Jump to content

The Secret of Happy Ever After by Lucy Dillon


Recommended Posts

A friend of mine was clearing out her book cases and I inherited this book. I love most chick-lits, not all. This one intrigued me and I started it the day before yesterday. Ignored my husband for two days and finished the book today. It was a wonderful read.

 

I enjoyed the clarity of writing. The author was able to touch on subjects that related to some of my own dreams and made them realistic without being soppy. The friendships were realistic and very moving. The only part that bothered me was the ending. For my taste it was too abrupt. As if the author couldn't find the proper way end an engaging story. Other than that it gets a 4.5/5 score.

 

Blurp:  When Anna takes over Longhampton's bookshop, it's her dream come true. And not just because it gets her away from her rowdy stepchildren and their hyperactive Dalmaation.

 

As she unpacks boxes of childhood classics, Anna can't shake the feeling that maybe her own fairytale ending isn't all thaat she'd hoped for. But as the stories of love, adventure, Secret gardens and giant peaches breathe new life into the neglected shop, Anna and her customers get swept up in the magic too.

 

Even Anna's best friend Michelle..who categorically doesn't believe in true love and handsome princes..isn't immune.

 

But when secrets from Michelle's own childhood come back to haunt her, and disaster threatens Anna's home, willthe wisdom and charm of the stories in the bookshop help the two friends-and those they love-find their own happy ever afters?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I borrowed this book last fall from the library and started reading it but for some reason gave it up after 20 or so pages. I can't remember why, exactly. I liked the premise of the book just fine, but I guess it didn't engage me right from the get go. I'm probably going to try and read it later on, though.

 

I wonder if dogs are a recurring theme in Dillon's novels, as there were dogs in this one and in Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts which I've read. Also the cover of Walking Back to Happiness on Amazon shows a dog in the cover :D I wouldn't mind if that were the case!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, i noticed the another title of her's. Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts and want to try to get that book. It sounds really appealing.

Sometimes when I can't get into a book, knowing that my mood may be the problem, I wait a while (sometimes longer) and give it another try. If I still can't get into the book, It's to the charity shop it goes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, i noticed the another title of her's. Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts and want to try to get that book. It sounds really appealing.

Sometimes when I can't get into a book, knowing that my mood may be the problem, I wait a while (sometimes longer) and give it another try. If I still can't get into the book, It's to the charity shop it goes.

 

 

I hope you find a copy of LDaLH soon! :)

 

It's so tricky sometimes with books, not being in the right mood... there are times when I've tried reading a book once or twice before and haven't gotten into them, and then out of the blue, I start reading one of them and love it :shrug: So weird!

 

I think all in all Lucy Dillon is a (rather) new author to keep an eye out for :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Frankie, I have the same thing. Sometimes a book is just waiting for me to get into the right frame of mind. Or maybe the right age. I don't know which. I remember once trying to read White Oleander and not being able to get into it. A few years later I picked it up to read with our RL book group and LOVED it. I wonder if all readers have this. I do know that my book cases are overflowing because I can't get rid of the books until I am definitely sure we won't work out. :blush2:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Frankie, I have the same thing. Sometimes a book is just waiting for me to get into the right frame of mind. Or maybe the right age. I don't know which. I remember once trying to read White Oleander and not being able to get into it. A few years later I picked it up to read with our RL book group and LOVED it. I wonder if all readers have this. I do know that my book cases are overflowing because I can't get rid of the books until I am definitely sure we won't work out. :blush2:

 

Oh crap! White Oleander is actually one of the books I own and am thinking about giving away because I've tried reading it a few times and it's not grabbed me the way I'd wished :D What a coincidence! I'm now having second thoughts... :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When you are in the mood for a twisted relationship between a mother and daughter (who also goes through the foster homes), give it another try. If you don't like it then, it's probably not your thing. I know it will probably be read again by me sometime in the future. It gives a good portrayal of a child's life in the foster homes. Sad story to be sure. But good.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...