Reviews for all of these reads can be found under the reviews tab.
DizzyC
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Book Cover Art - Historical Fiction
Just wanted to share some of the gorgeous book covers from my historical fiction reads
Tuesday 29 May 2012
W.I.P. Wednesday - 30th May - Anne Berry
Today I have the pleasure of featuring Anne Berry
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| photos courtesy of the publisher |
The red letter day is nearing fast for me with the publication by Ebury books, Random House, of my third novel ‘The Adoption’ on June 21st. Let me tell you exactly what it is like. I am nervous, excited, and in something of a rapture as I look at the superb finished product, my novel in its smart little cover. It reminds me heartbreakingly of seeing off my children off in their crisp school uniforms on their first day of school. How will they fare in the big bad world? Will their words find the hearts of the readers? And will they fall in love with the characters as I did? Will they laugh? Will they cry? And as they finish the final page will they feel they have had a feast and are well satisfied?
What really helps at this nail biting moment is when your publisher, for me the exceptional Gillian Green, has chosen a cover that you love, that is perfect for your narrative, that captures the soul of your book. The cover of ‘The Adoption’ with its soft colours and authentic photograph of a little girl in an old fashioned crocheted bathing suit does just that.
The story of ‘The Adoption’ is told by three narrators, the birth mother Bethan, the adoptive mother, Harriet, and the adopted child, Lucilla herself. It begins with star crossed lovers at the close of the Second World War and spans nearly sixty years. I found the research for this novel fascinating and appalling. It was just so easy to adopt a baby after the war. No checks on the adoptive parents. Handover the child like a bag of sugar and rubber stamp a piece of paper. Adoption is such a hot topic at the moment but for the opposite reason. It is taking far too long with many children denied loving homes while red tape ties itself up in ever increasing knots. David Cameron is promising change . . .
But we authors are fecund creatures, and as I wave off ‘The Adoption’ with a lump in my throat, my second novel, ‘The Water Children’ is being published in America. News of my first novel, ‘The Hungry Ghosts’ continues to reach me from near and far. Meanwhile as I prepare to let go of my fourth novel, the characters in my fifth novel become increasingly rowdy demanding my attention. So this dear readers is what I am up to. You know what, it was easier having children!
The Adoption by Anne Berry, 21st June 2012, hardback, £12.99
Review - Passionate Harvest by Nell Dixon
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Nursery nurse Lucy Morgan, unexpectedly inherits half a Somerset vineyard with conditions and a co-owner attached.
Unwilling co-owner Dominic LeFevre, doesn’t want or need a new business partner, especially one who knows nothing about wine.
With Lucy having left behind her old life, and love in Tenerife, she has twelve months to convince Dominic that she’s exactly what both he, and the business, need.
Unwilling co-owner Dominic LeFevre, doesn’t want or need a new business partner, especially one who knows nothing about wine.
With Lucy having left behind her old life, and love in Tenerife, she has twelve months to convince Dominic that she’s exactly what both he, and the business, need.
Lucy Morgan is returning to her childhood home to say goodbye to her Godfather, Nick.
Nick and his wife Maggie brought Lucy up as one of their own and gave her stability after her parents decided to travel the world.
Now her Aunt Maggie is getting older and Uncle Nick has left her his half share in a Vineyard in Somerset, but it comes with conditions.
Enter the male lead Dominic, Nick's business partner in the Vineyard. Single and gorgeous, too.
The story begins when Lucy returns home from working abroad to attend her Uncle Nick's funeral.
Dominic is a little suspicious of Lucy and thinks she may be a gold digger, until he discovers she is to be his new business partner.
This has to be a business relationship, doesn't it?
A gentle read that has some fabulous descriptions of the countryside in Somerset. The chemistry between Dominic and Lucy is very passionate. I was pleased to see that even in the throws of passion this couple remembered to practise safe sex. :)
I loved the sensual scenes and the description of the countryside, but felt the story could have had a little more drama.
I am giving this one 3.5 out of 5, BUT not to be missed, if only for the passion.
Review copy
DizzyC
Monday 28 May 2012
Guest Author - Julia Quinn
Today my guest author is Julia Quinn.
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| Photos courtesy of the publisher |
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| Published by Piatkus on the 29th May 2012 as a paperback originaland an eBook |
Anne Wynter's job as governess to three highborn young ladies can be a challenge - in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he's the first man who has truly tempted her - and it's getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.
Daniel Smythe-Smith might be in mortal danger, but that's not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family's annual musicale, he vows to pursue her. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending . . .
Daniel Smythe-Smith might be in mortal danger, but that's not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family's annual musicale, he vows to pursue her. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending . . .
The next in the addictive Smythe-Smith quartet from the New York Times bestselling queen of historical romance is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud and tug at your heartstrings in equal measure.‘If you like family sagas, sweeping romances and period dramas, you’ll love this historical love story’**** Woman’s Own
“Quinn has a smart, funny touch… that’s reminiscent of Helen Fielding” Time Magazine
“A sweet read that will keep you guessing.” **** Heat
“Quinn’s witty Regency-set romantic comedies are the next best thing to Georgette Heyer” Gloss
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Thank you, Julia for joining us today. ...your final answer was a good one! :)
Thank you so much for having me!
Please tell us a little about A Night Like This
A Night Like This is the second book in the Smythe-Smith Quartet (after Just Like Heaven). The Smythe-Smiths are a family I actually created back in 1996 when I needed to send the hero and heroine of my third novel to some sort of social event where they might be able to whisper a conversation. I decided to make it an amateur musical performance, but since bad music is much funnier than good music, I created the annual Smythe-Smith musicale, in which a quartet of cousins sent Mozart spinning in his grave. A number of years later, I wanted to put my characters at a social gathering that didn't have dancing, and it occurred to me—there was no reason these characters couldn't suffer through a Smythe-Smith performance, too. After a while, it began to be an inside joke between my readers and me. And I think we all started to wonder about those poor girls who were forced to pick up their instruments year after year.
A Night Like This is about Anne Wynter, the governess who stepped in at the last minute in Just Like Heaven to play the piano when one of the Smythe-Smith cousins fell ill. She meets Daniel Smythe-Smith, who has just returned to England after three years in exile. He is instantly smitten, but Anne is more cautious. She knows that a romance between an earl and a governess is highly ill-advised. And like Daniel, she has secrets of her own…
What inspired you to become a novelist, and why Romance?
My answer to the first part of your question is the same as every other novelist I know—I like to read! I have always had my nose in a book, so it was a natural progression to try my hand at writing. I chose romance because it was what I liked to read for fun.
What are you working on next?
The third book in the Smythe-Smith Quartet. I know the characters (Sarah and Hugh), but I haven't a clue yet what the title will be.
If you could travel back in time to any period what period would it be?
I'll stay put, thank you very much. I'm married to an infectious disease specialist, so I'm happy to remain in the age of antibiotics!
Sunday 27 May 2012
Who am I to judge? (book covers)
New occasional feature here on the blog.
The saying goes...Don't judge a book by it's cover...but, come on folks, they would all have plain covers if the authors/publisher didn't believe tht the cover has an impact on us.
I am often really surprised when I see a book with a mediocre cover that hides a fantastic read.
Todays offering is.....
Blind since birth, widowed in her twenties, now lonely in her forties. Marianne Fraser lives in Edinburgh in elegant, angry anonymity with her sister. Marianne's passionate nature finds solace in music, a love she finds she shares with Keir, the man she encounters on her doorstep one winter's night.
Keir makes no concession to Marianne's condition. He is abrupt to the point of rudeness, yet oddly and touchingly kind. But can Marianne turst her feelings for this reclusive stranger who wants to take a blind woman to his island home on Skye, to 'show' her the stars?
This beautiful, passionate and deeply haunting novel has the power to move and gives hope to even the most fractured heart.
This novel explores the world, through the senses, of someone who was born without one of those senses we take for granted, sight. We 'see' the world as Marianne 'sees' it in wonderful detail.
Marianne, is blind and widowed, but don't feel sorry for her. She is a strong independant woman. She knows about loss and survival.
Marianne lives with her sister, Louisa, an author, in Edinburgh.
Keir is a strong, rugged reclusive Scot from the Isle of Skye. An unlikely hero from the description but he instinctively, and unexpectedly, knows how to act around Marianne and how to tend to her needs.
A very emotional and thought provoking story sharing happiness, sadness, fear, romance and humour that really tugged at the heart strings. It visits the emotional issues of loss and lonliness that we face in life with tenderness and understanding that left me feeling comforted.
This one will definately be in my Top Ten reads for 2011.
5 out of 5 for me!
Find out more about Linda Gillard and her novels here
The saying goes...Don't judge a book by it's cover...but, come on folks, they would all have plain covers if the authors/publisher didn't believe tht the cover has an impact on us.
I am often really surprised when I see a book with a mediocre cover that hides a fantastic read.
Todays offering is.....
STAR GAZING by LINDA GILLARD
Oh my! This cover would not jump at at me from the shelves in the bookshop, (sorry Linda), but bear with me.
The lovely Linda Gillard asked me if I would like to review her novel Star Gazing. I am so glad she did as this has to be one of my favourite reads to date.
Here is what I had to say about the novel
The Blurb
Blind since birth, widowed in her twenties, now lonely in her forties. Marianne Fraser lives in Edinburgh in elegant, angry anonymity with her sister. Marianne's passionate nature finds solace in music, a love she finds she shares with Keir, the man she encounters on her doorstep one winter's night.
Keir makes no concession to Marianne's condition. He is abrupt to the point of rudeness, yet oddly and touchingly kind. But can Marianne turst her feelings for this reclusive stranger who wants to take a blind woman to his island home on Skye, to 'show' her the stars?
This beautiful, passionate and deeply haunting novel has the power to move and gives hope to even the most fractured heart.
This novel explores the world, through the senses, of someone who was born without one of those senses we take for granted, sight. We 'see' the world as Marianne 'sees' it in wonderful detail.
Marianne, is blind and widowed, but don't feel sorry for her. She is a strong independant woman. She knows about loss and survival.
Marianne lives with her sister, Louisa, an author, in Edinburgh.
Keir is a strong, rugged reclusive Scot from the Isle of Skye. An unlikely hero from the description but he instinctively, and unexpectedly, knows how to act around Marianne and how to tend to her needs.
A very emotional and thought provoking story sharing happiness, sadness, fear, romance and humour that really tugged at the heart strings. It visits the emotional issues of loss and lonliness that we face in life with tenderness and understanding that left me feeling comforted.
This one will definately be in my Top Ten reads for 2011.
5 out of 5 for me!
Find out more about Linda Gillard and her novels here
Thursday 24 May 2012
Review - Song in the Wrong Key - Simon Lipson
It is the Eurovision Song Contest this week. The final on Saturday. This novel is very topical as the main character, Michael writes a song that producers believe to be a winner!
The blurb
Twenty years ago, Michael Kenton harboured dreams of being a pop star until read life got in the way. But he's content enough, married to the magnificent Lisa with two little girls and a steady if unspectacular career in IT.
But then it all goes wrong and everything he once took for granted is placed in jeopardy. Unemployable and desperate, Michael is thrown a musical lifeline. It might not square with is precious artistic integrity, but it could be his last chance to put his life back together.
A laugh out loud comedy about love, family, friendship and the vagaries of sudden fame.
Michael's life is ticking along nicely. Married to Lisa with 2 little girls and a career in IT.
One day all that changes when he is made redundant at the age of 42. He knows at his age it will not be easy to find another job. He takes on the role of looking after the girls whilst job hunting. As he sits at home all day searching the internet for that elusive dream job, his dreams of being a pop star resurface.
Michael picks up his guitar and the old talent stirs. He plays a few 'gigs' in a local bistro just to reignite the passion. Just as Michael hits rock bottom in the unemployable stakes, one of his 'gigs' brings the opportunity to have one of his own songs entered into the Eurovision Song Contest.
Simon Lipson gives Michael a very honest, if sometimes a little 'too much info', narrative. Michael's highs and lows really do come through in the writing and I felt those moods. I laughed out loud at the very dry British humour and I rolled my eyes at his 'bloke' behaviour.
This fly on the wall tale of domestic life and marriage is a real page turner that will have readers laughing out loud.
There is adult humour so if you are easily offended this may not be the book for you.
4.5 out of 5 for me!
Review copy. This did not influence my review in any way.
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Twenty years ago, Michael Kenton harboured dreams of being a pop star until read life got in the way. But he's content enough, married to the magnificent Lisa with two little girls and a steady if unspectacular career in IT.
But then it all goes wrong and everything he once took for granted is placed in jeopardy. Unemployable and desperate, Michael is thrown a musical lifeline. It might not square with is precious artistic integrity, but it could be his last chance to put his life back together.
A laugh out loud comedy about love, family, friendship and the vagaries of sudden fame.
Michael's life is ticking along nicely. Married to Lisa with 2 little girls and a career in IT.
One day all that changes when he is made redundant at the age of 42. He knows at his age it will not be easy to find another job. He takes on the role of looking after the girls whilst job hunting. As he sits at home all day searching the internet for that elusive dream job, his dreams of being a pop star resurface.
Michael picks up his guitar and the old talent stirs. He plays a few 'gigs' in a local bistro just to reignite the passion. Just as Michael hits rock bottom in the unemployable stakes, one of his 'gigs' brings the opportunity to have one of his own songs entered into the Eurovision Song Contest.
Simon Lipson gives Michael a very honest, if sometimes a little 'too much info', narrative. Michael's highs and lows really do come through in the writing and I felt those moods. I laughed out loud at the very dry British humour and I rolled my eyes at his 'bloke' behaviour.
This fly on the wall tale of domestic life and marriage is a real page turner that will have readers laughing out loud.
There is adult humour so if you are easily offended this may not be the book for you.
4.5 out of 5 for me!
Review copy. This did not influence my review in any way.
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Who am I to judge? (book covers)
New occasional feature here on the blog.
I picked this one up from the library after seeing other book fans reading it on an on-line forum.
The saying goes....Don't judge a book by it's cover.... but, come on folks, they would all have plain covers if the authors/publishers didn't believe that the cover has an impact on us.
I am often really surprised when I see a book with a mediocre cover that hides a fantastic read.
I thought I would share some of them with you.
First up.....
84 CHARING CROSS ROAD - HELENE HANFF
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| Apologies for half a book cover and my mug I was a newish blogger when I added this photo and only one I have of the book cover in question. That is my excuse and I am sticking to it! |
I picked this one up from the library after seeing other book fans reading it on an on-line forum.
Now, I know the jacket is a classic jacket for a classic novel, but it certainly gives no clue to the fabulous read within.
Here is what I had to say about this novel
Have been ranting about this novel ever since I picked it up!
How did I miss this wonderful read.
84 Charing Cross Road contains letters written between Helene Hanff, a New York writer and Frank Doel, and other staff at Marks & Co Booksellers.
It began with a letter requesting books to be sent from the bookshop in London to Helene in the USA in 1949. Over the years Helene and Frank's friendship develops to the point that Helene sends food parcels to the staff at Marks & Co during rationing and has requests to come and visit England. The letters end in 1969 when Frank's wife still requests Helene to come and visit. The lost art of letter writing is encaptured here. Ordering books from Amazon is a world away from this.
There are some lovely references historical events over the years
The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street is a journal kept by Helene when she finally visits England in 1971.
It is a detailed account of her time in London, Oxford and Stratford Upon Avon. It reads like a tourist guide and I could identify with how excited Helene was to finally see the sights she had read about including Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, Shakesphere's birthplace. I do envy the fact that she had been inside St Paul's. Something I still have to do.
It also introduces the reader to some wonderful people she met whilst here, including the fab Joyce Grenfell. 84 Charing Cross did not appear, at the time to be a bestseller, but like Helene said it was what brought her to London and opened doors for her.
In the journal Helene has managed to highlight some of the differences between USA and UK folk and some of our strange UK customs that oversees visitors cannot understand.
One example that actually comes up in my previous posting (at the end as a P.s), The search continues, springs to mind about language difference.
She writes
Nobody over here says "six-thirty" or "seven-thirty", they say "hoppossix" and "hopposseven". And 'in' at home, is 'trendy' here and 'give it up' is 'pack it in' and 'never mind' is 'not to worry'.
hoppossix and hopposseven -
half past six and half past seven. We also say quarter past and quarter to the hour rather than 6.15 or 6.45. We teach it in schools.
I am 'in' when I am home. I tell my kids to 'pack it in' when misbehaving and I still use 'not to worry'. :)
I loved this book.
5/5 for me!
How did I miss this wonderful read.
84 Charing Cross Road contains letters written between Helene Hanff, a New York writer and Frank Doel, and other staff at Marks & Co Booksellers.
It began with a letter requesting books to be sent from the bookshop in London to Helene in the USA in 1949. Over the years Helene and Frank's friendship develops to the point that Helene sends food parcels to the staff at Marks & Co during rationing and has requests to come and visit England. The letters end in 1969 when Frank's wife still requests Helene to come and visit. The lost art of letter writing is encaptured here. Ordering books from Amazon is a world away from this.
There are some lovely references historical events over the years
The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street is a journal kept by Helene when she finally visits England in 1971.
It is a detailed account of her time in London, Oxford and Stratford Upon Avon. It reads like a tourist guide and I could identify with how excited Helene was to finally see the sights she had read about including Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, Shakesphere's birthplace. I do envy the fact that she had been inside St Paul's. Something I still have to do.
It also introduces the reader to some wonderful people she met whilst here, including the fab Joyce Grenfell. 84 Charing Cross did not appear, at the time to be a bestseller, but like Helene said it was what brought her to London and opened doors for her.
In the journal Helene has managed to highlight some of the differences between USA and UK folk and some of our strange UK customs that oversees visitors cannot understand.
One example that actually comes up in my previous posting (at the end as a P.s), The search continues, springs to mind about language difference.
She writes
Nobody over here says "six-thirty" or "seven-thirty", they say "hoppossix" and "hopposseven". And 'in' at home, is 'trendy' here and 'give it up' is 'pack it in' and 'never mind' is 'not to worry'.
hoppossix and hopposseven -
half past six and half past seven. We also say quarter past and quarter to the hour rather than 6.15 or 6.45. We teach it in schools.
I am 'in' when I am home. I tell my kids to 'pack it in' when misbehaving and I still use 'not to worry'. :)
I loved this book.
5/5 for me!
DIZZYC
Tuesday 22 May 2012
W.I.P. Wednesday - 23rd May
Today, I welcome back to the blog, the lovely Carol Wyer, author of Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines.
I read and reviewed Mini Skirts... here
Carol's latest WIP Surfing in Stilettos is in the final stages before going to publication.
Facebook : http://tinyurl.com/cxa7vll
I read and reviewed Mini Skirts... here
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| Photos courtesy of the author |
Carol's latest WIP Surfing in Stilettos is in the final stages before going to publication.
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| Available soon! |
Blurb:
Amanda Wilson is all geared up for an exciting gap-year, travelling across Europe. She soon finds her plans thwarted when she is abandoned in France with only a cellarful of Chateau Plonk, a large, orange Space Hopper, and Old Ted, the dog, for company.
Fate has intervened to turn Amanda’s life on its head. First, Bertie, the campervan, breaks down. Then her dopey son, Tom, who is staying in their house in the UK, is wrecking it, one piece at a time. Next, the jaw-dropping video Skype calls that her irrepressible mother insists on making are, by contrast, making Amanda’s humdrum trip even less palatable.
Finally, she discovers that her new-found, French friend, Bibi Chevalier, had engineered a plan to ensure that her philandering husband would never stray again; unfortunately, Amanda is unwittingly drawn into the scheme, becoming a target.
Meanwhile, on a beach in Sydney, a lonely Todd Bradshaw realises that his first true love, Amanda Wilson, is definitely the only woman for him. Can he get back into her good books and hopefully back into her arms with his latest plan? Or will fate intervene yet again and turn everyone’s lives upside down?
Carol Wyer can be found at the following places
Facebook : http://tinyurl.com/cxa7vll
Twitter : https://twitter.com/#!/cewyer
Website: www.carolewyer.co.uk
The Forsaken, by Estevan Vega
DON'T LET IT IN.
The first victim has no natural wounds. No prints left behind. No lacerations. But the life has been gruesomely drained from the corpse, and a broken cross is now imprinted inside the skin.
Left for dead a year ago by his former partner, reckless and medicated Detective Jude Foster now endures mindless therapy sessions in order to be given another chance at his life.When the chief of police discovers the first victim strangely killed in this sadistic fashion, Jude enters a dark world all-too-familiar. He knows he’s seen this method of murder before, but he never caught the killer.
Could this be a copycat, or is it the one that got away?
Forced to take on a new partner for the case, Jude must come to terms with the fractured memories of his past, attempt to keep his younger brother safe, and chase down a ghost killer who is collecting human souls. But time is against him. How many more victims will there be before the killer is satisfied? And will Jude Foster be able to survive this new hell or in the chaos, will he risk becoming something else entirely?
Beautifully written, dangerously dark and inexplicably twisted.
I think that I could honestly stop my review right there and it would pretty much sum up how I feel about The Forsaken almost as well as anything else that I'm about to write. Just when you think Estevan Vega has delved far enough into the dark side of things, he goes just a little further with his next story.
Short of swooning and expressing my absolute love for this book, I just want to say that it's probably one of the darkest and best written books that I've read so far this year. The main character, Jude, is a character that you want to follow and can't help but cheer for throughout the story. The flashbacks of the past really help us to understand exactly what Jude has gone through and why he is the way he is. I'll admit, it's unusually depressing but it adds to the intrigue of the story.
There's an emphasis on a more surreal feeling to this book than just our reality that we are used to, which really takes the story to that next level. The twists and turns in this book will have you dizzy trying to keep up with everything going on in, but you'll stay on the edge of your seat anticipating what will happen next. And not everything is what it seems in this book. There was a time when I thought I knew exactly what was going on... and then there was another huge twist at the end, completely blowing all of my theories out of the water.
This book is not full of sunshine and rainbows, but I guarantee that you'll be hooked once you start this amazing book. If you like dark books, you'll definitely want to grab a copy of The Forsaken. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, I guarantee you'll fall in love with the genre all over again once you read this book. It's just THAT good.
I think that I could honestly stop my review right there and it would pretty much sum up how I feel about The Forsaken almost as well as anything else that I'm about to write. Just when you think Estevan Vega has delved far enough into the dark side of things, he goes just a little further with his next story.
Short of swooning and expressing my absolute love for this book, I just want to say that it's probably one of the darkest and best written books that I've read so far this year. The main character, Jude, is a character that you want to follow and can't help but cheer for throughout the story. The flashbacks of the past really help us to understand exactly what Jude has gone through and why he is the way he is. I'll admit, it's unusually depressing but it adds to the intrigue of the story.
There's an emphasis on a more surreal feeling to this book than just our reality that we are used to, which really takes the story to that next level. The twists and turns in this book will have you dizzy trying to keep up with everything going on in, but you'll stay on the edge of your seat anticipating what will happen next. And not everything is what it seems in this book. There was a time when I thought I knew exactly what was going on... and then there was another huge twist at the end, completely blowing all of my theories out of the water.
This book is not full of sunshine and rainbows, but I guarantee that you'll be hooked once you start this amazing book. If you like dark books, you'll definitely want to grab a copy of The Forsaken. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, I guarantee you'll fall in love with the genre all over again once you read this book. It's just THAT good.
Rating: ★★★★★ Avg 2.71
Source: Author
Title: The ForsakenAuthor: Estevan Vega
Series: N/A
Publisher: StoneHouse Ink
Format: Kindle, 158 pages
Release Date: March 13, 2012
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Unbreak My Heart, by Melissa Walker
Sophomore year broke Clementine Williams’ heart. She fell for her best friend’s boyfriend and long story short: he’s excused, but Clem is vilified and she heads into summer with zero social life.
Enter her parents’ plan to spend the summer on their sailboat. Normally the idea of being stuck on a tiny boat with her parents and little sister would make Clem break out in hives, but floating away sounds pretty good right now.
Then she meets James at one of their first stops along the river. He and his dad are sailing for the summer and he’s just the distraction Clem needs. Can he break down Clem’s walls and heal her broken heart?
Melissa Walker has been an author on my radar ever since I read her novel, Small Town Sinners. The story and writing were both amazing, so I had some high expectations when it came to this book. Those high expectations were met with a lot of hesitation when I read the synopsis of Unbreak My Heart, only to find it dealt with what I would consider a form of cheating. Cheating is a huge no-no for me, but I thought I would go against my better judgment and give this book a shot - and I'm definitely glad that I did.
This book is told from Clementine's POV with alternating chapters, going between the past and the present. Clementine is a character that is very easy to relate to, and I'm sure that her story is also one that many can sympathize with. Though I cannot say I'm one of those sympathizers, I can say that reading about what happened between her and her best friend's boyfriend definitely helped to understand her side a lot better. It was hard not to hurt for Clem when she was being ostracized for something that was just not only her fault - it takes two. Thankfully, we have James in her present that turns out to be a good reprieve for her. I love the relationship that develops between these two characters, their interactions with one another seemed to flow so easily.
I also have to point out that we have a book where there are actual parents that are involved in their teenage daughter's life. No dead parents, no absentee parents, no self-absorbed parents... it was one of the best aspects of this book because, sadly, it's not something that you see a lot of in young adult books these days. There's also Clementine's younger sister Olive, who shines brightly and pretty much steals the show in each and every single scene that she's in. It's another point in this book that you don't see in many others, the secondary characters actually play a role in this book and aren't just lifeless fodder that fills all the extra pages. This is a definite plus in my book.
There's no complex storyline that's hard to follow, the plot of this book is fairly easy and straight-forward. The writing, like Melissa's other work, is amazing and flows well from page to page. Unbreak My Heart is a nice, easy read whose characters will steal your heart - though I don't think your heart will be broken when you finish this book. ;)
This book is told from Clementine's POV with alternating chapters, going between the past and the present. Clementine is a character that is very easy to relate to, and I'm sure that her story is also one that many can sympathize with. Though I cannot say I'm one of those sympathizers, I can say that reading about what happened between her and her best friend's boyfriend definitely helped to understand her side a lot better. It was hard not to hurt for Clem when she was being ostracized for something that was just not only her fault - it takes two. Thankfully, we have James in her present that turns out to be a good reprieve for her. I love the relationship that develops between these two characters, their interactions with one another seemed to flow so easily.
I also have to point out that we have a book where there are actual parents that are involved in their teenage daughter's life. No dead parents, no absentee parents, no self-absorbed parents... it was one of the best aspects of this book because, sadly, it's not something that you see a lot of in young adult books these days. There's also Clementine's younger sister Olive, who shines brightly and pretty much steals the show in each and every single scene that she's in. It's another point in this book that you don't see in many others, the secondary characters actually play a role in this book and aren't just lifeless fodder that fills all the extra pages. This is a definite plus in my book.
There's no complex storyline that's hard to follow, the plot of this book is fairly easy and straight-forward. The writing, like Melissa's other work, is amazing and flows well from page to page. Unbreak My Heart is a nice, easy read whose characters will steal your heart - though I don't think your heart will be broken when you finish this book. ;)
Rating: ★★★★✩ Avg 3.98
Source: Purchase
Title: Unbreak My HeartAuthor: Melissa Walker
Series: N/A
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Format: Hardcover, 240 pages
Release Date: May 22, 2012
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Monday 21 May 2012
Music Box, by Estevan Vega
Esther is getting old. No, she is old. Aging with every blink, with every breath.
After a life full of power and purpose, she is met with the harsh reality that she is now obsolete, and her fragile moments are short. On the eve of the last night in the city she has called home for years, Esther and her lover Jacob share their fears and their romance for this world over one last meal, as they wait in fearful unrest for what is coming.
Considering this is a short story (a little over 30 pages), I am going to be making this one of my short but sweet reviews as I do not want to give away too much of the actual story.
Much like Vega's other works, Music Box delves a little into the dark side of the story. The description and perspective in the story keeps a thrilling edge that seems to evoke a million different emotions in the reader as you read. Quite honestly, I think that my only complaint about this story is that I want more - even though "more" is not necessary. This story is most certainly complete, touching on many points. The main character, Esther, is trying desperately to hold onto the life that she has that seems to be coming to an end entirely too quickly. She reflects on herself, nit-picking at things that her husband tries to assure her is not necessary. I found her character to be extremely real and her husband to be a noble character.
Obviously, there is more to the story than one woman's self-obsessions... but I don't want to delve too much into any more for fear of spoiling something for someone. There's a level of suspense as the end approaches that keeps you on the edge of your seat - which is a feat that Vega seems to excel at. The characterization and descriptions in this book are amazingly strong that really pull you into the story and keep you there until the end. This is a must-read for fans not only of the author, but also for those who love suspense and thrillers. As always, I continue to be a huge fan of Estevan Vega's work and look forward to many more stories from him in the future.
Much like Vega's other works, Music Box delves a little into the dark side of the story. The description and perspective in the story keeps a thrilling edge that seems to evoke a million different emotions in the reader as you read. Quite honestly, I think that my only complaint about this story is that I want more - even though "more" is not necessary. This story is most certainly complete, touching on many points. The main character, Esther, is trying desperately to hold onto the life that she has that seems to be coming to an end entirely too quickly. She reflects on herself, nit-picking at things that her husband tries to assure her is not necessary. I found her character to be extremely real and her husband to be a noble character.
Obviously, there is more to the story than one woman's self-obsessions... but I don't want to delve too much into any more for fear of spoiling something for someone. There's a level of suspense as the end approaches that keeps you on the edge of your seat - which is a feat that Vega seems to excel at. The characterization and descriptions in this book are amazingly strong that really pull you into the story and keep you there until the end. This is a must-read for fans not only of the author, but also for those who love suspense and thrillers. As always, I continue to be a huge fan of Estevan Vega's work and look forward to many more stories from him in the future.
Rating: ★★★★★ Avg 4.43
Source: Author
Title: Music BoxAuthor: Estevan Vega
Series: N/A
Publisher: StoneHouse Ink
Format: Digital Short, 33 pages
Release Date: March 28, 2012
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