Reviews

Dinner at Rose's by Danielle Hawkins

lovely_99's review against another edition

4.0

I really like it! This book made me feel like I was really in a farm, learned a lot. It all also made me cry in some parts and I wasn't really expecting to cry with this book

farmer_annie's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition

5.0

This book is chick-lit at its full potential. Touching, heart-warming, romantic and REAL. Josie and Matt could easily be people I know, see every day (although that's no doubt partly because I grew up in rural New Zealand, where this story is set). Rose could be many people I know and have known. Reading felt like returning to old friends after not seeing them in a while. I have a feeling that this is one I will re-read in years to come.

rachaelmay's review against another edition

5.0

Loved it.

tiffyofthemonts's review against another edition

3.0

Heartfelt and sweet without being annoyingly so. Giving it 3.5 stars for all the likable, decently developed characters (cheers for strong female characters!), the sarcastic and witty banter, and all the weird New Zealand-isms which remind me of my time in London.

maplessence's review against another edition

4.0

I loved the author's warm approachable style and that she respected readers enough to think they could figure out Kiwi terms for themselves (with the exception of a mildly sexist one which really should be allowed to fade into obscurity!) I liked the casual mentions of the Cossie Club, potato top pies & Shrewsbury biscuits.

The story was a good one, the characters (in particular Aunt Rose) were very well drawn. The transition from chick lit to a sadder, story was handled effortlessly and convinced me

Spoiler

who has cared for dying relatives myself

I have settled on a 4★ rating just because of a combination of a few minor points added up.

✦ By 2012 an office worker as useless as Amber wouldn't hold on to a job.

✦ Chick lit should be unputdownable - & this one wasn't. There was a part round the 30-40% mark that really dragged.

✦ Just too much was piled on at the end.

But a great debut and I have her latest [bc:The Pretty Delicious Cafe|30359003|The Pretty Delicious Cafe|Danielle Hawkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1476831650l/30359003._SY75_.jpg|50867627] on one of my to read lists.

avalydia's review against another edition

2.0

It was one of those romances where everyone kept telling the two main characters that they were in love with each other and meant to be together, etc., but I could never quite figure out why (other than the obvious cliche of childhood friendship).

Oh, and of course someone has cancer.

shelleyrae's review against another edition

4.0

With warmth and humour, Danielle Hawkins explores family, friendship and love in rural New Zealand in this delightful debut novel. Dinner At Rose's fits right in with Allen & Unwin's current crop of rural lit in the Australian market, despite being set in New Zealand. The author herself was raised on a cattle and sheep farm and now works alongside her husband in their dairy farm while also working as a large animal vet.

In Dinner at Rose's, the protagonist Jo Donnelly has returned to the small farming community she was raised in to take up a temporary position at the local physiotherapists after discovering an affair between her boyfriend and best friend. While her parents have moved on, Jo's beloved honorary Aunt Rose and many of her childhood friends remain in the area and Jo easily she slips back into life in Waimanu after years in inner city Melbourne. As Jo juggles dodgy clients with 'groin strain', a receptionist who barely remembers to answer the phone, a joyless roommate and her rebellious 'little sister' Kim, she realises her crush on Matt, her childhood friend and Rose's nephew, is resurfacing, though it seems doomed to remain unrequited given his relationship with 'Farmer Barbie'. When Aunt Rose falls ill, Jo and Matt are determined to care for the woman they cherish in her own home, but as they grow closer, Rose begins to drift further away.

I love the characters of Dinner at Rose's. Jo is smart, capable and witty. Even though her life has fallen down around her ears she has picked herself back up and is moving on with determination. Rose is just delightful, the type of aunt we all wish we had who is enhanced by her eccentricities and unfailingly supportive. Matt is a genuinely nice guy, steady, loyal and handsome. Their relationships with each other are heart warming and Hawkins beautifully captures the dynamics of a 'family' chosen and nurtured.
One of the things I found most entertaining in Dinner at Rose's is the author's sense of humour. Rose's eccentricities are warm and amusing from her penchant for plain speaking to her mollycoddling of her pet pig, Percy. Jo is quick witted with a biting, yet not cruel, sarcastic attitude. The banter between Jo and Matt is funny and their jibes firmly grounds their life long friendship. Several of the minor characters can best be described as quirky, including the environmental nazi roommate and halitosis sufferer, Bob McIntosh. Matt's mother is clueless and the cause of much unintended hilarity while Kim's teenage dramatics have you laughing in recognition. Amongst all the laughter though, Hawkins sensitively deals with the more serious events in the novel. Her characters have to face betrayal, illness, stalking, injury and loss but it is these difficulties that enhance the joy of the novel.

Dinner at Rose's is a charming read that will have you smiling, even through the few tears that escape. I truly enjoyed this contemporary story that blends romance, friendship, tragedy and love with humor and heart.

rebaba82's review against another edition

5.0

Dinner at Rose´s is a feel-good-book. It´s very funny. I really enjoyed the dialogues and the thoughts of the main character Josie. All the characters are crazy in a way, but you have to love them anyway. The book is a bit sad as well but it´s not overly dramatic. You don´t get the feeling that the author wants you to think about your life or anything, like in some other books with serious topics. So if you like funny romance stories that book is a good choice.

neverbea's review against another edition

emotional funny sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0