Take A Look At Me Now - Miranda Dickinson
Published: 24/10/13
Publisher: Avon
Pages: 390
*Wipes tears from eyes* Oh guys! I have just been on such a roller coaster of emotions reading this book.
I cannot fault it at all and I am #TeamNell forever!
Nell Sullivan works for the council planning department and is in an on/off relationship with Aidan who, to all intents and purposes is a bit of a knob. When he leaves a green post-it-note on Nell's computer one morning asking her to come to his office, she is eager to find out whether he is finally going to declare his undying love for her. Instead, he greets her with the news she's been made redundant and needs to find a new job. Nell, being the maker of lists and creator of plans decides to use her redundancy package to get away from her currently stale life. Choosing to be spontaneous and jumping on the next flight to San Francisco, Nell fights the feelings that she's making a huge mistake.
Landing in San Fran and staying with her cousin Lizzie is the start of a whole new phase in Nell's life. Spending days eating in Annie's diner, bumping into handsome strangers and exploring the beautiful city, Nell begins to think making her dreams a reality may not be so hard after all...
Oh Miranda, you do spoil us. This book was pure and utter bliss. From the very first page I was drawn into Nell's life and felt privileged to join her on her journey of self discovery. Watching her change from an uptight woman into one who was spontaneous, fulfilled and ultimately happy made me gush with joy. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I smiled whilst reading this book; although I did also nearly cry and open my mouth in shock a few times! To begin with, I really thought I had the plot worked out but it was so lovely to see Miranda throw in some curve balls and provide a nice dose of drama. I kept panicking that Nell wouldn't get her happy ever after!
As always, Miranda writes with such care and love for her characters. I could relate to Nell so much and I got so caught up in the novel that at times I felt like I was Nell and I was experiencing everything through her eyes. It is clear for all to see that Miranda has done her research (by visiting San Fran)! The descriptions were so tactile that I felt like I was there, walking along the sunny streets, eating gooey, maple pancakes and admiring the Golden Gate Bridge.
I raced through this novel, unable to put it down, but ultimately feeling gutted when it was over! I wish I'd taken more time to savour every word and description, but I'm not too worried because I know I will re-read this book for years to come. The whole cast of characters are superb and you will find yourself falling for them all, especially some very little ones in San Francisco. I am beyond thrilled by the ending Miranda gave Nell and I can guarantee you will be smiling just as hugely as I was and shedding a few tears!
In my opinion, this is Miranda's best novel yet and I really, really, really, really hope that we can rejoin Nell in a future novel!
Whilst the weather outside is grim and the days are getting shorter, there is nothing better to do than curl up with this book and imagine you're with Nell in San Francisco. Feel the sun on your shoulders, smell the pancakes in the air and fall in love with the city where Nell found all her dreams come true.
Publisher: Avon
Pages: 390
*Wipes tears from eyes* Oh guys! I have just been on such a roller coaster of emotions reading this book.
I cannot fault it at all and I am #TeamNell forever!
Nell Sullivan works for the council planning department and is in an on/off relationship with Aidan who, to all intents and purposes is a bit of a knob. When he leaves a green post-it-note on Nell's computer one morning asking her to come to his office, she is eager to find out whether he is finally going to declare his undying love for her. Instead, he greets her with the news she's been made redundant and needs to find a new job. Nell, being the maker of lists and creator of plans decides to use her redundancy package to get away from her currently stale life. Choosing to be spontaneous and jumping on the next flight to San Francisco, Nell fights the feelings that she's making a huge mistake.
Landing in San Fran and staying with her cousin Lizzie is the start of a whole new phase in Nell's life. Spending days eating in Annie's diner, bumping into handsome strangers and exploring the beautiful city, Nell begins to think making her dreams a reality may not be so hard after all...
Oh Miranda, you do spoil us. This book was pure and utter bliss. From the very first page I was drawn into Nell's life and felt privileged to join her on her journey of self discovery. Watching her change from an uptight woman into one who was spontaneous, fulfilled and ultimately happy made me gush with joy. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I smiled whilst reading this book; although I did also nearly cry and open my mouth in shock a few times! To begin with, I really thought I had the plot worked out but it was so lovely to see Miranda throw in some curve balls and provide a nice dose of drama. I kept panicking that Nell wouldn't get her happy ever after!
As always, Miranda writes with such care and love for her characters. I could relate to Nell so much and I got so caught up in the novel that at times I felt like I was Nell and I was experiencing everything through her eyes. It is clear for all to see that Miranda has done her research (by visiting San Fran)! The descriptions were so tactile that I felt like I was there, walking along the sunny streets, eating gooey, maple pancakes and admiring the Golden Gate Bridge.
I raced through this novel, unable to put it down, but ultimately feeling gutted when it was over! I wish I'd taken more time to savour every word and description, but I'm not too worried because I know I will re-read this book for years to come. The whole cast of characters are superb and you will find yourself falling for them all, especially some very little ones in San Francisco. I am beyond thrilled by the ending Miranda gave Nell and I can guarantee you will be smiling just as hugely as I was and shedding a few tears!
In my opinion, this is Miranda's best novel yet and I really, really, really, really hope that we can rejoin Nell in a future novel!
Whilst the weather outside is grim and the days are getting shorter, there is nothing better to do than curl up with this book and imagine you're with Nell in San Francisco. Feel the sun on your shoulders, smell the pancakes in the air and fall in love with the city where Nell found all her dreams come true.
Laura