The Perils of Skinny-dipping - feedback
I got so involved with the characters and the world they populated that I just had to finish it to find out what happens to Abbey in her journey from Manchester, to swimming with her kit off in Kasane then sorting out a predatory blonde with a case of mining samples. The story is woven together so well that it is an easy, enjoyable and touching read that even brought a tear to my dusty, cynical eyes in places. I would highly recommend this for a holiday as once you pick it up and escape to Botswana you may not want to put it down! A cliche - but true. Well done Julie on also portraying Botswana and the Batswana characters with such a pride, deep affection and sense of reality with a taste of what real life entails outside the tourist places. Loved it!! Just off to my local pool, not taking my swimmers, wish me luck. Catherine MacKenzie, M.Sc (distinction), Sheffield
The Perils Of Skinny Dipping by J.A.Sandilands
This is a probing exploration of the ramifications of the diverse relationships of parents, friends and husband showing an insight into the cultural differences met in Kasane, Botswana and the comfortable suburbs of Cheshire. A gripping and fast moving story which combines the landscape and society of Africa. It is a compelling read and page turner, full of humour and imagination with vivid descriptions. It is a book that I couldn't put down and a rare novel whose taste lingers for days afterwards and craves for more. Cathy Christey, Norfolk
A thoroughly enjoyable read; It has everything I look for in a book, great characters, well developed plot, enough of an insight into the culture and history of the area that you are able to connect with the characters and events that are unfolding but not so much that you feel like you’re studying for an exam, bit of romance and danger, a few twists and turns to keep you interested and finally, a happy ending. What more do you need? Dawn Hickey, Kinross
Just finished reading 'Perils' this morning and really enjoyed it. It was easy to get into the characters of Abbey and Phil and feel drawn into their life. I'm not the greatest fiction reader and tend to stick with factual books, however, once I had got into the story, I wanted to know more - Well Done, think you've got a good one there. Wendy Stewart, Kirkcaldy
Hi Julie, I enjoyed your book very much; the places mentioned were familiar to me having read the whole series of No.1 Ladies detective agency. Now that I have read the book I am going to my local library next week to discuss the two books with the librarian in the hope that they will take them on. I am sending my book to my daughter, Christine for her to read, and when she has read it we will enjoy discussing it together. I wish you every success in your journey along the literary road. It was lovely meeting you. Best wishes. Shirley Stock, Preston, Lancs
Hi Julie, had a day off sick today and read Skinny-dipping from cover to cover. It made me cry, it’s fab. It is a good look at expat life. Well done you. Annie Ryan, Sheffield.
Just finished Skinny-dipping - loved it!! They say a first novel is autobiographical. Is that true? Can’t wait for the next book. Keep them coming! Helen Stewart, Sale, Manchester
Hi Julie,
I bought both your books at the Big Tent Festival and just read The Perils of Skinny-Dipping today and have to say it is an amazing book which kept me occupied from start to finish and I had to read it in one go as well. I absolutely loved the story of the career-driven Abbey turning into a nature loving, dirty person who goes deeply into relationships with all people surrounding her...
I am truly thrilled! What a fantastic book! Keep writing them! Kirstin Uhlenbrock
This is an interesting story. You have a good main character in Abbey. It’s refreshing to find a book here about a woman older than a teenager. And, especially refreshing to know she is not going to turn into a vampire. Instead, she’s a woman who embarked on the kind of journey most of us wish we had the nerve to undertake. Your descriptions of Africa are wonderful: just enough detail a reader can appreciate the landscape; not so much it bogs down your story. Makes this a good read. Susan Burgess, Cumbria.
The Perils of Skinnydipping was an absolute joy to read. The story tells of Abbey's life-changing journey from being a driven career woman in the UK to a volunteer in Botswana and her relationships with her parents, friends, colleagues, lovers and enemies!! With the end of almost every chapter comes so much suspense that you cannot help reading on to discover the next twist Abbey's life will take. The characters and location are depicted so vividly you can almost see Abbey's face and hear the crickets in the background. Light enough to be a good holiday read and would definitely recommend to friends. Hoping that there will be another thrilling tale to follow shortly. Natalie Claire Smith, Milnathort.
I read this book in just two sittings. It is a well written, briskly paced entertaining read. Set in Botswana, the cultural themes and heritage of this proud country add a richness and depth to the text which rewards the reader beyond the usual experience. A significant first novel. Di Readman, Heaton Moor, Greater Manchester.
I really enjoyed The Perils of Skinny-dipping, it was a feel good book, as things were all resolved satisfactorily at the end. I felt Abbey's character was well developed, as was Phil, and the book read well and was simply a pleasure to read. I look forward to more from you! Craig Gilbert, Kirkcaldy.
The book was magical for me reminding me of my time in Capetown. A rattling good story, lots of humour and wonderful insights and descriptions. Just loved it.....hurry up with the next one please. Put me on your mailing list. Lesley Simpson, Newcastle
I got so involved with the characters and the world they populated that I just had to finish it to find out what happens to Abbey in her journey from Manchester, to swimming with her kit off in Kasane then sorting out a predatory blonde with a case of mining samples. The story is woven together so well that it is an easy, enjoyable and touching read that even brought a tear to my dusty, cynical eyes in places. I would highly recommend this for a holiday as once you pick it up and escape to Botswana you may not want to put it down! A cliche - but true. Well done Julie on also portraying Botswana and the Batswana characters with such a pride, deep affection and sense of reality with a taste of what real life entails outside the tourist places. Loved it!! Just off to my local pool, not taking my swimmers, wish me luck. Catherine MacKenzie, M.Sc (distinction), Sheffield
The Perils Of Skinny Dipping by J.A.Sandilands
This is a probing exploration of the ramifications of the diverse relationships of parents, friends and husband showing an insight into the cultural differences met in Kasane, Botswana and the comfortable suburbs of Cheshire. A gripping and fast moving story which combines the landscape and society of Africa. It is a compelling read and page turner, full of humour and imagination with vivid descriptions. It is a book that I couldn't put down and a rare novel whose taste lingers for days afterwards and craves for more. Cathy Christey, Norfolk
A thoroughly enjoyable read; It has everything I look for in a book, great characters, well developed plot, enough of an insight into the culture and history of the area that you are able to connect with the characters and events that are unfolding but not so much that you feel like you’re studying for an exam, bit of romance and danger, a few twists and turns to keep you interested and finally, a happy ending. What more do you need? Dawn Hickey, Kinross
Just finished reading 'Perils' this morning and really enjoyed it. It was easy to get into the characters of Abbey and Phil and feel drawn into their life. I'm not the greatest fiction reader and tend to stick with factual books, however, once I had got into the story, I wanted to know more - Well Done, think you've got a good one there. Wendy Stewart, Kirkcaldy
Hi Julie, I enjoyed your book very much; the places mentioned were familiar to me having read the whole series of No.1 Ladies detective agency. Now that I have read the book I am going to my local library next week to discuss the two books with the librarian in the hope that they will take them on. I am sending my book to my daughter, Christine for her to read, and when she has read it we will enjoy discussing it together. I wish you every success in your journey along the literary road. It was lovely meeting you. Best wishes. Shirley Stock, Preston, Lancs
Hi Julie, had a day off sick today and read Skinny-dipping from cover to cover. It made me cry, it’s fab. It is a good look at expat life. Well done you. Annie Ryan, Sheffield.
Just finished Skinny-dipping - loved it!! They say a first novel is autobiographical. Is that true? Can’t wait for the next book. Keep them coming! Helen Stewart, Sale, Manchester
Hi Julie,
I bought both your books at the Big Tent Festival and just read The Perils of Skinny-Dipping today and have to say it is an amazing book which kept me occupied from start to finish and I had to read it in one go as well. I absolutely loved the story of the career-driven Abbey turning into a nature loving, dirty person who goes deeply into relationships with all people surrounding her...
I am truly thrilled! What a fantastic book! Keep writing them! Kirstin Uhlenbrock
This is an interesting story. You have a good main character in Abbey. It’s refreshing to find a book here about a woman older than a teenager. And, especially refreshing to know she is not going to turn into a vampire. Instead, she’s a woman who embarked on the kind of journey most of us wish we had the nerve to undertake. Your descriptions of Africa are wonderful: just enough detail a reader can appreciate the landscape; not so much it bogs down your story. Makes this a good read. Susan Burgess, Cumbria.
The Perils of Skinnydipping was an absolute joy to read. The story tells of Abbey's life-changing journey from being a driven career woman in the UK to a volunteer in Botswana and her relationships with her parents, friends, colleagues, lovers and enemies!! With the end of almost every chapter comes so much suspense that you cannot help reading on to discover the next twist Abbey's life will take. The characters and location are depicted so vividly you can almost see Abbey's face and hear the crickets in the background. Light enough to be a good holiday read and would definitely recommend to friends. Hoping that there will be another thrilling tale to follow shortly. Natalie Claire Smith, Milnathort.
I read this book in just two sittings. It is a well written, briskly paced entertaining read. Set in Botswana, the cultural themes and heritage of this proud country add a richness and depth to the text which rewards the reader beyond the usual experience. A significant first novel. Di Readman, Heaton Moor, Greater Manchester.
I really enjoyed The Perils of Skinny-dipping, it was a feel good book, as things were all resolved satisfactorily at the end. I felt Abbey's character was well developed, as was Phil, and the book read well and was simply a pleasure to read. I look forward to more from you! Craig Gilbert, Kirkcaldy.
The book was magical for me reminding me of my time in Capetown. A rattling good story, lots of humour and wonderful insights and descriptions. Just loved it.....hurry up with the next one please. Put me on your mailing list. Lesley Simpson, Newcastle
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