chesilbeach

The School For Manners series by M. C. Beaton Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): 'If you have a Wild, Unruly, or Undisciplined Daugher, two Ladies of Genteel Birth offer to Bring Out said Daughter and Refine what may have seemed Unrefinable. We can make the Best of the Worst' When Amy and Effie Tribble, two charming but impoverished spinster sisters, lose out on an inheritance, they place this advertisement in The Morning Post and hire themselves out as professional chaperones. Vowing to prepare even the most difficult misses for marriage, the Tribble sisters will spend a London season on each client, educating them in their School for Manners. Review: My ultimate Christmas holiday indulgence - a series of regency romcoms from M.C. Beaton. Very easy to read, short books that each focus on a new girl the Tribble sisters "educate" and find husbands for. Silly, bawdy, ridiculous and brilliant fun, and perfect escapism for a rainy holiday.

Findings by Kathleen Jamie Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): It's surprising what you can find by simply stepping out to look. Kathleen Jamie, award winning poet, has an eye and an ease with the nature and landscapes of Scotland as well as an incisive sense of our domestic realities. In Findings she draws together these themes to describe travels like no other contemporary writer. Whether she is following the call of a peregrine in the hills above her home in Fife, sailing into a dark winter solstice on the Orkney islands, or pacing around the carcass of a whale on a rain-swept Hebridean beach, she creates a subtle and modern narrative, peculiarly alive to her connections and surroundings. Review: Wow. Utterly beautiful, with a deceptively simple style but evocative and atmospheric, "The moon had around it an aura of un-colours, the colours of oil spilled on tarmac." I found it difficult to put it down, as I loved Jamie's writing which took me north to Scotland and the places she described, and I didn't want to leave. Mixed in with travel and nature elements, are the domestic life and history, plus chapters that appear out of the minutiae of daily life. I absolutely adored reading it, and I have her next book, Sightlines to follow it up, which I want to make my first read of the hew year.

Emma by Jane Austen Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): Beautiful, clever, rich - and single - Emma Woodhouse is perfectly content with her life and sees no need for either love or marriage. Nothing, however, delights her more than interfering in the romantic lives of others. But when she ignores the warnings of her good friend Mr Knightley and attempts to arrange a suitable match for her protégée Harriet Smith, her carefully laid plans soon unravel and have consequences that she never expected. With its imperfect but charming heroine and its witty and subtle exploration of relationships, Emma is often seen as Jane Austen's most flawless work. Review: My Year With Jane Austen was never going to be a completely happy affair, as I knew at some point I would have to read Emma. I've tried three of four times to read this book before, but I've never managed to finish. Now, previous attempts had been before I knew the story, but having seen a few big and small screen adaptations of the novel since then, I felt that, armed with knowledge of what was happening, I might have a better chance this time. I have to say, I still found it hard going. I was over a quarter of the way through, and I still felt that very little character development had happened, and I couldn't see any wit or humour in the writing at all. Mr Woodhouse was irritating in the extreme, and his repetitive dialogue, in particular one conversation between him and Isabella, just about had me tearing my hair out! These two and many of the other characters felt one dimensional to me, and I never felt that I could be part of the society as I have with all the other Austen novels. That's not to say there aren't any good things about the book; I enjoyed the Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax storylines were interesting, and liked seeing how that developed. My local reading group had chosen this as one of the books, so we had an interesting discussion about it a little while ago. There was a mixed reaction to the book, but unfortunately, one of the members of the group had entirely the opposite view of the novel to me. That would have been fine, but the person tried to make me feel stupid for not understanding what Austen was trying to say in the book and a throwaway comment made later in the evening, gave the impression that I wasn't worthy to be a fan of Austen which left me a little upset, and has further tarnished my experience with Emma. The definite low point of my Jane Austen year.

Tempest's Fury by Nicole Peeler Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): Supernatural halfling Jane True's not happy. She's been packed off to England to fight a war when she'd much rather be getting busy with her boyfriend Anyan. Unfortunately, Jane's enemies have been stirring up some major trouble and attracting a lot of attention - making it rather tricky for Jane and Anyan to get any alone time. Catapulted into the role of Most Unlikely Hero Ever, Jane must lead supernatural races in a desperate battle to combat an ancient evil. But she'll also have to fight her own insecurities, as well as the doubts of those who don't think she can live up to her new role as Champion - the most powerful supernatural leader of all ... Review: Another series of books which started off promising, but has started to fade. The previous book in the series had been my least favourite, and for some reason I had it in my head that this was the last book of the story, but unfortunately when I got to the end, I realised it wasn't. Still, slightly better than the previous installment, but I'm wondering now whether I really want to carry on with it - something I'm finding with a lot of the series of books I've been reading. The jury's still out, I think.

Divorce Islamic Style by Amara Lakhous Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): It's 2005. The Italian secret service has received news that a group of Muslim immigrants based in the Viale Marconi neighbourhood of Rome is planning a terrorist attack. Christian Mazzari, a young Sicilian who speaks perfect Arabic, goes undercover to infiltrate the group and to learn who its leaders are. Breathtaking set pieces, episodes rich in pathos, brilliant dialogue and mordant folk proverbs combine as the novel moves towards an unforgettable and surprising finale that will have readers turning back to the first page to begin the ride all over again. Review: This author was one of my "finds" in Mr B's Emporium of Books in Bath. I love going to the bookshop and scouring the shelves for something different and unique that you just don't find in the main chains of bookshops, and after reading Lakhous' first novel earlier in the year, when I came across this one on a visit to Mr B's, I couldn't resist. Although this sounds like a heavyweight book, it is far from it. Lakhous has a simple storytelling style, alternating the narration between his two main characters, the undercover Christian, and the immigrant Sofia, and telling of their first encounters from both points of view. Whilst there is the overlying story of the government agency trying to infiltrate a terrorist group, this is much more about what life is like for Muslim immigrants and communities in a major European city. With a lightness of touch, humour and honesty, the book gives you an insight into the lives of others that you could never experience first hand. And the end ... well I'm not going to give that away, but I will say it made me smile!

The Watsons by Jane Austen Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): The Watsons is a delightful fragment, whose spirited heroine Emma Watson finds her marriage opportunities limited by poverty and pride. Review: This is not a full book, but the beginning of a book Austen started writing, but it is believed she couldn't finish it after the death of her father as the story was too painful to write about a heroine whose father had died. Apparently, in correspondence with her sister, she told of how the story would have developed, but never returned to it. It was clear to me that this book was in no way ready for publication, and I felt sure that even if Austen had completed the story, some of the it would have been rewritten as she continued. An interesting fragment to read for any Austen fans.

PDC 2013 World Championship semi-finals.

Baked camembert with roasted veggies, boiled potatoes and garlic ciabatta to dip in!

Well, if you read the books on your TBR list, then you'll definitely have it! Happy 2013 reading

I love that after all those challenges and lists of books, you've still got more ideas for future reading! I have to admit, I'd be a bit daunted by yours or Kylie's TBR, but you seem to have it all under control, so well done for that Happy 2013 reading, frankie!

Sounds like a nice relaxing reading plan for next year, Kidsmum! Happy 2013 reading

There were a set of M. C. Beaton's School For Manners series in the Kindle sale, so I've been working my way through those over the last couple of days when I've had time. They're very easy reads, ridiculous Regency comedies with a bit of romance thrown in, but I just think they're funny. There were six in the series, and I've read three so far, finishing one last night.

The sales are always promoted on the Kindle main page, so you shouldn't need to look too far If you're on Twitter, you could also follow @KindleUK and they'll post links to the sales and special offers as well.

The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds by Alexander McCall Smith Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): As a mother, wife, employer and editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, Isabel Dalhousie is aware that to be human is to be responsible. So when a neighbour brings her a new and potentially dangerous puzzle to solve, once again Isabel feels she has no option but to shoulder the burden. A masterpiece painting has been stolen from Duncan Munrowe, old-fashioned philanthropist, father to two discontented children, and a very wealthy man. As Isabel enters into negotiations with the shadowy figures who are in search of a ransom, a case where heroes and villains should be clearly defined turns murky: the list of those who desire the painting - or the money - lengthens, and hasty judgement must be avoided at all cost. Morals, it turns out, are like Scottish clouds: complex, changeable and tricky to get a firm grip on; they require a sharp observational eye, a philosophical mindset, and the habit of kindness. Fortunately for those around her, Isabel Dalhousie is in possession of all three. Review: Another McCall Smith novel next, but the latest one from my favourite series, the Isabel Dalhousie books. I really enjoy the posing and contemplation of the moral dilemmas that Isabel encounters, whether from submissions to the Review of Applied Ethics, or from the crime or mystery that she faces in each book, or from just the general experiences of daily life. This particular story had the most upfront crime I think we've seen in any of the series, and although it's a crime novel, it's an art crime and you never feel that there is really any danger, but it does pose more moral quandaries for Isabel than usual! This has been one of my favourite of the series so far, and I enjoy savouring Isabel's stories, as they really make me think about my own views on the ethics considered in these books.

Trains and Lovers by Alexander McCall Smith Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): In the words of Alexander McCall Smith: 'You feel the rocking of the train, you hear the sound of its wheels on the rails; you are in the world rather than suspended somewhere above it. And sometimes there are conversations to be had, which is what the overarching story in this collection is all about. It is a simple device: people brought together entertain one another with tales of what happened to them on trains. It takes place on a journey I frequently make myself and know well, the journey between Edinburgh and London. It is best read on a train, preferably that one.' Review: A short, stand alone book from this prolific author, and it was an easy, one sitting read. Four strangers on a long train journey get to talking and tell (both out loud and in their thoughts) their own stories of loves, past, present, lost and found. I have to say, I didn't like one of the characters, and although at the time I thought it was pretty good, it hasn't stayed with me at all, but its sense of nostalgia through rose-tinted glasses makes for an enjoyable couple of hours reading. Glad I borrowed from the library and didn't buy my own copy, as it was so slight, I think I might have felt a bit cheated if I'd spent the cover price of £9.99 for this one.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivy Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): Alaska, the 1920s. Jack and Mabel have staked everything on a fresh start in a remote homestead, but the wilderness is a stark place, and Mabel is haunted by the baby she lost many years before. When a little girl appears mysteriously on their land, each is filled with wonder, but also foreboding: is she what she seems, and can they find room in their hearts for her? Review: I absolutely adored this book, kindly lent to me by Kay. I fell in love with Jack and Mabel, and got completely caught up in their story. When the little girl appears, you wonder whether or not this is a fairy tale, and you get about half way through and wonder where the story will go next, but the author develops the story and the characters beautifully. But not only is the story fabulous, the descriptions of the homestead life, the landscape and the environment bring Alaska to life. An utterly engrossing book, and perfect to read curled up in the armchair in front of the fire on a wet and windy afternoon.

Storm Front by Jim Butcher Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): Meet Harry Dresden, Chicago's first (and only) Wizard P.I. Turns out the 'everyday' world is full of strange and magical things - and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Harry is the best at what he does - and not just because he's the only one who does it. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal capabilities, they look to him for answers. There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get . . . interesting. Magic - it can get a guy killed. Review: I've had this on my wishlist for ages, since Steve reviewed it over a year ago. I must admit when I first started, I was a bit concerned, as the murder is quite gruesome, and I wasn't sure if this would be my cup of tea after all, but once I got into it, I knew I was on to a winner. I loved Harry, and that fact that magic hadn't really improved his life (as most people would imagine it would) but was actually a bit of a pain in the backside at times. He's already got strikes against him with the magical society, mere mortals can't look him in the eye, and even his police contacts want what he can't give them. It's written as a first person narrative, I liked Harry's sense of humour which makes the story very readable. A really good murder mystery with a supernatural element that whizzes along at a good pace, with a few surprises along the way, and I'll definitely be reading more of this series.

Home made pizza

Finally managed to find a get some reading done this afternoon

The Pedant In The Kitchen by Julian Barnes Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): The Pedant's ambition is simple. He wants to cook tasty, nutritious food; he wants not to poison his friends; and he wants to expand, slowly and with pleasure, his culinary repertoire. A stern critic of himself and others, he knows he is never going to invent his own recipes (although he might, in a burst of enthusiasm, increase the quantity of a favourite ingredient). Rather, he is a recipe-bound follower of the instructions of others. It is in his interrogations of these recipes, and of those who create them, that the Pedant's true pedantry emerges. How big, exactly, is a 'lump'? Is a 'slug' larger than a 'gout'? When does a 'drizzle' become a downpour? And what is the difference between slicing and chopping?This book is a witty and practical account of Julian Barnes' search for gastronomic precision. It is a quest that leaves him seduced by Jane Grigson, infuriated by Nigel Slater, and reassured by Mrs Beeton's Victorian virtues. The Pedant in the Kitchen is perfect comfort for anyone who has ever been defeated by a cookbook and is something that none of Julian Barnes' legion of admirers will want to miss. Review: This popped up in the Kindle Daily Deal, and after having added it to my wishlist based on poppyshake's review, it was too good an opportunity to miss. As someone who tries to bake, and I'm doing a little bit more all the time, Barnes sounds exactly like me with regards to recipes. I hate it when instructions are ambiguous, and I do have a tendency to buy far too many cook books based on the amount of time I actually spend baking, so I felt I'd be on safe ground with this one. And I was absolutely right. I loved this book, which is like a collection of essays on a theme, a short, easy read that had me nodding my head in agreement on more than one occasion!

Black Dawn by Rachel Caine Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): When a tide of ferocious draug, the vampire's deadliest enemy, floods Morganville, its eclectic mix of residents must fight to save their town from devastation. Chaos has taken over the quiet college town of Morganville as the threat of the draug rapidly spreads with the help of the city's water system. Whilst most of the locals have already fled, student Claire Danvers and her friends Shane, Eve and Michael choose to stay and fight. Things take a turn for the worse when vampire Amelie, the town's founder, is infected by the master draug's bite. Unless Claire and her friends can find an antidote to save Amelie and overcome the draug, Morganville's future looks bleak... Review: Another YA series, this time a vampire story. This is twelfth book in the series, and I think the story is starting to veer quite far from what I liked about the series in the first place, but it's still an easy, entertaining read. I know there is at least two more books to come, and I wonder if the series is intended to have a conclusion, or whether Caine will keep on going indefinitely. I'll keep reading them for now, as its one of the few series I have kept up with but I would like to see some sort of ending in sight, or I might have to give up.

Seeking Crystal by Joss Stirling Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): Crystal Brook has always been the dud Savant in her family; paranormal powers just aren't her thing. Dropping out of school with a clutch of 'E' grades and no future, she lives in the shadow of her high-flying sister Diamond. On a trip to Denver, a chance encounter with the dashing Benedict brothers leaves Diamond head over heels in love and engaged to be married. Crystal, on the other hand, is unimpressed by their charms . . . in fact no boy can annoy her as much as Xav Benedict! Back in Venice, their families assemble for Diamond's wedding and a powerful enemy seizes the opportunity to attack. Crystal and Xav must join forces to save their loved-ones, unlocking a secret that, until now, has lain deeply buried . . . Review: Third in a YA series, and a very enjoyable series it is. I like that the Savants each have different powers, and that although there is a romance in each book, it's more about the heroines finding themselves, and becoming strong, confident young women in their own rights. Plus, you get a cracking, action-packed thriller of a story as well. What's not to like?!

It is, bobblybear. I haven't come close to doing it justice in my review, but I'm a bit far behind and trying to make sure I catch up before the end of the year, but I know poppyshake has written a much better, more detailed review in her reading blog if you want to find out a bit more. Definitely recommended though.

How To Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): It's a good time to be a woman: we have the vote and the Pill, and we haven't been burnt as witches since 1727. However, a few nagging questions do remain... Why are we supposed to get Brazilians? Should we use Botox? Do men secretly hate us? And why does everyone ask you when you're going to have a baby? Part memoir, part rant, Caitlin answers the questions that every modern woman is asking. Review: What a great read this was. While telling the story of her own life, Caitlin discusses the female issues that girls goes through as they grow up, gradually moving into the issues of feminism, once she has grown up. But not just about feminism, it's also about how to be an individual and not conforming to expectations. All this with humour, wit, warmth and even a bit of shouting when needed! I follow Caitlin on twitter and have heard/seen her interviewed a lot, and as it's been quite a while since I read the book I can't always remember what's in the book and what I've heard her say, so I don't want to quote something in case it's not in the book after all, but I would say that this is a fantastic read, particularly as someone who grew up around the same time, and has a lot of the same references (although in a far more conventional home than Caitlin's ), and as someone who doesn't conform to common ideals of women in modern society, I found her funny, accessible, outrageous, sensible and most of all entertaining to read.

Agatha Raisin: Hiss and Hers by M. C. Beaton Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): Agatha has fallen in love - again. This time it's the local gardener, George Marston, she has her eye on. But competition for his attention abounds. With her shameless determination Agatha will do anything to get her man - including footing the bill for a charity ball in town just for the chance to dance with him. But when George is a no-show Agatha goes looking for him - and finds he has been murdered, having been bitten by a poisonous snake and buried in a compost heap. Agatha and the rest of her crew plunge into an investigation and discover that George had quite a complicated love life. And if Agatha now can't have George, at least she can have the satisfaction of confronting those women who have and finding a murderer in the process. Agatha Raisin and the Christmas Crumble by M. C. Beaton Synopsis (from www.amazon.co.uk): Agatha is spending Christmas at home in the Cotswolds - and in a fit of goodwill towards all men (and women) she invites six of Carsley's oldest residents to come around and share Christmas lunch with her. Christmas jollity soon turns to disaster as Agatha accidentally kills one of her guests with a gruesome homemade Christmas pudding... so will it be Christmas in the cells for Agatha? Or can she fix an escape out of this particular festive mess! Review: M. C. Beaton is one of those authors I go to when I've got a lot going on, and I need something that doesn't require too much brain power or concentration. The two latest Agatha Raisin stories, the first a full length novel, the second a short story, follow Agatha in her latest escapades as a private detective in a small Cotswold village. She is an irascible, mildly foul-mouthed, irritable woman, but has a kind heart underneath her crusty exterior, but somehow manages to rub most people up the wrong way. Both a murder suspect and a potential victim are par for the course, but no matter, she somehow manages to solve the crimes, and save the day! These two have been perfect for the last quarter of the year when I'm too busy to spend too much time reading, and can just indulge in a few pages at a time of these comic gems.