Penny Vincenzi
Ranked #2,572 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #102,724 overall
Penny Vincenzi, Bestselling Author
Penny Vincenzi is one of the UK's top authors having sold millions of her books worldwide.
From Old Sins
through to An Absolute Scandal
Penny Vincenzi writes books that are impossible to put down until they are finished. After that you still want more, her characters pull you into their lives and Penny Vincenzi weaves a story like a magician waving a wand.
From Old Sins
through to An Absolute Scandal Penny Vincenzi writes books that are impossible to put down until they are finished. After that you still want more, her characters pull you into their lives and Penny Vincenzi weaves a story like a magician waving a wand.The Penny Vincenzi Index
- Penny Vincenzi, Pre-Bestseller List
- Becoming a Bestselling Author
- Penny Vincenzi's Bibliography
- There's One Born Every Minute
- OXO
- The Fiction
- What's Your Favorite?
- Old Sins
- Wicked Pleasures
- An Outrageous Affair
- Another Woman
- Forbidden Places
- The Dilemma
- Penny the Librarian
- The Glimpses
- Windfall
- Almost A Crime
- Spoils of Time Trilogy
- Sheer Abandon
- An Absolute Scandal
- The Best of Times
- Other Authors to Try
- What Do You Think About Penny Vincenzi?
- Penny Vincenzi Bargains
- Penny Vincenzi Online
Penny Vincenzi, Pre-Bestseller List
A Little Life History
Penny Vincenzi loved writing from an early age when she was nine she produced her first magazine. The magazine was called "Stories" and she copied them out three times on carbon paper before selling them at her school for two pence each.Her first job after completing her A Levels was as a librarian at the prestigious Harrods Store in London. She was one of approximately 36 staff and looked after clients whose surnames started with S. She jokes that she was nearly, but not quite fired.
When she left Harrods she attended Secretarial College and from there she worked on magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Tattler before moving to the Daily Mirror.
At the Mirror whe was the PA to Marje Proops (a well known agony aunt). Marje encouraged Penny to write and she became the Daily Mirror's fashion editor and beauty writer.
From the Mirror Penny went to work for a cosmetics company before launching the Looking Good magazine with her husband Paul.
Becoming a Bestselling Author
Penny Vincenzi's Next Step
So, how did you become a bestselling author?
"I once asked bestselling British author Jilly Cooper for advice on writing a novel while interviewing her for a magazine profile. Jilly put me in touch with her own agent, who promptly auctioned off my (then unwritten)first novel. It was quickly snapped up and the rest, as they say, is history."
"I once asked bestselling British author Jilly Cooper for advice on writing a novel while interviewing her for a magazine profile. Jilly put me in touch with her own agent, who promptly auctioned off my (then unwritten)first novel. It was quickly snapped up and the rest, as they say, is history."
Penny Vincenzi's Bibliography
Non Fiction
There's One Born Every Minute: A Survival Guide for Parents
(1984)
TAKING STOCK: OVER 75 YEARS OF THE OXO CUBE.
(1985)
Novels
Old Sins(1989)
Wicked Pleasures
(1992)
An Outrageous Affair
(1993)
Another Woman
(1994)
FORBIDDEN PLACES
(1995)
THE DILEMMA.
(1996)
The Glimpses (Phoenix 60p Paperbacks)
(1996)
Windfall
(1997)
Almost a Crime
(1999)
Sheer Abandon: A Novel
(2005)
An Absolute Scandal: A Novel(2007)
The Best of Times
(2009)
Series
Spoils of Time Trilogy
No Angel
(2000)
Something Dangerous
(2001)
Into Temptation (Lytton Family Trilogy)
(2002)
There's One Born Every Minute: A Survival Guide for Parents
(1984)TAKING STOCK: OVER 75 YEARS OF THE OXO CUBE.
(1985)Novels
Old Sins
(1989)Wicked Pleasures
(1992)An Outrageous Affair
(1993)Another Woman
(1994)FORBIDDEN PLACES
(1995)THE DILEMMA.
(1996)The Glimpses (Phoenix 60p Paperbacks)
(1996)Windfall
(1997)Almost a Crime
(1999)Sheer Abandon: A Novel
(2005)An Absolute Scandal: A Novel
(2007)The Best of Times
(2009)Series
Spoils of Time Trilogy
No Angel
(2000)Something Dangerous
(2001)Into Temptation (Lytton Family Trilogy)
(2002) There's One Born Every Minute
A Survival Guide for Parents
Penny Vincenzi's first book was a survival guide for parents called There's One Born Every Minute.There's One Born Every Minute: A Survival Guide for Parents
As the mother of four (all daughters) Penny recounts some of her own horror stories and offers some sensible advice. Penny Vincenzi brings not just her experience to this book, but also her great sense of humor shines through.
It may have been written over 20 years ago, but sensible advice is still sensible advice.
OXO
A Stock Cube Found in Every British Home
In 1985 Penny Vincenzi's book Taking Stock: Over 75 Years of the Oxo Cube was released.
This book was released to coincide with the diamond anniversary of the Oxo Cube and examines the social aspects of this little stock cube on British life.
TAKING STOCK: OVER 75 YEARS OF THE OXO CUBE.
This book was released to coincide with the diamond anniversary of the Oxo Cube and examines the social aspects of this little stock cube on British life.
TAKING STOCK: OVER 75 YEARS OF THE OXO CUBE.
Taking Stock : Over 75 Years of the Oxo Cube: Issued by Brooke Bond Oxo Ltd to Commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the Oxo Cube
Amazon Price: $3.80 (as of 06/03/2012)
The Fiction
Penny Vincenzi's Novels
In 1989 Penny Vincenzi's storytelling abilities were shown to the world with her first novel, Old Sins. Thirteen novels later and Penny Vincenzi has well and truly courted the bestseller list and along the way has gathered hoards of fans.
What's Your Favorite?
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“A superior three-star novel. An impressive, silky smooth saga, which explores the boudoir and busine”
Old Sins
Penny Vincenzi's First Novel
For a first novel this book really is fantastic. There is a warning attached though, make sure your time is free for a while because you will not be able to put this book down until it is finished.Old Sins
The reading of the late Sir Julian Morrell's (head of a cosmetics empire) will causes shocks for both his daughter, Roz and his second wife, Phaedria. He has left them both 49% share in his empire with the controlling 2% going to a strange man that no one has heard of.
The book jumps back and traces Julian's life, his relationships and his financial savvy and spins all of the threads together for a fantastic ending.
The characters are very compelling and this tale catches you between wanting to skip ahead to find out what happens and to continue reading so that you do not miss anything.
The characters are very compelling and this tale catches you between wanting to skip ahead to find out what happens and to continue reading so that you do not miss anything.
Old Sins (Trade Paperback) (New Edition)
Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)
Wicked Pleasures
Penny Vincenzi's 2nd Novel
In 1992 Penny Vencenzi cermented her place as a best selling novelist with her second novel, Wicked Pleasures.Wicked Pleasures
This book is another, "can't put down" page-turner from Penny Vincenzi. The Sunday Express called this book - "A wickedly good read."
It is a story about a brother and two sisters who discover that they all have different fathers..... and none of those fathers is the Earl of Caterham. The Earl being their mother's husband for almost 20 years.
The discovery of this lie sets in place a chain of events which make up an entertaining novel. The story combines the world of American banking, British banking and English aristocracy. It throws in a few "on the edge of your seat" moments and proves that Penny is in her element when writing a family saga.
The discovery of this lie sets in place a chain of events which make up an entertaining novel. The story combines the world of American banking, British banking and English aristocracy. It throws in a few "on the edge of your seat" moments and proves that Penny is in her element when writing a family saga.
An Outrageous Affair
Penny Vincenzi's Novel Number 3
In An Outrageous Affair Penny Vincenzi explores the extraordinary, sometimes fatal, consequences of the truth.This storyline in An Outrageous Affair moves from wartime England to fifties Hollywood and asks the question what is the link between a suicide in the 70s and a tragic accident in the 50s?
Caroline Hunterton had thought that her secret was buried in the past, but journalist Magnus Phillips decides to tell the story.
Chloe and Fleur, Caroline's two daughters, have been "protected" from the truth, now their lives are going to be torn apart.
"The bonkbuster is definitely on the rise again as fiction gets chunkier and glossier. But despite stiff competition from a new vanguard of younger and arguably hipper writers, there's only one name that continues to reign supreme, Penny Vincenzi."
Glamour
Another Woman
Penny Vincenzi's 1994 Offering
It was the night before Oliver Bergin and Cressida Forrest's wedding. Cressida went to bed happy and serene ready to be the perfect bride, by morning she was gone.Another Woman
is set between an English country house and the glittering Paris fashion scene. Not the best of Penny Vincenzi's book as there is no real closure at the end of the book.However, the family secrets and rich characters make the saga well worth the read. Everyone seems to have something to hide which leads to unexpected plots.
Forbidden Places
Penny Vincenzi
Forbidden Places is set in WWII and is about 3 women, Grace, Florence and Clarissa.Grace's husband Charles goes missing during the war and is presumed dead.
Florence marries a bully and Clarissa marries a fighter pilot who is seriously injured.
This book looks at their choices and the conflicts that they each face.
As with all of Penny Vincenzi's books her characters are rich and it is hard to put the book down before it is finished.
The Dilemma
Penny Vincenzi
To tell a lie for someone you love..........that's The Dilemma.
In this book we meet Francesca a 21 year old ambitious and yet still insecure young woman who embarks on a five year courtship with Isambard Channing. She eventually becomes his third wife.
Bard Channing is a ruthless real estate mogul who is dismissive of everyone close to him. The early years of their marriage is very rocky and the shift of power to Francesca brings the crisis to a head.
Will she lie for her husband, or is the marriage over?
This book is another blockbuster from Penny Vincenzi's rich imagination and contains vivid character's that the reader identifies with.
In this book we meet Francesca a 21 year old ambitious and yet still insecure young woman who embarks on a five year courtship with Isambard Channing. She eventually becomes his third wife.
Bard Channing is a ruthless real estate mogul who is dismissive of everyone close to him. The early years of their marriage is very rocky and the shift of power to Francesca brings the crisis to a head.
Will she lie for her husband, or is the marriage over?
This book is another blockbuster from Penny Vincenzi's rich imagination and contains vivid character's that the reader identifies with.
"No one mixes glamour and mystery quite as brilliantly as British bestselling author Penny Vincenzi"
F magazine
Penny the Librarian
Penny Vincenzi's First Job
Penny Vincenzi's first job was as a librarian. Jonathan Sale interviews her here for the Independant.The photo is by Andy Paradise, also from The Independant.
Unfortunately her novels never graced the library where she worked, read the article to find out why.
The Glimpses
Penny Vincenzi
In 1996 Penny revealed The Glimpses which is about not being happy with what you have.Penny Vincenzi's main character in this novel is a man, a lucky man. James has a pretty wife, three gorgeous children, great job and a beautiful house. All of this doesn't make him happy though. He catches glimpses of what he wants, just out of his reach, however that would make a boring book so James' "Glimpses" turn into reality.
What happened next?
.....you'll have to buy the book, there are no spoilers on this site!
.....you'll have to buy the book, there are no spoilers on this site!
The Glimpses (Phoenix 60p Paperbacks)
Amazon Price: $30.79 (as of 06/03/2012)
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Windfall
Penny Vincenzi
In Windfall Penny Vincenzi goes back to using a female as her main character.Cassie Fallon is a wife and mother, although she used to be a doctor. When her godmother dies and leaves her half a million pounds we gradually see changes happening. At first Cassie and her doctor husband resolve to be sensible and not let the money change things, but then Cassie starts examining her life.
She decides to go back to working as a doctor and also gives herself a make over and trys to "find" herself.
There are also mysteries such as where did her godmother get the money from. Essentially the book looks at whether or not it is realistic to say that money will not change a person - what would you do differently if money were no object??
Almost A Crime
Penny Vincenzi
In Almost a Crime Penny Vincenzi writes about a golden couple. Tom and Octavia Flemming look to have everything, a perfect marriage, good looks, lovely children etc. However, as we all know, what goes on behind closed doors is always different to what the world sees. Tom has a torrid affair, and who with? Well that would be telling.Octavia turns to her best friend for support and Octavia's father, Felix decides to make Tom pay. No one was ever good enough for his little girl and now Tom has dared to hurt her. Hell hath no fury like a father on the war path.
This family saga is pure Vincenzi and a great read. The biggest question, does the marriage survive? Read the book to find out.
"Vincenzi is a bestselling author for a reason."
London Paper
“...an addictive soap opera
Booklist (re: Spoils of Time)”
Spoils of Time Trilogy
No Angel, Something Dangerous & Into Temptation
With her three books No Angel, Something Dangerous and Into Temptation Penny Vincenzi tells the story of the Lytton family as only she can.
, Something Dangerous and Into Temptation Penny Vincenzi tells the story of the Lytton family as only she can. The first in the series is No Angel where we met Lady Celia for the first time. This book shows the relationship that Celia has with her husband and also explores the dangerous decision that she makes which will have far reaching implications.
We also met Barty Miller, the girl Celia decides to "rescue."
where we met Lady Celia for the first time. This book shows the relationship that Celia has with her husband and also explores the dangerous decision that she makes which will have far reaching implications.We also met Barty Miller, the girl Celia decides to "rescue."
In Something Dangerous we see into the lifes of Lady Celia's twin daughters - Adele and Venetia.
The second World War occurs and affects not only the twins' life, but also that of Celia, her sister in law and Barty Miller once again.
we see into the lifes of Lady Celia's twin daughters - Adele and Venetia.The second World War occurs and affects not only the twins' life, but also that of Celia, her sister in law and Barty Miller once again.
Into Temptation continues the Lytton family saga revealing more family secrets. There is tragedy in this book (including one that is unexpected) and all of the family secrets become threatened.
continues the Lytton family saga revealing more family secrets. There is tragedy in this book (including one that is unexpected) and all of the family secrets become threatened.
Into Temptation (Lytton Family Trilogy)
Amazon Price: $2.27 (as of 06/03/2012)
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Sheer Abandon
Penny Vincenzi
Jocasta, Clio and Martha are three girls who meet in 1985 while setting out on their gap year. After a few weeks together in Thailand they vow to organise a reunion in the future.That reunion doesn't occur until 15 years later.
One night in 1986 an abandoned baby girl is found in a cupboard at Heathrow airport, the mother is one of the three friends. It is this abandoned girl, Kate who forces their reunion.
Martha has become a single, high flying lawyer. Clio has become a doctor trapped in a loveless marriage. Jocasta is a reporter who is in love with a commitment phobe. Which one of them is Kate's mother and why did she do it?
Penny Vincenzi tackles some strong issues while weaving a "can't put down" story.
Penny Vincenzi tackles some strong issues while weaving a "can't put down" story.
An Absolute Scandal
Penny Vincenzi
In An Absolute Scandal 'Vincenzi is a bestselling author for a reason. The story craftily strings you along wanting more. After all, what is not intriguing about death. adultery, bankruptcy, public school accents, ponies, divorce, and the rise and fall of the high life of the 80s? Perfect for a holiday read' The London Paper
Penny Vincenzi takes one of the biggest scandals of the 80s - the Lloyds crash and spins her magic to create yet another bestseller for her stable of hits.
'Vincenzi is a bestselling author for a reason. The story craftily strings you along wanting more. After all, what is not intriguing about death. adultery, bankruptcy, public school accents, ponies, divorce, and the rise and fall of the high life of the 80s? Perfect for a holiday read' The London PaperPenny Vincenzi takes one of the biggest scandals of the 80s - the Lloyds crash and spins her magic to create yet another bestseller for her stable of hits.
An Absolute Scandal: A Novel
Amazon Price: $0.01 (as of 06/03/2012)
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The Best of Times
Penny Vincenzi
WARNING! Penny Vincenzi's latest book should come with it's own warning label saying - do not read this book.....unless you have plenty of time to finish it in one sitting! Yes, Penny Vincenzi has written another 'can't put it down' pageturner. Both Vincenzi fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this latest offering.
The premise of The Best of Times is about how a split second can change someone's life. In Penny Vincenzi's split second a fatal car accident occured that would change the character's lifes. Penny introduces us to the characters and breathes life into them as she uses her magic to weave their stories together.
The premise of The Best of Times
is about how a split second can change someone's life. In Penny Vincenzi's split second a fatal car accident occured that would change the character's lifes. Penny introduces us to the characters and breathes life into them as she uses her magic to weave their stories together.
The Best of Times (Import Edition)
Amazon Price: $27.95 (as of 06/03/2012)
We meet Georgia, an aspiring young actress who is desperate to get to an audition on time and we watch her mature as the book unfolds. We also meet Patrick, a truck driver who is trying to get home for his mother-in-law's birthday.
Then there is Mary who is on her way to be reunited with a former flame who she hasn't seen for over 50 years.
We also meet Jonathan a married doctor who is travelling with his mistress Abi. Best friends Toby and Barney are also on the road that day trying to get Toby to church on time as he's supposed to be getting married.
The accident is witnessed by William who's farm runs alongside that stretch of road and provides a field for the emergancy helicopter to land in as well as water for the thirsty people caught up in the horrific accident.
The aftermath of the accident is dealt with by the nearest hospital where we met young resident Emma and her boss Alex.
How will the accident change all of their lives? You'll have to read the book to find out, but believe me it's a great read.
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Other Authors to Try
If you loved Penny Vincenzi's books then you may want to check out these other authors:
Jilly Cooper
Barbara Taylor Bradford
Cathy Kelly
Danielle Steel
Louise Bagshawe
Nora Roberts
Sheila O'Flannagan
Jilly Cooper
Barbara Taylor Bradford
Cathy Kelly
Danielle Steel
Louise Bagshawe
Nora Roberts
Sheila O'Flannagan
What Do You Think About Penny Vincenzi?
Let me know what you think and don't forget if you have a favorite author then click on the make a new lens button and let the world know about them!
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CDT
Jun 6, 2009 @ 4:13 pm | delete
- I haven't read any of Penny Vincenzi's books (yet!)...but a woman who wrote a book about Oxo Cubes has my total respect :D
5* and featured on British Literature HQ
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Penny Vincenzi Bargains
Ebay is a great place to find your favorite author at discounted prices. Buy one of Penny Vincenzi's books here today.
Penny Vincenzi Online
- A Word A Day -- copperplate
- Earliest documented use: 1663. ?Harriet opened the envelope and pulled out a thick piece of white paper covered in perfect copperplate handwriting.? Penny Vincenzi; Baby Knows Best; The Daily Express (London, UK); Mar 19, 2012.
- After Vidal Sassoon Britain never looked the same again
- In the early Sixties, Penny Vincenzi would go to Sassoon's salon in the Grosvenor House hotel religiously early every Monday morning. The bestselling novelist was just beginning her career in journalism, she was poorly paid and wore the same dress day ...
- Local teen writes magical adventure novel
- ?More Than You Know? by Penny Vincenzi is a romantic drama set against the chic backdrop of 1960s-'70s London. ?Kingdom Come? by JG Ballard is this cult novelist's final novel. ?The Shoemaker's Wife? by Adriana Trigiani is a love story that starts in ...
This Penny Vincenzi webpage was last updated by lou16 on 29th March 2012
by lou16
I love lots of different types of books, but I must admit that when it comes to chick lit I am a huge Penny Vincenzi fan. I believe that Penny devel... more »
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Penny Vincenzi's Latest Novel
The Best of Times
The Best of Times: A Novel
Amazon Price: $0.91 (as of 06/03/2012)
As ever Penny Vincenzi has released another book that you don't want to put down and this time it's over how a split second can change our life for good. In The Best of Times the split second is the time it takes for an accident to occur. It's a little like the movie Love Actually in that it follows the lives of different strangers and what happens in the aftermath of the accident.
The book looked huge and yet if didn't drag for me in the least I was caught up in everyone's lives hoping that they made the right choices!
