- Katie Fforde -
I always find Katie Fforde's novels so enjoyable. They always seem like such a slice of life, with quirky, realistic characters and created in their own very believable little worlds.
Wedding Season was no exception in that it was very sweet and fun to read.
Seemed majorly, majorly low on plot though with some weird dropped thread style additions. For example, there was quite a bit of time devoted to Sarah's flaky little sister, Lily and the shotgun wedding that Sarah was helping her organize, that didn't seem to go anywhere.
There was no real conflict or anything anywhere, ie: Bron wanted to leave her boyfriend, was afraid to tell him, in the end she did and... that was that. Again, felt underdeveloped.
I do really enjoy Fforde's writing, but this one felt like it had no stakes, no conflict or surprises and while the story of three women finding their way in the world both personally and professionally and relying on each other's friendship to help then do so, is a lovely one, it felt like it couldn't have been much more developed.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
- Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Burrows -
This book is just a joyful reading experience.
Set in the days after the end of World War II, as England struggled to define a new normal, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is constructed almost entirely of letters to and from Juliet Ashton, a writer living in London.
Juliet is a writer searching for a new subject now that the war is over. After her interest is piqued by a letter from Dawsey, a farmer from Guernsey who has happened upon a second hand book with Juliet's name in it, Juliet begins to correspond with the members of the Guernsey Literary Society and decides on their stories of life in the German occupied Channel Islands during the war, and how the literary society that started as an excuse for being out after curfew became a sanity saving source of debate, laughter and human interaction during the isolation of the war years as the topic for her new book.
In relatively brief letters, the authors create such vivid and complete portraits of who these people are that it almost seems impossible that they be fictional. They must be real letters. They are not of course, but the lives and experiences of the characters in this book feel so real and full and well lived, that I felt like I knew them all in person.
Beautifully, beautifully written. Probably the best book I have read this year.
This book is just a joyful reading experience.
Set in the days after the end of World War II, as England struggled to define a new normal, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is constructed almost entirely of letters to and from Juliet Ashton, a writer living in London.
Juliet is a writer searching for a new subject now that the war is over. After her interest is piqued by a letter from Dawsey, a farmer from Guernsey who has happened upon a second hand book with Juliet's name in it, Juliet begins to correspond with the members of the Guernsey Literary Society and decides on their stories of life in the German occupied Channel Islands during the war, and how the literary society that started as an excuse for being out after curfew became a sanity saving source of debate, laughter and human interaction during the isolation of the war years as the topic for her new book.
In relatively brief letters, the authors create such vivid and complete portraits of who these people are that it almost seems impossible that they be fictional. They must be real letters. They are not of course, but the lives and experiences of the characters in this book feel so real and full and well lived, that I felt like I knew them all in person.
Beautifully, beautifully written. Probably the best book I have read this year.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
To Catch A Highlander
- Karen Hawkins -
Third in the series about the McLean siblings, and fairly entertaining.
I like the comedic approach Hawkins takes to the story, with both Dougal and Sophia playing each other for all their worth, and ultimately realizing their love of games and challenge makes them perfect for one another.
Not particularly in depth in terms of characterisation or even plotting, but just a fun, easy read.
Third in the series about the McLean siblings, and fairly entertaining.
I like the comedic approach Hawkins takes to the story, with both Dougal and Sophia playing each other for all their worth, and ultimately realizing their love of games and challenge makes them perfect for one another.
Not particularly in depth in terms of characterisation or even plotting, but just a fun, easy read.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Be My Baby
- Susan Anderson -
Totally enjoyable read from Susan Anderson, as always.
This is one of her earliest books, I think, and it does go a wee bit over the top with the stereotyped alpha male hero and the repressed, uptight heroine, but it is mostly made up for in the genuinely warm and enjoyable give and take between Beau and Juliet, and the evocative setting and believeable secondary characters.
Totally enjoyable read from Susan Anderson, as always.
This is one of her earliest books, I think, and it does go a wee bit over the top with the stereotyped alpha male hero and the repressed, uptight heroine, but it is mostly made up for in the genuinely warm and enjoyable give and take between Beau and Juliet, and the evocative setting and believeable secondary characters.
Paths of Glory
- Jeffrey Archer -
This novel, based on the true story of George Mallory's attempts to be the first man to reach the summit of Mount Everest, is a departure for Jeffrey Archer.
Archer's books have typically been set in the field of politics or business, with well developed characters and strong rivalries.
In this case, I never felt like I got to know George Mallory particularly well - he loved to climb and was motivated to be the first up Everest. Apart from that, the character felt very cookie cutter.
The stakes of the story felt fairly low too - despite knowing what a physical ordeal the climbers are going through, the fact that the prologue (and history) has already told us how the story ends, means that I was reluctant, and uninspired to, get particularly emotionally involved in the story.
Overall, the entire book felt shallow and underdeveloped. I think when constrained by the realities of real people and the history of what happened to them, Archer found himself boxed in and unable to create the kinds of situations and stakes that usually make his novels so engrossing.
This novel, based on the true story of George Mallory's attempts to be the first man to reach the summit of Mount Everest, is a departure for Jeffrey Archer.
Archer's books have typically been set in the field of politics or business, with well developed characters and strong rivalries.
In this case, I never felt like I got to know George Mallory particularly well - he loved to climb and was motivated to be the first up Everest. Apart from that, the character felt very cookie cutter.
The stakes of the story felt fairly low too - despite knowing what a physical ordeal the climbers are going through, the fact that the prologue (and history) has already told us how the story ends, means that I was reluctant, and uninspired to, get particularly emotionally involved in the story.
Overall, the entire book felt shallow and underdeveloped. I think when constrained by the realities of real people and the history of what happened to them, Archer found himself boxed in and unable to create the kinds of situations and stakes that usually make his novels so engrossing.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Lord of Scoundrels
- Loretta Chase -
I defy anyone to read this book and then continue to dismiss historical romances as fluff(oh look, I have become a convert).
Loretta Chase created such believable, damaged characters whose childhoods and past traumas continued to have a strong hold over them, and then took us on the journey as these issues were worked through and the characters emerged stronger on the other side.
The hero, Dain (as he is referred to through most of the story), was abandoned by his mother and unloved by his father, abused at school and has grown up convinced he is unworthy of love and determined to live life as shallowly as possible to compensate.
Jessica, a determined and self reliant woman, has come to bail her useless younger brother out of the latest trouble he has gotten himself into.
The two are immediately attracted to each other, resistant at first and ultimately, when circumstances faciliate their getting married to avoid scandal on her part and humiliation on his, they come together both sexually and emotionally and Jessica is able to draw Dain out and come to understand how he became so emotionally withdrawn.
What I loved the most about this (apart from how well developed, written and paced it was) was that Dain was the one with the severe emotional problems to overcome, and Jessica was the one drawing him out and trying to understand how to help him. Too often in historicals, it seems like the hero (by virtue of generally being the one with sexual/life experience) ends up in the role of teacher/guide to the heroine.
In this book, Jessica was firmly in that role as she tried to make Dain see that he was worthy of being loved, of being a father and even of being happy. He was in such genuine, heartbreaking pain and to see him overcome that with her assistance was a brilliant emotional journey to be a part of.
I defy anyone to read this book and then continue to dismiss historical romances as fluff(oh look, I have become a convert).
Loretta Chase created such believable, damaged characters whose childhoods and past traumas continued to have a strong hold over them, and then took us on the journey as these issues were worked through and the characters emerged stronger on the other side.
The hero, Dain (as he is referred to through most of the story), was abandoned by his mother and unloved by his father, abused at school and has grown up convinced he is unworthy of love and determined to live life as shallowly as possible to compensate.
Jessica, a determined and self reliant woman, has come to bail her useless younger brother out of the latest trouble he has gotten himself into.
The two are immediately attracted to each other, resistant at first and ultimately, when circumstances faciliate their getting married to avoid scandal on her part and humiliation on his, they come together both sexually and emotionally and Jessica is able to draw Dain out and come to understand how he became so emotionally withdrawn.
What I loved the most about this (apart from how well developed, written and paced it was) was that Dain was the one with the severe emotional problems to overcome, and Jessica was the one drawing him out and trying to understand how to help him. Too often in historicals, it seems like the hero (by virtue of generally being the one with sexual/life experience) ends up in the role of teacher/guide to the heroine.
In this book, Jessica was firmly in that role as she tried to make Dain see that he was worthy of being loved, of being a father and even of being happy. He was in such genuine, heartbreaking pain and to see him overcome that with her assistance was a brilliant emotional journey to be a part of.
Instant Attraction
- Jill Shalvis -
Grabbed this one after the great review from "Smart Bitches, Trashy Books" and, as usual, they did not lead me astray!
Shalvis's latest represents a huge leap forward from some of the earlier stuff I have read from her in terms of characterization and story development.
Both Cam and Katie came across as real people, aware of their flaws and shortcomings and trying to acknowledge and overcome them. Most refreshingly of all, they talk about and acknowledge their issues to each other. Consequently their relationship seemed incredibly realistic, well developed and sustainable not to mention sexy as hell.
I also really enjoyed the family dynamics set up both with the Wilder family and the small town they live in, a dynamic that Katie quickly found herself embracing and being embraced by.
Am really looking forward to the next in the series - Instant Gratification.
Grabbed this one after the great review from "Smart Bitches, Trashy Books" and, as usual, they did not lead me astray!
Shalvis's latest represents a huge leap forward from some of the earlier stuff I have read from her in terms of characterization and story development.
Both Cam and Katie came across as real people, aware of their flaws and shortcomings and trying to acknowledge and overcome them. Most refreshingly of all, they talk about and acknowledge their issues to each other. Consequently their relationship seemed incredibly realistic, well developed and sustainable not to mention sexy as hell.
I also really enjoyed the family dynamics set up both with the Wilder family and the small town they live in, a dynamic that Katie quickly found herself embracing and being embraced by.
Am really looking forward to the next in the series - Instant Gratification.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Take No Prisoners
- Cindy Gerard
I really have to stop reading series books so close together (back to back in this case), because the nature of the genre means there are always similarities and they end up being harder to distinguish the differences when read so close together.
I enjoyed this one, didn't love it, mostly because the emotional stakes for all the extenuating circumstances (ie: Sam looking to avenge his sister's death, Abbie hell bent on saving her brother) were so high, that it felt like the development of the relationship between the two of them took a back seat.
I do like the way secondary characters are so vivid and well drawn in Gerard's books though. It always makes me super interested in reading the next story in the series to see how their stories turn out.
I really have to stop reading series books so close together (back to back in this case), because the nature of the genre means there are always similarities and they end up being harder to distinguish the differences when read so close together.
I enjoyed this one, didn't love it, mostly because the emotional stakes for all the extenuating circumstances (ie: Sam looking to avenge his sister's death, Abbie hell bent on saving her brother) were so high, that it felt like the development of the relationship between the two of them took a back seat.
I do like the way secondary characters are so vivid and well drawn in Gerard's books though. It always makes me super interested in reading the next story in the series to see how their stories turn out.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Show No Mercy
- Cindy Gerard -
A new series from the author of the 'Bodyguards' series, and much like those books, it's heavy on the action, mystery and hot love scenes and fairly light on character development.
Despite feeling that Gabe and Jenna's relationship seemed to be primarily based on sexual attraction and adrenaline, they were a likeable couple and I wanted them to have the inevitable happy ending. I do wish the angst had been toned down a bit, because it seemed like it wasn't explored deeply enough to feel wholly connected to the story or necessary.
Will keep reading the series, hopefully it will not be too cookie cutter.
A new series from the author of the 'Bodyguards' series, and much like those books, it's heavy on the action, mystery and hot love scenes and fairly light on character development.
Despite feeling that Gabe and Jenna's relationship seemed to be primarily based on sexual attraction and adrenaline, they were a likeable couple and I wanted them to have the inevitable happy ending. I do wish the angst had been toned down a bit, because it seemed like it wasn't explored deeply enough to feel wholly connected to the story or necessary.
Will keep reading the series, hopefully it will not be too cookie cutter.
One Night Stand
- Julie Cohen -
After one book I am officially a huge fan of Julie Cohen's writing.
One Night Stand featured multiple romance story tropes that I generally hate or find to be overdone and predictable (pregnancy, suddenly attracted and/or in love, instant family/baby ten seconds after getting together) and created a story that was fresh, realistic and sweet.
Eleanor & Hugh have been friends since their first day of university and when Eleanor accidentally finds herself pregnant after a one night stand, Hugh is by her side every step of the way as she tries to find her child's father, deal with her own parental issues and figures out what to do about her sudden attraction to her best friend.
Every step in Hugh and Eleanor's journey together felt so natural and realistic, and earned, that I was completely unfazed by those story elements that normally would have driven me insane.
Am totally regretting that I didn't pick up the other Julie Cohen book that was on the bookstore shelf in London.
After one book I am officially a huge fan of Julie Cohen's writing.
One Night Stand featured multiple romance story tropes that I generally hate or find to be overdone and predictable (pregnancy, suddenly attracted and/or in love, instant family/baby ten seconds after getting together) and created a story that was fresh, realistic and sweet.
Eleanor & Hugh have been friends since their first day of university and when Eleanor accidentally finds herself pregnant after a one night stand, Hugh is by her side every step of the way as she tries to find her child's father, deal with her own parental issues and figures out what to do about her sudden attraction to her best friend.
Every step in Hugh and Eleanor's journey together felt so natural and realistic, and earned, that I was completely unfazed by those story elements that normally would have driven me insane.
Am totally regretting that I didn't pick up the other Julie Cohen book that was on the bookstore shelf in London.
Assassination Vacation
- Sarah Vowell -
Both hilarious and fascinating, this book details the author's travels to famous sites and to view artifacts, however arbitrary, connected to the presidential assassinations of Presidents Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley.
As someone with a fairly vague knowledge of American history, and absolutely zero awareness of the fact that two out of three of these presidents were even assassinated (that's how Teddy Roosevelt became president initially - by being McKinley's vice-president. Who knew?), I found the historical aspects of the book fascinating, and would even read more on the subject if I thought I could find history books that deal with these events with as much affection, exasperation and even humour as Sarah Vowell's writing does.
Her style reminds me a lot of Bill Bryson, in that it is very personal, describing her unique experience and yet as a reader I felt like I learned and experienced right along with the writer.
Will definitely be looking for more of her work.
Both hilarious and fascinating, this book details the author's travels to famous sites and to view artifacts, however arbitrary, connected to the presidential assassinations of Presidents Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley.
As someone with a fairly vague knowledge of American history, and absolutely zero awareness of the fact that two out of three of these presidents were even assassinated (that's how Teddy Roosevelt became president initially - by being McKinley's vice-president. Who knew?), I found the historical aspects of the book fascinating, and would even read more on the subject if I thought I could find history books that deal with these events with as much affection, exasperation and even humour as Sarah Vowell's writing does.
Her style reminds me a lot of Bill Bryson, in that it is very personal, describing her unique experience and yet as a reader I felt like I learned and experienced right along with the writer.
Will definitely be looking for more of her work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)