Proof-copy: 356 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romantic FictionPublisher: Avon (Harper Collins) February 13th 2014
Source: The publishers PR company in return for an unbiased review.
First Sentences: ' Open your eyes after three. Ready?'
Review Quote: “I loved this book!” Sam Faiers, star of The Only Way is Essex.
My Opinion: Not to my taste but well written for the genre.
If this was not to my taste why an earth did I decide to read and review this you must be asking. Well I do have an eclectic taste and I do sometimes find this genre makes for a relaxing read. I should have known better with a title 'Made In Essex' but for some reason I thought this might be funny. Sorry I did not find it at all amusing, in fact it just irritated me the majority of the time. I know there are many jokes about Essex girls but seriously! Maybe I should also mention that I have never seen the programme 'The Only Way Is Essex', which apparently is the inspiration for Laura Ziepe's novels.
As a sequel to 'Essex Girls' (although it does not matter if you have not read), the story is a continuation of the previous novel with the same main protagonists. Life for Jade is looking good, she is happy with not only her love life, but the bikini business she has recently set up with her best friend Kelly. An old acquaintance Adele, rather an unpleasant one at that, turns up in her life unexpectedly, she immediately causes trouble between Jade and her boyfriend Sam. With a secret that is a powerful one she seems determined to ruin their relationship. Does she succeed though? Well not one for giving away spoilers I leave you to find out for yourself, that is if this appeals to you.
Although not to my personal liking, Laura Ziepe as an Essex girl herself has written a chick lit novel that will appeal to the many keen readers of this genre and I wish her well with her writing.
Author Profile
Laura Ziepe currently lives in Essex with her husband, Terry, and two dogs. English was always her strongest subject at school and after her A Levels and taking a year out, Laura decided to study professional and creative writing at St Mary's University, Twickenham. She graduated in 2006 and worked for a media company and law firm before deciding to set up her own fashion business in 2009. Through her business she was offered a part in The Only Way is Essex, but decided the show wasn't for her. Instead she wrote her first novel, Essex Girls, inspired by the TV show and her summers working abroad in Greece when she was in her early twenties.
More Biographical Information
About Her : From Laura's Website
Where do I begin? I must say, writing has always been a huge passion of mine. As a little girl I was obsessed with Judy Blume books. I remember reading some in a day and not being able to put them down! This is where my love for writing started. For my eighth or ninth birthday I received lots of presents (very lucky girl!) but I recall my favourite being a big flowery notepad and pen set, which I filled up with stories and still have to this day. I’ve always felt that when I write, it’s a way to escape and I enjoy it so much I don’t even notice that I’ve been doing it for hours on end.
After college it got to the point where I had to decide what I wanted to do with my life. I tried a couple of office jobs, but I knew my heart wasn’t in it and I would never have been happy in what I felt were such mundane jobs. One of my best friend’s, Claire, asked me what it was I really wanted to do. I didn’t hesitate when I told her; I wanted to be an author. She told me to follow my heart and do a writing course at University and she even helped me to apply and send my application off. I’ll always be grateful for this as I was soon accepted into several Universities and decided to go to St Mary’s University in Twickenham, where I studied Professional and Creative writing. As well as helping me with writing, I had the best years and the most fun ever!
I graduated from University, but decided to work in London. Once again though, the dull office life simply never did it for me and I soon had the idea to start my own website .mycelebritydress.com
The biographical information and photo used in this post are with thanks to the authors publisher and the following websites, where you can also find more information about the author and her writing.
I have been reading Environment and Society for a class I am taking...it is actually very interesting.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting, European or just in the USA?
DeleteAs a born and bred Essex person I feel I should read this - but I couldn't bear to watch TOWIE ...dilemma! Thanks for sharing your thoughts LindyLou.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, then you can comment knowing what you are talking about. :)
DeleteHi Linda I wish her well too..but not my type of book either...thanks for the review. I have seen
ReplyDeleteTOWIE..I get so wound up with them I turn it off...so I am I won't enjoy this book..xx
Oh well never mind Anne, it would be a dull world if we all liked the same things. :)
DeleteThere will be a huge audience indeed for this, I am dying to read something light just now inbetween all the studies but not sure if this would be a tad too fluffy for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts though, maybe one for a holiday read.
ReplyDeleteLainy http://www.alwaysreading.net