In Between the Christmas Shopping & Gift Wrapping ... Snuggle up with a Great Read

The Diviners - Libba Bray   libbabray.com/‎

What a brilliant book this was - well worth the wait (it's been on my reading list for about 16 months) - it was a riveting combination of:

• history  it's set in America in the roaring twenties 
• spooky  it has ouija boards & undead spirits
• magical  several characters have special powers which they do not totally understand

The central character is Evie O'Neil who's a young girl who has been sent away from her home town because her parents cant handle her - her uncle has no idea how to manage her either, but in the main he treats her like an adult which suits Evie just fine.  There are parties and speak-easys which she wants to go to, her uncle is busy helping the police solve a string of crimes with a supernatural twist and  soon Evie is assisting him with his enquiries and trying to keep 1 step ahead of the trouble which seems to follow her and her colourful group of friends.  Danger is very much closer than Evie and her uncle could possibly imagine.

As it is a novel for young adults there is romance & yearning, but it doesn't get too heavy.  The tone of book is chilling rather than horror, and the story is well crafted with a vivid tapestry of interesting characters who are well developed, but the reader is left feeling that there will be more to discover as the series continues.  I could not put this book down, I took my Kindle everywhere with me and stole any moment I could to read it.

Readers who enjoyed Beautiful Creatures &  New Girl would enjoy this book I am sure!  Libba has written other novels - most recently I enjoyed A Great & Terrible Beauty which is book 1 of a trilogy.

West End Girls  Jenny Colgan    www.jennycolgan.com/

This book is chick lit at its best - real girls (unidentical twin sisters) who bicker and argue as well as larger than life 2 dimensional characters to make you laugh out loud!  One sister, Penny, has always coasted on her looks - they should be her ticket out of her life of drudgery and duff boyfriends.  The other sister, Lizzie, has always looked out for Penny (which generally gets her into trouble) and squashed her sorrows with food, she isn't looking for adventure, she is looking for a quiet life.  When life throws these sisters the opportunity to live rent free in a flat in Chelsea, how will they fare in such different surroundings?

What follows are their attempts to get jobs, get a rich boyfriend (Penny) visit the places they have only read about in magazines (Penny again!), make friends and make a new life for themselves. Some of their adventures are crazy and madcap, some of the situations are uncomfortable but you will keep turning the pages wanting to know what happens next - who finds love and who just finds out what really matters in this life.

Jenny Colgan never disappoints - and she is very clever at finding different voices for herself in the novels she writes.  If you  like this book, you will quite likely enjoy the works of Jojo Moyes, Lisa Jewell, Judy Astley & Sophie Kinsella.

I Just Had to Read it!!!!

Death Comes to Pemberley - PD James  http://www.randomhouse.com/features/pdjames/

Last winter I saw PD James being interviewed on TV about writing this book. It seems it has always been an ambition of hers to write something in the style of Jane Austen / as a tribute to her. I too am a big JA fan and I was thrilled by the idea of a book which picks up sometime after the "happily ever after" of Darcy marrying Elizabeth Bennett - and even more exciting - taking it down the route of a murder mystery!!  What's not to like??  PD James is in her 90s, but she is still so spry and quick witted and, once you read the book, there is no denying so much skill in her writing.  She has found something quite close to JA's voice,  although I felt as if she slipped out of it a little as the story wore on, but this could also be attributed to the  details of the crime scene, evidence & trial - which is so unlike the drawing room manners &  etiquette which JA's tales are usually built around.  She gives us a fascinating glimpse into the (fairly primitive) detective skills and justice system of the regency period.

I recommend this book, as I really enjoyed it, I felt torn away when I wasn't reading it and was very happy with it's revelations and conclusion, but I am not sure I liked having Darcy explain (in PDJ's book) what he meant by his words & actions in JA's book - and I think other Austen fans might get infuriated by this too. Look out for the TV adaptation of this which I believe is being screened this winter.

Alison Wonderland - Helen Smith

This was an e-book which I just had to download - the reviews for it made me so curious!!  Alison is a sleuth living in London, she has a psychic postman, she has an eccentric best friend who believes in magic, a neighbor who writes her love poems ... it is all very odd but beautifully written.  Helen paints vivid, detailed pictures and there is conspiracy and oddness all around her central character Alison, yet she carries on as if it is normal and 'goes about her day job'.

If you have read anything by Faye Weldon, you may notice a similarity of style.  This was an intriguing book, and I don't regret reading it, but I probably wouldn't pick out another of Helen's books to read, it wasn't my type of story.

Film : Sunshine on Leith

I loved loved this film!!  I went along expecting a comedy, which it delivered, but in a milder, feelgood way.  There are fabulous anthems in this film (I ... who only knew 2 Proclaimers songs loved the music), there is pathos which makes the 'happy' more heightened and the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh is awesome!  I feel sure this beautiful city will have more tourists as a result of this film.  I knew Jane Horrocks could sing, but I was really impressed (as a big fan of Misfits) with Antonia Thomas's singing.  Heartily recommend this.

Try these Books for Size!

New Girl by Paige Harbison

I make myself a promise  that there are certain classics that I will read - and Rebecca is one such book - when I read the blurb about this teen novel which is  based on the plot of this classic I was very keen to give it some time - & it was really a satisfying read.  It very successfully gets 'in the headspace' of a teenager trying to fit in at a new school.  It is hard to tell you how good the book is without spoiling the plot - but as well as the usual bitchy cliquey girl interactions, and the "omg he is so cute, does he even know I exist?" eternal question that girls ask themselves when they like a boy, there is a very strong thread of mystery going on - a pupil is missing.  Our girl has never met the missing girl - Becca, but plenty of her classmates talk about her and compare her with Becca and all associations with her have a negative impact on those left behind at the school.

If you followed my last recommendation of "Never Have I Ever" the Lying Game novel and enjoyed it, I think you will love this book too.  I had to read it all day - couldn't put it down!

I cannot say how it compares with the original story (as it is still on my 'to read' list) but even if the author has just taken the 'nuggets' of the plot and re-written it with a modern teenage slant, it worked for me (although the heroine takes things at face value and sees a lot more good in people than most of us would be prepared to!

Striker by Michelle Betham

I am not a big football fan (don’t like sports much at all tbh) so you might be surprised to find I am reading a book at present which is all about over-paid and over-sexed footballers (Yikes!) and ex-football stars turned managers / pundits a delightfully flawed female sports reporter and all the shenanigans which result! It is reminding me a lot of Jackie Collins’ style of writing, being very relationship driven, with characters who have a very high libido <wink wink!>

It is book one of a trilogy, so if you enjoy it as much as I am so far (70% of the way through) there are others to read featuring the same characters. Even better! (bargain hunter that I am) it is under £2 to download from Amazon at the time of writing!

Thursdays in the Park by Hilary Boyd

In complete contrast, another book which I read recently has as its central character a lovely lady who is nearing retirement age, but does not want to be settling down in the country or giving up her beloved health food shop. Her husband, who is older, has been retired for years, and is keen for her to join him – is he jealous that her life is still so fulfilling? Their daughter lives nearby, with her artist husband and Ellie, her grandchild. The book’s title ‘Thursdays in the Park’ stems from the pattern of Jeannie caring for her granddaughter every week.

I don’t want to spoil the plot, but once again this is a very character driven story; Jeannie has a wonderful best friend she confides in, quite a sharp colleague who works in her shop, a slightly bumpy relationship with her daughter and son-in law and she makes a new friend through her ‘park’ days with Ellie. Her life is on the cusp of a change - but what will she find out about herself and her loved ones as she decides which things she wants to take forward in her life and which she will leave behind?  [Another bargain - this is available to download from Amazon for 99p!]

Have I Got Some Recommendations for You!!

I have read some really absorbing books recently, books I could hardly put down and which kept me guessing till the last pages ...

Never Have I Ever: A Lying Game Novel by Sara Shepard 

This novel is the second in a series - I hadn't read the first: "The Lying Game" but no problem!  There are 2 central characters - twins - but one (Sutton) was murdered, so watches events from the sidelines, unable to influence the action but getting  flashbacks which enhance the story. The other twin (Emma) must pretend to be her dead sister, only her killer and Ethan - a bit of a loner - know the truth, and Emma's life is in danger if she doesn't fill her sister's shoes convincingly.

Sutton had a life of privilege, and she and her friends - frankly - abuse their positions of wealth and popularity by being 'bitches'.  They play an unpleasant game they call the 'lying game' - elaborate pranks and ritual humiliation for the town and their fellow pupils.  Emma is quite different from Sutton, having been brought up in foster homes most of her life; she studies rather than slacks and she treats people honestly and with respect - she begins to make Sutton seem a much nicer, more mature person.  Emma also seems to be falling in love - although with her sister's killer watching her every move this may not be the best idea!

Bloodstone by Nate Kenyon

This was a chilling novel which built its tension well - it was hard to tell (as a reader) who to trust.  

The setting was pivotal, a town that nobody ever seems to be able to leave, a concealed, dark watery place that has always seemed to draw bad happenings to it.

There are flashbacks to a journal written by one of the town's forefathers who embroiled himself in ancient witchcraft rituals and perhaps he even drew the bad energies to him.

No one in the town is safe from the danger when evil becomes personified, and the action is gruesome to say the least.  Nate's writing style reminded me of Dean Koontz.  Be warned - this book is a dark, disquieting read.

and I've watched some brilliant films ...

The Gangster Squad [Film]

This was a very stylish, film - there was edgy glamour with Emma Stone as the "Kingpin's" moll and there was a lot of bloodshed - brutal beatings, killings and  car chases.  Sean Penn is menacing, Ryan Gosling is the gangster with a soft heart.  The setting is LA in 1949 and the top secret police crew have their work cut out trying to stamp out vice in the city while breaking the stranglehold mob boss Sean Penn has around the citizens and their way of life.

Hansel & Gretel Witch Hunters[Film]

Another bloodthirsty film, but this time it is fictional brother and sister Hansel & Gretel who show us what happened next with their lives after they escaped from the witch in the gingerbread house.  And it is not good news for witches everywhere!  They are vigilantes with weapons and tricks which have witches being beheaded and dismembered left right and centre.  A "scoop your brain out" action packed film.

About Time [Film]

A fabulous funny film - strongly british vibe which you will love if you enjoyed Four Weddings & a Funeral, Love Actually and/or Notting Hill.  

The main character is a teenage boy, intelligent but a little clumsy and awkward.  He has a wonderfully loving (eccentric) family, and the plot follows him falling in love and growing up - but he has a secret weapon, an ability to time travel so that he can 'do over' events to his own satisfaction (so much less frustrating than Groundhog Day).  You will probably laugh, you may even shed a tear, but I bet you'll be still thinking about it the day after you watch it!!

Sorry about the 'Blip' in August! I was too busy reading to write about what I'd read!!

Well the first of August saw me packing for my long awaited (it was nail biting as we hung out for a 'late' bargain) and much needed summer holiday (after 3 operations in 9 months you-betcha I needed a holiday!)

I was only away for 1 week but I was taking a big step ... no real books ... just virtual books on my Kindle.
<GASP!> So - the essentials:

• new holiday wardrobe for my e-reader, i.e. a 'jumper' of neoprene to give it protection while in my hand luggage/ beach bag) 
•  a charger and a plug adaptor <MUST have!> otherwise, no matter how many tempting books I had downloaded, I wouldn't be able to read them once the battery empty signal flashed up on screen!

Problem  #1 occurred on the plane - you can't read an e-book during take-off, all devices of that nature must be switched off (unfortunate, as a book is a good distraction at this nervous-making time) - inaccurate also, my brother-in-law [a pilot] explained that the way an e-reader displays a page can never be switched OFF so it is unnecessary to enforce this rule ... but that is how it stands on most airlines at the moment.

But that was my only problem!!  I had a lovely time reading my kindle wherever I was, by the pool, on my balcony, on the coach, on the plane, at night when I couldn't get to sleep (I have case with a built-in light too) and of course in bright sunlight .... even with my sunglasses on (which is a problem  if I am looking at my phone screen or a laptop).  So JOY!  Nothing but joy to report!   I did spot a fellow kindle user with their device in a clear waterproof pouch,  useful if you felt that yours might get splashed while reading i.e. you have small kids or prankster friends!

Wish Upon a Star - Olivia Goldsmith

This is the kind of book I love to read on holiday - really feel good and full of escapism.  If you are a lover of the modern fairytale - Pretty Woman, Working Girl, Sliding Doors then this book is for you!

The central character has a caterpillar to butterfly transformation, but she also has realistic difficulties and challenges along the way - not least  having no money, nowhere to live, & no visa to allow her to work!!  But she is ingenious, likeable and has inner strengths - she will do anything to hang onto this new exciting life and not go back to the invisible, grey treadmill she used to walk, where she never felt as if she fitted in.

An interesting twist is that this book shows  England through the eyes of a visitor (and it makes knitting seem groovy and hip!)  Are you tempted to try it? I shall definitely read others by Olivia Goldsmith - loved this book!! 

The Witch & the Gentleman -  J R Rain

http://jrrain.com/contact_81.html

This book throws you straight into the action - a very good start! The central character is a psychic whose powers are increasing because she feeds a vampire regularly - yes! giving her blood helps her tap into the undead's strange powers.

A caller on her Psychic Helpline needs Allison's help searching for a killer who was never caught.  We get glimpses of her 'normal' life as a personal trainer, her love affairs & friendships plus she begins to get in touch with her Wiccan side - apparently from a past life.

I was hooked by the plot and the very likeable characters in this book - my only complaint - it was over too fast - I read it in an afternoon!

Busted - Karen Slaughter (kindle edition)

A great short book!  the reader is in the middle of the action from the outset. The central character - an undercover cop - finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time - not least for the robbers who are turning over the convenience store!! It consisted of a well written tight plot. If you like the Jack Reacher books[Lee Child], or thrillers by Patricia Cornwell you'll find this grabs you in a similar way.

Beautiful Creatures - Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

This is book 2 of the series, and I was looking forward to reading it hugely - and it did not disappoint!  I am sure it is particularly hard to write a second book when your first is such a runaway success, but Kim & Margaret wove their fabric of storytelling, young love,  old magic and family feuds into a fantastic story which had me clicking the pages as fast as I could, and crying with emotion as I read the climactic battle scene.

I still cannot get over my disappointment with how the studio transformed the first book into a film - mostly because of what they left out - but these novels are very 'cinematic' to read and I am sure this one will be getting the 'Hollywood' treatment very soon.   

                   

Not Vanilla Sex - perhaps Tutti Frutti?

Tipping the Velvet - Sarah Waters

www.sarahwaters.com

I remember there was a lot of hype around the TV mini series - mainly because the heroine of the book is a lesbian and there are several love scenes.  O how funny and 'buttoned up' the Brit TV audience is!! True - there are corsets and cross dressing involved - well done to Auntie Beeb for tackling subject matter that is not strictly mainstream.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/tippingthevelvet/

Anyhow the book did not disappoint!  The central character, Nancy grows up and blossoms before your eyes and leads a very varied life - playing many 'roles' and riding a rollercoaster between successes and hard times.

She begins as a humble girl living by the sea,working at her parents' oyster restaurant, she loves sing and go to the music halls for entertainment and this is how her big adventure begins - she becomes fascinated and befriended by a girl performer (Kitty) who impersonates a man in her musical number.  Nancy leaves home to travel to London as her dresser when Kitty gets her big break.  Soon Nancy has forgotten her family and takes to the stage herself in a double act, but when her heart gets broken she runs away from the theatre life, and she starts over again, re-inventing herself.

Nancy  is broke and living in a rough area, but she finds a way to earn money - although it is risky and unsavoury at times - and before long she finds a predatory admirer and her life takes a turn in a totally new direction and Nancy is surrounded by the ultimate luxury.... but for how long?

The description of the various layers of victorian life is fascinating and vivid, and through Nancy's eyes we see glimpses of the music hall, theatrical life, high society, prostitution & renting and the women's rights movement.   We come to learn what it was like to be a lesbian, both publicly and privately, during these sexually repressed times.  The book is often saucy, sometimes comical, frequently romantic and always warm.  Nancy is definitely a 'Moll Flanders' for our time!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moll_Flanders

My next book was purchased totally on a whim - thank you Amazon for your up-dates on bargains in the Kindle format.  I read the Prologue section about a privileged rich american boy driving fast in his Porsche and arguing with his wife about alimony and custody of their son .... this seemed a nice change of scene and pace, so I purchased it feeling intrigued about what happens next.

Strings Attached by Nick Nolan

www.nick-nolan.com/
The book has page-turning action right from the prologue!  The central character, Jeremy, has had a troubled start to his life - he is 17 and comes home to find his mother (an alcoholic) almost dead from another drink-fuelled 'bender'.  She is admitted to hospital and a re-hab programme and he is sent to stay with his dead father's sister (who he has never met). 

It is instantly rags to riches for Jeremy, but he finds that there is baggage attached as his Aunt is devoted to the memory of his father, who he is too young to remember, and she wants to shape him in his father's image: Clean cut swimming hero with great grades and a bright future.  Much as Jeremy wants to comply, he wants to be his own person too and this involves him understanding his own sexuality - for Jeremy has never been attracted to girls, and he has noticed that men are drawn to him. He finds some good friends - Carlos who is gay and very 'out'  about it, Reed and also Arthur, his Aunt's butler, who becomes quite a 'father figure': teaching Jeremy to drive and providing advice as he adjusts to the challenges of his new life.

The novel has a vivid teenage feel, as it dabbles in the exploration of teenage friendships evolving into relationships, worries about appearance, peer pressure and even some frank sexual experimentation.  The pace is fast, you want to keep reading as Jeremy looks under every stone to explain his past; as he learns the truth about his parents and their relationship, he is in increasing danger from jealous and powerful people around him and it is not always clear who he can trust.

I had not intended to choose a book which so completely showed the other end of the sexual scale to Tipping the Velvet - but if that had been my plan I certainly ticked the box with Strings Attached! I was reminded of Jackie Collins' books as I read this - Jeremy & his adventures could easily have fallen from the pages of one of her 'bonk-busters'!  Great beach reading!