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When I grow up...
"You need a plan B," said Alicia's mother when at five years old she told her what she wanted to be when she grew up. Thirty odd years later, Alicia is on plan D: sharing a flat, no tangible savings, and working for hateful Julia, whose sole purpose in life is to make her existence utterly miserable. Good thing she has Oscar and the girls to make the long hours at work bearable. But when a series of events tears the close-knit group apart, putting friendships and motives under suspicion, will Alicia be able to restore balance and set things right? More importantly, will she ever be able to upgrade her life to at least plan C?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 10, 2019
Reviewed by Danielle U.
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
When I Grow Up… (volume 1) by Patricia Asedegbega is absolutely enchanting. The characters are funny, smart, and believable. I was hooked immediately by this intriguing mystery. The plot is fast-paced and keeps readers guessing what will become of the characters’ jobs as well as their friendships. Patricia Asedegbega has brilliantly spun together a novel that will instantly lure readers in and keep them reading until they finish the book. A novel that features the Spanish culture as well as family, loyalty, and the desire to find the truth. When I Grow Up is a story that can be read by teens and adults. The ups and downs fo each character inside this novel, is captivating. I could hardly believe how everything was perfectly wrapped up and tied in together. The ending was super good and will leave readers feeling happy.
Inside of Patricia Asedegbega’s novel, When I Grow Up…, is a sweet and mysterious read. A book that shows readers one woman’s determination to help her friends when they are in need. Alicia at first feel awful around her boss and as the plot unfolds something between them has broken and her fear of her boss is gone. It’s like her boss became a totally new person with Alicia’s help. Then there’s the case of a friend being framed for a company crime that he hasn’t committed…Alicia knows it and she sets out like Nancy Drew and rushes to save the day…only can she? Readers will fall in love with this first volume by Patricia Asedegbega’s series. I highly recommend this delightful yet suspenseful novel to readers everywhere. I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series. When I Grow Up…is definitely a novel readers don’t want to miss.
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
When I Grow Up… (volume 1) by Patricia Asedegbega is absolutely enchanting. The characters are funny, smart, and believable. I was hooked immediately by this intriguing mystery. The plot is fast-paced and keeps readers guessing what will become of the characters’ jobs as well as their friendships. Patricia Asedegbega has brilliantly spun together a novel that will instantly lure readers in and keep them reading until they finish the book. A novel that features the Spanish culture as well as family, loyalty, and the desire to find the truth. When I Grow Up is a story that can be read by teens and adults. The ups and downs fo each character inside this novel, is captivating. I could hardly believe how everything was perfectly wrapped up and tied in together. The ending was super good and will leave readers feeling happy.
Inside of Patricia Asedegbega’s novel, When I Grow Up…, is a sweet and mysterious read. A book that shows readers one woman’s determination to help her friends when they are in need. Alicia at first feel awful around her boss and as the plot unfolds something between them has broken and her fear of her boss is gone. It’s like her boss became a totally new person with Alicia’s help. Then there’s the case of a friend being framed for a company crime that he hasn’t committed…Alicia knows it and she sets out like Nancy Drew and rushes to save the day…only can she? Readers will fall in love with this first volume by Patricia Asedegbega’s series. I highly recommend this delightful yet suspenseful novel to readers everywhere. I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series. When I Grow Up…is definitely a novel readers don’t want to miss.
March 10, 2016
When I Grow Up...by Patricia Asedegbega is a fascinating read. Readers will be instantly pulled in by this writer's words. Her characters and scenes come to life. I absolutely loved reading this. The suspense and interesting characters kept me hooked until the last page. Readers will find this read full of humor, mystery, and excitement. The ending was super good...Readers will be kept guessing as the plot unfolds. Fast-paced, brilliantly well-written, and the characters are so real. I look forward to reading more by this writer in the future. Her charaters are fun people that if they were real, I would love to meet them. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere.
March 5, 2018
Alicia works as a corporate personal assistant to the brilliant lawyer, Julia, at the law firm Fernandez & Associates. Her work is busy but humdrum and her relationship with Julia is fraught with difficulties, but Alicia has good friends amongst the rest of the corporate assistants and together they have a good moan about their work and what's going in the office. When something bad happens to one of the associates, Alicia and her colleagues try to discover just what's going on and who in the office is playing a devious game plan.
I enjoyed this story of office intrigue and I think that the author has done a good job of bringing the characters, with all their faults and failings, to life. I think anyone who has ever worked in an office will see similarities among the intrigue and gossip and how, when something unexpected happens, work colleagues can either draw closer together, or be pushed apart, as friendships are spoiled by suspicion and doubt.
The author knows how to tell a good story. Her characterisation is lively and the Spanish setting feels nicely contemporary, and even though I didn't find some of her characters particularly likeable, I did enjoy trying to figure out just what made them act in the way they did. I especially enjoyed seeing Alicia and her friend, Ebele's reaction to the exclusive dinner club they go to with the enigmatic, Alejandro. The food descriptions were lovely, especially the Japanese Matsutake mushrooms with white truffle sauce and lobster, which made me feel quite hungry 😊
The overall presentation of the book is quite quirky and once I was used to the different style of font, it could be Comic Sans, I really enjoyed the informal feel of the text.
This is my first book this author and I would definitely be interested in reading more of her work.
I enjoyed this story of office intrigue and I think that the author has done a good job of bringing the characters, with all their faults and failings, to life. I think anyone who has ever worked in an office will see similarities among the intrigue and gossip and how, when something unexpected happens, work colleagues can either draw closer together, or be pushed apart, as friendships are spoiled by suspicion and doubt.
The author knows how to tell a good story. Her characterisation is lively and the Spanish setting feels nicely contemporary, and even though I didn't find some of her characters particularly likeable, I did enjoy trying to figure out just what made them act in the way they did. I especially enjoyed seeing Alicia and her friend, Ebele's reaction to the exclusive dinner club they go to with the enigmatic, Alejandro. The food descriptions were lovely, especially the Japanese Matsutake mushrooms with white truffle sauce and lobster, which made me feel quite hungry 😊
The overall presentation of the book is quite quirky and once I was used to the different style of font, it could be Comic Sans, I really enjoyed the informal feel of the text.
This is my first book this author and I would definitely be interested in reading more of her work.
March 11, 2018
Alicia’s dream is to open up a bakery but she’s working in as an assistant at a top law firm, a job she dislikes, with a boss who she thinks hates her. The bright spot in her day is the daily coffee break with the other assistants. But one the assistants, Oscar gets accused of selling sensitive information and is fired. Alicia believes he’s innocent and sets about clearing his name.
This book was a bit of surprise for me. I was expecting chick-lit, which on the surface it is, but it turned out to have a large element of mystery in it. There’s no murder or anything like that but Alicia and her friends turning into amateur sleuths to find out who really sold the law firms secrets.
Alicia was inspiring, never giving up on her dreams. Also I would have given a high five for not slapping her ex, no-good Carlos, every time she saw him after he cheated on her with her neighbour.
My other favourite was Ebele, she strong and fearless, although she’s a little blind when it comes to the love that’s right in front of her.
There’s a few Spanish words scattered throughout the book but in the kindle version, you just click on the number that’s next to the word and it takes you to index at the back of the ebook which I found handy.
Although my only issue was there was quite a bit of repetition and going over the same things over and over again which I found a little bit irritating. Also I felt the dialogue at times was a little formal too.
Overall a light-hearted mystery with some great characters.
This book was a bit of surprise for me. I was expecting chick-lit, which on the surface it is, but it turned out to have a large element of mystery in it. There’s no murder or anything like that but Alicia and her friends turning into amateur sleuths to find out who really sold the law firms secrets.
Alicia was inspiring, never giving up on her dreams. Also I would have given a high five for not slapping her ex, no-good Carlos, every time she saw him after he cheated on her with her neighbour.
My other favourite was Ebele, she strong and fearless, although she’s a little blind when it comes to the love that’s right in front of her.
There’s a few Spanish words scattered throughout the book but in the kindle version, you just click on the number that’s next to the word and it takes you to index at the back of the ebook which I found handy.
Although my only issue was there was quite a bit of repetition and going over the same things over and over again which I found a little bit irritating. Also I felt the dialogue at times was a little formal too.
Overall a light-hearted mystery with some great characters.
December 30, 2018
What a lovely read! This has been lurking in my tbr for far too long, but finally I'm catching up . . .
Alicia shares a flat with two others for financial reasons, and works in a job with a boss who isn't exactly the friendliest person in the world. While she dreams of a different future for herself, needs must .. and she does have some good friends amongst her workmates, but when one of them is accused of wrongdoing Alicia decided to take on the role of sleuth with a very unlikely partner!
There are plenty of different threads to this story; as well as the office mystery there is an abundance of other characters who we get to know and love. Alicia and her flatmates have a good relationship going and it's quite enchanting to have so much going on in such a well written book. I buried my nose in this book and really cannot fault anything about it, such a lovely gentle read and one I'm happy to recommend to those who want a really good read without blood and gore.
I received my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Alicia shares a flat with two others for financial reasons, and works in a job with a boss who isn't exactly the friendliest person in the world. While she dreams of a different future for herself, needs must .. and she does have some good friends amongst her workmates, but when one of them is accused of wrongdoing Alicia decided to take on the role of sleuth with a very unlikely partner!
There are plenty of different threads to this story; as well as the office mystery there is an abundance of other characters who we get to know and love. Alicia and her flatmates have a good relationship going and it's quite enchanting to have so much going on in such a well written book. I buried my nose in this book and really cannot fault anything about it, such a lovely gentle read and one I'm happy to recommend to those who want a really good read without blood and gore.
I received my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
March 12, 2018
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As soon as I read the blurb for this book I was intrigued and knew that it was a book I wanted to read and find out more.
Well I have to say now that having read the book it was a real treat and I loved it - as soon as I finished I knew I was going to be giving the book 5 stars.
It is really well written, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is definitely a book I would recommend - no hesitation in giving it the 5 stars it deserves!
As soon as I read the blurb for this book I was intrigued and knew that it was a book I wanted to read and find out more.
Well I have to say now that having read the book it was a real treat and I loved it - as soon as I finished I knew I was going to be giving the book 5 stars.
It is really well written, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is definitely a book I would recommend - no hesitation in giving it the 5 stars it deserves!
March 13, 2018
Good story, lovely characters, nice twist. Not what you'd call a thriller but it's a pleasant way to spend a couple of afternoons.
August 8, 2015
When I Grow Up.. Is a fantastic read. It’s written from the prospective of Alicia, so the reader gets to see everything as she does. It’s about an incident that happens to Alicia’s friend in her place of work, which leads her to look behind the scenes of her bosses and co-worker’s to uncover the truth and restore her friends good name. Alicia also learns a lot about the people she spends time with, things that she would never guessed or thought on before and I think that led her to a closer friendship with a lot of them.
I also loved how throughout the book her friendship developed with her boss. I really think that they both enriched each other lives in a lot of ways and it was really fascinating to see how two very different people can bond over advents in their lives when they are pushed together.
Also her room mates were very entertaining and proved to be true and real friends, who would have her back at a moment’s notice.
This book had many interesting and likeable characters throughout. And even some characters that have shown up in other places, which really added something special and made the story feel even more real and interesting. I liked how throughout the book there were many characters to suspect and think on, right up until the end. It really did keep me guessing and needing to read on.
I would recommend this book if you love a little mystery and strong female characters to follow all the way through. Patricia has done an amazing job with bringing all her characters to life and created a gripping storyline to follow.
I also loved how throughout the book her friendship developed with her boss. I really think that they both enriched each other lives in a lot of ways and it was really fascinating to see how two very different people can bond over advents in their lives when they are pushed together.
Also her room mates were very entertaining and proved to be true and real friends, who would have her back at a moment’s notice.
This book had many interesting and likeable characters throughout. And even some characters that have shown up in other places, which really added something special and made the story feel even more real and interesting. I liked how throughout the book there were many characters to suspect and think on, right up until the end. It really did keep me guessing and needing to read on.
I would recommend this book if you love a little mystery and strong female characters to follow all the way through. Patricia has done an amazing job with bringing all her characters to life and created a gripping storyline to follow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2016
Sometimes the only way to get through a day at a job you don't like is to spend some time venting with those who understand - your coworkers. Alicia does just that, until one of her coworkers is fired for illegal activities after an investigation. Alicia believes in his innocence and begins looking into who could have framed him, causing her to realize - how well do you really know the people you work with?
I quite enjoyed this book. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, I would find out I was wrong. I was shaking my head at the end of the book thinking "I never saw that coming!" I also enjoyed that it was women's fiction/mystery that had nothing to do with "I can't live without a man! That would make my life complete!"
This was a quick read, and it was nice to read about the characters living somewhere else rather than New York or Los Angeles (the book takes place in Spain). I could have done without the footnotes though that would explain things about Spain, or explain the random Spanish word that appeared, as that took me out of the story and felt out of place. Still give this one a go if you are a fan of mysteries and women's fiction.
I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I quite enjoyed this book. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, I would find out I was wrong. I was shaking my head at the end of the book thinking "I never saw that coming!" I also enjoyed that it was women's fiction/mystery that had nothing to do with "I can't live without a man! That would make my life complete!"
This was a quick read, and it was nice to read about the characters living somewhere else rather than New York or Los Angeles (the book takes place in Spain). I could have done without the footnotes though that would explain things about Spain, or explain the random Spanish word that appeared, as that took me out of the story and felt out of place. Still give this one a go if you are a fan of mysteries and women's fiction.
I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2015
Oh my the agony of this book... the topics at hand... the characters and their situations... Don't worry, you will have no problem falling head first into the book. The author has done an amazing job in making this story so intriguing that you won't want anything but to read it!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
August 22, 2018
A great read with improbable turns and twists. Good dialogue and satisfying characterizations.Read Page 106 for things to add to bucket list and Page 119 for the ultimate put down to a cheating ex
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews