When in Rome...

Rating:
Summary: Bad bad beginning but excellent middle & end
Review: I am so glad that I didn't put this book down and not finish it. After reading the first 100 pages I could not believe what a self-centered, selfish, and idiotic girl Georgie was. I was appalled by her character or actually, the lack of it. And there were some things she was COMPLETELY oblivious too because she was so self centered. Totally obvious things. However, I checked on Amazon to see what other readers might have thought, whether anyone actually finished and liked this book. AND SO MANY OF THE READERS LIKED IT!!! I was shocked and decided to give the book a second chance. I took it on my plane trip from MSP to SEA and did not put it down once! I loved it! Georgie truly goes through some much needed transformations and gets to know herself and those she loves and thinks she loves deeper and more meaningfully. And really, this book isn't so much about a trip to Rome as it is about having the curtains lifted on your life. Letting some light shine through, being able to see yourself clearly. Seeing your family, friends, and loved ones clearly and really coming to know and appreciate their strengths and weaknesses.

So if you start reading this book and are totally put off by how shallow and stupid Georgie is, don't stop. Read it to the finish-you will be satisfied by your decision. And you will feel happy and refreshed like any good book makes you feel after its reading.

Oh and I read on the editorial review that Ms. Townley is Sophie Kinsella's sister! I have all four of Ms. Kinsella's novels & love them all! What a talented family!

Rating:
Summary: humourous, witty, and well worth reading
Review: I bought this book thinking, if Sophie Kinsella liked it, then buying it would surely be an investment. Turns out, It really was. This story is very funny, adorable, and not to mention romantic. Ince I finished reading the book, I couldn't help but fall madly in love with dependable David, the chap-next-door who cooks, loves movies, and is incredibly smart. Envious of fictional character, Georgie. Haha! However, despite my adoring this book, there was one thing I wasn't quite keen on, and that was the fact that Georgie was very naive about David. Surely, she had her heart in the right place, but I found it very hard to believe she would believe Mike over David. If she really loved David, she would have trusted him more (especially since Mike is a cheap, boring cad!) Still, other than that, this story was well worth the money. And to whomever decides to read this novel, happy reading. :)

Rating:
Summary: humourous, witty, and well worth reading
Review: I bought this book thinking, if Sophie Kinsella liked it, then buying it would surely be an investment. Turns out, It really was. This story is very funny, adorable, and not to mention romantic. Once I finished reading the book, I couldn't help but fall madly in love with dependable David, the chap-next-door who cooks, loves movies, and is incredibly smart. Envious of fictional character, Georgie. Haha! However, despite my adoring this book, there was one thing I wasn't quite keen on, and that was the fact that Georgie was very naive about David. Surely, she had her heart in the right place, but I found it very hard to believe she would believe Mike over David. If she really loved David, she would have trusted him more (especially since Mike is a cheap, boring cad!) Still, other than that, this story was well worth the money. And to whomever decides to read this novel, happy reading. :)

Rating:
Summary: Mediocre at best
Review: I don't know why this book got 4 and 5 stars I'm shocked. I think the style and flair of this author is great--but the story itself was TERRIBLE. It's laughable how stupid the main character was portrayed. I don't know anyone as stupid as the author made her out to be, to the point that it irritated me. The plot was SO predictable, and not very believable. I think if this author takes her style and flair and comes up with better and more believeable plot lines and more intelligent chracters she will be a suceess. But for now, this book was medicore at best. Save your money, and wait for her second book. Maybe the second try she'll get it right.

Rating:
Summary: Mediocre at best
Review: I first suspected this might be just another mushy, romantic type novel. I was grateful to find out that it is really much better than that. Gemma manages to squeeze quite a bit of stuff in there.....crime, mystery, international travel, spying, and ultimately, one woman's choice between two men. While the reader will likely be able to develop a good idea of what is really going on, Gemma manages to keep the reader turning the pages to find out if they are correct in their assumptions. Overall, a fun and engaging read. I look forward to her next one!

Rating:
Summary: Will keep you on your toes
Review: I first suspected this might be just another mushy, romantic type novel. I was grateful to find out that it is really much better than that. Gemma manages to squeeze quite a bit of stuff in there.....crime, mystery, international travel, spying, and ultimately, one woman's choice between two men. While the reader will likely be able to develop a good idea of what is really going on, Gemma manages to keep the reader turning the pages to find out if they are correct in their assumptions. Overall, a fun and engaging read. I look forward to her next one!

Rating:
Summary: Cute but Not Cute Enough
Review: I liked the book, but I didn't love it. I originally picked it up becuase there was a quote from Sohpie Kinsella on the cover! The story is interesting and has some very funny and cute moments, but if you like this style, then I'd choose Sophie Kinsella.


Rating:
Summary: SO FUNNY!!
Review: I loved this book! The heroine Georgie is a delight, so irreverant and real, and the settings of Rome and London are delicious, the plot is fast and funny and I was whipping over the pages so fast, I finished it in a day. Fabulous!!!

Rating:
Summary: The Roman Adventure That Wasn't
Review: I picked this up hoping for a reminder of my vacation in beatiful Rome. The "Roman Holiday" lasted all of 63 pages of this 308 page book. It touts itself as "A Novel of Piazzas and Passion" but is very sadly lacking in both. This is an average story about the intriguing world of accounting (?!?) and corporate mergers set in dreary London offices. Looking for a real Italian adventure? Look elsewhere!
(I would recommend Belinda Jones' "I Love Capri")


Rating:
Summary: Fun!
Review: I really enjoyed this novel. It's fun, easy to get into, and was great to read on the subway. Georgie is a little crazy, but her adventures in London and Rome kept me entertained. Perfect for fans of Clare Naylor, Sophie Kinsella, or Bridget Jones.