The Gatecrasher

The story is a little complicating, cannot sympathise with the main character at times, but the ending brings it all together.

I read this book for a book club so it wasn't by choice. I did enjoy it near the middle but the beginning didn't really catch my attention and the book seemed to end rather abruptly to me. As I read the book I kept thinking of the movie Wedding Crashers (which I love) but didn't help the book. I found the character development lacking and I couldn't connect with the main character. Overall, I enjoyed the book but I am not sure if I would recommend it to a friend.

Fleur has made a career out of crashing funerals and memorial services so that she can work her way into recently widower's lives. She earns the widower's trust then takes them for all she can and moves on. Fleur's latest target is Richard Favour who finds that her bubbly personality and bright spirit are exactly what his dull life has been lacking. However, as Fleur is swept up into Richard's country club lifestyle and family problems she finds that maybe she is wanting more than just access to his gold card. Perhaps this will be the life that she finally settles into, until her own past catches up with her and threatens to ruin everything.

The book was enjoyable at times but I found myself disliking the main character more and more as the story progressed. Fleur was shockingly selfish and blind to everyone's needs but her own. She had absolutely no redeeming qualities that justified a whole family falling in love with her and I can't believe how easily they all forgave the way she mistreated them. Fleur's character didn't change or learn anything even towards the end of the book.

Also, the ending was a supreme disappointment because it wraps up a little too quickly with so many loose ends untied.

Truthfully, I am now hesitant to pick up any more of Wickham's novels as her Shopoholic books were definitely more entertaining than this one.

I love her books, no matter what name she writes with!!! Amazing, captivating and exciting. I love books you hate to put down!!! I found the main character to be so appealing and loveable despite what she gets up to in the beginning. Definitely would recommend to any of my friends for a good read!