.

This book is so much more than it's bare bones. The lively writing style is easy to read. The characters are interesting,funny and not predictable. Hollywood and London theatre are well researched.
It is a kindly book with a happy ending: perfect escapism. Great for romantic novel veterans and to encourage the less enthusiastic female reader. Go and try all her others too!

Enjoyable, 20 Jul 2008
Molly Clearwater, the heroine of this book, is a likeable character although a bit naive. Escaping the clutches of her sleazy English boss she takes the Eurostar to Paris on a whim and ends up going on a mad weekend adventure. At times it all seems a bit far fetched but there are some great characters here such as Molly's slightly mad mother! It's pure escapism and although perhaps I didn't love it as much as some of Sysman's earlier offerings such as Just Friends, I did enjoy reading this book on holidays and it was a very pleasant way to while away the time. If you love Paris then you will like this as the author depicts the magical essence of Paris extremely well.

3 ½ stars...., 16 Oct 2005
Molly Clearwater is a young woman who'd never managed to find her way out of her hometown until she got a job with a pharmaceutical company in London. Now, after a year of hard work and long hours, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to accompany her boss to a weekend conference in Paris! Molly is thrilled that she has been chosen for this opportunity until she learns of her boss's plan to seduce her during their trip. After confronting her boss Molly resigns from her position and finds herself jobless and even worse out of a free trip to Paris.
Impulsively Molly decides to hop on a train and spend the weekend in Paris after all. Once in Paris Molly meets a host of people who will change her outlook on life forever, there is Alicia, a carefree Australian girl with no inhibitions, a gorgeous young French artist, and as she sneaks into her boss's hotel in disguise she meets the most unlikely person of all.

For Molly her `WEEKEND IN PARIS' was a life changing experience, for me...it was just OK. There were parts of this book where I found myself laughing out loud while there were other parts where I found my mind completely wandering. I give this book 3 ½ stars because it is very funny in some areas and the descriptions of Paris were very vivid, however, in my opinion Sisman's `JUST FRIENDS' is a much better book.

Excellent read, 31 Jul 2005
I was given this book by someone who had it repeated for a present, never read any of Robyn Sisman's books before but would certainly consider reading the other titles. Really enjoyable read and very easy going (would be a great holiday read).

pretty, 17 Jun 2005
I cant believe the rants! I found this book quite gripping actually, very fast-paced, and as for the "contrived, unrealistic, beyond fictitious" snarls, let me assure you that things like that DO happen! What's so unbelievable about a frustrated pretty young woman flying over to Paris alone for a weekend and immediately meets and befriends a couple of party animals plus a French hunk and hit it off?!

However, I do agree with the reviewer who dubbed a couple of other characters, especially the mother, caricatures. Nevertheless, it makes a very pleasant and quick read.

Weekend in... my house reading this book!, 01 Jun 2005
I loved this book... I simply couldn't put it down... which surprised me immensely - usually I don't go for chick lit, preferring Sci Fi and Fantasy books, but I picked this up as it was a bargain and had a good deal on a Paris travel guide and I'm so so glad that I did.... I spent the entire weekend with it in front of my nose dying to know what happened next.

OK, as it's been said by other reviewers, it's completely unrealistic, our lead character (Molly)competely throws caution to the wind and gets extremely close with a number of different people over 48 hours, but that's half the fun... it's fast paced because of the time frame and the slight lack of realism makes it good fiction with a fairytale feel to it... which is exactly what it is - it never claimed to be a 'guide to what to do on a weekend in Paris'.

In summary... extremely enjoyable... fun, gripping, sometimes emotional and bought back those feelings of reading a story when I was little - like an adult fairytale. Can't wait to try out some of her other books.

Lovely, 27 Jun 2008
This is the first I've read by Robyn Sisman. Four words: I loved this book. Will be reading her others too !

Not Just Chick Lit, 20 Feb 2006
Robyn Sisman's writing is often very funny, touching, with more than a hint of the embarrassing real-life situations desperate people (particularly those in love) inadvertently get themselves into. Just Friends oozes charm, Sisman is a clever writer, tugging at the readers' heartstrings at every given opportunity whilst also managing to bring to life a comedy of errors and misunderstandings. Fans of Chris Manby, Fiona Walker, Freya North and Jane Green will love this book along with everything else Sisman has written. This particular book is however,is her best in my humble opinion.

Just plain fun!, 11 Oct 2005
'JUST FRIENDS' is a timeless story about long time friends Freya and Jack who get more than they bargained for after Freya's lawyer boyfriend dumps her and she is forced to move in with Jack. The story moved at a slow paced in the beginning but once the bickering between Freya and Jack began so did the fun.
Freya and Jack have a hard time adjusting to life as roommates especially when Jack starts dating a much younger woman and Freya takes to answering personals ads but when Freya needs someone to accompany her to England and pose as her boyfriend for her "wicked" step-sisters wedding its Jack that she turns to. Once these two get to England things really begin to heat up and the story takes an unexpected twist that will have you scrambling to finish this book.

My only regret about 'JUST FRIENDS' is that the author did not, in my opinion, sufficiently develop the characters of Cat and Michael. I would have loved to see more interaction between those two but overall 'JUST FRIENDS' was a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes romantic comedies. 5 Stars!

Just Friends, 07 Feb 2005
Wonderful book!! Much better than Weekend In Paris which was dull and boring in comparison. This is filled wqith laughter, love and fun but touching at the same time, a brilliant escapism read!!

just brilliant, 16 Jul 2004
if you like will-they-wont-they type books, you'll like this one. it was very easy to put yourself in the main characters shoes and imagine everything going on in her life as it happens. once involved in the story it was hard to put down as you wanted to know what happens next!