Published by HQ Digital on June 5, 2015
Pages: 364
Amazon UK, Amazon US
Goodreads
Previously published as Learning to Fly
It’s never too late to follow your dreams…
Forty-year-old air stewardess, Emily Forsyth, thought she had everything a woman could wish for: a glamorous, jet-set lifestyle, a designer wardrobe and a dishy pilot boyfriend. Until he breaks up with her…
Catapulted into a mid-life crisis she wishes she’d had earlier, she decides to turn her life upside-down, quitting her job and instead beginning to chase her long-held dreams of becoming an actress!
Leaving the skies behind her, Emily heads for the bright lights of London’s West End – but is it too late to reach for the stars?
Don’t miss this heartwarming and uplifting debut, perfect for fans of Colleen Coleman and Cate Woods!
✮ My Review ✮
So to name a few things I liked about this audiobook was the fact that Jane herself narrated the book and she used her experience of the theatre entwined in her story was fab. I loved the added extras of the musical interludes thrown in the story, it did make me smile.
I did like Emily, I loved that it was a story of a 40-something woman, struggling with her current life plan, not where she wants to be, her partner leaving her and she leaves the big birds in the sky….to become an actress? Yeah that right, she starts right at the bottom, she takes the classes which were hilarious to listen to, and she starts over. She is brave.
It is so easy to get lost in this story and in Emily’s life. It is a second chance at life, one she takes with both hands and she shows she can do anything she puts her mind to it. That is not to say there were no mishaps when she sees Nigel, the ex, when she goes on a date with a “very” young lad and the general misdemeanours behind the scenes of a show.
My only gripe was the ending! It was on a cliff hanger, it was like Sliding Doors, which way would she go!? I need to know!!!
Overall it was a cute story and left me with a smile on face as it reiterates that life is what you make of it, take those chances and just live it.
Until nex time xxx
So what has been said on tour?
Herding Cats says
I loved the audio and narration of this novel. Narrated by Jane herself it’s so entertaining. Different characters are allocated different accents (my favourite being the Scottish ones) and their personalities all come through in the dialogue. Also, the added bonus of little sounds bites and musical interludes really brings the audio retelling to life and it’s the first experience I have of sound being used in an audio book.
I listened to the audiobook version of Start and enjoyed it. The author, Jane Lambert, is also the narrator and she captured Emily’s voice and feelings well. I listen to many audiobooks and what I really liked about Start was that it added ‘sound effects’ to enhance the story.
Travel to Recovery says
It is a classic chic lit read perfect for your next holiday or trip. There are some funny points that will having you laughing out loud. I listened to it as a audiobook which was easy to follow when I was drifting off to sleep which is my perfect time to listening to audiobooks.
It felt almost like an autobiography, as there was great understanding and depth in the detail of the story. It is well-written and was brilliantly delivered in the audio version. I did think that it ended abruptly, but perhaps that was a cliff-hanger that would lead to another book. However, there is humour and sarcasm aplenty, and I would have to say that it’s my kinda book, and one I’d be happy to recommend to others.
Audio killed the bookmark says
Jane Lambert brings a charming voice to this book. Not only with her words but also with her narration of the audiobook. I am a longtime audiobook listener and as a rule I generally try to avoid books narrated by the author, but Miss Lambert did a fantastic job. She had a firm grasp on The characters personalities, mannerisms, and voices. She really breathe life into each of these characters giving them each their own unique voice.
Carla loves to read says
The Start of Something Wonderful is pure chick-lit. It is a story of second chances, following your dreams, standing on your own two feet and becoming a person you love and respect. Emily is a strong character, stronger than she herself realized. I could never have started my life over at the age of 40. The plot is filled with a lot of amusing scenes, as well as heartwarming and uplifting ones. It was a very realistic sounding story of what Emily would have gone through while embarking on this new life. Having the author narrate her own book is a plus. She knows exactly where to add the emphasis and drama in the story.
Jess Bookish life says
It was also interesting to listen to the narrator – in this case, the author herself – go through the different accents and tones that made each character feel real in my mind. Actually, I felt like I was there and was just at the corner of the room, watching and listening. Because, although I didn’t felt as I was part of that world, I still felt like I was listening to someone tell me her story, letting me know all the interactions she had and all the good and bad moments in her life.
Books are Cool says
This is warming uplit, full of beautiful descriptions of people and places, and with lots of dry wit and outright comedy. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable read, and you’ll enjoy the journey as Emily takes a sharp turn off the predictable path her life has been taking in order to achieve her dream.
Thank you so much to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the tour invite and the author for a copy of this book in return for my honest and unbiased review
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
nickimags @ The Secret Library Book Blog says
Fab review sounds like a fun listen! Xx
Zoé says
Thanks lovely, it was a good listen with the author narrating it xx
Zoé says
It was quite cute xx
likeherdingcatsblog says
I loved this one. Loads of fun
Zoé says
It was cute wasn’t it! x
likeherdingcatsblog says
Definitely. Looking forward to her next one. I like her style
Jane Lambert says
Hi, Zoe! Woke up to your wonderful review this morning. You have made my day! Thank you for taking the time to listen and review The Start of Something Wonderful audiobook. Your comments mean the world to me. Thank you. I love your blog and am now one of your Twitter followers. Have a great day and THANK YOU!! 😉
Zoé says
You are so very welcome! It really was such a cute story and the fact you narrated it made it even better. Oh thank you that is lovely of you! Hope you have a fab day! xx
Zoé says
Oh lovely!! Thank you so much for the shout out!!! Eeeek. I am glad you liked my reviews xxx