The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (book club)
This was a nice light read as a change at book club, by the author of the Notebook. It is a real romantic read and you know where the story will end from half way, although it did keep me guessing. Glad I didn't go to see the movie as there is no way Zac Efron can pull off tough ex-marine Logan Thibault. All in all a good choice for your next holiday lounging by the pool.
Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James
Over the Bank Holiday I got absolutely hooked on E.L. James Fifty Shades books, so much so I read them all in one Bank Holiday. These were recommended to me at book club and the description as Mills & Boon on steroids was pretty accurate. Fifty Shades of Grey was a fast paced introduction to the characters, although perhaps not one I'd discuss with my mum! Fifty Shades Darker moved the story on and Christian's character developed but there was an added element of danger and mystery as his history started to catch-up with him. Although I tore through the last book, Fifty Shades Freed was almost a let down. The storyline was fun with some real intrigue including a kidnapping, but what let me down was the character development as I found myself going off both characters Christian became more protective and Ana spent her whole time feeling sorry herself as she tried to figure out the man she married. Although not for the easily embarrassed I'd recommend these books and if you have a Kindle no one will know what you are reading.
Kennel Maid Nan by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer
This was the second book from mum's latest Girls Gone By purchase and I was lucky enough to get my hands on it first. A complete change from my previous read but a lovely trip back to my childhood. Nan is typically naive as she heads to Miss Francie's kennels and gets caught up in some trouble. I learnt about house training puppies amongst other things but most of all I learnt that in the world of Elinor a good friend is all you need to help you stop an evil grown-up poisoning one of your puppies. A nice fun read, perfect for the end of a long day.
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent (book club)
This was pitched as controversial and so I read it with interest but was disappointed not to find any intrigue. The discussion at book club revealed that the religious elements of the book were the 'controversial' elements with people in the group being at times uncomfortable with the visions of angels and overtly Christian sections. This was not just the story of two men from very different backgrounds but the story of how one woman bound them together for life. The book was slow to start and I struggled to connect the two story lines as it jumped between characters. However once I got going I found a truly moving story of devotion hidden underneath.
Songs of Fire and Ice: Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Ever since P heard about this series on the web he has been keen to read them. His enthusiasm got me started with the books and I may just be over taking him. this was another book where every chapter is a different character and although each chapter is clearly named I struggled to connect. However by the second time I came to each character I had got my head around it and enjoyed the story. Some story lines were stronger than others and I was sorry to see Eddard Stark die so early in these series. Paul described these as Lord of the Rings with less fantasy, there is also more killing and I'm not sure the writing is up to Tolkien. Now I know where this heading in the short term I think it is good enough to pick up Book Two and I'll let you know how I get on with that.
This was a nice light read as a change at book club, by the author of the Notebook. It is a real romantic read and you know where the story will end from half way, although it did keep me guessing. Glad I didn't go to see the movie as there is no way Zac Efron can pull off tough ex-marine Logan Thibault. All in all a good choice for your next holiday lounging by the pool.
Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James
Over the Bank Holiday I got absolutely hooked on E.L. James Fifty Shades books, so much so I read them all in one Bank Holiday. These were recommended to me at book club and the description as Mills & Boon on steroids was pretty accurate. Fifty Shades of Grey was a fast paced introduction to the characters, although perhaps not one I'd discuss with my mum! Fifty Shades Darker moved the story on and Christian's character developed but there was an added element of danger and mystery as his history started to catch-up with him. Although I tore through the last book, Fifty Shades Freed was almost a let down. The storyline was fun with some real intrigue including a kidnapping, but what let me down was the character development as I found myself going off both characters Christian became more protective and Ana spent her whole time feeling sorry herself as she tried to figure out the man she married. Although not for the easily embarrassed I'd recommend these books and if you have a Kindle no one will know what you are reading.
Kennel Maid Nan by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer
This was the second book from mum's latest Girls Gone By purchase and I was lucky enough to get my hands on it first. A complete change from my previous read but a lovely trip back to my childhood. Nan is typically naive as she heads to Miss Francie's kennels and gets caught up in some trouble. I learnt about house training puppies amongst other things but most of all I learnt that in the world of Elinor a good friend is all you need to help you stop an evil grown-up poisoning one of your puppies. A nice fun read, perfect for the end of a long day.
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent (book club)
This was pitched as controversial and so I read it with interest but was disappointed not to find any intrigue. The discussion at book club revealed that the religious elements of the book were the 'controversial' elements with people in the group being at times uncomfortable with the visions of angels and overtly Christian sections. This was not just the story of two men from very different backgrounds but the story of how one woman bound them together for life. The book was slow to start and I struggled to connect the two story lines as it jumped between characters. However once I got going I found a truly moving story of devotion hidden underneath.
Songs of Fire and Ice: Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Ever since P heard about this series on the web he has been keen to read them. His enthusiasm got me started with the books and I may just be over taking him. this was another book where every chapter is a different character and although each chapter is clearly named I struggled to connect. However by the second time I came to each character I had got my head around it and enjoyed the story. Some story lines were stronger than others and I was sorry to see Eddard Stark die so early in these series. Paul described these as Lord of the Rings with less fantasy, there is also more killing and I'm not sure the writing is up to Tolkien. Now I know where this heading in the short term I think it is good enough to pick up Book Two and I'll let you know how I get on with that.
