To be honest, I was surprised at the number of replies that were received, some more lengthy than others, but written in the same spirit as the initiaTo be honest, I was surprised at the number of replies that were received, some more lengthy than others, but written in the same spirit as the initial letter of, shall we say, ‘enquiry’. Those who replied did so with with wit and courtesy, regardless of the amusing and sometimes outlandish, suggestions and questions. Some of the bands weren’t known to me, some were a blast from the past, but whichever they were I enjoyed the replies.
I particularly enjoyed Heaven 17’s reply to the comments on their song (described as an advvertising jingle) after Derek and Dave saw them on Top of the Pops, which is too long to include the whole, but begins…
‘Dear Derek and Dave, Firstly, may I say, I have no idea what you are talking about whatsoever! It seems on first reading that you have clearly been dipping into the special reserve sherry far too frequently, or maybe even spending some of your well-earned state pension on Kevin, that bloke from the pub’s ‘special hand-made cigarettes’.’ and ends… ‘If by any chance we were using this song (not a jingle) to sell a product, I can assure you it would not be a stairlift, it would be something more befitting a song of its stature. Perhaps a luxury brand of cereal or mid-range SUV. I do hope that I have put your misconceptions to bed and that you might now enjoy ‘Temptation’ with a clearer knowledge of what you are listening to. Kind Regards, Glenn Gregory’
It’s true that sometimes songs lyrics make little sense when taken literally and it was an inspired idea to write to the bands or artists querying the meaning behind certain lyrics and also band names. The letters are inventive and entertaining, so are the replies. It’s a fun book, great to dip in and out, which is what I’ve been doing....more
4.5* After reading The Runaway Wife, I was looking forward to Connie McColl’s next adventure very much. And I wasn’t disappointed. Connie is beginning 4.5* After reading The Runaway Wife, I was looking forward to Connie McColl’s next adventure very much. And I wasn’t disappointed. Connie is beginning to get itchy feet. Having been single again for almost three years, living in her daughter’s London apartment, Connie feels cut off from friends and family. The need for adventure beckons. Fate intervenes when Connie begins researching her family. Following the death of her aunt, a box containing old papers, letters and a marriage certificate was found in the attic. After all this time Connie discovered she has an Italian grandmother. On her way to Sussex to visit with her family the train is delayed by a fallen tree branch on the track—right near a caravan dealership. The seeds of an idea are planted.
'Connie went back to bed and managed to drift off for half an hour before she awoke yet again to thoughts of La Bellezza and her two unlikely passengers. It would be far more sensible to go for the smallest motorhome available and set off on her own. She needn’t even tell the other two because it wasn’t as if they were close friends. Or, more sensible still, get on an aeroplane, like any normal, sensible person would do. But, thought Connie, I damned well don’t want to be sensible! And, because I’m not getting any younger, if I’m going to have another adventure, now’s the time!’
Connie, along with her two new friends from her flower arranging class, Maggie and Gill, set out on their road trip. Gill is trying to forget it’s her 70th birthday and would love a holiday romance, while Maggie is fed up with her partner Ringer, who, apart from taking Maggie for granted and spending much of his time in jail, appears to have another woman. Maggie’s impulsive act before she leaves has repercussions for the three of them down the line, adding a little suspense.
The plan is to meander their way down through France and into Italy, stopping where ever takes their fancy, where eventually Connie hopes to find some information on the Italian side of her family. Or better still, one of her long lost relatives. Dee MacDonald brings the journey to life with wonderful descriptions of the towns, cities, countryside and beaches they visit, and the people they meet.
It makes a refreshing change to have more mature protagonists and it was lovely to see the development, especially in Gill and Maggie, as the story progresses. Three differing personalities, living in such close contact, have their occasional ups and downs but that only makes it all the more realistic. The trip turns in a journey of self discovery, finding themselves in funny and poignant situations, and ending with totally unexpected outcomes for the three adventurers. A delightful, fun-filled read of travel, hilarity and wonderful characters. I loved it, and the fact it supports the idea that you’re never too old to follow your dreams is perfect. ...more
4.5* I’m very late with this review as the book decided to hide in the many shelves and stacks around the house. Glad I found it though! Thoroughly enj4.5* I’m very late with this review as the book decided to hide in the many shelves and stacks around the house. Glad I found it though! Thoroughly enjoyable.
After her husband’s tragic death in a car accident three years ago, which almost broke her, Lili Girvan’s life has settled into a day to day routine of looking after her two girls and working as an illustrator at Poplar Press. She finds it difficult to let go of her grief, perhaps she doesn’t want to, as she still misses her husband and thinks about the lack of him often. Lili’s rock is her sister Rachel, who looked after the girls during Lili’s breakdown and is always there for her.
Fate intervenes in the form of a new contract at work. The Bloem Company, one of the largest seed and flower corporations have asked Poplar Press to publish their new series of vegetable guides with illustrations done by hand. Lili can choose her medium—watercolour, charcoal, pen and ink. Lili’s boss volunteered her to attend an obligatory gardening class to be taught by one of the Bloem family.
Taking the gardening class opens new horizons for Lili, bringing her into contact with different people, each of whom adds depth and realism to the story. She forms connections which allow her to make new friendships and broaden her outlook. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Lili and Rachel. Despite their differences and occasional disagreements they have an incredibly strong bond.
Lili narrates the story so the reader is privy to her innermost thoughts and feelings, making her very a real and sympathetic character. I can only imagine how awful it must be to be widowed at such a young age with two small children to care for, dealing with things on a daily basis which seem like huge challenges at the time, not to mention having flashbacks of the accident which she witnessed.
Including short gardening instructions at the beginning of each chapter was an inspired touch, each with that flash of humour. One of the bullet points on the how to grow garlic page…’Some people eat garlic raw, claiming it gives them eternal life or something. I think it’s more likely that no one will come near them afterward, making life just extremely peaceful rather than eternal. Totally your call.’
The Garden of Small Beginnings is a poignant and believable story about loss, coping with grief and new beginnings. Despite the theme, the humour throughout lightens the narrative considerably and keeps it from being depressing. That’s not to say there aren’t some sad passages but Lili’s personal growth was lovely to witness. An excellent debut novel.
I chose to read and review The Garden of Small Beginnings based on an advance reader copy supplied by Clara Diaz of Little, Brown Book Group. ...more
The story focuses on Josh and Amy, with alternating chapters from each of their perspectives, two people with completely different backgrounds and expThe story focuses on Josh and Amy, with alternating chapters from each of their perspectives, two people with completely different backgrounds and experiences of life. Amy runs a tea shop at Monkpark Hall with her best friend Julia, on behalf of the Heritage Trust. The Trust has appointed a new manager and Edmund Evershott has lots of plans for Monkpark Hall. The fate of the tea shop is anyone’s guess. It’s more than a job for Amy, she and her grandmother live in a cottage in the estate village, if she loses her job she and her grandmother lose their home. Amy’s life revolves around the tea shop and looking after her Gran, a blunt speaking lady who can be trying at times. She’s resigned to being plain, overweight Amy who pales into insignificance next to her vibrant, pretty and selfish friend. She’s kind and clever but lacks confidence in herself.
Josh’s story is much darker, and the shadows from the past have influenced the way he lives his life hugely. Flying his birds of prey for visitor demonstrations in Monkpark’s grounds and living in an old dilapidated caravan, he keeps himself fairly isolated apart from popping into the cafe for leftovers. He and Amy build a friendship of sorts but Josh does his best to hide his good looks with untidy hair, scruffy clothes and a stubbly face. Uncomfortable with most people and terrified of small, dark or enclosed spaces, he’s happiest with his birds. They accept him as he is and he can relax when he’s with them.
One of the things that made this story more realistic and enjoyable for me was the fact that a romantic relationship didn’t miraculously solve personal problems and issues, particularly Josh’s. He isn’t the likeliest of male leads but he’s a sympathetic character who grew on me quite quickly. There are mountains he still has to climb, although they are reducing in size.
The easy to read narrative flows well with warmth and quirky humour balancing out the darkness of the story. It covers quite a mix of emotions and issues including PTSD, friendship, fear and deception. A very enjoyable read....more
4.5* French Roast rounds out the French Twist series, set a few years after the end of French Fry and Sidney is back…full on. Becoming a mother has fai4.5* French Roast rounds out the French Twist series, set a few years after the end of French Fry and Sidney is back…full on. Becoming a mother has failed to relax the over anxiousness and her slight(ish) neurotic tendencies are still very much alive and well.
The story begins with young Luc’s first day at kindergarten and Sidney is not coping very well with the prospect, imagining all sorts of problems Luc might be having without his mama. Diplomatically, Louis elects to take Luc to the bus stop before returning to comfort his crazy (in the nicest possible way) wife.
The arrangement works well and a routine is established, with Louis walking Luc to the school bus in the morning while Sydney picks him up from aftercare. Life is good in the Durand household and to make it even better, after Syd’s birthday celebrations Louis presents her with a family heirloom. His grandmother’s antique bracelet has been given as a keepsake down through the women of the family, when a daughter is born.
'Once again my husband had thrown me for a loop. Leave it to him to answer me before I had even asked the question.’
French Roast is a poignant, but no less entertaining, finale to the series. There are laugh out loud moments and others that bring tears to the eyes. We get to spend a lot more time with Sydney’s engaging and close knit family as they navigate life’s highs, lows and a devastating blow that rocks the very foundations of the family unit.
Glynis Astie has created a wonderfully diverse mix of realistic, engaging characters, and situations which are easily identifiable, written with humour and heartfelt emotion. It’s been a pleasure to follow Sidney’s journey. The family dynamics are shown to great effect as they help and support each other. The casual, conversational writing style is relaxed and easy to read.
I chose to read and review French Roast based on a digital copy of the book supplied by the author/publisher....more
As well as being a grad student and working part time at the local youth centre, Kristie Larson helps out as a barista at Callie’s Cakes. When she finAs well as being a grad student and working part time at the local youth centre, Kristie Larson helps out as a barista at Callie’s Cakes. When she finds herself in bed one morning with a man she doesn’t know, and soon realises is dead, dazed and shocked she calls her best friend Anna. Kristie has no memory of the previous night, the man or how he ended up at her house, much less in her bed. She and her two friends, Callie and Anna, and their police detective boyfriends, Logan and Ben, begin to unravel the mystery and find out more than they bargained for.
Kristie is cleared of involvement in the death; tests prove she had been drugged and hers wasn’t the first case of this happening. There has been a string of date rapes on the college campus, all with the same approach, and although Kristie comes across as quite diffident and unassuming she’s determined to root out the perpetrator. After accessing a forum dedicated to assault victims and connecting with an online member, she’s in for quite a shock when she finally meets ‘Alex’.
Kristie has depth, tact and is a coffee addict. She’s also keeping a secret from her friends. I enjoyed learning about her life and connection and commitment to the Youth Centre. The three women have a great relationship and are always there for each other. Kristie is easy to like and not as over the top as the other two – Anna, the pink haired pixie and know it all Callie, aka the troublesome twosome.
Reading the previous books would probably have given me a deeper understanding of, and the dynamics between, the characters but having said that I did get a good idea of the personalities. Self-Serve Murder can definitely be read as a standalone. The storyline is emotional given the subject matter, written well and sympathetically, the humour in the appropriate places, and with a suitably creepy and repellent villain.
Told in the first person from Kristie’s perspective, Self-Serve Murder is entertaining, with likeable, sometimes ditzy, female protagonists. I wasn’t too sure about the men. I found Tyler irritating with his continual use of ‘baby’ when talking to Kristie and the insta-love aspect was too much too soon. All three men were a bit too alpha for me….shades of quite assertive cavemen types.
Self-Serve Murder is a cozy mystery with a dark undercurrent which is shockingly all too true. The figure of over 11% of college students subjected to rape on college campuses is correct. And although this is a fun, lighthearted tale the subject of rape is treated very seriously.
I chose to read and review Self-Serve Murder (Death By Cupcake #3) for Rosie Amber’s book review team, based on a digital copy from the author. ...more
Zach Docherty, Michelin starred celebrity Gypsy Chef, is at a low point in his life. After an unfortunate incident which made the headlines and damageZach Docherty, Michelin starred celebrity Gypsy Chef, is at a low point in his life. After an unfortunate incident which made the headlines and damaged his reputation, his fiancée has called time on their relationship. In a moment of weakness and with persuasion from his manager, Bob, Zach agrees to be a contestant on Jungle Survival, a TV reality show. He’s a great choice as his Romany father taught him the basics of survival and foraging. Zach veers from uncertainty about his decision, his deep regret and heartache at losing Poppy, to relief at being away from the Christmas festivities, when he and Poppy should have been planning their wedding.
Poppy, an agent for Bob’s firm, is facing her own challenges across the Atlantic, with another of Bob’s celebrity chef clients who is about to take part in the Epcot Food Festival. With Poppy out of the country, Zach resigns himself to a stint in the jungle.
Obviously based on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here, Jungle Rock is a fun, light-hearted novella. Thank goodness it didn’t delve too much into the more disgusting trials and activities of the real TV show. I’m not a fan and have never watched an episode, nevertheless that didn’t stop me enjoying the book very much. I wasn’t aware until I’d read it, that Jungle Rock is part of a series but it can definitely be read as a stand alone.
Each of the characters are well defined and likeable. I enjoyed learning quite a lot about Zach from the people around him, including his protective mother and impressively larger than life aunt Hattie, both of them fabulous characters. That and his behaviour in the jungle towards the other contestants speaks volumes about his nature and persona.
Great writing with vivid descriptions, realistic dialogue and fun characters – a thoroughly engaging and entertaining feel good story.
I chose to read and reviewed Jungle Rock, based on a copy of the book supplied by the author/publisher....more
4.5* Derry O’Donnell, sometime actress, latterly of Trinity College, Dublin, from where she graduated summa cum laude in Theatre Arts, has been broke a4.5* Derry O’Donnell, sometime actress, latterly of Trinity College, Dublin, from where she graduated summa cum laude in Theatre Arts, has been broke and, more often than not, unemployed for the last five years. A job offer from her mother, as a PR for her art gallery, and an ultimatum regarding her rent, prompts Derry to seriously consider her best friend, Bella’s idea of using her fortune-telling talents, she’s the only daughter of the seventh son of a seventh son, to top up her non-existent bank balance. And so Madam Tulip is born.
Attending the races with her father, Jacko, and persuaded to use her talents to pick a winner, Derry spots well known supermodel, Marlene O’Mara, with her obviously rich husband, Peter Doyle. Jacko can’t help himself and brags about Derry’s abilities. One thing leads to another and Derry is invited to the Doyles’ charity event as Madam Tulip, Celebrity Psychic, complete with makeover and her assistant, Bella.
All is going well at the event, Madam Tulip is a success, and then one of the celebrities is found, on the brink of death, by Bella who then becomes a suspect and is taken into custody. As events escalate, Derry and her friends find themselves in all kinds of trouble, involving thugs and drugs. Derry needs all her acting skills to try and keep herself, and everyone else, safe.
I enjoyed this book very much, right from the start. The humorously engaging writing, the really well-rounded, memorable, and sometimes exuberant, characters. Not to mention great dialogue. Derry is down to earth and unpretentious, unlike her flamboyant father and very successful mother. Bruce is a great character too, a gay, ex navy SEAL, who is as nervous as a kitten when it comes to auditions, but he shows what he’s made of when it counts and does all he can to help Derry.
The characters’ backgrounds are integrated well into the story, giving a rounded and believable, even if slightly over the top, portrayal. The plot, although a little convenient at times is nevertheless a lot of fun, skilfully done and still holds surprises, with action, suspense and humour aplenty. I look forward to future adventures with Derry and co.
This review is based on a free copy from the author/publisher. This does not affect my opinion or the content of my review....more
Barb, Janine and Jaya decided to arrange another get together and chose to meet in India. Barb was travelling from Scotland, Janine from Washington DCBarb, Janine and Jaya decided to arrange another get together and chose to meet in India. Barb was travelling from Scotland, Janine from Washington DC and Jaya, who lives in India, would meet them at the airport. A recipe for disaster? But no, they hooked up without too many problems. There follows a hilarious account of an Indian trip of a lifetime, which includes delicious food, wonderful attractions, food, temples, more food, Dehli belly, Indian medicines, lots of food and death-defying driving, to spotlight just a few features. You’ll notice food is the most predominant. As Barb explains ‘I was in India, and it could only mean one thing. Soon it would be time to eat again.’
"After my life stopped flashing before my eyes, I shared my observation that she was moving briskly in the wrong direction. On a freeway. With oncoming traffic.
‘Of course,’ she explained with complete lack of concern. ‘There’s a traffic jam on our side. But don’t worry – that means on our way back we can go on the right side of the road.’ “
Barb’s crisply detailed, informative and witty commentary brings to life the places, people and cuisine sampled during the trip. The food sounded divine, well, most of it anyway. Perhaps I’d have to pass on the omelet that sent Barb’s tastebuds ‘from innocent bystanders to drive by victims of green chili omelet assault’. But I could quite happily eat my way through a plate of parathas. The traffic sounds horrendous and crossing the road is a feat in itself, but taken completely in their stride by the locals. Everything is observed with a humorous slant, and includes some wonderful photography, which all together made this such a pleasure to read.
If you’re familiar with Barb’s fabulous blog you know you’ll be in for a treat, and if you’re unfamiliar do yourself a favour and get this book. It’s a delightful travelogue recounting the highs, and some lows, of a wonderful trip. I think the Taj Mahal and wild elephants would have been my highlights too....more
Alex and Casey are celebrating their fairytale wedding on a yacht moored off San Tropez, in the company of their friends and family. They have no inklAlex and Casey are celebrating their fairytale wedding on a yacht moored off San Tropez, in the company of their friends and family. They have no inkling of the traumatic weeks ahead. As they toast each other their attention and focus is drawn to a display in the sky. There’s a strange rumbling noise from the sea, like thunder, as they make the toast, eyes skyward, but only Casey and Alex seem to notice. Something very mysterious has happened and it seems to have an adverse effect on Alex and Casey’s love life. Actually they don’t, or rather can’t, continue that part of their relationship. Theirs is rapidly turning into a completely no sex marriage. They can’t understand what has happened because both of them desperately want to continue their previously healthy sex life. Then someone mentions a ‘seven years bad sex curse’ superstition. Surely not?
Although the idea of a curse is quite bizarre, Casey and Alex’s problem persists on their return to home life. Despite desperately trying any and all ways, some making me wince, some unknowingly dangerous and others sweet and considerate, none of their efforts alleviate the problem. As each attempt fails and nothing seems to help, they become ever more distressed and disheartened as their pre marital happiness is whittled away bit by bit.
Nicky Wells has turned what is actually a serious and sensitive subject matter into a light-hearted, humorous and very imaginative story. Having said that, emotions do run deep and I found myself rooting for Casey and Alex, who are having a really rough time which impacts on their lives and their marriage. They are fun characters though, and the supporting cast are likeable too, and do their best to help the couple get back on track. I particularly enjoyed James and Rodge.
A neat concept, taking the seven years of bad luck superstition a step further....more
