Chances

There are several things I like about Freya North's work.Her wonderful use of language, she clearly loves words (discombobulated was one of my favourite words before I read her books, but it looks like it might be her's as well), her pace isn't rushed, we get time to enjoy the characters, and the unashamed romantic tone of the story and language. The both the story and prose are a delight to read.It's not highbrow, but it is high quality escapist romance. It's a gentle story of two people who perhaps don't recognise that they need a new proper relationship, but offered the chance, we can tell they will take it, no surprises there. Not a great deal happens, but don't let that put you off, the joy is in following their coming together. A lovely feel good book, and one not to be rushed, enjoy the language along the way.This isn't quite as good as the last 2 books (Pillow Talk will take some beating), but still a recommended read as a feel good book.I'm looking forward to next book all ready, Rumours.

I first gave Freya North a try a few years ago when her books had simple girl's name titles like Sally and Pip. I didn't care for her writing then and haven't tried since. Then I tried a sample of Chances and was smitten. Very gentle, easygoing fiction with a believable set of characters. Vita's uncertainty about dating a widower is very convincing. The only element of the plot that jarred was her selfish ex boyfriend and his seemingly Damascus Road type conversion. Very unlikely to happen because a bloke like that is never going to see things from a woman's perspective, or understand what he lost. Most enjoyable and I am pleased to have a rich seam of Freya North books to mine.

I have been a fan of Freya North's for years, ever since I read her novel Cat and worked my way back to her first novel Sally. The novel Chances doesn't fail to disappoint, and to be honest I had been anticipating this book for weeks. I read it over a weekend (I simply couldn't put it down) and now I can't wait for Freya's next book!To touch briefly on another reviewer's problem with how Freya seems to write on a specialised subject in her most recent books (bridges, sculpture and now trees) I find this aspect of her literature brilliant, it shows a lot of research and effort on the part of the author and you don't tend to get such intelligent writing from other so-called Chick lit writers in general.I shan't go into the plot but I have to say the character of Rick had me howling and I found the subject of Oliver being a widow a touching and a somewhat sensitive aspect of life which is not often tackled in literature (or film for that matter), in that respect, I think Freya has been quite bold and brave.Anyway, enjoy! I'd recommend this book to everyone!

I was on the hunt for a book that wasn't completely cheesy but had the right amount of romance and comedy. I had previously read Pillow Talk by Freya North which to be honest I found a better plot line and absolutely loved, but this book was still enjoyable none the less.It is laugh out loud funny and you really sympathise with Vita, and kind of have a book crush on Oliver by the end! Its funny, has a strong storyline and I would recommend it but......since I finished reading it, although I thoroughly enjoyed it, I did find it a tiny bit too light and fluffy. I felt there could have been a little more depth. I would still recommend it though, a great read.

I enjoy this author's novels and this was no different. I found myself completely immersed in the novel and the characters were very likeable. The relationship between the two "main" characters was interesting and had a unique slant to it but I'm not sure how realistic it was. The ending was disappointing and I feel like I didn't quite "get" it.

What a lovely and refreshing story. The characters are very well drawn and the plot develops well. One thinks of Vita as a friend and Oliver is just lovely.

Freya never ceases to provide heartfelt novels about life and relationships centred around a theme, in this case trees (and grammar!). Thanks for two days of bliss...I couldn't put it down!

Great read, love chick lit. Freya North is a brilliant author! Can't wait to read more...