Synopsis
What if your entire life changed in the space of a weekend?
When Rebecca’s friend Abi convinces her to get away from it all at the fabulous Hawksley Manor hotel in York, it seems too good to be true. Pampering and relaxation is just what Rebecca needs to distract herself from the creeping suspicion that her husband, Greg, is hiding something from her.
She never imagined that by the end of the weekend she would have dined with celebrities or danced the night away in exclusive clubs. Nor could she have predicted she would meet famous footballer, Alex Heath, or that he would be the one to show her that she deserved so much more …
But no matter how amazing a weekend is, it’s always back to reality come Monday morning – isn’t it?
Winner of Choc Lit’s Search for a Star competition. Prequel to If I Ever Doubt You.
“I loved this gorgeous love story, written with a sure touch and a big heart.” Bestselling author LISA JEWELL
Jan Brigden
Jan lives in South East London with her husband and motley crew of cuddly toys. Jan’s written for pleasure from a young age; short stories for classmates, odes for workmates, fun quizzes for family and friends, progressing to her first novel, the idea for which sprang from a script she composed as part of a creative writing course assignment via The Writers Bureau. Following much secret plotting, research and feigning of passion for the customer accounts she was supposed to be reconciling during the day job, the chance finally arose to put pen to paper.
After attending many author talks, literary events, and connecting with writers and readers on Facebook and Twitter, Jan learned of and subsequently joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme. An avid reader, reviewer and all round book devotee, Jan is also one eighth of online group blog The Romaniacs.
Jan won Choc Lit’s Search for a Star competition with her debut, As Weekends Go.
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As Weekends Go is Jan Brigden’s debut novel and a brilliant novel at that!
This book is a perfect romantic read which tackles the issue of Rebecca being in an unhappy marriage and wanting more out of life. Rebecca has done everything she can to try and make the marriage work but despite all her efforts, she feels that the marriage is not going anywhere. Whilst on a weekend away at the Hawksley Manor Hotel in York, with her friend Abi, she meets Alex, a footballer who makes her heart beat, and shows her how she should be treated – he makes her feel alive and special. This was the last thing Rebecca expected to happen when Abi emailed her about the weekend away, a break Rebecca so badly needed. The hotel sounded wonderful – I think we could all enjoy a trip to Hawksley Manor!
I loved all the characters – they were all depicted so well and you could really relate to them. They were so vividly brought to life. The storyline is brilliant – I am not a football fan myself but I found myself getting more and more drawn into how a footballer lives, how their lives and relationships are impacted by being in the public eye and how they are treated by the media.
Life is short, you have to listen to your heart and follow your dreams – however hard it is and however many obstacles you may have to overcome on the way. And you have to continue, even though it may not work out in the end. You have to live for the here and now.
As Weekends Go is a wonderful romantic read, with lots of twists and turns and surprises along the way. The book is full of emotion, and will make you laugh and smile.
A definite page turner – I thoroughly recommend this entertaining read. I look forward to reading the sequel and finding out what happens next between Rebecca and Alex and how their relationship develops!
This is a lovely romance with everything you could wish for. Rebecca and Greg have been married for 9 years and currently things are not good between them and his work. A spontaneous weekend away for Rebecca and her best friend Abi leads to Rebecca finally seeing the truth. The story of the interaction between all the characters gives the story a genuine feeling of truth, however unpalatable. How the after effects of the weekend and Rebecca’s meeting with Alex are portrayed make you smile and cry. I read this in two sessions, aided by a large chocolate bar. I enjoyed it greatly and I am sure that you will love the way all the characters feel like people who you know.
Rebecca thinks her life is on track. She has a successful husband who wants to start a family with her. Just as soon as he gets that next sale. Or presents at that conference. Rebecca isn’t so sure they are on the same page anymore. Will a weekend away with her best friend open her eyes up to both her reality and a new future?
This was a wonderful book. Very entertaining – I really connected with Rebecca and rooted for her happy ending.
As Weekends Go is a slice of life type of story. We get a peek into the lives of several people and how their lives are connected and how their perceptions of those lives will change over the course of one weekend.
…If you enjoy a story with relatable characters that is emotionally intense, and draws you into the characters lives deeply then As Weekends Go is a story that you will want to pick up.
Reviewed by Marsha at Keepers Bookshelf
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Its a really fun and interesting read with a HEA. I loved the way it was paced, loved Alex and Rebecca, hated Greg and Nina….I do so love some strong characters in a novel and these worked so perfectly.
Stars: Four, a lovely gentle paced romance that made me think about people and issues
Reviewed by Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews
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…This was a lovely story, really well told – just to be nitpicky, I did think the Hawksley Manor stay, particularly the night at the club, were maybe a little more drawn out than they could have been, but the scenes in the restaurant were extremely funny (what horrendous people!) and really well written. I really look forward to seeing what Jan does next. OK, I do look forward to getting to know Alex better too – but this is a really good read from a first-time author well worth watching.
Reviewed by Anne at Being Anne Blogspot.
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