Amazon UK
Title: White Lies and Wishes
Author: Cathy Bramley
Format reviewed: Paperback
Source: Publicist supplied review copy
Publisher: Corgi
Publication Date: 26th January 2017
Rating: 4.5 Stars
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| Amazon UK |
What happens when what you wish for is only half the story...?
Flirtatious, straight-talking Jo Gold says she’s got no time for love; she’s determined to save her family’s failing footwear business.
New mother Sarah Hudson has cut short her maternity leave to return to work. She says she’ll do whatever it takes to make partner at the accountancy firm.
Bored, over-eating housewife Carrie Radley says she just wants to shift the pounds – she’d love to finally wear a bikini in public.
The unlikely trio meet by chance one winter’s day, and in a moment of ‘Carpe Diem’ madness, embark on a mission to make their wishes come true by September.
Easy. At least it would be, if they hadn’t been just the teensiest bit stingy with the truth…
With hidden issues, hidden talents, and hidden demons to overcome, new friends Jo, Carrie and Sarah must admit to what they really, really want, if they are ever to get their happy endings.
Flirtatious, straight-talking Jo Gold says she’s got no time for love; she’s determined to save her family’s failing footwear business.
New mother Sarah Hudson has cut short her maternity leave to return to work. She says she’ll do whatever it takes to make partner at the accountancy firm.
Bored, over-eating housewife Carrie Radley says she just wants to shift the pounds – she’d love to finally wear a bikini in public.
The unlikely trio meet by chance one winter’s day, and in a moment of ‘Carpe Diem’ madness, embark on a mission to make their wishes come true by September.
Easy. At least it would be, if they hadn’t been just the teensiest bit stingy with the truth…
With hidden issues, hidden talents, and hidden demons to overcome, new friends Jo, Carrie and Sarah must admit to what they really, really want, if they are ever to get their happy endings.
Three women meet for the first time, at the funeral of a mutual friend's husband, and very soon not only gel, but also decide that life is too short and they put together a wish list, which they will help each other with. This isn't like other bucket list books with loads of outlandish suggestions, all 3 of these wishes are certainly achievable by the women, but with a self imposed deadline of September that year, whether they will or not is another matter.
So lets meet the stars of the book:
Jo Gold who runs a footwear business that is failing, and she is praying to be able to turn the business around before she needs to make long standing employees redundant. Her wish is to face her fear of heights. Jo is the sort of woman who isn't used to having female company so finds it hard sometimes that she is making new friends.
Then there is Sarah Hudson, she has a young baby, but has already returned to work, leaving husband Dave as a house hubby. Her wish for their wishlist is to become a partner at the place she works, but as the story progresses I did have to wonder if that was the right thing for her.
Finally there is Carrie Radley, who in some respects is a bit of an enigma. She is certainly overweight, and over eats. She appears to do not much with her days, and is married to a man, that no one can really get a read on to start with. It is clear she is unhappy, and her wish is to be able to wear a bikini in public.
What none of the girls realise at the start, is they have all not been entirely truthful, and may just be hiding things, which is what I loved, as it meant there were plenty of surprises in the story, and kept my interest as I really wanted to get to know these three ladies, and just how their fortunes would change.
I loved the shoe business that Jo runs, and some of the ideas for saving the company, reminded me a musical I saw a year or so ago, but they are also completely different, it was just a similar philosophy. Sarah's journey of trying to get back used to working while also loving being a parent, was enjoyable to see, and is one that a lot of parents will relate to. Equally Carrie's struggle to accept her own body is another storyline that many women will relate to.
All of the characters have the sorts of qualities that you will recognise in people that you know, they are instantly human and likeable, and the sorts of women that you could imagine hanging around with yourself. The book as a whole is a pleasure to read, and as a fan of Cathy Bramley, it makes a change to read a story that hasn't been split into four parts. It is one complete story that flows incredibly well, and did I mention it has a gorgeous cover!
Thank you so much to Becky Hunter at Transworld for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
So lets meet the stars of the book:
Jo Gold who runs a footwear business that is failing, and she is praying to be able to turn the business around before she needs to make long standing employees redundant. Her wish is to face her fear of heights. Jo is the sort of woman who isn't used to having female company so finds it hard sometimes that she is making new friends.
Then there is Sarah Hudson, she has a young baby, but has already returned to work, leaving husband Dave as a house hubby. Her wish for their wishlist is to become a partner at the place she works, but as the story progresses I did have to wonder if that was the right thing for her.
Finally there is Carrie Radley, who in some respects is a bit of an enigma. She is certainly overweight, and over eats. She appears to do not much with her days, and is married to a man, that no one can really get a read on to start with. It is clear she is unhappy, and her wish is to be able to wear a bikini in public.
What none of the girls realise at the start, is they have all not been entirely truthful, and may just be hiding things, which is what I loved, as it meant there were plenty of surprises in the story, and kept my interest as I really wanted to get to know these three ladies, and just how their fortunes would change.
I loved the shoe business that Jo runs, and some of the ideas for saving the company, reminded me a musical I saw a year or so ago, but they are also completely different, it was just a similar philosophy. Sarah's journey of trying to get back used to working while also loving being a parent, was enjoyable to see, and is one that a lot of parents will relate to. Equally Carrie's struggle to accept her own body is another storyline that many women will relate to.
All of the characters have the sorts of qualities that you will recognise in people that you know, they are instantly human and likeable, and the sorts of women that you could imagine hanging around with yourself. The book as a whole is a pleasure to read, and as a fan of Cathy Bramley, it makes a change to read a story that hasn't been split into four parts. It is one complete story that flows incredibly well, and did I mention it has a gorgeous cover!
Thank you so much to Becky Hunter at Transworld for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
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