Thirty-Two Going On Spinster (Spinster Series Book 1)

It was witty, humorous and realistic in a fairy-tale sort of way. Our heroine is comfortable in her hum-drum, unchanging lifestyle which befits the spinster-status she has accepted. Enter the hero who befriends her at work after he's hired for the job she had hoped to transfer to at the firm where she's worked for ten years. The way their relationship evolves, not to mention her interactions with her family members and co-workers, is so naturally presented that you begin to believe you're reading about real people, not fictional characters. A lot of the heroine's behavior at the end of the book is so similar to what I probably would have done, I'm embarrassed to even admit it.

The entire story is written in first person; not usually my favorite style but Ms. Monson makes it flow naturally. I laughed out loud several times and I was actually a little sad when I finished. If you enjoy romances containing a liberal dose of humor, clean romance and realistic plots, Thirty-Two Going on Spinster is the book for you!

I enjoyed this book and the characters, it definitely gave off an "Office Space" feel to it (complete with stapler and all), but so much of the workplace stuff is relatable. I think many of us find ourselves like Julia, working a job we don't have any particular love or passion for, but one that we're afraid to give up in order to chase the riskier dream we really want to pursue.

I liked reading Julia's growth throughout the book, and how she builds relationships with Brown, Anna and especially Jared. The book has a lighthearted vibe at its core, even if there is also romantic tension and drama. It was a welcome change from most of the other books in this genre.

One thing I'm not sure I bought was Jared's actions regarding Julia and her job. I get his thinking, and it fits the idea of getting someone you care about to take a risk and pursue their dreams, but it felt like too big a risk he was taking; like he was gambling with someone else's life and choices. He had no idea that she would land on her feet with a fantastic opportunity at the bakery so quickly, and he knew she just bought a condo. It could have easily gone the other way, and forced her back into her parent's basement with no money and no dream job.

No one else seemed to get that, except Julia herself, they all seem to take Jared's side in the matter. In the end, it worked out and she's happier in her new job (and she clearly loves him), but I personally would have understood if she never spoke to him again after that.

I enjoyed this book and responded emotionally to the characters, especially the "spinster" and her sister. I felt impatient with them early in the story, but more empathetic and positive about them later in the book. Thoroughly entertaining read, Ms. Monson!

Not what I usually read, but I really enjoyed Thirty-Two Going on Spinster. I like the way it's written (1st person), I like Julia even though I reserve judgment on the fact that she's living in her parents' basement some ten years or so after working full time. Ah...that full-time job, that's the problem. She hates it. She wastes time. She gossips. Until, of course, a handsome man shows up, but the action doesn't take place as one supposes. Okay, she does fall, but I'm not going to tell you what happens next.

Just believe---it was good enough for me to buy the sequel, which I have yet to read, but expect to be entertained just as I was with this one.

This was a fun story. A light romantic piece with a quirky, self-deprecating main character who is convinced she is heading straight for spinsterhood. The characters were likable and well developed. The language was the only problem for me. Although it read quickly due to its conversational tone, I started to become very annoyed at the frequent use of the "slash". When writing, just put it there, don't write out the word slash. It was the proverbial thorn in my side. Overall, I liked it and would be interested in reading other contemporary pieces by this author.

At the risk of labeling myself a spinster, I found I related far too well with Julia! :O It's almost as if the author was writing my life story with one huge exception... I'm still waiting for my Jared to enter my life. lol

This is a hilarious story that most of us single gals can relate to, whether it be Julia's perspective on life, or her friend, Brown's.

This book is a quick read that I didn't want to put down, unfortunately my lunch break ended, so I was forced to. :D

I am looking forward to reading the next installment in Julia's life. :)

This was a light, fun read. Julia sees herself as a spinster... someone who is very plain, quiet, and goes home to only her cat each night. Julia has friends and a crazy talent for baking, but she doesn't see that as anything but a hobby. A new employee at her company steps into her life and shakes things up in every way. Julia isn't big on change, but in the end, these changes make her very happy.

I actually had to stifle my giggles when I was reading this in the dentist's waiting room. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a fun summer read!

I found this book kind of charming and engaging, occasionally very funny, with a few word usage errors here and there (funniest one was sick instead of sic). The reason I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 4 is because I didn't much care for the main character. I thought she was stupid. I had most of Jared figured out right after the red stapler scene, it was that obvious, and she should have too. That really bothered me. Also her work ethic was pretty appalling. Still, I enjoyed reading it. Don't know if I'll read the sequel, though.

This turned out to actually be a cute book! Julia is a spinster- she lives in her parents' basement with her cat, dislikes her job (except for her gossip sessions with her friend), and has no social life apart from baking treats to take in to work. Her days are all alike, boring and monotonous... until the new guy shows up and steals the job she applied for. Even though he took the HR position she hoped to fill, he turns out to be funny and kind in addition to disarmingly good looking. Things start looking up for Julia- a mini makeover, some new clothes, and a new apartment, and then everything falls apart. And Mr. Handsome turns out to be the cause of it. Could someone who betrayed her trust turn out to be right after all? Will she crumble like the delicious baked goods she creates, or will she make it? A good, fluffy read worth the $2.99 the store download, and a full five stars!

This was chick lit at its best: warm, funny, light-hearted, with a touch of romance to zazz things up. A great wee read, and I even caught myself ignoring my ravenous children so I could read a few more pages.

To begin with I admit I found the heroine, Jules, a bit annoying. She came across as way too whiny, gossipy and lazy for me. I struggled to like her. But once was a couple of chapters into the story she started to grow on me, and by the end of the book I was really rooting for her. Kudos to Becky Monson for engineering such a good turnaround and self-growth in Jules.

Anyone who likes chick lit will love Thirty-Two Going On Spinster. And I see there's a sequel, too, so guess what I'll be reading next? ;)

I found this book kind of charming and engaging, occasionally very funny, with a few word usage errors here and there (funniest one was sick instead of sic). The reason I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 4 is because I didn't much care for the main character. I thought she was stupid. I had most of Jared figured out right after the red stapler scene, it was that obvious, and she should have too. That really bothered me. Also her work ethic was pretty appalling. Still, I enjoyed reading it. Don't know if I'll read the sequel, though.

This turned out to actually be a cute book! Julia is a spinster- she lives in her parents' basement with her cat, dislikes her job (except for her gossip sessions with her friend), and has no social life apart from baking treats to take in to work. Her days are all alike, boring and monotonous... until the new guy shows up and steals the job she applied for. Even though he took the HR position she hoped to fill, he turns out to be funny and kind in addition to disarmingly good looking. Things start looking up for Julia- a mini makeover, some new clothes, and a new apartment, and then everything falls apart. And Mr. Handsome turns out to be the cause of it. Could someone who betrayed her trust turn out to be right after all? Will she crumble like the delicious baked goods she creates, or will she make it? A good, fluffy read worth the $2.99 the store download, and a full five stars!

This was chick lit at its best: warm, funny, light-hearted, with a touch of romance to zazz things up. A great wee read, and I even caught myself ignoring my ravenous children so I could read a few more pages.

To begin with I admit I found the heroine, Jules, a bit annoying. She came across as way too whiny, gossipy and lazy for me. I struggled to like her. But once was a couple of chapters into the story she started to grow on me, and by the end of the book I was really rooting for her. Kudos to Becky Monson for engineering such a good turnaround and self-growth in Jules.

Anyone who likes chick lit will love Thirty-Two Going On Spinster. And I see there's a sequel, too, so guess what I'll be reading next? ;)

I liked this book it is heartwarming, romantic, and family centric. The story has gossip, boring jobs, baked goods, and betrayal. It's Julia awakening from a shy backward and unhappy to outgoing and beautiful woman. Thinking her life is going downhill, she tries to overcome her perceived fate and become happy. I really like the read, but all of her major decisions are because of a man deciding it for her, "for her own good." She also constantly puts herself down, telling herself she can't do this or that or dismissing her own progress, while elevating the man to divine status. Still, a good read.

You know the movies that the critics tear to smithereens but end up blockbusters? Well, that is THIS book. It's light and funny with just the right amount of angst and self-doubt that makes you fall in love with the main character. All the characters are well fleshed out and enjoyable in their own right, making you want to see their stories too. It's not a gritty, action-packed epoch destined for a Pulitzer, but if you are looking for humor, candor, self-doubt, and finally self-affirmation...read this book!