I was really looking forward to reading this book as I have loved some of her earlier work but sadly I was bitterly disappointed.
It has taken me two weeks to trawl through the 800 or so pages and regretfully I wasted my time. I kept hoping that something would kick in and the book was suddenly start racing along but from start to finish I found it all a bit flat. The opening chapters were probably the best bit.
The characters a little boring and one-dimensional they seemed to have no personality and I read pages, chapters even or their endless drug taking and morning after torments. I went from page to page where nothing of significance really happened apart from drug taking, drug taking and drug taking.
There was certainly two much prose in this book and inherent ramblings. It added nothing at all to the story. The plot was weak and this story could have been told in a mere couple of hundred pages rather the 800 in filled.
I'm afraid to say it's not worth wasting your time on this one.
Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts
Monday, 24 February 2014
Sunday, 23 February 2014
Review of Survivor by Lesley Pearse
Following on from Lesley's previous two novels, The Promise and Belle, this third novel catches up with the family is New Zealand where they left to start a new life. I'm a massive fan of Lesley's novels and this one did not disappoint.
We catch up with Belle and Etienne where they have settled, become parents and are living the dream. The life they have always wanted. However their errant daughter Mariette or Mari as she known is a difficult, wilful teenager who is earning a bit of a name for herself.
In a bid to help their daughter, Belle and Etienne decide that maybe it would do her good to spread her wings and leave the sleepy town of Russell and send her to visit relatives in England. Little did they know of the danger they were sending her into.
With the outbreak of World War II, Mariette finds herself facing unthinkable tragedy and challenges. This part of the book had my gripped and awake long into the early hours as we experience with Mariette the true horror of the Blitz and the loss of many lives she encounters.
We journey with Marriette and see her transform from a deceitful, arrogant young girl into a kind, compassionate and heroic young lady, experiencing with her her many dramatic relationships with men. Will she ever find her Mr Right?
Putting her life in danger to save others she ends up facing the biggest challenge of her life when she is seriously injured. Will she ever recover from this?
This was a beautiful book with lots of twists and turns, many of which left tears in my eyes both of sadness and of joy. I have read many book set in the WWII but none have ever painted the true horror as brilliantly. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
We catch up with Belle and Etienne where they have settled, become parents and are living the dream. The life they have always wanted. However their errant daughter Mariette or Mari as she known is a difficult, wilful teenager who is earning a bit of a name for herself.
In a bid to help their daughter, Belle and Etienne decide that maybe it would do her good to spread her wings and leave the sleepy town of Russell and send her to visit relatives in England. Little did they know of the danger they were sending her into.
With the outbreak of World War II, Mariette finds herself facing unthinkable tragedy and challenges. This part of the book had my gripped and awake long into the early hours as we experience with Mariette the true horror of the Blitz and the loss of many lives she encounters.
We journey with Marriette and see her transform from a deceitful, arrogant young girl into a kind, compassionate and heroic young lady, experiencing with her her many dramatic relationships with men. Will she ever find her Mr Right?
Putting her life in danger to save others she ends up facing the biggest challenge of her life when she is seriously injured. Will she ever recover from this?
This was a beautiful book with lots of twists and turns, many of which left tears in my eyes both of sadness and of joy. I have read many book set in the WWII but none have ever painted the true horror as brilliantly. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Review of Dead Weight (The Lizzy Gardner Series #2) by T R Ragan
I have to say I don't really know where this book was going. There were a number of women reported missing and Lizzie Gardner is assigned the case of finding these missing persons.
It would seem a fitness fanatic has come up with the idea of his own fat camp and woman are signing up to his exclusive, invite only programme with a promise of losing a vast amount of weight over a period of 4 months. Little did they know that when they signed up to the programme they would be held captive in a remote log cabin and chained to the wall.
After the thrill of Abducted I was expecting big things from this second book however I was left feeling a little deflated.
There seemed to be numerous storylines running through the book but nothing seemed to connect up. It was certainly not as good as read as the first book of the series.
It would seem a fitness fanatic has come up with the idea of his own fat camp and woman are signing up to his exclusive, invite only programme with a promise of losing a vast amount of weight over a period of 4 months. Little did they know that when they signed up to the programme they would be held captive in a remote log cabin and chained to the wall.
After the thrill of Abducted I was expecting big things from this second book however I was left feeling a little deflated.
There seemed to be numerous storylines running through the book but nothing seemed to connect up. It was certainly not as good as read as the first book of the series.
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
Review of Abducted (The Lizzie Gardner series #1) by T R Ragan
We meet Lizzie Gardner as she's held captive by the notorious Spiderman serial killer. She's witnessed torture and unthinkable acts bestowed on young girls, yet she's the lucky one. She escapes.
Believing the notorious killer to be behind bars, Lizzie gets on with her life as best, as she can, as a private investigator. However, ten years later and one phone call changes everything. Could it be that the Spiderman is still on the loose and out to get revenge on the one that escaped.
Jared Shayne is an FBI investigator and assigned the Spiderman case. Jared is also, Lizzie's ex college boyfriend and he still blames himself for Lizzie's abduction. He was with her on the night the madman struck yet let her walk home alone.
It's not long before old feelings resurface and the two are soon in deep. However, it's a game of cat and mouse and it's anyone guess and what the outcome will be. When Lizzie's niece is abducted, Spiderman knows that Lizzie will do anything to protect her and she's soon back in Spiderman's clutches.
This was a tense read from page one and the plot just builds and builds as you catch your breath willing Lizzie to escape Sideman's evil traps. This was a fast paced read and a brilliant Thriller. Would definitely recommend.
Believing the notorious killer to be behind bars, Lizzie gets on with her life as best, as she can, as a private investigator. However, ten years later and one phone call changes everything. Could it be that the Spiderman is still on the loose and out to get revenge on the one that escaped.
Jared Shayne is an FBI investigator and assigned the Spiderman case. Jared is also, Lizzie's ex college boyfriend and he still blames himself for Lizzie's abduction. He was with her on the night the madman struck yet let her walk home alone.
It's not long before old feelings resurface and the two are soon in deep. However, it's a game of cat and mouse and it's anyone guess and what the outcome will be. When Lizzie's niece is abducted, Spiderman knows that Lizzie will do anything to protect her and she's soon back in Spiderman's clutches.
This was a tense read from page one and the plot just builds and builds as you catch your breath willing Lizzie to escape Sideman's evil traps. This was a fast paced read and a brilliant Thriller. Would definitely recommend.
Sunday, 19 January 2014
Review of The Captain's Daughter by Leah Fleming.
This book was about the sinking of the Titanic. However rather just being a re-count of the disastrous events of that fateful night, this book is more involved with the aftermath and spans the years from April 1912 right up to December 1959. The actual disaster is dealt with right at the start of the book and swiftly moves on to how the characters tried to get on with their lives.
The contrasts between the two main characters are huge, yet despite the class differences that night ensured they became friends for life. May returns to England on the first ship back after the disaster with her baby daughter and a secret that will twist and tear her apart for the rest of her life, whilst Celeste heads back to her wealthy, cruel husband and decides that her life wasn't saved to be spent being bullied.
This book had me gripped and reading well into the early hours. Through the friends we experience love, births, deaths, laughter, tears, heartache and so much more. The final few chapters of the book you are wanting everything to come to the conclusion this story deserves yet you aren't quite sure until that final page, which actually brought a lump to my throat, that everything should turn out as it should.
If you like a good historical novel then I would definitely recommend a read. This is the first Leah Fleming novel I have read but I have already downloaded more of her work to my kindle and I can't wait to get reading.
The contrasts between the two main characters are huge, yet despite the class differences that night ensured they became friends for life. May returns to England on the first ship back after the disaster with her baby daughter and a secret that will twist and tear her apart for the rest of her life, whilst Celeste heads back to her wealthy, cruel husband and decides that her life wasn't saved to be spent being bullied.
This book had me gripped and reading well into the early hours. Through the friends we experience love, births, deaths, laughter, tears, heartache and so much more. The final few chapters of the book you are wanting everything to come to the conclusion this story deserves yet you aren't quite sure until that final page, which actually brought a lump to my throat, that everything should turn out as it should.
If you like a good historical novel then I would definitely recommend a read. This is the first Leah Fleming novel I have read but I have already downloaded more of her work to my kindle and I can't wait to get reading.
Monday, 9 December 2013
Review of War Crimes for the home by Liz Jensen
I've had this book downloaded to my kindle for quite some time but just never had the chance to get round to reading and am I glad I finally have.
I am a bit of a sucker for the old war-time romance novels, in face, I have a bit of a fascination with the World Wars full stop. I do find that a lot of the novels are a little on the samey side but not this one. This book tackled brilliantly the struggles of war and the chaos it leaves behind from a re-life point of view.
Gloria, is a grumpy, cantankerous old lady spending the final days of her life in an old peoples home. She has suffered a stroke and been left with memory loss. A memory loss that may not be quite as bad as Gloria pretends it is. She's not had an easy life and has raised her only son, Hank, single-handily. She's non-to keen on his wife, who she refuses to call by her name, Karen, and believes she's not good enough for her son.
When Hank finds a box full of Gloria's personal documents little did he know that he was opening a can of worms and when a glamorous stranger appears at Gloria's bedside there a whole host of questions about Gloria's past that are finally answered.
Gloria is a wonderful character. We grow up with her from a young war-time girl to the old lady she is today and for all her rough edges you can't help but fall in love with her. Her past is shocking but the end result is she can finally lay her demons to rest. I will certainly be looking for more work from his author.
I am a bit of a sucker for the old war-time romance novels, in face, I have a bit of a fascination with the World Wars full stop. I do find that a lot of the novels are a little on the samey side but not this one. This book tackled brilliantly the struggles of war and the chaos it leaves behind from a re-life point of view.
Gloria, is a grumpy, cantankerous old lady spending the final days of her life in an old peoples home. She has suffered a stroke and been left with memory loss. A memory loss that may not be quite as bad as Gloria pretends it is. She's not had an easy life and has raised her only son, Hank, single-handily. She's non-to keen on his wife, who she refuses to call by her name, Karen, and believes she's not good enough for her son.
When Hank finds a box full of Gloria's personal documents little did he know that he was opening a can of worms and when a glamorous stranger appears at Gloria's bedside there a whole host of questions about Gloria's past that are finally answered.
Gloria is a wonderful character. We grow up with her from a young war-time girl to the old lady she is today and for all her rough edges you can't help but fall in love with her. Her past is shocking but the end result is she can finally lay her demons to rest. I will certainly be looking for more work from his author.
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Review of My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier
One of my all time favourite books by this author is the classic, Rebecca. I've always wanted to read more of Daphne's books but never got around to it but after reading this one I will definitely be seeking out more of her works.
Like Rebecca this book has a haunted feel to it. You are never quite sure of exactly what is really going on. behind the façade of the characters there's a whole host of lies and deceit unfolding, many of which are never fully revealed and a lot is left to the readers imagination.
Phillip Ashley is orphaned at a young age and goes to live with the life long bachelor relative, Ambrose. They enjoy each others company and Ambrose revels in his relationship with the young Phillip regarding him as his own son. When Ambrose embarks on a trip to Florence little did he know that he would meet and fall in love with his cousin Rachel. Little did he also know that he would never return and would fall seriously ill with a brain tumour and meet his end.
Phillip is devastated when he receives a letter from a sick Ambrose and departs immediately for Florence. Regrettably he arrives to late and his uncle and passed away and Rachel has packed up the villa and disappeared.
In time she contacts Phillip and arranges to come to the family home and bring Ambrose's belonging back to their rightful place. Phillip is prepared to hate the woman however upon meeting her however his opinions begin to change and could he possibly be falling in love with her.
Ambrose has left a trail of letters that Phillip uncovers and they all point towards Rachel not being the woman she portrays. Was Ambrose really ill or was his illness caused by poisoning? When Phillip falls ill not long after her arrival is he really ill or are there more sinister goings on. Is Rachel trying to get her hands on the inheritance that she missed out on on Ambrose's death.
This was a brilliant read and the storyline twists and turns and even right to the end the truth is never fully uncovered. Can't wait to read more of Du Maurier's work.
Like Rebecca this book has a haunted feel to it. You are never quite sure of exactly what is really going on. behind the façade of the characters there's a whole host of lies and deceit unfolding, many of which are never fully revealed and a lot is left to the readers imagination.
Phillip Ashley is orphaned at a young age and goes to live with the life long bachelor relative, Ambrose. They enjoy each others company and Ambrose revels in his relationship with the young Phillip regarding him as his own son. When Ambrose embarks on a trip to Florence little did he know that he would meet and fall in love with his cousin Rachel. Little did he also know that he would never return and would fall seriously ill with a brain tumour and meet his end.
Phillip is devastated when he receives a letter from a sick Ambrose and departs immediately for Florence. Regrettably he arrives to late and his uncle and passed away and Rachel has packed up the villa and disappeared.
In time she contacts Phillip and arranges to come to the family home and bring Ambrose's belonging back to their rightful place. Phillip is prepared to hate the woman however upon meeting her however his opinions begin to change and could he possibly be falling in love with her.
Ambrose has left a trail of letters that Phillip uncovers and they all point towards Rachel not being the woman she portrays. Was Ambrose really ill or was his illness caused by poisoning? When Phillip falls ill not long after her arrival is he really ill or are there more sinister goings on. Is Rachel trying to get her hands on the inheritance that she missed out on on Ambrose's death.
This was a brilliant read and the storyline twists and turns and even right to the end the truth is never fully uncovered. Can't wait to read more of Du Maurier's work.
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Review of Lone Wolf by Jodi Piccoult
I'm a big fan of Jodi's books and she didn't let me down with this one. A family torn apart by events in the past and reunited in the wake of an accident but are they really reunited or is the divide to widen further with the life and death decisions that lay ahead.
Luke Baxter lives with his seventeen year old daughter Cara and his pack of wolves. He's a conservationist that goes to the extreme and leaves his young family to try and go to the next step and integrate himself with a wild pack of wolves in the Canadian wilds. Having survived the challenge he re-enters the human world and a changed man and ultimately loses his wife and son. His ever faithful daughter chooses to make a new life for herself with him. One fateful night the truck they are travelling in goes off the road and Cara has serious injuries but Luke has a major head trauma that leaves him battling for life on a ventilator and deep in a coma.
Luke's son, Edwards immediately flies back from Thailand where he has spent the last six years avoiding all contact with his father. The prognosis for Luke's recovery are not good and a decision has to be made as to whether the life support machine should be turned off.
A decision that Luke and Cara and unable to agree on. Whilst Edward knows his father would never, if ever, return to any sort of life. Cara believes that miracles can happen and fights tooth and nail to keep her father alive. Circumstances get out of control and decisions are taken that lead to more hurt and heartbreak.
With neither party still in agreement the pair find themselves locked in a tense courtroom battle, fighting to get the title of Luke's guardian but who will win and how will Luke's fate be decided.
This was another tense book and I found myself at times feeling pain for each character and siding with one and then the other. How would I deal in a situation like that? The answer is, I really don't know. At the end of the day, what is the right decision?
Luke Baxter lives with his seventeen year old daughter Cara and his pack of wolves. He's a conservationist that goes to the extreme and leaves his young family to try and go to the next step and integrate himself with a wild pack of wolves in the Canadian wilds. Having survived the challenge he re-enters the human world and a changed man and ultimately loses his wife and son. His ever faithful daughter chooses to make a new life for herself with him. One fateful night the truck they are travelling in goes off the road and Cara has serious injuries but Luke has a major head trauma that leaves him battling for life on a ventilator and deep in a coma.
Luke's son, Edwards immediately flies back from Thailand where he has spent the last six years avoiding all contact with his father. The prognosis for Luke's recovery are not good and a decision has to be made as to whether the life support machine should be turned off.
A decision that Luke and Cara and unable to agree on. Whilst Edward knows his father would never, if ever, return to any sort of life. Cara believes that miracles can happen and fights tooth and nail to keep her father alive. Circumstances get out of control and decisions are taken that lead to more hurt and heartbreak.
With neither party still in agreement the pair find themselves locked in a tense courtroom battle, fighting to get the title of Luke's guardian but who will win and how will Luke's fate be decided.
This was another tense book and I found myself at times feeling pain for each character and siding with one and then the other. How would I deal in a situation like that? The answer is, I really don't know. At the end of the day, what is the right decision?
Monday, 4 November 2013
Review of White Bones by Graham Masterton.
This book is a real page turner and a brilliant read. It is very gruesome in parts and extremely graphic leaving chills down your spine. I wouldn't read if you are on the squeamish side but if you like plenty of blood and gore then it's fabulous.
When human bones are found in a field at the Meagher's farm, the remains are soon discovered to be that of eleven women that disappeared decades ago. The case is assigned to D.S. Katie Maguire and she certainly gets more then she bargained for.
She quickly established that the women were killed for ritualistic purposes and in the most horrific way. The thigh bone of each victim has been drilled and a linen dolly decorated in hooks and nails is left dangling. When a young hitch-hiker is abducted and murdered her remains are found once again at the Meagher's farm and the case intensifies as it would seem a copy cat killer is out to continue the work of the original murders.
On top of that Katie has troubles of her own. Her husband has slipped into the shady world of criminality but will Katie be able to save him.
This was a brilliant crime thriller and the identity of the killer is only revealed at the bitter end and leaves you gasping with shock.
I can't wait to read the second Katie Maguire book.
When human bones are found in a field at the Meagher's farm, the remains are soon discovered to be that of eleven women that disappeared decades ago. The case is assigned to D.S. Katie Maguire and she certainly gets more then she bargained for.
She quickly established that the women were killed for ritualistic purposes and in the most horrific way. The thigh bone of each victim has been drilled and a linen dolly decorated in hooks and nails is left dangling. When a young hitch-hiker is abducted and murdered her remains are found once again at the Meagher's farm and the case intensifies as it would seem a copy cat killer is out to continue the work of the original murders.
On top of that Katie has troubles of her own. Her husband has slipped into the shady world of criminality but will Katie be able to save him.
This was a brilliant crime thriller and the identity of the killer is only revealed at the bitter end and leaves you gasping with shock.
I can't wait to read the second Katie Maguire book.
Sunday, 3 November 2013
Review of Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
After reading 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn I had to immediately download some of her earlier novels and Dark Places did not disappoint.
Dark Places follows the character of Libby Day as she sets off on a journey to undercover the truth. We meet Libby as a young woman. She lives alone and is severely disturbed and haunted by her past. Her background is revealed when we realise that Libby's family where brutally murdered in their home when Libby was just seven years old. She managed to escape and her older brother Ben is imprisoned for the brutal murders.
However was Ben really the killer ? Or is this a case of a difficult teenager being wrongly accused.
This book twists and turns all the way through and doubt is thrown on what happened at every opportunity leading you to suspect numerous characters in the book before what truly happened is shockingly revealed.
Another fantastic book.
Dark Places follows the character of Libby Day as she sets off on a journey to undercover the truth. We meet Libby as a young woman. She lives alone and is severely disturbed and haunted by her past. Her background is revealed when we realise that Libby's family where brutally murdered in their home when Libby was just seven years old. She managed to escape and her older brother Ben is imprisoned for the brutal murders.
However was Ben really the killer ? Or is this a case of a difficult teenager being wrongly accused.
This book twists and turns all the way through and doubt is thrown on what happened at every opportunity leading you to suspect numerous characters in the book before what truly happened is shockingly revealed.
Another fantastic book.
Saturday, 2 November 2013
Review of Gone Girl By Gillian Flynn
Wow, is all I can say about this book.
This chilling story follows Nick and Amy a young married couple whose lives have been turned upside down by the loss of their jobs. Moving back from New York to Nick's hometown of North Carthage, Missouri their lives take on a new route as Nick opens up a bar with his twin sister. Leaving Amy home alone for most of the time.
When Amy disappears and the house is left in chaos the finger is soon pointed at Nick as the murderer. However the twists and turns in this book leave you guessing right to the very tense end as to what exactly the ending will be.
This book was more involved with the dark characters of the book rather than the actual crime and page after page you go from hating Nick, yet feeling for him, to hating Amy and discovering the bitter and twisted person she really is.
I've read many thrillers and in the majority of cases you can kind of second guess what is going to happen next but not with this one. I would never have guessed the ending in a million years which makes a refreshing change.
This book was brilliant and as soon as I finished I had to immediately download more work from this author. I would definitely recommend this book.
This chilling story follows Nick and Amy a young married couple whose lives have been turned upside down by the loss of their jobs. Moving back from New York to Nick's hometown of North Carthage, Missouri their lives take on a new route as Nick opens up a bar with his twin sister. Leaving Amy home alone for most of the time.
When Amy disappears and the house is left in chaos the finger is soon pointed at Nick as the murderer. However the twists and turns in this book leave you guessing right to the very tense end as to what exactly the ending will be.
This book was more involved with the dark characters of the book rather than the actual crime and page after page you go from hating Nick, yet feeling for him, to hating Amy and discovering the bitter and twisted person she really is.
I've read many thrillers and in the majority of cases you can kind of second guess what is going to happen next but not with this one. I would never have guessed the ending in a million years which makes a refreshing change.
This book was brilliant and as soon as I finished I had to immediately download more work from this author. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thursday, 10 October 2013
Review of The Hidden Cottage by Erica James
I've read many of Erica's previous books and enjoyed them enormously and this one did not disappoint. Another cracker.
This is a sprawling tale of love and loss covering all emotions, love, hate, anger, lust, weakness and strength.
A dysfunctional family is at the heart of this book. Jeff the tyrant father who's controlled and made his family's life a misery. Mia his wife whose suffered but just gets on with things determined to do the right thing by her children. Daisy the youngest daughter, who idolised her father but is determined to put distance between them. Eliza the middle child who is damaged by her fathers cruel words and believe herself not good enough and Jensen the eldest with his wild ways. And not forgetting the village Putin peacock who saves the day.
However, when a stranger appears in the village things start to change for the family. He instantly falls in love with Mia but will Mia take the steps to change her future. Can she admit to the feelings she has for him.
Each of the children has finally found love and their lives are finally on track, or are they? Nothing ever seems to go right for poor Eliza and her taste in men leave a lot to be desired. Daisy has fallen in love with her older flatmate and plans to move to Australia whilst has Jensen met the woman of his dreams.
A tragic accident blows everyones lives apart and it's then that tough decisions are made and live's are changed forever.
This is a real page turner and you can't help but fall in love with each and every character, Even Jeff, who is not a nice man gets his comeuppance and you can't stop your heart, despite everything, going out to him. A real emotional roller coaster of a read.
This is a sprawling tale of love and loss covering all emotions, love, hate, anger, lust, weakness and strength.
A dysfunctional family is at the heart of this book. Jeff the tyrant father who's controlled and made his family's life a misery. Mia his wife whose suffered but just gets on with things determined to do the right thing by her children. Daisy the youngest daughter, who idolised her father but is determined to put distance between them. Eliza the middle child who is damaged by her fathers cruel words and believe herself not good enough and Jensen the eldest with his wild ways. And not forgetting the village Putin peacock who saves the day.
However, when a stranger appears in the village things start to change for the family. He instantly falls in love with Mia but will Mia take the steps to change her future. Can she admit to the feelings she has for him.
Each of the children has finally found love and their lives are finally on track, or are they? Nothing ever seems to go right for poor Eliza and her taste in men leave a lot to be desired. Daisy has fallen in love with her older flatmate and plans to move to Australia whilst has Jensen met the woman of his dreams.
A tragic accident blows everyones lives apart and it's then that tough decisions are made and live's are changed forever.
This is a real page turner and you can't help but fall in love with each and every character, Even Jeff, who is not a nice man gets his comeuppance and you can't stop your heart, despite everything, going out to him. A real emotional roller coaster of a read.
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Review of Facebook Jeanie
My heart goes out to Clara as we meet her aged 31 with another failed relationship behind her. She spends her evenings consuming capacious amounts of ice cream and trawling through facebook. Her favourite pastime is gazing at the profile of her college boyfriend, her true love, the one that got away and who is annoyingly still fit and has it all. The glamorous wife, the big house, exotic holidays and a bank balance of millions, whilst Clara is stuck in her mundane nine to five job and living alone in her tiny flat.
When Clara is visited by Jeanie and given the chance to take part in a top secret trial of a new app - the facebook reset button - after a particularly bad day she takes the plunge. When nothing happens Clara falls asleep only to awake with the hangover from hell and back in the college dormitory, ready to correct the mistakes she made.
However, for poor Clara things don't go according to plan and she begins to see that maybe breaking up with her boyfriend Brad was in fact the right thing to do and the path of her life could have been even more catastrophic.
Clara has three chances to press the button and she soon realises she's probably better off back in her own world, back in her own flat with the cat she hates. However, for Clara this is just the beginning of the story and a new start on the right path is just around the corner. I must add here that Clara is easily distracted throughout the story by one sexy scientist by the name of Aleksander. The man she loves to hate. Well he hates her back, doesn't he?
This was a great book that made me laugh out loud, gasp in horror and even at times make me want to cry. After all, who wouldn't like to have a re-set button on their life. A chance to go back and correct their errors and do things differently? I know I would. But, would things really have turned out differently? Or would a whole new set of dilemma's and disasters have awaited me, as they do for Clara.
I would like to thank the author Addison Westlake for providing me with a copy of her book to read which is available to buy as an e-book today. To find out more about Addison please click the links below.
http://addisonwestlake.blogspot.com
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Review of Watch over me by Daniela Sacerdoti
This book was amazingly written and I finished it in the course of the weekend I was just unable to put it down. In terms of the actually story it was a little predictable and from the first few chapters it was clear how the story would end but it was just so brilliantly told.
So many characters interlinked beautifully. For Eilidh, it was the worst time of her life. After years of fertility treatment she not only miscarried her longed for baby, she also finally admitted to herself that she had to leave her husband. She's known for quite some time about his affair. An affair that Eilidh had chosen to ignore for the want of a baby. But no more.
Jamie was a single dad bringing up his 5 year old daughter Maisie. Maisie's mother, an artist, a mistake, had left shortly after Maisie's birth and wanted nothing to do with her daughter. She provided for her financially but that was as far as it went.
When Eilidh returns to Glen Avich, a small town where she grew up in the Scottish Highlands, She slowly starts to recover from the hurt and seeing Jamie, an old school pal they soon become reacquainted but it's clear from the chemistry that there is so much more than a friendship between the two of them. However, they are both recovering from past hurts and the path of true love doesn't run smooth.
In steps Elizabeth, Jamie's mum. She does everything in her power to unite the couple and make them see they are destined to be. However there is only so much that she can physically do as Elizabeth is, in fact, a ghost.
This is a truly magical story of the circle of life and if there is an afterlife then this is the way that I would like to come back. To watch over my loved ones, to be there for them, to help them and when the job is done to leave them to happily lead their own lives whilst I re-started mine.
I cannot recommend this book enough.
So many characters interlinked beautifully. For Eilidh, it was the worst time of her life. After years of fertility treatment she not only miscarried her longed for baby, she also finally admitted to herself that she had to leave her husband. She's known for quite some time about his affair. An affair that Eilidh had chosen to ignore for the want of a baby. But no more.
Jamie was a single dad bringing up his 5 year old daughter Maisie. Maisie's mother, an artist, a mistake, had left shortly after Maisie's birth and wanted nothing to do with her daughter. She provided for her financially but that was as far as it went.
When Eilidh returns to Glen Avich, a small town where she grew up in the Scottish Highlands, She slowly starts to recover from the hurt and seeing Jamie, an old school pal they soon become reacquainted but it's clear from the chemistry that there is so much more than a friendship between the two of them. However, they are both recovering from past hurts and the path of true love doesn't run smooth.
In steps Elizabeth, Jamie's mum. She does everything in her power to unite the couple and make them see they are destined to be. However there is only so much that she can physically do as Elizabeth is, in fact, a ghost.
This is a truly magical story of the circle of life and if there is an afterlife then this is the way that I would like to come back. To watch over my loved ones, to be there for them, to help them and when the job is done to leave them to happily lead their own lives whilst I re-started mine.
I cannot recommend this book enough.
Sunday, 1 September 2013
Review of the Storyteller by Jodi Picoult.
I've read many of Jodi's books and this was another brilliant read. Maybe even her best yet. It kept me up well into the early hours and left me with many thoughts of right and wrong long after I'd finished.
When Sage Singer meets Josef a seemingly gentle, frail old man whose much respected in the local community she's shocked by his revelation of his past life. That of a Nazi. When he asks her to help him die, to help him rid himself of his demons the only way he knows how, it's a big ask and a request Sage doubts she can complete. She calls the Department of Justice and re-counts the information she has ultimately handing him over to the authorities.
Sage's grandmother Minka, is a survivor of Auschwitz and when Sage turns to her, Minka finally reveals her story. The horrors she's seen and experienced. The disappearance one by one of her loved ones and above all her survival. This is a very harrowing part of the book that at numerous times sends shivers down your spine and brings tears to your eyes.
Before the conflict of war, Minka was a writer and her childhood tale grows with her throughout the book. The tale of the Upior, a demon, a monster, a blood sucker and slayer of men but is he a really all bad? Can people be forgiven for their deeds?
It's hard to praise this book enough from start to finish I was gripped and the suspense that builds is intense and the climatic ending leaves you exhausted.
When Sage Singer meets Josef a seemingly gentle, frail old man whose much respected in the local community she's shocked by his revelation of his past life. That of a Nazi. When he asks her to help him die, to help him rid himself of his demons the only way he knows how, it's a big ask and a request Sage doubts she can complete. She calls the Department of Justice and re-counts the information she has ultimately handing him over to the authorities.
Sage's grandmother Minka, is a survivor of Auschwitz and when Sage turns to her, Minka finally reveals her story. The horrors she's seen and experienced. The disappearance one by one of her loved ones and above all her survival. This is a very harrowing part of the book that at numerous times sends shivers down your spine and brings tears to your eyes.
Before the conflict of war, Minka was a writer and her childhood tale grows with her throughout the book. The tale of the Upior, a demon, a monster, a blood sucker and slayer of men but is he a really all bad? Can people be forgiven for their deeds?
It's hard to praise this book enough from start to finish I was gripped and the suspense that builds is intense and the climatic ending leaves you exhausted.
Saturday, 24 August 2013
Review of Ruthless by Jessie Keane
I've read most of Jessie's book and so I was thrilled to be contacted and offered a copy of her latest book Ruthless. Wow, what a book. The fifth in the Annie Carter series and in my opinion the best so far. I can't wait for number six!
This book covers the 70's and 80's and sees Annie receiving her divorce papers from Max. Previous books have seen Annie grow from a character with nothing to becoming the successful, stunningly attractive and seriously revered woman that she is today. However, the divorce knocks her for six but when old enemies, believed dead, make a re-appearance Annie has to fight till the end for her life and that of her daughters.
Annie's daughter Layla comes into her own in this books and we watch as she turns from a gawky teenager ( hating her mother and idolising her father,) and transform into a beautiful strong woman in her own right. Although the journey is far from smooth and Layla has some tough battles to fight.
When the trouble kicks off and Max head back over to England from his new life in Barbados the sparks between him and Annie fly and you are kept guessing until the bitter end, will they? won't they? get back together.
This book rivals any Martina Cole and is a thrilling page turned of crime, deceit and bloody violence all threaded together with strong, attractive woman and sexy London gangsters. Jessie keeps you on the edge of your seat to the bitter end and kept me awake until the early hours desperately wanting to know the ending.
Would Max be able to follow the clues and save Annie in time? Is the evil and insane Redmond really back from the dead? or is it just all a figment of Annie's imagination?
10 out of 10 and a must read for any crime thriller fans. To learn more about how Jessie began her writing career and how the character of Annie began click on the link below:
http://www.linkto.tv/iframe/show/uuid/phf2m5ywBEE
This book covers the 70's and 80's and sees Annie receiving her divorce papers from Max. Previous books have seen Annie grow from a character with nothing to becoming the successful, stunningly attractive and seriously revered woman that she is today. However, the divorce knocks her for six but when old enemies, believed dead, make a re-appearance Annie has to fight till the end for her life and that of her daughters.
Annie's daughter Layla comes into her own in this books and we watch as she turns from a gawky teenager ( hating her mother and idolising her father,) and transform into a beautiful strong woman in her own right. Although the journey is far from smooth and Layla has some tough battles to fight.
When the trouble kicks off and Max head back over to England from his new life in Barbados the sparks between him and Annie fly and you are kept guessing until the bitter end, will they? won't they? get back together.
This book rivals any Martina Cole and is a thrilling page turned of crime, deceit and bloody violence all threaded together with strong, attractive woman and sexy London gangsters. Jessie keeps you on the edge of your seat to the bitter end and kept me awake until the early hours desperately wanting to know the ending.
Would Max be able to follow the clues and save Annie in time? Is the evil and insane Redmond really back from the dead? or is it just all a figment of Annie's imagination?
10 out of 10 and a must read for any crime thriller fans. To learn more about how Jessie began her writing career and how the character of Annie began click on the link below:
http://www.linkto.tv/iframe/show/uuid/phf2m5ywBEE
Monday, 19 August 2013
Review of Catcher Caught by Sarah Collins Honenberger.
This is the story of Daniel Landon, a fifteen year old diagnosed with leukaemia. He's a bright, typical teenager that is just battling on and trying to live his teenage life, including hanging out with friends and more importantly girls. There's a strong reference throughout the book to the character of Holden from J.D. Salinger's, Catcher in the Rye. Having never read Catcher in the Rye it was a little tough to really understand some of the references to Holden, none the less, this didn't distract me from enjoying this book.
Daniels parents have a very hippie outlook on life, living on a houseboat for one. The main issue is they refuse to go down the traditional methods of treatment ie, chemotherapy and radiotherapy instead choosing herbalist and natural methods. At one point Daniel is taken across to Mexico for ground breaking natural treatments. Is it really worth it?
This books throws up so many questions. Should parents have the final say on what treatments a child does or does not receive? The characters in this book are really well portrayed and give a good insight into how the disease effects not just Daniel but his immediate family and friends.
With the end near and Daniels health fading rapidly he runs away to New York. Leaving a last will and testament he friend takes him to the station where Daniel says his farewell and begins his journey into the unknown.
Collapsing in the street he wakes up in the hospital close to death and he begs the doctors for the previously declined chemotherapy.
I really enjoyed this book and loved Daniels character. The only thing that spoilt it for me a little was the ending. throughout the book I'd routed for Daniel praying he'd get his miracle cure. At the end he's taken for his treatment but what then...? The book ends and I'm left wondering how Daniel's story ends.
Daniels parents have a very hippie outlook on life, living on a houseboat for one. The main issue is they refuse to go down the traditional methods of treatment ie, chemotherapy and radiotherapy instead choosing herbalist and natural methods. At one point Daniel is taken across to Mexico for ground breaking natural treatments. Is it really worth it?
This books throws up so many questions. Should parents have the final say on what treatments a child does or does not receive? The characters in this book are really well portrayed and give a good insight into how the disease effects not just Daniel but his immediate family and friends.
With the end near and Daniels health fading rapidly he runs away to New York. Leaving a last will and testament he friend takes him to the station where Daniel says his farewell and begins his journey into the unknown.
Collapsing in the street he wakes up in the hospital close to death and he begs the doctors for the previously declined chemotherapy.
I really enjoyed this book and loved Daniels character. The only thing that spoilt it for me a little was the ending. throughout the book I'd routed for Daniel praying he'd get his miracle cure. At the end he's taken for his treatment but what then...? The book ends and I'm left wondering how Daniel's story ends.
Monday, 5 August 2013
Review of Ignorance by Michele Roberts
I didn't enjoy this book at all. There aren't many books that I give up on but this one came really, really close. I did persevere and read it to the end but the even the ending was awful. The story just stopped and left far to many loose ends. Nothing seemed to be resolved. How did it all end for the characters?
I've read numerous good reviews on this and was sorely disappointed. The actual story idea sounded really good. Two little girls are thrown together in war time France and through the occupation of the Germans their lives are bound together.
The characters just didn't connect with me at all. The book flitted from place to place with no sense of real continuation. I read pages without really following what was going on. The chapters were few and far between and there was no speech marks which made following the dialogue very difficult.
Sorry, but I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
I've read numerous good reviews on this and was sorely disappointed. The actual story idea sounded really good. Two little girls are thrown together in war time France and through the occupation of the Germans their lives are bound together.
The characters just didn't connect with me at all. The book flitted from place to place with no sense of real continuation. I read pages without really following what was going on. The chapters were few and far between and there was no speech marks which made following the dialogue very difficult.
Sorry, but I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Review of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
What an emotional read. There are very few books that have actually made me cry, some make me think, oh how sad, some bring a lump to my throat or a rogue tear to me eye but this left me with tears streaming down my face.
Connor is a young teenager whose mother is dying of cancer. He's awoken by a re-occurring dream and a monster is at his window. The monster takes hold of Connor and tells him three tales and it's through these stories that Connor starts to deal with the monsters within.
This is a beautifully written, heart breaking tale of grief, strength, healing and courage. I read this book in two sittings and recommend it to anyone.
Connor is a young teenager whose mother is dying of cancer. He's awoken by a re-occurring dream and a monster is at his window. The monster takes hold of Connor and tells him three tales and it's through these stories that Connor starts to deal with the monsters within.
This is a beautifully written, heart breaking tale of grief, strength, healing and courage. I read this book in two sittings and recommend it to anyone.
Monday, 29 July 2013
Review of Meridon by Philippa Gregory
The final instalment in the Wideacre trilogy and I have to say that of the three books this is my least favourite.
At the end of the Favoured Child we see Julia attempting to end the line of the Laceys and dispose of her new born child. Fifteen years later we catch up with Meridon or Sarah as she believes herself to be called who dreams of a place called Wide.
Meridon and her sister Dandy are sold by their gypsy father to the circus where the learn to fly high on the trapeze. Disaster strikes and Meridon sets out on her journey to discover the place of her dream.
Does finding Wideacre solve all Meridons problems and fulfil her hopes and dreams? Far from it. Finding Wideacre is just the beginning of her problems.
This book does bring closure to the full trilogy and ties up all the loose ends. For me the appeal of the other two books was the setting of the wonderful Wideacre estate. This book however is set away from there for the first half and the second half just didn't hold the same magic as the first two.
Despite all this I did enjoy this book.
At the end of the Favoured Child we see Julia attempting to end the line of the Laceys and dispose of her new born child. Fifteen years later we catch up with Meridon or Sarah as she believes herself to be called who dreams of a place called Wide.
Meridon and her sister Dandy are sold by their gypsy father to the circus where the learn to fly high on the trapeze. Disaster strikes and Meridon sets out on her journey to discover the place of her dream.
Does finding Wideacre solve all Meridons problems and fulfil her hopes and dreams? Far from it. Finding Wideacre is just the beginning of her problems.
This book does bring closure to the full trilogy and ties up all the loose ends. For me the appeal of the other two books was the setting of the wonderful Wideacre estate. This book however is set away from there for the first half and the second half just didn't hold the same magic as the first two.
Despite all this I did enjoy this book.
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