Customer Reviews

Overnight Socialite

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

My thoughts...When this story first began, I found myself overwhelmed with the name dropping. All the fancy designers, labels, $500 shoes made me sort of dizzy and a bit turned off. However, once the story started to take off and the plot took over the glitz blended nicely into the scenery. The plot was a unique twist on an old story infused with romance, heartbreak, and a whole lotta money. The Overnight Socialite gave readers a pretty good look into the elite social setting in New York City. Readers get several different POV's because story not only followed Lucy and Wyatt, the main characters, but also several of their friends and acquaintances. The ending wrapped up, but it felt a little abrupt. You could definitely make strong inferences about the character's lives, but I longed for more details.

As far as the characters go, they grew on me. Initially, I could not imagine someone taking Wyatt up on his offer to be a social experiment, but after considering Lucy Jo's dreams and the extent of her devastation, it seemed plausible. I mean what did she have to loose? Her character really changed as the story progressed, but not as much as Wyatt's. I enjoyed reading his scenes. His stubbornness, his denial, and his pride made him an interesting character. My favorite character by far was Eloise, Lucy's friend. Of all the characters in the book, she was the most real and down-to-Earth, (with the exception of Lucy's mother). Overall, most of the characters were interesting and memorable

The cons...The only issue I had while reading came from too many POV's. There were several characters in the story who's point of view really contributed to the story. For example, the thoughts of Cornellia, the villianess, really helped the story move along and helped drive the reader's emotions. There were several subplots using various characters that I just skimmed through or skipped all together. These sections felt like filler and took away from the main story line too much, in my opinion.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and was rather sad when the story ended. I would recommend it to fans of chick-lit.

Lucy Jo Ellis is an aspiring designer who moves to New York to work in the sweatshops of the Fashion District in order to get her foot in the door. After the city nearly chews her up and spits her out, Lucy meets Wyatt Hayes IV, who has a bet going with his best friend that he can turn the average girl on the street into one of New York's most sought-after socialites.

OK, so the author borrows directly from My Fair Lady for the plot of her book. But it's really an enjoyable story. So there definitely is some predictability here. But Lucy Jo is a character with a lot of heart, and passion for what she loves best. Nearly all of these characters are a lot more three-dimensional than those in Clark previous novel, Because She Can. There are characters in the book, especially Wyatt and his best friend, who are undeniably flawed, but that makes them all the more real. Wyatt's ex girlfriend is a bit of a caricature, but other than that, I enjoyed reading about these people.

Nonetheless, there are a few aspects of the story that had me raising my eyebrows in disbelief (Lucy's transformation, especially her weight loss, is a little too rapid to be believable). Wyatt is in his mid-thirties, but he sure doesn't act that way most of the time. And the ending of the book isn't really an ending, as such. It just stops, without truly wrapping things up. But other than that, the story is fast paced, and extremely lively. It's cute, it's fun, and it's an engaging way to pass time. The plot just needs a little more work.

Besides looking cute in your sunglasses while sipping your Mai Tai as you relax in your lounger at poolside this summer, pick up this funny, Chick Lit light easy read. If you have read the other reviews you know the storyline. "My Fair Lady" meets modern day. It is a bit like a Doris Day movie, darling, flirty, predictable and you would not have it any other way.

Enjoy the Summer! Enjoy the read!

The Overnight Socialite was fun and witty. Lucy decided to leave her home in Minnesota and move to the big apple to fulfill her dream in becoming a fashion designer. While working for a dress shop she gets the opportunity to attend a fashion show. Unfortunately for her she ends up falling and embarrassing herself in front of everyone there. Now, she is desperately looking to prove to herself and others that she can succeed in this business. Wyatt, a rich and educated bachelor wanted to write a book that indicated females with the right style and attitude can become the most talked about socialite.

One day Lucy catches his eye and she turns into his socialite in training project. The transformation was really fun and I enjoyed seeing Lucy change right before my eyes. Throughout the novel there was tension between the two of them. It was undeniable and very entertaining. The writing flowed well and the New York socialite mentality was spot on. I'm not a huge fan of chick lit books, but Bridie won me over. One negative thing was the ending. It didn't live up to my expectations and I wish Lucy had taken a different path. Overall, a great read with a sassy storyline.

One of my favorite books when I was a teenager was Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw so when I read in the description of The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark that it was a modern spin on the classic, I couldn't wait to read it. Normally retellings of the classics are a let down for me. I was really surprised at how quickly The Overnight Socialite hooked me!

From the first pages of the story, the main character Lucy Jo Ellis is so lovable. She leaves her home in Minnesota and moves to New York City with the dream of becoming a world famous fashion designer. She gets her foot in the door slightly when she takes a job for a fashion designer. Her job is less then glamorous; she works in the sewing department. By chance, she gets invited for the biggest fashion show this famous designer has ever hosted. She assumes she will be rubbing elbows with celebrities and other people who may be able to help her network. She puts on one of her best designs, packs some of her business cards, and heads to the party of the year. She arrives and an assistant to the designer throws her back into the kitchen area. She is there to work the party alright! She is handed a waitress outfit and a tray of champagne.

She weaves her way around the crowd and finds herself shoved to the stage to present the designer with a glass of champagne at the end of the show. Thus the fiasco of Lucy's future begins. She gets on the stage, slips and lands on the stage so hard that she falls through the stage! Mortified, she leaves the fashion show. She finds herself under an awning in the pouring rain waiting for a taxi. She encounters Wyatt Hayes, one of New York's richest men and recently most sought after eligible bachelor. He has a bright idea of taken a female nobody and making her into an overnight socialite then writing a book about his whole experiment (Lucy has no knowledge of the book idea). He approaches Lucy with the idea and like any normal woman she is highly insulted but excepts his business card.

After a few more set backs, Lucy decides to call Wyatt and take him up on his offer. The novel is one up and down after another as we watch Lucy blossom from a country girl to one of the most sought after women in New York. The tension between Lucy and Wyatt is awesome and really adds to the story. Bridie Clark is an excellent writer who keeps the reader engaged in the story and makes you want to not put the book down because you just have to find out what happens next!

I was slightly disappointed with the end though. I totally wanted it to end one way but she took a totally different direction with it. I recommend this book for a great weekend or beach book for the summer!

[..]

Ms. Clark, please write a sequel to The Overnight Socialite!!! I loved this book from beginning to end. I want more of Wyatt and Lucy Jo, Trip and Eloise, and even Evil Cornelia! I didn't want to give 4 stars because of the ending, which does leave the reader hanging, but perhaps it ended that way simply because there is a sequel in the works, I hope???? So, five stars it is for what the book is in its entirety---a fabulous, fun read!!!

I loved this book from beginning to end. Clark's take on My Fair Lady and Pygmalion was very clever and lots of fun. I read it over the weekend and still think about scenes and smile. I can't wait for the movie and her next book.

Thirtyish billionaire Manhattanite Wyatt Hayes IV has everything going for him, but is bored with those he considers his social, economic and educational equals. He breaks off with his latest girlfriend Cornelia Rockman and wonders what next.

Leaving Dayville, Minnesota Lucy Jo Ellis hopes to take Manhattan by storm with her designs. She attends a gala in which she thought she was a guest, but ends up serving food. Later that night, a soaked to the bones Lucy heads home disappointed. Wyatt and his posse see her and he bets them he can turn her into the in person as he believes he can change chicken sh*t into a gourmet meal. He explains to Lucy the wager and she reluctantly agrees to his make over of her. As she proves she can, outraged Cornelia blames her replacement and undertakes a vendetta while Wyatt becomes jealous of those male socialites sniffing at his creation.

This is an interesting retelling of Pygmalion with a hyperbolized cast stereotyping various roles especially of the ultra rich and the deer in the headlight innocent coming to take the city by storm. The story is fun to follows as Lucy Jo of Middle American becomes cosmopolitan Lucy of Manhattan. Although the ending can be seen on a clear day all the way to Newark, readers will enjoy the modernization of My Fair Lady into The Overnight Socialite.

Harriet Klausner

Highly entertaining! I actually laughed out loud while reading this book. A great piece of chic lit. Since this was my first foray in true chic lit, I have to say I loved it. Was the story predictable? Yes. Was it cheesy at times? You betcha. Did I still love it despite those qualities? Heck yea! Think Pygmalion and My Fair Lady.

Watch out New York bluebloods and society mongrels, because here comes Lucy Jo. With the guidance of a true blueblood Wyatt Hayes, Lucy is transformed from a dowdy midwestern girl to the number one girl on New York's society pages. Expect air kissing, lots of rich non-working people, frenemies, designer dresses and party hoping.

Oh, the best part was that the story mentioned by hometown. Fort Worth. I heart dear old Fort Worth.

Lucy Jo Ellis is a woman on a mission. She wants to be a classic fashion designer and start her own line of clothing. Unfortunately for her, the stars are not lining up in her favor. She is invited to an haute couture fashion event where she expects to be a participant, only to find out that she is really wanted to be an addition to the hired help. After a series of mishaps, she is fired from her fashion job on the spot, and leaves humiliated to go home, with her life in ruins.

On the way home, in a torrential rain storm, she meets Wyatt Hayes IV. The scene where they meet is right out of the movie "Sweet Charity" with Shirley MacLaine. It is the scene where Charity is outside of the hotel, in a downpour while under the awning, and meets the celebrated actor, Vittorio Vidal who is sitting in a cab. Similarities to the movie aside, Lucy Jo is offered a chance to get the ultimate makeover. Wyatt offers to turn her into a socialite, and his friend Trip promise to make her the envy of every other woman on the social scene.

Wyatt's friend Trip is dating Eloise, who thinks he will eventually be ready to settle down and make her his wife. Wyatt's girlfriend Cornelia has the same thoughts about Wyatt, although neither of the men are really ready to make the long term commitment that the women in their lives dream of for the future. Wyatt has an ulterior motive to working so diligently with Lucy Jo, also known as Lucia Haverford Ellis (then back to "Lucy"). He is writing a book and wants to use Lucy as his experiment. He is so confident that he will win, that he bets Trip his heirloom watch on the outcome.

Lucy enjoys her new identity and is coached on what to do and to say when she is in the company of other socialites. She sometimes feels that she will never fit into the high society crowd, but she gives it her everything to make the transformation work. Somewhere along the way, Wyatt develops real feelings for Lucy, much to the chagrin and discern of his girlfriend Cornelia. What plays out is a tug of war competition which will determine who will end up with whom - each party vying for the attentions of the other.

The story is funny and unpredictable. Lucy is a warm character that the reader will love immediately. She is unsure and confident at the same time, which is a charming mix that readers will come to appreciate as her true nature. The other characters act responsibly and are easier to read. There are no complex plots in this story, but it is still one to read with a light heart, knowing that it all works out in the end.