Review - Take a Chance on Me by Carol Wyer

A hilarious heart-warming read about friendship, taking chances and finding love, second time round. 

When Charlie’s husband leaves after ten years of marriage, her spirits hit an all-time low. She just isn’t sure how to pick herself up again. So, best friend Mercedes makes it her mission to put a spring back in Charlie’s step with the perfect bucket list. 

As Charlie takes a chance and bungee jumps and belly dances her way through an array of adventures, her love life also begins to look up and she’s soon enjoying a few dates as a newly single woman. She begins to realise that finding romance, might not be so hard, especially when you’ve got someone like journalist Jake who has an adorable little boy and is very easy on the eye. 

But is Jake too good to be true? As Charlie’s challenges on the bucket list get bigger, so do her questions about Jake. Should she continue to hold out for the fairy-tale? Or should she take a chance on Jake and hope for a happy ending? 

A witty romantic read perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Debbie Johnson. 

What everyone’s saying about Take a Chance on Me: 

'I laughed so much whilst reading this book - its got such a feel good factor!'Claire Loves to Read 

'You will laugh and possibly cry ...a lovely novel that was such a pleasure to read.'What's Better than Books 

'TAKE A CHANCE ON ME is one of those books that burrows into your heart and takes root there.'All Kinds of Books 

'This really is a feel good funalicious book which had me smiling throughout.'The Reading Shed 

'I couldn’t stop reading it and when I had to put it down I was still thinking about it and couldn’t wait to get back to it.'Comet Babe's Books 

''I loved this book. 5 stars! I'm now planning my own bucket list. Inspiring, and fun, with great characters.'Jo Lindsell Books 

'Wonderfully written and so moving'Tishy Lou's Blogspot 

'I adored the characters in this book ...I found myself smiling a lot'Twin Spin 

'Such a good read - I would highly recommend this book!'Brightly Shining Love 

'Wonderful and witty and heartfelt. I did not want this book to end, and savoured every word.Cannot wait to read more by this amazing author.' Renita D'Silva 

'A hilarious story'The Book Shelf 

'Made me laugh out loud!'Steph Loz Book Blog 

Praise for Carol Wyer: 

‘I laughed, I laughed a lot … you will be guaranteed to remember it … my feel good book of 2016 so far!’ The Writing Garnet 

‘Brilliant and freaking cool … The ending, OMG it was HILARIOUS. Everyone should definitely read this!’ Book Reviews by Jan 

'Totally didn't see the way this book was going … witty, funny and a great pick me up.’ Mum Reinvented Blog 

'Fabulously and fantastically fun...Superbly funny - a pleasure and a joy to read. The perfect pick-me-up book.'Becca's Books 

'If you're looking for a total escape from life's routine with a few belly laughs along the way and a real feel-good experience throughout, do try this one!' Being Ann Reading 

'Life Swap is such great fun and hugely entertaining with an amazing twist at the end that I didn't see coming at all.' The Book Magnet 

'I'm no stranger to this author's work. She is always very funny, witty and writes a cracking story. Her books come with a guarantee: that they will amuse, entertain, delight and have you raring for more'Cath 'n' Kindle Book reviews 

'This made me laugh out loud ...lots of tender and emotional times too.' StefLoz Book Reviews. 

'A novel infused with warm humour' British Comedy Guide 

This book was previously published as Three Little Birds 

I would like to thank author Bookouture for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

We meet Charlotte or Charlie as she prefers to be known at her friends Mercedes New Year’s Eve party, still struggling with her daughter’s death 5 years early and her marriage break up she is not living but existing from day to day.  We also find out that Charlie’s ex-husband has moved on and is about to become a father again, all this on what would have been Charlie’s daughters Eighteenth birthday.

After a few too many wines Mercedes, Charlie’s best friend talks her in to writing a list of the things theywould love to be able to do their ‘carpe diem’ list, Charlie promptly falls asleep on the settee and forgets about the list.

Mercedes being the best friend that she is reminds Charlie of the list and here starts the journey of friendship and discovery.  I liked Charlie as the main character she is easily likeable and wants to see the good in everyone.  I really liked Mercedes and her husband, they are great characters and to find love after Mercedes has been through so much is perfect.

Enter Jake the reporter, they accidently meet on a couple of occasions and the funniest is when Charlie is crawling around on the floor pretending to be a pig, it really is great part of this book and so funny.

Both Charlie and Mercedes discover so much about themselves along the way, I loved the idea of an Art café and that the book highlights hospital radios.

For me though the hero and star of this book is Bert the parrot, he really is great and you could write bookjust set around him and his owner.  Who would have thought I would have said the hero of a book is a parrot?

The challenges are great and add an extra bit to the book, from a roller coaster to diving with sharks and knitting a onesie, there is also Mercedes entering a TV show similar to Come Dine with Me, there is also a twist to the story that I did spot but it does add that little bit extra to what is a fun read from Carol again.

I hope we get to see more of Bert the parrot!

Carol E Wyer is an ex-teacher and linguist who lives in rural Staffordshire. Having written a series of educational yet amusing books for children, she turned her attention to the adult market in 2010 when her son flew from the nest. Her best-selling novels have won several awards for humour and much attention from the media. Since then, she has appeared on over thirty BBC radio stations, several international radio stations, NBC television and BBC Breakfast television discussing age-related subjects such as ‘Irritable Male Syndrome’. Her writing style has been described frequently by the media as 'witty' or 'humorous' and has even been compared to the acerbic wit of Jeremy Clarkson and the humour of Robin Williams. Carol has written articles for and featured in several national women’s magazines including Take A Break, Choice, Woman’s Weekly and Woman's Own who also wrote about her journey to becoming a best-selling author. Last year, she took a crash course in stand-up comedy and has performed her comedy talk Smile While You Still Have Teeth to sell-out audiences in Lichfield, The Black Country and will be on main stage the Isle of Wight Literary Festival in October along with big name celebrities, Alan Titchmarsh, Katie Price, Sheila Hancock and novelist Katie Fford.