*****5 stars
I had this on my pre-order list for my kindle and was so excited for it to come. I love Costello's characters. They're all so real, almost like a dear friend or someone you'd like to meet. I truly loved the plot in this book, as I feel we do get swamped down in our day to day and take for granted all the wonderful gifts we have that make us more fortunate. I have been trying to shed a few pounds myself, although not through running ;), but found myself easily able to identify and a bit inspired to do a little of my reading on my stationary bike. This will go in with my other Costello books, to my for keeps library, so I can reread sometime :)
Book Jacket Summary:
He's a real catch ...if only she could catch him up Abby Rogers has been on health kicks before - they involve eating one blueberry muffin for breakfast instead of two. But since starting her own business, after watching one too many episodes of The Apprentice, the 28-year-old's waistline has taken even more of a back seat than her long-neglected love life. When Abby is encouraged to join her sporty best friend's running club - by none other than its gorgeous new captain - she finds a mysterious compulsion to exercise. Sadly, her first session doesn't go to plan. Between the obscenely unflattering pink leggings, and the fact that her lungs feel as though they've been set on fire, she vows never to return. Then her colleague Heidi turns up at work and makes a devastating announcement, one that will change her life - and Abby's - forever.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Walking Back to Happiness by Lucy Dillon
**** 4 stars
This is my second book by Dillon and it did not disappoint. I truly loved the characters and the plot. It had a sad subject of death and I was truly worried that I would have to put it away as we are dealing with a family member fighting for her life. I was worried that this was too close to home as I was hoping to escape from this as I am reading, but found the story great and hows an understanding of how the person grieving is feeling. I loved how Juliet found herself again and how she found strength. Many of the books I have read I feel that they really shouldn't be categorized as chick-lit because they truly have so much more depth. I would definitely classify this book as that. It is a must read with strong character as well as more than one story line going at a time.
Book Jacket Summary:
Juliet's been in hiding. From her family, from her life, but most of all from the fact that Ben's not around anymore.
Her mother Diane has run out of advice. But then she insists Juliet look after her elderly Labrador and it becomes apparent that Coco the dog might actually be the one who can rescue her daughter.
Especially when it leads to her walking dogs for a few other locals too, includign a spaniel, Damson, who belongs to a very attractive man...
Before she knows it, Juliet realises she has somehow become the town's unofficial pet-sitter. A job which makes her privy to the lives and secrets of everyone whose animals she's caring for.
But as her first winter alone approaches, she finally begins to wonder if it's time to face up to her own secrets? To start rebuilding her own life? And maybe - just maybe - to fall in love again?
This is my second book by Dillon and it did not disappoint. I truly loved the characters and the plot. It had a sad subject of death and I was truly worried that I would have to put it away as we are dealing with a family member fighting for her life. I was worried that this was too close to home as I was hoping to escape from this as I am reading, but found the story great and hows an understanding of how the person grieving is feeling. I loved how Juliet found herself again and how she found strength. Many of the books I have read I feel that they really shouldn't be categorized as chick-lit because they truly have so much more depth. I would definitely classify this book as that. It is a must read with strong character as well as more than one story line going at a time.
Book Jacket Summary:
Juliet's been in hiding. From her family, from her life, but most of all from the fact that Ben's not around anymore.
Her mother Diane has run out of advice. But then she insists Juliet look after her elderly Labrador and it becomes apparent that Coco the dog might actually be the one who can rescue her daughter.
Especially when it leads to her walking dogs for a few other locals too, includign a spaniel, Damson, who belongs to a very attractive man...
Before she knows it, Juliet realises she has somehow become the town's unofficial pet-sitter. A job which makes her privy to the lives and secrets of everyone whose animals she's caring for.
But as her first winter alone approaches, she finally begins to wonder if it's time to face up to her own secrets? To start rebuilding her own life? And maybe - just maybe - to fall in love again?
Friday, April 22, 2011
Jemima J by Jane green
***** 5 stars
Has there ever been a book that you can look back on fondly? That would be this book for me. It is the epitome of chick lit. I love the story line of this book and the lessons that Jemima learns. It is one of the books that I have offered out frequently and have recently gotten back. Happy to have it back in my long term library! :)
Book Jacket Summary:
Jemima Jones is overweight. About seven stone overweight.
Treated like a slave by her thin and bitchy flatmates, lorded over at the Kilburn Herald by the beautiful Geraldine (less talented, better paid), her only consolation is food. That and a passion for her charming, sexy colleague Ben. Her life needs to change and soon.
But can Jemima reinvent herself? And should she?
Has there ever been a book that you can look back on fondly? That would be this book for me. It is the epitome of chick lit. I love the story line of this book and the lessons that Jemima learns. It is one of the books that I have offered out frequently and have recently gotten back. Happy to have it back in my long term library! :)
Book Jacket Summary:
Jemima Jones is overweight. About seven stone overweight.
Treated like a slave by her thin and bitchy flatmates, lorded over at the Kilburn Herald by the beautiful Geraldine (less talented, better paid), her only consolation is food. That and a passion for her charming, sexy colleague Ben. Her life needs to change and soon.
But can Jemima reinvent herself? And should she?
My fake Wedding by Mina Ford
***** 5 stars
Obviously by my recent posts, I had gone on vacation and took some books to catch up on. This is the second time I have read this book. It is a fast paced book which I become completely absorbed. You will read this with a smile on your face with the one-liners and the scenarios that take place. Highly amusing. A must read! :)
Book Jacket summary:
Katie Simpson has decided to give relationships a miss. It might have something to do with the discovery of her boyfriend Jake on a heated towel rail with the ‘Balham Bike’.
You’d think her best mates would understand. But Janice has started schmoozing at funerals in search of the perfect (‘recently widowed and loaded’) husband; Sam is surrounded by girls with thighs like spaghetti; and George is more concerned with his Australian boyfriend’s rapidly expiring visa.
No, Katie’s friends are far too busy to get involved in her love life. Until she announces that she’s getting married...
Obviously by my recent posts, I had gone on vacation and took some books to catch up on. This is the second time I have read this book. It is a fast paced book which I become completely absorbed. You will read this with a smile on your face with the one-liners and the scenarios that take place. Highly amusing. A must read! :)
Book Jacket summary:
Katie Simpson has decided to give relationships a miss. It might have something to do with the discovery of her boyfriend Jake on a heated towel rail with the ‘Balham Bike’.
You’d think her best mates would understand. But Janice has started schmoozing at funerals in search of the perfect (‘recently widowed and loaded’) husband; Sam is surrounded by girls with thighs like spaghetti; and George is more concerned with his Australian boyfriend’s rapidly expiring visa.
No, Katie’s friends are far too busy to get involved in her love life. Until she announces that she’s getting married...
Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City by Holly Denham
****4 stars
Great follow-up to Holly's Inbox. It was once again fast paced and didn't loose it's substance. It was a lot like listening to conversations with your friends. It was easy to get into and was a quick read. Definitely something to bring on a vacation.
Book Jacket Summary:
For Holly Denham, life seems to good to be true. She loves her job as a receptionist at swanky investment bank D.K. Huerst. And she's going out with the man of her dreams. All she has to do is stay out of trouble.
But things are about to go disastrously wrong. There's a scandal in the City and the gossip is all about Holly. And she discovers someone's been keeping a very big secret from her. Can she save her job and her relationship? For Holly, time is running out...
Great follow-up to Holly's Inbox. It was once again fast paced and didn't loose it's substance. It was a lot like listening to conversations with your friends. It was easy to get into and was a quick read. Definitely something to bring on a vacation.
Book Jacket Summary:
For Holly Denham, life seems to good to be true. She loves her job as a receptionist at swanky investment bank D.K. Huerst. And she's going out with the man of her dreams. All she has to do is stay out of trouble.
But things are about to go disastrously wrong. There's a scandal in the City and the gossip is all about Holly. And she discovers someone's been keeping a very big secret from her. Can she save her job and her relationship? For Holly, time is running out...
Holly's Inbox by Holly Denham
**** 4 stars
Loved this! It was like a sneaking a peek into someones personal life. It was quick paced. Although it took a bit to keep the emails straight and the characters, I found it absorbing and was through it in an afternoon!
Book Jacket Summary:
Ever wanted a peak at someone else's emails?
Meet Holly Denham. It's her first day as a receptionist at a City investment bank and, with no cooperate front-of-house experience, Holly is struggling to keep up. Add to this her mad friends, dysfunctional family and gossipy colleagues, and Holly's inbox is a daily source of drama, laughter, scandal and even romance. But Holly's keeping a secret from everyone - and the past is about to catch up with her...
Loved this! It was like a sneaking a peek into someones personal life. It was quick paced. Although it took a bit to keep the emails straight and the characters, I found it absorbing and was through it in an afternoon!
Book Jacket Summary:
Ever wanted a peak at someone else's emails?
Meet Holly Denham. It's her first day as a receptionist at a City investment bank and, with no cooperate front-of-house experience, Holly is struggling to keep up. Add to this her mad friends, dysfunctional family and gossipy colleagues, and Holly's inbox is a daily source of drama, laughter, scandal and even romance. But Holly's keeping a secret from everyone - and the past is about to catch up with her...
Reinventing Mona by Jennifer Coburn
*** 3 stars
This book was good, it didn't knock me off my feet. I really liked the quick pace of the book and the plot was interesting enough, just really didn't grab me.
Book Jacket Summary:
What's new? Me, for starters...
It all began when my job offered me a buyout package. That's when the realization hit: I'm young, I'm rich (thanks to a hefty inheritance), and I'm boring. Things are gonna change-starting now...
Building a better man trap...
First things first: Exercise. Carrot juice. Straight hair. Whiter teeth. Clothes that fit. But wait-there's more. I'm finally ready to take a chance on love with the perfect guy. He's handsome. He's smart. He's reliable. He's my CPA. Problem is, I'm clueless about winning him over. It's time to call in an expert. It's time to call in The Dog.
Down, boy.
Mike "The Dog" Dougherty is a man's man. A guy's guy. Okay, he's a chauvinist pig, and his sty is "The Dog House," a testosterone-charged column in Maximum for Him magazine. On one hand, I abhor all he stands for. On the other hand, who better to coach me? So here I am. Learning the complex unspoken language of the American male (Talk, bad. Sex, good.); trying exciting new things (Stripping lessons are empowering. Really.); falling for Mike. Uh oh. But the Mike I'm getting to know is different from The Dog. And the Mona I'm becoming isn't quite who I expected, either.
This whole makeover scheme is getting crazier by the minute. But "crazy" beats "boring"...right?
This book was good, it didn't knock me off my feet. I really liked the quick pace of the book and the plot was interesting enough, just really didn't grab me.
Book Jacket Summary:
What's new? Me, for starters...
It all began when my job offered me a buyout package. That's when the realization hit: I'm young, I'm rich (thanks to a hefty inheritance), and I'm boring. Things are gonna change-starting now...
Building a better man trap...
First things first: Exercise. Carrot juice. Straight hair. Whiter teeth. Clothes that fit. But wait-there's more. I'm finally ready to take a chance on love with the perfect guy. He's handsome. He's smart. He's reliable. He's my CPA. Problem is, I'm clueless about winning him over. It's time to call in an expert. It's time to call in The Dog.
Down, boy.
Mike "The Dog" Dougherty is a man's man. A guy's guy. Okay, he's a chauvinist pig, and his sty is "The Dog House," a testosterone-charged column in Maximum for Him magazine. On one hand, I abhor all he stands for. On the other hand, who better to coach me? So here I am. Learning the complex unspoken language of the American male (Talk, bad. Sex, good.); trying exciting new things (Stripping lessons are empowering. Really.); falling for Mike. Uh oh. But the Mike I'm getting to know is different from The Dog. And the Mona I'm becoming isn't quite who I expected, either.
This whole makeover scheme is getting crazier by the minute. But "crazy" beats "boring"...right?
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Hating Game by Talli Roland
****4 stars
This book was a different story line than you are used to, very fresh. I truly enjoyed it and although you can see at times where it might be heading it was a good journey. The main character, Mattie is not as likable as I would have liked but she does grow throughout the book and it was nice to see progression of change. I would definitely recommend this to a friend, as it has some seriously funny scenarios and is over all an enjoyable chick lit read.
Book Jacket Summary:
When Mattie Johns agrees to star on a dating game show to save her ailing recruitment business, she's confident she'll sail through to the end without letting down the perma-guard she's perfected from years of her love 'em and leave 'em dating strategy.
After all, what can go wrong with dating a few losers and hanging out long enough to pick up a juicy £200,000 prize? Plenty, Mattie discovers, when it's revealed that the contestants are four of her very unhappy exes.
Can Mattie confront her past to get the prize money she so desperately needs, or will her exes finally wreak their long-awaited revenge? And what about the ambitious TV producer whose career depends on stopping her from making it to the end?
This book was a different story line than you are used to, very fresh. I truly enjoyed it and although you can see at times where it might be heading it was a good journey. The main character, Mattie is not as likable as I would have liked but she does grow throughout the book and it was nice to see progression of change. I would definitely recommend this to a friend, as it has some seriously funny scenarios and is over all an enjoyable chick lit read.
Book Jacket Summary:
When Mattie Johns agrees to star on a dating game show to save her ailing recruitment business, she's confident she'll sail through to the end without letting down the perma-guard she's perfected from years of her love 'em and leave 'em dating strategy.
After all, what can go wrong with dating a few losers and hanging out long enough to pick up a juicy £200,000 prize? Plenty, Mattie discovers, when it's revealed that the contestants are four of her very unhappy exes.
Can Mattie confront her past to get the prize money she so desperately needs, or will her exes finally wreak their long-awaited revenge? And what about the ambitious TV producer whose career depends on stopping her from making it to the end?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Nice Girls Do by Sarah Duncan
***3 stars
This was a slow starter for me. It took me til about half way through the book to truly be pulled into the story, once it did, it really gripped me. It was a good book, but wasn't my favorite by this author. I really liked the interest in historic gardens as it was a new concept to me, but didn't take the book over either. A nice read but "Kissing Mr Wrong" still my fav by this author.
Book Jacket Summary:
Anna can cope with gardens, especially the historic ones it’s her job to research, but when it comes to love and relationships she has lost her way, following the collapse of her short-lived marriage. Then she meets Oliver, destined to inherit a magical eighteenth-century house and garden from his ageing grandmother, and a man who, unlike her, is more interested in the future than the past. But is Oliver’s interest in Anna entirely straightforward, or does he have a secret agenda? Will, the gardener, claims he has, but then Will has secrets of his own, and a past as mysterious as the garden he looks after. As Anna gradually deciphers the secret history of the garden, she realises that only by learning to read the messages will she find a way through the wilderness to the hidden heart at the centre, and discover where her own future happiness lies.
This was a slow starter for me. It took me til about half way through the book to truly be pulled into the story, once it did, it really gripped me. It was a good book, but wasn't my favorite by this author. I really liked the interest in historic gardens as it was a new concept to me, but didn't take the book over either. A nice read but "Kissing Mr Wrong" still my fav by this author.
Book Jacket Summary:
Anna can cope with gardens, especially the historic ones it’s her job to research, but when it comes to love and relationships she has lost her way, following the collapse of her short-lived marriage. Then she meets Oliver, destined to inherit a magical eighteenth-century house and garden from his ageing grandmother, and a man who, unlike her, is more interested in the future than the past. But is Oliver’s interest in Anna entirely straightforward, or does he have a secret agenda? Will, the gardener, claims he has, but then Will has secrets of his own, and a past as mysterious as the garden he looks after. As Anna gradually deciphers the secret history of the garden, she realises that only by learning to read the messages will she find a way through the wilderness to the hidden heart at the centre, and discover where her own future happiness lies.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Looking for Leon by Shirley Benton
*****5 stars
LOVED IT! Benton's first book will grab you from the beginning and have you enjoying every bit of it. There are twists and turns and back story that will have you going through many emotions. The characters are all very real and I especially loved the setting of Las Vegas. I truly was sad to see this end, and I will be on a look out for her future books.
Book Jacket Description:
What would you do to find the one that got away? Andie hadn't gambled on meeting the love of her life on a holiday in Las Vegas but when she meets Leon, love suddenly seems like a bet she can win. That is, until the wheel of fortune steps in and separates them during a fire drill. With next to no info on Leon, Andie finds it impossible to track him down despite staging a series of publicity stunts to get the media in on the act. Back in Ireland, journalist Andie begins to write a regular newspaper column about her search. Readers love it and a local TV station flies her back to Vegas to take up the hunt for the man she can t forget. What starts off as a simple low-budget documentary, spirals into a frenzied national media search. With the world's most ambitious PR agent on board, Andie becomes a heroine for those who are looking for love. But does Leon want to be found?
LOVED IT! Benton's first book will grab you from the beginning and have you enjoying every bit of it. There are twists and turns and back story that will have you going through many emotions. The characters are all very real and I especially loved the setting of Las Vegas. I truly was sad to see this end, and I will be on a look out for her future books.
Book Jacket Description:
What would you do to find the one that got away? Andie hadn't gambled on meeting the love of her life on a holiday in Las Vegas but when she meets Leon, love suddenly seems like a bet she can win. That is, until the wheel of fortune steps in and separates them during a fire drill. With next to no info on Leon, Andie finds it impossible to track him down despite staging a series of publicity stunts to get the media in on the act. Back in Ireland, journalist Andie begins to write a regular newspaper column about her search. Readers love it and a local TV station flies her back to Vegas to take up the hunt for the man she can t forget. What starts off as a simple low-budget documentary, spirals into a frenzied national media search. With the world's most ambitious PR agent on board, Andie becomes a heroine for those who are looking for love. But does Leon want to be found?
Monday, April 4, 2011
Second Thyme Around by Katie Fforde
*****5 stars
I absolutely adore Fforde's books. I can sit down and just take myself away and escape into the pages. She writes with so much warmth and compassion. I adore her characters and different ways of living. I look forward to my next read by this author! :)
Book Jacket Summary:
For years, things have run quite smoothly for Perdita and her organic gardening business. So what if her hair needs a complete overhaul, her sweater has more holes than Swiss cheese, and there's no hope of a boyfriend on the horizon? The last thing Perdita wants is a meddlesome man in her life-but she's about to get one, in the form of her completely infuriating ex-husband, Lucas.
Lucas in disagreeable, curt, arrogant, and smolderingly gorgeous. He's also the new chef at Grantly House, Perdita's number-one customer. Worse, Mr. Grantly has the insane idea of starting a television cooking show that will put Lucas and Perdita together as "The Gourmet and the Gardener."
Now, things are heating up in the kitchen--and elsewhere. With the bright lights blazing and old feelings stirring the pot, it could be a recipe for disaster...or absolute delight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)