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Just Add Spice
Escape from reality comes in patent-leather Prada kneeboots
Dawn Ellis needs to escape from her painfully dull existence. Her unemployed husband spends all day complaining about life, moping around, or fixing lawnmowers on her kitchen table. The local writing class proves to be an adequate distraction with its eccentric collection of wannabe authors and, of course, the enigmatic Jason, who soon shows a romantic interest in her.
Dawn pours her inner frustrations into her first novel about the extraordinary exploits of Cinnamon Knight, an avenging angel -- a woman who doesn't believe in following the rules. Cinnamon is ruthless and wanton, inflicting suffering on any man who warrants it. Little does Dawn realise that soon the line between reality and fiction will blur. Her own life will be transformed, and those close to her will pay the price. Find out what happens in Just Add Spice by best-selling author Carol E Wyer.
Dawn Ellis needs to escape from her painfully dull existence. Her unemployed husband spends all day complaining about life, moping around, or fixing lawnmowers on her kitchen table. The local writing class proves to be an adequate distraction with its eccentric collection of wannabe authors and, of course, the enigmatic Jason, who soon shows a romantic interest in her.
Dawn pours her inner frustrations into her first novel about the extraordinary exploits of Cinnamon Knight, an avenging angel -- a woman who doesn't believe in following the rules. Cinnamon is ruthless and wanton, inflicting suffering on any man who warrants it. Little does Dawn realise that soon the line between reality and fiction will blur. Her own life will be transformed, and those close to her will pay the price. Find out what happens in Just Add Spice by best-selling author Carol E Wyer.
184 pages, ebook
First published July 23, 2013
5 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
About the author
Carol Wyer
37 books1,231 followersUSA Today bestselling author and winner of The People's Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer's crime novels have sold over one million copies and been translated into nine languages.
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in Little Girl Lost and proved that Carol had found her true niche.
In 2021, An Eye For An Eye, the first in the DI Kate Young series, was chosen as a Kindle First Reads. It became the #1 bestselling book on Amazon UK and Australia. The third, A Life For A Life, is due out March 15th, 2022, but is available to preorder.
Carol has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and written for the Huffington Post. She's also been interviewed on numerous radio shows and on BBC Breakfast television.
She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr. Grumpy who is very, very grumpy.
When not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.
To learn more, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk, subscribe to her YouTube channel, or follow her on Twitter @carolewyer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 25, 2013
Just Add Spice is a witty and entertaining summer read that will resonate with everyone out there who feels their life comprises purely of the mundane.
Dawn is a housewife. That had always been enough for her, especially when her son was fully reliant on her. However, now that he has flown the nest Dawn can't help but feel that her marriage to Jim, suffering from stresses following his redundancy, is going stale. In an attempt to regain a sense of purpose, Dawn joins a creative writing group. Here she meets a diverse group of people that share a desire to express themselves through writing, including the uber-attractive Jason, a younger man that has all the ladies in the group swooning.
Just Add Spice is particularly interesting as it follows not just Dawn's story, but also the book that she is writing. We are introduced to Cinnamon, a ball-breaking, no nonsense woman that no man dare mess with! Her far fetched escapades are in sharp contrast to the banal nature of Dawn's existence, and this makes for an engaging and appealing read.
Can Dawn draw on Cinnamon's confidence and unleash her inner goddess? Can her marriage be salvaged? And will she ever finish writing this blasted book that is taking up so much of her time, energy and soul?
I really enjoyed Just Add Spice, my first Carol E. Wyer read, but not my last. Perfect for anyone looking for an injection of romance and those reassessing what they want from life, it is a thought-provoking, humorous romp that will suck you in-I read the whole thing in two sittings. It isn't an especially long book either, so would be ideal for reading on those flights to sunnier climes or lazing on a beach. Carol has written a touching book that manages to strike just the right balance of romance, humour and heartfelt emotion. Give it a whirl-spice up your life!
7.5/10
Published by Safkhet, Just Add Spice is out now. You can find out more about Carol E. Wyer and her previous books on her website.
You can buy Just Add Spice from the following places...
Smashwords : https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Just-Add-Spice-...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Add-Spic...
DE: http://www.amazon.de/Just-Add-Spice-e...
You can also catch up on more news, reviews and interviews with Carol E. Wyer on the following blogs which are also part of the Just Add Spice blog tour...
*Rick at http://rickrainbow001.wordpress.com/ * Melanie at http://mebookshelfandi.co.uk/ *Josie at http://jaffareadstoo.blogspot.co.uk/ *Shaz at http://shazsbookboudoir.blogspot.co.uk/ *Lisa at http://bookalicious-traveladdict.blog... * Donna at http://donnasroomforreading.blogspot.... * Kim at http://kimthebookworm.blogspot.co.uk/ * Sharon at http://jerasjamboree.com/ *JB at http://brookcottagebooks.blogspot.co.uk/ * Sheryl at http://sheryls-ramblings.blogspot.co.uk/ * Chris at http://chrisjamesauthor.com/category/... *
Carol at http://dizzycslittlebookblog.blogspot... *
Dawn is a housewife. That had always been enough for her, especially when her son was fully reliant on her. However, now that he has flown the nest Dawn can't help but feel that her marriage to Jim, suffering from stresses following his redundancy, is going stale. In an attempt to regain a sense of purpose, Dawn joins a creative writing group. Here she meets a diverse group of people that share a desire to express themselves through writing, including the uber-attractive Jason, a younger man that has all the ladies in the group swooning.
Just Add Spice is particularly interesting as it follows not just Dawn's story, but also the book that she is writing. We are introduced to Cinnamon, a ball-breaking, no nonsense woman that no man dare mess with! Her far fetched escapades are in sharp contrast to the banal nature of Dawn's existence, and this makes for an engaging and appealing read.
Can Dawn draw on Cinnamon's confidence and unleash her inner goddess? Can her marriage be salvaged? And will she ever finish writing this blasted book that is taking up so much of her time, energy and soul?
I really enjoyed Just Add Spice, my first Carol E. Wyer read, but not my last. Perfect for anyone looking for an injection of romance and those reassessing what they want from life, it is a thought-provoking, humorous romp that will suck you in-I read the whole thing in two sittings. It isn't an especially long book either, so would be ideal for reading on those flights to sunnier climes or lazing on a beach. Carol has written a touching book that manages to strike just the right balance of romance, humour and heartfelt emotion. Give it a whirl-spice up your life!
7.5/10
Published by Safkhet, Just Add Spice is out now. You can find out more about Carol E. Wyer and her previous books on her website.
You can buy Just Add Spice from the following places...
Smashwords : https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Just-Add-Spice-...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Add-Spic...
DE: http://www.amazon.de/Just-Add-Spice-e...
You can also catch up on more news, reviews and interviews with Carol E. Wyer on the following blogs which are also part of the Just Add Spice blog tour...
*Rick at http://rickrainbow001.wordpress.com/ * Melanie at http://mebookshelfandi.co.uk/ *Josie at http://jaffareadstoo.blogspot.co.uk/ *Shaz at http://shazsbookboudoir.blogspot.co.uk/ *Lisa at http://bookalicious-traveladdict.blog... * Donna at http://donnasroomforreading.blogspot.... * Kim at http://kimthebookworm.blogspot.co.uk/ * Sharon at http://jerasjamboree.com/ *JB at http://brookcottagebooks.blogspot.co.uk/ * Sheryl at http://sheryls-ramblings.blogspot.co.uk/ * Chris at http://chrisjamesauthor.com/category/... *
Carol at http://dizzycslittlebookblog.blogspot... *
July 21, 2013
I was asked to review this wonderful book.
The characters are so believable and makes you think that you are them. The story starts off with a bored housewife who joins a writing club. She writes about a feisty woman who has had some personal problems. The story goes back and forth between the 2 women. Cinnamon and Dawn are likeable characters who you can relate to and they way they interact with each other within the story. Cinnamon always giving Dawn advice, tips and sometimes becoming a feisty Dawn is so immense. The ending wasn't what I expected, but I did guess some of the stuff in the book.
I loved the way Carol E. Wyer tackles issues to do with places where older women can look for new ways to spice up their love lives and the fascination with certain shops and what's out there. It made me laugh and smile at things with the characters and it also made me feel sorry for the 2 main characters.
The characters are so believable and makes you think that you are them. The story starts off with a bored housewife who joins a writing club. She writes about a feisty woman who has had some personal problems. The story goes back and forth between the 2 women. Cinnamon and Dawn are likeable characters who you can relate to and they way they interact with each other within the story. Cinnamon always giving Dawn advice, tips and sometimes becoming a feisty Dawn is so immense. The ending wasn't what I expected, but I did guess some of the stuff in the book.
I loved the way Carol E. Wyer tackles issues to do with places where older women can look for new ways to spice up their love lives and the fascination with certain shops and what's out there. It made me laugh and smile at things with the characters and it also made me feel sorry for the 2 main characters.
July 25, 2013
Dawn Ellis and her husband are not adjusting to life after unemployment. After more than 20 years of marriage life has become a habit and the habit is hard to break. Empty nest syndrome and retirement on the horizon brings home the reality that the spark has gone out of their marriage.
Dawn decides to take up new hobbies in the shape of a writing group and keep fit classes to keep her mind and body active.
The writing group are a supportive bunch and Dawn begins to spend time with the hunk of the story, Jason. Will she get too close to Jason?
Dawn takes her writing very seriously and uses method writing to get into the mind of her latest heroine, Cinnamon Knight. Or does Cinnamon get into Dawn's mind? It was a challenge to remember who was Dawn and who was Cinnamon and what was real and what was fiction. Cinnamon even begins to dislike Dawn's behaviour. Does Dawn have a split personality? You decide.
With a larger than life cast of characters, including the nosy postie, Viv, that are going to shock and entertain you, I can say this is my all time favourite from this author. I miss those characters already.
5 out of 5! It's naughty but nice, sugar and spice!
Review copy
Dawn decides to take up new hobbies in the shape of a writing group and keep fit classes to keep her mind and body active.
The writing group are a supportive bunch and Dawn begins to spend time with the hunk of the story, Jason. Will she get too close to Jason?
Dawn takes her writing very seriously and uses method writing to get into the mind of her latest heroine, Cinnamon Knight. Or does Cinnamon get into Dawn's mind? It was a challenge to remember who was Dawn and who was Cinnamon and what was real and what was fiction. Cinnamon even begins to dislike Dawn's behaviour. Does Dawn have a split personality? You decide.
With a larger than life cast of characters, including the nosy postie, Viv, that are going to shock and entertain you, I can say this is my all time favourite from this author. I miss those characters already.
5 out of 5! It's naughty but nice, sugar and spice!
Review copy
July 26, 2013
In Just add Spice, the author has written an entirely believable story. You can very easily imagine that Dawn Ellis is someone you know - she could be that woman you see at the bus stop, or the one who queues in the sandwich shop just ahead of you at lunchtime, but what the story reiterates is that we are never quite sure about what goes on in the lives of those around us. With an uninteresting marriage and the prospect of dull reality, Dawn could have sunk so easily into the humdrum of middle age, but her interest in creative writing and the spicy life of her alter ego, Cinnamon, allows Dawn to give full reign to her imagination.
I really enjoyed this warm and witty story, the author has captured both the reality of an uninspiring life and the way in which any life can be transformed by just adding a little bit of spice.
This is a fabulous summer read - just perfect for a long lazy day in the garden.
I really enjoyed this warm and witty story, the author has captured both the reality of an uninspiring life and the way in which any life can be transformed by just adding a little bit of spice.
This is a fabulous summer read - just perfect for a long lazy day in the garden.
July 18, 2013
Racy, funny, poignant
With Just Add Spice, Carol Wyer has taken her storytelling to a new, deeper, level. The jokes are there aplenty - the kind of smart, sassy retorts and situation set-ups/payoffs which litter her earlier books. But this story has a touching poignancy which will make the characters stay with you long after you finish reading.
There is a confident, balanced structure which brings the characters fully to life without sacrificing pace in the plot. The story moves along at a nice clip, which allows the plot twists to catch you unawares and jokes to hit you right in the funny bone. Altogether, this is a very satisfying read from a lady whose skill continues to impress.
Highly recommended.
**Disclosure: I was fortunate enough to be a pre-release reader for this title, however I would never recommend any book which did not objectively deserve to be recommended.
With Just Add Spice, Carol Wyer has taken her storytelling to a new, deeper, level. The jokes are there aplenty - the kind of smart, sassy retorts and situation set-ups/payoffs which litter her earlier books. But this story has a touching poignancy which will make the characters stay with you long after you finish reading.
There is a confident, balanced structure which brings the characters fully to life without sacrificing pace in the plot. The story moves along at a nice clip, which allows the plot twists to catch you unawares and jokes to hit you right in the funny bone. Altogether, this is a very satisfying read from a lady whose skill continues to impress.
Highly recommended.
**Disclosure: I was fortunate enough to be a pre-release reader for this title, however I would never recommend any book which did not objectively deserve to be recommended.
July 24, 2013
I first want to say that I am the editor for this book, so I am very likely a bit biased.
Synopsis: Dawn Ellis needs to escape from her painfully dull existence. Her unemployed husband spends all day complaining about life, moping around, or fixing lawnmowers on her kitchen table. The local writing class proves to be an adequate distraction with its eccentric collection of wannabe authors and, of course, the enigmatic Jason, who soon shows a romantic interest in her.
Dawn pours her inner frustrations into her first novel about the extraordinary exploits of Cinnamon Knight, an avenging angel -- a woman who doesn't believe in following the rules. Cinnamon is ruthless and wanton, inflicting suffering on any man who warrants it. Little does Dawn realise that soon the line between reality and fiction will blur. Her own life will be transformed, and those close to her will pay the price.
Review: I was really impressed by the way that Carol drew me into this "story within a story". It's about Dawn, a writer, who invents an opposite alter-ego, then lives vicariously through her character. She is part of a writing group at her local library, and follows the advice of her tutor (who is allegedly a best-selling author himself) who tells the group to breathe life into the characters they write about: set up Facebook identities for them, try to do the things that they do in the books to see if it's possible, and so on.
Which makes the very beginning hilarious, as Dawn tries to hot-wire her son's car, to find out if it's even reasonable to do what Cinnamon can do.
I won't give away any more spoilers, but suffice it to say that the book kept me reading... I had difficulty going home in the evening from work, because I just wanted to finish editing the book (and reading it in the process).
Brilliant read. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for a great summer read!
Synopsis: Dawn Ellis needs to escape from her painfully dull existence. Her unemployed husband spends all day complaining about life, moping around, or fixing lawnmowers on her kitchen table. The local writing class proves to be an adequate distraction with its eccentric collection of wannabe authors and, of course, the enigmatic Jason, who soon shows a romantic interest in her.
Dawn pours her inner frustrations into her first novel about the extraordinary exploits of Cinnamon Knight, an avenging angel -- a woman who doesn't believe in following the rules. Cinnamon is ruthless and wanton, inflicting suffering on any man who warrants it. Little does Dawn realise that soon the line between reality and fiction will blur. Her own life will be transformed, and those close to her will pay the price.
Review: I was really impressed by the way that Carol drew me into this "story within a story". It's about Dawn, a writer, who invents an opposite alter-ego, then lives vicariously through her character. She is part of a writing group at her local library, and follows the advice of her tutor (who is allegedly a best-selling author himself) who tells the group to breathe life into the characters they write about: set up Facebook identities for them, try to do the things that they do in the books to see if it's possible, and so on.
Which makes the very beginning hilarious, as Dawn tries to hot-wire her son's car, to find out if it's even reasonable to do what Cinnamon can do.
I won't give away any more spoilers, but suffice it to say that the book kept me reading... I had difficulty going home in the evening from work, because I just wanted to finish editing the book (and reading it in the process).
Brilliant read. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for a great summer read!
July 25, 2013
Just Add Spice When I first got the gist of the plot, the lines between reality and fiction blurring, the leading lady’s heroine in a novel becoming so real she takes on a persona of her own, so much so, we read the story also from her POV, I wondered, whether the author could pull it off. She did. Oh, how she did. I was totally convinced, drawn straight in and eager to follow ‘both’ leading ladies stories. When you find yourself thinking, well, if Dawn can do it, I can, you have empathised, completely. The story has fabulous chuckle moments you can’t fail to identify with. The ‘which animal in bed’ line had me laughing out loud – in public. The dilemma about whether to dice up a certain sexual enhancement aid for fear of… Well, I’m saying no more for fear of spoilers. This is a tongue in cheek story, but with real poignancy. Reader or writer, we’re looking for escapism, but also for characters we can identify with. Carol gives us that, in buckets. The supporting cast (the characters in the writing group are all fabulously drawn, recognisable people the heroine can feed off, particularly one. My lips are sealed). Overall, this is a story about growth, about it never being too late to try to grow, not just aspire to – and it comes to a very satisfactory conclusion. The ending was all I wanted it to be, for two certain ladies. Here’s to Cinnamon (loved the Jessica analogy). To Dawn.
Note: Carol is a fellow author at Safkhet Publishing. As a best-selling author she was on my ‘must-read’ list with her previous books before she became so. My review is therefore my honest opinion of a highly entertaining read.
Note: Carol is a fellow author at Safkhet Publishing. As a best-selling author she was on my ‘must-read’ list with her previous books before she became so. My review is therefore my honest opinion of a highly entertaining read.
July 27, 2013
Just Add Spice is written with the sassy humour, clever plot and honesty we come to expect from Carol E Wyer. Her latest offering starts by observing a scene in a car where middle aged Dawn is caught steaming up car windows with her son's twenty-something friend. The outcome of this made me smile and laid the groudwork for the rest of the book to be as just as good.
Dawn is heading into her middle age with a heavy sense of unease. Her unemployed husband is forever moping around the house and becoming increasingly snappy and not much fun to be around, so she decides to do what she has always wanted to do and write a novel.
She joins a writing group with a mixed bag of eccentric characters (I do like Geraldine!) and quickly begins to develop the talent she has harboured while bringing up her son and letting her family's needs come first for too long.
Cinnamon Knight is a character not be messed with, literally. Dawn develops her and does as she is taught to do by getting actually into the mind of her characters, which has profound effects on Dawn's drab existence as she begins to morph into the kickass heroine that is Cinnamon, or has she just been hiding this side to her all along?
The book is really well written, funny and you can relate entirely to Dawn. The author has addressed issues of approaching middle age, and losing the spark of a marriage sensitively and positively, and just adds a reminder to women that their lives certainly don't have to stop as they get older, as there's certainly plenty more fun to have!
I really loved the way Dawn (and Cinnamon's) characters developed, and enjoyed watching Dawn become more empowered and confident within her own body, and also watching Cinnamon deal with the issues she carried with her.
The characters were fabulously written and I really loved Dawn, rooting for her all the way. I also loved the friendship that developed between her and Viv, the nosey post lady!
The ending was great, everything was tied up and I loved the promise of new beginnings it brought.
Just Add Spice was extremely easy to read, at times it was as if you actually were Dawn, and the way it switched between Dawn and Cinnamon added another depth to the plot.
I really enjoyed Just Add Spice and would highly recommend it!
Dawn is heading into her middle age with a heavy sense of unease. Her unemployed husband is forever moping around the house and becoming increasingly snappy and not much fun to be around, so she decides to do what she has always wanted to do and write a novel.
She joins a writing group with a mixed bag of eccentric characters (I do like Geraldine!) and quickly begins to develop the talent she has harboured while bringing up her son and letting her family's needs come first for too long.
Cinnamon Knight is a character not be messed with, literally. Dawn develops her and does as she is taught to do by getting actually into the mind of her characters, which has profound effects on Dawn's drab existence as she begins to morph into the kickass heroine that is Cinnamon, or has she just been hiding this side to her all along?
The book is really well written, funny and you can relate entirely to Dawn. The author has addressed issues of approaching middle age, and losing the spark of a marriage sensitively and positively, and just adds a reminder to women that their lives certainly don't have to stop as they get older, as there's certainly plenty more fun to have!
I really loved the way Dawn (and Cinnamon's) characters developed, and enjoyed watching Dawn become more empowered and confident within her own body, and also watching Cinnamon deal with the issues she carried with her.
The characters were fabulously written and I really loved Dawn, rooting for her all the way. I also loved the friendship that developed between her and Viv, the nosey post lady!
The ending was great, everything was tied up and I loved the promise of new beginnings it brought.
Just Add Spice was extremely easy to read, at times it was as if you actually were Dawn, and the way it switched between Dawn and Cinnamon added another depth to the plot.
I really enjoyed Just Add Spice and would highly recommend it!
August 3, 2013
Oh Carol....what can I say? I loved it. Dawn, Cinnamon, Geoff, Jim, Jason, Marcus and even Jack...never failed to thrill me through this lovely book. At first I wasn't keeping up (an age thing) but then as I got involved with the characters, their marriages, their thoughts and their feelings....I felt I could almost relate. Dawns unemployed husband makes me want to scream, but when she delves into taking care of herself (after all those years of taking care of him) I was jubilant.
And what better way than a creative writing course. Her character Cinnamon made me laugh and envy her outspoken ways...and of course, I do love happy endings...
Bravo Carol.
And what better way than a creative writing course. Her character Cinnamon made me laugh and envy her outspoken ways...and of course, I do love happy endings...
Bravo Carol.
July 27, 2013
Dawn Ellis had previously been a content housewife. With her Husband away at work all day and her daily routine of looking after her house and Family, bringing up her Son and visiting her Father, she hadn’t wanted for anything more.
Then her Husband lost his job and became a permanent fixture at home, complaining about her routine, finding fault with the household tasks she’s been mastering for decades and littering her kitchen table with garden tools. In a bid to escape what is quickly becoming a mundane home regime, Dawn joins a local writing class and begins to write her first novel.
The female protagonist of said novel is Cinnamon Knight, a Woman scorned whose previous life had been similar to Dawn’s and who will now stop at nothing to get what she wants and teach much needed lessons to those that have crossed her. Starting with her Husband and the Woman he left her for …
Faced with writing a story that includes car theft, murder plots, sexy lingerie and some serious ass-kicking, Dawn partakes in some hands on research to enable her to write her novel in as much detail as possible. This leads to some very funny scenes involving her Son’s car, her local lingerie department and many hilarious conversations with the new local Postwoman, Viv.
So begins a Fight Club-esque story, with Dawn slowly evolving into the Woman she wants to be and Cinnamon separating herself from the pages of Dawn’s story and becoming more alive by the Chapter. Is Cinnamon just a figment of Dawn’s imagination or has she been here all along?
Just Add Spice is the first of Carol E Wyer’s books that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. It is often funny, particularly where Postwoman, Viv is concerned and the additional characters provided via Dawn’s Writing Group and her keep fit sessions (including Jason, who is on a mission to become her very own Dustin Hoffman) are each unique and entertaining.
There was only one real surprise for me in this story, which I’m not going to spoil for you – all I will say one particular element didn’t end the way I thought it would! However, the ending was great and very fitting to our leading Lady, Dawn. Personally, I enjoyed reading Dawn’s story more than that of Cinnamon. I particularly liked her transformation from “sugary” housewife to “spicy” independent Woman and loved her conversations with both Viv and her Father.
My Rating – 4/5 – A funny, enjoyable novel about trying new things and discovering your inner self. The regular crossover between Dawn and Cinnamon’s stories is well told and easy to follow, avoiding any confusion as these two ladies slowly become one. If you’re looking for a book that is very entertaining and a tad romantic, Just Add Spice is worth every penny!
REVIEW: Just Add Spice - Carol E Wyer (Me, Bookshelf and I)
Then her Husband lost his job and became a permanent fixture at home, complaining about her routine, finding fault with the household tasks she’s been mastering for decades and littering her kitchen table with garden tools. In a bid to escape what is quickly becoming a mundane home regime, Dawn joins a local writing class and begins to write her first novel.
The female protagonist of said novel is Cinnamon Knight, a Woman scorned whose previous life had been similar to Dawn’s and who will now stop at nothing to get what she wants and teach much needed lessons to those that have crossed her. Starting with her Husband and the Woman he left her for …
Faced with writing a story that includes car theft, murder plots, sexy lingerie and some serious ass-kicking, Dawn partakes in some hands on research to enable her to write her novel in as much detail as possible. This leads to some very funny scenes involving her Son’s car, her local lingerie department and many hilarious conversations with the new local Postwoman, Viv.
So begins a Fight Club-esque story, with Dawn slowly evolving into the Woman she wants to be and Cinnamon separating herself from the pages of Dawn’s story and becoming more alive by the Chapter. Is Cinnamon just a figment of Dawn’s imagination or has she been here all along?
Just Add Spice is the first of Carol E Wyer’s books that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. It is often funny, particularly where Postwoman, Viv is concerned and the additional characters provided via Dawn’s Writing Group and her keep fit sessions (including Jason, who is on a mission to become her very own Dustin Hoffman) are each unique and entertaining.
There was only one real surprise for me in this story, which I’m not going to spoil for you – all I will say one particular element didn’t end the way I thought it would! However, the ending was great and very fitting to our leading Lady, Dawn. Personally, I enjoyed reading Dawn’s story more than that of Cinnamon. I particularly liked her transformation from “sugary” housewife to “spicy” independent Woman and loved her conversations with both Viv and her Father.
My Rating – 4/5 – A funny, enjoyable novel about trying new things and discovering your inner self. The regular crossover between Dawn and Cinnamon’s stories is well told and easy to follow, avoiding any confusion as these two ladies slowly become one. If you’re looking for a book that is very entertaining and a tad romantic, Just Add Spice is worth every penny!
REVIEW: Just Add Spice - Carol E Wyer (Me, Bookshelf and I)
August 1, 2013
As soon as I read the opening passage to Carol E. Wyer's new novel I was hooked, even more so when I realised I wasn't reading the latest erotica but a very humorous and touching account of a middle aged woman's dawning realisation that there is more to life than being a wife and mother.
Dawn has had her share of heartache but for more than twenty years she has had a safe and secure marriage and a son which have been the centre of her life, it may not have been an exciting life but she's been happy. Now though, husband Jim has been made redundant and Dawn has joined a writing class and is actually writing a novel. Her life suddenly becomes entwined with that of her character Cinnamon Knight as certain traits of Cinnamon bring out a new woman in Dawn as she finds herself experimenting with exercise, pondering her old life, making new friends and generally just trying to spice things up as she discovers her past may not have been all she thought and that there's life out there for the taking and it's never too late to start again.
Dawn is the kind of character that you just want as your friend, she's warm, friendly and enjoys a laugh. Her character Cinnamon is everything Dawn is not, feisty and full of anger but equally a character to empathise with and warm to.
I enjoyed following both Dawn and Cinnamon's stories. Even though there is some deeper sadness involved there is plenty of humour and light hearted moments and the story and the characters kept my interest throughout. The cast of characters is fabulous, even the minor ones leave a very colourful picture in the head of the reader and their voices are just spot on.
It was a real pleasure to be with Dawn as she evolved in this novel and I'm sure every reader has wished her well with her new beginning...
This was the first book I've read by Carol E.Wyer but I can honestly say it won't be the last, I enjoyed every kickboxing punch and damaged letter!
Dawn has had her share of heartache but for more than twenty years she has had a safe and secure marriage and a son which have been the centre of her life, it may not have been an exciting life but she's been happy. Now though, husband Jim has been made redundant and Dawn has joined a writing class and is actually writing a novel. Her life suddenly becomes entwined with that of her character Cinnamon Knight as certain traits of Cinnamon bring out a new woman in Dawn as she finds herself experimenting with exercise, pondering her old life, making new friends and generally just trying to spice things up as she discovers her past may not have been all she thought and that there's life out there for the taking and it's never too late to start again.
Dawn is the kind of character that you just want as your friend, she's warm, friendly and enjoys a laugh. Her character Cinnamon is everything Dawn is not, feisty and full of anger but equally a character to empathise with and warm to.
I enjoyed following both Dawn and Cinnamon's stories. Even though there is some deeper sadness involved there is plenty of humour and light hearted moments and the story and the characters kept my interest throughout. The cast of characters is fabulous, even the minor ones leave a very colourful picture in the head of the reader and their voices are just spot on.
It was a real pleasure to be with Dawn as she evolved in this novel and I'm sure every reader has wished her well with her new beginning...
This was the first book I've read by Carol E.Wyer but I can honestly say it won't be the last, I enjoyed every kickboxing punch and damaged letter!
August 2, 2013
I received my copy from Netgalley.
Overall I enjoyed this book.
Synopsis:
Escape from reality comes in patent-leather Prada kneeboots
Dawn Ellis needs to escape from her painfully dull existence. Her unemployed husband spends all day complaining about life, moping around, or fixing lawnmowers on her kitchen table. The local writing class proves to be an adequate distraction with its eccentric collection of wannabe authors and, of course, the enigmatic Jason, who soon shows a romantic interest in her.
Dawn pours her inner frustrations into her first novel about the extraordinary exploits of Cinnamon Knight, an avenging angel -- a woman who doesn't believe in following the rules. Cinnamon is ruthless and wanton, inflicting suffering on any man who warrants it. Little does Dawn realise that soon the line between reality and fiction will blur. Her own life will be transformed, and those close to her will pay the price. Find out what happens in Just Add Spice by best-selling author Carol E Wyer.
The Good:
-light beachy read
- nice mix of reality / fictional storylines
- very realistic with the reality (relationship with her husband)
- entertaining
The Bad:
- the romantic part wasn't believable to me
Perfect summer, light reading.
Overall I enjoyed this book.
Synopsis:
Escape from reality comes in patent-leather Prada kneeboots
Dawn Ellis needs to escape from her painfully dull existence. Her unemployed husband spends all day complaining about life, moping around, or fixing lawnmowers on her kitchen table. The local writing class proves to be an adequate distraction with its eccentric collection of wannabe authors and, of course, the enigmatic Jason, who soon shows a romantic interest in her.
Dawn pours her inner frustrations into her first novel about the extraordinary exploits of Cinnamon Knight, an avenging angel -- a woman who doesn't believe in following the rules. Cinnamon is ruthless and wanton, inflicting suffering on any man who warrants it. Little does Dawn realise that soon the line between reality and fiction will blur. Her own life will be transformed, and those close to her will pay the price. Find out what happens in Just Add Spice by best-selling author Carol E Wyer.
The Good:
-light beachy read
- nice mix of reality / fictional storylines
- very realistic with the reality (relationship with her husband)
- entertaining
The Bad:
- the romantic part wasn't believable to me
Perfect summer, light reading.
August 5, 2013
Enjoyed reading Just Add Spice by Carol E. Wyer. Presented in a humor filled often matter a fact way, Dawn Ellis' life reads like any other normal middle age woman does. Feeling the empty nest syndrome with a grumpy husband who lost his job and isn't any help to be around with has made Dawn reach for something she hasn't done before. She joined a writing class. Here she starts enjoying herself and she starts making friends outside of home and motherhood. Dawn also discovers her talent for writing of which she really excels at. This book has no world ending surprises but the author has written it in such a way that you go through the story without getting bored. Readers would soon catch on long before the main character does. In fact as Dawn continues telling the tale of Cinnamon Knight, the heroine of her book, its obvious to readers that this is her alter ego. At the start she loves Cinnamon, who is everything she wants to be but feels that she can't ever be. But as the research for her book intensifies, she discovers that she has more of Cinnamon in her than she ever imagined. This book is full of laughter, moments of frustrations, and fantastic and weird characters you feel might be your neighbors. This is about the journey to finding and loving yourself and making your dreams come true. You just might even get the hot younger guy!
*Thank you netgalley and the publisher for providing the ARC of this book in return for an honest review*
*Thank you netgalley and the publisher for providing the ARC of this book in return for an honest review*
October 17, 2013
Just add Spice by Carol E. Wyer is a 2013 publication. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Dawn's husband Jim, was forced into retirement. Their only son is beginning his life on his own and may even be about to pop the question to his girlfriend.
The long, comfortable relationship Dawn and Jim had has become increasingly strained. Jim is miserable now that he no longer has a job.
Dawn on the other hand is beginning to enjoy a new time in her life when she is able to explore her love of writing and has decided to get her body in shape.
A character in the novel Dawn is writing, Cinnamon, is always in Dawn's ear. As Dawn takes writing and exercise classes, deals with her marriage and stepping out of her comfortable life, Cinnamon sort of cheers her on or plays devil's advocate.
The story alternates between Dawn's real life world and the fictional world of Cinnamon. Of course there just so happens to be a similarities between Dawn's life and Cinnamon's. Will reality and fantasy collide?
This is a really unique story about a woman in her forties, going through some difficult changes. Her life had been at least contented until Jim lost his job. She raised her son, took care of her home, enjoyed her own company and looked after her dad.
But, now her husband is an old grouch, and her son doesn't need her anymore. She doesn't have any close friends to talk to. So, she escapes into the novel she is writing. Taking her classes introduces her to a new people and encourages her to continue with her hope of finishing her novel. She even attracts the attention of a younger man, who becomes a real temptation to Dawn, especially given the circumstances of her home life.
I think the story is one many women can relate to. Having your husband under your feet after retirement can be a shock. Men in particular seem to have trouble adjusting to those life changes, but when it's forced on you, it's really hard to take. Dawn finds that she and her husband don't really have that much in common anymore and now the cracks are starting to show.
After her son has moved into adulthood, Dawn is forced to examine herself and isn't really all that happy with what she sees. Instead of moping and falling into a depression, she sets out to discover who she is now and where her future will lie. Some of those things are decided for her, but Dawn proves to be resilient. We know that both Dawn and Cinnamon are fighters and will both will survive, and maybe they can still have a much deserved HEA. Overall I think this in a B+
Dawn's husband Jim, was forced into retirement. Their only son is beginning his life on his own and may even be about to pop the question to his girlfriend.
The long, comfortable relationship Dawn and Jim had has become increasingly strained. Jim is miserable now that he no longer has a job.
Dawn on the other hand is beginning to enjoy a new time in her life when she is able to explore her love of writing and has decided to get her body in shape.
A character in the novel Dawn is writing, Cinnamon, is always in Dawn's ear. As Dawn takes writing and exercise classes, deals with her marriage and stepping out of her comfortable life, Cinnamon sort of cheers her on or plays devil's advocate.
The story alternates between Dawn's real life world and the fictional world of Cinnamon. Of course there just so happens to be a similarities between Dawn's life and Cinnamon's. Will reality and fantasy collide?
This is a really unique story about a woman in her forties, going through some difficult changes. Her life had been at least contented until Jim lost his job. She raised her son, took care of her home, enjoyed her own company and looked after her dad.
But, now her husband is an old grouch, and her son doesn't need her anymore. She doesn't have any close friends to talk to. So, she escapes into the novel she is writing. Taking her classes introduces her to a new people and encourages her to continue with her hope of finishing her novel. She even attracts the attention of a younger man, who becomes a real temptation to Dawn, especially given the circumstances of her home life.
I think the story is one many women can relate to. Having your husband under your feet after retirement can be a shock. Men in particular seem to have trouble adjusting to those life changes, but when it's forced on you, it's really hard to take. Dawn finds that she and her husband don't really have that much in common anymore and now the cracks are starting to show.
After her son has moved into adulthood, Dawn is forced to examine herself and isn't really all that happy with what she sees. Instead of moping and falling into a depression, she sets out to discover who she is now and where her future will lie. Some of those things are decided for her, but Dawn proves to be resilient. We know that both Dawn and Cinnamon are fighters and will both will survive, and maybe they can still have a much deserved HEA. Overall I think this in a B+
September 16, 2013
"Just Add Spice" is not a romance, although it feels like one, not a comedy although parts are funny, not a coming-of-age novel because the heroine Dawn Ellis is in her 40s and thus too old by current standards to have any such experiences. Forty is simply the waiting room for would-be seniors mourning the loss of their youth prior to their reservation in the nearest nursing home.
Dawn has raised her kids, sent them out into the world and in her empty nest tries to rekindle her marriage with husband Jim, who's lost his job, lost his good humor and lost any lust he ever had for her.Even the miracle drug Viagra isn't capable of lighting a fire down below.
So what's an old lady in her 40s who's lost her mojo supposed to do? Well, join a writing class, start a novel about a hot and dangerous alterego named Cinnamon, meet a hot young stud in her writing class who for some unknown reason seems to be burning for her, slim down at the local gym where she's again thrown into proximy with the young stud - who actually might have a brain in his head - take a kickboxing class and bit by bit learn that an old lady in her 40s might still have a few mountains left to climb and maybe even a few hot sessions in the sack.
This is a funny. moving Brit novel about a place a lot of men and women find themselves in after the first promise of youth has faded and they have to decide what they want to do with what's left of their lives.
December 22, 2014
Just Add Spice by Carol E. Wyer et is a first reads win and I'm giving my honest review. Dawn is married to Jim. She gave up everything for him. All seemed fine until he lost his accounting job. Their son Dan noticing his mom distracted she take a writing course at the local library. Dawn started it and loved it. The author/teacher Mr. Blake said they must become the character. Dawn started living precariously through her character Cinnamon. In the story Cinnamon's husband left her for a much you.ger woman who was her friend and confidante. She is hurt very bad. She vow her revenge and revenge on all cheaters. As her alter ego, Dawn tries her hand at hot wiring a car. Then she gets a personal trainer and wants to learn kickboxing. In writing class Dawn meet Jason. They get along well. When she's ready for her first kickboxing lesson, Jason is the instructor. Cinnamon talks to her. making you wonder about her sanity. The story winds it way back and forth between Dawn and Cinnamon's adventures. It's a delightful read.
August 8, 2013
I hadn’t read anything by this author before and didn’t know what to expect. I’m pleased to say it was a very enjoyable, witty and entertaining read. This was partly a book within a book as bored housewife Dawn begins writing a novel and thus creates Cinnamon Knight – a gutsy and ball-breaking character, who fed up with men treating her, and indeed her fellow women badly, decides to fight back.
As Dawn creates more escapades for Cinnamon, the lives of both herself and her creation become blurred and she realises that the life she has is not necessarily the one she wants. Her marriage is unhappy, her son is embarking on a life and family of his own and she wants more from life.
Will Dawn – and Cinnamon have their happy ending? You will have to read the book to find out but prepare to be entertained along the way.
As Dawn creates more escapades for Cinnamon, the lives of both herself and her creation become blurred and she realises that the life she has is not necessarily the one she wants. Her marriage is unhappy, her son is embarking on a life and family of his own and she wants more from life.
Will Dawn – and Cinnamon have their happy ending? You will have to read the book to find out but prepare to be entertained along the way.
September 5, 2013
"...No one has managed to track her down or interview her just yet. Mystery sells as much as sex it seems." commented Blake as he stacked up a pile of papers he had marked for the group.
"I bet she's over eighty years old and has a face like a slapped ass." said Craig.
...A fantastic combination of torture and pleasure. Carol E. Wyer dazzles readers with Cinnamon's insatiable appetite to inflict pain on cheats whilst arousing readers' interest (and more) all the same.
People who know me as a reviewer (a terrible, mean one), know that by reading thirty percent of their book, if I am not gripped, I send back an email stating why I can't write a review. This book already had me before two percent. I have read a lot of chick-lit, but none commencing with the lead learning to hotwire a car (thrilling!)
So Dawn is a middle-aged woman-no job, an unemployed husband who doesn't know of her existence, a son who's passed the moving out stage of his life and much too many sagging flesh. (You should see how Carol was vivid about all the sagging buttocks-sweet imagery).
Growing up, it hadn't been easy for Dawn. Pretty rough childhood with one parent dying and the other pushing all his woes into the bottle to have little time to cater for her.
Bored day in day out with her life by a husband who won't last more than twenty seconds in bed (see the saying about 'the older the merrier' is all a lie), she decides to take a writing class suggested by her son, Dan, to pen a novel and achieve something this once in her entire life.
Undergoing a series of writing classes with very hilarious characters-ones that put all their goods on display and ones that don't (so high-school), she takes in the lessons of instructor and best-selling author, Blake Ryder, who's advised them strongly to breathe, live their character to make them believable, Dawn is faced with the challenge of embodying her main, Cinnamon.
Apparently, Cinnamon isn't as sweet as her name suggests. Living the adage, Hell Hath No Fury Like A Scorned Woman, Cinnamon is out to make all the dirty men in the world pay, including their 'other woman'. Before Dawn knows it (in knee-high Prada boots, of course) she is taking a kick-boxing class, exercising for a firmer ass and buying Viagra online to prevent her from making Cinnamon get an orgasm in twenty seconds (like she doesn't).
But there's a thin line between reality and imagination, and (even in knee-high Prada boots, of course) Dawn knows she's stepping over, but would she be able to pull herself out before it's too late (I mean,hotwiring first, daylight burglary next?).
This book is so worth gushing about. I adored it right from the onset.
I adored Dawn right from the onset.
Beginning this blog, I have read so many funny books. And this is one of them. I am sure this book has added more years to my life because I really laughed a lot (at least that's what my granny says about laughter). From a funny lead, to the incredibly hilarious cast, Carol Wyer sure knows how to make people laugh. That gives her my first star.
I loved this title for some of the lessons it brought up. Lessons on infidelity, ageing, middle-age fitness, loss, love and... kick-boxing. This book touches on themes that struck a nerve, but portrayed so humorously there are very few crying moments. Don't get me wrong, the depth is there but what's a book that's going to keep you and your box of Kleenex wasted. Certainly not an economical one.
Just like one hunk Jason in this book, I am a sucker for older women, so I like how this book is aligned more to the lives of women who are 'supposed to be keeping it together' rather than women 'single and earnestly on the hunt'-second star.
Also, I wouldn't do justice to this review if I don't mention that it's brilliantly well-written. Now unless Carol Wyer is the best-writing author instead, this story is incredibly light. There are more instances for this novel to be have been titled Just Add Spice and Other Stories, but though there are many stories running alongside the lead's (Cinnamon's and short stories from the members of the writing class), this novel was a really quick-read (just 184 pages). This fascinating feature earned it a star.
I loved, loved Cinnamon's story. It was fun to know you could fuse chick-lit with a psychological thriller. Though she's a bit rougher than her creator, Carol (or rather, Dawn) revealed an emotional side to her that got me both sympathizing and falling hard. But that's no surprise since I love women who come off hard (Hello, Angelina Jolie). This imaginary character's story had a fulfilling end that filled me with warmth (and this isn't because she ended up in Jo'burg)-third star.
And ooh, I have got to buy all the other characters their own novels. From the writing instructor Blake who would stare at the boobs of one student for half an hour and give out really informative tips about writing. To Craig the salesman who got me wondering 'what the hell is a car salesman doing in a writing class?'. To Geraldine who wouldn't do every assignment given because she's been suffering from Writer's Block for over a year (Credible tale). To Viv, the post woman who gets high on almost always catching Dawn in hilarious situations. To Jason, the HUNK, who loves animated movies. I could go on and on... I loved each and everyone of them to pieces-another star.
You would like this book for the numerous surprises in the form of Aahs, Oohs And OhsMG. It's breath-taking (literally). And Carol doesn't make you recover after throwing a punch. She keeps them coming like you can handle them, leaving you thinking "Oh, I never thought... ", "Ah, how come I never saw that coming." and "Ooh, that's some nice..."-final star.
There's just nothing wrong with this work. From start to finish is perfect. Trust me because I sighed contentedly. The resolution, is just so perfect.
I recommend this title for anyone who's looking for something more mature. Anyone who believes fifty is the new thirty. Anyone who's a sucker for themes that struck raw nerves portrayed in a less tearful way. And just anybody, anybody, anybody this book is worth grabbing. I'd appreciate anyone who comes around to gush about Carol Wyer, a little Tea time with Just Add Spice.
If Carol's kick-boxing is as good as her writing ('live, breathe your character'), I wouldn't want to mess with her.
"I bet she's over eighty years old and has a face like a slapped ass." said Craig.
...A fantastic combination of torture and pleasure. Carol E. Wyer dazzles readers with Cinnamon's insatiable appetite to inflict pain on cheats whilst arousing readers' interest (and more) all the same.
People who know me as a reviewer (a terrible, mean one), know that by reading thirty percent of their book, if I am not gripped, I send back an email stating why I can't write a review. This book already had me before two percent. I have read a lot of chick-lit, but none commencing with the lead learning to hotwire a car (thrilling!)
So Dawn is a middle-aged woman-no job, an unemployed husband who doesn't know of her existence, a son who's passed the moving out stage of his life and much too many sagging flesh. (You should see how Carol was vivid about all the sagging buttocks-sweet imagery).
Growing up, it hadn't been easy for Dawn. Pretty rough childhood with one parent dying and the other pushing all his woes into the bottle to have little time to cater for her.
Bored day in day out with her life by a husband who won't last more than twenty seconds in bed (see the saying about 'the older the merrier' is all a lie), she decides to take a writing class suggested by her son, Dan, to pen a novel and achieve something this once in her entire life.
Undergoing a series of writing classes with very hilarious characters-ones that put all their goods on display and ones that don't (so high-school), she takes in the lessons of instructor and best-selling author, Blake Ryder, who's advised them strongly to breathe, live their character to make them believable, Dawn is faced with the challenge of embodying her main, Cinnamon.
Apparently, Cinnamon isn't as sweet as her name suggests. Living the adage, Hell Hath No Fury Like A Scorned Woman, Cinnamon is out to make all the dirty men in the world pay, including their 'other woman'. Before Dawn knows it (in knee-high Prada boots, of course) she is taking a kick-boxing class, exercising for a firmer ass and buying Viagra online to prevent her from making Cinnamon get an orgasm in twenty seconds (like she doesn't).
But there's a thin line between reality and imagination, and (even in knee-high Prada boots, of course) Dawn knows she's stepping over, but would she be able to pull herself out before it's too late (I mean,hotwiring first, daylight burglary next?).
This book is so worth gushing about. I adored it right from the onset.
I adored Dawn right from the onset.
Beginning this blog, I have read so many funny books. And this is one of them. I am sure this book has added more years to my life because I really laughed a lot (at least that's what my granny says about laughter). From a funny lead, to the incredibly hilarious cast, Carol Wyer sure knows how to make people laugh. That gives her my first star.
I loved this title for some of the lessons it brought up. Lessons on infidelity, ageing, middle-age fitness, loss, love and... kick-boxing. This book touches on themes that struck a nerve, but portrayed so humorously there are very few crying moments. Don't get me wrong, the depth is there but what's a book that's going to keep you and your box of Kleenex wasted. Certainly not an economical one.
Just like one hunk Jason in this book, I am a sucker for older women, so I like how this book is aligned more to the lives of women who are 'supposed to be keeping it together' rather than women 'single and earnestly on the hunt'-second star.
Also, I wouldn't do justice to this review if I don't mention that it's brilliantly well-written. Now unless Carol Wyer is the best-writing author instead, this story is incredibly light. There are more instances for this novel to be have been titled Just Add Spice and Other Stories, but though there are many stories running alongside the lead's (Cinnamon's and short stories from the members of the writing class), this novel was a really quick-read (just 184 pages). This fascinating feature earned it a star.
I loved, loved Cinnamon's story. It was fun to know you could fuse chick-lit with a psychological thriller. Though she's a bit rougher than her creator, Carol (or rather, Dawn) revealed an emotional side to her that got me both sympathizing and falling hard. But that's no surprise since I love women who come off hard (Hello, Angelina Jolie). This imaginary character's story had a fulfilling end that filled me with warmth (and this isn't because she ended up in Jo'burg)-third star.
And ooh, I have got to buy all the other characters their own novels. From the writing instructor Blake who would stare at the boobs of one student for half an hour and give out really informative tips about writing. To Craig the salesman who got me wondering 'what the hell is a car salesman doing in a writing class?'. To Geraldine who wouldn't do every assignment given because she's been suffering from Writer's Block for over a year (Credible tale). To Viv, the post woman who gets high on almost always catching Dawn in hilarious situations. To Jason, the HUNK, who loves animated movies. I could go on and on... I loved each and everyone of them to pieces-another star.
You would like this book for the numerous surprises in the form of Aahs, Oohs And OhsMG. It's breath-taking (literally). And Carol doesn't make you recover after throwing a punch. She keeps them coming like you can handle them, leaving you thinking "Oh, I never thought... ", "Ah, how come I never saw that coming." and "Ooh, that's some nice..."-final star.
There's just nothing wrong with this work. From start to finish is perfect. Trust me because I sighed contentedly. The resolution, is just so perfect.
I recommend this title for anyone who's looking for something more mature. Anyone who believes fifty is the new thirty. Anyone who's a sucker for themes that struck raw nerves portrayed in a less tearful way. And just anybody, anybody, anybody this book is worth grabbing. I'd appreciate anyone who comes around to gush about Carol Wyer, a little Tea time with Just Add Spice.
If Carol's kick-boxing is as good as her writing ('live, breathe your character'), I wouldn't want to mess with her.
November 20, 2013
Just Add Spice is an entertaining romantic comedy that follows the life of Dawn Ellis, a middle aged bored housewife, who is going through the empty nest syndrome with a grumpy unemployed husband, who isn't too much fun to be around, that has her looking to add some new excitement to her life. Dawn joins a writing class as a welcome distraction in her otherwise dull life, and through the creation of her literary alter-ego Cinnamon Knight, Dawn fills the void in her life within the pages of her novel as Cinnamon, an avenging angel whose exploits have a profound effect on her creator's life, as the lines between reality and fiction begin to blur.
Author Carol E. Wyer weaves a sassy and humorous tale written in the third person narrative that simultaneously alternates between Dawn's life and the literary persona of avenging angel Cinnamon Knight, who comes to life outside the pages of Dawn's novel.
This is a fast paced and spicy story with an intriguing storyline about a bored middle aged woman who lives vicariously through the life of a character in the novel she is writing. Through Cinnamon's outrageous exploits, Dawn goes through a profound transformation of empowerment and self-confidence as she works through the issues in her life. Filled with plenty of quirky characters and surprising plot twists, author Carol E. Wyer weaves a wickedly witty tale that captures the reality of a person's normal life and transforming it into something more exciting if you just add a little spice!
Just Add Spice is a thoroughly entertaining romantic comedy that will tickle the reader's funny bone and put a smile on their face.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Providence Book Promotions.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Author Carol E. Wyer weaves a sassy and humorous tale written in the third person narrative that simultaneously alternates between Dawn's life and the literary persona of avenging angel Cinnamon Knight, who comes to life outside the pages of Dawn's novel.
This is a fast paced and spicy story with an intriguing storyline about a bored middle aged woman who lives vicariously through the life of a character in the novel she is writing. Through Cinnamon's outrageous exploits, Dawn goes through a profound transformation of empowerment and self-confidence as she works through the issues in her life. Filled with plenty of quirky characters and surprising plot twists, author Carol E. Wyer weaves a wickedly witty tale that captures the reality of a person's normal life and transforming it into something more exciting if you just add a little spice!
Just Add Spice is a thoroughly entertaining romantic comedy that will tickle the reader's funny bone and put a smile on their face.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Providence Book Promotions.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
August 10, 2013
Having read all of Ms Wyer's previous novels, I was really looking forward to reading her latest one, "Just Add Spice". To me, this is, by far, her best book to date (and I really enjoyed all the others). Her writing has been taken onto another level entirely, and I am even more of a fan than I was before. I almost read it at one sitting, finishing is just after midnight, so that should tell you something! Just Add Spice was different from anything I have read before, and, really, very very cleverly scripted indeed. I could relate to all the characters in the book, especially the leading ladies, Dawn and Cinnamon. (even that name and the title of the book was a clever twist I thought). I'm sure thousands of women could relate to the story - a couple who had been married for a long time, husband retires and they suddenly find that they have very little to say to each other. Dawn decides to join a writing group and starts to write a book - this is where the fun begins, when her leading character in the book she is writing (Cinnamon)keeps appearing to give Dawn advice. Well done Ms Wyer - you've got a winner here, and I would highly recommend it.
August 8, 2013
This is the first Carol E Wyer novel that I've read and I'm sure it won't be the last. This was actually surprising, easy to read, and a bit of a page turner with great twists that I honestly didn't expect.
Cinnamon's character was this glamorous, evocative but deeply wounded with an element of romanticism, danger and just plain scary! Dawn is just an every day sort of woman - a really believable character, realistic, someone who could be your neighbour with inhibitions and problems that we could all relate too.
However, this novel is more than an intermingling of characters. It's clever! There's a fictional character who creates her own fictional character but then interacts with her! I know, I know, it sounds it a bit barmy but it works really well. Most of us probably talk to ourselves...Dawn talks to Cinnamon. I mean let's face it, nobody really knows what goes on behind closed doors!
Overall, this novel is a fun read and the lollipop scene...OMG you should just read it for that! Read if you're a fan of Carol's but also if you're looking for something a little different to regular boy meets girl chick lit.
Cinnamon's character was this glamorous, evocative but deeply wounded with an element of romanticism, danger and just plain scary! Dawn is just an every day sort of woman - a really believable character, realistic, someone who could be your neighbour with inhibitions and problems that we could all relate too.
However, this novel is more than an intermingling of characters. It's clever! There's a fictional character who creates her own fictional character but then interacts with her! I know, I know, it sounds it a bit barmy but it works really well. Most of us probably talk to ourselves...Dawn talks to Cinnamon. I mean let's face it, nobody really knows what goes on behind closed doors!
Overall, this novel is a fun read and the lollipop scene...OMG you should just read it for that! Read if you're a fan of Carol's but also if you're looking for something a little different to regular boy meets girl chick lit.
October 26, 2013
At the outset, Just Add Spice is funny and camp and loads of good fun. Cinnamon, Dawn's literary alter-ego, is kind of a cross between Oprah and Wonder Woman, helping downtrodden women and punishing the men who prey on them. It's easy to cheer on Cinnamon--and Dawn--as they both forge ahead in what they thought were well-ordered lives. But then everything takes a surprising, more serious turn and suddenly the road is not so clear. What started out as comic-book fun becomes so much more as both women realize that life is messy and often not what we expect.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Carol writes with a fast-paced, easy style and moves the story along at a good pace. The characters are well-defined and full of emotion, easy to care for and easy to worry about when things go wrong. She weaves in all the stutter-steps of life, the two steps forward-one step back, the dead-ends, the short-cuts, the twists and turns that keep us guessing. This is a wild romp with a heart, and wonderfully satisfying. I will definitely read more of her!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Carol writes with a fast-paced, easy style and moves the story along at a good pace. The characters are well-defined and full of emotion, easy to care for and easy to worry about when things go wrong. She weaves in all the stutter-steps of life, the two steps forward-one step back, the dead-ends, the short-cuts, the twists and turns that keep us guessing. This is a wild romp with a heart, and wonderfully satisfying. I will definitely read more of her!
November 15, 2013
I love reading Carol’s books! Just Add Spice was no exception. Her mixture of loveable characters and those who seem (mostly) not far fetched from real life situations make for such an easy and escaping read.
Carol’s talent for adding funny almost cynically comical scenes to her novels is amazing. The opening scene of Just Add Spice already had me in stitches.
To escape some of her madness at home, Dawn takes part in a writing course. The characters she meets there (and believe me, there are some brilliant ones) have a big impact on Dawn’s life which runs alongside and grows with that of Cinnamon, the fictional character she creates in her writing course. I really took to this idea! It was brilliant to explore the happenings through Dawn’s and through Cinnamon’s eyes.
The story wouldn’t be complete without Jason who tries to allure her away from her set path. Jason’s character took on a completely different role than I had originally expected.
Just Add Spice is another brilliant Carol E Wyer read and I cannot wait for the next one!!
Carol’s talent for adding funny almost cynically comical scenes to her novels is amazing. The opening scene of Just Add Spice already had me in stitches.
To escape some of her madness at home, Dawn takes part in a writing course. The characters she meets there (and believe me, there are some brilliant ones) have a big impact on Dawn’s life which runs alongside and grows with that of Cinnamon, the fictional character she creates in her writing course. I really took to this idea! It was brilliant to explore the happenings through Dawn’s and through Cinnamon’s eyes.
The story wouldn’t be complete without Jason who tries to allure her away from her set path. Jason’s character took on a completely different role than I had originally expected.
Just Add Spice is another brilliant Carol E Wyer read and I cannot wait for the next one!!
September 16, 2013
From only the first few pages, I knew Just Add Spice was going to be a fun ride. This is an intimate tale of a bored housewife who unleashes her kick-ass alter ego, Cinnamon, onto the pages of her first book. But as the saying goes, life imitates art as sassy Cinnamon begins to have a profound effect on her creator’s life.
Wyer moves the story between the reality of Dawn’s life and the chapters of the book she is penning, with both plots moving along simultaneously, giving the book an interesting and unique edge. The book flows lightening fast, not because the plot is particularly fast paced but because you simply can’t read quick enough.
The ending comes together with a dramatic climax and a few home truths, which I would have loved to explored a bit more but, nevertheless, everything is sewn up nicely and, as a reader, you are left satisfied.
Reviewed by Charlotte Foreman on behalf of BestChickLit.com.
Wyer moves the story between the reality of Dawn’s life and the chapters of the book she is penning, with both plots moving along simultaneously, giving the book an interesting and unique edge. The book flows lightening fast, not because the plot is particularly fast paced but because you simply can’t read quick enough.
The ending comes together with a dramatic climax and a few home truths, which I would have loved to explored a bit more but, nevertheless, everything is sewn up nicely and, as a reader, you are left satisfied.
Reviewed by Charlotte Foreman on behalf of BestChickLit.com.
August 10, 2013
"Age is just a number. It's how you approach it that dictates if you actually are old or not".
It was difficult for me to dive into the story at first, I don't know why, it's probably because the story's structure wasn't what I was used to (it isn't divided in chapters, but in scenes protagonized by Dawn and Cinnamon).
However, I enjoyed reading it and I think that the message behind it is very solid: the characters are looking for their paths in life and it is very interesting to see the decisions they make so they can pursue the life they want, not the one they are trapped into!
I'd recommend it for a light summer reading, specially for those persons looking for their paths in life and trying to figure out who they are!
I received this title through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
It was difficult for me to dive into the story at first, I don't know why, it's probably because the story's structure wasn't what I was used to (it isn't divided in chapters, but in scenes protagonized by Dawn and Cinnamon).
However, I enjoyed reading it and I think that the message behind it is very solid: the characters are looking for their paths in life and it is very interesting to see the decisions they make so they can pursue the life they want, not the one they are trapped into!
I'd recommend it for a light summer reading, specially for those persons looking for their paths in life and trying to figure out who they are!
I received this title through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
August 6, 2013
Reading fiction can be a way to put yourself in the life of someone unlike you as way of understanding others better. If a fictional character has similarities to you and you're prone to introspection, it might help you understand yourself better. Just Add Spice goes one layer deeper. A fictional character who creates another fictional character, and it helps working through her own issues. It's not as convoluted as I make it sound.
Our protagonist Dawn is bored with life and, if we're completely honest, a touch boring herself. But aspiring author Dawn's work-in-progress has a kick ass heroine, Cinnamon. As Dawn's novel progresses the line between the two layers of fiction slowly blurs. Not just a clever idea, but a fun and entertaining read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Our protagonist Dawn is bored with life and, if we're completely honest, a touch boring herself. But aspiring author Dawn's work-in-progress has a kick ass heroine, Cinnamon. As Dawn's novel progresses the line between the two layers of fiction slowly blurs. Not just a clever idea, but a fun and entertaining read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
May 16, 2014
Take two leading ladies, Dawn Ellis who finds escape from her dreary life by attending a creative writing class, and working on her first novel, and Cinnamon Knight, now here is where it gets interesting. Cinnamon is the leading character in Dawn’s book; she is Dawn’s alter ego. She is all that Dawn wishes to be. Cinnamon is strong and bold and is a cross between an avenging superhero and a scorned woman and she is out for revenge.
Can Cinnamon help Dawn Spice up her Life?
It’s another cracker of a comedy from Carol. This book is written with the warm wit and humour all of Carol’s fans have come to know and love. The characters are highly entertaining and from the hilarious opening scenes in this book you will be laughing and smiling all the way through reading this book.
Can Cinnamon help Dawn Spice up her Life?
It’s another cracker of a comedy from Carol. This book is written with the warm wit and humour all of Carol’s fans have come to know and love. The characters are highly entertaining and from the hilarious opening scenes in this book you will be laughing and smiling all the way through reading this book.
October 13, 2013
This is my first book I read by Carol E. Wyer. I'd seen her activity through Goodreads and had the pleasure to email back and forth with my own questions regarding novels. I found Just Add Spice an easy read that poked fun but made deeper reflections on life experiences. I loved the dialogues between her main character, Dawn, and her vixen-alter ego, Cinnamon. Dawn's struggle to embrace her passion of writing transcended through the excellently spun web of supporting characters. As an American, I also enjoyed learning a little British vernacular!I'm going to nip out!
August 20, 2013
Fun and Snappy! A bit Zesty.
An interesting book that has the main character writing a fiction book where that character seems to come to life! Fast paced and fun to read. There are a few spots where I was confused by which character had just said what...perhaps it was because I was reading all night long..couldn't put it down! Not a sweet tale – rather spicy! Enjoy! NetGalley provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
An interesting book that has the main character writing a fiction book where that character seems to come to life! Fast paced and fun to read. There are a few spots where I was confused by which character had just said what...perhaps it was because I was reading all night long..couldn't put it down! Not a sweet tale – rather spicy! Enjoy! NetGalley provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2014
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads .
Meet Dawn. Her husband has recently lost his job and her son has moved out. She needs a new interest, so she takes a writing class and starts writing a novel. Her adventures while researching her novel ,how they change her and the novel itself are what this book is about. The characters were likable and the story moved at a good pace.
I would recommend this book and will definitely look for more by this author
Meet Dawn. Her husband has recently lost his job and her son has moved out. She needs a new interest, so she takes a writing class and starts writing a novel. Her adventures while researching her novel ,how they change her and the novel itself are what this book is about. The characters were likable and the story moved at a good pace.
I would recommend this book and will definitely look for more by this author
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