The Last Boleyn by Karen Harper

Author: Karen Harper
ISBN: 0-307-23790-7
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Three River Press.

"She Survived Her Own Innocence, and the Treachery of Europe’ s Royal Courts Greed, lust for power, sex, lies, secret marriages, religious posturing, adultery, beheadings, international intrigue, jealousy, treachery, love, loyalty, and betrayal." The Last Boleyn" tells the story of the rise and fall of the Boleyns, one of England’ s most powerful families, through the eyes of the eldest daughter, Mary. Although her sister, Anne, the queen; her brother, George, executed alongside Anne; and her father, Thomas, are most remembered by history, Mary was the Boleyn who set into motion the chain of events that brought about the family’ s meteoric rise to power, as well as the one who managed to escape their equally remarkable fall. Sent away to France at an extraordinarily young age, Mary is quickly plunged into the dangerous world of court politics, where everything is beautiful but deceptive, and everyone she meets is watching and quietly manipulating the events and people around them. As she grows into a woman, Mary must navigate both the dangerous waters ruled by two kings and the powerful will of her own family in order to find a place for herself and the love she so deeply desires."

I was given this book by a good friend who had introduced me to Philippa Gregory. Having loved The other Boleyn Girl by Philippa, I soon found myself a fan of Historical fiction.
I was hoping that this book would be as good as TOBG, and I am happy to say I loved this book.

This novel is about Mary Carey's (Boleyn) life, it begins when she is a child sent of to live in the French court, how she is used there. She is then sent to live at the English court, and finds herself Mistress of the King while she is married to William Carey. While at court she finds true love with a William Stafford.

There are three main characters in this book, Mary, her father Thomas Boleyn and William Stafford. It is about her life, how she is used by her father and how William Stafford (Staff) is her one true love. So you don't get a good insight into Anne Boleyn's life. However, this didn't ruin the book for me, as I loved reading about Mary, and how she and Staff got together and how her life turned out. I have to say Karen Harper made Staff sound irresistible and sexy! I would love to see this book made into a movie.

I will definitely be looking for more books by this autthor.

My Verdict; A great book!

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult.

Author: Jodi Picoult
ISBN: 0-340-83547-8
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: HODDER

" The discovery of a dead infant in an Amish barn shakes Lancaster County to its core. But the police investigation leads to a more shocking disclosure: circumstantial evidence suggests that that eighteen-year-old Katie Fisher, an unmarried Amish woman believed to be the newborn's mother, took the child's life. When Ellie Hathaway, a disillusioned big city attorney, comes to Paradise, Pennsylvania, to defend Katie, two cultures collide - and, for the first time in her high profile career, Ellie faces a system of justice very different from her own. Delving deep into the world of those who live 'plain', Ellie must find a way to reach Katie on her terms. As she unravels a tangled murder case, Ellie also looks deep within - to confront her own fears and desires when a man from her past comes back into her life."

I can't really do a review of this book, although I got 3/4's through it, as I haven't finished it. I was really looking forward to reading it, but I've found the book lifeless. I just haven't enjoyed it. It was one I was looking forward to reading as a lot of people like Jodi's books. But I can't be bothered to finish it. I'm not sure I ever will?


My Verdict; From what I read, it's boring. :(

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory.

Author: Philippa Gregory
ISBN: 0-000001-423082
Genre: Historical Fiction.
Publisher: QPD


"Splendid and sumptuous historical novel from this internationally bestselling author, telling of the early life of Katherine of Aragon. We think of her as the barren wife of a notorious king; but behind this legacy lies a fascinating story. Katherine of Aragon is born Catalina, the Spanish Infanta, to parents who are both rulers and warriors. Aged four, she is betrothed to Arthur, Prince of Wales, and is raised to be Queen of England. She is never in doubt that it is her destiny to rule that far-off, wet, cold land. Her faith is tested when her prospective father-in-law greets her arrival in her new country with a great insult; Arthur seems little better than a boy; the food is strange and the customs coarse. Slowly she adapts to the first Tudor court, and life as Arthur's wife grows ever more bearable. But when the studious young man dies, she is left to make her own future: how can she now be queen, and found a dynasty? Only by marrying Arthur's young brother, the sunny but spoilt Henry. His father and grandmother are against it; her powerful parents prove little use. Yet Katherine is her mother's daughter and her fighting spirit is strong.She will do anything to achieve her aim; even if it means telling the greatest lie, and holding to it. Philippa Gregory proves yet again that behind the apparently familiar face of history lies an astonishing story: of women warriors influencing the future of Europe, of revered heroes making deep mistakes, and of an untold love story which changes the fate of a nation."


This is the fourth Philippa Gregory book I have read, and I have to say I totally loved it.
I enjoyed this book so much it comes second to The Other Boleyn Girl.
This is a love story between Catalina, Infanta of Spain (who becomes Queen Katherine of England to Henry VIII) and Arthur, Henry VII son. Arthur dies and Catalina (Katherine) makes a death bed promise to him and must full fill it.

This story is based on true facts and I love how Philippa brings our historical figures alive. Katherine of Aragon is my most favorite and loved Queen of England. I loved this book so much, it is just simply beautiful. Well done Philippa!

My verdict: A beautiful love story.

Moon Garden by Wendy Mewes

Author: Wendy Mewes
ISBN: 0-9536001-1-4
Genre: Fiction.
Publisher: Red Dog Books


"Moon Garden is a witty and intuitive novel of love, growth and natural magic, the story of one man's struggle to get back on his feet after a string of personal disasters. Amongst other things, Rufus has to cope with a domineering ex-wife, the slipperiest of best friends, a dilapidated cottage bought by mistake and a mad old woman who can read his mind. At least he has a job to go to - but even that turns out to be something quite different to his expectations. As he comes into unwilling contact with the world of witches, Rufus learns that there are many kinds of magic and that love is not always what it seems."

I wanted to read this book a couple of years ago when it was first released. However, when I got this book last week, I was really looking forward to reading it and I have to say, I am so pleased I did.

I found this book to be really enjoyable and fun to read. It was one of those books I found hard to put down. I really liked Rufus and especially Cate. Reading some of the things Rufus got up to made me laugh loads. I loved the descriptions of the surroundings and felt that I was there with them every step of the way. This is such a cozy book, the sort you want to snuggle up with to read, with no interruptions. So I put this put in my Cozy Category along with Joanne Harris & Angela Huth.

Another thing I loved reading in this book was about the pagan way of life, it's so good to read a book that you can relate to and understand. However, there were a couple of characters that made me want to jump in the book and box them, because I became really fond of Rufus hehehe.

My Verdict; A Charming & Cozy Read. I loved it!!!

The Secret of Crickley Hall by James Herbert.

Author: James Herbert
ISBN: 1-4050-0520-3
Genre: Fiction.
Publisher: Macmillan

"The Caleighs have had a terrible year...They need time and space, while they await the news they dread. Gabe has brought his wife, Eve, and daughters, Loren and Cally, down to Devon, to the peaceful seaside village of Hollow Bay. He can work and Eve and the kids can have some peace and quiet and perhaps they can try, as a family, to come to terms with what's happened to them...Crickley Hall is an unusually large house on the outskirts of the village at the bottom of Devil's Cleave, a massive tree-lined gorge - the stuff of local legend. A river flows past the front garden. It's perfect for them...if a bit gloomy. And Chester, their dog, seems really spooked at being away from home. And old houses do make sounds. And it's constantly cold. And even though they shut the cellar door every night, it's always open again in morning..."The Secret of Crickley Hall" is James Herbert's finest novel to date. It explores the darker, more obtuse territories of evil and the supernatural. With brooding menace and rising tension, he masterfully and relentlessly draws the reader through to the ultimate revelation - one that will stay to chill the mind long after the book has been laid aside."


I wanted to read this book after a few people I knew had read it and loved it. So I borrowed it from my sister and was really pleased I had!
For me, so far it has been the best James Herbert book I have read. I found it to go quickly into the story, which for me was really enjoyable. I adored the characters and felt that I was there. I was pretty gripped by this book.
It was pretty scary in places and I wouldn't read in a room on my own, but sometimes I did brave it hehehe.

The book is basically about a family who move into a haunted house, it's haunted by the ghosts of children. I won't say anymore as I don't want to give anything away.

If you're a fan or horror and James Herbert, then I think you'll enjoy this book.

My Verdict: Excellent!

Beloved by Toni Morrison.

Author: Toni Morrison
ISBN: 0-099-27393-4
Genre: Fiction.
Publisher:Vintage

"In the troubled years following the Civil War, the spirit of a murdered child haunts the Ohio home of a former slave. This angry, destructive ghost breaks mirrors, leaves its fingerprints in cake icing, and generally makes life difficult for Sethe and her family; nevertheless, the woman finds the haunting oddly comforting for the spirit is that of her own dead baby, never named, thought of only as Beloved."

I wanted this book after hearing it was one of the top charted books in America. I read the description of the book and it sounded good. I thought I would be getting a bump in the night ghost novel. But this isn't what this book is.

It's a novel about Slavery and what Black people faced and what they went through. The book is about Sethe a woman who murdered her own baby (Beloved) and how she comes back to haunt her. When Paul D (Sethe's friend & partner) comes to stay he frightens the ghost of Beloved away, until one day beloved turns up in the flesh.

This Book was an enjoyable read, at times I did struggle with it a little, but there was always something there that made me want to pick the book up again. I found myself moving fast through it at times and slower at others. I felt that this book wasn't so much about a ghost, but more about love, emotions, feelings and family and the struggle with life.

My Verdict: Enjoyable Read. I would read it again.

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.