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Kate

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    The Queen of New Beginnings by Erica James

    in Women's Fiction / Chick Lit

    Posted

    417osUClfkL._SX106_.jpgSynopsis:

    Clayton Miller's promising media career and personal life are in tatters. To put it all behind him he retreats to a secluded country house. There he meets Alice, who goes to great lengths to avoid telling the truth about herself. When Alice and Clayton discover the truth about each other they form an unlikely friendship...

    I love Erica James' novels ♥ I have read them all, except one, which I have waiting to be read, and like the others, I was not let down by The Queen of New Beginnings. The story follows two characters: Alice and Clayton. The former is private and wants to keep her past hidden. She is a voice-over artist and makes her living reading stories for audiobooks or recording adverts. She has changed her name and lives in a quite, secluded village. Clayton, on the other hand, has had his life ruined in the media. He is a screen writer who has come to the same village to hide out. His girlfriend and best friend have shacked up and are blaming him for the loss of their unborn baby. It is all over the press and Clayton has been shamed. He meets Alice and eventually gets the truth of her past out; only to use it for his salvation...

    This is a great story. Alice is a very likeable character - and she made me laugh at the beginning of the novel when she took the persona of a woman called Katya, who was intimidating, even to Clayton. She has a sad story - a girl who lost her mother, then fell for her step-brother who used her and then broke her heart. She had lost contact with her father over the years and had been living a new life, albeit a fairly lonely one. I enjoyed reading her story and seeing her open up.

    I liked Clayton too. He is in hiding, but as we learn more about him, I just felt so sorry for him. Barry, his ex-best friend and his old writing partner really betrayed him, and I felt more angry at him than Clayton's ex-girlfriend. Clayton does make a monumental mistake - but I understood why he did it, and it had good consequences, which made good reading.

    They are not the only two characters who make this book though. James writes some wonderful people, and my overall favourite was easily George, the mad old lady. When we first meet her she is pointing a gun at Clayton, and from there her eccentric ways continue. She even knew Alice as a girl, which was a lovely link to the past. She was wise, very good at reading people, and just a great personality.

    There is a lot in this story, with a whole range of characters and events. James keeps you interested the whole way through and it did not take long to read this book. I really enjoyed it. It was realistic, and I found myself getting involved. James has done it again - written a cracking book! This is more mature chick-lit, and I loved it! James writes wonderful locations too, all of which I can still picture, even though I read the book a month ago! I remember the story clearly, and there are some shocks in the story line. The end was fairly predictable, but there were moments when I could have cried, and times when I laughed. And I liked how Clayton and Alice worked as a team and how everything worked out. Top marks from me!

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    Kate's Reading in 2010

    in Past Book Logs

    Posted

    I've read another six since updating this thread!

     

    Terry Pratchett: A Hat Full of Sky

    Kate Harrison: Old School Ties

    Debbie Macomber: 44 Cranberry Point

    Matt Beaumont: E

    Judy Blume: Forever

    Rachel Hore: The Memory Garden

     

    I've read 17 books this month!

    Stardust by Neil Gaiman

    in Horror / Fantasy / SF

    Posted

    818478.jpgSynopsis:

    Stardust is an utterly charming fairy tale in the tradition of The Princess Bride and The Neverending Story. Neil Gaiman, creator of the darkly elegant Sandman comics and author of The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, tells the story of young Tristran Thorn and his adventures in the land of Faerie. One fateful night, Tristran promises his beloved that he will retrieve a fallen star for her from beyond the Wall that stands between their rural English town (called, appropriately, Wall) and the Faerie realm. No one ever ventures beyond the Wall except to attend an enchanted flea market that is held every nine years (and during which, unbeknownst to him, Tristran was conceived). But Tristran bravely sets out to fetch the fallen star and thus win the hand of his love. His adventures in the magical land will keep you turning pages as fast as you can--he and the star escape evil old witches, deadly clutching trees, goblin press-gangs, and the scheming sons of the dead Lord of Stormhold. The story is by turns thrillingly scary and very funny. You'll love goofy, earnest Tristran and the talking animals, gnomes, magic trees, and other irresistible denizens of Faerie that he encounters in his travels. Stardust is a perfect read-aloud book, a brand-new fairy tale you'll want to share with a kid, or maybe hoard for yourself. (If you read it to kids, watch out for a couple of spicy sex bits and one epithet.) --Therese Littleton

    This is the first Gaiman novel I have read, and I enjoyed it. It wasn't a long read but it was full of imagination and fun. The story follows Tristran as he goes through The Wall to catch the fallen star, to bring her back to his "true love". Except, the Star is not overly happy to be joined to Tristran, especially when he saves her and she is in debt to him. They encounter all sorts of fantastical creatures, including trees that gave out advice, and witches who changed people into animals.

    This was a great book. There is so much imagination and life in this book - and I liked the Star most. I thought it was great that she was so stubborn - not what you would expect. Tristran was a great read too. I liked how his character changed and matured. There were so many different characters in this book which all added to the story, I loved it! There were other stories that ran through book, including the witches who wanted to be young again and the brother's fighting to rule the kingdom - but they were all linked by the star. I liked that there were sub-plots throughout the book, made for a more interesting read. And I found the ghosts of the brothers hilarious!

     

    Gaiman reminds me of Terry Pratchett - and I know they have worked together. Both have amazing imaginations and write thoroughly entertaining books. Some of the creatures they both create I would never have dreamed of, but now I have encountered them and love them! I will be reading more Gaiman I think, because this was a fun, exciting, gripping book. Gaiman's descriptions are very good and his characters are so much fun! If you like fantasy and humour, this is for you.

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    Debbie Macomber

    in Women's Fiction / Chick Lit

    Posted

    51IvjzR%2BWdL._SX106_.jpgSynopsis:

    Peggy Beldon

    Thyme and Tide B and B

    44 Cranberry Point

    Cedar Cove, Washington

    Dear Reader,

    I love living in Cedar Cove, but things haven't been the same since a man died in our B and B. Turns out his name was Max Russell, and Bob had known him briefly in Vietnam.We still don't have any idea why he came here and--most important of all--who killed him. Because it now appears that he was poisoned. I sure hope somebody figures it out soon!

    Not that we're providing the only news in Cedar Cove these days. I heard that Jon Bowman and Maryellen Sherman are getting married. And Maryellen's mom, Grace, has more than her share of interested men! The question is: Which one is she going to choose? Olivia--I guess it's Olivia Griffin now--is back from her honeymoon, and her mother, Charlotte (who's in her mid-seventies at least), seems to have a man in her life, too. I'm not sure Olivia's too pleased....

    There's lots of other gossip I could tell you. Come by for a cup of tea and one of my blueberry muffins and we'll talk.

    Peggy

    This is number four in Macomber's Cedar Cove series. The story picks up pretty much where it left off- new marriages are blossoming, friendships growing, but more importantly, mysteries still unsolved. Peggy and Bob have been struggling since a man called Max turned up in the night to stay at their B&B, and died . It was later found out it was murder. They just want this solved. There are other things going on too, such as the Navy boys returning to their families and Grace trying to get over losing Cliff.

    I love Macomber's novels. They are pure and simple chick-lit. This story was full of life, love, friendship and family. But with this series there is a slight twist - Macomber has added in the idea of mystery. In this book, and the previous one:

    311 Pelican Court, the mystery surrounds this man Max, his death and his connection to Bob. In the next book the mystery will be surrounding Ray, the Private Investigator. I like this addition to the novel. Macomber writes great novels anyway but this just adds something special and lifts it out of the bog-standard chick-lit genre.

    Macomber also writes wonderful characters. I love Olivia, Grace, Peggy and the like. Their friendships are special and reading about their families and events in their lives is great fun. I find them believable and I wish they were real! They are full of wisdom - the kind of older female friends one would want to have around for friendship and guidance.

    Yes this is a fairly predictable story, and the murderer wasn't much of a surprise but I enjoyed this book. It was a nice novel that I read in 24 hours. Like the rest of Macomber's books, this comes with high praise from me.

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    Terry Pratchett

    in Horror / Fantasy / SF

    Posted

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    Synopsis:

    "Another world is colliding with this one," said the toad. "All the monsters are coming back.""Why?" said Tiffany.

    "There's no one to stop them.

    There was silence for a moment.

    Then Tiffany said, "There's me."

    Armed only with a frying pan and her common sense, Tiffany Aching, a young witch-to-be, is all that stands between the monsters of Fairyland and the warm, green Chalk country that is her home. Forced into Fairyland to seek her kidnaped brother, Tiffany allies herself with the Chalk's local Nac Mac Feegle -- aka the Wee Free Men -- a clan of sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men who are as fierce as they are funny. Together they battle through an eerie and ever-shifting landscape, fighting brutal flying fairies, dream-spinning dromes, and grimhounds -- black dogs with eyes of fire and teeth of razors -- before ultimately confronting the Queen of the Elves, absolute ruler of a world in which reality intertwines with nightmare. And in the final showdown, Tiffany must face her cruel power alone....

    This is book number 30 in Terry Pratchett's Discworld novel. This is a Tiffany Aching novel, a young adult twist on the Witches novels. Tiffany is called upon to rescue her brother from the Queen in an alternative universe and for help she has the Wee Free Men and a Toad. She calls upon powers she didn't know she possessed - the witch in her comes out as she fights the Queen of the Elves with just a frying pan.

    I found this story slow to start but by half way through I was hooked. The Wee Free Men are hilarious! I loved that they just wanted to drink and fight! The end made me laugh, when poor Rob Anyone thought he might have to marry Tiffany - his fear was funny! I liked Tiffany too. She was headstrong, determined and inventive. She kept fighting and wouldn't let anyone take/insult her brother - although it was OK for her too.

    As usual, Pratchett has written a fantastic novel. It is funny, full of action and with great characters. I would have liked Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax to feature more in this book but Tiffany was a delightful character. This is aimed at young adults but that doesn't come through or ruin this book. This has everything you would expect from Pratchett and is well worth reading.

    4-stars.jpg

    The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

    in Women's Fiction / Chick Lit

    Posted

    531350.jpgSynopsis:

    Set amid the austere beauty of the North Carolina coast, Nicholas Sparks tells the story of Travis Parker, a small-town veterinarian who's perfectly content with the active and exciting life he leads. Since he uses his spare time bungee jumping and swimming with the dolphins, he can't shake the belief that a woman would simply slow him down. That is, until Gabby Holland enters his life.

     

    Gabby, Travis's new neighbor, is in love with her boyfriend of three years, and wants nothing more than to start planning the wedding she's always dreamed about. However, there is a story within a story and the connection between Travis and Gabby is just a beginning. As their tale unfolds, their relationship becomes something different--with much higher stakes. With echoes of THE NOTE BOOK abound, listeners everywhere will fall in love.

    This is the second Nicholas Sparks book I have read, and it was what drew me to this other books, all of which I have loved. The story is set around Gabby, a new woman in the neighbourhood and her neighbour Travis. Their relationship starts badly, but Travis is patient and their relationship develops, and helps Gabby make new friends in the town. The story then jumps to the present day and their current situation, which broke my heart...

    Sparks is a wonderful writer - engaging, amusing and writes realistic stories that are full of life, pain and joy. I was gripped right from the start. I loved watching Travis and Gabby's relationship develop - from neighbours, to friends to more. The description of outings, the scenery and the fun and friendship were gorgeous. My favourite part was when they were out in Travis's boat with his friends and their children. It was lovely to read.

    I really liked both Gabby and Travis. I could relate to and empathise with both, and I felt myself willing the best for both of them. That said, my favourite character was Steph, Travis's sister. She was forward, fun and wanted the best for everyone. She was there when Travis needed her and she came across as someone I would like to be friends with. I don't think there was a character I didn't like - Sparks writes people who I want to know and who I like reading about.

    Yes, in true Sparks fashion there is a twist at the end. It wasn't quite what I was expecting and it bought tears to my eyes. I liked how Sparks played out the situation. I found my heart breaking, then relief washing over me, I almost cried at one point, and overall, felt satisfied with the read. This book really played on my emotions, it was great. Top marks and a big recommendation from me.

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    Rory Gilmore's Book List Challenge

    in Reading Challenges

    Posted

    Have now finished The Bell Jar. I really enjoyed it (if enjoyed is the right word) and the writing was amazing. I've put a review up on my blog and my thread.

     

    I thought the same - enjoyed it but wasn't sure enjoyed is the right word!

     

    I'm waiting for Perks of Being A Wallflower to come back into the library. Would anyone like to read it with me?

    Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die by John Piper

    in Non Fiction

    Posted

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    This book does exactly what it says in the title: it gives fifty reasons why Jesus came to die. Using the New Testament John Piper explores the many reasons why Jesus not only came to Earth, but chose to die too. Many books have been written surrounding Jesus Christ, and most of the well known ones argue that Jesus and the Bible are nonsense. This book is authored by a man who is a well-known author and pastor, and who believes completely in the Bible (and yes as an aside, I have to say I agree with him). I think it is important not to dismiss this book because the guy believes in God - give it a go like you would a book by Philip Pullman.

    This book is easy to read and cut down into short chapters. Every chapter is based on what it says in the Bible. As a Christian I found this a really useful book and well worth reading. If you like this, it is worth noting that a lot of Piper's books are available online for free. I have found his books useful and would recommend him for his theology, intelligence and his books. This is really worth getting hold of - it explores why Jesus came to die in a Biblical and coherent way.

    3-stars.jpg

    The Revenge of the Wedding Planner by Sharon Owens

    in Women's Fiction / Chick Lit

    Posted

    41B3zb69dML._SX106_.jpgSynopsis:

    Mags and Julie are partners at Dream Weddings, catering for the over-the-top and sometimes downright bizarre requirements of Belfast's brides and grooms to be. They rub along well but are as different as chalk and cheese. Mags is married to the love of her life, has four kids and a complicated extended family. Julie is impossibly glamorous, and doesn't remotely believe in love or marriage.

    When Julie embarks on a life crisis, running away from her live-in lover and throwing herself in to a hair-raisingly sexy fling with Jay, it is Mags who is left to pick up the pieces.

    When Julie eventually comes back, she brings Jay with her, and that is where the real trouble starts. Add to the mix Dream Weddings' most high-profile celebrity clients yet, and the biggest, most ambitious wedding they have ever organised, and the fireworks really begin

    This is the second Sharon Owen novel I have read and like The Teahouse on Mulberry Street, I enjoyed it and thought it was an OK chick-lit book. The narrator is Mags - a woman who is happily married, a goth and an assistant wedding planner. Her associate/manager is Julie, who seems to be having a mid-life crisis. Although this takes her to South Ireland where she forgets about her boyfriend and hooks up with a worker at the spa. From there, she starts to lead a double-life, leaving Mags to do most of the work in regards to a crazy celebrity wedding.

    This is your basic chick-lit novel. There is romance, a bit of a crisis and friendship. That said, this was a pleasant read. I found myself cringing in places, especially in regards to the weird vampire-like wedding at the end. The story was fairly predictable but that didn't ruin the read. If you like a quick, easy read this is for you.

    I liked Mags however. She was a touch eccentric and I loved the idea of her with blue hair! She looked out for Julie and was happy in her marriage, which was a pleasant thing to read. Her husband was great too - very sensible and loving. I was indifferent to Julie, she seemed to go off the rails and act like a teenager. What I liked was reading what Mags thought about the events, as opposed to reading about Julie herself.

    This is easy reading, a fun, quick read if you like chick-lit.

    3-stars.jpg

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