chesilbeach

Congratulations Grandma Poppy!

Just got off the scales for the first time after our week away. Was worried that although I was pretty active and did plenty of exercise while we were away, I didn't actually diet, and some days I think I ate far too much, so thought I might have put on weight. Looks like the exercise worked wonders as I've lost 2 pounds over the week

Thanks, Kylie and yes, those would be the very books! I did buy the books in the end (I think they're the first three in order), and later found out that there's an Australian television adaptation of them, and I think they might even be showing on one of the digital channels now.

The Westerby Inheritance by M. C. Beaton Synopsis: (from amazon.co.uk) Lady Jane Lovelace has conceived the idea of approaching the most notorious man about town, Lord Charles Welbourne, with a most unique proposition. But when he counters her offer with a condition that he thinks will halt her impudence, much to the surprise of both, she accepts. A novel of passion and intrigue, [b[The Westerby Inheritance[/b] is the first volume of this new and emotionally charged romantic saga all played out against a backdrop of elegant eighteenth century society. Review: I've just read the synopsis of the book for the first time and can't quite match up the description in the last sentence with the book I read! Why on earth doesn't it make mention of the comedy? This is one of M. C. Beaton's earlier books when she wrote under a different name, and has now been republished. At the time she wrote historical romcoms, and this is no exception, told with a whimsical, but comedic tone, with the heroine stepping outside of the normal strictures imposed on them by society of the time, but where the supposedly mismatched couple always get together in the end. I love these books, rather silly, but charming and fun.

The Time Machine by H. G. Wells Synopsis: (from amazon.co.uk The classic tale of a time traveller's journey to the world of 802,701 AD where humanity is divided between the bad and the beautiful, a simplistic vision at first glance but a prophetic take on a future that may not be so far removed from a reality yet to take hold, simply lurking in the shadows and waiting for the human race to bring it about by its own hand. Review: At the time I read this, I have to say, I quite enjoyed it. I liked how Wells to life brought his vision of the future of humanity in the very far future. However, as I've thought about it since reading, I'm less keen on it now, and I've realised how much he was equating the future to the struggles of class and society in his own time, and actually it was so short that there wasn't enough space to examine it fully, and leaves me feeling that it was actually quite a slight story. I still have War of the Worlds to read, and The Time Machine certainly hasn't put me off reading it, so it's something I'm intrigued to try in the future.

We stayed in a cottage near Bideford so a bit more inland, but a great central location for all the coast with good access to the main roads, we travelled around from Porlock Weir to Hartland Quay over the week.

The Time Machine by H. G. Wells Synopsis: (from amazon.co.uk The classic tale of a time traveller's journey to the world of 802,701 AD where humanity is divided between the bad and the beautiful, a simplistic vision at first glance but a prophetic take on a future that may not be so far removed from a reality yet to take hold, simply lurking in the shadows and waiting for the human race to bring it about by its own hand. Review: At the time I read this, I have to say, I quite enjoyed it. I liked how Wells to life brought his vision of the future of humanity in the very far future. However, as I've thought about it since reading, I'm less keen on it now, and I've realised how much he was equating the future to the struggles of class and society in his own time, and actually it was so short that there wasn't enough space to examine it fully, and leaves me feeling that it was actually quite a slight story. I still have War of the Worlds to read, and The Time Machine certainly hasn't put me off reading it, so it's something I'm intrigued to try in the future.

Of course I don't mind! My agenda had been to get to the stage where as I finished one book, I decided what I wanted to read next, and just buy that one. So, if a review here really tempted me, I could simply just buy it as my next read. Alongside that I was going to continue with the various challenges I listed on the first page, with Jane Austen, J. L. Carr, E. H. Young and the Persephone books. It hasn't quite worked out like that. I've built up a bit of a TBR (although it needed a bit of updating, which you've prompted me to do, and it's down to 14 at the mo), and I'm working my way through these again now. The main problem is that I've had to cut back on book spending for a while, and due to things going on in real life, I wanted some light reading so I've been diverted onto Kindle free ebooks for the last couple of months. This has had the bigger impact on my book spending habits than anything else, but hopefully, keeping the TBR relatively low will continue, and I'll be able to get back to my original plan at some point in the future. I've just come back from a week away though, and have sort of got back on track with reading some books that have been a bit more substantial, in amongst some beach type reads, and am getting back into the swing of taxing my brain occasionally , so I'm hoping to build on that even more in the coming weeks. The 77 does sound more impressive than it actually is, as there are a smattering of audio books and a dose of short stories included in there, so don't be too swayed by it, but even so, I've never really been bothered by totals other than I like to do some statistical analysis at the end of the year.

Trouble in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon Synopsis: (from amazon.co.uk Scientist Maryse Robicheaux thought that a lot of her problems had gone away with her mother-in-law’s death. The woman was rude, pushy, manipulative and used her considerable wealth to run herd over the entire town of Mudbug, Louisiana. Unfortunately, death doesn’t slow down Helena one bit. DEA Agent Luc LeJeune is wondering what his undercover assignment investigating the sexy scientist has gotten him into – especially as it seems someone wants her dead. Keeping his secrets while protecting Maryse proves to be easier than fighting his attraction for the brainy beauty. Review: Another free first book in a series - this time the Ghost-in-Law Mysteries. A murder mystery where the victim comes back as a ghost to haunt her daughter-in-law in order to convince the authorities of her murder and find the killer. Throw in a bit of comedy and romance, and this turned out to be exactly the sort of crime novel I enjoy. There are a few different mystery threads running through the plot, and not all the loose ends are tied up, setting it up nicely for the next book in the series. Another good call by the publishers to make book one a freebie, as I will definitely be buying the next in the series at some point.

Always delighted when someone wants to read this based on my recommendation - hope you enjoy it when you get it! You should read it - I'm sure that as a fan of Mitchell, you'll love it! I may give Peep Show a chance, and I can see that series 7 and 8 are available on demand on my TV, or I can see all series using the 4OD on the internet, so I could watch them online at some point. I'd not really thought too much about it, but now you've prompted me to have a look, I'm actually tempted to try them out. You definitely shouldn't harbour ill feelings to Victoria - she seems lovely, intelligent, witty, smart and can play a mean game of poker! Don't hold your breath - it might be a while before I attempt her again!

A Bit of Bite by Cynthia Eden Synopsis: (from amazon.co.uk A killer is stalking the streets of Crossroads, Mississippi, and it's up to Sheriff Ava Dushaine to stop him. But when suspicion falls on werewolf alpha Julian Kasey - Ava's ex-lover and the man who still haunts her dreams - Ava knows that she'll either have to prove his innocence ... or watch the whole town go up in flames. Review: Short vampire/werewolf paranormal romance story, and I did enjoy it although very short and little development really, but I liked Eden's writing so I think I will probably have a look at her full length novels at some point.

Water by Terra Harmony Synopsis: (from amazon.co.uk) Elemental powers in the palm of her hand…and it won't be enough to save her. When Kaitlyn Alder is involuntarily introduced to a life of magic, she becomes part of an organization hell-bent on saving the Earth. Her newfound life holds promises of purpose, romance, and friendship, but the organization divides and a rogue member holds Kaitlyn hostage. Now one of the most terrifying men the human race has to offer stands between her and Earth's survival. Review: The first in a series of supernatural books, which initially I enjoyed as there was an unusual storyline and mixed in some elements of the Gaia theory which I studied a few years ago, but as it went on, I was less enamoured, and it became slightly ludicrous and rather nasty. Not for me, and I won't be carrying on with the series.

Sorry to hear about your elbow, Jules Nice to see you back though

House Rules by Chloe Neill Review: I won't add a synopsis for this one, as it's the fifth book in the Chicagoland Vampires series, but another great addition in my opinion. Merit is another strong heroine, turned vampire against her wishes, but making the most of her new life, and displaying her usual tenacity and dedication to her principles. Lots of action, plenty of twists and turns for the Cadogan house, and the political landscape in both the vampire and human worlds lead to another mystery for Merit to deal with. Love this series, and looking forward to the next instalment later in the year.

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter Double Crossed by Ally Carter Review: The second Heist Society novel and a free short story where this series meets her other YA series, the Gallagher Girls, these two were great fun, and full of action. I love YA books full of derring-do and mix that with high class thievery, and I'm there! The heroines are smart and brave, but not without flaws, and the settings are lavish and showcase the glamorous lifestyle we all (imagine) the wealthy have. I have the next Heist Society novel on my wish list for future reading. I think Ally Carter's writing is great for the YA market, and her books are fun, engaging, entertaining, and pure escapism.

http://blog.waterstones.com/2013/05/waterstones-week-in-books-quiz-10th-may-2013/ 5 out of 10 this week for me (and it would have been 7 if I'd gone with by instinct instead of trying to reason it out

Back from a lovely week away, and although I mentioned some of the books I read earlier in the thread, here's the rest of the books I finished this week: The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters by Sierra Dean Mrs Harris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper Mrs Harris Goes to New York by Paul Gallico I also started Under The Skin by Michel Faber, but I have to say, it's the first book of his I've struggled with, and I'm about a third of the way through but have put it aside for the moment. Instead, I started Misfortune Cookie by Michele Gorman yesterday, which is a good fun read, and I'm about two thirds through. Also managed to make a visit to a bookshop and came away with Diving Belles by Lucy Wood, who I saw at one of the ShortStoryVille sessions last year, and have had on my wishlist for a while, so I'm looking forward to this one. Am currently debating whether to buy the three books on the Kindle Daily Deal today, as they look like something I'd enjoy, but the heroine's first name is Phryne, which I've never heard of and don't know how to pronounce, and it's sort of putting me off, as I worry that anytime I read it, it's going to be a mental stumbling block and take me out of the story. Will have to make up my mind before the end of the day!

I'm just popping in here to say that I read Single in the City this week, and am halfway through Misfortune Cookie and although I don't read anywhere near as much chick-lit as I used to, I've really enjoyed both books. I'll write a full review later on, but thought I'd bump the thread because if you like the chick-lit genre, Michele's books should be right up your street, and you can read this thread to find out a bit more about her and her writing here.

Friday night is pasta night, my favourite meal of the week!

Just got back from a week away in North Devon. We had lovely weather for the most part (just a couple of stormy nights, and a lot of wind and rain yesterday), and I got lots of reading done! A lovely break, and now a weekend to get myself sorted out ready for work next week. Glad to have had a break, although, as always, it was over far too quickly. Loads of reviews now backed up needing to be written, so I think I may be doing that this weekend.

I read this book about two and a half years ago, so I'm answering these questions from memory, referring back to the book and my original review when necessary, but these thoughts are mostly from my memory of the book, which is still strong in my mind. 1. The book is a pretty massive volume. Did you find it difficult or easy to read? Indeed, was the length inherently important to the impact of the book? I have to say, I found it a very easy read. I first bought the original paperback version (before the television adaptation found its way onto the cover), and although the book itself was beautiful - I loved the paper, the typeface and the layout - it was a bit unwieldy as it was so large, so instead I downloaded it onto an ereader. Now that wasn't cheap, but after reading the first chapter, I knew I wanted for read it so I was happy with the extra cost. Once I did start reading it, I actually had to ration myself to a chapter a day, as I didn't want to rush it and felt that it was a book to be savoured. I think, by the end, I felt that the length of the book did add to the impact of the book, as it allowed for the rich details of setting, character and plot to develop and come to life for me. 2. The book is a classic example of a story told by an omniscient narrator, one who makes it perfectly clear that they are directing what the reader 'sees' and 'hears'. What, if any, impact did this deliberately intrusive style have on your reading? For me, the style of narration very much added to the feeling of having the story read to me, rather than me reading it, if that makes sense? I felt it added to the reading experience, and thought that it suited the period of the book, giving it the sense of a text having been written contemporarily to the story rather than as an historical piece. I've only read a couple of Dickens short stories, but from what I have read, and what I know of his other works, it does feel as though the author was attempting to write in with a similar style, but writing today, had more freedom to bring the detail to the seedier side of society that Dickens and his contemporaries would never have been allowed to publish. 3. The depth of historical research is worn very clearly on the author's sleeve, with extensive detail in places. Did you enjoy this, did it enhance your reading, or did you find it intrusive? To what extent did it affect the story? Oh, I absolutely enjoyed it! That was one of the many things in its favour, as the pictures painted by the words made it easy to visualise, smell, taste and feel the world created by the author, bringing it to life and making it a sensory experience. 4. The theme for this month was 'The Great Wen' - books that included London as a character in its own right. Did Faber achieve this. If so, in what way(s), and if not, what prevented London fulfilling this role? How has your impression of Victorian London been influenced, if at all? London was certainly one of the main characters for me. I've sort of answered it in the previous question, as Faber uses the senses to make London a character itself, particularly in the opening chapters, with the descriptions of the houses, the transport, the streets, the materials used in manufacture, decoration and clothing alongside showing the class system, and where each individual fits into this hierarchical society. No sense is left out, and when you have that much knowledge of anything, be it person, house, city or country, that must make it a character within the story for me. 5. What did you think of the characters? This is what I wrote in my review at the time, "the overall glory of this epic book, is the wealth of characters. No character is too small or insignificant not to warrant a colourful description, from the larger secondary characters of, for example, William's brother, Henry, with his tortured goodness, to his shallow, hedonistic friends, Bodley and Ashwell, to the calculating servant, Cheeseman." 6. What are your feelings/views on the (at least to me!) very surprising ending? Again, this is taken from my review at the time, "the end comes quite suddenly, and although you don't really get a resolution for the characters, this felt right, as no-one's life should be able to have all its loose ends tied up nicely, and after spending so long with these people, I was actually quite glad to be able to think for myself where their lives would take them next."

Hello Vicky!

Not looking - trying to avoid any spoilerage at all! Definitely looking forward to this one though.

I've read City of Bones (in fact, I've read the first four books in the series) and it's pretty good. I like Clare's writing style for the YA genre, but I preferred Clockwork Angel as I liked the Victorian setting better. I've also read The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud (twice). I loved Sherwood's first novel, The Man Who Ate The 747, and The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud was good too, and a few years after I'd read it, it came up at my local book group, so I read it again, and enjoyed it a second time even though I'm not a big re-reader usually. The 5th Wave is on my wishlist, so I'm sure I'll be comparing notes with you on that one in the future!

I read the first few chapters the other day and thought it was very promising, so it has been added to my wishlist for future purchasing.