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One summer, property seeker Serendipity Parker finds herself on the beautiful west coast of Ireland, hunting for a home for a wealthy Irish client. But when she finds the perfect house in the small town of Ballykiltara, there's a problem: nobody seems to know who owns it. The Welcome House is a local legend. Its front door is always open for those in need of shelter, and there's always a plentiful supply of food in the cupboards for the hungry or poor.
Sandybridge is the perfect English seaside town: home to gift shops, tearooms and a fabulous fish and chip shop. And it's home to Grace - although right now she's not too happy about it. Grace grew up in Sandybridge, helping her parents sort junk from vintage treasures, but she always longed to escape to a bigger world. And she made it, travelling the world for her job, falling in love and starting a family. So why is she back in the tiny seaside town she'd long left behind, hanging out with Charlie, the boy who became her best friend when they were teenagers?
She was just a girl, standing in front of a boy…wishing he looked more like Hugh Grant. Scarlett loves the movies. But does she love sensible fiancé David just as much? With a big white wedding on the horizon, Scarlett really should have decided by now.… When she has the chance to house-sit in Notting Hill - the setting of one of her favourite movies - Scarlett jumps at the chance. But living life like a movie is trickier than it seems, especially when her new neighbour Sean is so irritating. And so irritatingly handsome, too. Scarlett soon finds herself starring in a romantic comedy of her very own. But who will end up as the leading man?
The blossom is out in the little Cornish harbour town of St Felix. But Poppy Carmichael's spirits aren't lifted by the pretty West Country spring. Inheriting her grandmother's flower shop has forced her to return to Cornwall, a place that holds too many memories. Poppy is determined to do her best for the sake of her adored grandmother, but she struggles with the responsibility of the more-shabby-than-chic shop.
When Darcy McCall loses her beloved Aunt Molly, she doesn't expect any sort of inheritance - let alone a small island. Located off the west coast of Ireland, Tara hasn't been lived on for years, but according to Molly's will Darcy must stay there for 12 months in order to fully inherit, and she needs to persuade a village full of people to settle there, too. Darcy has to leave behind her independent city life and swap stylish heels for muddy wellies.
It's a beautiful day in Manchester, and four friends are meeting for a birthday lunch. But then they witness a shocking accident just metres away which acts as a catalyst for each of them. For Laura, it's a wake-up call to heed the ticking of her biological clock. Sensible Jo finds herself throwing caution to the wind in a new relationship. Eve, who has been trying to ignore the worrying lump in her breast, feels helpless and out of control. And happy-go-lucky India is drawn to one of the victims of the accident, causing long-buried secrets to rise to the surface.
One summer, property seeker Serendipity Parker finds herself on the beautiful west coast of Ireland, hunting for a home for a wealthy Irish client. But when she finds the perfect house in the small town of Ballykiltara, there's a problem: nobody seems to know who owns it. The Welcome House is a local legend. Its front door is always open for those in need of shelter, and there's always a plentiful supply of food in the cupboards for the hungry or poor.
Sandybridge is the perfect English seaside town: home to gift shops, tearooms and a fabulous fish and chip shop. And it's home to Grace - although right now she's not too happy about it. Grace grew up in Sandybridge, helping her parents sort junk from vintage treasures, but she always longed to escape to a bigger world. And she made it, travelling the world for her job, falling in love and starting a family. So why is she back in the tiny seaside town she'd long left behind, hanging out with Charlie, the boy who became her best friend when they were teenagers?
She was just a girl, standing in front of a boy…wishing he looked more like Hugh Grant. Scarlett loves the movies. But does she love sensible fiancé David just as much? With a big white wedding on the horizon, Scarlett really should have decided by now.… When she has the chance to house-sit in Notting Hill - the setting of one of her favourite movies - Scarlett jumps at the chance. But living life like a movie is trickier than it seems, especially when her new neighbour Sean is so irritating. And so irritatingly handsome, too. Scarlett soon finds herself starring in a romantic comedy of her very own. But who will end up as the leading man?
The blossom is out in the little Cornish harbour town of St Felix. But Poppy Carmichael's spirits aren't lifted by the pretty West Country spring. Inheriting her grandmother's flower shop has forced her to return to Cornwall, a place that holds too many memories. Poppy is determined to do her best for the sake of her adored grandmother, but she struggles with the responsibility of the more-shabby-than-chic shop.
When Darcy McCall loses her beloved Aunt Molly, she doesn't expect any sort of inheritance - let alone a small island. Located off the west coast of Ireland, Tara hasn't been lived on for years, but according to Molly's will Darcy must stay there for 12 months in order to fully inherit, and she needs to persuade a village full of people to settle there, too. Darcy has to leave behind her independent city life and swap stylish heels for muddy wellies.
It's a beautiful day in Manchester, and four friends are meeting for a birthday lunch. But then they witness a shocking accident just metres away which acts as a catalyst for each of them. For Laura, it's a wake-up call to heed the ticking of her biological clock. Sensible Jo finds herself throwing caution to the wind in a new relationship. Eve, who has been trying to ignore the worrying lump in her breast, feels helpless and out of control. And happy-go-lucky India is drawn to one of the victims of the accident, causing long-buried secrets to rise to the surface.
Out of Practice is based around a large country medical practice, which proves to be a hotbed of rivalry, resentment and romance - and that's just the doctors. Think James Herriot meets House.
Robin Brennan has come home to Campion Bay. Now her parents have retired, she's set to become the new landlady of The Campion Bay Guesthouse. Bookings have been as thin as the hand towels, and it doesn't take long for Robin to realise that the place needs a serious makeover. Perhaps throwing herself into the task will help to heal her sadness at the tragic end to her dreams in London. As she gives the guesthouse a new lease of life, Robin encounters old friends and new, including old flame Tim, who'd clearly like to reboot their romance.
Tremarnock is a classic Cornish seaside village where Liz has found sanctuary for herself and her young daughter, Rosie. From early in the morning with her job as a cleaner till late at night waitressing in the restaurant, Liz works all the hours God sends to provide for them both. But trouble is waiting just around the corner. As with all villages, there are tensions, secrets - and ambitions.
Alice Rose is a foundling, discovered on the Yorkshire moors above Haworth as a baby. Adopted but then later rejected again by a horrid stepmother, Alice struggles to find a place where she belongs. Only baking - the scent of cinnamon and citrus and the feel of butter and flour between her fingers - brings a comforting sense of home. So it seems natural that when she finally decides to return to Haworth, Alice turns to baking again, taking over a run-down little teashop and working to set up an afternoon tea emporium.
Hunter's Moon is the ultimate 'forever' house. Nestled by a river in the Peasebrook valley, it has been the Willoughbys' home for over 50 years, and now estate agent Belinda Baxter is determined to find the perfect family to live there. But the sale of the house unlocks decades of family secrets - and brings Belinda face to face with her own troubled past.
Flora is forced to move back to the tiny island of Mure from the bright lights of London. It's tough: even the beautiful landscapes and bright blue sea can't lift her spirits - she's too busy looking after her dad and her feckless brothers. Then she chances upon her mum's collection of recipes and begins to cook her way through it. As she reconnects with her family and the place she was born, might she also find herself?
Random House presents the audiobook edition of A Good Heart is Hard to Find by Trisha Ashley, read by Eva Haddon. 'It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man of over 40 is in possession of a major defect....' Cassandra Leigh has woken as if from a bad dream: 44, childless and 20-plus years into an affair with a married man. Max assures her they just need a little more patience and for his wife to die (!), but Cass is desperate for a baby and running out of time.
Emma and Leo have been together forever, but their relationship seems to have lost its sparkle. When Leo turns up to Emma's 30th birthday dinner unforgivably late and extremely drunk, she can't help wishing for someone to wave a magic wand and turn Leo into a reliable and considerate boyfriend. Then Leo's path crosses with a decidedly unusual girl called Isobel, and as he falls under her spell, Emma sees him change before her very eyes. Soon she regrets wishing for a new Leo at all.
Penny Meadows loves her home - a cozy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen.
In the quaint seaside town of Newbay, a beginner's cookery course is starting. And three very different students have signed up.... Liz, determined to find love, has heard the old adage that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. John is newly widowed after 57 years of marriage, facing a lifetime of cheese on toast. Twenty-two-year-old DeeDee has been drifting from one dead-end job to another. The only thing they have in common: between them, they can barely boil an egg!
Get into the festive spirit with this heartwarming, funny and simply gorgeous Christmas read. The eagerly awaited new novel from the Sunday Times best-selling author. This Christmas is about to go off with a bang! Things can't possibly get worse for Tabby. Framed for a crime she didn't commit, she suddenly finds herself without a job. Then, to make matters worse, Tabby's boyfriend dumps her and gives her cat away to a shelter. But rescue comes in the form of kindly Mercy.
When Bella finds a dashing homeless man on her doorstep, she invites him into her cottage and into her life. But Isaac's keeping a secret from her, this woman whom he hadn't expected to fall for. She can't ignore the chemistry between them, but she's had her trust broken before. Will Bella run when she learns the truth, or could he be the man to help her to love again?
How many lifetimes would you travel to find a love that lasts for ever? When single career girl Jo-Jo steps onto a zebra crossing and gets hit by a car, she awakes to find herself in 1963. The fashion, the music, her job, even her romantic life: everything is different. And then it happens three more times, and Jo-Jo finds herself living a completely new life in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. The only people she can rely on are Harry and Ellie, two companions from 2013, and George, the owner of a second-hand record store.
If she's ever to return from her travels, Jo-Jo must work out why she's jumping through time like this. And if she does make it back, will her old life ever be the same again? Step back in time with this fabulously fun and feed-good comedy of time travel and romance, from the author of From Notting Hill with Love... Actually
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes - Can relate to the decades
What was one of the most memorable moments of Step Back in Time?
The common thread and the concept of going back in time and comparing the day to day items of 2013
Which character – as performed by Katie Scarfe – was your favourite?
Katie Scarfe read well bringing all characters to life
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I listen whilst driving so never listen in one sitting
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Usually I love Ali McNamara books so I was really looking forward to relaxing with this…however this latest offering left me very disappointed. The storyline is a good idea in theory but I found it disjointed especially as I know the main location setting very well. Had to listen to it twice to see if It got better on the2nd listen…I won’t be giving it another listen - which is rare for my audio book collection.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Good book, fun listen. Would recommend this to others 1 2 3 4 5 6.
I loved this book. l have listened twice now to it on Audible. It is very clever and keeps you enthralled until the end.
Any additional comments?
this is the first story I have listened to by this author and I enjoyed it.
the link through the decades are the songs of the pop group the beatles and jo-jo's memories of the things she misses from 2013.
after the end of the story is the links to all things beatle related and I didn't know some of them.
a wander down memory lane if you have lived through the decades.
Katie scarfe did a good job performing the book.
Would you consider the audio edition of Step Back in Time to be better than the print version?
The audio version brings people to life and the narrator makes a very good job of it
What did you like best about this story?
The idea of going back in time was fun and intriguing
Which scene did you most enjoy?
There are no scenes I like particularly over another they just follow each other smoothly, although was less keen on the 80's
Any additional comments?
This is the first book of Aly McNamara I read but will not be the last one. I really like her style. It is a real "page turner". Probably one of my fav in this genre. I even listen to it twice. Once for the story and once to find back all the hints about the Beatles. A must listen story.
Who was your favorite character and why?
George was my favorite character because you always knew he knew more than he was letting on, but wanted the main character Jo Jo to experience things for herself.
What about Katie Scarfe’s performance did you like?
Oh yes, very much.
Any additional comments?
Can't wait for the next Ali McNamara novel.
The end of this story was a little predictable and I thought that that was a let down for what had otherwise been quite a fun book
What an incredible master weaving of characters, plot line and story development. To say nothing that it was based entirely upon the greatest musical four some of all time. This is hands-down one of the most delightful, intriguing and well-crafted stories I've read in a very, very long time.
This author has an astounding skill to pick up all the threads that she created over a span of time and bring everyone of them back together. I listened to this while on a very long car trip, And was so intrigued and absorbed that before I knew it nearly 9 hours had flown by!
Thank you for the story!!
Like I already experianced with Aly McNamara's books, the second part is always the better.
With an interesting premise, the first half of the book become a little boring and I wasn't seeing where is was going with those confusing and illogical junps in the timeline. There seemed to be no rule or sense to the time travelling and I started to fear it was all about the Beatles references, and I wasn't enthusiastic. But then around the half or a bit earlier I started to understand and enjoy the story, and the end was sweet and satisfying although not particularly original. If you love beatles and I quick sweet read that's ok, and I was even a little bit moved one time around the end..
Take a step back in time...again and again! Jo Jo is living her life on Fast Forward when she is given a chance to go back in time and not on her own accord. She learns some life lessons along the way. Great story and well done by Katie Scarfe! I have read several of Ali McNamara's books and this one I have read a few times over.
Where does Step Back in Time rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
I have a very eclectic reading range, but ranked amongst all the other chick lit books, I'd say it's a very solid read. It's one of the longest chick lit books I've listened to with 11+ hrs but I listened to it all in one sitting. Not necessarily something I'd recommend doing since I was exhausted by bed-time, but it's one of those books you won't mind continuously listening to, or pausing to come back to, since the story is engaging enough.
What other book might you compare Step Back in Time to and why?
The closest other I can think of is Sophie Kinsella - 'Remember Me'. More for the heroine being thrown into the deep end, not knowing what's going on, and having to work out who she is and what her life is about. In 'Step Back In Time' it's time travel vs. memory loss, which makes it a harder sell, but it's handled well enough that it's not hard to suspend your belief and take the journey with Jo-Jo.
What about Katie Scarfe’s performance did you like?
I really enjoyed her performance. There are distinguishable voices for each character and she kept her narration light, to go with the tone of the novel. There were no annoying habits or weird inflections to throw me out of the story. I had no problems whatsoever, listening for hours.
If you could rename Step Back in Time, what would you call it?
If pushed, I would say something that is obvious, yet subtle, Beatles themed. Something like 'That Road Before' (from The Beatles - 'The Long and Winding Road'). But really, I think the current title did all right.
Any additional comments?
As you might have realized, there's a very strong Beatles theme to this book. I think if you're a solid Beatles fan, you'll love picking up all the clues and hidden gems related to the Beatles that are thrown out. You might even want to make a game of it, and see how many you get right. As a regular fan of the Beatles it's a good read, where you'll get some clues but won't feel overwhelmed, and may even laugh when you realize you missed some obvious ones. That being said, this book is about love and friendship. I particularly liked the long and winding road that Jo-Jo takes to finding herself, falling in love, and discovering friendships across the universe, in the sea of time, and in [her] life (okay I'll stop!). Each time she wakes up is an entire story unto itself. You'll forget that you still have hours more to listen to. And once she's down again, you'll be intrigued to know what happens this time. So, a very intriguing story that keeps moving forward. I recommend listening!