Can You Keep a Secret? By Sophie Kinsella.

Author: Sophie Kinsella
ISBN: 0-552-77110-4
Genre: Fiction ~Chick Lit
Publisher: Black Swan.

"Emma is sitting on a turbulent plane. She's always been a v. nervous flyer. She really thinks that this could be her last moment. So, naturally enough, she starts telling the man sitting next to her - quite a dishy American, but she's too frightened to notice -all her innermost secrets. How she scans the backs of intellectual books and pretends she's read them. How she does her hair up like Princess Leia in her bedroom. How she's not sure if she has a G-spot, and whether her boyfriend could find it anyway. How she feels like a fraud at work - everyone uses the word 'operational' all the time but she hasn't a due what it means. How the coffee at work is horrible. How she once threw a troublesome client file in the bin. If ever there was a bare soul, it's hers. She survives the flight, of course, and the next morning the famous founding boss of the whole mega corporation she works for is coming for a look at the UK branch. As he walks around, Emma looks up and realises...It's the man from the plane. What will he do with her secrets? He knows them all - but she doesn't know a single one of his. Or...does she?"


I was looking forward to reading this book, as I loved Sophie's previous Shopaholic series and Undomestic Goddess. So I knew what to expect from this book. Overall I enjoyed this book and it did make me laugh. But, The Undomestic Goddess still remains my favourite book of Sophie's individual novels. Whereas, Shopaholic and a Sister is my favourite from the Shopaholic series.

There is one thing about Sophie's books that I have noticed, imo I sort of feel like in all the books; I'm reading about the same character. They all have great jobs, they're all a bit dizzy and they all find love. This isn't such a bad thing as with Sophie Kinsella you know what to expect, but I would like to see her do something a little bit different next time.

I know she has written other books under the name of Madeleine Wickham, so may be these are a bit different to the books I have read under the name 'Sophie Kinsella'. But atm I'm not in a rush to read them, but will be interested to hear if anyone else has.

My Verdict: Predictable Sophie Kinsella book, but still loads of fun to read!

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown.

Author: Dan Brown
ISBN: 0-552-15073-8
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Corgi

"When a scientist is found brutally murdered, Harvard professor Robert Langdon is asked to identify the mysterious symbol seared onto the dead man's chest. Realising it must be the work of the Illuminati - an ancient secret brotherhood sworn against Catholicism - the race is on to prevent a tragedy."

I had originally read 3/4's of this book at the beginning of last year when I borrowed it from my sister and didn't enjoy it. I had just finished The Da Vinci Code and thought the book was another stab at religion (even though I'm not religious) and also there were more books I was eager to read.

Anyway, my eldest son surprised me on Christmas day with this book, so of course I was going to give it another go. To my surprise I really enjoyed it. It was fast paced and exciting.
I like Robert Langdon's character and will go on to read more of his adventures.

I do think that anyone who is strongly following the catholic faith, may not like this book. They may find it offensive. But, if you take it for what the book is; Fiction then it shouldn't be offensive , but some people may be sensitive towards some of the religious content in this book. However it is fiction and not based on real life.


My Verdict: An exciting read.

Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris.

Author: Joanne Harris
ISBN: 0-552-99883-4
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Black Swan

"The magical new novel from the author of the Number One be Beyond the main street of Les Laveuses runs the Loire, smooth and brown as a sunning snake - but hiding a deadly undertow beneath its moving surface. This is where Framboise, a secretive widow named after a raspberry liqueur, plies her culinary trade at the creperie - and lets memory play strange games. Into this world comes the threat of revelation as Framboise's nephew - a profiteering Parisian - attempts to exploit the growing success of the country recipes she has inherited from her mother, a woman remembered with contempt by the villagers of Les Laveuses. As the spilt blood of a tragic wartime childhood flows again, exposure beckons for Framboise, the widow with an invented past. Joanne Harris has looked behind the drawn shutters of occupied France to illuminate the pain, delight and loss of a life changed for ever by the uncertainties and betrayals of war."

This is my third Joanne Harris novel and like the previous two I have read (Chocolat & Blackberry Wine), I really enjoyed this book. It was different from the two I have read before and I felt this was refreshing.

I was apprehensive about reading this book at first as I had read some mixed reviews about it. Not everyone seems to think this is one of Joanne's best books, but I have to disagree.
I found myself quickly becoming absorbed into the story and felt a connection with the characters. I really felt for the mother in this story as well as the children. I found my emotions at work reading this book and didn't find myself bored while reading it.

I loved reading about Framboise struggle to catch 'Old Mother' and how she found herself falling in love with one of the characters. I love how this character was strong and yet you are shown her weakness's as she has to face one of the biggest challenges in her life.

My verdict: Throughly enjoyable.

The Virgins Lover by Philippa Gregory.

Author: Philippa Greogory
ISBN: 0-00-714731-7
Genre: Historical Tudor Fiction
Publisher: Harper Collins

"Elizabeth I has acceded to the throne of England, a position she has waited and schemed for all her life. She is surrounded by advisers, all convinced that a young woman cannot form political judgements. Elizabeth feels that she can rely on just one man: her oldest friend, Robert Dudley. It is soon plain that he is more than merely a friend. In a house in the countryside waits a very different woman, Amy Robsart - Robert's wife. She has no taste for life at court and longs for the day when her husband will return home. She has loved him since she was a girl, but now they are adults she hardly sees him. Meanwhile, the pressure grows for Elizabeth to marry, for it is unthinkable that a queen should rule on her own. Elizabeth's preference is clear, but he is unavailable. But what if the unthinkable were to happen!"

This is the second Philippa Gregory book I have read. I wasn't expecting it to be very good because I had heard some negative reviews about it. However, I really enjoyed it. I felt apart of the novel and also felt like I had been transported back in time.

Queen Elizabeth I, in this book is portrayed as a weak queen, very indecisive and a constant worrier. Whether she was really like this, I have no idea? I did find that because she was portrayed this way, the book did seem to loose it's royalty feel to it. Where as in 'The other Boleyn Girl' the royalty is felt throughout the book.

I loved Lady Amy Dudley in this book, she was portrayed as a strong woman. She didn't deserve the hand she was dealt in life and I very much felt sorry for her.

At the end of this book I was left with an eerie feeling, I was pretty sad especially when I read the authors note. Another thing that I love is how I have learnt from reading Philippa's books. I know it's fictional but the stories are based on true historical facts.

My Verdict: Loved it!

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Author: Philippa Greogory
ISBN: 0-00-651400-6
Genre: Tudor Fiction
Publisher: Harper Collins

"
Fabulous historical novel set in the court of King Henry VIII. Mary Boleyn attracts the attention of the young king and becomes his mistress; when he tires of her, she sets out to school her sister, Anne, as a replacement. Politics and passion are inextricably bound together in this compelling drama. The Boleyn family is keen to rise through the ranks of society, and what better way to attract the attention of the most powerful in the land than to place their most beautiful young woman at court? But Mary becomes the king's mistress at a time of change. He needs his personal pleasures, but he also needs an heir. The unthinkable happens and the course of English history is irrevocably changed. For the women at the heart of the storm, they have only one weapon; and when it's no longer enough to be the mistress, Mary must groom her younger sister in the ways of the king. What happens next is common knowledge -- but here it is told in a way we've never heard it before, with all of Philippa Gregory's characteristic perceptiveness, backed by meticulous research and superb storytelling skills."

This was my first Tudor fiction and also Philippa Gregory book. I was excited about reading it as I have heard so many good reviews about her. I haven't heard anyone put this author down.

Reading this book felt like I took a step back in time, I felt as though I was looking through Mary Stafford's (Boleyn) eye's. I felt her emotions and went through every part of this story with her. At some parts in the book I was reeling with anger and others, I was moved near to tears and others laughing with Mary.

As I read the book I also found myself being filled with knowledge and I loved the descriptions of the Castles and their dresses. Oh yes I loved the dresses!

In the book, I learnt to love Mary, she was a gentle soul who was loyal to her sister Anne. But Anne who was so selfish, gave no thought for anyone but herself. I really hated her in the book and to be honest when she was beheaded, I didn't feel much sympathy. As when things were going good, she treated her family poorly, especially Mary, but when things were bad she wanted them around. I was really angry with Anne through pretty much all of this book! LOL. I try to remember the book is fiction, so I try not to judge Anne, but in this story she was a right bitch! The only part I felt for her was when she had her miscarriages.

There are other factors to this book, like their parents who were totally selfish too and how George Mary & Anne's brother stuck by them. I liked him in the book and didn't feel he deserved to be executed.

My Verdict: A Smashing book, the very best!

Shopaholic & a Sister by Sophie Kinsella.

Author: Sophie Kinsella
ISBN: 0552771112
Genre: Chick Lit
Publisher: Black Swan

"Becky Bloomwood thought being married to Luke Brandon would be one big Tiffany box of happiness. But to be honest, it's not quite as dreamy as she'd hoped. The trouble started on honeymoon, when she told Luke the tiniest little fib, about the teeniest little purchase. Now she's on a strict budget, she doesn't have a job - and worst of all her beloved Suze has a new best friend. She's feeling rather blue - when she receives some incredible news. She has a long-lost sister! Becky has never been more excited. Finally, a real sister! They'll have so much in common! They can go shopping together... choose shoes together... have manicures together... Until she meets her - and gets the shock of her life. It can't be true. Surely Becky Bloomwood's long-lost sister can't... hate shopping? A sister. A soulmate. A skinflint?!"


I totally loved this edition of the shopaholic series. It was for me, by far the best!
It had all the laughter and the emotion that goes with Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood!). But this one I thought was just a little different and this difference, made it that more enjoyable for me. It was a little bit more realistic. Of course, the Shopaholic series will always be far fetched and yes this book was far fetched, but, I felt it was more realistic due to the the story of how she meets her sister and how different they are. I found this one so enjoyable, I laughed so much at the one-liners, but I also cried! (especially when she goes to see her sister and then, goes mountain climbing and then speaks to her hubby Luke on the phone) It tugged at my emotions a lot in this book and I so felt for Becky!

My Verdict: The very best of Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood). Fantastic!

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

Author: Anne Rice
ISBN: 0-7088-6073-7
Genre: Horror Fiction
Publisher: Warner Books

"In a darkened room a young man sits telling the macabre and eerie story of his life - the story of a vampire, gifted with eternal life, cursed with an exquisite craving for human blood."

I had been after this book for a long time and when I spotted it in my local 2nd hand book store, I was thrilled! I had heard mixed reviews about this book, some people like it while others hate it.
Personally; I loved it!

I had seen the movie a few years ago and it has always been one of my favourites, so I pretty much knew the plot and the characters of this story. When reading it I did (as you do) picture the actors in the movie as those in the book. I thought that kind of helped, I liked it anyway, considering I love the movie and like the actors in it.

The book gave me an insight into the characters that the movie hadn't. I felt as though I got to know them much more and I could sympathize with them. I felt the book take me deeper into their characters and helped me to see them differently. For instance, you get a better picture of Louis, how he is a vampire who finds it hard to accept his role as a vampire. He finds it hard to let go of his human 'emotions' and feels sorrow for his victims. Lestat you begin to realise isn't that bad after all (in vampire terms lol). Also Claudia and how she has to come to terms with never having the opportunity to become a woman.

There is so much more to this book though and I loved, nearly every minute I spent reading it. There was only one small part of the book I didn't like much, and that was in the first half of the book, every now and then, the boy taking the interview would be mentioned. So where I was getting stuck into the story, I was all of a sudden pulled out of it as the boy asked a questions or he wanted to light his cigarette or something. But the 2nd half of the book that very rarely happened.

Overall, I loved the book and can't wait to read the next two in this series!

My verdict: Excellent!

Balaclava Row by Patricia Grey.

Author: Patricia Grey
ISBN: 1-84067-399-0
Genre: Wartime Fiction
Publisher: Knight paperbacks.

"Balacava Row was just like any other North London street in 1940, its inhabitants making the best of their lives and struggling to make a living during the war. But when a local jeweller is found dead, DCI Jack Stamford and his able sergeant realize that no one in the Row is quite what they seem."

I bought this book as I was searching for a Wartime novel. I hadn't read one before and wanted to give one a try. So when I was in my local book store, I picked this one up, hoping it would be good.

As I read it, I felt like I had been transported back into the TV show 'Heartbeat'. It has this cosy feel to the book, that makes you want to carry on reading it. The author helps you to see how people lived back in the war time, and how they struggled.

There were a couple of characters I liked reading about; Naffnel, Rose & Lexie.

Overall this was a charming book to read, it wasn't overly exciting, and didn't have me gripped. It was just nice.

My Verdict: A charming read.