Katie Fforde writes beautiful stories, and this is no exception. Our heroine, Allie, leads a life dominated by her bully boyfriend, Ryan. She dreams of getting out from under his spell and sees her escape when a local café advertises for a member of staff.
Although this is a short story, it pack the usual Katie Fforde punch, creating likeable characters and realistic situations. I felt a real joy as Allie began following her chosen path and loved the details of her progress from supermarket shelf stacker to star baker and saviour of the day!
As usual, Katie Fforde creates a wonderful supporting cast to add to this gorgeous story.
Whatever reason brings you to this quick read, you’ll be glad you picked it up.

I love the Quick Reads books and I look forward to seeing the new releases every year. I love short stories as they,are ideal if you haven't got the time to read a longer book.
The Quick Reads have also introduced me to new writers.I have read a few books by Katie Fforde and I really enjoyed reading this. If you are a fan of her this is a must read. If you haven't read any of her books then this is the perfect introduction to her books.

Allie is stuck in a life that she doesn't love and putting up with a partner out of convenience. Spotting an advertisement prompts her to make changes. A lot packed into a quick read. Katie Fforde never disappoints.

A Heartwarming Tale...
With an enjoyable and engaging storyline and nicely drawn characters this is a heartwarming tale told with empathy and compassion and a fitting addition to the excellent series of ‘Quick Reads’ for 2021.

Quick reads- such a brilliant idea!! If you're short of time, just getting back into reading or just starting to read novels, these books are a brilliant way to start! I loved this book. A happy story of a girl turning her life around and achieving success. Heartwarming fun with an engaging story and characters you want befriend! Thoroughly recommended!

A great quick read to make you feel good. Allie needs to make changes to her life and get rid of her dead end job and dead end boyfriend. She befriends a neighbour who teaches her how to cook and her life changes.
Worth reading to give you that happy feel!

A nice little story from Katie Fforde, always worth reading. Allie needs to change her life and find a better job, and manfriend. She sees an advertisement in a cafe , but knows that she needs to learn to cook before she can apply for the job. Gradually her skills improve, and relationships begin to happen.
Thanks to NetGalley for a chance ot read and review this book.

Allie might only be young but she already feels like her whole life is mapped out for her. Working at the local supermarket, marriage to her childhood sweetheart Ryan, never going anywhere or doing anything. She's not even sure if she likes Ryan who seems to treat her like a domestic servant, lolling around issuing orders.

Then one day Allie sees an advert in the window of a small café, the sort of place she'd love to go to and have a cake and a coffee with friends, she also quite likes the look of one of the guys who works there, help wanted it says. Unfortunately Allie can't cook, at all. All she does is microwave or cook ready meals or frozen prepared foods. She's never made a cake or cooked a roast dinner from scratch. But if learning to cook is the passport to her dream job then Allie is going to do whatever it takes.

This is a sweet novella about not letting your current circumstances prevent you from achieving your dreams. About taking a chance and reaching for the impossible. About believing in yourself and not listening to the doomsayers and doubters.

I loved it, but it was too short LOL.

I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I enjoyed this very short read, I have liked everything this author has done and this was no exception

I've read and enjoyed a few novels by Katie Fforde, so was delighted to be invited to read this "Quick Read" story.

This is an uplifting story - I won't spoil it by rehashing the plot, but it was great to see our heroine "Allie" reach for the stars and turn her life around, with positive consequences for others too! A lot happens in this short story, and it's well worth a read - particularly if you don't have the time to tackle a full length novel.

I also like the background to the "Quick Reads" series; they are written with the aim of engaging and inspiring "emergent" readers in an attempt to improve the UK's adult literacy situation - where it's estimated that 1 in 6 adults find reading difficult, and 1 in 3 do not read for pleasure! Kudos to Katie Fforde and the rest of the authors taking part in this great initiative! Find out more here if you are interested:
https://readingagency.org.uk/news/media/quick-reads-2021-authors-revealed.html

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

I've read Katie Fforde's books for years and loved the idea of getting a small dose of her storytelling in this Quick Read.
A cute story, which may or may not be a little too good to be true, but I have to admit, I wanted more!
Allie, our heroine, is stuck in a dead-end job, with a wastrel for a boyfriend, and, just as she thinks this is all life has in store for her, fate has other ideas.
Finding a dream job, eyeing up a much more suitable candidate for a life partner, and meeting a wonderful older woman who ends up giving her the boost she needs, to improve her future, it all falls into place for Allie, but not without a little drama.
As I said, before, it is a cute story but I really wanted to dig deeper into the characters, and the story! Katie Fforde, you might just have to develop this one a bit more and make it full length!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

A lovely, feel good short story, perhaps a little too good to be true!
Ideal uplifting reading for someone who maybe doesn’t want anything longer or more complicated.

Allie has been working in a boring job with no hope of promotion. Her boyfriend Ryan doesn’t appreciate her, thinking she should be at his beck and call. However, when she sees an advert to work in a local, highly rated coffee shop, she’s motivated to take on the challenge.
This is an entertaining light-hearted story about Allie taking control of her life, and overcoming the problems which crop up. A delightful short story by an excellent author, which I read in a couple of hours. Recommended.

Saving the Day by Katie Fforde was a lovely wee light read. Allie comes across as an innocent, naive girl lacking in confidence. It’s lovely to see her learn new skills and blossom once she is mentored by a caring neighbour. This is a lovely, quite predictable, read and I thoroughly recommend it to uplift your spirits Three and a half stars

A resounding 5 star read being the perfect short story. Often a short story is just right when and this one being also perfect for giving confidence to any less able reader to finish a story. Easy to read without complications in a story with characters that people can relate too and may also give the less confident to give something else in their life a go. It also restores one's faith in humanity and totally gives a heartwarming glow.

Allie wants more from life, she has a job and a boyfriend but it seems to be drifting by her. Then she spots an advert that she feels could change be just what she needs. This is a really sweet read from one of my favourite authors. Easy to read, gentle pace and urging the reader to go for their dreams. They can come true. It also shows how just a random act of kindness can affect people. I’d like to think there is more to come from Allie, after our introduction to her with this Quick Read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

A fab quick read from one of my favourite authors, Katie Fforde. Easy to read, the story follows Allie who works in the local supermarket but dreams of something better for herself........ a great way to fill an hour. Pick it up, make a cuppa, put your feet up and enjoy.

Classic Katie Fforde!! Great short story with style.
Allie is stuck in a job in the local supermarket that brings no joy and has an inconsiderate boyfriend who gives her nothing either.
A new neighbour helps her to see straight...........
An enjoyable read between two books that were quite serious!
It is easy reading, simple language with the odd repetition to remind you what's going on.
Perfect for someone who can't face a long book, or as an introduction to enjoy reading.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read.

What an amazingly uplifting positive piece of writing. Allie is very identifiable and seeing how she feels stuck and not sure how to make the changes she needs to make herself happy. All it took as one minute of courage to apply for a job she really wanted. The events that unfold after that are amazing. Each step on its own seems small and almost insignificant but all together they create a phenomenal result - she makes a new friend which leads to her being taught to cook, her dad finding love again and a new job and that much needed positive support network.

Katie fforde’s writing is always beautiful and timeless. She really captures human emotions and portrays them realistically. I know this was a quick read book but I really wish there was more to read of these amazing characters.

A brilliant quick read. A story of following your heart. I loved it Allie was a great character . When her boss asked if she could make soup and she thought it only came out of a tin, I laughed.. Allie followed her heart in the end. Ryan was horide. Just a great read