Author : Ali McNamara
Publication date : 22nd November 2012
Publisher : Sphere
Source : Sent by publisher, thank you!
Scarlett O’Brien, utterly addicted to romantic films, has found her leading man. She’s convinced Sean is Mr Right, but the day-to-day reality of a relationship isn’t quite like the movies. With Sean constantly away on business, Scarlett and her new best friend Oscar decide to head to New York for the holiday of a lifetime.
From one famous landmark to the next, Scarlett and Oscar make many new friends during their adventure - including sailors in town for Fleet Week, a famous film star, and Jamie & Max, a TV reporter and cameraman. Scarlett finds herself strangely drawn to Jamie, they appear to have much in common: a love of films and Jamie’s search for a parent he never knew. But Scarlett has to ask herself why she is reacting like this to another man when she’s so in love with Sean . .
First of all, if you have never heard of Ali McNamara, please Google her. She's a fabulous person and her books are amazing. If you have yet to read the prequel of From Notting Hill to New York... Actually, please click here to buy it. The first time I read Ali's book was beginning of this year, where I won a giveaway from Sphere to select 4 books of my choice. So I picked Ali's books, both From Notting Hill With Love... Actually and Breakfast at Darcy's.
Given that I loved From Notting Hill With Love... Actually, I was utterly thrilled to discover Ali was writing a sequel and I literally had to spam her on Twitter to get a copy. But thank God for Jo Wickham and her kind heart. So when a copy arrived, *commence ignoring further tasks and responsibilities and read FN2NYA*
Are you a film/movie aficionado? Do you love your old school, classic chick lit? Would you want to be best friends with the heroine you want to root for? Well, if you answered all these questions with a mighty "yes", then From Notting Hill to New York... Actually is for you! I loved it, I loved Scarlett, I loved Oscar, I loved New York, I loved Tiffany's and the list goes on and on...
The story follows after From Notting Hill With Love... Actually where Scarlett is living happily with her boyfriend, Sean. I'll just cut to the chase without giving much away. Fast forward and Scarlett and Oscar are in the Big Apple. There they meet the most amazing people in the world and again, Scarlett proves how good she is at reuniting families and she has her happy ending.
I wouldn't want to spoil it for Ali's readers but note: you will love this book and it's a real gem, it deserves to be read more than once and I quote Lucy-Anne Holmes "will leave you with the warm, gooey feeling you get from watching a good rom-com". True to Lucy's words, Ali writes modern fairytales which are up to Cecelia Ahern's par and her books are truly magical. I loved how Scarlett carried herself throughout the novel and she reminds me of my favourite chick lit heroine - Rebecca Bloomwood - the only difference is Scarlett's a movie buff while ever hilarious and sweet Becky is a shopaholic. Oh, have I mentioned this? If I were given a chance to choose fictional characters as best friends, I'd choose Scarlett, Becky and Angela. Period.
The cover, ah.. Broadway, New York, the stars, that dress, that man! What a gorgeous eye-catcher this is! With a stunning cover as this, FN2NYA screams "Buy me! I'm fun, exciting and will blow you away!". My apologies if I sound like I've taken heroine or drunk as a stoat, but I am still on a high after reading this! Tell you what, there will be a special celebrity appearance in this delectably gorgeous book. Totally awed me and I really loved how Ali manage to weave movie bits into her story. Bravo! The ending was the pièce de résistance! It was spectacular, amazing, even Hollywood writers couldn't pull it off! It was beautiful, creative and absolutely fantastic!
For me, the plot was well-written and much credit to Ali for her extensive "research".. Ahem. It was pure escapism for me as every page I read was like exiting reality and jumping into the book where I got caught up with Scarlett and Oscar crazy yet amazing adventures in New York! The story was flawless; it was light, fluffy and highly enjoyable - fabulous classic chick lit at its best - then there were a few emotional bits in the book which makes this book a top contender for Book Of The Year!
Everything about this book is perfect for me, some might question my opinion, but please be informed that I'm NOT a professional reviewer, I'm a student with a love for chick lit and I only write what I think about the book. I loved From Notting Hill With Love... Actually and I am now telling you this, I loved From Notting Hill to New York... Actually. I can guarantee you that you will fall in love with the romantic comedy Ali McNamara had cleverly written. Trust me, you will not be disappointed with this book. I admit, I found Breakfast at Darcy's rather less exciting, because Ali has set the bar for her novels so high with From Notting Hill With Love... Actually, but From Notting Hill to New York... Actually will not let you down.
I would like to thank Ali McNamara for this amazing story and I am looking forward to read her fourth book next year (totally getting ahead of myself!). I would also like to thank Sphere for sending me a copy of FN2NYA. Now get over to Amazon or Book Depository for a copy! Or maybe head to your nearest bookstore! It's a MUST-READ. As good as Sophie Kinsella.
You can pre-order the book here on Amazon or here on Book Depository.
Rating : 5/5
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