Lessons in Duck Shooting
Ally James’ life is in dire need of a makeover. Juggling the demands of a neurotic boss, the sudden appearance of her ex-husband’s latest arm candy and the endless whirl of school runs and fish finger teas seems to have become a mammoth effort of late. And watching The Little Mermaid with her kids is probably the closest she has come to an exciting date in years. So, when her best friend Mel persuades, or rather bullies, her into attending a dating seminar, Ally finds herself reluctantly giving in. Marina Boyd, American relationship guru extraordinaire, claims that all you need is some shrewd self-marketing and a steady stream of trial men – which she calls “duck decoys” – and you’re on the sure-fire road to finding Mr Right.
Ally’s not so sure though. Can packaging and promoting possibly be the same as dating and falling in love? And how on earth would you find time for a makeover, a direct mail campaign and a branding programme when you’re busy putting out fires at home?
Ally is about to find out…
Reviews
“I absolutely loved Jayne Buxton’s Lessons in Duck Hunting! It’s wonderful, witty, real and wise and so much fun to read. It’s one of those rare books that deals with the realities of single motherhood and the dating game, yet makes you smile as you compulsively turn every delightful page.” Nancy Thayer, Author.
“A warm, funny, page turning tale.” The Bookseller.
“Buxton’s debut is intelligent chick lit with a literary audience in mind. This laugh-out-loud debut will captivate readers.” Publishers Weekly.
“Lessons in Duck Hunting offers both humour and romance..the book is hard to put down.” Romancetimes.com
“An amazing story.” Vanessa Feltz, BBC London.
“An absolute delight to read. Ally and all of the characters are completely fleshed out into real people, moving the story along with laughter and pleasant surprises.” Romance Reviews Today.
“A hilarious look at the life of a single mum. Wickedly funny, warm and wonderfully preceptive, it’s great for those long, cold, dark winter nights.” Peterborough Evening Telegraph.
“An insightful, humorous and engaging read…The book is firmly rooted in the real world and will have many women nodding in agreement.” Lancashire Evening post.
“Buxton is a funny writer who knows that humour is in the details.” Boston Globe.
“While this novel clearly has chick lit written all over it, the story rises above the usual such fare with significantly more heart and soul…the idea of using business techniques to find a mate becomes intriguing and keeps the reader turning pages to find out more.” Rocky Mountain Reviews.
“Jayne Buxton provides a delightful charmer because readers know that in spite of all the glimmering up what you read is what you get.” Harriet Klausner, from Harriet Klausner’s Review.
“It’ single-mum-juggling-career-and-looking-for-love-territory, with an endearing central character, addictive style and a not-too-obvious plot.” The Bookseller.
“Jayne Buxton’s Lessons in Duck Hunting is one that you won’t want to miss. This well-written novel will make you laugh, and it will make you think about your own life. You’ll turn the pages as fast as you can and when the ride is over, you’ll want more. This is a wonderful debut novel.” Armchair Reviews
“From the beginning to the end she will have you laughing out loud and you’ll even see a part of yourself. A good read, a good story, a great ending.” Romance Junkies.
“You know a book’s good when you don’t really want it to end. Lessons in Duck Hunting is a delightful diversion, refreshing and light like a sparkly glass of champagne that leaves you with a satisfied glow.” Beverly Meyer, The Free Lance Star.
“The charm of Jayne Buxton’s heroine in Lessons in Duck Hunting is that she’s real.” Oakland Tribune.
“If you’ve got the winter blues, this book will give you hope.” Reader review, New Woman.
“I just finished reading this fantastic book by Jayne Buxton called Lessons in Duck Shooting. I could fully relate to it.” Blogger.
“I loved this book – it’ really well written and funny. It’s fast paced and will appeal to anyone who’s ever had children or been single. Highly recommended.” Reader review, Amazon.
“This is so true to life of what it’s like to be a single mother of two. I finished this book in a week and would recommend it to anyone.” Reader review, Amazon