Some Kind of Wonderful

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Waterstones
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 16 Nov 2017 | Archive Date 24 Feb 2020

Description

In losing him can she rediscover herself?

----------------

A WATERSTONES TOP TEN READ

'A MUST-READ. Funny, heartwarming' Closer
___________

When the love of your life says you're not The One, who are you?

Lizzy and Ian have been a couple since the first week of university. Now, after celebrating a decade together, everyone thinks they're about to get engaged.

Instead, a romantic escape to Dubai leaves Lizzy with no ring, no fiancé and no future.

Lizzy is heartbroken - but through the tears, she sees an opportunity. This is her moment to discover what she's been missing while playing Ian's ideal 'better half'.

But how much has Ian changed her, and who should she be without him?

Determined to discover who she is at heart, Lizzy sets out to rediscover the girl she was before - and, in the meantime, have a little fun . . .

'Engaging, witty and heartbreaking' i

'A fun read with a big dose of girl power' Sun

'Her funniest, freshest and BEST yet' Isabelle Broom, Heat

In losing him can she rediscover herself?

----------------

A WATERSTONES TOP TEN READ

'A MUST-READ. Funny, heartwarming' Closer
___________

When the love of your life says you're not The One, who are you?

...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781405924863
PRICE £12.99 (GBP)
PAGES 400

Average rating from 140 members


Featured Reviews

Lizzy has her whole life planned out, but then it all comes tumbling down and she finds herself completely lost, totally heartbroken and unbelievably lonely when her ten-year relationship breaks down.

This book is Lizzy's journey to find herself again and turn her life around.

At first, I disliked Lizzy intensely. She seemed like the stereotypical rom-com heroine, self-obsessed and superficial. I am so glad I carried on reading because you see the true Lizzy emerge and blossom in such a genuine, believable way. I was impressed by Giovanna's courage to portray the main character as shallow in the first chapters. She must really trust her loyal readers to stick around because it soon becomes apparent that Lizzy is far more than just a girl desperate for a diamond ring on her finger.

The relationships she has with her family, especially her sister and best friend are absolutely real even down to the bickering and making up. It was topical, heartwarming and downright laugh out loud at times. I found myself with tears in my eyes and didn't know if they were sad or happy tears, then I realised I was crying because I related to the characters entirely.

This is a book about 'girl power'. It's about facing the unthinkable, then realising that it's not a crime to like white bread and catchy pop songs (and wedding cake tastes great eaten straight from the face!)

If you're going through a break up you really need to read this book.

An inspiring read.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Lizzie and Ian have been a couple for ten years, but not yet or ever will they now be fiancé's and later married after a disastrous string of getaway's which always got Lizzie's hopes of a proposal up, Ian backs out and instead breaks up with Lizzie.



Set to rediscover herself after spending ten years with weak Ian she heads to her best friend Connie's and her mum's to heal her broken heart.



From a minor flat party in her undies to finding out her best mate has landed her dream job while her sister is getting married whilst also expecting her first child, Lizzie digs through her past and memories to find her true authentic self untainted by Ian from the years before. From making new friends like Natalie at her sister's wedding to trying out new activities whilst ending up in hilarious situations that'll make you ache with laughter, Lizzie is a modern day down the earth girl who'll steal your heart through her journey to herself.



Lizzie started as a weak character in my eyes as she was always wanting to go the norm with Ian whom seemed flaky and not bothered a lot about her in my opinion so when she left him behind I was super happy. This book proves to all girls that girl power is everything and never to forget who you are. Sure co promises may be made but not complete change as it works both ways in a respectful relationship that's happy and healthy. Here's to needing no man and appreciating yourself for all you are!



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Was this review helpful?

This was just what needed! I needed something sweet and funny, I needed to really root for a character and giggle at some of the stuff she does. I needed a little bit of romance. And I got all of that and much much more. Romped through it in one sitting, and it was like a giant squiggly chocolate filled hug. Loved it!!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this brilliant story. It was different to normal as in when the girl gets dumped, she finds love straight away. Lizzy and Ian have been together for 10 years, they are on holiday in Dubai when Ian produces an engagement ring, only to take it back. Lizzy is devastated and moves back home to her mother. She plans to get to know herself again, as a single woman, and we join her on her fantastic journey! Read on!

Was this review helpful?

Another brilliant book by Mrs Fletcher. I love her easy writing style and there's always a charm and a warmth with her books. The story just flows beautifully and it's so easy to get lost within the pages of her story. This is a real empowerment story and I loved the idea behind it. Izzy and Ian have been a couple for a long time and people just assume that marriage is the next logical step. This changes after a holiday which sees Izzy being left broken hearted and single but this isn't the end of the story- it's the start! Brilliant read full of humor and strength. I really enjoyed escaping with this little gem.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book, I couldn't wait to curl up on the settee with a cuppa and my kindle. Although probably not everyone's type of story it certainly is mine. A charming tale of self-discovery and learning to find your place in the world this is a light-hearted novel that had me laughing in places and feeling very festive in others as I read it at the end of November. I would love to read a sequel to how Lizzy is getting on as I feel that this is just the beginning of her story.

Was this review helpful?

Another wonderful story from Gi. Wonderful writing and a story that will keep you reading to the end. Relatable and well fleshed out characters. Would recommend this to all!

Was this review helpful?

Journey of self discovery for the main character, as she tries to work out what version of herself she really is,

Whether its the person she was at 18 before she met Ian, at 28 after 10 years of being with Ian before being broken up with in a memorble way, or some other version of hersef,

Within the book we learn a lot about her family and best friend, and I loved seeing all the various characters.

I am a huge fan of Giovanna Fletcher and although not my favourite book by her, I still thought it was up to a top standard, which was well written, easy to follow, quick to read and highly enjoyable. I loved this story a lot.

Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

Some Kind Of Wonderful is my favourite book by Giovanna yet! There was not one aspect of this book, I did not love. 

At the beginning of this book we meet Lizzy who has been with her boyfriend Ian for almost a decade and has not seen a glimpse of an engagement ring from him. Just when she thinks she's going to get engaged, she actually gets dumped!

I loved the way the book wasn't entirely focused on Lizzy finding a new boyfriend but on Lizzy actually finding herself. That being said the ending was very very hopeful.

My favourite character in this book most definitely had to be Michelle, she was just too funny. and her awesome gift giving!

This a wonderfully funny book and I would highly recommend you all put it on your tbr and give it a read! And when your finished (or before) go and beg Giovanna to write a sequel!

Was this review helpful?

Quickly becoming one of my favourite authors, Giovanna Fletcher nails it again with another amazing read. The characters are likeable and believable and you find yourself being drawn into the story, as if you're catching up with old friends. Listening to their struggles and celebrating their triumphs along with them. Brilliantly funny and terribly poignant in others, this is one hell of a good read.

Was this review helpful?

I loved Giovanna Fletcher’s You’re the One That I Want when I read it last year, so I was really excited to get my hands on an advance copy of Gi’s beautiful new book.

In Some Kind of Wonderful, we meet Lizzie and Ian, who have been in a relationship since university. After a decade together, Lizzie is eager to get married and friends and family are convinced Ian will propose every time they go out for a fancy meal or go on holiday. When they head to Dubai on a romantic escape, Lizzie is certain the time has come. Ian takes her on to the beach for a candlelit meal and gets down on one knee… only to reveal that he can’t do it. He can’t marry her and he can’t be with her.

This is a book about loss, friendship and coming to terms with who you are and how that changes over time. Unlike Gi’s other books, romance is not really the focus of this story. Instead, the focus is on Lizzie who has to learn who she is on her own, independent of the relationship that has been such a large part of her life for the past ten years.

My empathy for Lizzie grew significantly over the first few chapters. I was initially annoyed by her – assuming that she hadn’t communicated to Ian that she wanted to get married and had unrealistic expectations – but it was soon revealed that Ian had built her up to believe it was going to happen and that it was what he wanted. The grief Lizzie feels as her ten year relationship falls apart is very real and her emotion pours out of the pages. We see her move back in with her mum, reevaluate her life choices and go on a quest to discover who she is independent of her relationship with Ian.

This is an enjoyable, warm read, perfect for the winter months. It’d make a great present to go under the christmas tree too, especially with that shiny, starry cover!

Was this review helpful?

I devoured this book within a couple of hours and absolutely loved it! The perfect easy read that will have you crying with laughter!

Was this review helpful?

Ever since the release of Billy and Me, a book which I adored for so many reasons, I have always looked forward to new releases from Giovanna Fletcher. Some Kind of Wonderful is Giovanna’s most recent title to hit the shelves and, despite an ever growing pile of books to be read, I couldn’t wait to get started on it as soon as it dropped through my letterbox on publication day. Some Kind of Wonderful was a book that did not disappoint me in the slightest, it told a beautiful story and was one that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end.

Some Kind of Wonderful introduces us to Lizzy who has been in a relationship with Ian for almost a decade since their first day at university. Everyone assumes that it is only a matter of a time before they will one day be married and that a romantic holiday in Dubai will be the place where Ian finally pops the question. However, it is not to be and Lizzy is truly devastated when the proposal she has always dreamed of never happens and Ian reveals that he no longer wants to be with her. Returning home to England and her family home, we stay with Lizzy as she mends her broken heart and tries to rediscover exactly who she is and more importantly who she wants to be now that Ian is no longer in her life.

Something that I have always loved about Giovanna’s previous books and what helps to make them so fabulous are the wonderful characters that she introduces us to. Her lead characters are always so perfectly created and thought through and this was certainly the case with Lizzy in Some Kind of Wonderful. I thought that Lizzy was an extremely likeable and down-to-earth character whose journey was a pleasure to follow. By the end of the story I felt like I’d really got to know Lizzy and had so much admiration for her and the things she was determined to achieve.

You might think that a book that begins with a breakup would be full of doom and gloom but this is definitely not the case with Some Kind of Wonderful which turned out to be a truly inspirational and uplifting read. Throughout the entirety of the book, Giovanna’s fabulous writing style that I have grown to love so much over the years really shone through and is perfectly balanced with some hilarious moments but also a few that brought a tear to my eye. As I found myself completely hooked on this book and unable to put it down, another thing I loved about it was the way in which it made me realise what’s important in my own life and the important message it contained about everyone deserving to be happy.

Every now and then you come across a book whose title is so entirely appropriate and Some Kind of Wonderful was one of those books as it really was absolutely wonderful, a real little gem. With Giovanna’s books getting better and better and this being my favourite to date, I’m already really looking forwrad to seeing what Giovanna will write for us next.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book. Heartwarming story, lovable characters with their own personalised dilemmas what's not to love. Could not put it down. Hope it is not the last we hear of Lizzy.

Was this review helpful?

I have (nearly) worked my way through all of Giovanna Fletchers novels (I still have to read Always With Love - exciting!) and I've got to be honest, I didn't think anything could beat her first novel, Billy and Me.  I loved Sophie and Billy's story, and I really believed that this was Giovanna's best work.  Until I read Some Kind of Wonderful.

Lizzy is heartbroken.  She has spent 10 years of her life loving Ian, a man she believed to be The One.  She has also spent 10 years waiting for The Question.  Holidays and milestones have passed them by as she continued to wait for him to confirm her belief that they were meant to be together forever.  When the moment finally arrives however, Ian removes all her hopes and dreams for their future whilst waving a diamond under her nose.  Heartbroken, grief-stricken and direction-less, Lizzy returns home to her family to try to rediscover exactly who she is and who she wants to be post-Ian.

We follow Lizzy as she reminisces about who she was before she met Ian.  I particularly enjoyed her reminiscing about her nights out in Chelmsford and in Dukes, somewhere my friends and I spent many fun filled evenings in our late teens (most Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays to be precise!).

What I loved about this book is that it was not about a boy.  Yes, I appreciate that Ian ditched Lizzy, but that is only the beginning of the story.  This is a story about Lizzy the woman, a woman who needs to find out what she wants from life.  Discovering who she wants to be as a person, as a professional and what she may eventually want from a future relationship.  It is also about her discovering what she doesn't want to be, and the breakdown in her relationship finally gives her some perspective about some areas of her life that she has stringently ignored due to her total focus on The Question.

This is chick-lit, but it is chick-lit that makes you consider your own position in the world.  It makes you think about what is really important, and whether you are really acknowledging your own needs as well as everyone elses.  Life is short, and everyone deserves to be happy.

I loved this novel, and it really does make me excited for what Giovanna will present to us all next.  I definitely recommend this thought-provoking, uplifting novel about self-discovery which really does highlight just how strong women really are.

Thanks to Netgalley, Penguin and Giovanna Fletcher for providing me with a pre-publication copy in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Lizzie and Ian have been together since the beginning of uni and now 10 years on she is starting to wonder if he will ever pop the question, but the last night of a romantic holiday is the perfect time isn't it......... unfortunately not instead of becoming engaged Lizzie is dumped!

Returning home to her parents house she goes through all the classic breakup stages... comfort eating, drunken texts etc until she starts to pull herself together and realise that she has to find herself as a person and not the other half of Ian.

A lovely book full of great characters that you can really relate to and some great fun moments along with the warmth of friendship and a great leading lady that you are really rooting for

Was this review helpful?

Another fabulous book by Giovanna. Lizzie and Ian have been together for so long that Lizzie is sure she knows how her life will end up. What happens when nothing goes to plan and she finds herself alone again?

I love that this book is not your run of the mill romantic book and is all about Lizzie finding out who she is when she is not in a relationship. I won't go into the story because it is well worth the read!

A real thought provoking story that will be relatable to most women!

Was this review helpful?

Well I have to say this is a bit of a departure from the normal Giovanna Fletcher writing style but one that I absolutely loved. Lizzy has been with Ian since Uni and she has their whole lives planned out, even if it is only in her imagination. When they go on a trip to Dubai Lizzy is convinced that this is 'it'. Instead she finds herself at the polar opposite of where she thought she would be and flies home a single woman. This throws her and she returns to her Mum's house to lick her wounds and find out who she really is.

The reason I say this is a departure is that it doesn't follow suit with some of her other fabulous books where everything is wrapped up neatly by the end. This isn't about Lizzy finding the man of her dreams which will fix everything, it's about her journey from being part of a couple to suddenly re-discovering what she likes to do and the things she wants from life.

All of the additional characters were brilliant in this book especially her friendship with her friend Connie. Then there is her very funny sister Michelle, her Mum and husband, her Dad and a whole fleet of other people who pass through. This truly was a fantastic read if only because I think it will resonate with so many people. It's been written with humour and love throughout without the condescending tone that some books manage to spill out. It was a sheer joy to read and I loved every page of it. Although I absolutely loved her other type of books such as Billy & Me this really was a brilliant book. The icing on the cake was the ending where it's not all wrapped up and the options for Lizzy are limitless, bravo Giovanna!

Was this review helpful?

A romantic, picturesque holiday was bound to be the perfect place Ian would finally propose to Lizzy, after a decade of dating.

Instead, it is the place he will end their relationship, leaving Izzy heartbroken and questioning everything she ever thought she knew about herself. The book goes through all the stages of a break-up - including the comfort eating - as Lizzy goes on a mission to put herself first and move on with her life. Drunken texts, arguments, confessions, Coldplay, best friends and lots more, help Lizzy realise life didn't end with Ian...

I do love a romance but what I loved most about this book was that there was no man saving the day. Instead, it was Lizzy's family and friends, helping her feel like herself again, which makes it so relatable. It's a really positive, feel-good book, with some genuinely funny and touching moments. It is an easy read to get stuck into and the characters are very likeable - you'll definitely be cheering for Connie.

Perfect for: All ages - love, heartbreak, friendships, family's ups and downs and nostalgia - everyone will have something to relate to in this feel-good book.
Do: Pass around your friends, particularly anyone going through a break-up. Also, make more time for yourself and the things you like, regardless of whether you're single or in a relationship.
Don't: Drunk/impulse text an ex - you may regret it a la Lizzy! Or attempt to wear clothes from your teens.

Was this review helpful?

This is a wonderful read .. with touches of sadness but mostly it is a heartwarming, mood lifting read and I enjoyed every bit of it!

Lizzie had been with Ian for 10 years and has spent most of them waiting for him to pop THE question. But when he finally gets round to it, it’s obvious he’s not sticking to the script she has in her head and it all goes shockingly wrong. With the relationship over and back living in her old single room at her Mum’s, Lizzie sets about finding herself. No longer one half of a couple she want to rediscover her own identity and begins with the memories of the person she was last time she slept in that bed.

The easiest thing in the world to do would be to plunge Lizzie back into another relationship but this novel is about more than romance. It’s about a woman who has lost her single identity to a double one, and her working out how to become her own person again. Settling back into family life, she finds out things which she hadn’t realised were happening whilst she was invested in becoming the woman she though Ian wanted her to be. Rekindling family relationships and making contact with old friends sets Lizzie on the road to recovery.

Well written and smoothly flowing, this book is an easy read – and an uplifting one which will leave you with a sense of accomplishment, even though you were only the reader!

My thanks to publisher Penguin for granting me an arc via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

Some Kind of Wonderful is the latest book from Giovanna Fletcher and is genuinely fantastic.

Lizzy and Ian have been a couple since their first day at university and have been together for a decade. They’re on a romantic holiday to Dubai and everyone assumes they’re going to get engaged. After all, it’s been ten years! There is a proposal but it’s nothing like Lizzy expected and slowly, through the tears and heartbreak, she realises being Ian’s other half for so long has caused her to miss out on opportunities. Once back in the UK, Lizzy is determined to discover who she really is.

This is a lovely heartwarming book with some great characters. It’s warm and witty and all round a joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin UK Michael Joseph and the author for the chance to review.

Was this review helpful?

Another triumph from Giovanna Fletcher! "Some kind of Wonderful" is brilliantly funny and realistic. The book contains a very healthy dollop of Giovanna herself, including a mention of 'coppafeel' which Giovanna is a champion of. I believe the opening chapter of the book, wherein we hear of Lizzy's not-so-patient wait for a proposal, is also from Gi's own experience.... on a recent facebook live she asked husband Tom why he waited so long to propose to her :-) I think these little personal touches from the author are wonderful and Gi does them brilliantly.
The story contains many threads and many characters, but it is never confusing as so many similar books can be. I found this to be a rather ambitious story, to cram so much in, but Giovanna has pulled it off perfectly.
What I especially enjoyed about this book was it's realistic characters. Lizzy's sister and father were in particular beautifully written with so much depth. I also found this book to be quite inspirational as Lizzy strives to make herself happy again... I admired the character's independence and resilience throughout the book.

Was this review helpful?

Some Kind Of Wonderful by Giovanna Fletcher a wonderful five-star read. This book was just what I needed, it’s a cold wet and windy day in Wales, I was having a rubbishy day and this was the pick me up I needed. It was like reading a lovely warm hug. The characters were all people I would have enjoyed meeting and the situations believable, what I liked most was the fact that I didn’t like everyone to begin with, much like in real life I warmed to Lizzy

Was this review helpful?

I've read all of Giovanna's previous books so I was thrilled when I was approved for this title . What can I say , I loved it , typically Giovanna , warm and comforting like a big mug of hot chocolate , with some laugh out loud moments mixed in with the bits that bring tears to your eyes !
Lizzy and Ian have been a couple for 10 years since they were both at University and Lizzy is desperate for him to pop the question . She is convinced is coming when they go on a luxury holiday to Dubai and she's right . Ian treats her to a lavish dinner on the beach whee he tries to propose , it goes hideously wrong and they break up . Lizzy then re-evaluates her life and realises how much she has changed to fit in with their life , surrounded by her best friend and family she rediscovers all the things she's been missing and a few new ones along the way . Brilliant , heart warming and I loved it .

Was this review helpful?

Lizzy starts the book desperately wanting to get married to her boyfriend of ten years, Ian. On holiday, Ian finally proposes but bottles it at the last minute and dumps poor Lizzy. Lizzy goes back home and has to learn how to find herself again. The message of the book is to find self love for yourself and make sure you have love for your friends and family as well. Lizzy starts to realise she isn't satisfied with her own career and after a fortunate meeting with Natalia bags herself a brand new job. Lizzy joins the local choir and brings joy to the community, she reconnects with her Dad and finds a new love. Although, she puts off the new love until she has fulfilled one of her dreams - to go travelling alone. Lizzy turns out to be an independent, go-getting character who certainly doesn't need a man to complete her. The humorous relationship between her sister, Michelle and herself was hilarious and true to life. I really enjoyed reading this book, filled with positive messages and a likeable heroine. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

I couldn't wait to read this book as it's been a while since her last chicklit book. Well worth reading and fun throughout I would say it's not one of her best but still loved it and had great meaning. It was an easy read and full of love and friendship and finding out who she is after heartbreak. Lizzie and Ian have been going out for ages and she is desperate to get married and when they go on a romantic holiday she thinks her luck is in but once he asks her he realises it's not for him and they finish being together. She moves back home but can she be happy and find a new life for herself that she will be happy with as she has always known herself as her and Ian but he's been taken away. Can she be happy in her job or does she make a big decision that will change everything. She really needs to find out who she is in order to move forward and enjoy the rest of her life. Well worth reading and had many laughs on the way.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first Giovanna Fletcher book I have read and I was ever the cynic on 'celebrity' writers however I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Some Kind of Wonderful hooks you in and makes you feel a part of the story. It is well written and has a great balance of emotion throughout.

I had a hard job putting this book done as I continually needed to know what was going on!

Was this review helpful?

Some kind of wonderful, Giovanna' best novel yet. Loved it. The book follows Lizzy a 20 something who's life wasn't quite going as she planned. The books characters are easy to get relate to, get to know, fun and her sister makes me laugh out loud. A lovely story that has a few twists and turns and wasn't predictable. I love the fact that Billy gets a mention too. Would definitely recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: