Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
35(35%)
4 stars
27(27%)
3 stars
37(37%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews
July 14,2025
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This is a truly fun beachy read.

It takes you on a wonderful journey to a beachside paradise.

The story is filled with vivid descriptions of the sandy shores, the crashing waves, and the warm sun shining down.

You can almost feel the gentle breeze blowing through your hair as you turn the pages.

The characters are engaging and full of life, making you feel as if you are right there with them, experiencing all the joys and adventures of beach life.

Whether you are lounging on the beach or simply looking for a light and enjoyable escape, this book is the perfect choice.

It will transport you to a world of relaxation and fun, leaving you with a smile on your face and a sense of rejuvenation.

So, grab a copy, find a comfortable spot, and let this fun beachy read take you away.

July 14,2025
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Ok, to be honest, I actually had a genuine liking for this book. When comparing her first book to the second one, it's quite evident that there has been a significant improvement in the writing (or perhaps it's the editing... hmmm, it's a bit hard to tell). There's no doubt that this falls into the category of chick lit, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. It's truly a great beach read. Oh, if only I had begun reading it while lounging on the beach! The characters in this book are more developed and a lot more likeable compared to those in the first book. I can't say that I feel any smarter after having read this, but it definitely has its place as a light, fluffy, and somewhat People-magaziney kind of read. It's the kind of book that you can pick up when you just want to relax and unwind, without having to think too deeply. It provides a bit of entertainment and a break from the more serious and challenging reads.

July 14,2025
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This book had been sitting on my shelf for about a year. Technically speaking, I only bought it because I was in a super-cute yet obviously super-desperate independent used bookseller's store and felt the need to buy something. And of course, being a finisher, I read it. It provided me with two days' worth of poolside reading material. However, in the end, I really wished I had something else to read by the pool. (Yes, I am reading something else now, but my hardcover 800+ page Edith Wharton biography is way too big and bulky for the pool!)

Posh Spice... I mean, Plum Sykes is not a genuine authoress. Instead, she is a well-connected Vogue "writer" and "Brit-It-Girl" who gets to pen quick, cheeky novels that are meant to be read in two days by the pool. I guess that's all fine and good, but ughhh this book was extremely boring and predictable. The dialogue was truly horrendous. Ignore all the cover blurbs that claim she is an "astute observer" of mores and that this will be a "comedy of errors." It's only "Jane Austen-esque" if Jane Austen had been repeatedly dropped on her head as a young child and lacked a facility with language. Half of the sentences begin with the word "Darling" and don't get any more substantial than that. Similarly, some inattentive line editor forgot to eliminate all the Britishisms, so all these fashionable New Yorkers sound like, well, Madonna. No one in the US uses "fancy" as a verb, says "back to mine" to refer to whose apartment one is headed, or "mislaid" to mean something is lost. I could go on. And since I'm in a foul mood, it's rather tempting to do so.

But I won't. Next time I want a poolside look at social climbing, divorce, and remarriage among Manhattan's smart set, I'll crack open The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton.
July 14,2025
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Because this is chic lit, I can't give it 5 stars.

However, oh, sometimes (or more often), it's truly enjoyable to have an easy read like this.

None of the characters are especially likeable. Sylvie is so easily influenced by Lauren and her entourage. Nevertheless, all of their antics make for a great reading experience.

I would have preferred to know more about Sylvie. She seemed to blend right into this group seamlessly. And one can't help but wonder if it wouldn't have been possible without money and some sort of status or breeding. But unfortunately, this is never explained in the story.

I finished reading this in just a day. It's short and fun, which is why I highly recommend it.

It's a light-hearted and entertaining read that can easily pass the time and bring a smile to your face.

Whether you're looking for a quick escape or just something to enjoy during your downtime, this book is definitely worth checking out.
July 14,2025
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This book was truly terrible.

It centers around a woman who blatantly flaunts her divorced status and uses it to manipulate men into doing things for her.

There is also a newlywed woman who is extremely paranoid that her new husband is cheating on her.

The characters in this book are not only annoying but also very superficial. They lack depth and complexity, making it difficult for the reader to form any real connection with them.

The plot is almost non-existent. There is very little substance or development, and the story seems to just meander along without any real purpose.

The sensitivity that one might expect from a good book is completely missing. The author fails to handle the themes and issues in a respectful and thoughtful way.

The only redeeming quality of this book is that the characters felt semi-real. There were moments when I could see a glimmer of authenticity in their actions and behaviors.

And, to be fair, there were also some parts that I thought were kind of humorous. However, these small positives were not enough to outweigh the many flaws of this book. Overall, I would not recommend it.
July 14,2025
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Chic lit is just that - plain and simple.

It took me only 2 hours to breeze through this book, but it was truly a fun "beach read".

Unlike some other books that can be overly complicated or dense, this one was light and easy to follow.

The story was engaging and filled with relatable characters and situations.

It was the kind of book that you can pick up when you want to relax and escape from reality for a while.

In comparison to Bergdorf Blondes, which I also enjoyed, this book had its own unique charm.

While Bergdorf Blondes was perhaps a bit more glamorous and over-the-top, this chic lit offering was more down-to-earth and accessible.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and enjoyable read.

It's the perfect choice for a lazy afternoon at the beach or a cozy night in.
July 14,2025
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A delightfully indulgent adult fairy tale is set in the vibrant city of New York.

This story is pure fluff and fantasy, presenting a world where a character with an abundance of wealth is both incredibly shallow and charmingly endearing simultaneously. It's a rather unique combination that might seem implausible in the real world.

Taken at face value, it serves as a fun grown-up fairy tale filled with frivolity. While it may be a tad predictable, isn't that the essence of all fairy tales? They follow a certain pattern that we've come to expect and enjoy.

This story is perfect for a summer escape, allowing readers to lose themselves in a world of light-hearted entertainment and forget about the stresses of daily life for a while. It offers a brief respite and a chance to indulge in a bit of fantasy.
July 14,2025
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I picked this up because Bergdorf Blondes is also on my reading list, and this was available on CD.

It is a good light read, especially for those long and boring moments sitting in traffic. However, it is important to note that it is not high-quality literature.

The characters in the story are all caricatures. They lack depth and authenticity, making it difficult to form a real connection with them.

The description of NYC high society also feels like a caricature. It seems exaggerated and far-fetched, not something that I can truly relate to or understand.

The plot is rather predictable. From the very beginning, it is easy to guess what will happen next, which takes away some of the excitement and surprise.

Finally, some of the lingo used in the book is British. Americans don't typically call their planners "diaries." This small detail might seem insignificant, but it can be a bit jarring for American readers.

Overall, while it can be an enjoyable read for some, it definitely has its flaws.
July 14,2025
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Wish I could give a half star, because this book was truly bloody awful.

It seems that the author, Plum Sykes, was desperately attempting to stretch a mere 20-page story, and not a very good one at that, into a full-length novel.

While Bergdorf Blondes is also rather superficial and chick-lit lite, it managed to do a much better job at the same kind of thing.

I, like the next beachgoer, enjoy brainless books from time to time. However, this particular one was, to use Sykes' own word - beyond. It was not just bad; it was beyond beyond bad.

The story lacked depth and coherence, and the characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting.

I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging read.
July 14,2025
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A good vacation read can truly enhance the quality of your time off.

It has the power to transport you to different worlds, allowing you to escape the daily grind and unwind. Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or an informative non-fiction piece, the right book can be the perfect companion during your vacation.

You can relax on a sandy beach, lounging in a comfortable chair, and lose yourself in the pages of a captivating story. Or perhaps you prefer to curl up in a cozy corner of a cabin in the mountains, with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book by your side.

Not only does a good vacation read provide entertainment, but it can also expand your knowledge, improve your vocabulary, and stimulate your imagination. So, before you embark on your next vacation, make sure to pack a few good books and prepare to embark on a literary adventure.

July 14,2025
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I have to say that this book is not as good as Bergdorf Blondes. In my opinion, it was a little short in scope. I really wanted to know more about the characters. The ending also seemed a little trite to me. However, I must admit that I hold Plum Sykes to a higher standard than most chick lit authors. So, I'm not entirely sure. This book focuses on the more 30-year-old Manhattan socialite scene, rather than the 20-year-olds in Bergdorf. There is plenty of fashion name dropping, loads of references to New York and its hot spots. There are also some hilarious moments, like when a character discovers Bungalow 8 and thinks it's the greatest thing ever. Overall, it's an entertaining and quick read. It's perfect for summers at the beach or plane trips. It's a light-hearted and enjoyable book that will keep you entertained for a while.

July 14,2025
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It’s cute and funny.

There is nothing serious about it.

In fact, it is a bit predictable.

However, I still enjoyed it anyway.

The cuteness and humor managed to capture my attention and make me smile.

Even though I could kind of guess what was going to happen next, it didn't take away from the overall enjoyment.

Sometimes, it's nice to have something light-hearted and entertaining that doesn't require too much thought or analysis.

This particular thing, whatever it may be, provided that for me.

I found myself laughing at the funny moments and being charmed by the cuteness.

It was a simple pleasure that I was happy to experience.

Maybe it's not the most groundbreaking or original thing out there, but it did its job of making me feel good and having a bit of fun.

And that's all that really matters sometimes.
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