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Reviews
Shivs - Getting to know Perdita - Goodreads 5*
The heroine of this book, Perdita, is unique in my experience of reading romances. She's funny, witty, sentimental, loyal, resourceful, naive, kind, honest, conniving, and an absolute treasure. The girl has principles and courage, and they lead her into situations, which are really entertaining, and a definite credit to the imagination of the writer.
An extraordinary innocence lands Perdita in hot water early on, and the temperature keeps rising as the book progresses. The twists and turns as the story unravelled kept me captivated. Just when I thought I was beginning to understand her, Perdita did something completely unexpected. And yet, she was so easy to identify with - her dreams, longings and hopes reflect those many of us hold. I wish I'd had half of Perdita's creative courage in my life.
The book is jam-packed with hilarious comedic moments, not to mention tantalising descriptions of cooked lamb (hah!). Reading it became a compulsion, because I so enjoyed Perdita and the other main characters. They are well-drawn.
The best comedy romance I've read.
Harry Goode
The path to true love is always fraught with difficulties, with misunderstandings, and with suspicions. The paradise can be glimpsed, and in these sexually freer times there can even be some going to bed together. However, if you are only two thirds of the way through the book, you know that yet another, possibly a deeper, crisis can only be pages away. The romantic novelist's art is to make these tired old tropes credible, and to actually have us wondering about the outcome. After all, these days it is possible for the heroine to take up body building, become a Me Too activist, and forever eschew the pleasures of love. Mari Law pulls this trick off remarkably well. Until the last chapter I wasn't sure that the curmudgeonly Saul was going to finally learn to trust our heroine Perdita. This appropriately named lost soul is finally ... Oh no! I mustn't give away the ending.
High Scribe - Funny and refreshing - Amazon 5*
Perdita is now one of my all time favourite romantic heroines. I love how different she is to the tired old fiesty-fashionista gal looking for love in most romantic comedies. She's different and once I accepted that she wasn't the norm then I began to really enjoy the quirks of her personality. Perhaps because of her character the story is also a little different. Again a huge plus. Sometimes the rom com formula can get a bit stale. Mari Jane Law has given it a big dose of originality. I loved Saul's character. The contrast between them does well to highlight their personalities. Funny of course, but it also entertains some very serious issues. Recommended for anyone who wants to laugh and fall in love, but also wants something a little off the beaten track.
MHC - An endearingly funny romance - Amazon 4*
It's impossible not to engage with Perdita who, though living in the modern world, is at heart a 19th century ingénue in search of true romance. Given that her understanding of human relationships derives almost exclusively from botany, pitfalls inevitably abound, and her repeated efforts to disentangle herself from them seem to simply make matters worse. Will she ever achieve the "happy ever after" ending of her dreams?
mr Ges Hartley - Good written style - Amazon 5*
I loved the book, and as I came to the final page, I was hoping, fervently, that there would be a sequel! It was exquisitely written, stylish, and with brilliant touches of humour. I thought that it was entirely original, especially in terms of the main character, Perdita. She had a lot of integrity, and I enjoyed seeing her develop, assert her independence, learn about life but not lose her innocence,in the true meaning of the word. It was an instructive book. I don't like trivial, cheap storylines, about shallow women, and this was anything but. It was good to see Perdita triumph over adversity, and toughen up, but at the same time make a future with the man she loves. I am totally looking forward to that sequel!
GwendaK - Quirky page-turner - Amazon 5*
A quirky and enjoyable read. Perdita, the heroine, is likeable and exasperating in equal measure and you'll quickly become invested in her story.
Cristina - Hilarious, witty and fresh. Highly recommended - Amazon 5*
This romantic novel is highly addictive and will keep you reading, unable to put the book down. Its pages are packed with funny moments, hilarious encounters, and witty remarks. Perdita, the heroine, makes the story fresh and to stand out from other romantic novels. She is full of quirks, and has her very own and special view of the world. Delightful and exasperating in equal amounts, she will have you vouching for her from the very first pages. The author makes a terrific job with the pace of the story, carrying the reader effortless from one chapter to the next, from one laugh to another, always in his toes, not knowing what the final outcome will be until the last page.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and look forward to future publications from Mari Jane Law. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to laugh, smile, be amused, and read something with a strong dose of originality and freshness.
Thomas Hillas - Laugh out loud entertainment - Amazon 5*
A wacky thoroughly entertaining romp with the mixed up characters. They are just getting their act together when something, or someone, on the crazy side pops up and throws them and us into chaos. I read it in two sessions over two days and I'm looking forward to a sequel.
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