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Kirsty McManus
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Zen Queen Kindle Edition

by Kirsty McManus (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 149 ratings
Jess Harper’s personal life is a mess.

She hasn’t had a haircut in years and she doesn’t have time to find better friends than the self-centred associates she’s had since University.

And instead of searching for love, she’s settled for ‘friends with benefits’ status with one of her buddies. Yet none of that matters, because professionally she’s living the dream, and has just scored a highly coveted assignment in Japan with the promise of a promotion on her return.

But when she arrives in Japan, instead of the smooth integration she anticipated, Jess finds herself wrongfully fired, abandoned and broke in a country where she doesn’t speak the language. Now she must rebuild her life and clear her name. But the friendly locals and allure of the ex-pat lifestyle soon have her reconsidering her priorities and challenging her views on climbing the corporate ladder.

With a new job as an English teacher, and the temptation of her cute (but already attached) roommate, Jess discovers that although life doesn't always turn out as planned, maybe that's not such a bad thing.
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  1. Print length
    399 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    December 23, 2011
  5. File size
    861 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B006PNS9KE
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 23, 2011
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 861 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 399 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 149 ratings

About the author

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Kirsty McManus

Kirsty McManus

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Kirsty McManus is a bestselling romantic comedy author. She started writing while working as an English teacher in Japan in 2004, and her travel blog inspired her first novel, Zen Queen.

In 2023, she began studying a master of creative arts.

She is obsessed with Korean dramas and vampires.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
149 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book easy to read and well-written, with a wonderful story that takes them on an adventure through life. They describe it as cute and hilarious, with one customer noting how it made them want to visit Japan. Customers appreciate the pacing, with one mentioning it's so engaging they couldn't put it down. The character development receives mixed reactions, with some finding the characters well-rounded while others find them irritating.

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ReadabilityStory qualityCute bookHumorTravel valuePacingCharacter development
29 customers mention "Readability"29 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and well written, with one customer noting it kept their interest throughout.

"I really liked this book. It was an enjoyable read. Simple, but looked forward to reading it...." Read more

"4 1/2 stars. I really liked this book. It began with a really funny incident and continued with a great story...." Read more

"...has a very "Bridget Jones" feel to it and I enjoyed it as a light-hearted read...." Read more

"...The book flowed, has kept my interest and i am really enjoying it. I won't hesitate to buy another book written by Kirsty McManus." Read more

16 customers mention "Story quality"13 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this book, with one customer describing it as a light-hearted rom-com adventure, while another appreciates its fun intercultural elements.

"...It began with a really funny incident and continued with a great story...." Read more

"...was satisfyingly long enough to get to know the characters, and compelling enough to keep me wondering what happens next...." Read more

"I have come to enjoy the light hearted rom-com adventures of Kristy McManus’ characters and this tale fits right in. It is very cute. Good read" Read more

"...The characters are quaint but fit the story very well." Read more

8 customers mention "Cute book"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book cute, with one describing it as delightful chick lit and another noting its sweet ending.

"This was a sweet, kinda zany story of a young woman trying to find her place in the world...." Read more

"...It is very cute. Good read" Read more

"Zen queen was a cute, summer read. If you are looking for something to enlighten you or make you think....this book is definitely not for you...." Read more

"...She has a great style, they are all so difficult to put down!..." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, with several mentioning it starts with a funny incident, and one describing it as lighthearted.

"4 1/2 stars. I really liked this book. It began with a really funny incident and continued with a great story...." Read more

"...has a sense of humour that i could totally relate to and i found parts hilarious. The book flowed, has kept my interest and i am really enjoying it...." Read more

"...It is lighthearted, fun escapism and as such, does a wonderful job...." Read more

"...Made me laugh, and it was entertaining to learn more about a different culture and all the things that could go wrong when adapting." Read more

7 customers mention "Travel value"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the travel value of the book, with one mentioning it made them want to visit Japan, while another notes it serves as a nice introduction to the country.

"...I think this book would be good for someone who plans to travel. Also, it's inspiring to see how she grows up and creates her plans for her future." Read more

"...This book made me want to visit Japan...." Read more

"An interesting story that takes place in Japan. I enjoyed the traveling around seeing so many different sites that this group of friends enjoyed..." Read more

"Great read. It also has a ton of travel references so if you've been, want to go or just find different cultures interesting this will be a hit." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book engaging, with one noting it's so difficult to put down.

"I really liked this book. It was an enjoyable read. Simple, but looked forward to reading it...." Read more

"...She has a great style, they are all so difficult to put down!..." Read more

"...Kept my interest and was a feel good story. Nothing too complicated or deep...just right!" Read more

14 customers mention "Character development"9 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book, with some finding them well-rounded while others find them irritating.

"...This book made me want to visit Japan. The descriptions of the people, the atmosphere and all the small details, make it into a place I've got to..." Read more

"...I have to agree that the main character is immature, but that's kind of the point...." Read more

"...It was satisfyingly long enough to get to know the characters, and compelling enough to keep me wondering what happens next...." Read more

"...The characters are quaint but fit the story very well." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kristina Brown
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I really liked this book. It was an enjoyable read. Simple, but looked forward to reading it. I really liked that she was sent to Japan, and was hoping to find a continuation of the story, but I'm happy with it. I plan to check out other books by this author. I think this book would be good for someone who plans to travel. Also, it's inspiring to see how she grows up and creates her plans for her future.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Made me want to get on the next plane to Japan..
    Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2012
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    4 1/2 stars.
    I really liked this book. It began with a really funny incident and continued with a great story.
    This is the story of Jess and how she transforms from a socially awkward and shy girl into a self-assured woman. I could relate to so many of her awkward feelings and embarrasments (note to other reviewer- yes, people above the age of twenty can get embarrased by sex and nudity), and was delighted to see that as the novel advanced her reactions changed with her perspective. I was truly amazed by the way she got herself out of her predicament. She even asked strangers she met on the street about jobs! You can be sure that if I was stranded in a foreign country with practically no money, I would have mom and dad on speed-dial to save me before you can say 'ah?!'.

    This book made me want to visit Japan. The descriptions of the people, the atmosphere and all the small details, make it into a place I've got to experience. It's obvious the author has been there herself (or at least done a very thorough research!)

    The only drawback for me (a romance junky) was that there wasn't enough Jess-Zack scenes. Otherwise it's a great read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jena
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not What I Expected...
    Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2012
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    ...but still worth it. I picked this up while it was a free download for Kindle. I have to agree that the main character is immature, but that's kind of the point. The narrative has a very "Bridget Jones" feel to it and I enjoyed it as a light-hearted read. It's certainly well put together for a first time independently published author. I was expecting something a lot deeper and more spiritual/inner peace by the title and all but once I got used to the idea that the book wasn't following that line, it was still enjoyable. I'd certainly pay the list price for it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • LaVieEnRose
    3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It started out very aggravatingly. Jess just let all of life float on past her without paying attention to anything and just letting everyone walk over her. She just kept feeling sorry for herself despite the fact that she also wasn’t a very good friend to her friends in Australia. I mean who just leaves without saying bye? She grew a bit more likable when she moved in with Zac but still it was hard to understand why she never stood up for herself. I just really wasn’t a fan of Jess.

    There were also some weird things. Like having eaten sushi but never eaten edamame? I would think Australia would also has edamame at every sushi restaurant. Also Jess saying she wants to phone the airline to find out all the flights coming in from Australia...why not google it? And why was it so difficult for her to find a SIM card and just pay for a Japanese line rather than constantly complaining over how expensive it was to call back home? Oh and don’t even get me started on the bizarre Luke situation.
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  • TuiNZ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2012
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I'm 3/4 of the way through the book but feel fairly confident enought to give a review before finishing it. I bought it as a freebie and was a little put off by the 'cover' picture ( thinking it might be a typical blah chick lit) but as it was free i thought i would give it a go.
    The Author has a sense of humour that i could totally relate to and i found parts hilarious. The book flowed, has kept my interest and i am really enjoying it. I won't hesitate to buy another book written by Kirsty McManus.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Anonymoose
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2012
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a sweet, kinda zany story of a young woman trying to find her place in the world. It was satisfyingly long enough to get to know the characters, and compelling enough to keep me wondering what happens next. There were a few minor editing mistakes (grammar and usage mostly) but it was overall very well written and has that "you are there" quality to it where you don't notice the writing, you're just into the story. Well worth the price!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Shani
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very cute
    Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I have come to enjoy the light hearted rom-com adventures of Kristy McManus’ characters and this tale fits right in. It is very cute. Good read
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun way to spend a rainy day
    Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2012
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    No this is not high literature, I am pretty sure it is not meant to be. It is lighthearted, fun escapism and as such, does a wonderful job. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading future works by Ms. McManus.

    I too would love to see a sequel. I would love to know if Jess and Zach can make a go of it with each other or if the stress of living in Japan and dealing with the culture differences and homesickness will split them up or make their relationship stronger.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • KT Walsh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good. Preferably but good
    Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I really liked learning about Japanese culture in this book. Light read. Cute romance. Predictable but still a good read
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  • Lucy Mitchell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very funny book!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 5, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I giggled throughout this book. Right from the start this author has you chuckling away. It was a fun and fresh premise - a lovable heroine moving to Japan and her romantic trials and tribulations that go with that. Definitely will read more from this author.
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  • Ritu B
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, easy read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 7, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    My first Kirsty McManus book and I read it quickly.
    A fun story about a woman who is sent to Japan on a work assignment that goes horribly wrong. However, there are glimmers of hope.
    There is plenty of culture to read about, both modern and traditional. Japan is a pretty crazy place from what I read. And the characters our heroine meets there, from her colleagues to friends, to the wonderful Japanese man who literally adopts her, are all great.
    I wish the romance could have stretched out more at the end. It felt a tad rushed when a little more build-up would have been great.
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  • Linda Quotes
    5.0 out of 5 stars You'll love this excellent book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The author has done a great job in creating believable characters that you will care about. Jess starts off going from one scrape to the next, but underneath her vulnerability you'll find a smart, intelligent woman.

    Watching her grow, as she copes with the awful situation she is landed with, adds to the enjoyment of following her journey. The plot is well developed, and a cut above the typical romance novel.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 6, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Witty and wise. Lots of fun! Can't believe I haven't read this sooner, loved every minute of it :-) x
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