Book review: Ellie Andrews has Second Thoughts by Ruth Saberton

Ellie Andrews is finally getting married. Or she will be if she drinks enough champagne to pluck up the courage for her trip down the aisle. The problem is that after months spent bickering over menus and table placements, Ellie’s never felt more distant from the man she’s supposed to be spending the rest of her life with. As last minute nerves take hold, a night of soul-searching sees Ellie reflecting back on old flames in a bid to reassure herself she’s making the right decision. There’s Rupert – adoring but dull; Jay – the teenage crush; Marcus – sexy but toxic; and Xander – a true friend. But as the sun rises and the ceremony looms ever closer, Ellie is still unsure if she’s doing the right thing. Then an unexpected encounter turns her world upside down. Should she take a chance? Or should she stick with the choices she’s made? As Ellie makes her way to the church, only one question remains: who will be waiting for her at the altar?

I’d like to start this review by thanking Ruth Saberton for saving me from an incredibly dull hour and a half in a hospital waiting room the other day. Ellie Andrews has Second Thoughts is a fun and original novel that made me laugh out loud and I was so caught up in Ellie’s adventures that I almost missed my name being called for my appointment

Ellie Andrews is the type of girl that you’d want to sit down and have a good giggle with; a down to earth heroine who not only made me chuckle but was also very easy to identify with. I found myself smiling in a knowing way so many times through the book at Ellie’s thoughts and comments. Ellie is the ugly duckling in a family of tall blonde beauties. Her four older sisters have all made ‘good’ marriages and Ellie struggles between asserting her independence and trying to keep her Mum (who just wants to see her settled) happy. There’s something a little bit Pride and Prejudice about Ellie’s relationship with her mum and sisters that I found really endearing.

There are two threads of storyline running through the book; the first in the present as Ellie awakes on her wedding day and begins to prepare (and panic!), the second told in flashback as Ellie reviews the events and men that have led to her impeding nuptials. As the story unwinds with short chapters counting down the minutes to the wedding interspersed with longer sections recounting the ups and downs of Ellie’s love life over the last year, the reader has no idea who will be waiting at the altar for Ellie, only that she’s having last minute doubts. I really liked the structure of the book. It kept me guessing right to the end and is cleverly written.

Despite her less than flattering perception of herself, Ellie seems to have no trouble attracting a string of gorgeous, rich and famous (in some cases infamous) men which include amongst themselves a rock star and a politician! The four main male characters are well written and throw in some entertaining twists to the story. Xander and Jay in particular are both very crush worthy and I found myself rooting for both of them to end up with our heroine at different times.

But the story isn’t just about Ellie and her suitors. There are a number of quite dramatic sub plots which bring out the more serious parts of the storyline and keep the pace moving nicely. Ellie’s quirky friends Sam (hippy environmental activist) and man-eater Poppy both have their own parts to play and Ruth has worked her signature animal character into the plot brilliantly with Serendipity the dog.

This is Ruth’s second novel and like her first, Katie Carter wants a Hero, is a fun romantic read that will leave you with a lovely warm glow. Ellie Andrews is my favourite leading lady of the year so far and if you love chick lit I’m sure you’ll love this book – fresh, original, funny and highly recommended!

5/5

I’d like to thank Ruth and her publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review.

You can find out more about Ruth and her books at: http://www.ruthsaberton.co.uk/RuthSaberton.co.uk/