Angel's list

[Angel]

Read so far this year:-

Peter Tremayne - The Leper's Bell
Kate Long- The Bad Mothers Handbook
Philippa Gregory - The Constant Princess
Philippa Gregory - Wideacre
Philippa Gregory - The Favoured Child
Ian Rankin - Dead Souls
Rosamunde Pilcher - The Shell Seekers
Jodi Picoult - Salem Falls
Jodi Picoult - Keeping Faith
Jodi Picoult - Perfect Match
Jodi Picoult - The Tenth Circle
Philippa Gregory - A Respectable Trade
Rowan Coleman - The Accidental Mother
Dan Brown- The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown - Angels and Demons
Nicholas Evans - The Divide
Ruth Rendall - End in Tears
Tracy Chevalier - The Lady and the Unicorn
Kate Mosse - Labyrinth
Mary Higgins Clark - No Place Like Home
Richard Montanari - The Rosary Girls
Daphne Du Maurier - Jamaica Inn
Jeanne Kalogridis - The Borgia Bride
Jean Plaidy - in The Shadow of the Crown
Tracy Chevalier - Girl With a Pearl Earring
Dianna Appleyard - Playing with Fire
Candace Robb - The Nun's Tale
Cecelia Ahern - Where Rainbows End
Katie Fforde - Flora's Lot
Catherine Alliott - The Wedding Day
Joanne Harris - Gentlemen and Players
Mary Higgins Clark - Night-time is My Time
Lee Jackson - The Last Pleasure Garden
Wendy Holden The Wives of Bath
Adele Parks -Playing Away
Maeve Binchy -Tara Road
Cathy Kelly - Never Too Late
Erica James - Gardens of Delight
Guillermo Martinez - The Oxford Murders
Patricia Finney - Unicorn's Blood
Jill Mansell - Making Your Mind Up
Catherine Alliott - Not That Kind of Girl
Katy Fowler - The Jane Austen Book Club
Kate Long - Swallowing Grandma
Maeve Binchy - the Copper Beech
Victoria Hislop - The Island
Katie Fforde - Stately Pursuits
Thomas Hardy - Desperate Remedies
Kate Ellis - The Devil's Priest
Katie Fforde - Paradise Fields
Catherine Alliott - Olivia's Luck
Kathy Reichs - Cross Bones
Kathy Reichs - Monday Mourning
Marian Keyes -The Other Side of the Story
The Baby Trail - Sinead Moriaty
Philippa Gregory - The Boleyn Inheritance
Anne Perry - Dark Assassin
Dorothy Koomson - My Best Friends Girl
C. J. Sansom - Sovereign
Jodi Picoult - Mercy
Sophie Kinsella - The Undomestic Goddess
E. V Thompson - The Vagrant King
On the shelf waiting to be read:-

Brian Lynch - The Winner of Sorrow
Susan Howatch - Penmarric
Philippa Gregory - Meridion
Victoria Holt - The Shimmering Sands
Brian Lynch - The Winner of Sorrow
Ellis Peters - The Knocker on Deaths Door
Ian Rankin - Set in Darkness
Ian Rankin - The Falls
Philippa Gregory - Earthly Joys
Philippa Gregory - Virgin Earth
Joanne Harris - Chocolat
Katherine McMahon - The Alchemist's Daughter
Jane Austen - Emma
Jane Austen - Mansfield Park
Jane Austen Persuasion
John Banville - The Sea
Peter Tremayne -Master of Souls
Jane Harris - The Observations
Emma Blair - Goodnight Sweet Prince
Emma Blair - Wild Strawberries
Barbara Taylor- Bradford - A Woman of Substance
Barbara Taylor Bradford - Hold the Dream
Barbara Taylor Bradford - To be the Best
Christie Dickason - The Firemaster's Mistress
Jim Lynch - The Highest Tide
Anya Seton - The Winthrop Woman
Ruth Rendell - The Waters Lovely
Maeve Binchy - Quentins
Ian Rankin - Hide and Seek
Marcia Willett - The Dipper
From the library

P. D. James - A Sight for Sore Eyes
Melanie Gifford - The Gallows Girl

[Maureen]

Quite a mix Angel.

[Angel]

Variety is the spice of life!!

Still don't fancy sci-fi or fantasy!

[Kell]

The Bad Mothers Handbook
I've got this one on my list too & I know a few members have already read it, so it's proving rather popular. I cant wait to get to grips with it!

[Angel]

I keep checking the post - I can't wait to get my hands on it!

[Angel]

Peter Tremayne - The Leper's Bell - Read

The Bad Mothers Handbook - read

Jodi Picoult - Perfect Match - read

Philippa Gregory - The Constant Princess read

Brian Lynch - The Winner of Sorrow

Susan Howatch - Penmarric

Sally Beauman - Rebecca's Tale

Nicholas Evans - The Divide

Ellis Peters - The Knocker on Deaths Door

Ruth Rendall - End in Tears - Read

Dan Brown - The Da Vinci Code -read

Dan Brown - Angels and Demons

Jodi Picoult - Keeping Faith (which was only released on Mon, 16th!) - reading

Haven't checked the upstairs shelves yet!!

[jake]

Susan Howatch - Penmarric



I read Wheel of Fortune a few months back. I'd had it on my shelf in hardback for years and never fancied it. I was stuck for a book to read and when I started it I couldn't put it down, I loved it.

[Angel]

I must admit Penmarric has been on the shelf for about a year waiting patiently to be read!

[Angel]

Jodi Picoult - Perfect Match.

I enjoyed this albeit with the horror of a mother. Nina Frost as a District DA knows how difficult it is to convict child rapists - it's her speciality. However when her own son is raped as a 5yr old. she takes the law into her own hands..................

As a mother I know and deeply understand why she does this - what would I do if God forbid one of my children were attacked??????????? Wait for 'justice' or follow my heart???

[Kell]

Philippa Gregory - The Constant Princess -reading
Ooh, let me know how this one goes - I've got The Other Boleyn Girl on my list & I'm planning on getting to it sooner, rather than later, I think.

[Inanna]

Jodi Picoult - Perfect Match.

I enjoyed this albeit with the horror of a mother. Nina Frost as a District DA knows how difficult it is to convict child rapists - it's her speciality. However when her own son is raped as a 5yr old. she takes the law into her own hands..................

As a mother I know and deeply understand why she does this - what would I do if God forbid one of my children were attacked??????????? Wait for 'justice' or follow my heart???

Oooh sounds like a good book Angel, what would you rate it out of 10?

[Angel]

Kell wrote
Ooh, let me know how this one goes

I started this yesterday afternoon and I'm really enjoying it. I'm having to slow down abit so that I can make it last longer!! It is about the life of Katherine of Aragon.

It is classic Philippa Gregory. :reading:

[Angel]

Inanna wrote

what would you rate it out of 10?

I think I would give it 8/10 - it is very emotive, if you agree with the ending or not.

It makes you realise that the way trials are conducted in some parts of the USA are very different to how we do things over here -& I would say that our system is much better

[Loricat]

I liked Penmarric so much I went on a Susan Howatch binge and read Cashelmara and Wheel of Fortune right afterward. This was in the late 80s and all three books are a bit of a blur in my mind now. But I certainly enjoyed them all at the time.

[Angel]

I have not read any others by Susan Howatch yet ...........I'll see how I get on with this one first

[Angel]

Finished The Constant Princess and really quite enjoyed - I learnt alot about Katherine of Aragon and she is not the shrinking, pious woman that the classic history leads us to believe...............

Amazon review -

Splendid and sumptuous historical novel from this internationally bestselling author, telling of the early life of Katherine of Aragon. We think of her as the barren wife of a notorious king; but behind this legacy lies a fascinating story. Katherine of Aragon is born Catalina, the Spanish Infanta, to parents who are both rulers and warriors. Aged four, she is betrothed to Arthur, Prince of Wales, and is raised to be Queen of England. She is never in doubt that it is her destiny to rule that far-off, wet, cold land. Her faith is tested when her prospective fahter-in-law greets her arrival in her new country with a great insult; Arthur seems little better than a boy; the food is strange and the customs coarse. Slowly she adapts to the first Tudor court, and life as Arthur's wife grows ever more bearable. But when the studious young man dies, she is left to make her own future: how can she now be queen, and found a dynasty? Only by marrying Arthur's young brother, the sunny but spoilt Henry. His father and grandmother are against it; her powerful parents prove little use. Yet Katherine is her mother's daughter and her fighting spirit is strong. She will do anything to achieve her aim; even if it means telling the greatest lie, and holding to it. Philippa Gregory proves yet again that behind the apparently familiar face of history lies an astonishing story: of women warriors influencing the future of Europe, of revered heroes making deep mistakes, and of an untold love story which changes the fate of a nation.

[Inanna]

Sounds like a good book Angel :mrgreen:

[Angel]

Move onto Bad Mothers Handbook today - have been looking forward to it :reading:

[Kell]

Move onto Bad Mothers Handbook today - have been looking forward to it :reading:
Another one joins the club - I really enjoyed this one. :)

[Maureen]

me too!

[Angel]

Half way through Bad Mothers Handbook - been a bit busy week so have not done as much reading. Won't be doing much at the weekend either as it's my Graduation Ceremony on Friday, and then see each set of parents on Sat/Sun.

Really enjoying it so far, so typical of many mad families that I know LOL :D

[Angel]

Couple more books gained today whilst looking for some clothes for Friday!!

Dan Brown - The Da Vinci Code -read
Jodi Picoult - Keeping Faith (which was only released on Mon, 16th!) - reading

[Angel]

Finished the Bad Mothers Handbook. A really good read - found myself laughing several times, and also feeling a little sorry for the women as they struggle with new events and learn to adapt

Recommend this one as a lighter read

[Angel]

Start the Da Vinci Code tonight - does it live up to all the hype, I wander?

[Angel]

I'm enjoying the Da Vinci Code alot more than I thought - it's great and I can see why there's alot of hype! Looking forward to the film coming out

[Tash]

Finished The Constant Princess and really quite enjoyed - I learnt alot about Katherine of Aragon and she is not the shrinking, pious woman that the classic history leads us to believe...............


It also made me want to learn more about her parents. Her mother sounded like an amazing woman.

[Angel]

Tash - her mother seems to be amazing,and so little is known about her. I learnt so much - who'd have thought that the Moors were so forward in their science, values and standard of living. This area needs a lot more exploring

[Tash]

I agree!! I always find Philippa Gregory's books an education. She really does her research thoroughly.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't even realise it was her parents that hired Christopher Columbus!! Fancy that! In fact, I'd never even thought about him having been hired. I guess I just assumed that he'd done his expeditions off his own back.

I'm on the hunt for any books about her parents or the Moors now and if I come across anything, I'll let you know :)

[Angel]

Thanks Tash that would be great - likewise for you

[Angel]

2/3 rds of the way through Da Vinci - still enjoying it overall but there are a couple of parts that have made me feel distinctly uncomfortable and ill at ease, as it goes completely against what I've been taught! If this book was intended to shock, then it is succeeding in areas

Will continue to the end tho as it is difficult to put down

[Angel]

Found a couple of my old books on my mother's bookshelves at the weekend which I had forgotten to pack when I left home - 15 yrs ago! So these will be added to the ever lengthening to read list, like long lost possessions reunited!!

Philippa Gregory - The Favoured Child - (need to find my longlost Wideacre!)
Philippa Gregory - Meridion
Victoria Holt - The Shimmering Sands

[Angel]

Finished Da Vinci Code last night. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Have started Peter Tremayne - The Lepers Bell

[Maureen]

Finished Da Vinci Code last night. Thoroughly enjoyed it.



Did you get what the hype was about?

[Angel]

Maureen asked

Did you get what the hype was about?

I did actually. I have tried to avoid it until now, but was drawn in by curiosity! It is basically a modern day hunt for the Holy Grail. Plenty of murders, surprises and riddles to solve! I surprised myself by guessing where it is!!

I can see how it lends itself to a film due to it's pace. I did find some of the possible theories a little challenging as it is totally against what is traditionally taught. However having said that I can see that it will be a box office hit.

[Acesare*]

As I've said, I didn't like this book, but that's probably to do with my views on religion (which I won't go into to save any kind of conflict - suffice to say I'm not religious).

Jo xx

[Angel]

Finished Peter Tremayne'S - The Lepers Bell. I quite enjoyed this one. Sister Fidelma is back in 7th C Ireland and her 6 month old baby is kidnapped. A huge search is undertaken - but are the culprits any of the enemies that she and her Saxon husband, Eadolf, have made.

This book is a great read, especially if you enjoy medieval history. The one thing that made me very cross though, is that metres and kilometres are mentioned. I Googled this and the first mention of this system is mentioned in the 1790s!! Does Europe have to creep into everything??? This is the first time that I have come across this and it made me very cross. Lets keep our Literature authentic - like the rest of the book!!

An enjoyable read

[Angel]

Dan Brown's Angels and Demons arrived today - I'm looking forward to that one

Starting Keeping Faith, Jodi Picoult, tonight - I've been itching to staart this one

[Angel]

Finished Keeping Faith tonight. A difficult topic to tackle, but in true Picoult style, every viewpoint is explored and disected. I really couldn't put this one down.

[Angel]

Updated list:-

Dan Brown - Angels and Demons read

Philippa Gregory - The Favoured Child

Philippa Gregory - Meridion

Victoria Holt - The Shimmering Sands

Dan Brown - The Da Vinci Code -read

Jodi Picoult - Keeping Faith read

Peter Tremayne - The Leper's Bell - Read

The Bad Mothers Handbook - read

Jodi Picoult - Perfect Match - read

Philippa Gregory - The Constant Princess read

Brian Lynch - The Winner of Sorrow

Susan Howatch - Penmarric

Sally Beauman - Rebecca's Tale

Nicholas Evans - The Divide Read

Ellis Peters - The Knocker on Deaths Door

Ruth Rendall - End in Tears - Read

Dan Brown - The Da Vinci Code -read

Tracy Chevalier - The Lady and the Unicorn read

Jodi Picoult - Salem Falls reading

Kate Mosse - Labyrinth- read

Mary Higgins Clark - No Place Like Home -read

Richard Montanari - The Rosary Girls read

Daphne Du Maurier - Jamaica Inn read

Jeanne Kalogridis - The Borgia Bride read

[Inanna]

Which has been your favourite Jodi Picoult book Angel so far, you're read a few of hers haven't you?

[Angel]

I've read 6 of them so far, with Salem Falls wating on the shelf.

I think so far, My Sister's Keeper and Plain Truth are my favourites so far. Perfect Match I enjoyed but found more upsetting as it is about child abuse. I haven't been disappointed with any of them so far

[Inanna]

The one I want to read alot is Mercy, have you read that one yet?

I've only read Vanishing Acts so far, but have Salem Falls, The Pact and My Sisters Keeper sat on my shelf waiting to be read. :wink:

[Angel]

Inanna, I have not come across Mercy yet - is it good?

[Inanna]

Here's the blurb for it:

"What would you do for someone you love? Would you lie? Would you leave? Would you kill? These are just some of the questions confronting the characters in Mercy, which follows the path of two cousins driven to extremes by the power of love.

Woven tight with passion and a fast-paced plot, Mercy explores some of today's most highly charged emotional and ethical issues as it draws toward its stunning conclusion. When you love someone, where do you cross the line of moral obligation? And how can you commonly define love and devotion to begin with? Long after you have turned the last page, you'll still be thinking about this rich novel, as well as questioning your own beliefs about love and loyalty."


Sounds good to me :D

[Angel]

I think I'll have to add that one to my wish list

[Angel]

Just starting the Divide by Nicholas Evans. This chap wrote the Horse Whisperer, The Loop and the Smoke Jumper, all of which were excellent reads. The Horse Whisperer was one of my all time reads and it was turned into a film.

The Divide should hopefully fulfill expectations - this author only publishes occassionally and as a result his work is of a very high standard.......

[Angel]

Well, The Divide is certainly living up to expectations! Nicholas Evans is a great author and it is a real treat when a new book comes out

[Angel]

Nearly finished The Divide. It really is good - anyone who enjoyed the Horse Whisperer will enjoy this one.

Also picked up:_
Mary Higgins Clark - No Place Like Home
Kate Mosse - Labyrinth

[Angel]

Finished The Divide - really enjoyed it. I would give it 9/ 10

Synopsis courtesy of Amazon
Synopsis
Two backcountry skiers find the body of a young woman embedded in the ice of a remote mountain creek. All through the night police work with arc lights and chainsaws to prise her out. Identifying her doesn't take so long. Abbie Cooper is wanted for murder and her picture is on law enforcement computers all across America. But how did she die? And what was the trail of events that led this golden child of a loving family so tragically astray? From the number one bestselling author of "The Horse Whisperer", master storyteller Nicholas Evans, comes this powerful new novel, an epic thriller of the human heart. In a journey of discovery and redemption, from the streets of New York to the daunting grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, it tells the heart-rending tale of a family fractured by divorce. As both parents and children struggle in search of lost happiness, some devastating truths unravel. "The Divide" is the story of a great love betrayed and of the yearnings and needs, and the dashed hopes and disillusionments that connect and separate all men and women.

This book is beautifully written and I would recommend it

[Angel]

Finished Mary Higgins Clark - No Place Like Home last night. Really enjoyed it.

Start Labyrinth tonight

[Kell]

Ooh, enjoy it, Angel!

[Michelle]

And go to the discussion thread.. there's tumble-weed in there at the moment!

[Angel]

I've read the first 100 pages and it's a great book! It is so far written seamlessly between the 2 eras

[Angel]

Finished Labyrinth this evening. The book was excellent, I really enjoyed it! Well worth the £3.73!!!

[Inanna]

I'll hopefully get it this week :mrgreen:

Glad you enjoyed it, don't think I've seen a bad review of it yet :wink:

[Angel]

Finished The Lady and the Unicorn. A light hearted read which has a clear storyline. I don't think I will ever look at these tapestries in the same light again!!! The story of a lady being seduced by a unicorn with a large horn being depicted left me grinning with its innuendos :wink: :wink: :D

I would reread this one in the future

[Michelle]

The story of a lady being seduced by a unicorn with a large horn being depicted left me grinning with its innuendos :wink: :wink: :D



:shock:

[Angel]

Oh Michelle - you have a lively imagination!! Quite right too - this book is not lacking in that department!! The painter who designs the tapestries is a womaniser...........and I think I will always grin when I see pictures of a unicorn now.............!!! :shock:

[Inanna]

LOL think I will grab this one now, I keep seeing it but have yet to buy it :D

[Angel]

Just read the first 50 pages of the Borgia Bride. Wow what a start - this book is brilliant!!! It has it all - murder, passion and intrigue. It is off to a very promising start!!

[Angel]

Just under half way through The Borgia Bride. What a read, this book is great and leaves the reader what is coming next!! Everything from war, Roman life, scandal, debauchary, fear and brutal retribution. Not to mention the bedroom scenes :wink:

[Inanna]

Have reserved this at my library :mrgreen:

[Angel]

Hope you get it quickly Inanna It won't disappoint!

[Inanna]

I hope it comes quickly too, sounds really good :wink:

[Michelle]

ooh.. me want! :D

[Angel]

Finished The Borgia Bride today. Really enjoyed it 9/10.

Mmmmmmm what to read tonight! Not until after the kids go to bed though because of a school meeting for my daughter - as she's a year 6 she has a very busy term coming up before she leaves for secondary school. Which means a busy time for us!!

[Tash]

I bought my copy today Angel. I've just started another one but I intend to get round to it fairly quickly ;)

[Inanna]

LOL am hoping mine arrives quickly, then amybe we can read ours at the same time Tash :D

[Tash]

Well until I get round to it, I was debating using it as the chimney for my book house :lol:

[Inanna]

LMAO :laugh:

[Michelle]

And if anyone has a copy they want to send my way when they finish.... :D

[Inanna]

LOL Michelle, mine will probably be a library copy :wink:

[Angel]

I'll try to Michelle = but it's already out on loan. Tesco's are doing it for £3.73 if you can't wait, and Amazon £3.99


Now reading the Rosary Girls by Richard Montanari - not too bad so far.

[Angel]

It took me a while to settle into the Rotary Girls, (not being a devotee of American Literature) but I am now really enjoying it. 4 bodies so far! A good read and easy to follow plot - but no obvious murderer so far.

[Angel]

Finished The Rsary Girls. I was gripped and thought I had it sussed - until the final twist at the end! I really enjoyed this book

[jake]

Was it based around religion Angel, that's what has been putting me off it.

[Angel]

Not particularly Jake. Although the clues are religious. The book is set within Holy Week and the murderer has to be found before the end of Good Friday. I was surprised by the ending - but rest assured that although a little of religion is in it, this is basically a good murder book. Don't let the religious element ruin your perception of the book -it is a verybook!

I would say that other books have alot more religion in them as their central theme

[jake]

Thanks Angel. I'll most likely pick it up now as I have had an eye on it for a while.

[Angel]

Just starting Daphne Du Maurier's Jamaica Inn .

[Angel]

Finished Jamaica Inn last night. Quite enjoyed it as we are off to Cornwall in 2 weeks today - so this one got me into holiday mood. Daphne Du Maurier is able to portray life up on the bleakest moors and imagines ship wrecking with some gruesome insight. 7/10 :reading:


Started Angels and Demons tonight and it promises to be good

[Angel]

Finished Angels and Demons tonight. Although using the same formula as the Da Vinci I enjoyed this one much more. I had worked out most of the culprits and wasn't too far out on the rational. Would certainly reread this one in the future

[Maureen]

Will you be reading the others Angel?

[Angel]

I'm not sure Maurren - they don't seem to grab my attention yet. I have heard both here and at work that Deception Point is good

[Angel]

Now for a seriously difficult decision - what books to pack in the suitcase for end of next week when we go on holiday.

I think a chick lit, Maeve Binchy, The Copper Beach (great for not concentrating in depth) and one other - may have to scan the shops tomorrow morning!! :D

[jake]

I'm not sure Maurren - they don't seem to grab my attention yet. I have heard both here and at work that Deception Point is good

I liked Deception Point but didn't really get into any of the others. I read around 100ish pages of one of the other books, but the religion aspect put me clean off

[Maureen]

I liked DP more than A&D actually.

[Angel]

Started Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult today
.
I went shopping and came back with the Accidental Mother by Rowan Coleman. (This one is to be packed for next weeks holiday) Thought I would also try a new author to me, Ian Rankin - very large book with 3 books in one - Dead Souls, Set in Darkness and The Falls. :)

[Angel]

Updated list

Philippa Gregory - The Favoured Child

Philippa Gregory - Meridion

Victoria Holt - The Shimmering Sands

Brian Lynch - The Winner of Sorrow

Susan Howatch - Penmarric

P. D. James - Innocent Blood

Ellis Peters - The Knocker on Deaths Door

Cathy Kelly - Never Too Late

Jodi Picoult - The Tenth Circle

Jodi Picoult - Salem Falls read

Rowan Coleman - The Accidental Mother read

Maeve Binchy - the Copper Beech

Ian Rankin - Dead Souls read

Ian Rankin - Set in Darkness

Ian Rankin - The Falls

Rosamunde Pilcher - The Shell Seekers read

Philippa Gregory - Wideacre read

[Angel]

Just over half way through Salem Falls - so far enjoying it, but I have found this one slower and more difficult to get into for some reason

[jake]

Started Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult today
.
I went shopping and came back with the Accidental Mother by Rowan Coleman. (This one is to be packed for next weeks holiday) Thought I would also try a new author to me, Ian Rankin - very large book with 3 books in one - Dead Souls, Set in Darkness and The Falls. :)

We have the whole collection of Ian Rankin's books and think they are excellent. Hope you enjoy Angel.

[Angel]

I am looking forward to the Ian Rankin books. I love a good murder!!

[Angel]

Finished Salem Falls tonight. I generally enjoyed this book, but I do not think it 'packed a punch' like many of her other books. The outcome for this one was fairly predictable and did not deliver any OMG! revelations.

Start the Accidental Mother tomorrow if time permits sitting in the car for a long journey

[jake]

I am looking forward to the Ian Rankin books. I love a good murder!!

We love them as we are very familiar with where they are set (Edinburgh). A couple have been televised, John Hannah was cast as Rebus (main character) in the first one and he was soooo wrong for the part. They got it right next time and cast Ken Stott, who I love.

[Angel]

Never did read the Accidental Mother on holiday - the cottage had a copy of Rosamunde Pilcher's The Shell Seekers - which as a good guest, I read!! What a lovely light hearted read - I thoroughly enjoyed it! Very relaxing, especiall as much of it was set in Kernow

Started The Accidental Mother last night but did not get very far as we had been out for a meal and I was rather full - including plenty of wine :alc:

[Angel]

Finished The Accidental Mother - a real chick lit that is easy to read. It is a heart warming touching story of a single city girl who is left, as Godmother, 3yr and 6 yr old girls when her best friend dies. Having had no idea how to bring up children, she sets out to help them.....

This book is funny, heartbreaking, tender and has a lovely ending. I would recommend this one as a light read and would reread it

[Angel]

just started Dead Souls by Ian Rankin - a new venture for me as I've never read his books

[Maureen]

Finished The Accidental Mother - a real chick lit that is easy to read. It is a heart warming touching story of a single city girl who is left, as Godmother, 3yr and 6 yr old girls when her best friend dies. Having had no idea how to bring up children, she sets out to help them.....

This book is funny, heartbreaking, tender and has a lovely ending. I would recommend this one as a light read and would reread it

I think I like the sound of this.

[Tiger]

I wonder what Dead Souls is like...

[Angel]

Maureen, The Accidental Mother was one of those books I didn't intend to buy but I'm glad I did. It's not too heavy and is a lovely one to read.

[Angel]

Will finish Dead Souls tonight - it is a fairly good read. I think I will have to read more of Rankin's books to see if he is a consistantly good author. I'm not sure if I like DI Rebus yet - I keep comparing him with Morse, Dalgleish and Wexford- 3 detectives I love and are my reliable old favourites

[Angel]

Received another book through the post today! :) Wideacre by Philippa Gregory from Green Metropolis. Now I can get on with the trilogy which I first read over 15yrs ago :D

[Angel]

Read so far this year:-

Jodi Picoult - Salem Falls
Jodi Picoult - Keeping Faith
Jodi Picoult - Perfect Match

Philippa Gregory - The Constant Princess
Philippa Gregory - Wideacre

Rowan Coleman - The Accidental Mother
Ian Rankin - Dead Souls
Rosamunde Pilcher - The Shell Seekers
Dan Brown- The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown - Angels and Demons
Peter Tremayne - The Leper's Bell
The Bad Mothers Handbook

Nicholas Evans - The Divide
Ruth Rendall - End in Tears

Tracy Chevalier - The Lady and the Unicorn
Kate Mosse - Labyrinth
Mary Higgins Clark - No Place Like Home
Richard Montanari - The Rosary Girls
Daphne Du Maurier - Jamaica Inn
Jeanne Kalogridis - The Borgia Bride

[Inanna]

Received another book through the post today! :) Wideacre by Philippa Gregory from Green Metropolis. Now I can get on with the trilogy which I first read over 15yrs ago :D

So is Wideacre the 2nd book in the series?

Have I to get another book to be able to read this triology in order?

LOL

[Tash]

Wideacre is the first, then The Favoured Child, then Meridon. All three are brilliant :mrgreen:

[Inanna]

Thanks for that :D

[Angel]

Started Wideacre this evening :D

[Inanna]

I have this one too Angel, in fact I have about 5 Philippa Gregory books to plow through now :?

Enjoy it :D

[Angel]

I have 7 now and I have enjoyed every one

:D I can't wait for her new one, which is out just before my birthday :wink:

[Inanna]

That one does look pretty good doesn't it?

It'll make a nice pressie for you, hope your family take the hint lol :mrgreen:

[Angel]

Well I have pointed it out a couple of times and it is in my wish list on Amazon :D LOL I've reminded John of the publishing date a couple of times......LOL

[Inanna]

LOL, don't forget to leave a few post its around the house as well :mrgreen:

[Maureen]

Yes Angel - perhaps some post-it notes in NEON colours attached to the 'fridge door.

[Angel]

I could attach one to his wallet as well...... :wink:

[Angel]

Halfway through Wideacre - I've been a little slack of late!! Although it's 15 yrs (or more!) since I last read this one, it still has the same impact. Who said the Gentry had better morals??? :wink:

[Angel]

Finished Wideacre this evening. Philippa Gregory leaves no stone unturned on this one - it has it all - carnal lust, incest, murder, theft etc. This book was as good as when I first read it all those years ago!!

No wonder Philippa has stood the test of time

[Angel]

Started Rebecca's Tale this evening. I hope that it lives up to the original, which I absolutely loved

[Angel]

Alas, I'm afraid that for the first time for years I've given up on a book :( I just could not get into Rebecca's Tale. I think it's because I had such high expectations! I enjoyed Rebecca so much and see it as a true Du Maurier classic. I don't tend to go for books that build on another author's success - they rarely work. This will be the first and last time that I do try :roll:

Started In the Shadow of the Crown by Jean Plaidy - an old favourite

[Lilywhite]

That's a shame Angel, I loved Rebecca's Tale, but then again I read it before Rebecca so it made the story all the more intriguing for me.

[Angel]

I tried for several days to get into it Lilywhite, but I just could not connect with it! I so hate giving up but in the end I just had to, so I am annoyed in some ways! Still ......I'm enjoying an old favourite now :D

[Angel]

Finished In the Shadow of the Crown yesterday.

Have now started The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult. So far, so good :D

[Inanna]

Enjoy it Angel, it is good :wink:

[Tiger]

Mum, I think you'll finish The Tenth Circle tonight!

[Angel]

I certainly have Sweetheart!! I really enjoyed it! I found that it was not so emotionally draining as some of her others!

Just about to start Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier (Library edition)

[Tiger]

Hope you enjoy it, mum! :wink:

[Angel]

I've now completed The Girl witha Pearl Earring. Quite a pleasant light read about a painter and a maid.

Will start Playing with Fire by Diana Appleyard later this evening

[Angel]

Finished Playing with Fire last night. Really a chick lit novel.

Now what to start???

[Angel]

Decided upon The Nun's Tale by Candace Robb. A medieval murder mystery by an author I have not tried before

[Angel]

The Nun's Tale is OK - it's not one I would rush out and buy - Last couple of nights have have fallen asleep every few pages LOL! :oops:

[Tiger]

I love your new avatar, mum!

[Angel]

Rather cute I think!

[Angel]

Started Cecelia Ahern's Where Rainbows End.

[Tiger]

I understand that it had a rude bit in it? I know that because you told me.

[Angel]

More saucy than overtly rude :wink:

[wiccibat]

Of the ketchup or ooh matron! variety?

[Angel]

Wicci - of the Oooh matron!! Although there has been no more since :wink:

[Angel]

Now on The Wedding Day by Catherine Alliott

[Angel]

Finished the Wedding Day. I really enjoyed it - it had me laughing a couple of times ubtil the tears rolled down my face. Would definately reread this one and recommend it to anyone who loves chick lit :D

[Angel]

I have gained another 3 books in the last 2 days:-

Philippa Gregory - Earthly Joys (Green Metropolis)
Katherine McMahon - The Alchemist's Daughter (Amazon)
Joanne Harris - Chocolat (Free with Good Food Magazine)


Just started Joanne Harris - Gentlemen and Players. Too early to make a judgement yet as I've only read 20 pages

[Inanna]

I have gained another 3 books in the last 2 days:-


Katherine McMahon - The Alchemist's Daughter (Amazon)





I got this from the library, it looks really good :mrgreen:

[Angel]

Finished Genlemen and Players - a really good book and so as genteel as Joanne Harris's other books!

Started Mary Higgins Clark - Night-Time is My Time

[Angel]

Completed Night-time is My Time. An excellent read - I'd forgotten just how much I used to enjoy Mary Higgins Clerk. :D

[Angel]

Read The last Pleasure Garden, it was OK, but not the best that I've read.

Also received yet another book - Sophie Kinsella's The Undomestic Goddess

Staeted The Wives of Bath toadayby Wendy Holden. It's good so far - I'd forgotten just how hard those first days and weeks of parenthood are :D

[Kell]

I read Undomestic Goddess recently & really enjoyed it. It's a nice light read - easy to kick back & relax with.

[jake]

Read The last Pleasure Garden, it was OK, but not the best that I've read.

Also received yet another book - Sophie Kinsella's The Undomestic Goddess

Staeted The Wives of Bath toadayby Wendy Holden. It's good so far - I'd forgotten just how hard those first days and weeks of parenthood are :D

I've read The Wives of Bath and thorough enjoyed it.

[Angel]

Finished The Wives of Bath - it was brilliant!! I forgot just how much we struggled juggling it all when the kids were babies :D

Moved onto Playing Away by Adele Parks. Promises to be a spicy little number :wink:

[Angel]

Finished Playing Away - quite alot of spice! :wink:

Now on Maeve Binchy - Tara Road

[Angel]

Still only half way though Tara Road! I keep falling asleep as I'm not sleeping properly at the moment (stress out due to work)
:shock:

[Louiseog]

It is good Angel, keep going. I have had a month like that as well when the only thing that can give between work and home is to sleep and I get really cross when work interferes with my reading. Hope it gets better soon.

[Angel]

Finished Tara Road. A nice easy read - very classic Binchy! (situation at work won't resolve until at least October. :grr: )

Will decide on tonites book later

[Angel]

Finally settled on Cathy Kelly - Never too late

[Angel]

Finished Never Too Late - true Cathy Kelly! A lovely light-hearted read! I can't wait to get her new one.

Just starting Erica James - Gardens of Delight

[Angel]

Still only half way through The Gardens of Delight! Trouble is every time I've attempted to read, Only Fools on Horses came on - absolutely no chance. Now beginning to 'catch up' now that it's finished :D

[Angel]

Finished Gardens of Delight - a light hearted read which picked up when the gorgeous Italian came on the scene! :D :D

Will start The Oxford Murders tonight by Guillermo Martinez

[Angel]

Finished The Oxford Murders. Not too bad a read, I had guessed correctly the main murderer. but the second murderer was a little bit of a surprise. This is not a book that has great depth, but the maths theories and ideas of logic need a leap of understanding when reading if you are tired!! LOL

[Angel]

Started a book by a new author to me - Patricia Finney - Unicorn's Blood. I t set in the Tudor Court of Elizabeth. Nearly half way through and it is fairly good :reading:

[Angel]

Really enjoyed Unicorn's Blood. This book really caught the essence of the Elizabethan era. Will definately read more of her books :D

[Lilywhite]

If I ever made a dent in my TBR pile I might try this one, it sounds like you really enjoyed it. I'm always a little more willing to pick up a book if I know someone else enjoyed it.

[Angel]

Next time I go to the library I am intending to get another book by her! The blurb on some of them was quite good.

Now I'm just starting Making Your Mind Up by Gill Mansell

[Angel]

Making Your Mind Up was pure chick lit - and I really enjoyed it!

Will start Not That Kind of Girl tonight by Catherine Alliott

[Angel]

I really enjoyed Not That Kind of Girl. Yes it was rmance / chick lit but I'm in dire need of relaxing and this hit the right notes!

Now started Fatal Majesty :a novel of Mary Queen of Scots by Reay Tannahill - a new author to me

Was very weak willed today and went into Warestones, bought the children a few books and treated myself to the 3rd get one free from both!!
Acquired The Island by Victoria Hislop and My Best Friends Girl by Dorothy Koomson. Both are Richard and Judy listed summer reads :)

[Angel]

Fatal Majesty is great - really enjoying it 2/3 rds through it. :D :reading:

[Angel]

Will finish Fatal Majesty tonight - only 50 pages to go. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. :D

Will take the following books on holiday:-
Karen Fowler - The Jane Austen Book Club
Kate Long - Swallowing Grandma
Maeve Binchy - The Copper Beech
Victoria Hislop - The Island

[Kell]

I've read JABC - liked it a lot. Hope you enjoy it too. :)

[Angel]

Kell, I've just started it - it never made it into the suitcase :D It does promise to be a good one :wink:

[Angel]

Read 3 1/2 of my books on holiday - glorious days reading on the beach!

Did not really take to JABC although I did finish it. I found it to be rather fragmented and did little justice to Jane Austen herself!

The Island was my best read yet this year. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I will definately reread this one again. I heartily recommend this one - a fab. book :D :D

Swallowing Grandma was a light hearted read much in the same vein as The Bad Mother's Handbook.

Now reading the Copper Beech by Maeve Binchy

[Angel]

Finished The Cpper Beech, I was not impressed with this one. Definately not one of Maeve Binchy's better ones.

Started Stately Pursuits by Katie Fforde :reading:

[Angel]

Stately Pursuits was good - very Katie Fforde. Funny and romantic chick -lit

Started a classic this evening by one of my all-time favourites, Desperate Remedies by Thomas Hardy. One of his minor works. :reading:

[Angel]

It took a while to get into Desperate Remedies - but I'm glad I stayed with it. Although viewed as a minor work I enjoyed this one. An early work of Hardy's and one can see and feel how this author will develop into one of Britain's finest writers.

Starting The Devil's Priest - Kate Ellis

[Angel]

Finished The Devil's Priest. A very good read.

Will start Not Married, Not Bothered by Carol Clewlow tonight

[Angel]

Couldn't get into Not Married, Not Bothered. I think that it was the style of writing - this is a very rare occurance for me to take an instant dislike to a book :shock:

Started Katie Fforde's Paradise Fields and enjoying it!!

[Icecream]

I'm not married, and not bothered lol. Book was probably from a single person's perspective though!

[Angel]

:lol: :lol:

[Angel]

Starting Philippa Gregory's A Respectable Trade

[Louiseog]

Starting Philippa Gregory's A Respectable Trade
I've only read one of hers, The other Boleyn Girl. I loved it and should really get round to reading more!!

[Angel]

2'3rds through A Respectable Trade - am really enjoying it.

Topped up on library books today :reading:

[Angel]

Finished A respectable Trade. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Would definately reread this one and recommend it to others

[Angel]

Just finished Olivia's luck by Catherine Alliott. A pleasant read although it took me a while to bet into it

Started Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs

[Angel]

Nearly finished The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes - this has taken a while to get into but now I'm enjoying it

[Angel]

Just starting Anita Shreve - A Wedding in December

[Angel]

Really couldn't get into A Wedding in December so I abandoned play on this one.

Now reading and enjoying Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs

[Angel]

Enjoying Monday Mourning

Picked up 4 new books this weekend:blush:
Jane Harris - The Observations
Jodi Picoult - Mercy
Philippa Gregory - The Boleyn Inheritance
Peter Tremayne - Master of Souls

The last 3 were for my birthday though:D

[Angel]

Finished Monday Mourning last night and I quite enjoyed it.

Just started The Boleyn Inheritance - a very good start so far:readingtwo:

[Angel]

Getting on for a 1/3 through The Boleyn Inheritance. A very good book - true classic Philippa Gregory:D . A must for all that love her books

[Louiseog]

I love Gregory's books about Tudors. Read the other Boleyn Girl. Not so sure about Wideacre etc

[Angel]

Just finished The Boleyn Inheritance. I loved this one - a true culmination of the Boleyn / Tudor wife story. This one has it all - love, rejection, lust and betrayal. This is definately on the reread pile with the other 4 books in the series. A must for anyone who loves Philippa Gregory

[Kell]

Ooh, I'm SOooooo looking forward to getting this one!

[Angel]

Read just 2 books on holiday -
My Best Friends Girl by Dorothy Koomson = this was heartbreaking in places - (one of Richard and Judy's recommended reads)
The Baby Trail by Sinead Moriaty


Was very very weak during my holiday and came back with 5 new books - yes I am weak, willing and feeble, but they were a bargain!!
In Morrisons they were having a clear out and I just happened to notice 3 books for £4!
I ended up with Barbara Taylor Bradford ( never tried her before!) -
A Woman of Substance
Hold THe Dream
To be the Best

Then in Coverack (a fishing village in Cornwall) their local published author Emma Blair - 2 books for the price of 1 all set in the very village I have holidayed in for the last 12 yrs. Goodnight Sweet Prince and Wild Strawberries. ( Now I will be in my favourite place any time of the year!!!)

[Angel]

Started Dark Assassin by Anne Perry - a Victorian thriller

[Angel]

Am finding the Dark Assassin a bit slow going but I refuse to give up! I'm half way through and it's beginning to warm up

[Angel]

Finished Dark Assassin - it didn't really get going until 2/3rds way through but it had a good ending.

Just about to start Gloriana's Torch by Patricia Finney. Set in 1588 the English are about to face the Spanish Armada and their may be a traitor betraying the country............it sounds good!

[Angel]

I hang my head in shame - I gave up on Gloriana's Torch. I really couldn't get into it:blush: . This is so unlike me.

Started Sovereign - by C.J. Sansom. It's been on my TBR pile since my birthday in October and it's been worth the wait!!! It's the 3 rd book set in Henry viii era nd it's as good as the others. highly recommended :readingtwo:

[Louiseog]

I love this series, is Sovereign in paperback yet?
Have just finished the Firemaster's Mistress by Christie Dickason which was great, very Phillipa Gregory/Samson.
Have you ever read any Susanna Gregory? Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles they are good too!

[Angel]

Sovereign is still in hardback as it was only published in September - I only have it now 'cos it was a birthday prezzie. It's as every bit good as the other 2 - fantastic!!

I haven't tried the others yet - are they in a similar vein??? If so I will be forced to try them:lol:

[Louiseog]

The Firemaster one is more like Phillipa Gregory but i did read it in a day. I think that Susanna Gregory is on a par with Samson (if not better), its a series about a Medieval doctor in Cambridge solving murders, less politics than Samson.

[Angel]

Now I'll have to try 2 new authors now!! Susanna Gregory sounds good............;)

[Louiseog]

and there are lots!

[Angel]

Just finished Sovereign and loved every single page!! Every bit as good as the first 2 books, the suspense was terrible at times, my heart was pounding. My book of the year so far:D

[Angel]

Thoroughly enjoying Mercy by Jodi Picoult at the moment

[Angel]

Finished Mercy last night - it was really good. Not the strongest of Picoult's books, but nevertheless good.

Now starting the Medici Seal by Theresa Breslin.

[Angel]

Finished the Medici Seal tonight, what a book! It was great -I couldn't put it down. One of the best books so far this year!!

[Angel]

Had a few days off from reading! Now started Sophie Kinsella- The Undomestic Goddess.

Also gained 3 more books!
Christie Dickason - The Firemaster's Mistress
Jim Lynch - The Highest Tide
Philippa Gregory - Virgin Earth

I need some more time to catch up on my TBR pile - it's growing again faster than I can read!!

[Angel]

Just finished Undomestic Goddess. A lovely light read, really enjoyed it

[Angel]

Currently reading The Vagrant King by E.V. Thompson. A really good read - it's all set in the years just before Charles II went into exile.

[Kell]

Currently reading The Vagrant King by E.V. Thompson. A really good read - it's all set in the years just before Charles II went into exile. Ooh, this one sounds interesting - I'll be waiting to hear what you think of it!

[Angel]

Here's a synopsis courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis
Cornish farmer Joseph Moyle's loyalty to the crown goes well rewarded - his step-son Ralf is appointed page to the future Charles II. And when Ralph takes up his post Britain is in the midst of its most tumultuous period ever - the war between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians and the dawning of an entirely new era ...Ralf's duties oblige him to follow the heir to the throne through the western counties, as he learns of court intrigue and the constant threat of Cromwell's armies. And of romance. As Charles begins the first of many affairs, Ralf falls in love. But this first love is a dangerous one. Brighid is an Irish Catholic . She is also complicit in an attempt to kidnap Charles - a fact that Ralf discovers when he foils the plot ...In 1645, when the conclusive Battle of Naseby marks ultimate defeat for the Royalists, Ralf follows Charles into exile. His return finds him more experienced, promoted to personal secretary - and desperate to return to Cornwall. But after ten years of loyal service to Charles, Ralf's dreams of the homecoming to his beloved Trecarne are shattered...

[madcow]

Sounds like a great read.

[Louiseog]

Off to speak to Santa (again)

[Angel]

Well I'm half way through and it's great! So little is seems to be written set in this era - it makes a refreshing change

[Angel]

Finished the Vagrant King this afternoon. It was a great read and I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Now starting The Gallows Girl by Melanie Gifford

[Angel]

Finished the Gallows Girl, not too bad a read. Now reading P.D. James - A Sight for Sore Eyes

[Angel]

This years tally is 64 books - not too bad!!

[Liz]

Hey, that's pretty good going. :)

[Angel]

It's not too bad, Liz, considering I work full time and have 2 kids! Next year I'd like to complete more if possible. I really wish I had more time ...............;)

[Kell]

Reading that amount of books AND finding tmie to live the rest of your life as well as bringing up kids is amazing - I don't know how you do it! Here's to another year of good reading!