Read about half the book hoping the heroine would smarten up. Her naivete bordered on stupid. Put the book down as I did not care to waste any more time on this one. ( )

Quick chick lit. ( )

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

All That Glitters…..as the aphorism says is not gold. The title says explains my experience reading this book. It seemed to have so much potential but was ultimately just okay.

Nicole “Coco” Martin was a 21 year old year journalism major at Columbia University when her parents were tragically killed by a terrorist attack while in France. Coco had missed the annual trip as she was hired as a summer intern for Time magazine. In the aftermath of their death, Coco’s life is shattered as her life revolves around her loving parents, Tom and Bethanie.

Fortunately, her best friend from childhood, Samuel Stein, is always a source of support for her. His strict Orthodox Jewish parents want him to marry an Orthodox Jewish girl and have babies. He is focused on his studies and tries to encourage Coco not to abandon her college dreams.

Coco is so distraught that she cannot return to school and is unable to meet her intern commitment at Time. Her father’s married business partner Ed is made trustee of her inheritance. He begins an inappropriate relationship with her which just further traumatizes her when she naively thinks he is leaving his wife for her.

After the disaster of a relationship with her trustee, Coco accepts an internship in the London Time office. She feels traveling abroad would provide some distance and allow her to move forward from her grief. It isn’t long before she falls for Nigel a Time employee more interested in partying and running up the social ladder than a successful career. He says and does all the things that Coco wants to hear even s her drugs her down a rabbit hole.

Her close platonic relationship with Sam does nothing to dissuade her from making one bad decision after another. He knows her and has only the best intentions for his friend. It was frustrating to understand how Coco could continue to ignore his valid concerns for her safety. Coco expresses her concerns for Sam’s future to a “solid” Orthodox Jewish girl with whom he had been dating for over a year. She feels he should marry for love and not obligation to please his family.

I wanted to enjoy this story more than I did. The characters were dull without much dimension making it hard to invest in their story. There were so many moments when I thought, Oh, no, Coco!” A true example that money does not buy happiness and all that glitters is not gold.

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The ending was predictable but it was disappointing that Coco kept making poor choices. ( )

Nicole "Coco" Martin is destined to have it all. As the only child of doting and successful parents, she has been given every opportunity in life. Having inherited her mother's stunning beauty and creativity, along with her father's work ethic and diligence, she has the world at her feet.

Her life couldn't be better--until tragedy strikes. Coco's beloved parents are killed in a terrorist attack while on vacation in France.

Now devastated and alone, Coco must find a way to move forward and make her way in the world without the family she loved. Determined to forge her own path and make her parents proud, Coco pursues her dreams, dazzled by exciting opportunities that come her way.

Along her journey, she will face both ups and downs and, in the end, she will discover herself.

Being a huge Danielle Steel fan, I eagerly wait to read her books mainly because of her portrayal of strong female characters whose journey through the plot tend to be inspiring. Unfortunately for me, that was missing in this book.

I could not relate to the main character, Coco. And rather than feel sympathetic I felt annoyed at her actions. Initially, I felt that her immature behavior was due to the sudden tragedy of losing both her parents unexpectedly.

But, as the plot progresses, she repeatedly keeps on making the same mistakes. She goes from one bad relationship to another but not being affected much thanks to her inheritance.

I was more interested in Sam’s struggles and how he faced them. And the bond of friendship between Sam and Coco was something special.

The ending was on predicted lines but it did take several mistakes and lessons to reach there!
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