I Never Fancied Him Anyway

Written by Claudia Carroll, an Irish actress and writer, //I Never Fancied Him Anyway// is amusing, whimsical, and charming, filled with Irish colloquialisms; a book that will make you smile indulgently as you turn the last page. From the time she was a wee lass, people have relied on Cassandra to tell them their future. Through her psychic flashes, she can tell whether a person might meet their soul mate or travel to a distant land or reach great heights. For Cassie, her second sight is something she simply takes for granted, like being born left-handed or with a wicked backswing. As an advice columnist for Tattle magazine, she advises the lovelorn and heartbroken, yet Cassie never sees what is in store for her own future. Cassie's friends, including spoiled and self-entitled Charlene, a twenty-something socialite, activist and down to earth BFF, Jo and the obligatory gay friend, Marc (with a c) provide both comic relief and more than just a little touch of drama. Curled up on the couch, with a cup of tea, reading //I Never Fancied Him Anyway// is a nice way to spend a couple of hours. Reviewed by Lanine Bradley

Overall I really enjoyed this story. It was a unique idea. What I didnt like was how long it was. There was some things that didnt need to be there to get the point of the story across. It made me want to skip over those things, but I didnt. I was expecting more or a romantic comedy. This book delivers the comedy but not the romance that I was hoping for between the main character Cassy and Jake.

In Dublin, Tattle Magazine columnist Cassandra writes a spiritual and psychic column answering questions from readers. Almost thirty she has been extremely successful at seeing glimpses of the future for over two decades. Her skill is somewhat limited to "flashes" of insight into the love lives of strangers. Her wealthy friend Charlene arranges with her lover TV producer Jack Hamilton for Cassandra to appear on the air. There are two problems with the arrangement. First Jack is Cassandra's dream lover though she conceals her feelings from her BFF and the fantasy of her dreams. Second whenever she is near Jack, her psychic skill fails to perform; a bit of a problem for TV. With a bit of whimsy as the dreaded lists are letters from Cassandra's readers asking for her advice, I NEVER FANCIED HIM ANYWAY is an amusing lighthearted frolic starring a wonderful protagonist. Cassie holds the story line together as she struggles between betraying her best friend and betraying her heart. Although Jack and Charlene are never fully developed beyond respective one joke acts, Claudia Carroll provides sub-genre fans with a quirky amusing contemporary. Harriet Klausner