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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a fun homage to Audrey Hepburn with a sweet romance. I do wish there had been a stronger sense of place. Having never been to Hollywood, I think it would have really helped the book feel more complete to be able to feel like I was there. It was fun to have a protagonist with a glass eye since it brought some things to my attention I certainly never would have considered without it. Definitely a fun, quick read when in need of a pick-me-up.
3.75 stars -- I know, picky. ha ha.
I love the humor in this book. I love Audrey Hepburn and how she ties into this story. I enjoyed Silvia's and Ben's growing relationship. I love Silvia's Grandma. I enjoyed the glimpse into women behind the scenes in Hollywood. I enjoyed the brief behind-the-scenes of what goes into making movies in Hollywood. I enjoyed Ben's off-the-wall spouting off of death statistics. I loved the movie quote game. I wanted to smack Dean for 99% of the book. I loved the ending, after beginning to think it couldn't end well. ha ha
Overall, this is a great, clean contemporary romance. It is slightly cheesy at times, but I was surprised by how the ending tied everything together and resolved the conflict/lawsuit that affects Ben and Silvia. I love all the movie quotes and references throughout the book. Beware, there are major movie spoilers. If you have never seen an Audrey Hepburn movie, pretty much every movie of hers mentioned in this book has a huge spoiler mentioned with it. So it definitely helps if you are an Audrey Hepburn fan and have seen most if not all of her movies. Again, I loved the Audrey Hepburn tie-ins throughout the entire book. Each chapter begins with a quote from one of her movies. Silvia watches her movies, and she and Ben quote the movies (as well as other more contemporary movies -- still in shock that Ben wouldn't get the "As You Wish" text Silvia sent him, especially as I always dreamed of the guy who would one day say that to me... ha ha....). I was surprised by the representation of Hollywood as being still very male-dominated and how women are still struggling to be appreciated and valued for their work (probably mainly behind the scenes instead of as actresses), so Silvia's boss, Dean, is very much that masochistic stereotype character. Though Silvia hints that there must be something behind Dean's drinking and actions, we never find out for sure what that is (but it is hinted at towards the end).
This is an entertaining read that apparently has a carryover of Emma from this author's previous Jane Austen-themed book. While it probably helps some to have read that book first, I haven't read it yet and didn't feel completely lost or that that book would be spoiled by having read this one first. I enjoy a book that can make me laugh and relate to the characters. While I didn't get a huge connection to Silvia personally, with her glass eye, job, and phobias, her insecurities and love for Audrey Hepburn gave me that connection. I loved all the movie references, but, again, it will really help the reader to have seen the movies to understand most of them.
I look forward to reading the previous book about Emma and her romance, as well as future books from Ms. Wright. I've read her book club contributions to the Newport Ladies Book Club series and novellas for the Timeless Romance anthologies and have always enjoyed her humor and writing style.
I love the humor in this book. I love Audrey Hepburn and how she ties into this story. I enjoyed Silvia's and Ben's growing relationship. I love Silvia's Grandma. I enjoyed the glimpse into women behind the scenes in Hollywood. I enjoyed the brief behind-the-scenes of what goes into making movies in Hollywood. I enjoyed Ben's off-the-wall spouting off of death statistics. I loved the movie quote game. I wanted to smack Dean for 99% of the book. I loved the ending, after beginning to think it couldn't end well. ha ha
Overall, this is a great, clean contemporary romance. It is slightly cheesy at times, but I was surprised by how the ending tied everything together and resolved the conflict/lawsuit that affects Ben and Silvia. I love all the movie quotes and references throughout the book. Beware, there are major movie spoilers. If you have never seen an Audrey Hepburn movie, pretty much every movie of hers mentioned in this book has a huge spoiler mentioned with it. So it definitely helps if you are an Audrey Hepburn fan and have seen most if not all of her movies. Again, I loved the Audrey Hepburn tie-ins throughout the entire book. Each chapter begins with a quote from one of her movies. Silvia watches her movies, and she and Ben quote the movies (as well as other more contemporary movies -- still in shock that Ben wouldn't get the "As You Wish" text Silvia sent him, especially as I always dreamed of the guy who would one day say that to me... ha ha....). I was surprised by the representation of Hollywood as being still very male-dominated and how women are still struggling to be appreciated and valued for their work (probably mainly behind the scenes instead of as actresses), so Silvia's boss, Dean, is very much that masochistic stereotype character. Though Silvia hints that there must be something behind Dean's drinking and actions, we never find out for sure what that is (but it is hinted at towards the end).
This is an entertaining read that apparently has a carryover of Emma from this author's previous Jane Austen-themed book. While it probably helps some to have read that book first, I haven't read it yet and didn't feel completely lost or that that book would be spoiled by having read this one first. I enjoy a book that can make me laugh and relate to the characters. While I didn't get a huge connection to Silvia personally, with her glass eye, job, and phobias, her insecurities and love for Audrey Hepburn gave me that connection. I loved all the movie references, but, again, it will really help the reader to have seen the movies to understand most of them.
I look forward to reading the previous book about Emma and her romance, as well as future books from Ms. Wright. I've read her book club contributions to the Newport Ladies Book Club series and novellas for the Timeless Romance anthologies and have always enjoyed her humor and writing style.
There are lots of good things about this book: the Audrey Hepburn connections, movie editing, a romance where the characters meet before the book that somehow actually works, a best friend who's not a total bossy person, and a fun grandma/relationship with grandma. Silvia was a good character, and Ben was pretty alright too (though I did tire of hearing how wonderful he is all the time. Does the man have any flaws?). My main complaint is the ending--it just cuts off. I needed like 20 more pages where those dropped plots are concluded because I have questions. And they need answers.
Sequel to Lies Jane Austen Told Me, it tells the story of Sylvia.
I liked this one much better than the first book.
I liked this one much better than the first book.
This book is really fun! It's a quick, easy, and fairly predictable read, but there are quirks to the characters that make them stand out (like Sylvia's eye). It's clean, romantic, and full of fun film references ... it's a perfect feel-good read! 4-1/2 stars
Plot:
Silvia Bradshaw greatest fear is cancer. The cancer that killed Audrey Hepburn, the cancer that took her right eye when she was five, and the cancer in which she fears will one day will come back for her. This childhood fear made Silvia hole Audrey at an arm’s length away. Where she loved her movies, and people told her she could be Audrey’s sister, Silvia never sought out to know the real Audrey, fearing the cancer that took her from the world. Audrey did lead Silvia to Hollywood, only it was not to be an actress. Silvia’s dream was to become a world renown movie editor, a competitive field that is not friendly to women. Working at Mid-Scene Films under Ben, he got her an interview, which led her at a job at Portal Pictures. Working through the movie, Sliver of Midnight, it might be her best work yet, only Dean will take all the credit. An old school drunk, Dean has not even touched a sliding bar, where Silvia has put in overtime to make up for his lack of work. With the movie needed his seal, Silvia finds herself in a night club trying to coax a drunken Dean back to the studio. Swoops in Ben, whom she has not seen since Mid-Scenes, help Dean get back to the studio. three a.m. in the studio, Ben and Silvia break the rules. As Ben helps Silvia with a few minor edits to the movie, Silvia could get fired if the company finds out she let a competitor work on the movie. Ben reappearing in Silvia’s life showed her what she was missing: love. No one else gets her like Ben, could make her laugh like Ben, or say random movie quotes and have her guess the movie, like Ben. Only issue was Alison, Ben’s college girlfriend who was trying to get back together with him. Deciding between breaking their relationship, or stepping down, Silvia must make a decision, so why not have this conversation over breakfast at Ben’s favorite place: Tiffany’s.
Thoughts:
What a sweet novel Julie Wright gave us with this Audrey Hepburn inspired story. I would not consider this a ‘proper romance’ as taken place in modern day with modern day social structure, there were a few sirs, but no m’lady. Proper as it was with Silvia dealing with Ben and Alison. Knowing she should not “steal her man”, Silvia made no romantic gestures towards Ben, but she did appear in his life, a lot. With classic cute miscommunications between the two of them, romantic moments when something was going to happen, but they did not, Wright chalked this book full of romantic nonsense. Making this book unique was Silvia’s ties with Audrey Hepburn, naming her eye after her, looking like her, yet fearing that if she knew more about her, the cancer would come get her too. Kind of a weird point to add, but hey, that is how childhood fears work. I am unable to tell how accurate Wright was with how people with only one eye work, but it seems to be accurate within the story, and just another feature that made Silvia a unique character. With bit of a slow beginning, and a mushy ending, this is a perfect valentine’s day read, cozy up during a winter storm, or to flip through a rainy day novel, that all readers with enjoy at least a part of.
Silvia Bradshaw greatest fear is cancer. The cancer that killed Audrey Hepburn, the cancer that took her right eye when she was five, and the cancer in which she fears will one day will come back for her. This childhood fear made Silvia hole Audrey at an arm’s length away. Where she loved her movies, and people told her she could be Audrey’s sister, Silvia never sought out to know the real Audrey, fearing the cancer that took her from the world. Audrey did lead Silvia to Hollywood, only it was not to be an actress. Silvia’s dream was to become a world renown movie editor, a competitive field that is not friendly to women. Working at Mid-Scene Films under Ben, he got her an interview, which led her at a job at Portal Pictures. Working through the movie, Sliver of Midnight, it might be her best work yet, only Dean will take all the credit. An old school drunk, Dean has not even touched a sliding bar, where Silvia has put in overtime to make up for his lack of work. With the movie needed his seal, Silvia finds herself in a night club trying to coax a drunken Dean back to the studio. Swoops in Ben, whom she has not seen since Mid-Scenes, help Dean get back to the studio. three a.m. in the studio, Ben and Silvia break the rules. As Ben helps Silvia with a few minor edits to the movie, Silvia could get fired if the company finds out she let a competitor work on the movie. Ben reappearing in Silvia’s life showed her what she was missing: love. No one else gets her like Ben, could make her laugh like Ben, or say random movie quotes and have her guess the movie, like Ben. Only issue was Alison, Ben’s college girlfriend who was trying to get back together with him. Deciding between breaking their relationship, or stepping down, Silvia must make a decision, so why not have this conversation over breakfast at Ben’s favorite place: Tiffany’s.
Thoughts:
What a sweet novel Julie Wright gave us with this Audrey Hepburn inspired story. I would not consider this a ‘proper romance’ as taken place in modern day with modern day social structure, there were a few sirs, but no m’lady. Proper as it was with Silvia dealing with Ben and Alison. Knowing she should not “steal her man”, Silvia made no romantic gestures towards Ben, but she did appear in his life, a lot. With classic cute miscommunications between the two of them, romantic moments when something was going to happen, but they did not, Wright chalked this book full of romantic nonsense. Making this book unique was Silvia’s ties with Audrey Hepburn, naming her eye after her, looking like her, yet fearing that if she knew more about her, the cancer would come get her too. Kind of a weird point to add, but hey, that is how childhood fears work. I am unable to tell how accurate Wright was with how people with only one eye work, but it seems to be accurate within the story, and just another feature that made Silvia a unique character. With bit of a slow beginning, and a mushy ending, this is a perfect valentine’s day read, cozy up during a winter storm, or to flip through a rainy day novel, that all readers with enjoy at least a part of.
There is representation in this story and I am all about it! I loved that this book caught me totally by surprise! I loved our main characters, the Hollywood setting, the film editing world, the dynamic of the relationships in this story and a disabled main character. She is without a doubt the most relatable disability I've ever read about in fiction. A major thank you to the author for not only writing a fabulous story that I loved reading, but also creating a strong female character who I could relate to!
After how much I enjoyed this author’s Lies Jane Austen Told Me last year, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get an ARC of this story. Added bonus, there’s a bit of crossover between the two books. Don’t worry, you absolutely do NOT have to read one in order to understand the other. They are not related in that type of way.
This story seems timely with all that is going on in Hollywood and the rest of the nation these days. I don’t mean to imply this is a story about sexual harassment or assault…it’s not. But it is about a woman being treated as an equal and not a mute servant. Yep, this story delves into the world of equality. But don’t worry, it doesn’t cross over to being so preachy it loses it’s flow or identity. This is a great story, and that story stays to the forefront of this book throughout regardless of what issues are being tackled.
Sylvia is a woman in a man’s world. A young woman, at that. Although she’s been raised to speak her mind and not get pushed around, she is also aware there is a fine line she has to walk if she truly wants her career to progress. While she doesn’t want to (nor should she need to) be a doormat, she also cannot go into meetings guns blazing with neon arrows pointing out her wonderful attributes. There are politics to be played and a tact that is needed. While she’s been able to walk that line for her career so far, this new job (more specifically her new boss) has made that difficult the last few months.
Ben is Sylvia’s previous boss. The man who basically mentored her early career and even recommended her for this bigger and better job she now has. Ben is, quite frankly, a stand-up guy. He’s the guy you want to have your back. The fact that he’s also good-looking, smart, charming, and caring just sweetens the total package.
There are times Ben did drive me crazy, though. As sweet and caring as the guy is, he’s also a bit clueless. I’m sure I’m not the only reader that will know what’s going on even while Ben and Sylvia seem to be stuck in some weird loop, neither trusting the overt signs and only reading (incorrectly) into the wrong signs. Such is the nature of humans. We always have to take the long way around.
I enjoyed watching the progression of Ben and Sylvia’s relationship. I adore their friendship and the word games they play…they just “get” each other. That’s a beautiful thing. Seeing Sylvia realize she has to take a stand is powerful. It happens more than once, I each time I was cheering her on.
I’m going to climb on a soapbox here for a minute. I’ve had plenty of female friends, family members, and acquaintances tell me they’ve never experienced misogyny. I always wonder if it’s just so ingrained in the female psyche after years of the world being a certain way, that it’s not even recognized by some women. I love that we see both sides of Sylvia here. The Sylvia that is strong and stands up for what is rightly hers and the Sylvia that feels she has to keep the peace between everyone. That it’s her job to keep things running smoothly no matter that nobody else is doing their assigned jobs so it all falls on her shoulders. The situation between Sylvia and her boss, Dean, is extreme. But even in other aspects of this story we see that subtle reminder that the woman is expected to act a certain way that is NOT expected of the man in the same situation. I think this author did a beautiful job of showing multiple angles to this issue without feeling like she was beating me over the head with the idea.
Stepping back down now to say one last thing. So far both stories I’ve read by this author have impressed me. I still haven’t had a chance to get to any of her other works but trust me, there are on my TBR list.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This review can also be found on my blog at https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/06/lies-love-and-breakfast-at-tiffanys-book-review/
This story seems timely with all that is going on in Hollywood and the rest of the nation these days. I don’t mean to imply this is a story about sexual harassment or assault…it’s not. But it is about a woman being treated as an equal and not a mute servant. Yep, this story delves into the world of equality. But don’t worry, it doesn’t cross over to being so preachy it loses it’s flow or identity. This is a great story, and that story stays to the forefront of this book throughout regardless of what issues are being tackled.
Sylvia is a woman in a man’s world. A young woman, at that. Although she’s been raised to speak her mind and not get pushed around, she is also aware there is a fine line she has to walk if she truly wants her career to progress. While she doesn’t want to (nor should she need to) be a doormat, she also cannot go into meetings guns blazing with neon arrows pointing out her wonderful attributes. There are politics to be played and a tact that is needed. While she’s been able to walk that line for her career so far, this new job (more specifically her new boss) has made that difficult the last few months.
Ben is Sylvia’s previous boss. The man who basically mentored her early career and even recommended her for this bigger and better job she now has. Ben is, quite frankly, a stand-up guy. He’s the guy you want to have your back. The fact that he’s also good-looking, smart, charming, and caring just sweetens the total package.
There are times Ben did drive me crazy, though. As sweet and caring as the guy is, he’s also a bit clueless. I’m sure I’m not the only reader that will know what’s going on even while Ben and Sylvia seem to be stuck in some weird loop, neither trusting the overt signs and only reading (incorrectly) into the wrong signs. Such is the nature of humans. We always have to take the long way around.
I enjoyed watching the progression of Ben and Sylvia’s relationship. I adore their friendship and the word games they play…they just “get” each other. That’s a beautiful thing. Seeing Sylvia realize she has to take a stand is powerful. It happens more than once, I each time I was cheering her on.
I’m going to climb on a soapbox here for a minute. I’ve had plenty of female friends, family members, and acquaintances tell me they’ve never experienced misogyny. I always wonder if it’s just so ingrained in the female psyche after years of the world being a certain way, that it’s not even recognized by some women. I love that we see both sides of Sylvia here. The Sylvia that is strong and stands up for what is rightly hers and the Sylvia that feels she has to keep the peace between everyone. That it’s her job to keep things running smoothly no matter that nobody else is doing their assigned jobs so it all falls on her shoulders. The situation between Sylvia and her boss, Dean, is extreme. But even in other aspects of this story we see that subtle reminder that the woman is expected to act a certain way that is NOT expected of the man in the same situation. I think this author did a beautiful job of showing multiple angles to this issue without feeling like she was beating me over the head with the idea.
Stepping back down now to say one last thing. So far both stories I’ve read by this author have impressed me. I still haven’t had a chance to get to any of her other works but trust me, there are on my TBR list.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This review can also be found on my blog at https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/06/lies-love-and-breakfast-at-tiffanys-book-review/