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 Quite simply, this is chick-lit at its best! It’s understandable how it has reached number 3 in The Small Publishers Top 20 Fiction List and why it is one of Choc Lit’s top 10 bestsellers. I’ve not read any of Sue Moorcroft’s books before, but I absolutely adore her style of writing. I felt an instant warmth to the characters. The way of village life was put across very well, and I found the book very visual; I actually think it would make a wonderful film!
Kirsty.
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 I loved every minute of this book. Just the thing for an excuse to curl up with chocolate and a glass of something satisfying.
Trisha, Norfolk
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Loved the book. Will definitely read more Sue Moorcroft.
Teresa, Portsmouth
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This book gave me 'laugh out loud' moments, and tears. I really did feel for Tess at times. You can't help loving Ratty - he's a rogue, but clever and handsome (of course)- a good 'bad boy' who knows how to get what he wants, and Tess's knight in shining armour. I think every woman wants a guy like Ratty! I don't want to say too much about this book and ruin the ending, but when, what I thought was the happy ending got shattered into a thousand pieces, there was another roller coaster ride of emotions to entail and this time through Ratty. After the first couple of chapters, I didn't want to put this book down. That's not saying that the first couple of chapters are slow, just when things between Ratty and Tess were getting frustratingly exciting, I'd begrudgingly would have to put it down (otherwise the kids would starve, no housework or writing of my own done), and couldn't wait to pick it up again! When I wasn't reading this book, I was always thinking about it. Always a sign of a good book in my opinion. A wonderful romance, with some great, sexy, emotional twists ::sigh::
Teresa, Weston Super Mare. Read the full review at The Wittering Woman Blogspot
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 I bought this book as a quick read during a motorway drive and read the first three chapters within 40 miles. However, having got home I found I dipped in and out and it then took me a further three weeks to finish it during which time I skimmed quite a few pages because I found it wasn't holding my interest. However, the twist towards the end was unexpected and with a delightful ending, I am happy to pass this book on to a friend with a recommendation that she reads it.
Margaret, Birmingham
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 Just finished reading Starting Over, what a great read, had to make myself put it down in order to get dinner for the family. I’m going to read All That Mullarkey next, looking forward to it.
Avril, Kettering
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Starting Over is truly delicious escapism, yet touches on familiar life and love crises experienced by woman or man alike. Oh, and what a man! A hero, absolutely, but a flawed one, who never pretends to be anything but what he is, you simply cannot help but love Miles Arnott-Rattenbury, affectionately know as “Ratty”. A man who, once he sets his sights on something…or someone, single-mindedly, determinedly; unconventionally, goes for it. And when Ratty gives up his heart, he gives all of it. Sigh… How could a man like that not fall in love with a vulnerable, pretty, feisty, strong, independent woman like his “Princess” Tess? And yes, she is all of those. A gorgeous gamut of emotions that make her human. The book deals with those thorny parent issues. Ratty and Tess struggle to deal with legacies of loves past… It is simply a heart-warming, emotionally rewarding read. Giving nothing away, the ending is perfect! My eyes filled up on one page, I was shouting, No! on the next, Yesss! on the next, a nail-biting, Ooooh God! on another. I finished this novel with a huge lump in my throat. Loved it. Pure Choc Lit. Well done, Sue Moorcroft. I am a fan.
Sheryl, Droitwich
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Well, first of all I want to warn you that I finished reading "Starting Over. Simplimente loved and not wait to be able to read other things the author .....Many readers of my blog are looking to buy the book to read. And they are praying that some Brazilian publisher bring the book here in Brazil.
Karlinha, Coffie & Movies, Brazil
Read the full review here (you’ll need to use the translation software!) ...
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A truly delicious read from start to finish, a soft centred, tough hero, a prickly heroine and a cast of deliciously, warm sympathetic characters. Original, funny and fresh, this is my read of the summer. Can't wait to start All That Mullarky.
Jules, Tring
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What I liked about this book was the honesty, the normal people living normal lives, and two people falling in love, slowly but with a certainty. People making mistakes, and in the end, true love. Sometimes you don't need more than that. No big gestures, no crazy anecdotes, just a great couple and their way, to love, or not to love. I can't go and spoil everything now can I.
Linda, booksforlife blogspot
Read the full review here ...
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Sue Moorcroft has written an outstanding novel that has over powered me with love. Its not very often I pick up Adult Fiction and when I do its not normally Chick Lit. I love my paranormal and historical Fiction, but when it comes to chick lit I'm more for anything YA. So to read something that's so gripping from the start left me dumb struck and in awe. Sue takes us on a journey of love, mistakes and bad relationships...and I found myself engaged from the very first page.
Ayesha, The Reading of a Busy Mum Blog
Read the full review here ...
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 Nothing soothes the soul quite like a well-crafted romance. This novel revolutionises a genre familiar to Romantic Novelist Association members (such as Moorcroft) by subverting a great many romfic clichés. Sure there’s plenty of conflict, and romantic stuff happens with a good heat level, but all the main characters are given equal weight: no objectification of besotted heroine by brooding hero .... This isn’t just romance, this is literary Viagra.
Fiona Kendall
The Woman Writer Magazine for The Society of Women Writers & Journalists. Full review available from the society.
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Moorcroft writes a thoroughly engaging, utterly believable, occasionally moving, often funny tale; with just the right amount of sauciness – where some over spice, Moorcroft gets the balance spot on. Chic lit can often be predictable, unrealistic in it’s over romantic portrayal of the relationship between men and women and worse: entirely dependent on the rampant sex scenes. But with Moorcroft, or at least, with Starting Over, you get the sense that the blossoming relationship in all its little foibles, nuances and problems is the real core of the novel. Starting Over is pure self indulgence. And maybe it was just me, but don’t worry if you shed a little tear at the end, we won’t tell if you don’t.
 Read the full review here ...
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All and all, Starting Over is a very nice chick lit with interesting characters. It is the perfect read for hot summer days at beach or pool or for the cold winter days in front of fireplace. It will make you laugh and cry. You will fall in love with the English countryside, with Angel's and Pete's gorgeous kids and with dark and handsome Ratty who is ready to do anything in order to make Tess love him.
Milka, Finland
Read Books Blogspot.
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Fab book, couldn't put it down. Loved the humour adored the characters. Please can we have a sequel?
Jeannine, Bucks
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Really enjoyed this book - unable to put it down and disappointed when I got to the end - wanted it to go on and on.
Lesley, Brecon
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This was a fab book - easy to read, engaging, great plot, even better characterisation, with sharp witty dialogue that kept up the pace. Would recommend to any friends or family.
Veronique, Poole
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Even though this initially sounds like a first person Chick Lit book de jour, it turned out to be very different. It’s not first person and there’s no immediate hero in sight. Plus Tess and the person who does turn out to be the hero don’t either instantly love each other or fight an attraction by pretending they don’t like each other. I was a bit stunned as the narrative flows on and months pass with no romance in sight. Yet I was enjoying watching Tess fit herself into her new life so much that none of this bothered me. In fact, I was tickled to be reading something different.
Jayne, Dear Author
Read the full review here....
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 "Sue Moorcroft deftly blends fun, laughter, pathos and emotion in her fabulous feel-good novel for Choc Lit: Starting Over!"
After her fiancé coldly dumps her via e-mail three days before their wedding, Tess Riddell realizes that she wants a change. Tired of her mother’s histrionics, her father’s controlling ways and her now ex-fiancé’s moods, Tess decides to leave the city behind. So she packs her bags, waves goodbye to her old life and heads off to the tiny village of Middledip to take up residence at Honeybun Cottage, her new home. Tess is looking forward to spending some time by herself to recharge her batteries and indulge in some me time. But on her arrival, Tess soon realizes that life is far from quiet in the countryside!
Julie Bonello, Single Titles
Read the full review here...
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Good read, couldn’t put the book down,,, Could visualise the countryside and village where it all took place.
Ruth, Bristol
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Chose this book Gatwick airport, love to read chick/choclit on holiday, loved this book, got frustrated with Tess, fancy running away from such a gorgeous man and wonderful relationship, glad she realised how badly she had behaved and that the gorgeous Miles still couldn't resist her.
Polly, Dorset
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 This story will suck you in and hold you from the first to the last page. Ratty and Tess could not be any more different and the author builds and develops their relationship slowly. Tess has not had it easy so far and is wary of men in general. Ratty's reputation definitely puts her off, but he is as wily as his nickname would indicate. Tess is not good at handling difficulties and her reaction to some bad news was a bit annoying. Given the way her own family treats her, though I can see why her reaction is to run away. Her parents seem to totally disregard her feelings and her cousin only thinks of himself. None of them seem to have any sense of loyalty unlike Ratty's family. I loved the character study the author did of life in a small English village. I could picture all of the people and most of the buildings. The plot is well crafted with some unexpected twists and realistic characters. This is a definite must read that I can not recommend highly enough.
Maura Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Read the full review here....
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Starting Over had me reading compulsively until the end. Ratty is just wonderful and Tess is such a brilliant heroine - plus so many times you totally gut punched me with twists I just didn't see coming. I totally fell in love with Angel and the village and wanted to punch Olly's lights out then lock him up for good measure. Even yet I keep thinking about Ratty going bonkers and smashing up the cottage because it got to me that much!!! Anyway, just had to write and tell you. I'll now be buying your backlist and can't wait for the next Choc Lit book. Fantastic writing, brilliant reading. I can't wait to read Starting Over again (and won't be lending it out to anyone lest they nick it!) Wish Ratty was mine, he's way better than chocolate. Thanks for brightening up my weekend.
Judith
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I absolutely loved this book It was a tantalising read. I really loved the way the Sue executed the budding romance, the way you were left wondering is this going to happen between Tess and Ratty or isn’t it. Then when it does- wow! The book was defiantly a not put down book. The relationships between Ratty, Tess and his friends was refreshing. The last three chapters had me, I thought which way is this going. It was great.
Sonya, Surrey
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Early review spotted on Read it Swap it!
Haven't read this much chick lit in ages, and this is a really good one. Strong characters, a lovely country setting, a superb villain in Olly, a to-die-for romantic lead in Ratty (oh, but the name!), twists, turns, nearly heartbreak, tears, funny bits, and the best of endings. If you like Veronica Henry or Katie Fforde you'll love this one...
http://forums.readitswapit.co.uk/forums/p/66406/635357.aspx
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Yes, yes, yes!!! Love a hero who's good with his hands. And this one seems to be firing on all cylinders too... Can't wait to read on.....
Lynne, Cardiff
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Loved what I've read so far - really looking forward to the next.
Jane
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Can't wait to read more!
Jill
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The viewpoints of both promising characters are woven into the action from the start.
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What a story! I haven't read any of this author's novels before but I'm hooked on her quirky style and sharp observation of people and places. It's a book I'll be re-reading many times.
Sarah, Choc Lit Tasting Panel
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Hooked me in from the prologue.
Mary, Australia
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I had to know what happens next!
Pam
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Plus more reviews at Amazon ...
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