I was sent a copy of From Notting Hill With Love... Actually to review for you. It is the debut novel from Ali McNamara and is due for release on Thursday. As you can probably guess from the title of this book, it is massively inspired by successful romantic comedies, such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Pretty Woman, and obviously Notting Hill and Love Actually.
She was just a girl, standing in front of a boy… wishing he looked more like Hugh Grant.
Scarlett O'Brien loves the movies, but does she love sensible fiance David just as much? With a big white wedding on the horizon, Scarlett really should have decided by now… When she has the chance to house-sit in Notting Hill – the setting of one of her favourite movies – Scarlett jumps at the chance. But living life like a movie is trickier than it seems, especially when her new neighbour Sean is so irritating. And so irritatingly handsome, too. Scarlett soon finds herself starring in a romantic comedy of her very own: but who will end up as the leading man?
So What Do I Think?
The cover of this book is adorable, and fits in well with the theme. Yes, I know, you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but it is very pretty. The author's writing style is lovely too. Everything flows really well and is an easy, comfortable read - I'm looking forward to reading more from Ali!
I loved this book... eventually. The storyline can't really be classed as unique since it 'borrows' so many scenes from movies, but it isn't cliched or predictable - it just puts a fresh spin on your favourite moments and that's what makes it so enjoyable. I was about a third of the way through and still hadn't warmed to Scarlett. She just seemed too wishy-washy and selfish, and her desperation to prove that life can work out like her favourite movies was hugely irritating. Don't get me wrong, we all daydream about being whisked away by Johnny Depp to escape the humdrum of everyday life, but it was a little too much at times.
The turning point of this book was about halfway through, when her handsome neighbour Sean became a focal point of the storyline. His strong, witty character added a great balance to Scarlett and it was lovely to read the development of the relationship. I instantly liked Sean and I really enjoyed seeing the contrast between him and Scarlett's sensible, DIY-obsessed fiance David. There is a classic Bridget Jones moment where the two men end up fighting in water, a la Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver - and at that moment you realise which man is more suited to Scarlett.
It was around the point of Sean's character playing a bigger part that I started warming more to Scarlett too. Her life picked up and she concentrated less on the movies, which I personally think made her more likeable. Her vulnerable side shone through and of course, she starts learning from her mistakes. The minor characters are a lot of fun, particularly Oscar, her new BFF in Notting Hill. He injects flair and entertainment early on in the book when Scarlett is irritating, and I think it's his character that lifted the story a bit and kept me reading.
As the story unfolds, you get to find out about her past, why she loves the movies so much, and why her family can't stand it. It adds a bit more meaning to the story, and knowing the big secret now, I have a better understanding of Scarlett's character and think maybe I was a bit too harsh on her. She's still not my favourite heroine from a book, but I did like her by the end of it, and love her or loathe her, you'll be rooting for her 'Happy Ever After'. I do have one thing in common with Scarlett though - the love of this scene from Love Actually:
Oh so romantic. Swoon!
Rating : 7.5/10
If you can handpick all of your favourite scenes and leading men from your favourite romantic comedies and smoosh them altogether, you'd end up with From Notting Hill With Love... Actually. It embraces everything I love most about chick flicks - loveable characters (for the most part), tears, tantrums and laughter, heartwarming moments that make you feel tingly, and of course, a big ending full of drama and suspense that doesn't disappoint. Pure escapism at it's best!
Does this sound like your type of book? Will you be checking it out? Let me know in the comments!
xoxo
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