Trashionista

August 20, 2010 10:10 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Sandy Lo (plus giveaway!)

We last spoke to Sandy Lo  last year, about the release of her debut novel Lost In You. Sandy's back, and this time she's penned her second book, Dream Catchers. We spoke to her about this latest release, and what she's been up to since her last interview!

 

Plus, Sandy Lo has three signed copies of Dream Catchers to give away! Simply send an email to the editor (elle.symonds [at] gmail.com) to be entered into the draw. Be sure to put 'Dream Catchers' in the subject heading. Good luck!

 

We last spoke to you early last year. What have you been up to?

Well, since we last spoke, I've done a few book events in New York, including an awesome release party in my hometown of Staten Island for "Dream Catchers" earlier this year.  Along with "Dream Catchers", I wrote a song for the book called "Haley's Letter" which is available on iTunes under the band name Tortured.  Other than that, I began my own web show with my friend called "The Sandy Squared Show", where we discuss entertainment and feature new talent.

 

Tell us more about Dream Catchers.

"Dream Catchers" is like a romantic comedy for young adults.  The main female character, Haley Foster, is a bit of an anxiety-ridden social misfit who is very wealthy and sheltered.  She basically is bored with her life and doesn't want to return home from college for the summer.  She winds up getting on the wrong bus going home, loses her wallet and her cell phone and meets Jordan Walsh, a laidback musician who's pretty much the opposite of her.  They push each other's buttons the entire bus ride until they're stranded together.  Jordan dares Haley to go with him to New York and break out of her rich girl bubble.  She surprisingly takes the dare and learns how to finally live her only life and experiences her first love.  For me, the book was so much to write and I've received great feedback from my readers saying how much they enjoyed the story and its characters.  They also said they didn't want it to end, which is why I'm currently writing the sequel!

 

What inspired you to write the book?

I actually wrote the first chapter in October 2001 while I was a freshman in college.  So many of Haley's emotions expressed in that chapter was what I was feeling at the time.  I went on to find myself and what I truly wanted out of life and who I am over the past nine years.  When I went back to writing the novel eight years later, I wanted to finish Haley's journey of self-discovery.  I wanted to prove dreams come true and it's okay to chase them, or catch them when they come soaring by.

We understand that you write for StarShine Magazine. Could you tell us more about that?

I am actually the founder and president of StarShine Magazine.  I began it as an e-mail newsletter back in 2001 to gain journalism experience, since at the time, that was my career path.  By June 2002, I turned the newsletter into a full-blown online magazine that interviewed stars like Goo Goo Dolls, Backstreet Boys, and Aaron Carter.  Now, after nine years, I'm still running StarShine Magazine and interviewing today's big stars like Lady Gaga, Jonas Brothers and Taylor Swift.  In fact, I even got to interview one of my favorite bands 30 Seconds To Mars, who acted as my muse while I wrote "Dream Catchers".  I was able to tell them about the book and how they inspired my fictional band Tortured.  StarShine has helped bring out the best in me and introduced me to many friends and entertainers that I am honored to know.

How much success did you get with your first novel, Lost In You?

As a self-published author, it's very difficult to get your name out there.  I am fortunate to have a platform to publicize my books such as StarShine Magazine.  That being said, "Lost In You" has sold fairly well with what little resources I have.  Several publications/websites have raved about the book.  My favorite review was from Denise Solis, who is a fellow author and mother of Backstreet Boy, AJ McLean.  Since the book was influenced by the Backstreet Boys and 98 Degrees, it was an honor to have someone so close to them review the book.  Denise was also a character in the book and was flattered by that.  Overall, I was proud of what I accomplished with "Lost In You" and hope with each book, I gain more readers and keep the ones I have coming back for more.

Do you have any plans to write more? If so, can you give us any details?

I think I will always have plans to write more!  There wasn't a time in my life where I can remember me NOT writing something!  My next novel will be the sequel to "Dream Catchers", which will probably come out in early 2011.  After that, I plan to work on more of a supernatural book, "The Watch Dog", which takes place in Nashville, Tennessee, where I plan to move to next year.  That one means a lot to me since it will be dedicated to Brownie, the dog I grew up with.  She passed away when I was sixteen, but her memory is so much alive within me.  She was my protector and I feel she still watches over me.  So I'm taking that beautiful idea and working it into the theme of this book.

 

Thanks, Sandy!

 

You can find out more about Sandy Lo  over at her official website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on August 20, 2010 in American Authors, Interviews | Permalink | Comments (6)

June 8, 2010 10:36 PM

NEW RELEASE (and a competition!): Win a copy of Insatiable by Meg Cabot

Here's some news that'll please fans of Meg Cabot (Trashionista included!) After her highly successful adult books including the Heather Wells series (Size 12 is Not Fat) and Queen of Babble, Meg's latest adult novel, Insatiable, is out today - and we have two copies of the book to give away.

Here's the synopsis of Insatiable:

Vampires. This isn't the first time they've taken a bite out of popular culture.  And with INSATIABLE (June 8), #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot blends trend with tradition as only she can to create a fresh, funny, pulse-pounding and poignant update of our darkest eternal Gothic romance, Dracula.

Sick of hearing about vampires?  So is Meena Harper.  But as a writer for Insatiable, the second-hottest daytime soap (thanks to her burdensome if lucrative psychic ability to see into the future and determine how people are going to die), Meena's being forced to use a vampire story line to boost ratings.  But, just as Insatiable is switching to a vampire theme to attract a younger demographic, a spate of chilling murders-by-exsanguinations grips New York City.

Enter Lucien Antonescu, a sexy, melancholic Romanian history professor / vampire who recognizes that the murders are the work of rogue vampires who have broken away from his order (Lucien happens to be the son of Vlad the Impaler, whom Bram Stoker gave such a bad rep).  Lucien's opposition: Alaric Wulf, a sympathetic detective from the Palatine Guard, who hopes to use Meena and her prophetic gift to stop the murders and track down Lucien.

Unfortunately for Alaric, Meena is a little in love with Lucien.

Meg Cabot winningly applies her trademark likable fallible protagonists and breezy storytelling.  With INSATIABLE, she injects some much needed Gothic romance (and humor) back into the vampire oeuvre, and once again stakes her claim as the "master of her genre."


To order your copy, click here. Or to find out more about Meg Cabot and her books, check out Meg's official website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 8, 2010 in American Authors, Announcements, Book News, Competition | Permalink | Comments (14)

March 11, 2009 7:18 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Are you there, Vodka? It's me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler

I’m a big fan of memoirs, particularly the funny, short-story sort (see: Jen Lancaster, Laurie Notaro, Marian Keyes…) So I was delighted to stumble across Are you there, Vodka…?, a memoir by American actress and comedienne Chelsea Handler.

 

Admittedly, I haven’t seen much of Chelsea's TV work, what with being in the UK and all. But after reading this book, I’ll tell you one thing: I love her.

 

Are you there, Vodka? Is a selection of short non-fiction stories, in which Chelsea shares some amusing anecdotes from her life. Starting at childhood, where she lies to classmates about starring in a movie with Goldie Hawn as a no-homework excuse to her first DUI, Chelsea’s essays discuss life with her family and friends and some of her hilarious antics, including the time she got dumped by a guy she didn’t even like in the first place...because of his hair.

 

Chelsea is hilariously witty and admittedly, had me laughing all the way through, particularly seeing as she’s very blunt. Granted, she can be a bit crude at times (so be warned: this book is not for the very easily offended!) but not afraid to say what she thinks!

I'm now going to check out her other book, My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands. Consider me a new fan of Chelsea Handler because I got through Vodka in a day and already can't wait to read more! Chelsea has a fantastic writing style and the ability to portray some of life's awkward moments in the funniest way possible.

And that is why I love her.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 11, 2009 in American Authors, Memoirs, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

February 2, 2009 10:19 AM

YAY OR NAY: Pride and Prejudice and... Zombies?

Did you ever read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice? 

Did you delight in the tale of plucky, picky heroine Elizabeth Bennett and her on/off passions for the brooding Mr Darcy - but felt that something was missing from the story?

Was it zombies?

If so, then make sure you pick up a copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, "reimagined" by Los Angeles-based writer Seth Grahame-Smith to inject "all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie action" into the cherished classic.

Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy will continue their courtly mannered sparring, but Elizabeth will also be waging war against the legions of undead rising from their graves as a mysterious plague turns the residents of Meryton into flesh-eating monsters.

Yes, I am serious. No, it isn't the 1st of April.

Grahame-Smith's previous novels include How to Survive a Horror Movie and The Big Book of Porn, so it's safe to assume that his tongue was lodged firmly in his cheek when he wrote this:

'Complete with 20 illustrations in the style of C. E. Brock (the original illustrator of Pride and Prejudice), this insanely funny expanded edition will introduce Jane Austen's classic novel to new legions of fans.'

Of course, references to Jane Austen spinning in her grave would be entirely appropriate here, but thankfully I have too much taste to make them. 

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies will be available from Quirk Books from the 15th of April 2009.

Posted by Robyn Wilder on February 2, 2009 in American Authors, Book News, Classic Novels, New Releases, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (9)

January 23, 2009 12:20 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Twilight

The film adaptation of Stephanie Meyer’s teen vampire romance novel, Twilight, has been out in cinemas for a while now, but I've been dragging my heels about seeing it. 

I was strangely reluctant to even read Twilight (although I’ve no idea why – given that I was more than happy to follow the adventures of one boy wizard for a decade), but I’m so glad I did.  The book is beautifully, dreamily written and I was instantly hooked.

You see, the real reason I was wary of the film is because I’m now reading Breaking Dawn, the fourth book in the series, and I didn’t want the complex emotional world that Meyer had created in my head to be toppled by a dumbed-down, effects-laden Hollywood version.

Happily, Twilight isn’t like this at all.  It begins with the teenage Bella narrating, just as she does in the book, “I had never given much thought to how I would die....”, as she leaves her scatty mother in hot, dusty Phoenix, and travels to the permanently-overcast town of Forks to live with her father.

Kristen Stewart, with her haunted good looks and wry delivery, is a pitch-perfect Bella – shy, brainy and perhaps more mature than her parents.  There’s a slight cinema verité element to everything – all the dialogue and interactions feel very realistic, from Bella’s gruff reunion with her equally awkward father, to  the various jolts and discomforts of starting at a new school.

But a contrasting romantic atmosphere takes over when Bella meets the pale, enigmatic Edward (again, played to perfection by Robert Pattinson) who compounds Bella’s discomfort by seeming to think that she smells bad.

But when Edward moves at impossible speed to physically stop a van from ploughing into Bella, she decides she needs to know more.  Despite Edward’s warnings that Bella should stay away from him, he’s equally drawn to her. 

Which is when Edward confesses that he’s a vampire – one of a family of vampires who have all taken an oath to avoid human blood. Bella falls for Edward, and you can see why.  The boy can really smoulder (which I noticed despite Pattinson being several millennia my junior...). 

But since Edward thirsts uniquely for Bella’s blood – “you’re like my own personal heroin supply”, he tells Bella - can it ever really be safe to love a vampire?

Twilight is directed by Catherine Hardwicke, who brings her indie documentary-style realism from her previous films Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown, balancing it perfectly with the romance and suspense of the love story and supernatural aspects.  And it's so refreshing to see a novel adaptation that neither ignores the plot nor hamstrings itself by following the novel too faithfully.

There are a few really nice moments - at one point, Edward catches an apple Bella has dropped in lovely reflection of the cover of Meyer's book. Also, there's a scene where he plays piano - an irrational movie pet-hate of mine is when the actor clearly can't play and is just miming, but Pattinson actually plays - in fact he composed some of the music for the film.

All in all I thought it was fantastic, and I’m excited now that Meyer’s second novel in the series, New Moon, is currently in production with both leads on board.  It’s a great compliment to them that I didn’t for a minute think of Kristen Stewart as “the daughter from Panic Room” or Robert Pattinson as Cedric Diggory, because I’m usually such a film nerd.  In fact, I even forgot Pattinson was English. 

I left the cinema on a blissful cloud of gothic romance.  I asked the friend I’d dragged along what she’d thought of it.  She hadn’t read the book, and a lot of her motivation for accompanying me was around the sweets I’d bribed her with.

“Well,” she said.  “It is really a movie for fifteen year old girls.  But I loved it, because I’m a fifteen year old girl at heart.  Aren’t we all?”

My thoughts exactly.

Posted by Robyn Wilder on January 23, 2009 in American Authors, Friday Flick, Movie Magic, Rating: 5/5, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 20, 2008 10:26 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Little Men by Louisa May Alcott

I turned to what is probably my favourite book of all time, when the book I was going to review today was so depressingly poor, I couldn't get past the first chapter. I have therefore decided to (re)read and review something of quality - just to remind myself that there are some cracking books out there.

Little Men by Louisa May Alcott follows Little Women and Good Wives and fascinatingly shows us what has happened to Jo, Meg, Amy, Laurie and indeed Plumfield.

In the first two books Louisa demonstrates her ability to write excellent female characters. There are some men in there, but it is mainly about the four girls. In Little Men we are given just as well drawn male characters (orphans, relatives, boarders and a firebrand), along with a feisty young girl called Nan and Jo's niece Daisy (Meg's daughter, along with her son Demi). They all live at Plumfield which is now a school.

Jo is now Mrs Bhaer, married to the professor, and they have a beautiful life in gorgeous countryside with Amy and Meg just down the road. Whenever I open the book I feel snug and secure as I read about the innocent goings on of the children and how Jo is teaching them manners, patience and lots of other life lessons. When everything is getting chaotic around me, Little Men is like the calm bit at the middle of a hurricane.

And I just love this invitation from Daisy and Nan to the boys. To me, this just sums up the whole book.

Mrs Shakespeare Smith would like to have Mr John Brooke, Mr Thomas Bangs, and Mr Nathaniel Blake to come to her ball at three o'clock today.

P.S Nat must bring his fiddle, so we can dance, and all the boys must be good, or they cannot have any of the nice things we have cooked.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott (the final one)

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 20, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 17, 2008 12:03 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Hermux Tantamoq Adventures series by Michael Hoeye

I was planning to simply review the latest book in this delightful series - Time to Smell the Roses - but then I realised that most of you will probably not have heard of the books at all, so instead, I thought I'd introduce them!

I discovered Hermux Tantamoq a few years ago when I worked at Waterstone's. I met the author, Michael Hoeye, at an event and I'd loved the first book, Time Stops for No Mouse, so much that I made an absolute arse of myself. (Okay, the free drink probably didn't help.)

The Hermux Tantamoq series began as emails Michael Hoeye sent to his wife while she was travelling and features the rodent residents of Pinchester. The hero is watchmaker and part-time detective, Hermux Tantamoq who an Amazon reviewer describes - quite brilliantly, in my opinion - as "Niles Crane as a mouse".

In the first book, we're introduced to Hermux's pet ladybird, Terfle, and also meet the soon-to-become love of Hermux's life: adventurer and aviatrix, Linka Perflinger. In this and further books, we meet mysterious chipmunks, a mouse supremicist group, genetically modified bees and more.

The books have been described as Indiana Jones meets Beatrix Potter and that does sum them up neatly. But I'm not sure it conveys how charming, funny and romantic they are. They're also, at times, quite genuinely tense, even for me who is about 30 years older than the target audience!

The characters are incredibly well-developed. So much so that you often forget that you're reading about rodents.

They'd be ideal books to read aloud at bedtime - particularly since each chapter is only about three pages long - but I think I've read each of the books in one sitting. A hot chocolate and a doughnut (or ten) would be the perfect accompaniment. Or maybe a dried aphid, if you're a ladybug.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try ... er, nothing we've reviewed. But I guess it's kind of similar to The Rescuers or Stuart Little!

Posted by Keris on November 17, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 14, 2008 10:22 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn & My Mother's Wish by Jerry Camery-Hoggatt

Reviewed by Jill Hart

Two Christmas Stories You Can Believe In

I love Christmas. I love the lights, the tree, even the hustle and bustle. But, one of my most favorite things about Christmas is treating myself to a cup of cocoa and a good Christmas story. Some years I'm drawn back to the old standbys like A Christmas Carol or even How The Grinch Stole Christmas. But, this year I have two new Christmas favorites.

The first book, Engaging Father Christmas, is actually the second book in a series by Robin Jones Gunn. (The first book is Finding Father Christmas - my last year's favorite.)

Gunn's novellas are cozy. Set in London, they have everything I need for a heartwarming Christmastime read - love, intrigue and, of course, a happy ending. The books each stand alone, but my recommendation would be to read them together.

In Engaging Father Christmas, the main character, Miranda Carson, is headed to see her boyfriend whom she met the prior Christmas. She's unsure of exactly where they stand and running into a old flame at the train station makes things even more complicated. She's also in town to see her step-mother - a woman who hasn't been able (or willing) to accept her as a true member of the family. She's hoping this trip she'll be able to win her approval and finally have a real family. But, a serious of events casts a doubtful shadow over Miranda's trip and she's not sure she'll ever find a family to belong to.

The second story is My Mother's Wish: An American Christmas Carol by Jerry Camery-Hoggatt. The US is joining the ranks of the Christmas Carol producers and this YA novella is a sweet example. Ellee, a frustrated teenage girl, just doesn't see things the way the rest of the world does. Her controlling mother won't give her a break, even refusing to refer to her as anything but Eleanor (her grandmother and namesake) and comparing her every move to that of her perfect sister.

Ellee finally gets fed up and decides that running away from home is the only way to escape her mother's disappointment in her. She gets more than she bargained for when she finds herself at the Comeback Cafe with no money, no ride and not a friend in site. Lives interwoven is the theme of this book and it's a beautiful picture of how each of us can have an effect on those around us.

Rating: 4/5

Posted by Aigua Media on November 14, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 12, 2008 10:50 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch

I really enjoyed Allison Winn Scotch's debut, The Department of Lost and Found, and I'd been looking forward to her second book, Time of My Life for a while (particularly since I saw the beautiful cover).

It's another in a fairly long line of "what if" type books. Like Jenny Colgan's Do You Remember the First Time (in which a 30-year-old woman wakes up one day to find herself transported back to age 16). Or Catriona McCloud's almost-brilliant Growing Up Again, in which the main character also goes back in time to age 15.

Time of My Life has probably got the most in common with Mil Millington's Instructions For Living Someone Else's Life, in which Chris Mortimer goes to bed aged 25 in 1988 and wakes up aged 43 in 2006. But, you know, in the opposite direction.

Time of My Life's Jillian only goes back seven years, but they're an important seven years. In the present, she's married to Henry, living in the suburbs, a stay-at-home mom to eighteen month old Katie. She's not happy and more and more she finds herself thinking about her former life in New York, working as an advertising executive and living with the sexy Jackson.

And then - via a masseur unblocking her chi - she's back in her old life. At first, it's good. The sex is better than she remembered and, thanks to her future knowledge, she's kicking ass at work. But she misses her daughter. And, when she starts bumping into her future husband, Henry - and is able to directly compare him to Jackson - she's not sure which time she belongs in.

I enjoyed Time of My Life, but I found it a bit slow-going. Reviews on the back cover describe it as "a fabulous, madcap read". Also "funny" and "hilarious". I'm not sure they were reading the same book. I didn't find it funny at all and it's far from madcap. In fact, it's what I would call emotionally intelligent. Jillian looks deeply into the experiences that made her into the person she was (in the future, if you know what I mean). Her mother's abandonment at age 9. The death of her best friend. Her need to be popular.

Despite this, I never really felt I got to know Jillian as well as I would have liked. In fact, I was more interested in her friend Megan and I'd love to read a book from her point of view.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Growing Up Again by Catriona McCloud

Posted by Keris on November 12, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 5, 2008 11:12 AM

BOOK NEWS: Being Nikki

I LOVED Airhead, the first in Meg Cabot's, er, Airhead series.

The second, Being Nikki, isn't out until May 2009, but I thought I'd tell you about it anyway, because I'm excited. Are you? (Read more about it over the cut.)

Related posts: TV & Movie News: Meg Cabot | Meg Cabot interview

Things aren't pretty for Emerson Watts. 

 

Em was sure there couldn't be anything worse than being a brainiac the body of a teenaged supermodel.   

 

But it turned out she was wrong. Because that supermodel could turn out to have a mother who's gone mysteriously missing, a brother who's shown up on her doorstep demanding answers, a former best friend who's intent on destroying Stark Enterprises to avenge the death of his lost love, and a British heartthrob who's written a song about her that's topping the charts.

 

How can Em balance all that with school, runway shows, and weekend jaunts to St. Johns - especially when she's got ex-boyfriends crawling out of the woodwork who want more than just a photo op; a sister who is headed to the high school cheerleading championships; a company she represents that seems to be turning to the dark side...

Not to mention trying to convince the love of her life that models aren't really airheads after all...especially one model in particular.

 

But then, nobody said it was going to be easy being Nikki.

Posted by Keris on November 5, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (8)

November 3, 2008 10:55 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

I was afraid to read Elizabeth Scott's Living Dead Girl. I've loved her other books, but this was something completely different.

It's the story of “Alice” who was abducted, aged 10, by Ray. She's now 15 and constantly subjected to physical, mental and sexual abuse. Ray killed his previous “Alice” when she reached 15 so Alice is waiting until he kills her too. She's not afraid, she would welcom it. But Ray's got something different in mind – he wants her to help him kidnap his new "Alice".

This book is described on the back cover as “more than a novel... it is a visceral experience” and I would agree. I found it incredibly hard to read, in fact I had to scan it quickly because I wanted to find out what happened, but I wanted to avoid as much detail as possible.

Brilliantly written as it, it's the kind of book that could give you nightmares. Even if it doesn't, I guarantee you won't be able to stop thinking about it.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Dear Zoe by Philip Beard (or The Lovely Bones, which we haven't reviewed).

Posted by Keris on November 3, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 31, 2008 8:27 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Bright Side of Disaster by Katherine Center

I mentioned the other day that I loved Katherine Center's The Bright Side of Disaster and I really did. It's been a couple of days since I finished reading it and I wish I hadn't. I miss it.

It's the story of Jenny who is engaged to be married and pregnant with her first child. Her fiance, Dean, doesn't seem entirely present, but Jenny thinks it's just cold feet about the wedding and the baby... until Dean takes off (leaving a note) and Jenny goes into labour.

Once her baby daugher, Maxie, arrives, Jenny decides that everything is going to be about the baby. Maxie may not have a dad, but Jenny vows to make up for it by being the best mother ever. And yet... motherhood is so much harder than she expected.

Her mother helps out when she can (despite being allergic to Jenny's cat), but her best friend has fallen in love and is MIA. Luckily there's a new neighbour who is not only kind, sympathetic and handy (and gorgeous), but is also great with the baby.

But then, inevitably, Dean comes back. And he wants to be a family again.

I know. When I read the blurb, I thought, I've read this before, but Katherine Center's writing, along with the wonderful characters, make this a memorable read. I LOVED the neighbour, Gardner and LOATHED the useless Dean. Plus Center writes about the early years of motherhood (not to mention the horror of labour) with insight and warmth. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Feels Like Maybe by Claire Allan

Posted by Keris on October 31, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 24, 2008 9:35 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Miracle Girls by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt

Reviewed by Jill Hart

The Miracle Girls is a sweet novel about second chances. Ana Dominguez has just moved to Half Moon Bay and is doing her best to fit in to her new life. Unfortunately, Riley, the most popular girl in school, has singled Ana out for her own brand of high school torture. When Ana and Riley end up in detention together, Ana is sure things can't get any worse.

God uses this bad situation to bring Ana together with a group of girls (Riley included) who, like her, are living their second chance at life. Ana realizes that they have been brought together for a purpose, but she must now convince the other "Miracle Girls" - maybe not Riley - that their friendship is meant to be.

I really enjoyed Miracle Girls and am already looking forward to the next book in the series. This is the type of novel that is timeless, that I'll want my daughter to read when she hits her teens (or tweens). I look forward to the day when I can share my love of reading - and clean, godly books like this one - with her.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try It's All About Us by Shelley Medina

Posted by Aigua Media on October 24, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, New Releases, Rating: 3/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 21, 2008 10:24 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle

Yes, I know, it's not Christmas yet (not long now, though, you know!), but last week the weather was so miserable and drizzly, I just felt like I needed some Christmas cheer.

And who better to bring Christmas cheer than one of my favourite YA authors, Maureen Johnson, along with John Green and Lauren Myracle?

Let It Snow is three linked stories, all taking place in the same town during the same period - Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Maureen Johnson's The Jubilee Express is about Jubilee Dougal, a girl named after a house in her parents' miniature Christmas village. When her parents are arrested trying to buy the latest (limited edition, of course) Christmas building, she finds herself on a train headed to Florida to spend Christmas with her grandparents. And when that train hits an enormous snowdrift and can go no further, she finds herself in Gracetown, subject to the hospitality of a boy she meets in the Waffle House.

The characters in John Green's A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle are desperately trying to get to that same Waffle House to spend the evening with hot cheerleaders (who are also taking refuge from the stuck train). Well, two of them are interested in the cheerleaders (the boys, JP and Tobin), the girl - Angie, known as the Duke - is more interested in cheese-covered hash browns (as was I, the entire time I was reading this story). Due to the overwhelming snow, the trip to the Waffle House takes hours and is fraught with peril (not least from the other boys trying to get to the cheerleaders first), but then things take a romantic turn...

Finally, in Lauren Myracle's The Patron Saint of Pigs, we meet Addie (who we have heard of in both the previous stories). She's recently broken up with her boyfriend, Jeb, and is broken-hearted. And yet she still has a frightening early shift at Starbucks... and a teacup piglet to collect.

I really enjoyed this book. All three stories are wintery, Christmassy, funny, gripping and romantic. I enjoyed Maureen Johnson's the most, mainly because I love her humour, and Lauren Myracle's didn't quite hold my attention (there was an awful lot of chat with Starbucks customers when I just wanted to get to the romance!), but the ending more than made up for it.

I love it when characters cross over in stories and this was done in an incredibly entertaining way. One for curling up with the fairy lights on and a cup of hot chocolate to drink.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson, Looking for Alaska by John Green or How to be Bad by Lauren Myracle (and Sarah Mlynowski and E Lockhart)

Posted by Keris on October 21, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Romance, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (5)

October 17, 2008 12:56 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Thin Is the New Happy by Valerie Frankel

I'd been looking forward to this book for so long. I love Valerie Frankel's novels (and her blog) and I do like a good weightloss/body image memoir, particularly when they're funny, and Thin is the New Happy didn't disappoint.

Frankel had been struggling with her weight and, more importantly, body image, since the age of 11 when her mother decided Valerie was overweight and something must be done. (She writes: “I could have food. Or I could have approval. I couldn’t have both.”) I'm constantly amazed at the terrible comments parents direct at their children in these kinds of books, but Valerie's mother's mother was even worse, so you can almost understand why she was so fat-phobic. This pattern also acted as a catalyst for Frankel to deal with her issues - she was determined not to pass them on to her own two daughters.

Frankel addresses these issues in a variety of ways. She gives up dieting. She contacts one of the boys who teased and bullied her about her weight at school. She attempts to have it out with her mother. She tackles her constant negative self-talk by buying a clicker to record just how many negative comments she makes about herself each day (the result is staggering). She has her (dull and functional) wardrobe overhauled by a style expert. She even poses naked for a national magazine.

All the while, Frankel is also relating stories from her life that relate to her body image and weight, so we learn about the death of her first husband and her subsequent relationship with her second. We learn much about her mother and sister and daughters. We learn about her time as an editor at women's magazine, Mademoiselle (not a healthy place for a woman with body issues - the chapter heading is "Ugly Valerie").

As I almost always find myself saying about memoirs, Thin Is the New Happy is brutally honest. It's also very funny. But more importantly, it's inspiring. And it left me with one image that I can't get out of my head - after deciding not to look at herself in a shop window she passes each day, Frankel instead looked down at her daughter, who smiled up at her "big and beautiful", causing her to wonder how many of these moments she'd missed "while frowning at my profile in storefront windows".  This was a wake-up call to me, as I'm sure it will be to many women.

If you've ever had any issues with body image (and I'll just bet you have), you need to read this book.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster

Posted by Keris on October 17, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 14, 2008 10:15 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Maggie Come Lately by Michelle Buckman

Reviewed by Jill Hart

Maggie has struggled for years to make sense of her mother's suicide. She resents the fact that she has had to make up for her mom's absence - doing the cooking, cleaning and other "motherly" tasks. She wonders what it's like to be a normal teenager.

Then her sixteenth birthday arrives. Maggie's birthday wish is that sixteen will be a great year - that she's be pretty and popular and that her brother's best friend (whom she's had a crush on forever) will notice her.

Her birthday ushers in a whole new period in her life, but it's not quite what she expected. Her father gives her a family heirloom as a gift (just the fact that he remembered her birthday is a miracle) and announces that it's time for her to meet the 'special someone' in her life. Then she makes a discovery that will change the course of her life forever.

Maggie Come Lately covers a more serious subject matter than the usual chick lit/YA that I choose. It's a coming-of-age story of a girl who is searching for her place in the world. It's dark at times and yet there is a ribbon of faith that runs through the book and helps to put her struggle in perspective. It's a story of hurt and betrayal, but also one of redemption.

Rating: 4 of 5

Like this? Try Dear Zoe by Philip Beard

Posted by Aigua Media on October 14, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, Rating: 4/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 13, 2008 11:38 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Seduction by Gemma Holliday

You know me, the words "erotic fiction" made me a teensy bit afraid. I'm not a prude (okay, I'm a bit of a prude), but I'm always wary of reading anything described as "erotic" and I'm certainly wary of reading anything with people in their underpants on the cover.

But Geneva Holliday's latest book, Seduction, while it is indeed erotic, is also great fun. I think I read it in two sittings and I was pretty much smiling throughout.

Seduction features Mildred Johnson. She works for the managing director of an investment firm and is, by all accounts, deeply unattractive and insecure.

Tony Landry is a player. Despite still living with his mother, he sleeps with a different woman every night (and sometimes more than one at a time) and is basically a moral vacuum.

So when Tony gets a job at the company where Mildred works, the reader isn't unduly worried. I mean, Mildred's certainly not his type. But then Tony's friend tells him how he can use his new job to steal money from the company and, for that, he needs to convince Mildred that he's in love with her. And he does. And poor Mildred falls for him too. Hard. (Fnarr.)

Tony, the swine, jilts Mildred on their wedding day and nicks off to Barbados with his ill-gotten gains.

Mildred, devastated, goes to Barbados on holiday. Well, she thought it was a holiday, but it turns out her friend has sent her to a weightloss boot camp. Mildred loses weight and becomes stunningly gorgeous.

And then she bumps into Tony and sees the chance for revenge...

(I know it seems like I've given away pretty much the whole book - and I kind of have - but that's no more than it says on the back cover!)

Like I said, Seduction is great fun... as long as you don't take it too seriously. (And, to be honest, I'm not sure you could.) At the beginning, Mildred is such a dope and so insecure that I just wanted to shake her, but then she changes quite dramatically and I'm not entirely confident it's for the better (I can't say any more than that because I don't want to give the ENTIRE book away!).

But bits of it *were* pretty sexy, so it would make a rather fabulous beach read, I think. And I'll definitely be reading more Geneva Holliday books.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Amorous Woman by Donna George Storey

Posted by Keris on October 13, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Romance, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 10, 2008 11:59 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs

I'd been looking forward to Kate Jacobs' second book for almost a year, so earlier this week, I made myself a cup of tea, got myself a packet of dark chocolate digestives (*my* comfort food) and curled up on the sofa to indulge... (I had the book as well).

It's the story of TV chef Augusta "Gus" Simpson who learns that her long-running cookery show is getting, in the opinion of the audience and the television station, stale. I'm afraid to say I found the book stale too. (The biscuits, however, were fine.)

Gus's producer tells her that they need to liven things up and so she finds herself agreeing to a live show with special guests. The original plan, basketball stars ("Hot guests and cool food") falls through when they are delayed by the weather and the head of the station instead brings, younger, hotter (and cooler) Spanish internet chef, Carmen Vega to cook alongside Gus. Gus, of course, can't stand Carmen, but the audience loves her and so Gus and Carmen are given a show to co-present.

Meanwhile, Gus is trying to control the lives of everyone around her - her daughters, their boyfriends, her best friend and neighbour, the reclusive Hannah - while refusing to live her own life (widowed more than twenty years earlier, she hasn't dated since).

But I'm afraid I didn't really believe a word of it. I didn't warm to Gus at all. I didn't find anything that happened particularly believable, plus it was all rather cliched (why did she dislike Carmen? Because she was younger and more attractive). The storyline that Hannah was hiding out after a scandal seemed to appear from nowhere.

I know I recently complained about criticisms of chick lit as predictable, but, seriously, the love interest in this book practically arrived with a flashing "LOVE INTEREST" light show above his head. And yet I didn't find myself rooting for he and Gus to get together because I didn't care enough about either of them.

I've also complained in the past when people call a plot "contrived" because, let's face it, all plots are contrived by the author - but I got the impression reading Comfort Food that Kate Jacobs was sitting and thinking, "Hm. What should happen next? Oh yes, I know, I'll send them all on a team building course." It just didn't seem natural to me and I found myself mostly scanning the entire second half of the book.

I was particularly disappointed because I enjoyed The Friday Night Knitting Club so much. Jacobs' next book is a sequel to that one, so here's hoping it'll find her back on form.

Rating: 3/5 (I toyed with a 2, but it *is* well-written, so I've decided on a 3)

Like this? Try The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12 by Robin Gold (a similar idea, but so much better)

Posted by Keris on October 10, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 9, 2008 1:03 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum

The first time I heard of Julie Buxbaum's debut, The Opposite of Love, was when I found out it was to be adapted into a film with Anne Hathaway playing the lead. When I received the book it had a quote, from Marian Keyes no less, on the front cover. "Gripping, wise and extremely refreshing. I loved it." Made into a film and Marian Keyes' endorsement. This book, I thought, must be great.

It is the story of Emily, a successful Manhattan lawyer, working for a prestigious law firm. Intelligent, well educated and in a relationship with a fabulous man, Andrew, whom she loves. After spending a great weekend together with him, she dumps him. Because she had an inkling he was about to propose. Her friends and Grandpa Jack are incredulous. They thought him perfect for her. But it seems Emily, like her friend Jess states, gets pleasure out of breaking her own heart.

We then go on an emotional journey with Emily as she is sexually harassed at work, is given a case at work that goes against every instinct in her body, faces a future with a confused Grandpa, a distant father and, also, motherless, as her mum died when she was only fourteen.

This is a book about Emily finding herself. We know the outcome of this as it is written in the prologue. But would the journey be interesting enough to keep you turning those pages? Well, I found the first one hundred pages great at first. Julie has a fresh writing style which I really admire. But it did begin to get a little dull and I was desperate for Emily to make something happen for herself. Eventually she does which keeps me reading for the rest of the book.

It was interesting to see how she puts herself back together again. As I got to the end I had a fleeting thought that maybe everything happens a little too conveniently. But I also found it powerful at times. My eyes were stinging with emotion right towards the end, then bizarrely, I also found myself skipping little bits. Again it was starting to get a little (tiny tiny) bit boring. I'm looking forward to seeing it on the big screen though and will definitely pick up her next book. I agree with Marian, it was wise and it was refreshing. I think this writer has a great future ahead of her.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try The Private Lives of Pippa Lee by Rebecca Miller

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 9, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 3, 2008 1:15 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Call of the Highland Moon by Kendra Leigh Castle

Reviewed by Angela Richardson

Call of the Highland Moon is the first of a new paranormal series created by Kendra Leigh Castle. I have to admit that the cover of this book featuring a scantily clad man and its classification as paranormal romance didn’t really fill me with hope of a contemporary fantasy storyline. Okay I made the classic mistake and judged a book by its cover and boy was I hoping that my prejudices were going to be proved unjustified.

The first chapter introduces Gideon MacInnes in his other form as a werewolf. However, it is when Carly Silver, the owner of a specialist romance bookshop, is introduced into the story, that the book begins to take a different feel. Carly is well known for rescuing strays and when she finds a large dog near death on the steps of her shop she takes him home to patch him up ready to deliver to the vets the next morning.

She falls asleep with the dog by her side and wakes up with a handsome naked man lying next to her - some people have all the luck! However, the things that tried to kill him are still out there and since they are stuck in a snowstorm they have no choice but to wait for the enemy to strike.

The first chapter comes across as old fashioned and is not written in the same style as the rest of the book. Don’t let it put you off because as soon as Carly enters the scene in chapter two, the whole style of the book updates and humour is injected. I mean who can’t laugh at a Leigh Castle writing a heroine who owns a romance bookstore called Bodice Rippers and Baubles, she certainly doesn’t take herself too seriously. This worked in her favour as it made me immediately warm to her characters and also to Leigh Castle as a writer.

Even though this is classed as romance it also has a strong fantasy storyline that had been well thought through and is original (well except for conjuring up the occasional image of Stargate, but I loved that film so you won’t hear any complaints from me).

The chemistry between the characters was so brilliantly created, not just between Gideon and Carly, but the friends and family were drawn in such a way as to be very believable and they brought much humour with them too. I loved Carly’s overprotective brother who always seemed to spoil any chance of any romance by blundering in trying to protect his little sister.

Overall this was fresh, fun and fast paced with a strong original plot, I want to read the next in the series now.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

Posted by Keris on October 3, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 25, 2008 9:57 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Handbags and Homicide

An interesting title that managed to grab me straight away. I'm not a big handbag person but I do like a bit of mystery, so this seemed a perfect book for me to read whilst resting my bump. By Dorothy Howell, it is a Little Black Dress book, and I've enjoyed two of them recently so had high hopes for this one.

Haley Randolph is really into her designer handbags. Not fake, knock off ones, but the real thing. However, her expensive taste has led to very large credit card bills. She works in the accounting department for a well respected law firm, but has to take on evening  work at Holt's department store just to pay for everything. Then, a few days after starting work there, she walks into the stockroom and finds her boss lying dead on the floor.

The police are called, the owner of the store arrives but gradually the finger of suspicion starts to fall onto Haley as she found the body and no-one else appears to have been in the stockroom at the time. Then she goes to work at the law firm and finds out she has been put on administrative leave. There is a discrepancy that has to be investigated in her work.

All this would have me hyperventilating, but Haley appears to be such an airhead the seriousness of the situation kind of passes her by. She thinks the owner of the store, Ty, is pretty hot, carries on working at the store (this is now her only source of income) and takes it out on her credit card. Gradually though she wants to clear her name and starts some investigating of her own. She's a bit like a Clueless or Legally Blonde version of Meg Cabot's Heather Wells.

At the beginning her stupidness frustrated me. But. The book had that page turning factor so I kept going and the stupidness kind of fell into place. I enjoyed the last third of the book in particular, when she becomes a bit more clued up and is determined to clear her name. Then the book finishes. On a cliffhanger! How frustrating is that? So I googled the book, came across Dorothy Howell's website and find there is another Haley Randolph mystery coming out next year. Phew. That's alright then.

Breezy, amusing, with mystery. A great, light read. I look forward to the next one.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 25, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 18, 2008 10:39 AM

BOOK REVIEW: A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand

Claire Danner Crispin lives in Nantucket with her husband and four delightful children. She has a lovely house, a good husband, an au pair and a talent for glass blowing with her pieces fetching a lot of money. She is a caring, intelligent woman although she carries guilt around with her on a daily basis. Guilt over Daphne Dixon's accident, guilt over her son's birth and guilt over a bird that is lying on the side of the road.

So why would this woman, with such a lovely life (bar the guilt) risk it all for an affair with a man, who actually, isn't that nice?

In all honesty, I really don't know. And that is the major problem I have with this book. The storyline just doesn't seem plausible. Yes, she could have a deep seated unhappiness that has made her do something so risky, but if she does, we don't know about it. It didn't make sense.

Claire is asked to co-chair the Nantucket's Children Summer Gala by Lock Dixon. It is a huge task, even with a committee, but she agrees. She also agrees to make a special one off piece of art for the auction. What with all that, plus her family commitments and her affair with Lock she soon finds her life is spinning out of control.

Much is made of the fact she has four children and so is really busy, but my sister has four children and is also really busy, but still manages to get other projects done. And, unlike Claire, my sister doesn't have a live in au pair. I am all for women having a life outside their children but I can't condone Claire having an affair. I didn't like her at all and the book feels, well for want of a better word, whiny.

There were stereotypes. Of course Claire wasn't going to get on with her co-chair (but as to why we never found out), there was the alcoholic rock star, the husband who was a bit thick as he worked in the building trade, the billionaire who had lots of money but not a lot in looks, the au pair. And of course Claire was catholic. So she had the guilt.

The ending was predictable, although I felt nothing was resolved. I didn't like any of the characters and felt some of them were just added with no real thought as to where they would go. The cover did not go with the story, plus there is a major typo on the inside flap. It all makes me feel that this book was rushed to get out.

I know I am being incredibly harsh, but this book depressed me and made me cross (not a good combination). After reading Barefoot, I just expected better than this.

Rating: 2/5

Like this? Try Barefoot by the same author, Elin Hilderbrand. It is much, much better.

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 18, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 17, 2008 12:06 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Jane Porter

One of the (many) great things about this job and this site is that you can discover authors that you wouldn't normally come across. Jane Porter is a fine example of this. An American author, originally from California, her titles and covers were the sort of books I would steer clear of as they are about mothers. Nothing disrespectful about that but personally as a mum myself I don't always want to read about a subject so close to home.

But Jane's perceptive take on women and their families in Mrs. Perfect had me hooked right from the beginning, so this week I decided to shine the spotlight on her. 

Jane has written four titles under the genre of modern chick lit and numerous titles under the banner of Harlequin Presents. The latter are stories with powerful, sexual alpha male heroes, an independent heroine, a glamorous setting and an element of fantasy. Completely different to her modern lit ones (except for the independent heroine I should think).

After travelling extensively, and gaining a degree from UCLA in American Studies and a Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco, she now lives in Seattle with her two boys. She has worked in sales & marketing and has been a director of a non-profit organisation as well as teaching English to junior high and high school students.

Jane has been a finalist for the RITA award from the Romance Writers of America in 2002 and 2003. Her book Flirting with Forty has been made into a TV film with Heather Locklear.

Bibliography

Mrs. Perfect

Odd Mom Out

Flirting with Forty

The Frog Prince

Go here to see Jane's Harlequin Presents books

Jane Porter interview

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 17, 2008 in American Authors, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 16, 2008 10:43 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

I've wanted to read this book for so long. Not only because I'd heard such good things, but also because of the forthcoming film starring Michael "George Michael Bluth" Cera, who I love.

With alternate chapters written by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, I was slightly worried that it wouldn't live up to the hype (which is mainly why it took me so long to read it), but it absolutely did.

The story takes place over one night in New York. Nick's just been dumped, so when he sees his evil ex with a new man, he has to do something, fast. So he asks Norah to pretend to be his girlfriend for five minutes. Norah's not so keen, but she's no fan of Nick's ex either so she goes along with it. Their interest is piqued because the kiss is utterly amazing and they spend the rest of the night on what turns out to be a pretty outrageous first date.

As I was reading this book, I kept thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) "This is SO GOOD!" The writing is brilliant. The characters are totally convincing and never cliched. If ever a character does something stupid, they then deal with it (or, at least, agonise over it) without allowing it to drive the plot. It also captures the excitement of New York. Of a big night out. Of first love and first heartbreak. It made me want one reckless night of my own (never gonna happen...).

Loved it. And now I can't wait for the film.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Looking for Alaska by John Green

Posted by Keris on September 16, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

September 10, 2008 11:06 AM

SPOTLIGHT: Karen Quinn

If I were Karen Quinn I would probably still be squealing with excitement. Not just because she has had three books published, but also because her debut, The Ivy Chronicles, has been picked up be the movie people with the starring role rumoured to be Sarah Jessica Parker. This is the stuff of dreams, right? And it was all predicted by a psychic.

Growing up in Denver, Karen went on to become a lawyer, but realised it wasn't for her after she fell asleep during a trial. She then went on to work for a credit card company in advertising, working her way up to Vice President. Until she was downsized.

Not knowing what to do next a psychic told her to relax as something big would happen for her soon. So she partnered a friend, setting up a business which helped families in Manhattan get their children into the right schools. (This went on to provide material for her first novel). When she left this business she visited another psychic, who also told her a big change was coming up. But what could she do in the meantime whilst waiting for this "big thing?" Well, she sat down and wrote a novel. In three months.

She showed it to an editor, who liked it, but then lost interest after page 100. So she spent another two months working long days editing it. She showed it an agent, primarily for advice, but the agent liked it so much she offered to represent her. There was a bidding auction, until finally it was sold to Viking. Ah ha. So this was the big thing the psychics were talking about.

Since then she has written two more novels, Wife in the Fast Lane and Holly Would Dream and has helped out unofficially with the script for The Ivy Chronicles.

Spotlight archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 10, 2008 in American Authors, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 8, 2008 1:09 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Mrs. Perfect by Jane Porter

Jane Porter writes both modern chick lit and classic romance with Mrs. Perfect falling into the former category. I've not read any of her books before so I was curious as to whether I'd enjoy her books or not.

Taylor Young (a secondary character from Jane's previous book, Odd Mom Out) has a seemingly perfect life. She has a handsome and successful husband, three beautiful children, an active social life and various voluntary commitments. She is organised, in control and, to outsiders, content.

All of these things, however, have come at a price. She is in control because if she wasn't she'd be massively out of control, she undertakes many voluntary jobs so that things are done right and because no one else volunteers and she maintains her weight by denying herself meals. All of this is beneath the surface though. Her husband, whom she still loves passionately after all these years of marriage, has secrets of his own. Communication between the two of them is, well, there isn't any, and eventually the facade that the Young's have created to the outside world, comes crashing down around them.

In this current economical situation so many people who have previously lived just within their means, are being caught out. No longer are their homes secure, no longer are their lives stable. This book has managed to capture one woman's life brilliantly, as their lives have to change.

The characters in this novel are brilliant. Taylor, spoilt and snobbish at the beginning becomes a supermum. Her friends and their reaction to Taylor's news are well drawn. She begins to see that not everyone is who she thinks they are.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and whipped through the book in no time. I could relate to so many things in Taylor's life (although I don't have a multi million pound house). There were times, when a particularly sticky situation would come up I'd think, "why don't you do 'x', that'll sort out some of your problems" then I turn the page and she's gone and done it, thankfully, before it has become irritating.

Great book. Loved it.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 8, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

MORE ON MONDAY: Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny

As I continue my apparently never-ending campaign to get to the bottom of my relationship with money, I read Barbara Stanny's Overcoming Underearning.

I must admit, I was a little apprehensive because a) it looked a bit too American in focus and b) I thought it was more suited for higher earners working in industry rather than a little freelancer like myself.

As is so often the case these days... I was wrong.

The book is subtitled both "A five-step plan to a richer life" and "Overcome your money fears and earn what you deserve". It can simply be read (obviously), used as a journal (there is space to write your own thoughts) and as a workbook, working through the five steps.

I kind of did a combination of the three and found it incredibly helpful, for organising my thoughts about money, discovering my "limiting beliefs" and making decisions about how much money I want and need. (And I'm not finished with it yet, there are a number of pages dogeared to remind me to come back and read again in the future.)

It's extremely readable and straightforward and illustrated with examples from Stanny herself as well as her clients.

If you have any issues around money - not simply that you're worried that you don't earn enough - I think this book would help you out.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Not Buying It by Judith Levine (It's nothing like it, but at least it's about money!)

Posted by Keris on September 8, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 3, 2008 2:43 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Tess Gerritsen

I find Tess Gerritsen as intriguing as one of her books. Educated at Stanford she then trained as a doctor at the University of California. Whilst on maternity leave she began to write and that is when her second career began to take off.

Her first novel, a romantic thriller, was published in 1987. She wrote a total of nine romantic books, before settling into the medical thriller genre. Her first of these, Harvest, won nationwide acclaim. So far she has written ten from this genre, including the Jane Rizzoli/Maura Isles series with a new one coming out soon.

I love her books. I've not read any of her romantic ones (though I should) but I have read the medical thrillers which I thought I never would (or could). The main characters are women. Gritty courageous women at that. She has won Best Romantic Suspense Novel with The Surgeon which is the first novel featuring the plucky Jane Rizzoli.

She has a website and blog which gives a fascinating insight into the world of a published writer.

Jane Rizzoli/Maura Isles Series (read in order)

The Surgeon (2001)

The Apprentice (2002)

The Sinner (2003)

Body Double (2004)

Vanish (2005)

The Mephisto Club (2005)

Medical Thrillers (read in any order)

Harvest (1996)

Life Support (1997)

Bloodstream (1998)

Gravity (1999)

The Bone Garden (2007)

Romantic Suspense Novels

Call After Midnight (1987)

Under The Knife (1990)

Never Say Die (1992)

Whistleblower (1992)

Presumed Guilty (1993)

In Their Footsteps (1994)

Peggy Sue Got Murdered (1994)

Thief Of Hearts (1995)

Keeper Of The Bride (1996)

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 3, 2008 in American Authors, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 2, 2008 4:06 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Jack With a Twist by Brenda Janowitz

Jack With a Twist is Brenda Janowitz's second novel featuring lawyer Brooke Miller. In the first, Scot on the Rocks, Brooke's boyfriend dumps her just before her ex-boyfriend's wedding, which they were supposed to attend together.

In Jack..., Brooke is trying to arrange her wedding to her gorgeous fiance (um, Jack) at the same time as working on the biggest case of her career. Things are thrown into turmoil when Brooke finds out that Jack is working on the same case... but for the opposition.

Between dealing with her controlling mother, Jack's even more controlling family, and the enormous workload dealt to her by her future husband, Brooke is also trying to find a wedding dress and, you know, have some semblance of a life.

I enjoyed Jack With a Twist even more than Scot on the Rocks. As with Scot... there are some improbably situations that drove me a bit mad, but Brooke is such a sweet character and the supporting characters are such good value that I didn't mind as much as I might otherwise.

Brooke herself reminds me of a less daffy Becky Bloomwood or Lizzie from Meg Cabot's Queen of Babble series. And, yes, that's a compliment!

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot

Posted by Keris on September 2, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 1, 2008 3:30 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Lipstick Jungle by Candace Bushnell

Reviewed by Stella

Lipstick Jungle is the story of three friends, all three of whom are successful, powerful women in New York. Nico O'Neilly - editor of popular, well regarded magazine Bonfire but still has ambitions to go further with her career; Victory Ford - fashion designer to the stars, single and loving it; Wendy Healy - movie producer and wife to a stay-at-home husband and mother of three children.

Nico is having an affair, Wendy runs into marital problems and Victory's last collection was a dud. Suddenly all of their lives are turned upside down and they have to work together as friends to see each other through the tough times.

Despite being a card-carrying, box set-owning member of the I Love Sex & the City Club, I'd never read anything by Candace Bushnell before this. At first, I was loving it. All the glitz, glamour and excess of the rich and famous reminded me of those fabby '80s Jackie Collins novels I used to love (I was very young back then).The main characters of Wendy, Nico and Victory and their high-flying, champagne guzzling, sexy lifestyles all seemed so promising.

Sadly, about a third of the way in, I discovered I didn't actually care for any of our heroines. In fact finishing the book was more an exercise in hoping one of them would get their come-uppance than looking forward to a happy ending. (She didn't, by the way.) While the three women were all supposed to be best friends and met each other for lunch in times of crisis, the author failed to develop any real affection or sisterhood between them. The male characters were uniformly cretinous. There didn't appear to be any real story arc and the ending just kind of petered out and, for my money anyway, the last line of the book was one of the cheesiest last lines I have ever read.

Having said that, when I finished this book I thought I had kind of enjoyed it. After a bit of thought and running its pop-feminist message through my brain I've come to realise it's not really very good at all. It's probably the kind of thing I would have enjoyed in my late teens/early 20s, but in today's female fiction market it feels exceptionally shallow and out of place. If I wasn't a fan of Sex & the City, Lipstick Jungle certainly would not entice me to pick up anything written by Candace Bushnell again.

Rating: 2/5

Like this? Try Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger

Posted by Aigua Media on September 1, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 27, 2008 12:51 PM

BOOK(S) REVIEW: A Round-Heeled Woman and Unaccompanied Women by Jane Juska

I bought Jane Juska's memoir so long ago that, although the Waterstone's receipt was still stuck in the front cover, everything but the company name had faded away (I hate when that happens; how much better would that money have been in *my* bank account!).

Anyway, I finally started reading it and, after three chapters, loved it so much that I had to put it to one side so I could take it away with me. I loved Jane Juska's voice - wry, self-deprecating, honest - and I was desperate to read more about her adventures, but I am also always keen to have a good book to read on a plane, so I had to wait.

In case you've never heard of it, A Round-Heeled Woman is a memoir written after Juska decided to place the following advert in the New York Review of Books:

Before I turn 67 - next March - I would like to have a lot of sex with a man I like. If you want to talk first, Trollope works for me.

Incredibly brave, don't you think? Or, as Juska herself points out, foolish. I wanted her to find intelligent, entertaining, kind men and have, as she wished, lots of sex (great sex, in fact). This didn't exactly happen.

Juska's "sexploits" aren't the only focus of the book, though, she's also led an interesting life, teaching in high schools and San Quentin Prison and we learn a lot about this too, plus her family background, education in the fifties, marriage and problems with her son.

Of course, the dates with the advert's respondents and any subsequent sex are the bits that stick in the mind... actually, I'm not certain that's true. Some of the sex parts stick in the mind (ew), but I find myself thinking more about the way the men treated her. She falls in love (which she didn't intend to) with more than one of them and it doesn't work out well.

That was my problem with the book, really - and it's my problem, not the book's. I was hoping for a life-affirming memoir. I wanted Juska to get everything she wanted and more and she doesn't. In fact, she gets her heart-broken more than once. I found, as I read on, I was feeling sadder and sadder.

But not so sad that I didn't leap at the chance to read the follow-up - Unaccompanied Women - in which she's still looking for that elusive mate and, at the same time, somewhere secure to live. In fact, security is a major issue in both books, which made me worry for Juska even more. Security - financial and emotional - is one of my major driving forces and I'm "only" 37. I hate the idea that I will still feel the same in another 37 years.

I didn't enjoy Unaccompanied Women quite as much as A Round-Heeled Woman, simply because Juska reports the stories of a number of other women and I didn't find them quite as interesting as her own. Having read the books, though, I feel quite protective of Juska and hopes she gets at least some of what she really wants.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron (for wittily written essays on ageing) or My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler (for a sex memoir)

Posted by Keris on August 27, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 26, 2008 1:26 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Blessed Are the Meddlers by Christa Ann Banister

Reviewed by Jill Hart

Sydney Alexander is back and happily married to the man of her dreams. Now, if she can just find great guys for her friends life will be perfect. She's already done it once - she set up her hippie neighbor Rain with Stinky Nate. They are happily married now as well, so Sydney is convinced she can make the same magic happen for other friends.

Sydney takes on the challenge of matchmaking for a few of her friends including her boss, Lucinda. As she becomes confident in her set-up abilities, she even takes on the role of "Lucy for the Lovelorn," a syndicated column that could take her career to new heights.

In the midst of it all Samantha, Sydney's sister, is going through a relationship crisis. Well, more like a relationship melt-down. Sydney tries to give her advice, but Samantha soon realizes that she must make the decision for herself - follow her heart and see where it leads.

Sydney's matchmaking talents rival those of another beloved heroine, Jane Austen's Emma. And just as Emma eventually comes to the conclusion that meddling rarely changes things for the better, Sydney must learn some lessons through a few matchmaking disasters.

I thoroughly appreciated Banister's humor and writing style in her first novel, Around The World in 80 Dates, and Meddlers is made up of the same stuff. The story is well-told and filled with compelling characters. Sydney's experiences made me laugh, made me cry and above all reminded me that giving advice is not always as simple as it might seem.

In the back of the book, readers will find a readers guide, Sydney's Recommendations For Life's Little Circumstances and a list of resources for those who want to be a part of promoting music education (as Sydney's husband discusses in the book).

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Around The World in 80 Dates by Christa Ann Banister

[N.B. How similar is the cover of this book to the cover of Christa Ann Banister's first book? - Keris]

Posted by Aigua Media on August 26, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

Richard & Judy Summer Reads 2008 Winner

The winner of the Richard & Judy Summer Reads 2008 is No Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay, a creepy, sinister tale about Cynthia's family who disappear without a trace. Cynthia wakes up one morning, worrying about what her parents will say to her about her behaviour from the night before...but her parents aren't there. Or her brother. Read the blurb over the cut or click here for an extract. Just reading that has given me the chills. Brr.

On the morning she will never forget, suburban teenager Cynthia Archer awakes with a nasty hangover and a feeling she is going to have an even nastier confrontation with her mom and dad. But when she leaves her bedroom, she discovers the house is empty, with no sign of her parents or younger brother Todd. In the blink of an eye, without any explanation, her family has simply disappeared. Twenty-five years later Cynthia is still haunted by unanswered questions. Were her family murdered? If so, why was she spared? And if they're alive, why did they abandon her in such a cruel way? Now married with a daughter of her own, Cynthia fears that her new family will be taken from her just as her first one was. And so she agrees to take part in a TV documentary revisiting the case, in the hope that somebody somewhere will remember something - or even that her father, mother or brother might finally reach out to her... Then a letter arrives which makes no sense and yet chills Cynthia to the core. And soon she begins to realise that stirring up the past could be the worst mistake she has ever made...

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 26, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 22, 2008 10:25 AM

BOOK NEWS & COVER: Testimony

I was looking through the new releases on Amazon, as I often do, when this book cover caught my eye. I think it is beautiful. It will be autumn soon (sorry but it will) and the soggy but still red and orange leaves on the floor of the wet steps make for a great cover. Plus what is she thinking about? Maybe I should read the book...

Testimony is by Anita Shreve and will be out in October.

Carry on over the cut for the description.

At a New England boarding school, a sex scandal is about to break. Even more shocking than the sexual acts themselves is the fact that they were caught on videotape. A Pandora's box of revelations, the tape triggers a chorus of voice -- those of the men, women, teenagers, and parents involved in the scandal -- that details the ways in which lives can be derailed or destroyed in one foolish moment. A gripping emotional drama with the pace of a thriller, Anita Shreve's Testimony explores the dark impulses that sway the lives of seeming innocents, and the ways in which our best intentions can lead to our worst transgressions.

Related posts: Light on Snow review | All He Ever Wanted review

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 22, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: Tommy Sullivan is a Freak by Meg Cabot

It's hard to find new things to say about Meg Cabot's books when I find I'm reviewing them about once a month... but luckily I don't need to find new things to say, I can just keep saying they're fantastic. Because they are. (Just in case you did not get that.)

Her latest teen book (I think...), Tommy Sullivan is a Freak features Katie Ellison who is both intelligent and popular. But it's come at a cost. She has to hide who she really is and what she really thinks.

She didn't used to. She used to be good friends with Tommy Sullivan, but when he discovered that some members of the town's precious football team cheated on their SATs - and exposed them - he was run out of town.

Oh, but now he's back. And threatening to ruin everything Katie's worked for. And he's really hot.

Like all of Meg's books, Tommy Sullivan is a Freak is an easy read with hidden depths. I flew through it and, I have to say, I LOVED Tommy Sullivan, one of the foxiest teen characters I've read for a while. Plus I learned a lot about bivalves and that kind of knowledge can't be underestimated. Probably.

Read an extract here.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try How to be Popular by Meg Cabot

Posted by Keris on August 22, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 21, 2008 2:59 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The True Naomi Story by A.M Goldsher

As with most authors I review, I googled A M Goldsher straight away. I am always suspicious of authors who use just their initials. Often this means they are trying to disguise their gender as they believe the truth will put their readers off. My suspicions were correct, the author of this Little Black Dress book was A Man. Like Keris yesterday, I thought, what does he know about writing chick lit?

The answer? Well, um, quite a lot actually.

But. (There is always a but.) On opening this book up I read the first few pages, threw it down and thought, yup Helen, you were right. Men can't write chick lit. I was confused, didn't understand Naomi, Jenn was quitting, there were names of people causally thrown out there that I didn't know. And I didn't understand the bra issue.

When I picked the book up again some months later I read chapter two and before I knew it was half way through the book. I began to understand all the references in chapter one as we go back in time and see how Naomi and Jenn set the band up in the first place.

So if you hadn't yet guessed, Naomi is in a band. The band consists of the brains and keyboard skills of Jenn, the bass of Travis (Jenn's younger brother), and the drums of Frank. Naomi is the singer, and because of which, gets most of the attention. Plus the record company thought the band should be called Naomi.We see the build up to their success, their actual success, the fall out - then what happens next.

Sometimes I had to re-read the dialogue, it is written the way I guess a twenty something New Yorker would talk, but I soon got used to that. The plot whipped along, I got to know all the characters and I found it not just satisfying but also breezily entertaining. I've got another book by Mr Goldsher in my to be read pile. I think I might just bring it forward slightly.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try One Night Stand by Julie Cohen (another Little Black Dress book)

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 21, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 19, 2008 2:39 PM

BOOK REVIEW: A Mile In My Flip-Flops by Melody Carlson

Reviewed by Jill Hart

I love Melody Carlson's books, so I was tickled pink when I received her newest book, A Mile In My Flip-Flops. the book's main character, Gretchen Hanover, is a charming if somewhat lost thirty-something. She is recovering from a broken heart. Her fiance has run off with an old girlfriend, leaving Gretchen with not only shattered dreams, but an apartment full of stuff - enough to fill the house they would have shared.

Gretchen has moping around for months and consuming more Ben & Jerry's than she ever thought possible. Until one fine day when, while watching her beloved HGTV she has a "light bulb moment." She decides that the way out from under her grief and despair is hard work … like flipping a house.

So, Gretchen sets out on the adventure of a lifetime. Will she end up with a great investment or will her flip be a flop?

This book made me feel as if I were right in the story helping Gretchen flip the house. I, too, watch HGTV and have always wondered if I could do it. Walking through the experience with Gretchen was a blast, but at the end I was glad all the hard work had been hers.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Raising the Roof by Jane Wenham-Jones

Posted by Aigua Media on August 19, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 18, 2008 2:35 PM

BOOK NEWS: A new Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles

I have just been reading Tess Gerritsen's blog and discovered the exciting news that there will be a new Maura Isles and Jane Rizzoli book out very early next year in the UK, although US readers only have to wait until September this year.

It will be called Keeping The Dead in the UK and The Keepsake in the US. Carry on over the cut for the US cover.

Related posts: Bloodstream review | TV Series | The Bone Garden review

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 18, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Crime / Mystery | Permalink | Comments (0)

MORE ON MONDAY: Mother Shock by Andrea Buchanan

I think I'd had this book - which is subtitled "Loving every (other) minute of it" - on my Amazon Wishlist since I was pregnant with my son, who is now 4. I'm now pregnant with my second child and finally got around to buying it. And I'm so glad I did.

This book is a collection of essays examinining Buchanan's experience, mostly of the first year of motherhood. She learned early on, that the transition to motherhood has much in common with the culture shock experienced when you move to another country and each section begins with direct comparisons, which are startling in their accuracy.

Buchanan then goes on to write about, as you would expect, her pregnancy, her daughter's birth, ambivalence (and fear) about having another child, miscarriage and more. Before she was a writer, she was a professional pianist and there's a beautiful essay about her daughter's burgeoning interest in the piano.

I'm constantly amazed and impressed by the honesty in these "mommy memoirs" and this one is no exception. Buchanan admits things in writing that I have barely even admitted to myself in my head. It's incredibly brave and incredibly comforting.

I actually loved *every* minute of it and would wholeheartedly recommend it both to new mothers and not-so-new mothers alike.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Making Babies by Anne Enright

Posted by Keris on August 18, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 15, 2008 8:47 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Driving Sideways by Jess Riley

I'd heard great things about Jess Riley's debut - not least a glowing review from Marian Keyes on the cover - and, after reading the first few pages, I set it to one side to take on holiday with me. And I was glad I did.

Driving Sideways is the story of Leigh Fielding, a 28-year-old woman who has recently had a kidney transplant. Believing a) that she has some unfinished business to attend to (with a best friend, an ex-boyfriend, and, most importantly, the mother who left when she was just a child), and b) that she has taken on some of the characteristics of the man whose kidney she received (bravery, taste in music, interest in kayaking), Leigh takes off alone on a road trip.

She's not alone for long though, soon she's accompanied by an annoying, possibly dangerous, and yet somewhat sweet teenaged girl and they... I kind of want to say "have adventures", but that doesn't really explain it very well. But I can't say much more because I don't want to give anything away.

Okay, they do "have adventures", but they're more emotional adventures than, you know, madcap ones. And that's the beauty of this book. When I was reading the book, I didn't want it to end and now, when I think back on it, I almost feel that I was on the road trip with them.

It's funny, snarky, sweet and gripping. I loved it.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Lady Luck's Map of Vegas by Barbara Samuel

Posted by Keris on August 15, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 13, 2008 9:05 AM

BOOK REVIEW: How To Be Bad

How to Be Bad is a novel written by three authors. Three brilliant and successful YA authors, two of whom happen to be among my absolute favourites (the third, Lauren Myracle, I have been assured that I will also love as soon as I get around to reading one of her books).

How to be Bad is also the story of three girls: Mel, Vicks and Jesse, who all work at the Waffle House and all have problems they want to run away from. And so they do. Albeit temporarily.

Following a row with her mother (following her mother winning first prize in a wet t-shirt competition – yikes!), Jesse just wants to get away. So when she learns that Vicks's boyfriend hasn't called since leaving for university two weeks ago, she suggests that they take a trip to Miami to visit him.

The only problem is neither of them has much money. But Mel does. Plenty of money and no friends. So she suggests she pays for everything if she can come along.

And so off they go. Two best friends (one of whom is behaving rather oddly) and a new girl who wants to be friends, but who they don't know very well.

Of course, a road trip isn't a road trip without adventures on the way and the girls call in to see an old stuffed crocodile, the world's smallest police station and, of course, go to a party and meet a boy.

I wasn't sure about this book at first – I didn't feel like enough was happening – but the personalities of the girls sucked me in and, by the end, I felt like I knew them. The book touches on all sorts of issues, including virginity, Christianity, drinking, sibling rivalry, family relationships, money.

Incidentally, even though I think the three authors have very distinctive individual styles, you can't see the joins in this book; I have no idea who wrote what, which is pretty impressive.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Boyfriend List by E Lockhart or Me vs Me by Sarah Mlynowski (not YA) or something by Lauren Myracle!

Posted by Keris on August 13, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 12, 2008 3:38 PM

An Interview With Princess Mia

As many of you know, the next Princess Diaries book to be released is to be the tenth - and final - book of the series (boo hoo). It is out in January next year, but in the meantime I found on Meg Cabot's website that Mia has been interviewed by teenstyle magazine here. Whilst teenstyle wants to talk to her about romance and prom dresses, Mia is a little preoccupied with the small matter of an election due to take place in Genovia soon...

Related posts: To The Nines | After Eight | Meg Cabot Interview

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 12, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Ace of Hearts by Jean Holloway

Reviewed by Angela Richardson

Ace of Hearts is Jean Holloway’s debut novel. What really interested me about this book was that it was written by Holloway over twenty-five years ago and has only just caught the attention of conventions and books clubs now. I was extremely intrigued to find out what it was about this book that had suddenly captured people’s imagination so long after its creation.

Obviously as it was written so long ago, it was also set in that time. The eighties is conveniently an age before mobile phones, DNA analysis and complicated forensic computer technology were invented. So we are back to good old-fashioned guessing… I mean detecting!

Shevaughn Robinson is the main character and is the first black female to be so successful in the police force. She has just been promoted and transferred into homicide and her first case turns out to be the first of a series of gruesome murders. There’s a vicious sex attacker out there and he’s getting more and more confident with each killing. Unfortunately for Shevaughn the killer knows who she is and is getting more and more obsessed about her as he finds out she is leading the investigation.

I have to be honest to all the weak stomached people out there – this is a grim and gritty read. There are a lot of details included that might put you off your lunch, but I also have to admit that it’s an addictive read. I can understand why this book has suddenly attracted a lot of attention. The tension in the book is kept up on every page and the fact that you know who the killer is right from the start makes it even more of a page turner. The reader knows how near all the characters are becoming and it made me want to shout out a warning to them, but of course I’m not mad so I didn’t (honest!) For the softhearted there was a subplot running throughout of a romance that diluted the main serial killer theme and there was a twist right at the end after you thought it was all over.

Overall I think crime lovers will adore this book as its racy and dark themes will tantalise and excite most readers. For those who like flowers and romance there’s also something in there for you too, but I’m not sure it’ll make up for all the murders you’ll have to live through. However, if you think you’re strong enough it’s a great read that will surprise you.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen

Posted by Aigua Media on August 12, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 8, 2008 10:09 AM

TV News: Lipstick Jungle

It seems we have been talking about Lipstick Jungle the TV adaptation of Candace Bushnell's novel for ages, so finally, I am pleased to say, it is about to be shown in the UK on Living TV in September. Yes, only one whole month to go.

It has already aired in the US and has been commissioned for a second season by NBC, which will also be shown in September.

Related posts: Lipstick Jungle Trailer | British v American Chick Lit

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 8, 2008 in American Authors, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 7, 2008 10:39 AM

BOOK REVIEW: It's All About Us by Shelley Adina

Reviewed by Jill Hart

How far is too far? That's the question that seems to be ever in Lissa Mansfield's mind since moving to San Francisco.

How far will she go to be accepted in the "in crowd?" How far is she willing to go with cute Callum McCloud? How far is she willing to bend to get along with her talkative-opinionated-wacky new roommate, Gillian Chang? And most importantly of all, how far is she willing to push herself to make sure her faith in God is evident in her life?

These questions and more keep Lissa on her toes as she tries to fit into her school life. It doesn't help that she's gotten herself on the planning committee for the Benefactor's Day Ball - the biggest event of the year at Spencer Academy. Can she find a hot celeb to book for the Ball or will she end up disappointing the entire student body?

I don't read a lot of YA (young adult) Lit, but this book so much fun. The characters are charming and right from the beginning I was pulling for Lissa to make the right choices. The best part about this book is that while moms like me (thirty-somethings) will enjoy it, it's also appropriate to be shared with teens and tweens. It would make a great conversations starter for moms and daughters!

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith

Posted by Aigua Media on August 7, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, Rating: 4/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 6, 2008 1:35 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Holly Would Dream by Karen Quinn

I really didn't enjoy Karen Quinn's debut, The Ivy Chronicles - in fact, I didn't even finish it – but I loved the premise of her third book, Holly Would Dream, and I've been looking forward to it for ages, so it seemed like a perfect book to take on holiday with me.

The premise is that Holly Ross, who works in a fashion museum in New York, is obsessed with all things Audrey Hepburn. When her boyfriend dumps her, she loses her apartment (because it was his apartment) and misses out on a promised promotion all on the same day, it seems like things can't get any worse, but then, thanks to a collection of Audrey Hepburn's dresses, they do.

Holly Would Dream takes in New York, Italy, Turkey and Greece and contains over a hundred hidden references to Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant films. Right up my street, in fact. So did I like it?

Actually I really liked it. It's clear from the beginning of the book that this is a fairy story and there isn't much reality involved, but it's a great escapist read. I liked Holly although I found her irritatingly full of herself at times (which is exactly the same problem I had with Ivy in Quinn's first book). I didn't think there was any chemistry between Holly and the object of her affections, which was a shame. If ever a book was crying out for a sexy, traditional, manly hero, it was this one. But a number of the other supporting characters – from Holly's father, to the rich widows Holly meets on the cruise – are highly entertaining. I could have done without the tired cliché of the gay best friend, but I suppose Holly does work in fashion so I'll just have to let that one go.

All in all, a highly entertaining and almost entirely satisfying holiday read. On the strength of this book, I think I'll give Quinn's second book, Wife In the Fast Lane, a try.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Late Night Talking by Leslie Schnur

Posted by Keris on August 6, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK NEWS: Breaking Dawn

The final novel in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, Breaking Dawn, went on sale this week and sold 20,000 copies in the first twenty four hours in the UK alone. In the US, where it was released on 2 August, it is estimated to have sold 1.3 million copies. [via The Guardian]

I've looked at the amazon reviews and there is a real mixed bunch. Word of warning though, many of the reviews on there contain spoilers, so don't look before you read.

Related posts: New Moon review | Twilight Trailer 2 | Twilight review

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 6, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 4, 2008 12:56 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

Arguably one of the most successful chick lit books of the past few years, it has also been made into a successful film with Meryl Streep. Which we've reviewed. Twice. Andrea has appeared on Trashionista as a heroine, yet, *whispers* we've never actually reviewed the book. So today I'm going to right this wrong.

If you don't already know (and if you don't where have you been?!) this brilliantly titled book is about Andrea Sachs, who has ambitions to write for The New Yorker and gets a job as Miranda Priestly's assistant. Apparently if you work for her for a year you can practically name the magazine you want to then go on to write for.

Lauren Weisberger has written this from her own experiences as she worked as the assistant for Anna Wintour the all powerful editor of Vogue. Priestly an exacting, outrageous control freak is supposed to be based on Wintour.

Andrea has no interest in fashion, diets, low carbs or any of the stuff associated with that industry. She has to learn fast both how to survive the looks and comments from her peers but also how to manage the demands of her boss. She is reduced to buying the coffee for her whilst also trying to negotiate several other difficult demands at the same time.

The plot of this book isn't it's strongest point. It has humour, a vivid look at the inside of the fashion industry, and definitely that page turning factor. But what carries the book, for me, is the character of Miranda. She is just so outrageously awful, so demanding of all these people who do exactly as she says, so larger than life that you just have to keep reading.

Occasionally I felt irritated by Andrea. Why put up with all of this? But Andrea has got to the point where she is so sucked into it all she believes she doesn't have a choice, which we, as a reader, can see that she does. Because of this I was led to believe that we were leading up to a big ending. A big bang, if you like. And whilst I won't give it away, I have to say the only bit I was slightly disappointed with was the end. Otherwise, I loved it.

Rating: 4/5 for sheer entertainment.

Like this? Try The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 4, 2008 in American Authors, Devil Wears Prada, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

MORE ON MONDAY: Steering By Starlight by Martha Beck

As I've said on more than one previous occasion, Martha Beck's book, Finding Your Own North Star, completely changed my life, so when I heard there was a sequel coming out, I could hardly stand to wait.

Steering By Starlight basically takes the premises of Finding Your Own North Star and shows how they work in application. Beck shares stories of her clients and how she uses her methods to help them find their "right life". (She does this in Finding Your Own North Star too, but she goes into more depth in Steering By Starlight.)

While it is, of course, utterly wonderful, I found Steering By Starlight a little harder to get into than Beck's previous books. Her trademark humour is, of course, present, but this book is also a little less down to earth than her other books. Because Martha Beck is Martha Beck, she gets that this might freak some people out and so advises you to put you "shackles on" whenever she's going to talk about something particularly "out there."

Having said that, this book is still an incredibly useful and inspiring read. As is always the case with Beck's books, I've dogeared half the pages! If you haven't read Finding Your Own North Star yet, you should read that  first (and soon, it's fabulous), but if you've already read and loved that book, you will, I'm sure, find Steering By Starlight incredibly useful too.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Joy Diet by Martha Beck

Posted by Keris on August 4, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 30, 2008 10:27 AM

SPOTLIGHT: Audrey Niffenegger

Writing about Clare Abshire from The Time Traveler's Wife for this week's heroine, I came across a lot of  information about the author, Audrey Niffenegger which I thought fascinating, so I thought I'd share it with you.

Like Clare, Audrey is an artist as well as being a writer. She also teaches writing, letterpress printing and fine edition book production. Her visual novels, paintings, photographs and prints are shown at the Printworks Gallery in Chicago.

The Time Traveler's Wife started life as one of her visual novels. Audrey had the title first, but soon realised that this was a story that couldn't be told by painting alone, so she chose the traditional route for this story instead. Five hundred plus pages later, it was published after a bidding war in 2003 to resounding success, and after four and a half years in the making.

The story is so complicated in the way it jumps around in time, that you wonder (or at least I do) how Audrey could have put it together in the first place. Well, after starting with the title, she then wrote out the end, then the middle and finally the beginning. She also storyboarded the whole thing, very similarly to the way the artists do for a visual animated film, and moved the pages around a lot. "At one point it was assembled in a completely different order," she has admitted.

The Time Traveler's Wife is Audrey's debut novel and has spent over twenty weeks in The New York Times bestseller list. The rights have been sold in many countries, and as we now know the film rights have been sold with the film now in post production stage, to be screened in December.

Spotlight archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 30, 2008 in American Authors, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: To My Dearest Friends by Patricia Volk

I absolutely adored Patricia Volk's memoir, Stuffed, so I was excited to read her latest novel, To My Dearest Friends. Set in New York, it's written in a strange and conversational style that I found took a bit of getting used to, but once I was used to it, I couldn't put it down and read it in a day.

It's the story of Alice Vogel and Nanny Wunderlich, who don't know each other, but were each the best friend of Roberta, who has recently died of cancer. They meet when they're both called to Roberta's solicitor's office and given the key to Roberta's safe deposit box.

What they find in the box surprises both of them, but while Alice is happy to let it lie, Nanny feels it warrants further investigation and that she and Alice should meet frequently to discuss it. Which they do, in Bergdorf's.

But of course they both have their own things going on. Alice is having both marital problems and her business (which was her mother's and grandmother's before her) is failing. Nanny is struggling to afford her home following her husband's death.

This book is so wise and funny and clever. It seems fairly light on the surface, but it covers so many different relationships: friends, husband/wife, mother/daughter, even employer/employee.

I loved it.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Summer At Tiffany by Marjorie Hart

N.B. The covers again. The really boring brown was the hardback. The paperback's much better, don't you think?

Posted by Aigua Media on July 30, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 29, 2008 10:56 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

Reviewed by Denise Tomlinson

I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy The Sugar Queen when I first picked it up as I haven't read the acclaimed Garden Spells and, well, the story of a sad woman who eats too many sweets and reads romantic novels didn't sound like it was going to be anything to write home about. Indeed, the first few pages really didn't seem too promising. However, I'm happy to say that after a shaky start, I was totally and utterly hooked.

Josey Cirrini is a poor little rich girl stuck tending to her elderly mother's every whim with the aforementioned sweets and romance novels her only consolation until one day, she finds tough-talking local waitress Della Lee Baker has taken up residence in her closet. Della Lee is determined to shake up Josey's narrow existence and starts pushing her to live her life to the full.

Through Della Lee's machinations, Josey meets Chloe Finley, a local woman suffering a devastating heartbreak after discovering that her boyfriend, Jake, has cheated on her. Tentatively, Josey and Chloe become friends and Josey discovers that Chloe is also friends with Adam, Josey's postman and long-term crush. As Della Lee pushes her, Josey begins to defy her mother to discover life outside of her home and blossom into the person she was always meant to be.

This is a story of friendship, love and people's capacity to change but it is the lovely magical realism touches that really bring the book to life. Chloe is a person who magically attracts books and not just any old books but somehow the exact books that she needs to help her in any given situation  -I would love to have that power! Her passion for Jake is so palpable that it can cause eggs to fry in their box when she is near him. Josey discovers that the colour red can make wonderful things happen for her and there is definitely something magical about Della Lee.

The portrayal of the old- fashioned small ski resort of Bald Slope that is home to Josey, Chloe and Della Lee is also really engaging with a rich cast of eccentric old ladies, ski bums and taxi drivers who are incapable of breaking a promise, not to mention Josey's long-dead and near mythical father, Marco Cirrini.

I admit I was skeptical to begin with but there is something enchanting about this book. The characters are very lovable - I was cheering on Josey in her voyage of self-discovery, feeling desperately sorry for Chloe in her time of despair and loving the developing friendship between the two, the various sub-plots keep you guessing and yes, there is some romance as well!

This is a great summer read (Keris & Helen were spot on!), pour yourself a Pimms, sit back and enjoy.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes by Jennifer Crusie,  Eileen Dreyer,  and Anne Stuart

Posted by Keris on July 29, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

Who Can Save Us Now?

A subject close to my own heart, superheroes, along with one of my favourite authors, Jennifer Weiner, appear together in this anthology of stories about superheroes edited by Owen King and John McNally. As Jennifer says on her blog,

I've got a short story in Who Can Save Us Now...that I think is pretty nifty (the book in general, not my story in particular...although I really like the title of my story. It is called "League of Justice (Philadelphia Division)," and is based in part on the premise that all of the superheroes with really cool talents have moved to New York.)

Related posts: Author Interview | Jennifer Weiner and Jane Green on Martha Stewart |

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 29, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

HELEN'S HEROINES: Clare Abshire

Clare Abshire is an artist who has had a rather unusual childhood. She was visited by the same man who, each time he appeared, was of a different age, as he came to her through the element of time travel. She was first visited at the age of six when he is more of a father figure towards her, but as she gets older, and especially when she is eighteen, he becomes the man she is in love with, and whom she'll later go on to marry. Confused? How do you think she feels?

Appearing in the novel, The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, Henry DeTamble is afflicted with a genetic condition called chrono-displacement disorder, where he is suddenly pulled through time, either the past or the future, and it cannot be controlled. Clare is his wife. A woman who, despite unusual circumstances, tries to maintain a normal life. But as she states herself, "It's hard to be the one who stays". The one who worries where he is, the one who fears for his life and doesn't know what condition he'll come back in.

When Clare meets Henry that time in the library, Henry has no idea who she is. How can she explain to him that he had travelled back in time and was with her throughout her childhood? It hasn't happened for him yet. "I'm at a loss because I am in love with a man who is standing before me with no memories of me at all."

When they do finally meet with both of them in their proper times, Clare is a tiny bit regretful that her secret man is no longer a secret, but also exhilarated as now it all begins. She feels at peace with him because their future is all mapped out, but all of this comes at a very high price.

More Helen's Heroines

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 29, 2008 in American Authors, Helen's Heroines | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 28, 2008 10:45 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Klepto by Jenny Pollack

Klepto, a young adult book by Jenny Pollack, is about Julie Prodsky, a New Yorker who meets Julie Braverman on her first day at the High School of the Performing Arts (the "Fame" school, in other words). Julie P finds Julie B much cooler and is thrilled to be her friend, particularly when she starts teaching her how to "get" stuff from shops.

Yep, "getting" is Julie P's word for stealing, shoplifting, taking stuff without paying. I wasn't at all sure about this when I started reading, the teen "hobby" of shoplifting never appealed to me and I wasn't sure the book would either, but I ended up really enjoying it.

Part of my enjoyment came from the fact that the book is set in '80s New York. New York is very well-described and it made me nostalgic for my own '80s experience (which is some feat, since it was mostly feeble and embarrassing).

The actual stealing isn't treated lightly. Well, it is to begin with, but before long the girls realise that what they're doing is wrong, but the book is never preachy or heavy-handed on the topic.

Reading the author bio, it's clear that the book is thinly-veiled memoir, which, I guess, is why it's set almost thirty years ago (can you believe that 1981 is almost thirty years ago?!), but it also makes it even more convincing.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

N.B. I included the covers to show how they can go from old-fashioned (top) to up-to-date (bottom) between hardback and paperback printings!

Posted by Keris on July 28, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

MORE ON MONDAY: Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox

Don't think this book is another celeb writing about himself, name dropping and kissing and telling to make a bit of cash. This book, published in 2003, is nothing like that. Michael J. Fox is not just known for being an actor (Spin City and Back to the Future are my favourites) but also for being very young when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

The book starts by describing the first time Michael noticed a tremor in his hand. Then we go back to 1963, his childhood as a son of a Sergeant for the Royal Canadian Army Signal Corps. As a family they moved around Canada a lot. We then see him drop out of school to try his luck with Hollywood, getting the Family Ties TV show and his rise to fame from there.

The main tone of the book though is of his love for acting, his family and his battle with Parkinson's, which cruelly means an end to his acting career.

I found this book not only educational but also inspirational. This man has achieved so much and is still going, determined to find a cure for this cruel disease. At no point does he have any self pity or any complaint about how hard life is for him now. Perhaps the title of this book gives it away, but Michael actually believes Parkinson's has actually given him some positive things. The chance to appreciate his life and also, with his fame, the ability to help search for a cure.

He is honest. He's no goody, goody after all, but his writing comes across as touching and uplifting and Michael as a thoughtful, intelligent man.

I finished reading the book and not only was I inspired but also in awe of him.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Still Me by Christopher Reeve

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 28, 2008 in American Authors, Celebrity Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 25, 2008 10:58 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Good Things by Mia King

Reviewed by Stella

Mia King's Good Things is the story of Deidre McIntosh, a 40-year-old local TV presenter in Seattle. She lives with her gay best friend, William, and presents a popular local show called Live Simple. Seeming having lived a charmed life before, where she was in the right place at the right time, Deidre is unprepared for her life to come crashing down around her ears one day.

Her TV show is cancelled and her best friend moves in with his lover leaving Deidre looking for a new place to live. By chance, Deidre meets Kevin in a restaurant, impossibly handsome and generous, he offers her a place to stay while she starts to build her new life which may or may not include him.

Good Things is a fast, easy, cute and fluffy chick lit story filled with loveable characters for whom you just want everything to work out well in the end. It's been a while since I picked up something so feel-good and I enjoyed every last minute of it.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12 by Robin Gold

Posted by Aigua Media on July 25, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 23, 2008 8:31 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned From Judy Blume, ed. Jennifer O'Connell

I know I've been going on about Judy Blume a lot lately, but if you'd read this book, you would be too.

It's a collection of essays by “acclaimed women writers” including friends of Trashi, Meg Cabot, Megan Crane, and Shanna Swendson along with Megan McCafferty, Alison Pace, Laura Ruby, Diana Peterfreund and more. In fact, it's possibly the best line-up of writers I've ever seen in any collection (apart from the one I'm in, obviously!).

And that quality is reflected in the essays. I don't think I could choose between them, since I loved them all. Every single one. The writers write about various Blume books from Forever (of course) to Wifey, via Superfudge, Are You There, God? and Summer Sisters. The essays are honest, funny, sometimes painful and constantly reiterate how incredible and influential Judy Blume really is.

It not only made me want to go and buy all of Blume's books, it made me want to buy all the books by each of the writers included (and that's a lot of books). Even if you've never read a Judy Blume book, I'm confident you'll still enjoy this book. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Woman's Best Friend edited by Megan McMorris (nothing to do with Judy Blume, but another impressive collection)

Posted by Keris on July 23, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 22, 2008 11:36 AM

Christa Ann Bannister interview

This is a first for Trashi... so it may not work, but let's give it a go. Our regular inspirational fiction (and more) reviewer, Jill Hart, interviewed author Christa Ann Bannister and we have the audio!

Listen now or download to listen at your leisure. And fingers crossed it works! (Thanks, Jill and Christa!)

Posted by Keris on July 22, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, Interviews | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: The Darcys Give a Ball by Elizabeth Newark

Reviewed by Jill Hart

Touted as "A gentle joke, Jane Austen style," The Darcy's Give A Ball is a short, light-hearted novel centered around the lives of Austen's most loved characters.

Jane and Elizabeth are experiencing a small portion of what consumed their mother's thoughts in Pride and Prejudice - the romantic attachments of their children. To aid in this endeavor, they decide a ball is in order. Their children are of age to enter society and what could be more fun than a ball that includes all of their friends and loved ones.

This book is a lot of fun - a quick read, but well put together. There is a bit of romance, a bit of mystery and a bit of intrigue. Austen would have gotten quite a chuckle of what this author came up with to keep her character's lives exciting.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try A Walk With Jane Austen by Lori Smith

Posted by Aigua Media on July 22, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 15, 2008 11:00 AM

BOOK NEWS: Life With My Sister Madonna

Well Christopher Ciccone has been doing the rounds on the American interview circuit, which can only mean one thing. He's got a book out. Not a book about himself, but a tell all book about his famous sister, Madonna.

Life With My Sister Madonna is out now. No doubt it will be fascinating and I kind of fancy reading it, but I'm always uncomfortable about people writing books off the back of and exploiting the privacy of someone else...what do you think?

Related posts: Madonna and Me by Nikki Racklin | Live to Tell...by Madonna's ex-Nanny

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 15, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Celebrity Authors | Permalink | Comments (6)

BOOK REVIEW: Girl At Sea by Maureen Johnson

You know I love Maureen Johnson and tend to read her books when I'm in a book lull, but that's not why I picked Girl At Sea. I picked it because I'm desperate for a holiday and I'd read that Girl At Sea was set in Sorrento, Italy and I love Sorrento.

Clio Ford is looking forward to spending the summer working in an art shop with the boy she likes until her mum drops the bombshell that instead she's going to spend the summer in Italy with her irresponsible father.

The idea of summer in Italy would probably appeal to most (it certainly appeals to me), but Clio and her father don't exactly see eye to eye. When Clio was younger, the two of them invented a popular seafaring board game and became, for a while, both rich and famous. Since then, Clio's father has lost most of the money and, following a disastrous holiday when Clio was both nearly killed and then allowed to get a tattoo, things have been more than strained with Clio's mother too.

When Clio gets to Italy, she meets her dad's new girlfriend, Julia, her daughter, Elsa, and research assistant, Aidan, and learns that, along with her dad's best friend, Martin, they're all heading out to sea... but no-one will tell her why or even allow her to contact home.

I wasn't at all sure about Girl At Sea at the beginning. I found it a bit irritating that the adults were so secretive and irresponsible and I didn't really care about any of the characters or why they were heading out to sea, but as I read on I got sucked in. It's not my favourite Maureen Johnson book (in fact, it might be my least favourite), but it was still a good read with another strong and intelligent heroine in Clio.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Girl Overboard by Aimee Ferris

Posted by Keris on July 15, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 11, 2008 12:05 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Not-So-Perfect Man by Valerie Frankel

I've read a few Valerie Frankel books and found them to be, while always well-written, a bit hit and miss, so I wasn't sure what to expect from The Not-So-Perfect Man, but I really loved it.

Frieda Schast is a widow with a young son. Her older sister, Ilene, thinks it's about time Frieda started dating again. She also thinks it's about time her own husband, Peter, lost a bunch of weight and she doesn't hesitate to tell Peter so. Frieda's younger sister, Betty, could also do with losing some weight. And finding a man.

But when Frieda does start dating, Ilene doesn't approve. Because Frieda's dating Sam Hill, a sexy, young actor, who Ilene thinks is more fling material than second husband material. Ilene, though, should really be concentrating on her own marriage and the fact that her constant comments about her husband's eating habits just make him want to eat more. Until, that is, he goes on a diet and secretly recruits Betty as his dieting buddy. Because Betty has met a man. Earl was sent to the store where Betty works to implement a new system and make some overall changes, but it seems he wants to make a lot of changes to Betty too...

I loved this book. I loved the banter between the sisters. I loved that the women were all so strong, but also flawed and human. In fact, all the characters seemed real and even thought there are misunderstandings and secrets, they always seem realistic rather than contrived (apart from the ending, which is why I knocked off a point).

It's the kind of book I'll hold onto and read again and again.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie

Posted by Keris on July 11, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

TV News: The Washingtonienne

HBO are piloting The Washingtonienne, a Washington-set comedy based on the book of the same name by Jessica Cutler. Sarah Jessica Parker will be the executive producer. [via THR.com]

SJP is going to be extremely busy, especially if the rumours of a sequel to the Sex and the City movie are true (please be true).

Related posts: The Ivy Chronicles Casting News (again) | Sex and the City poster

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 11, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 9, 2008 12:37 PM

KERIS & HELEN'S SUMMER READS 2008: The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

In just under one month's time I will be able to get hold of The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen, a book I have been looking forward to ever since I read the last page of Garden Spells. This is my third recommended Summer Read (although where the summer is in the UK I really don't know).

It isn't a sequel to Garden Spells, but is about Josey who has a stockpile of sweets in her hidden closet which she devours every night, along with paperback romances. Then, one day, she finds local waitress Della Lee Baker hidden in there. Della is a tough talking, tender hearted fairy godmother who has decided Josey's closet is the safest place to be. In return she is going to change and expand Josey's life.

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 9, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Summer Special | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: Moose by Stephanie Klein

When I featured the video trailer for this book, I warned that it would make you cry... well, if you're anything like me, you'll find the book even more upsetting.

Subtitled, "a memoir of fat camp", it's exactly that - there's a little about Stephanie now at the beginning and end of the book, but the rest of it is about Stephanie's overweight childhood and summer spent at Camp Yanisin. The title refers to the fact that in eighth grade, boys at school started calling her "Moose". But not just Moose, a long, drawn-out, moose-call type of "Moooooooossse". I can't think about that without feeling utterly furious, so you can imagine how I felt when Stephanie reported that her father thought it was funny...

The book is filled with that kind of thing - Stephanie actually feels popular and relatively at home at fat camp, despite the fact that the camp itself sounds ridiculous and pointless (and that's assuming you don't find the very idea of fat camp offensive). The thing I found so depressing about this book was the relentless focus on Stephanie's weight - both by herself and her family. Yes, I know that's what the book's about, but it's just such a miserable thing for a child to have to spend her time worrying about.

Of course, it's certainly possible that I found this book so upsetting because I identified with it so much, but I've recently read two other weight memoirs - Shauna Reid's The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl and Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster - and, although I identified with those books too, I also found them amusing and entertaining (as well as poignant and inspiring); Moose made me sad and angry.

It's very well written and brutally honest (wincingly honest sometimes), but I was glad to finish it.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster

Posted by Aigua Media on July 9, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 8, 2008 12:13 PM

BOOK NEWS: Married Lovers

Jackie Collins is currently touring the US (in a bus!) to promote her new book Married Lovers, which comes out in the UK later this year.

Cameron Paradise, [I love this name!] a stunningly beautiful twenty-four-year-old personal trainer, flees Hawaii and her champion-surfer husband, Gregg, in the middle of one of his abusive tirades and makes her way to L.A. Tall, blond, with a body to die for, it doesn't take Cameron long to find a job at an exclusive private fitness club where she encounters LA's most important players. She has plans to open her own studio one day, and while every man she meets comes on to her, she is more focused on saving money and working hard than getting caught up in the L.A. scene of wild parties and recreational drugs.

Until she meets Ryan Lambert, an extremely successful independent movie producer. Ryan is married to overly privileged Mandy Lambert, the daughter of Hamilton J. Heckerling, a Hollywood power-player son-of-a-bitch mogul. Ryan has never cheated on his demanding Hollywood Princess wife, but when he meets Cameron, all bets are off, especially since she's seeing his best friend Don Verona, the devastatingly attractive talk-show-host and legendary player.In her latest sizzling blockbuster, internationally bestselling author Jackie Collins explores what happens when lust and desire collide with marriage and power-and the results lead to murder.

Related posts: Jackie Collins on chick lit | The return of the bonkbuster?

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 8, 2008 in American Authors, Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: 50 Ways to Hex Your Lover by Linda Wisdom

Reviewed by Angela Richardson

When I picked up 50 Ways to Hex Your Lover I expected a fun, humorous read. Then I saw that the author Linda Wisdom has written over 70 romance books. This suddenly conjured up an image of the Little Britain character of an old woman dressed in pink, stuffing chocolates while dictating to a long suffering secretary working on one of those electric typewriters, which seem to have a life all of their own. My hopes for this book suddenly plummeted at the thought of an old fashioned flowery romance with a storyline masquerading as paranormal. An idea which was backed up the retro ‘Bewitched’ style cover, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The characters in this story are quirky and upbeat. Jasmine is a witch that was banished from the Witches’ Academy hundreds of years ago and has had to make her way in the human world without help ever since. Her friends are made up of a human lodger that creates websites for vampires, a chain-smoking ghost that haunts her sports car and Fluff and Puff, a pair of bunny slippers that wouldn’t hesitate to bite your hand off. Between her two jobs of curse eliminator and chauffeur she’s been doing okay. However, when her ex-boyfriend, Nick turns up things start to get complicated. Nick is a vampire and his friends have gone missing. They suspect a past enemy has found a way to come back from the dead, but how on earth can they beat a power like that?

There was nothing really to dislike about this book. The characters were likeable with lots of humorous traits and the story was upbeat with a good plot. However, I felt as though there was something missing. Whenever I picked up the book I enjoyed it, but once I put it down I never had a burning desire to return to it and I don’t really know why. It may have been that the one thing the characters did lack was a believable chemistry. I never really cared whether the on off couple Nick and Jasmine were going to get back together or not. There wasn’t enough detail on the enemy for me to feel as though he was a real threat, which was a shame because the action towards the last third of the book showed that the story could have really shone. However, I don’t feel as though I can criticise this book as all it’s individual parts were so good, it’s just when you put them all together I didn’t think they quite meshed.

It was a good read that I would recommend if you are into these types of book, but if you are unsure about this genre it’s most definitely not one to start with.

Like this? Try Girls' Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky

Rating: 4/5

Posted by Aigua Media on July 8, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Romance, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 7, 2008 11:07 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Under Pressure by Carl Honore

I really enjoyed Carl Honore's first book, In Praise of Slow, so when I heard that he was taking on the culture of "hyper-parenting" I knew I had to read more.

In Under Pressure, Honore visits schools and preschools that are taking a "slow" approach (including a totally outdoor preschool, which sounds amazing), along with looking at current research on how children learn and at the damage that hyper-parenting can actually do.

I found this book fascinating and I've been quoting it to fellow parents frequently since finishing it. It did actually make me rethink how I play and interact with my own son (although I was certainly already closer to "slow" than "hyper", mainly due to inherent laziness).

One of the things I loved about it was how honest Honore is in admitting that he's still struggling with the concept himself. After reading Slow, I imagined he'd become utterly relaxed and chilled and was totally living the slow life. Under Pressure shows that this isn't the case, but he is trying because he knows it's better for both him and his family. Read it and you won't doubt it either.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Family Friendly Working by Antonia Chitty

Posted by Aigua Media on July 7, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 3, 2008 1:29 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Alice Walker

Alice Walker describes herself as an author, a feminist and a womanist, a term she started because "black women experienced a different and more intense kind of oppression than did white women".  Born in Georgia in 1944, Alice went on to become an active member of the Civil Rights Movement. Her books focus on African American women and their difficulties in a society that was racist, sexist and often violent.

Although she had a book of poetry published whilst a senior, her first novel wasn't published until 1970, entitled The Third Life of Grange Copeland. Her second was semi-autobiographical in that it focused on activist movements in the South. This was Meridian and was published in 1976.

Her most famous novel is The Color Purple which was published in 1982. Telling the story of Celie, we see how she fights her way in life against racism within the wider society and sexism within her own culture. The book was adapted into a film and more recently into a play. Alice also won a Pulitzer Prize for it.

Bibliography (short stories and novels - she also has a collection of poetry and non-fictional works)

The Third Life of Grange Copeland (1970)

Everyday Use (1973)

In Love and Trouble: Stories of Black Women (1973)

Roselily (1973)

Meridian

(novel) (1976)

The Color Purple (1982)

You Can't Keep a Good Woman Down: Stories (1982)

Beauty: When the Other Dancer Is the Self (1983) 

Am I Blue? (1986)

To Hell With Dying (1988)

The

Temple

of My Familiar (1989)

Finding the Green Stone (1991)

Possessing the Secret of Joy (1992)

The Complete Stories (1994)

By The Light of My Father's Smile (1998)

The Way Forward Is with a Broken Heart (2000)

Now Is The Time to Open Your Heart (2005)

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 3, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nanny Diaries authors Stand Up To Cancer

Nanny Diaries authors Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Krause have written an article for the charity Stand Up To Cancer.

When I would tell people that my mother was undergoing treatment for cancer, I frequently got the impression that the listener was flashing to a paler-than-normal Meryl Streep baking cookies and lovingly throwing a costume party to cheer up her grieving family.

Read the full article here.

Dedication, McLaughlin and Krause's latest book, is out in paperback any time now. Diane and I both loved the book and I really like the new cover.

What do you think?

Related: Laura Zigman blogging on breast cancer

Posted by Aigua Media on July 3, 2008 in American Authors, Book covers, Book related | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 1, 2008 1:45 PM

HELEN'S HEROINES: Mia Thermopolis

Or to give her correct title, Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo, Princess of Genovia. I haven't read a huge amount of young adult fiction, but I have to say, Mia, in The Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot, is one of the finest heroines there is in this genre. No, not everyone will be lucky enough to find out they are secretly a Princess, but Mia's everyday actions, and the fact she always digs deep for strength and stands up for what she believes in, is surely something all girls can aspire too.

Mia is a girl after my own heart. Passionate about her beliefs, she prefers to wear boots instead of heels and she writes. A lot. We see, through her diaries, that she is young (obviously), naive and doesn't have lots of self confidence. The reader, by reading between the lines, often sees what is obvious, whilst Mia is completely unaware.

She hero worships Lilly, her best friend. Striving to be self-actualised like she is, Mia compares herself quite unfavourably to Lilly, and doesn't see that it is actually Lilly who wants to be more like her. In fact, when JP tells her that Lilly was jealous of her in book nine, Mia was astounded and demanded to know why. "For the same reason I imagine a lot of girls - including Lana Weinberger - are jealous of you. You're pretty, you're smart, you're popular, you're a Princess..." Notice how being a princess is the fourth reason. Mia could still be the other three without the title. Mia doesn't believe JP anyway, believing herself to be a five foot nine, flat chested freak. Mia also feels inferior to her boyfriend, Michael because of his cleverness.

Then, in book nine, we see Mia, wise beyond her years and passionate when she makes a speech about her ancestor, Princess Amelie. She says "sixteen year old girls are capable of so much more that wearing some navel baring outfit...or passing out from partying...and can achieve fame for taking a stand and coming to the aid of people in need." Well said Mia.

Underneath the lack of confidence and belief in her own talents is a strong girl who can rise to any challenge. Now she just needs to sort out her love life...

More Helen's Heroines

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 1, 2008 in American Authors, Helen's Heroines, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: Slave by Cheryl Brooks

Reviewed by Angela Richardson

Slave is Cheryl Brooks’ first novel. I was very intrigued by this book. For a start the author is a critical care nurse by night and a romance writer by day. Also she has attempted to mix science fiction/fantasy and very heavy-duty romance in the story. When I picked up this book I was wondering whether she could pull off this highly ambitious mix, especially considering it’s her first novel. I was secretly hoping she would, considering she’s had to work on it in between her night shifts. Something I can sympathise with.

This story is set in space. Jacinth’s sister has been kidnapped. In an attempt to find her she has ended up chasing her rapidly cooling trail for the past six years. Always just missing her and hearing terrible stories of her being kept captive, this chase has led her across many planets. Finally she gets information that she’s on a planet where all the women are slaves. She has only one choice - to find a man to act as her owner. She knows it’s risky and decides the best way is to buy a slave herself. She’s hoping if she promises his freedom that he will be loyal for long enough to free her sister.

That’s where she meets Cat, filthy and chained, but she could still see the honour in his eyes. Jacinth’s hoping she can trust him with her life.

I just couldn’t help comparing this to films as Brooks has a great talent for allowing the reader to visualise her scenes in an almost filmic quality. It felt like a cross between Star Wars and Romancing the Stone to me. Brooks seamlessly blended the romance and science fiction even if it was a little racy for me at times. Definitely not a book for the prudish! The story line was high octane and when the plot faltered the romance rushed in to fill the space, it was a perfect balance. I read this in a couple of days and just couldn’t put it down. It was original and entertaining and I can’t praise this book enough. Go and buy it now!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Vampires Are Forever by Lynsay Sands

Posted by Aigua Media on July 1, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Series, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 27, 2008 11:33 AM

BOOK REVIEW: House of Dance by Beth Kephart

In the comments on my review of Marisa de los Santos's Belong To Me, Jade said, "Even though they don't actually contain it, I just feel like somehow her books have a sense of magical realism about them...". I feel exactly the same way about Beth Kephart's books. Every time I picked up House of Dance, it struck me that I felt like I was entering a dream ... the real world just faded away.

It's the story of Rosie, whose friends are away for the summer and whose mother is distant, spending all her time with her business partner, with whom she's also having an affair. Rosie's grandfather is dying and, though she doesn't know him all that well, her mother tells her he needs her now and so she starts visiting every day.

On the way to her grandfather's house, Rosie passes the House of Dance. At first it just seems incongruously glamorous, but soon Rosie finds herself climbing the stairs and signing up for dance lessons.

Rosie's grandfather wants to get his affairs in order and, in helping him sort through his stuff, Rosie gets to know him better: his dreams, his regrets and exactly what she can do to give him the perfect goodbye.

This book is so beautiful, I almost felt bereft when I finished reading.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Undercover by Beth Kephart

Posted by Keris on June 27, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (4)

June 25, 2008 12:17 PM

KERIS & HELEN'S SUMMER READS 2008: Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos

Marisa de los Santos's Belong to Me is my (Keris) first choice for a perfect summer read. I shouldn't really have started with this book, because I honestly can't imagine finding a much better book...

Belong to Me is the story of Cornelia and her husband Teo, who have moved to a new town so Teo can take up a new job. If those names sound familiar to you, then you're way quicker than me. I absolutely adored de los Santos's debut novel, Love Walked In, but it still took me an embarrassingly long amount of time to realise that Belong to Me features the same characters. When I did realise, though, I was thrilled, since Cornelia is a lovely character and I was extremely happy to spend time with her again.

Anyway, I'll stop blethering and tell you about the book. At first, Cornelia is worried that she doesn't fit in. She meets a neighbour, Piper, who is one of those irritatingly perfect and intrusive neighbours. Piper criticises what Cornelia wears, comments on the condition of her lawn and generally just winds her (and this reader) up. But you do have to give Piper a bit of leeway, since not only is her best friend Elizabeth dying of cancer, but her marriage is falling apart. (Truly, it will take you some time to sympathise with Piper at all, since she is so awful.)

And then Cornelia meets Lake, who is much more fun and much more her kind of person. Lake has also just moved into the neighbourhood along with her son, Dev, but Lake has a secret, which Dev, believing it to be something to do with his estranged father, is determined to find out.

Like Love Walked In, Belong to Me is the kind of book you don't want to put down, but you also don't want to finish. It's beautifully written, funny, moving, sad and just all round lovely. (In fact, it affected me so much, I dreamed about it!) I can't imagine anyone not liking it. The only problem with taking it away is that you may actually miss some of your holiday because you won't be able to get your nose out of this book.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos

Posted by Aigua Media on June 25, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series, Summer Special | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 24, 2008 2:08 PM

TV News: I Was Told There'd be Cake

New York Times bestseller I Was Told There'd be Cake by Sloane Crosley has been optioned by HBO in the hope of turning it into a series. Few details are about but Crosley says it is to be less Sex and the City and more like Curb Your Enthusiasm.

[via TV Squad]

Related posts: Bergdorf Blondes | Spotlight: Jennifer Weiner

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 24, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

HELEN'S HEROINES: Andrea Sachs

Some people don't like it when the protagonist of a story is a writer. I can understand that, it is a bit of a cliche after all.  Personally though, I love it. One of my favourite Marian Keyes books is The Other Side of the Story, which is about a writer and her agent (and no doubt a heroine will be appearing from that book soonish). I've also just reviewed a lovely book with an erotic writer as the heroine and Carrie Bradshaw is my idol. Not for her shoes, hair or her wardrobe, but because she writes.

So Andrea Sachs, in The Devil Wears Prada, was bound to be one of my favourite heroines for the simple reason that she is. A Writer.

A graduate with a degree in English, Andrea moves to New York to live with her friend Lily and to find a job within the magazine publishing industry.  Not having much luck elsewhere, she gets a surprise interview with Elias-Clark for a job "a million girls would kill for." At first she finds herself dismissive of "the clackers" but soon find herself sucked in to the ridiculous demands of her boss and into becoming a fashionista herself. She hates her job, neglects her friends and family and misses meals -  but she justs needs to stick it out for a year then she could have her pick of writing jobs in New York.

She knows this isn't the job for her, but her determination to keep going in order to gain the job she really likes is pretty inspiring. Having never had a boss or editor from hell myself, I don't know how I'd react to that sort of situation. I don't know if I would have had the strength to put up with it - even for a guaranteed job with The New Yorker. But I have a feeling I wouldn't have lasted a minute, if I'd got the job at all. When it all becomes too much though, I'm glad Andrea does what she does. No-one is paid enough to put up with the soul destroying efforts of her boss, free designer clothes or not.

More Helen's Heroines

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 24, 2008 in American Authors, Devil Wears Prada, Helen's Heroines | Permalink | Comments (0)

RICHARD AND JUDY SUMMER READS 2008: The Private Lives of Pippa Lee by Rebecca Miller

Reviewed by Sarah Hague

How many of us have led a blameless life, or have a past unsullied by the slightest hint of something dodgy?

Pippa Lee is the 50-year-old wife of successful book editor Herb who is thirty years her senior and getting frail. They leave their fabulous house and move into a housing complex for the old and infirm. Pippa, by far the youngest inhabitant, finds herself wondering what she is doing there.

In the upheaval and unsettling effect the move has on her, she reflects on her life - her speed-crazed mother, her dissolute youth, her meeting with Herb, her husband, and the stabling effect of the birth of the twins.

The move from contented wife of a successful publisher with all the comforts and social standing that brought, to member of a dying community, nursemaid to her husband, destabilizes her completely. Strange things start happening to her and she meets the odd son of her neighbour who stretches out an angel's wing of compassion and understanding.

Pippa is woman who has spent her life trying to come to terms with who she is and what she is. Many women will recognise her efforts to fit in to her expectations of what motherhood and marriage entail; her desire to be the perfect wife and mother.

Her marriage to Herb is founded on a tragedy and she lives, unknowingly, with the guilt until a second tragedy finally sets her free. Suddenly she realises she doesn't have to pretend any more, can be the person she wants to be, and has the courage to accept and forgive herself.

A fabulous read - complex, compassionate, and beautifully written. Pippa is a modern heroine - flawed, yet kind and loving. A woman for our times.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka

Posted by Aigua Media on June 24, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 20, 2008 12:22 PM

BOOK NEWS: One Fifth Avenue

For anyone out there who is suffering from Sex and The City withdrawal symptoms, well, withdraw no more (or for just a little bit longer anyway). Candace Bushnell has her fifth novel out this September called One Fifth Avenue.

One fifth avenue is the building to live in. It is in the trendiest area of Manhattan, known as "the gold coast" where the chicest, the hottest, and those with the best pedigree live.

The Amazon blurb:

There is Schiffer Diamond, an over-forty actress who had given up making movies and moved to Europe, until the call to come home gave her the chance to prove that women of style are truly ageless. There is spoiled, self-assured Lola, whose mother is determined to launch her darling daughter into society and the arms of the right man by clawing her way into the building. There is Annalisa, a reluctant socialite who has renounced her law career to be the perfect wife to her workaholic husband, and Winnie, who is married to an underpublished writer and has been the family breadwinner too long for her own - and her marriage's - good. And there is Nini, a glamorous grande dame who has lived at One Fifth Avenue for decades and seen everything from her penthouse view.

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 20, 2008 in American Authors, Book News | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 19, 2008 11:58 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Around the World in 80 Dates by Christa Ann Banister

Reviewed by Jill Hart

As a travel writer, you would think Sydney Alexander leads a pretty exciting life. Unfortunately, this is only partially true. While she enjoys her work, has a great relationship with her sister, a hilarious hippie for a neighbor, and a strong relationship with God, she just can't seem to find a decent date.

Sydney's typical dates tend to either be "between jobs" (translated: have no money), "emotionally unavailable" (translated: on the rebound) or "with the band" (translated: too cool to care about anything but their music). She's not sure she'll ever meet a man that will be worth the time she spends getting dressed for the date.

An old flame keeps popping up in unexpected places, making Sydney wonder if breaking things off with him was the right thing to do. A blind date set up by Rain, the hippie neighbor, seems to have potential, but the guy isn't a Christian and Sydney isn't sure she's up for "missionary dating" (her sister's words).

In the midst of Sydney's turmoil, her sister, Samantha is trying to figure out the dating scene as well. Sydney and her family have always thought that Samantha should end up with her closest friend, Eli. Samantha, on the other hand, thinks that would be ... well, weird. Samantha, like Sydney isn't going to give up. There just has to be a good guy out there somewhere...

When Sydney is assigned a dream trip story covering travel tips for London, she's sure it means love. What could be more romantic than meeting a man in Europe?

I loved Christa Ann Banister's light-hearted look at love in the new millennium. Her witty writing reminded   me of other chick-lit writers and yet the plot was original and the characters were laughably funny. Her real life tie-ins cracked me up. From Tivoing The Office to getting java at Caribou Coffee to dinner at P.F. Changs - it could have all been straight out of my own life. No wonder I liked it, right?

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Sisterchicks Go Brit by Robin Jones Gunn

Posted by Aigua Media on June 19, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 18, 2008 12:30 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Sarah Addison Allen

Both Keris and I (along with many Trashionista readers) loved Garden Spells, the debut novel by Sarah Addison Allen, so I thought I'd find out more about her.

Born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina she has a B.A in English Literature which she describes as like "being able to major in eating chocolate". Her father is a retired journalist and she credits him as the reason she became a writer. Meanwhile Sarah's great aunt tried to shape her and her sister into ladies, but in Sarah's words "we're just a little bit wild". Possibly like their mother who, aged fifty, dyed her hair red and got her nose pierced.

Sarah started writing seriously in 1994 and although she sold a few small things, it wasn't until twelve years later in 2006 that Garden Spells was sold. It was supposed to be a simple story, not magical at all, "but then the apple tree started throwing apples". It has been released in fourteen countries.

The Sugar Queen is her new book (already out in the US) but it isn't a continuation of Garden Spells. She does mention however, the possibility of a sequel or prequel to Garden Spells in the future. In 2009 her third book, Quintessential Carolina: Barbecue and Cake will be released.

She has a lovely shiny website where I got a lot of this information. Check out the home page - it made me crave a Wham bar.

Related posts: Spotlight archive

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 18, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK NEWS: The Senator's Wife

I haven't read anything by Sue Miller before, but as a fan of The West Wing, I am drawn to anything mildly related to American politics. The Senator's Wife has been on my radar for some time so I thought I'd find out more.

Meri, a thirty six year old tomboy, married recently to Nathan, moves from their comfortable existence in the mid west, to a college town in New England. When they find their new house Meri is worried about the expense but Nathan is delighted that they are living next door to distinguished senator Tom Naughton. The Senator is nowehere to be seen, but Meri strikes up an unexpected friendship with his elegant wife, Delia.

Meri is drawn to Delia, she is elegant and poised and learns much from her about marriage, love and motherhood. But as she is drawn in, she also comes closer to a terrible breach of trust, which could just about ruin everything. It is out in paperback now.

Book news archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 18, 2008 in American Authors, Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 17, 2008 2:10 PM

TRASHIONISTA RECOMMENDS: You Must Read This

You know we love Jen Lancaster here at Trashionista, so I was tres excited to hear that she read an essay on prestigious US radio show, All Things Considered. Listen to it (and read it) here.

It's part of what I think is a brilliant series - You Must Read This, in which authors recommend their favourite books. Featured authors include Marisa de los Santos (whose Belong To Me I am currently ADORING), Julie Powell and Curtis Sittenfeld.

Posted by Aigua Media on June 17, 2008 in American Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Don't Make Me Choose Between You and My Shoes by Dixie Cash

Now this is an odd one. Dixie Cash is a pseudonym for two Southern sisters (one of whom is named, interestingly, Jeffery). Don't Make Me Choose ... is the fourth in a series featuring the "Domestic Equalizers" - two friends who are hairdressers with a sideline in private investigation.

So. The Domestic Equalizers are Debbie Sue Overstreet and Edwina Perkins-Martin and, in this book, they've been invited to New York to speak at the National Association of Private Investigators convention. Also attending the convention is Celina, a librarian from another small Texas town, who's always harboured ambitions to be a PI herself.

And then. Stuff happens. Okay, er, Debbie Sue and Edwina befriend Celina and they attend some of the conference. Plus Celina meets a hot policeman who the other two aren't sure can be trusted. And somewhere in New York there is a serial killer targeting prostitutes.

To use footballing terminology (sort of), this is a book of two halves. For the 150 pages, practically nothing happens in painstaking detail. Usually I would have stopped reading, but the writing is pretty engaging and I really liked the character of Celina and wanted to find out what happened to her.

The rest of the book loads happens, but I found it utterly unconvincing. Debbie Sue and Edwina are caricatures and I just didn't believe in them. Yes, it's far-fetched and kind of a farce, but it should still be convincing. I mean, Lula in the Evanovich books is over-the-top, but I totally believe in her.  I didn't believe in Debbie Sue and Edwina for a minute (I also struggled to keep straight which was which). That's probably why I liked Celina, because she seemed like a person, rather than a character. I ended up scanning the rest of the book and getting more and more irritated with the women's daffy behaviour.

And yet I'm giving it 3/5. I thought about giving it a 2, but when I think about this book, I think about it with fondness, rather than irritation, presumably due to the first half or the character of Celina. I don't know, it's not an exact science (that's for sure). So to sum up? It could have been really good. It wasn't. But it also could have been a lot worse. Hmmm. Maybe give Celina her own series..?

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

Posted by Aigua Media on June 17, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 16, 2008 10:50 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins

Reviewed by Jill Hart

[Make sure you read to the end of the review, since we have five copies of The Pemberley Chronicles to give away! - Keris]

Have you been longing to know what happens to Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy after the wedding? The answer has arrived. The The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins picks up where Jane Austen left off.

The book begins seven weeks after the wedding and finds Lizzie happily at Pemberley. She has endeared herself already as the new mistress of Pemberley and has acquainted herself with her duties and obligations as such. Life marches on and the author gives you glimpses, just as Austen did, into both the trivial as well as major events that take place in the lives of all the beloved Pride and Prejudice characters.

It's an enjoyable read and I was satisfied with most the events the author placed in the lives of Austen's characters. My one main complaint is the overwhelming praise of Mr. Darcy all through Part One. It got to the point that I literally skipped entire sections that rambled on and on about all of his wonderful qualities. It almost seemed that Collins was trying to make up for all of the insults Darcy receives in Pride and Prejudice. It was, however, very distracting and took away from the quality of the story.

That aside, I relished being back in Jane Austen's world. Collins' did a great job of staying true to the characters that we all fell in love with in Pride and Prejudice. It's definitely worth reading.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try A Walk With Jane Austen by Lori Smith

To be in with a chance of winning one of five copies, email editor@trashionista.com with your name and address and "Pemberley" in the subject line, before midnight GMT 30 June. This comp's only open to US entrants, I'm afraid.

Posted by Aigua Media on June 16, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

MORE ON MONDAY: The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen

It was with great excitement that I went to a book signing of Tess Gerritsen for The Bone Garden some months ago. She didn't disappoint either. Instead of reading an extract from her book she gave us some background information into what gave her the idea for the book and being a writer myself I found it fascinating. I also found the subject matter fascinating, even if I felt a little squeamish at times.

Julia Hamill has been digging in the garden in her new house, when she managed to uncover bones. With the help of the elderly Henry Page, a relative of the women who used to live in Julia's house, they uncover the history of what happened in 1830's Boston including who the bones belong to and the story of the West End Reaper.

In the 1830's Rose Connolly's sister has just died from Child Bed Fever or Puerperal Fever (which is what Tess talked to us about, along with resurectionsists to demonstrate how she got the idea for the novel). It is an epidemic not just in Boston, but in hospitals the world over. Women would go into the hospital, give birth and whilst the baby would be fine, they would not. Incidentally if you are thinking this is not the best book to be reading whilst pregnant, like I am, you are probably right. But I carried on anyway. I couldn't help it, I was gripped.

Child Bed Fever is not the main part of the story, it is the back drop. Whilst her sister was dying, Rose came across a medical student called Norris Marshall and when the West End Reaper pays a visit, their lives become entwined. I am not going to say anymore as this is a murder mystery and I wouldn't like to give anything away.

It wasn't just the subject matter, which added layers and dimension to the story and bizarrely made this novel so much more enjoyable, it was the actual plot itself. There have been times - even with some of Tess's other books, where I have guessed the outcome but for this one I had absolutely no idea. There were twists and turns aplenty and because I was enjoying the book so much I didn't have time to work out who the killer was.

I thought this book was brilliant, her best yet and I have no hesitation at all in giving it five out of five.

A word of warning about Tess Gerritsen books though. Tess is a doctor. She knows human bodies. There are killers in her books and she has a very good knack at description. If you are of a sensitive disposition you may not want to read her books. If you aren't. Give them a try.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Reincarnationist by MJ Rose

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 16, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 13, 2008 4:02 PM

Meg Cabot video

I know we've featured loads of these Meg videos, but they always make me so happy! This one's not new, but I managed to miss it when it first went online, so maybe you did too?

Posted by Keris on June 13, 2008 in American Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Devilish by Maureen Johnson

I've been struggling a bit with books lately, I have to admit. I haven't found anything that's completely gripped me for a couple of weeks (which is a long time for me!). So I ordered myself a Maureen Johnson because I knew that would do the trick. And it did.

I picked Devilish, mainly because of Sarah's rave, but also because I thought it sounded very intriguing: a teenage girl selling her soul to the devil? Great idea.

Jane and Allison have been best friends for years. Attending St Teresa's Preparatory School for Girls, neither is popular, but that doesn't matter because they've got each other. That is until new girl Lanalee turns up and takes a shiny to Allison. And then Allison's personality and looks completely change and she's no longer interested in being friends with Jane.

Yes, Allison's sold her soul to the devil and it's down to Jane to save her.

This book was just what I needed: funny, clever, page-turning. It made me miss Buffy and it made me wish it had been turned into a TV series, instead of the similar, but inferior, Reaper.

In future, I'll always turn to Maureen Johnson in times of reading need (although she'd better write quicker because there's only two books of hers I haven't yet read!).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Golden by Jennifer Lynn Barnes or Jinx by Meg Cabot

Posted by Keris on June 13, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 11, 2008 11:50 AM

BOOK REVIEW: One Night Stand by Julie Cohen

As a relative Trashionista newbie I am learning all the time. Not to judge a book by its cover, a cliche but true and not to have preconceived views about certain books. I don't know why, but I thought  Little Black Dress books would be romance but with a submissive heroine...not my sort of thing at all (where have I been?) So I was pleasantly surprised when I finally got around to reading One Night Stand by Julie Cohen. I don't often admit to being wrong, but I do today.

One Night Stand is about Eleanor Connor, a bartender with a secret life. She writes erotic novels under the pen name Estelle May. So far she has written sixteen of them and is currently struggling with her seventeenth. Her own life, however, is a lot paler in compassion, with nothing happening and certainly nothing like the lives of the women in her novels. Until one night a stranger walks into the bar.

Slightly tipsy, Eleanor acts completely out of the ordinary and has a one night stand, something her friend and neighbour Hugh has on a regular basis, but definitely not something she has ever done. Then she finds out she's pregnant.

I did enjoy this book. I loved Eleanor. I loved that she was successful, was independent and when faced with the news that she was pregnant took it in her stride. Hugh was also a great hero, though both of them were a bit dipsy at times, and the tension mounting between the two of them was extremely well written. There is also plenty of humour and great observations about English pub life and living in Reading (Julie herself is American). I read it in day, it's a real page turner and never frustrating.

So, I have learned my lesson and will read more of both Julie Cohen's and Little Black Dress books in the future.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Hex and the Single Girl by Valerie Frankel

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 11, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 10, 2008 8:04 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster

I absolutely loved Jen Lancaster's first two books, so much so that, when this, her latest, arrived, I gave a little squeal, did a happy dance, started it immediately and pretty much didn't look up again until I'd finished.

Such a Pretty Fat is, as the title suggests, a memoir of Jen's attempted weightloss. Because she has such a healthy ego, Jen's weight has never really been a problem for her, but when she realises that it's possibly becoming a problem for her health (and also, of course, when an author friend suggests it might be a good subject to write about, she decides it's time to step away from the pie and step onto a treadmill.

Because Jen is Jen, of course things don't go smoothly, but that's good, because the book is even funnier the more honest Jen is about her failures and struggles with eating less and moving more.

Jen Lancaster is one of those writers that you feel like you know. I loved Such a Pretty Fat and will certainly be passing it on to all my friends. I just can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

(I just read on Jen's blog that her next book is to be called Pretty in Plaid. But what's it about, Jen? What's it about?!)

 

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl by Shauna Reid

Posted by Aigua Media on June 10, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

June 9, 2008 12:09 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Chocolate Mouse Trap by Joanna Carl

Reviewed by Angela Richardson

The Chocolate Mouse Trap is the fifth book in The Chocoholic Mysteries series by JoAnna Carl. This is the first one I have read and I was very curious how Carl was going to mix chocolate and murder mysteries. The combination sounded as though it could be delicious or nauseating (personally I suspected the latter).

This book (and I am guessing the others, due to her frequent reminiscences of past murders) revolves around Lee Mckinney who works in her aunt's chocolate shop. After meeting a party planner, Julie, that has passed some business her way, she is now being inundated by her "inspirational"€™ emails. That is until Julie'€™s killed.

When all the people on her emailing list are plagued with computer problems and then more attacks start to happen, Lee feels she has to investigate. Why would a harmless food industry emailing list be the target of an attacker? She'€™s determined to find out, even if it means risking her own life.

I have to say, this book is quite bizarre. It's basically a cosy murder mystery, but Carl inserts these chocolate quotes between chapters and I wouldn't like to be caught with her main character Lee, when she'€™s on a chocolate lecture. All she has to do is name a chocolate and you get a detailed description of it after. It is all an extremely strange idea and definitely not very good to read while you are trying to diet. I bought 2 bars of chocolate in a day because of this book! Or perhaps that'€™s the idea and she gets commission from a chocolate company!

Overall, the basic book is a good one, it kept me interested, and although the pace did tend to lag occasionally, I thought it was a good read. I just found all the chocolate facts and details to be a bit strange, but then there must be a chocoholic market out there as this is the fifth in the series.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try The Forever Summer by Suzanne Macpherson

Posted by Aigua Media on June 9, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 3/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 6, 2008 11:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Queen of Babble Gets Hitched

I wasn't wild about the first Queen of Babble book, but I liked the second one very much. The third? The third, I loved!

I can't say much about the plot in case you haven't read the earlier books. Book two annoyed some by ending on a cliffhanger, but that didn't bother me at all. I guess it depends on whether you already feel that you've committed to reading a series which, since it's Meg Cabot, I had.

So Lizzie is in New York and working in wedding dress restoration. Her love life is complicated and, thanks to the success of the business, her working life is becoming complicated too. She's not entirely sure what she wants, but she - and the reader - are confident she's going to get it.

In Queen of Babble in the Big City I said that Lizzie reminded me of Becky Bloomwood, but I didn't notice that so much in this book. Lizzie manages to be sweet and naive, while not coming across as an idiot, a feat that I'm not convinced Sophie Kinsella always manages to pull off with Becky.

While I ended up loving Lizzie, the strength of the Queen of Babble series is the supporting characters. From Lizzie's foul-mouthed gran to Chaz, Shari and, in the second two books, Tiffany the former receptionist who, for me, had all the laugh-out-loud lines in Queen of Babble Gets Hitched. (I also loved gum-chewing, knickerless heiress Ava Geck ... now just who could have been the inspiration for that character?!).

All in all, I loved this book and I'm sorry we won't be hearing more about Lizzie Nicholls.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

Posted by Aigua Media on June 6, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 5, 2008 10:11 AM

BOOK REVIEW: I like You: Hospitality under the Influence by Amy Sedaris

Reviewed by Diane Shipley (remember her?!)

I'd like to nominate Amy Sedaris as the anti-Martha Stewart. Although Amy has written a guide to entertaining and hospitality, it could possibly put any serious "homemakers" into an early grave. Like her brother David (who I love!) actress/author/comedian Amy is witty, intelligent... and more than a little strange.

I Like You... is made up of 29 chapters, giving advice on putting together different types of parties and get-togethers, from wakes to brunch. Plus there are recipes for quick and tasty meals for one and a number of cakes and desserts which sound positively mouth-watering. (Sedaris clearly knows her stuff: she has her own cupcake company in New York.)

Sometimes I couldn't work out whether the author was serious, such as when she talks about bringing home a group of Japanese business men she didn't know and cooking for them, or when she recommends holding impromptu twenty-five cent sales during a dinner party. But despite the sardonic tone, all of the recipes here are genuine and Sedaris is clearly enthusiastic about entertaining.

Unfortunately, the book reminded me of all the reasons I don't enjoy cooking or throwing parties (the effort, the clean-up, the small talk!) but that's a personal thing. It also made me laugh when Sedaris said she loved being a waitress, and would always rather eat at home than eat out. Reverse both those statements and you have my views exactly!

I do wonder if the wit and irony of the book might perhaps turn off people who don't realise the recipes should be taken entirely seriously. It might be better to have skipped the information on the best way to douche (!) and have made a few more concessions to conventionality... Also (picky, much?) I'd have preferred the book in an A3 format, that could have been laid flat so it was easier to follow the instructions. (I imagine...)

Despite a few reservations (and the caveat that this book is not for the easily offended!) I'd definitely recommend I Like You as a refreshingly modern guide to entertaining; an alternative to the likes of Martha Stewart and Delia Smith, who take it all too seriously for my liking.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

Posted by Aigua Media on June 5, 2008 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 4, 2008 11:24 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

I've had Garden Spells in my possession for some time now, but it has taken me ages to get around to it. I think the reason why I was put off reading it was because there is a sticker on the front saying "Adored Chocolat? Be enchanted by Garden Spells." The thing is, I didn't adore Chocolat. I found it hard to get into and actually gave up on it. I guess I felt Garden Spells would be the same and it just felt like hard work. But then I opened it.

Garden Spells is the story of the Waverley women in North Carolina and the magical house they have lived in for generations. The flowers that grow in the garden are used by Claire in her catering business and they are known throughout Bascom to have magical properties. Then there is the apple tree. Eating one of its apples - and the tree is insistent that you will - creates visions.

Claire lives on her own in the Waverley house visited often by old Evanelle, a distant relative and the only other Waverley left in Bascom. Evanelle has a gift for giving people objects when they don't even know they'll need them. The peace is interrupted by Claire's new neighbour Tyler along with the return of her long lost sister, Sydney, bringing with her a young daughter and a secret.

I really have the urge to gush with this novel, I enjoyed it so much. It was evocative, engaging,  magical, warm, inspiring, romantic. It was an enchanting feast of a fairy tale for women. I completely believed in it, I still do.

Sarah's descriptions transported me into the garden and it felt like I was there watching the story unfold before me. She has such a beautiful way of writing, "it smelled strongly of lavender and peppermint, like walking into a Christmas memory that didn't belong to her," that the book is simply a pleasure to read.

I can't wait to read her next book, The Sugar Queen, which is out now in the US and 7 August in the UK. I will definitely read that one straight away.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Chocolat (I'm going to give it another go)

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 4, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

June 3, 2008 12:40 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

I've been hearing about Sarah Dessen's books for years now, but I hadn't read one until The Truth About Forever.

It's the story of Macy, who is trying to keep it together following her dad's death (which she secretly feels she could have prevented). Macy's way of dealing is to keep her life very small and controlled and everything's going fine until her boyfriend suggests they take a break (he's not sure Macy is in line with his future "goals"), she gets a new job that she hates and she meets a chaotic catering crew who are always looking for extra help.

Liking the fact that when she's with the Wish caterers, she's just Macy and not Macy-whose-dad-died, she starts spending more and more time with them, particularly the gorgeous Wes. She and Wes enter into a game of truth and become closer and closer, sharing their secrets, but it's still safe because they both have partners (Wes's girlfriend is in prison).

But Macy had to have learned her coping strategy from someone and it was her mother who, when she realises how much time Macy is spending with her new friends, takes back some control of her own.

I loved this book. I liked Macy from the first page and the Wish crew are charming and hilarious. Wes is extremely sexy and charismatic and the book is filled with little details - about art, family, emotion, friendship, letting go and moving on - that are so brilliantly and subtlely woven into the story that you barely notice them until you finish reading and realise how utterly satisfying it all was. Although Macy and her family are sad, this isn't a sad book at all; in fact it's a very positive book. I'll definitely be reading more Sarah Dessen.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

Posted by Aigua Media on June 3, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (6)

May 30, 2008 9:03 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello

Even though I also write for our sister site, The Bag Lady, I must admit I knew very little about the Hermes Birkin bag before reading Michael Tonello's book. I knew it was an "It" bag, with a waiting list. I knew that Victoria Beckham has loads of them. I knewLogan bought one for Rory in Gilmore Girls. And ... that's it.

Michael Tonello knew even less about them than me, but it didn't stop him becoming an enormously successful Birkin reseller, managing to get hundreds of the bags without joining any waiting list. How? 

Well ... after moving to Barcelona, Tonello's job fell through. Stuck in Spain with no work permit, he had to find a way to work for himself. Trying to make some fast cash, he sold some of his stuff on ebay and was surprised to find how much he could get for Hermes gear in particular. Starting with scarves, he trawled Barcelona's Hermes stores for old stock, i.e. collectables, and was amazed to find he was making a huge profit.

Through those sales he made contact with a number of Hermes collectors who advised him on what to look out for and before long he was travelling all over Europe and selling Hermes on ebay full time. Since he'd developed wish lists for his clients, Tonello had begun to learn about the mythic Birkin bag and, after a while, decided to try and get his hands on one.

At first his requests were met with rudeness, but soon he developed a (ridiculously simple) formula and the Birkins started coming thick and fast. (One of the photo captions states that Hermes claim to only make 100 Birkins per year: "If that were truly the case it would mean that I bought the entire annual production that year - and then some!" comments Michael.)

Despite being unfamiliar with the Birkin, I found this book a hugely entertaining read. Tonello is a funny and charming writer and his Birkin-gathering life was so glamorous I got completely caught up in it (and enormously envious of the fabulous hotels he stayed in, the incredible food he ate, the amazing wine he drank... sigh). It's the kind of book that's so accessible, you miss the author when you've finished reading.

It's not just about a bag, it's about taking chances, seizing the moment, truly living your life. I loved it. (But it hasn't made me want a Birkin. I prefer the Chloe Bay...)

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Shops by India Knight (nothing like it, really, but still great)

Posted by Aigua Media on May 30, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 23, 2008 11:39 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Runaway Jury

The Runaway Jury by John Grisham is, by far, my favourite Grisham book. I went through a period of reading all of his books and this is the one that stood out. I was extremely anxious then when I heard they were making a film of the book and substantial changes were going to be made. Why do they do that?

If you have never read any of Grisham's books, you should know that most of them are about law and lawyers and plaintiffs and juries all woven into a tight, juicy plot. The Runaway Jury - the book - is about a woman taking a large fictional tobacco company to court claiming that her husband's premature death was because of the cigarette manufacturers. Runaway Jury - the film - changes substantially in that the cigarette manufacturers are replaced by firearms dealers. As I was a big fan of the book, could the film have the same effect on me?

The basic premise of the film is the same. There is a jury consultant (Gene Hackman) who can communicate illegally through jury selection with the defence attorneys. One of the potential jurors is Nicholas Easter (John Cusack) who works in a video game store and tries to get out of jury duty. The judge refuses and he is picked. What starts off routinely, then becomes odd. The jury start to behave strangely, someone is controlling them and soon it appears they can be bought...

When a book is adapted you can't expect every single detail to appear in the film. It's impossible. In Runaway Jury the film, there are irritating departures from the book. There are gaps in the plot and often a lack of realism. If you have read the book and want to watch this film, pretend you've never read it and in return enjoy a tense, slick and exciting thriller.

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 23, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 22, 2008 8:56 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James

A reader recommended Eloisa James's books a while ago, but I didn't think they were quite my thing. Even when I was sent this book, I looked at the cover, laughed, and thought I don't think so... And then I started reading it and I absolutely adored it.

Set in 1783, Jemma, Duchess of Beaumont has returned to London (and her husband) from Paris (and her lover(s)), but she's not planning to settle down, that's for sure. She fully intends to be just as independent and shocking in London as she was in Paris. And then a distant cousin, Lady Roberta, comes to stay. Roberta has fallen for the dastardly Duke of Villiers at first sight and wants Jemma's help in seducing and marrying him.

After giving Roberta a foxy makeover, Jemma challenges Villiers to a chess match, hoping to humiliate him as revenge for his dishonouring of another friend's husband and also mindful of the fact that if he falls for and marries Roberta, that will be the ultimate humiliation (Jemma's not a fan of marriage).

By the way, in the late 18th Century, chess was considered dramatic and sexy and wildly exciting. How things change, eh?

There's also Jemma's brother Damon who, while not quite as shocking as his sister, does have an illegitimate child and a bit of a reputation. Although perhaps he's just been looking for the right woman. And he thinks he's found her in Roberta.

There's a quote from chick lit author Carole Matthews on the back of this book: "Sheer joy from beginning to end" and she's absolutely right. I read it avidly and often with a massive grin on my face. It's charming, cheeky, funny and sexy and I know I'll re-read it in the future. And of course I'll definitely be reading more of Eloisa James's books. Highly recommended (even if you don't think it looks like your kind of thing!).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Crossed Bones by Jane Johnson ("Don’t worry; there’s not a ripped bodice or heaving bosom anywhere," said Sarah in her review. There's both in Desperate Duchesses.)

Posted by Aigua Media on May 22, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 20, 2008 11:10 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott

Two chapters in to Elizabeth Scott's third book, Stealing Heaven, I made myself a cup of tea, kicked off my shoes, piled cushions up behind myself, put my feet up on the sofa and settled in for the long haul.

Danielle has grown up travelling around the country, helping her mother rob wealthy homes. She's never had a real friend, never had a boyfriend, or a real home, she didn't even attend high school.

But when she and her mum arrive in the beach town of Heaven, Danielle finds herself starting to change. First she meets a girl who she feels she could be friends with. Then she meets a man who she feels she could be more with, but unthinkingly she not only tells him her real name, he sees her car, he knows where she lives ... and he's a cop.

While Danielle is trying to stop herself becoming too fond of Heaven, her mother is scoping out the local houses to find which one to burgle. Of course, the best prospect belongs to the family of Danielle's first friend.

But that's not the family's only worry - Danielle's mother has a cough, a really bad cough...

I LOVED Elizabeth Scott's first two books - Bloom and Perfect You - and now that Stealing Heaven has made it three in a row, I'm very excited to read her next, Living Dead Girl.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Either Bloom or Perfect You!

Posted by Aigua Media on May 20, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (4)

May 19, 2008 9:13 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Did I Expect Angels? by Kathryn Maughan

I didn't know what to expect from Kathryn Maughan's Did I Expect Angels? I'm not a big fan of the title or the cover, they both seem a little pretentious to me. Of course, the fact that it's about grief wasn't a big draw either. You know what I'm going to say now, don't you? Yeah, I really liked it.

It begins with Jennifer Huffaker in the pharmacy trying to decide how many bottles of aspirin it will take for her to kill herself. Following the death of her husband, Jack, eighteen months earlier, Jennifer has sunk into a depression that no-one - not her family, friends, or her young daughter, Kaitlyn, can get her out of.

But in the store, she bumps an acquaintance, Henry, who senses her desperation and insists that she come with him and listen to his story. Henry moved from Costa Rica to the US and has suffered many trials and setbacks of his own.

Alternating with Henry's story is Jennifer's own story - the story of her relationship with Jack.

Did I Expect Angels? is not just an utterly compelling story, it's two utterly compelling stories. I found Jennifer's story hard to read since I knew, from the first page, that Jack was going to die and so it was hard to enjoy their happiness. Henry's story was difficult too, but I was desperate for him to succeed and find happiness in the US.

Above all, it's just beautifully written and I'm amazed that it's Maughan's first novel. I look forward to reading her next.

Ratng: 4/5

Like this? Try Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston

Posted by Aigua Media on May 19, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, More On Monday, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 16, 2008 1:08 PM

BOOK NEWS: The new queen of fantasy?

Harry Potter has been knocked off the number one bestseller position in the United States by Stephenie Meyer. Described as a "teetotal Mormon mother of three" she has sold seven million copies of her books about high school vampires.

In an article about Meyer, The Times believes she is building a convincing claim to be the heir to J.K Rowling's crown. Time Magazine has listed her in its list of the top one hundred most influential people in the world.

Related posts: Twilight Trailer | Movie Magic: Twilight

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 16, 2008 in American Authors, Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

FRIDAY FLICK: The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption is taken from the Stephen King collection of novellas, Different Seasons. This isn't a scary Stephen King book or film. Instead it is a story of, well, wrongful imprisonment for a start, but also hope, integrity and, funnily enough, redemption. The first time I watched it,as a student, I turned my nose up, but from the beginning I was hooked. When I watched it again a few weeks ago, once more I was sucked into the story.

It is 1947 and Andy Dufresne (played brilliantly by Tim Robbins), a young banker, is wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. He is sent to the notorious Shawshank State Prison where he meets Red (Morgan Freeman) who is actually the narrator of the story. Red is a man who can get things, and after about a month Andy asks him for a rock hammer as he is into rock carving.

Andy is not your typical prisoner. He is a caring man, not hardened and claims, to the disbelief of his fellow inmates, that he is innocent. He is calm, patient and mild-mannered, initially seen as weak, but proves himself to be anything other than.  He is targeted by a gang called "The Sisters" and is attacked by them for a few years.  Andy never loses hope though and gradually life for Andy in the prison improves as he becomes useful to the warden.

The acting of  Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman along with all the other actors is excellent. The portrayal of the brutal conditions inside the prison is often uncomfortable viewing but stick with it. It has an excellent ending. One of the best, if not the best, I have ever seen in a film.

Realted posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 16, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 15, 2008 1:08 PM

BOOK REVIEW: A Walk With Jane Austen by Lori Smith

Reviewed by Jill Hart

Part history, part armchair travel-guide, and part memoir, A Walk With Jane Austen by Lori Smith put my travel bug in overdrive. Being a big Jane Austen fan, I can easily imagine what it might be like to walk where she once lived. A Walk With Jane Austin gave me a glimpse of the UK from the comfort of my couch (well, LoveSac actually).

When Smith decided to travel to Britain, she was looking for a change of scenery and a chance of pace from her hectic life. Smith heads 'across the pond', and begins her journey in Oxford. She continues on to London, Winchester, Bath and beyond. Throughout the trip, she shares thoughts and feelings straight from her heart.

In Oxford she meets Jack, who she finds intriguing and charming. In London, she visits an old friend and writes about the terrorism that is all over the news these days. In each chapter she shares how she's processing her journey and how her faith is being stretched, expanded and deepened.

Mixed in amongst her experiences, Smith shares the parts of Austen's life that took place in each location. She notes that in Oxford, where her journey began, was also where it's thought that George and Cassandra Austen, Jane's parents, met. In Steventon, Smith discusses that this, or something nearby, is Jane Austen's birthplace. The story intermingles with Austen history and it's a fun walk through time. The book also has a deeper dimension, where Smith shares her inmost thoughts and feelings.

Smith's book began as a blog where she wrote about her experiences. In the preface, she mentions that on the blog she often received questions from readers as to whether the entries were fictional or not. She makes mention that it's very much a work of non-fiction, although having been written after the trip from her extensive journaling, she may have added some additional perspective in hindsight.

Put altogether, the book does read like a novel and knowing that it's not makes it an ever better read in my opinion. I identified with Smith in many ways and found myself wishing I had been traveling along with her. Maybe she'll take another trip and invite me along? Hey, a girl can dream...

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Madonna and Me by Nikki Racklin

Posted by Aigua Media on May 15, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 14, 2008 12:03 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Twilight trailer

I haven't read Twilight yet, but I've heard such good things that I'm already looking forward to the movie. Check out the trailer: 

It's rather low-key, don't you think? But I LOVE the ending.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 14, 2008 in American Authors, Movie News, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (6)

May 13, 2008 2:55 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Safety of Secrets

Despite my obsession with book covers, I've never before even thought about book cover photo shoots (yes, am I *that* dense!)

But if you click here, you can watch a short video about the photo shoot for Delaune Michel's book, The Safety of Secrets.

We'll have more from Ms Michel later this month (including our first ever live chat!), but in the meantime, we have five copies of The Safety of Secrets to give away. Find out more over the cut.

This time, the competition is open to US entrants only, I'm afraid. To enter, please email editor @ trashionista . com (remove spaces) with "Safety of Secrets" in the subject line. Don't forget to include your name and address.

The competition closes at 12 midnight GMT on 31 May.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 13, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers, Competition | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Lottery by Patricia Wood

I'd heard good things about Patricia Wood's Lottery long before it was shortlisted for the Orange Prize, but once I saw it was on the shortlist, I knew I had to read it.

It's the story of Perry L Cranall who is "not retarded". He knows this because you have to have an IQ under 75 to be retarded and his IQ is 76. He lives simply and happily with his Gram and works in a marine supply store. But when Gram dies, everything changes for Perry. His awful family sell Gram's house from under him and leave him with practically nothing.

But then Perry wins $12 million on the Washington State Lottery. Funnily enough, his family soon becomes much more concerned about his welfare, but fortunately Perry has friends - and his own Gram-taught sense and values on his side.

I loved Lottery. Perry reminded me of a cross between Forrest Gump and Christopher in Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.

The characters never seemed like characters, they seemed like real people. And I loathed Perry's family so much that I almost had to stop reading. It's a sweet, funny, charming, moving book and a very well-deserved Orange Prize nominee. (The winner is announced 4 June.)

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

Posted by Aigua Media on May 13, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 9, 2008 11:19 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks be E Lockhart

I've loved all of E Lockhart's books, but I have to admit I was a bit afraid to read her latest, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, since a couple of friends whose opinions I respect really didn't like it at all. Well, I don't respect their opinions anymore*, since I loved it.

Frankie attends the exclusive boarding school that her father and sister (and father's father, etc.) attended before her. When she started there, she was in her sister's shadow, but now that her sister has left - and Frankie has experienced some physical "blooming" - things are looking up.

* only joking.

Frankie is thrilled when her long-time crush and star of the school, Matthew Livingston, suddenly notices her and they begin dating. She's not so thrilled when she realises that Matthew is lying to her in order to hang out and plan pranks with the all male secret society of which he's a member.

Frankie refuses to let Matthew and his friends underestimate her and so decides to carry out a few pranks of her own with startling results.

From the first page I loved this book. I loved the character of Frankie and her refusal to be patronised. I loved how she co-opted a boys' club and had them all under her control without them ever suspecting her. There are plenty of feminist characters in young adult fiction, but I find them to be more overtly feminist (yet not stridently so) in E Lockhart's books.

While I didn't love this as much as the Ruby Oliver books (like this one and this one - and there's another coming soon!) - the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds reminded me a bit too much of the Life and Death Brigade in Gilmore Girls and there's a running joke about language that I found a bit irritating - it's yet another addition to my brilliant YA bookshelf. If E Lockhart just wrote about nine more books a year, she could give Meg Cabot a run for her money!

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Secret Society Girl by Diana Peterfreund

Posted by Aigua Media on May 9, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 8, 2008 10:05 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Sisterchicks Go Brit by Robin Jones Gunn

Reviewed by Jill Hart

It's official. I want to be a SisterChick when I grow up. I hope I might be so lucky. Robin Jones Gunn's SisterChick series is centered around the lives of two "midlife mamas", Elizabeth (Liz) and Kellie. The two friends have been through ups and downs together and know each other almost well enough to read the other's thoughts.

Sisterchicks Go Brit, the seventh book in the series, finds Liz and Kellie on their way to see Big Ben. How they end up traveling to the UK is a story in itself, but I'll leave that a mystery because what's best about the book is what's in the middle - the trip itself. The gals visit all of the places I'd like to go if I were cross the pond - the old haunts of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, the sights and sounds of London, shopping at Portabella Road in Knotting Hill. Ahhh, I could envision myself alongside them as they bopped from place to place. (And bop they did.)

Liz and Kellie have quite a journey. They are spectators at a village pancake race, taken on a whirlwind tour of British authors sites, and even end up in a hot air balloon. If that isn't enough, one of them manages to get herself pulled aside for questioning on The Underground.

I've read many of Gunn's other books, but I actually jumped into this series with this book. Even though I didn't have a lot of background on the characters, the book was enjoyable and held it's own. Although these mamas are middle-aged I still related to them and laughed with them along the way. I liked the book enough that I've already gone out and found myself a copy of the first book so that I can start from the beginning and experience life through the eyes of the two hilarious chicks. I almost forgot to mention, Gunn includes a bonus for her fans in the back of the book. She shares pictures and thoughts of her own trip to the UK as well as an excerpt from the Sisterchicks devotional, Take Flight.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try I Heart Bloomberg by Melody Carlson

Posted by Aigua Media on May 8, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, Rating: 4/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 6, 2008 11:29 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Names My Sisters Call Me by Megan Crane

I remember reading a review of one of Lisa Jewell's books that described it as "emotionally intelligent" and that's what I kept thinking as I was reading Megan Crane's fourth book, Names My Sisters Call Me.

The story of three sisters - Norah, Raine and Courtney - I found it intelligent, emotional and wise, but that's not to suggest it's a serious read, it's also extremely entertaining and I found it hard to put down.

The book begins with the youngest, Courtney's, lovely boyfriend Lucas proposing. Thrilled, Courtney realises she wants her middle sister, Raine - who neither she nor the eldest, Norah, have seen since Raine disgraced herself at Norah's wedding - at her wedding.

So Courtney travels to San Francisco to reconcile with Raine. Of course, there's also the small fact that, before Raine ran away, Courtney was dating - and madly in love with - Raine's friend Matt, who went to San Francisco with her. Is it Raine Courtney wants to reconcile with - or is it Matt?

I've enjoyed each of Megan Crane's books more than the last and Names My Sisters Call Me was no exception. The relationships between the three sisters are perfectly drawn and emotional and infuriating in equal measure.

Fabulous.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty

Posted by Aigua Media on May 6, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 1, 2008 1:49 PM

BRAND NEW BOOK NEWS: Postcards From Yo Momma

Blook news! Doree Shafrir and Jessica Grose have bagged a book deal based on their blog of mom emails, Postcards from Yo Momma.

Hyperion editor Gretchen Young bought the book at auction and is planning to market it as a Mother's Day gift book.

[Via Galleycat]

Related posts: Judging panel for Blooker Prize | From blog to book

Posted by Sarah Painter on May 1, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Non Fiction, You heard it here first! | Permalink | Comments (11)

BOOK REVIEW: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

Like Amy I really enjoyed Stephenie Meyer's YA fantasy Twilight. New Moon is the follow up and it doesn't disappoint.

Bella Swan moved to rainy Forks to live with her dad. She fell in love with a vampire - Edward Cullens - who, luckily, is a 'good vampire' and has sworn off human blood. At the beginning of New Moon they are as in love as at the end of Twilight, but all that is about to change...

I really don't want to give any of the plot away - it's so brilliantly paced and inventive that I would hate to spoil it.

Still, I will say that New Moon is just as full of intrigue, adventure and heady, intense romance as Twilight. The wonderful character of Jacob Black is developed as he and Bella become best friends, and Meyer builds her world (a world in which mythical creatures live alongside us), layering it with more depth.

Yes, this is officially classed as a YA book - and it's (obviously) supernatural, but please don't let either of those facts put you off. This series (New Moon is followed by Eclipse) is just a good story, well told. Full stop.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands

Posted by Sarah Painter on May 1, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Romance, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (4)

April 30, 2008 2:43 PM

MOVIE NEWS: An Invisible Sign Of My Own

Aimee Bender's novel An Invisible Sign Of My Own is being adapted for the big screen and America Ferrera has signed on for the starring role.

The quirky story is about a twenty-year-old loner, Mona Gray, who as a child turned to maths for salvation after her father became ill. As an adult, Mona teaches the subject and still relies on numbers to keep her world safe and ordered. Will love change that forever?

[Via Hollywood Reporter]

Related posts: Movie news archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 30, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 29, 2008 11:41 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Candy Girl by Diablo Cody

I had to read Candy Girl after watching and completely ADORING the movie Juno, the screenplay of which was written by Diablo Cody.

Candy Girl is subtitled "a year in the life of an unlikely stripper" and does exactly what it says on the tin. After moving to Minneapolis, Cody was working in an advertising agency and living with a musician she met on the internet. Bored at work and passing a strip club one day, she wonders what it would be like to strip. And so she volunteers for amateur night.

Cody finds her first experience of stripping both terrifying and exhilarating and soon she's stripping regularly. From stripping she moves on to lapdancing, poledancing and more, eventually working in the Dollhouse, a revolting-sounding peepshow.

Cody's writing is enormously honest and entertaining, but even a couple of weeks after finishing the book, I haven't been able to work out what Cody got out of stripping. She suggests that she did it to challenge and frighten herself, but I didn't find that reasoning entirely convincing.

As I read the book, I argued with myself about whether I was for or against stripping - vacillating between it being a valid way to earn a good living by taking advantage of men's perversions and being, you know, a misogynist and patriarchal disgrace. By the end of Candy Girl I was totally resolved that it's a blight on society and no right-thinking woman should do it willingly. But, of course, I might be wrong.

Oh and remember when I read Good Vibrations and said there was one section that made me sick to my stomach? Well there's a bit in Candy Girl that's (arguably) even worse.

So Candy Girl is absolutely not for the faint-hearted, but it's a thought-provoking and entertaining read.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Good Vibrations by Ayn Carrillo

Posted by Aigua Media on April 29, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 28, 2008 3:09 PM

BOOK NEWS: American Wife

I enjoyed Prep (although why it wasn't classed as YA chick lit was beyond me) and haven't read Curtis Sittenfeld's second novel The Man Of My Dreams, but I will certainly give American Wife a look.

It's out in September and is narrated by what sounds very much like a fictional version of Laura Bush. Alice Blackwell is married to a man who becomes president of America in 2000 -  even though his opponent receives more popular votes. 

Related posts: Curtis Sittenfeld - chick lit author? | If it's good it can't be chick lit

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 28, 2008 in American Authors, Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 25, 2008 12:26 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Fifteen Minutes of Shame by Lisa Daily

Lisa Daily is a relationships expert and columnist and Fifteen Minutes of Shame is her first novel. I was strangely put off by her day job since I assumed - incorrectly as it turned out - that Daily would simply transmit her nonfiction knowledge to a novel. In fact, Fifteen Minutes of Shame is fun, funny, gripping and moving.

Darby Vaughn - "America's favourite TV dating expert" - is happily married to Will, the love of her life and father to the other loves of her life - his two children from a previous marriage, Lilly and Aidan. Of  course, when I say Darby is happily married, what I mean is that she thought she was happily married but, as the book begins, we learn that Will is not so happy. In fact, Darby suspects that he's cheating and learns that she was right ... on national TV.

Humiliated, heartbroken and at risk of losing everything - not just her husband, but her kids, her house and her career - Darby retreats to stay with a friend and employs a divorce lawyer. A gorgeous divorce lawyer named, Holt. Yes, Holt.

Glossing over the name (Holt?), I loved Fifteen Minutes of Shame. I felt for Darby every second - her shock at Will's betrayal, her attempts to rebuild her life and career, and the pain of being separated from the children she loved, was raising and had come to think of as her own.

(The book raised a serious, and heartbreaking, point I'd never even thought of before - that of step-parents' rights. They don't have any, so you could feasibly spend years raising and loving children, split from their "natural" parent and not even have any right of visitation, let alone hope of any kind of custody.)

Some bits of the book didn't ring entirely true - I could have done without Darby's foray into reality show dating - but that was more than made up for by the character of Darby, who I felt like I knew. And then there's Holt - name aside, the man's a fox.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Marshmallows for Breakfast by Dorothy Koomson

Posted by Aigua Media on April 25, 2008 in American Authors, Debut Novels, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

Angels And Demons casting news

Remember we told you about the film adapation of Dan Brown's Angels And Demons?

Well, today the news is out that leading lady Ayelet Zurer (who?) is to be joined by the very lovely Ewan McGregor. He will play an insider at the Vatican who helps Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks).

[Via Empire]

Related posts: Bad Mother's Handbook casting news | Yet more Shopaholic casting

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 25, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 24, 2008 5:16 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Susan Elizabeth Phillips has written historical romance, contemporary women's fiction and romantic comedy.

She received the Romance Writers of America Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 and has won numerous other awards including Borders Best, the American Library Association Genre Fiction Award,and a clutch of RITAs.

However, according to Susan's blog, she started to write "completely by accident".

Susan left her high school teaching job when her first son was born to stay at home. Her best friend lived nearby and the two used to swap books and talk about what they liked and didn't like.

One day, for a laugh, they decided to write a book together. They submitted the first half to Dell and got an offer. Just like that! Susan says: "I never tell this story at writers' luncheons for  fear I'll have to duck flying french rolls."

The book was historical romance, titled The Copeland Bride and published under the pen name Justine Cole.

Afterwards, Claire decided to follow her own ambition of attending law school.  However, Susan had well and truly been bitten by the writing bug and she set about learning how to write a book on her own.

The result was published under her real name - Susan Elizabeth Phillips - and she hasn't looked back since.

Susan lives in Illinois with her husband Bill. She has two grown up sons and is a keen walker.

Bibliography:

Risen, Glory (1984)
Glitter Baby (1987)
Fancy Pants (1989)
Hot Shot (1991)
Honey Moon (1993)
It Had To Be You (1994)
Heaven, Texas (1995)
Kiss an Angel (1996)
Nobody's Baby But Mine (1997)
Dream a Little Dream (1998)
Lady Be Good (1999)
First Lady (2000)
Just Imagine (2001)
This Heart of Mine (2001)
Breathing Room (2002)
Ain't She Sweet? (2005)
Match Me if You Can (2005)
Natural Born Charmer (2007)

Related posts: Spotlight archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 24, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Romance, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 23, 2008 8:08 AM

BOOK Cover: Comfort Food

Kate Jacobs - author of The Friday Night Knitting Club - has a new book coming out in May (June in the UK). Okay, so we already told you this, but the UK book cover has been released and I thought it was worth commenting on.

The US version is arresting, individual, and, dare-I-say-it, literary-looking (if a little dark). Carry on over the cut for the UK version.

Well. Yet another beheaded woman. Are UK publishers so frightened of women that they only dare show bits of them?

And she's carrying a bag. Because women love bags, of course. Sometimes the world makes me sigh very deeply.

Related posts: Rate my book cover | US versus UK covers | Does a book cover matter?

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 23, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 22, 2008 11:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson

I've wanted to read Shanna Swendson's Once Upon Stilettos for ages, but somehow hadn't got around to it. I finally managed to snuggle down with it over one of the recent rainy and miserable weekends and it brightened me up considerably!

The first book in the series, Enchanted Inc, sees innocent Texan, Katie, living in New York and learning that she is a magical immune - in other words she can see magical acts - but is unaffected by them, which sees her recruited by MSI, Magic, Spells and Illusions, Inc.

In Once Upon Stilettos, Katie's job (she's assistant to Merlin - yes, *that* Merlin) is going very well except it seems MSI may be harbouring a spy. She's got a crush on one of her colleagues, Owen, but she's actually dating another colleague, Ethan. She's put in charge of the Secret Santa as a team-building exercise. And then her parents decide to come to New York for a visit.

Katie's horrified when it seems her mother can see the magical happenings around them. Her mum can't also be an immune, can she? I say also, it seems that Katie's immunity might be on the wane, which couldn't happen at a worse time: how can Katie find the spy without revealing she's lost her immunity? And will she get it back? And, if not, will she be out of a job (and the chance to see Owen every day)?

I enjoyed this book every bit as much as the first in the series. They're so sweet-natured and such good fun. I certainly won't leave it so long before reading the next in the series, Damsel Under Stress.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Jinx by Meg Cabot

Posted by Aigua Media on April 22, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Series, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK NEWS: I'm With Stupid

Written by Elaine Szewczyk, editor of Kirkus Reviews, I'm With Stupid sounds like an exuberant read.

Kas meets William while on safari in Africa and thinks he is the perfect man. Back home, she wonders if she'll ever hear from her holiday fling again... But when an email finally arrives, it isn't quite what she expects. Misunderstandings ensue, which lead (bizarrely) to William travelling to New York and moving in with Kas. Don't you just hate it when that happens?

The blurb on Amazon goes on:
Readers are along for the outrageous ride as Kas copes with her new roommate's eccentricities, including a preoccupation with the Psychic Friends Network and a passion for collecting Big Apple-themed souvenirs, and the realization that her dream man is a comic nightmare.

It sounds a little self-consciously wacky, but she's hooked me with the title...

Related posts: Meg Cabot title changes | Melissa Nathan Award for comedy romance

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 22, 2008 in American Authors, Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 21, 2008 5:54 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Strange Bedpersons by Jennifer Crusie

Strange Bedpersons is one of Jennifer Crusie's early books. It was published by the Harlequinn Temptation line back in 1994 and, as a category novel, it's shorter than her later stand-alone titles.

Nick Jamieson is the exact opposite of Tess Newhart. He's a straight-laced, conservative Republican lawyer and she's free-spirited, out-spoken and was brought up in a hippy commune.

After a short fling, the two are friends of a kind, and Tess agrees - as a favour and against her better instincts - to accompany Nick on a business trip.

It's a light romance, so you know exactly what you will be getting. Nick and Tess fall in love; getting to know each other properly and making compromises that let you know their happy ever after will last beyond the last page of the book.

It's funny and quick-witted with great characters. I loved Tess's best friend, Gina, and marvelled (once again) at how good Crusie is at creating charasmatic, memorable people.

Okay, so it's not got the depth of her later novels - and it's probably got the flimsiest plot that I've seen in a Crusie - but for a short, fun read, you'd be hard pushed to find better.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try: The Fortune Quilt by Lani Diane Rich

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 21, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jennifer Weiner podcast

Jennifer Weiner did an author event at the Free Library in Philadelphia early this month to promote Certain Girls.

For those of us who missed it, the library has very kindly made it available as a podcast. Woo-hoo! Jennifer's says (on her blog): "Download, and hear me talk about the Jew thing, balancing work and motherhood, and why you should never try to breast-feed in a sweater dress."

Related posts: Author interview: Jennifer Weiner | Top 10 chick lit books

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 21, 2008 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Podcasts | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 18, 2008 11:18 AM

PREVIEW REVIEW: Airhead by Meg Cabot

I was desperate to read Airhead, the first book in Meg Cabot's latest series (yes, another one!), after she said on her blog that when she told her husband what it was about he said, "Meg Cabot, this time you've gone too far." Apart from trying to get *my* husband to call me by my full name, I vowed not to rest until I'd read it.

And while my husband flat out refused to call me "Keris Stainton" at all times, he did shake his head in despair each time he caught me somewhere hiding from the world, reading Airhead and muttering "No way. No way!" and "Meg Cabot's so good. And also mad."

Now I'm determined not to give anything away, so I'm not going to tell you anything about the plot, other than what you can read on the back of the book: Em Watts is a tomboy and secretly in love with her best friend and gaming buddy, Christopher. Em's annoying younger sister, Frida, is a girlie girl who despairs of Em and idolises supermodel Nikki Howard. When Em is forced to accompany Frida to the opening of a new Stark Megastore where both Nikki Howard and hot British singer, Gabriel Luna, will be appearing, Em and Nikki's lives collide in the most startling way.

That's all I'm saying. Except that the idea behind Airhead is so audacious that I actually laughed out loud when I realised what it was.

Oh and I'll also say that I loved it. I loved the characters, the New York setting, and clearly I loved the plot. Cabot's writing is so apparently effortless and convincing that I would cheerfully accept anything she chose to write, no matter how far-fetched.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Split by a Kiss by Luisa Plaja

Posted by Aigua Media on April 18, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (6)

April 16, 2008 11:17 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Twilight

Reviewed by Amy Sheehan

Twilight is a captivating love story with a twist. Seventeen year old Bella Swan has to go and live with her dad in the small northern town of Forks, and needless to say she’s not exactly thrilled. But her view of the place quickly changes when she meets the beautiful and mysterious Edward Cullen.

Bella soon finds herself swept up in a thrilling mystery as she begins to uncover Edward’s incredible secret: he and his family are vampires! But not just any vampires - good vampires, who try to ignore their overwhelming urge to drink human blood and don’t hunt people. Only snag is, Bella is exactly Edward’s taste in, uhm, blood, and he faces a constant inner battle between wanting to protect her, and his overwhelming desire to sink his teeth into her neck. The plot thickens as Bella soon realises that she has fallen in love with him. But can it ever be safe to love a vampire?

I found myself utterly engrossed in this gorgeously romantic read; it’s a fine mix of romance and adventure, and actually reminded me a bit of the film Titanic, because what starts out as a beautifully tender story of forbidden love becomes, by the end, an exciting race for survival.

Edward is the most swoon-worthy hero I’ve encountered in a long time, and I was just as much in love with him as Bella was. Well, he is the perfect man - what with his supernatural looks, strength, speed and powers - but that all just adds to the fun. Other characters that fascinated me included most of Edward’s family - who all have their own individual histories and personalities - but especially Alice, who can see the future, and Rosalie, although we don’t see much of her.

Though technically a young adult book, this one’s not just for the teenage girls. Anyone with any romance in them will love it; it may be slightly mushy in places, but I personally loved it and finished the novel with a big soppy grin on my face. It’s romantic, surprisingly well-written, and what’s more, a page-turner: I was up late reading, dying to know what would happen.

Twilight is excellent as a stand-alone book (I was very satisfied with the ending), but readers like me who are desperate for more will be happy to know that the story continues in New Moon and Eclipse. If they’re this good, I for one can’t wait to read them.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands

Posted by Aigua Media on April 16, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (8)

April 15, 2008 11:01 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Pretty Little Mistakes by Heather McElhatton

I was so keen to read this book after it was recommended by our readers on more than one occasion. Plus I loved the idea! A modern, chick lit, choose your own adventure? Who wouldn't love that? Well. I didn't. At all.

This is quite a difficult review to write because, while I thought the writing in Pretty Little Mistakes was wonderful, the situations totally believable and the achievement (150 possible endings!) phenomenal, I hated every single adventure I read.

Let me explain about the book a little bit, in case you haven't read it. It's written in the second person, which situates the reader as the main character. So it begins: "You're graduating. Rushing headlong into the unknown rest of your life.Your friends are drifting off in every direction." Etc. At first I thought this would make it difficult to get into, but it did the opposite, within pages I was totally involved.

The first choice is between going to college with your boyfriend and going travelling. Once I'd convinced myself that, since it was a book, I could do what I'd *like* to do (go travelling) rather than what I probably would have done in real life (college), I turned to the next section. Where, when I tell my boyfriend I'm not joining him, he "calls you a bitch and asks you who the hell you think you are and slaps you across the face." Okay. Not loving the boyfriend, but now I get to choose between California and Europe. I pick Europe.

Where, before long I'm basically a concubine for a gangster. Plus I've had a quick lesbian orgy and yet another asshole boyfriend.

I go back. I decide against going out with the gangster and pick another way. I'm a meth addict. And my boyfriend beats me up. Again.

Back to the beginning. I choose California. My car breaks down. I haven't got any money. I have sex with the mechanic. ("OK, OK, it's slutty, but nobody here knows you and what else are you supposed to do?")

I go back to the beginning. I'm killed by a terrorist bomb. Back. I'm raped and then murder my rapist. Back. I go travelling, become a drug addict and get murdered myself (shovel in the stomach ... ow).

By this point, I'm afraid to pick the book up. I don't even want to know what horrible "adventures" lie in store. I tell a friend about the book and she says perhaps it's intentional. Perhaps the idea behind it is that no matter what path you choose, life is shit and then you die.

I'm not a fan of this interpretation, but I do give her the book (which, weirdly, she's really keen to read).

Rating: 2/5 (one for the idea, one for the great writing)

Like this? Try something sweet and charming to soothe your nerves. Any Princess Diaries book would do.

Posted by Keris on April 15, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (10)

April 14, 2008 7:49 PM

BOOK COVER: Fearless Fourteen

While I may be moderately excited at the prospect of a new Stephanie Plum adventure (tempered by the hope that it is a return to form after the only-okay Lean Mean Thirteen), I am distinctly underwhelmed by this cover.

I sincerely hope this is a placeholder cover, not the one that will actually go to print and be released this summer. If not, I hope Janet Evanovich's publisher didn't pay very much for it...

Related posts: Did Janet Evanovich invent chick lit? | Perfectly Plum

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 14, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers, Crime / Mystery | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 11, 2008 6:09 PM

BOOK NEWS: I Was Told There'd Be Cake

This debut collection of snarky essays by Sloane Crosley sounds very funny indeed. Titled I Was Told There'd Be Cake,  the essays have headers like The Pony Problem and Bring-Your-Machete-To-Work Day.

Crosley has been compared to David Sedaris, recommended by Meg Cabot and the cover is great. It was published at the beginning of the month and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

Related posts: Non fiction archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 11, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (5)

BOOK REVIEW: How I Write by Janet Evanovich and Ina Yalof

Since I love Janet Evanovich's books so much, it was only natural that I would want to read the guide she has written to how she actually *writes* them.

How I Write is basically a glorified collection of the writing FAQs gathered from Evanovich's website, with occasional interjections from co-writer Ina Yalof and Evanovich's daughter - and webmaster - Alex, but that's not to say it's not entertaining and valuable, just a bit, well, basic. There is little writing advice that you wouldn't already be aware of had you read any sort of introduction to writing.

What makes it different is Evanovich's experience and her openness and honesty. Also, writing tutorials are illuminated with examples from the Plum books, which is really helpful.

I'm fascinated by how Evanovich came to write the Plum books (after being a relatively successful author of category romance) along with how she treats the business side of being an author and there's a lot of enlightening information on those subjects in this book. It also features details of Evanovich's writing life, which, if you're as nosy about authors' lives as I am, you'll find fascinating.

If you're looking for a general writing guide there are other books I'd recommend ahead of this one, but if you're an Evanovich fan or as interested in writers as writing, then I have no doubt you'll enjoy this book.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Wannabe a Writer by Jane Wenham-Jones

Posted by Aigua Media on April 11, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 10, 2008 6:17 PM

BOOK REVIEW: No Good Girls by Jean Marie Pierson

I requested this book after seeing the fabby book trailer and I must say, I wasn't disappointed.

It is, however, a classic case of the wrong cover being slapped on a book. It's garish, uses cartoon - a pet hate of mine - and simply doesn't match the content. No Good Girls is about a group of female best friends in New York and it is funnier, snarkier and quirkier than the cover suggests...

Geri O'Brien works for a publishing house while collecting rejections for her screenplay. She hangs out with her best friends, Maria, Emmy and Sally and they collectively wonder when they will get their New York Minute.

Maria is a cop looking for action but stuck on the quiet day-shift, Emmy is nursing an unrequited crush and Sally wants a promotion and a man.

While the plot has plenty of action, thrills and slapstick humour, the real strength of this book is Geri's voice. I just loved it. She is an individual, funny heroine with an imaginary friend called J.T. and something of a death wish.

The supporting characters - like J.T. and Geri's car enthusiast dad - were great, too.

Chock-full of brilliant one-liners, film references, and fantastic dialogue, Jean Marie Pierson has won my heart. Hurry up and write another book, please!

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try: Stupid and Contagious by Caprice Crane

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 10, 2008 in American Authors, Book covers, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith

Reviewed by Jill Hart

Joan. Boring name for a boring life. Or so Joan believes until she meets her new next door neighbor. The handsome doctor her age make Joan realize that there may be more to life than settling for living at home, getting up every morning to go to an unfulfilling career and wishing she was living her one of her sisters' lives. But, Joan knows she can't make a change because no one would be there to care for her aging grandmother - a job that she has taken upon herself, but truly enjoys. Not to mention, the doctor may be adorable, but he's also a Christian. And Joan's not so sure that's what she needs right now. Her life is comfortable - why complicate it with thoughts of love and religion. Joan's not sure her life can handle either.

Stuck in the Middle is a picture of what life as like middle child. It seems most three daughter families have the smart, 'motherly' older sister; the sweet, carefree younger sister ... and the insecure, people-pleasing middle child. Joan is the epitome of a middle child and yet she's easy to love. I was rooting for her from the very beginning. The two other sisters frustrated me at first, but as the book progresses you learn how much they care about their sister and they endear themselves as well.

Stuck in the Middle is the first book in the Sister-to-Sister Series and Virginia Smith's sixth book. Smith's contemporary fiction is filled with humor as well as meaningful lessons for life. There is one specific section in the book that really made me pause and re-evaluate how I think about my life (I don't want to give it away, but look for the chocolate ice cream story). I love a book that sticks with me. Weeks after I put it down, it still comes to mind and continues to make me think.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Hanging Up by Delia Ephron (non-inspirational)

Posted by Keris on April 10, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 8, 2008 3:27 PM

The Chick Lit debate continues...

I just read a very convincing argument from Dorothy Koomson over the term 'chick lit'. She thinks it should be renamed pronto (and makes an excellent suggestion for the new name). Check it out here.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Weiner gives her usual balanced, intelligent answer to the chick lit question in an interview on her blog and Meg Cabot weighs in with her own take on the term; hop over the cut to read it.

Whatever. People who have a problem with it are usually other authors who don’t write it, and no one is reading their books because they’re so gloomy and boring and don’t have fun scenes with girls spying on their boyfriends and doing pretend kung fu moves in the dark like in Megan Crane’s English as a Second Language.

Meg goes on to make some intelligent, well-balanced points of her own, but I love her first reaction!

Related posts: Did Janet Evanovich invent Chick Lit? | If it's good it can't be chick lit

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 8, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (9)

April 7, 2008 7:19 PM

BOOK NEWS: Not Another Bad Date

Yes, I know we told you that Rachel Gibson's next book was called 100 Bad Dates, but it seems to have had a title change since then... Out in May (US) and June (UK), it has been stuck with an unimaginative cover; yet another bottom-half-only female. Yuk.

The premise reminds me (a little bit) of Daisy's Back In Town. Listen: If only Adele could find a guy that made her heart flutter like her first love, Zach, the college quarterback who swept her off her feet senior year... before dumping her to marry someone else.

Okay, so he wasn't perfect. But when Adele heads back to Cedar Creek, Texas, for a family emergency, she discovers that her hometown heartthrob is still as sexy as ever - and now he's single.
It could be the end of Adele's streak. After all, forgiving Zach for breaking her heart years ago and learning to trust him again will take everything she's got, but Adele can handle anything... anything but another bad date.

Related posts: More book cover snap | Are butterflies the new feet?

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 7, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

April 4, 2008 10:57 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Something's Gotta Give

Okay, this film isn't adapted from a book, but it is about writing... The main character (played by the tremendous Diane Keaton) is a successful playwright.

Written and directed by Nancy Meyers (Private Benjamin, The Holiday), this is a romantic comedy with a difference; it's about middle-aged people (gasp!)

Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson) is a perennial bachelor who only dates women under the age of 30. He meets Erica because he is dating her daughter and they take an instant dislike to one another - and not just because of that.

Over enforced companionship (Harry suffers chest pains and Erica relunctantly agrees to let him stay at her beach house while he recovers enough to travel), the two discover that there is a mutual attraction.

There are complications from Harry's handsome young doctor (Keanu Reeves) who pursues Erica romantically, and from Harry's own set of expectations and prejudices.

The on-screen chemistry between Nicholson and Keaton is brilliant, the script witty and the drama refreshing. Plus, there's a great supporting cast in Frances McDormand, Amanda Peet and Jon Favreau.

It made a change to be watching a mature love story (in all senses of the word); highly recommended. 

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 4, 2008 in American Authors, Friday Flick, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

April 2, 2008 10:26 AM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Carrie & Danielle

If you've been reading Trashionista for a while, you may have picked up on the fact that I have a somewhat obsessive personality. When I discover a book or author I love I become kind of evangelical about it and won't rest until everyone shares my opinion (bend to my will!). One such obsession is Carrie & Danielle's Style Statement.

I discovered the company a while ago, began reading their Friday Focus emails and have been waiting impatiently for the Style Statement book. Well, it's out in less than a month (1 May) and not only have Carrie and Danielle answered our questions, they've given us a copy to give away.

Carry on over the cut for the interview and your chance to win a copy.

The Style Statement is such a fabulous idea. How did you come up with it?

Thanks! Carrie was an interior designer and wanted to create a more meaningful approach to designing people's homes; design based on authenticity rather than dictatorship. So she began Style Statement as a simple questionnaire about what people loved in their living space. The process has since evolved into a deep and playful inquiry that covers every area of life-from your living room to your relationships, your career and your wellness plan!

How have your own Style Statements made a different in your life?

Carrie: My Style Statement is Refined Treasure, and it is my compass in everything I do. It reminds me to Treasure myself, my body, my time, and the people around me. It's a great filter for how I shop and what I bring into my home...and my whole life. The focus of it creates so much ease for me.

Danielle: I'm Sacred Dramatic. Style Statement works on the 80/20 principle: the first word represents your 80%, your foundation, the 2nd words is the 20%---your creative edge. In this way, mine really helps me to bring all of me to what I do-to embrace my contradictions. Things have got to be meaningful and impactful. I'm and introvert who feels at home on stage, a soul-seeking philosopher who loves trashy magazines and disco.

What can we expect from the book? Are readers going to be able to define our own Style Statements?

Yes! The book, Style Statement Live By Your Own Design, is a Discover-It-Yourself process. Guided by our Life Style Map, you'll ask yourself questions you've never asked yourself before. This is the place where you get to consider your choices in shoes, lovers, and careers!

Everything matters when you're taking your authentic self into consideration. You'll see patterns in what's working and not working for you in your wardrobe and your life at large, and with our Style Vocabulary as a jumping off point, you'll distill all of that down the two words that most meaningfully describe your genuine self. The book is an experience - a chance to define yourself on your own terms.

And...it's simply GORGEOUS!

Can you tell me more about your forthcoming e-magazine, CARRIE & DANIELLE?

Our e-magazine, www.CarrieandDanielle.com (launching in April) is really unique in that it's going to be an interactive newsletter. So, while we're offering inspiration and recommendations on everything from everyday Buddhism to eco-friendly jeans, we'll also be asking our subscribers what they recommend and desire and what inspires them. Of course, this is the beginning of an incredibly cool social site...watch out!

Do you get a chance to read? What are you reading at the moment?

Carrie: Eckhart Tolle's book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose is possibly the best book I've ever read. It's all about the space to "be." It's a lovely clear message - Accept Awake Aware - and I can feel myself expanding with it. I'm impressed that Oprah has created the seminar series (I just signed up). I want Eckhart to be my new best friend!

Danielle: Magazines are like an essential food group to me, and with all of the action around our book and new site launch, mags are where it's at for me this season. My essentials: Dwell, Fast Company and Inc., O, and Marie Claire can be smart. A friend just gave me Abigail Thomas' A Three Dog Life - it's waiting for my next holiday.

Who is your favourite fictional heroine and are you able to define her Style Statement?

Danielle: My favourite fictional heroine...Scout Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird. She was a little badass with a big heart and her daddy's integrity. Inspiring. As for her Style Statement...we never, ever dare to guess. Seriously.

Carrie: Nancy Drew - she's young, strong, independent and kind.

Do you have a theme song?

Carrie: "Let It Be" by the Beatles, but I absolutely love the version by Carol Woods from the film Across the Universe.

Danielle: it's a cross between Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah and The Commodore's Brick House << owww! >

Thanks so much, Carrie and Danielle!

For the chance to win a copy of Style Statement (and I'd recommend it because it really is gorgeous), just email us at editor @ trashionista . com (remove spaces) with your name and address and the words "Style Statement" in the subject line. Closing date is 30 April and it's UK contestants only, I'm afraid (it's really heavy!).

(Don't worry, this isn't today's competition, there'll be another one - open to all - along later.)

Posted by Keris on April 2, 2008 in American Authors, Interviews, New Releases, Non Fiction, Self development | Permalink | Comments (6)

BOOK REVIEW: The Kept Man by Jami Attenberg

Reviewed by Sarah Hague

How would you react if your loved one had a stupid domestic accident and ended up in a coma? Would you pull the plug or hold onto the hope that s/he would wake up? How long would you hold onto that hope? A few weeks? Few months? A year?

Jarvis Miller has been waiting for her beloved husband Martin, an artist, to wake up for six years. For six years she herself has been living in a limbo-land of visiting him, waiting, loving, and being brave.

Then her washing machine breaks down and, one Tuesday, she has to go to a launderette where she meets a group of three kept men. They all have dynamic working wives so can pursue their own interests as they like. They are the first people Jarvis has communicated with in six years, and she likes them, so she goes back next Tuesday.

In her gradual coming to terms with Martin's living death, she makes some discoveries which change her perspective on her situation, and she realises that her wonderful husband was not quite the loving faithful husband he pretended to be.

The story unfolds with tactical brilliance. Jarvis is a complex character - both brave and vulnerable. Her artist husband is the centre of her life even in his comatosed state - she has remained a faithful, sad, loving wife. But as she herself wakes up, so we follow her as she explores why she is hanging on, and whether she should continue to do so.

Superbly written, it's the story of one woman's journey from a living death, towards Life, whatever it might hold. A fantastic read, with colourful, charming characters and strong human warmth.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold

Posted by Keris on April 2, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 31, 2008 10:13 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Lucky by Alice Sebold

Alice Sebold's memoir of the brutal rape and beating she suffered as an eighteen-year-old college student is something I have been meaning to read for a long time. Knowing it was going to be tough, I kept putting it off, but I am so glad I got round to it in the end...

Yes, it is very hard to read in places, but the majority of the book is about Sebold's (interesting - and a little crazy) family and her triumphant battle to convict the man who raped her.

Sebold writes with amazing honesty and insight. The account of her horrifying attack  is given with terrifying, startling candour and I can only imagine how hard it must have been for Sebold to write it.

She is amazingly brave, not just for the account of the attack, but for honestly recounting the reactions of people to her after the event and her slow recovery.

Lucky is also a book of hope. Sebold survives. She wins against the man in a rape trial and she wins against him by healing and by going on to help others with this important book. Having read and adored The Lovely Bones, I already thought Sebold was an amazing writer - now I believe she is an amazing person, too.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 31, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

March 28, 2008 10:16 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Queen of Babble in the Big City by Meg Cabot

Queen of Babble is, I think, the only Meg Cabot book that actually disappointed me. Of course, it's Meg, so it was still funny and sweet, but it reminded me too much of Sophie Kinsella's Can You Keep A Secret (my favourite Kinsella book).

Queen of Babble in the Big City is the second book in the Lizzie Nicholls trilogy and I enjoyed it much more than the first.

Following their summer romance, Lizzie is staying with Luke in his mother's New York (Fifth Avenue, no less) apartment. She wants to find a job restoring wedding dresses, but, since the only job she can find is unpaid, she has to take a morning job as a receptionist in her friend Chaz's father's law firm.

Best friend Shari is staying with Chaz (her boyfriend) until she and Lizzie can get a place together, but it seems like things aren't going well in her relationship with Chaz. Her job, however, is fabulous. So fabulous, that she's spending all her time there (and with her new boss).

Can Lizzie find a job doing what she loves (and getting paid for it)? Can she get Luke to commit? Can she help Shari and Chaz sort out their problems? And can she cope when Luke's parents come to visit?

Queen of Babble in the Big City is charming, sweet and funny and Lizzie seemed much more mature than she did in the first book (although this time she reminded me of Becky Bloomwood!). She's still sweet and naive, but this time it was more endearing than irritating so I'll definitely be reading the final book (Queen of Babble Gets Hitched).

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Now can we talk covers? The UK cover above is offensively boring, in my opinion. It's almost as if they just couldn't be bothered and so copied the pattern from some leftover wrapping paper... And what's with the back-to-front "B"? Disappointing.

The US covers (hardback, left, and paperback, right) are much nicer.

Which is your favourite?

 

Posted by Keris on March 28, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Romance, Series | Permalink | Comments (4)

FRIDAY FLICK: Catch Me If You Can

Based on the true-life story of Frank W Abagnale, master-con-man, Catch Me If You Can is adapted from Frank's autobiography of the same name.

Frank's story as a charming fraudster is an amazing one. Before his nineteenth birthday he had spent millions of dollars passing fake cheques and had impersonated a Pan Am pilot, a doctor and a prosecuting lawyer.

The film features Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale and Tom Hanks as the FBI agent hot on his trail and is directed by Steven Speilberg.

It would be hard to make a dull movie out of material this good, but I particularly like the way Frank's character and relationships are exlored.

From his adored father (played by Christopher Walken) to Carl Hanratty, the FBI agent who pursues and eventually catches him, Frank shows himself to be strangely upstanding in his relationships and is a sympathetic anti-hero.

A thoroughly entertaining tale, if a little over-long. I now want to read the book!

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 28, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 27, 2008 12:57 PM

Chick Lit Heroine Grudge Match: Buffy v Wonder Woman

In the last grudge match, we had a battle of the side-kicks and Lula won out. Well, she's pretty handy with a Taser... This week, we turn to comic books for two female super-heroines; Buffy (the vampire slayer) and Wonder Woman.

Buffy

The comic books: Buffy (created by Joss Whedon) was originally a terrible film and then a wonderful, seminal TV series and, finally, a comic book. The books continue where season seven of the TV series finished, with young women around the world waking up to Slayer strength.

Likes: Shoes, shopping, her friends (the Scoobies) and pointy sticks.

Dislikes: Bumpy foreheads, The Master, math.

Loves: Angel (yum!), Spike (bad boy yum!) and Giles (in a totally platonic Watcher-Slayer kind of a way).

Preferred Method of Kicking-Ass: Kick-boxing, karate, slayer-strength, amazing jumps and, of course, the sharp pointy stick.

Wonder Woman

The Comic Books: Created by William Moulton Marston and first published in All Star Comics in 1941, Wonder Woman is looking pretty damn good for her age. In 1975, Wonder Woman got a TV series starring Lynda Carter and in 2006 the comic book incarnation got a relaunch with some of the stories written by Jodi Picoult.   

Likes: Animals, Greek mythology (Wonder Woman was often described as "beautiful as Aphrodite, wise as Athena, swifter than Hermes, and stronger than Hercules" and her friend Etta Candy.

Dislikes: Bad guys. Wonder Woman has had a fair few enemies over the years, including Doctor Poison, Doctor Psycho, and the Duke of Deception.

Loves: Steve Trevor, her crime-fighting partner.

Preferred Method of Kicking-Ass: Well, she has super-human strength and throws some painful-looking 'kapow' punches and flying kicks, but Wonder Woman has another trick up her sleeve... The Lasso of Truth. Oh yes.

Conclusion: It's a very tough call. Both Buffy and Wonder Women are strong women with more ass-kicking power in their little pinkies than the rest of us put together.

Wonder Woman has been around a long time and been credited with too many powers and weapons to list. However, Buffy is a resourceful fighter and tough-as-nails; as well as saving the world several times, she has died twice. Will Wonder Woman's show-stopping costume tip the scales in her favour? You decide...

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 27, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Supernatural, Television | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie

Fast Women is the first Jennifer Crusie I ever read and as such it retains a very special place in my heart.

It's also a fantastic, fast-paced read with some of my Crusie favourite characters. In fact, I've read this book so many times, I have difficulty remembering that they're not real...

Recently divorced, Nell Dysart seeks work at a down-at-heel private investigation firm. Gabe McKenna, the owner, is in need of a secretary to organise his office and Nell is in need of a paycheck.

Nell is feeling decidedly grey after her divorce. She has been so focused on being controlled and grown-up about the break-down of her marriage, she has forgotten her own needs and desires.

Gabe works with his cousin, Riley, but is used to being the boss. He inherited the agency from his father and wants everything to stay exactly the same. Utterly in control, he also feels utterly miserable.

As Nell organises the hell out of the office sparks fly, and Nell, slowly, returns back to life.

Much as I love the romance between Nell and Gabe (and I do), I love the supporting cast and subplots in Fast Women even more. Nell's two best friends are also her ex-sisters-in-law. There's sweet Margie, who obsesses over her china collection, and Suze - a gorgeous blonde with an older-man husband who is continually searching for meaning in her life.

There is also a lovely subplot between Nell's son, Jase, and Gabe's daughter (from his previous marriage) Lu. They have fallen in love and the way they mirror and reinforce the mistakes their parents are making/have made in relationships is brilliantly poignant and funny.

It's a book full of spectacular arguments, dog-napping, mystery, Clarice Cliff pottery, astrology and strong, smart, funny women. What more do you need?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 27, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (9)

March 26, 2008 2:42 PM

The Ivy Chronicles casting news

The Ivy Chronicles by Karen Quinn is being made into a film. Yes, I know we already told you this but wait - there's more!

Having worked together on Ocean's 12, producer Jerry Weintraub is being reunited with Catherine Zeta Jones. I assume she'll be playing the main character Ivy Ames. It's been a while since I read the book, but she strikes me as a good choice. What do you think?

[Via Hollywood Reporter]

Related posts: Book Review: Wife In The Fast Lane | Karen Quinn competition

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 26, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson

I first read about Joshilyn Jackson's The Girl Who Stopped Swimming when we interviewed her in August 2006 and I've been keen to read it since. I loved Jackson's first book gods in Alabama and former Trashionista co-editor Diane adored her second, Between, Georgia (it's been on my bookshelf for over a year).

It's an inspired idea - Laurel wakes up one night with a ghost beside her bed. It's her 13-year-old daughter's best friend, Mollly, and she shows Laurel her body, floating in Laurel's swimming pool.

The police rule it as an accidental death, but Laurel's not so sure. Didn't she see a shadow in the garden just before finding Molly's body? And wasn't that the hair of local oddball, Stan Webelow, she glimpsed as the police arrived? She's also concerned about her own daughter, Shelby's, evasive behaviour.

And then there's the family's houseguest, Bet, who has come to stay from DeLop, a beyond-depressed and depressing former mining town where Laurel's mother grew up and got away from.

To get to the bottom of everything - and particularly to stop Shelby becoming a suspect - Laurel needs her sister, Thalia, but she and Thalia are no longer speaking. Neither approves of the other's lifestyle and any attempts at finding common ground always seem to end in misery. Inevitably, Thalia's visit results in the exposing of family secrets that Laurel, not to mention her mother, have been trying to deny for years.

I could barely put The Girl Who Stopped Swimming down, although it would be hard to say I enjoyed it. I found it such a sad book on a number of levels. Pretty much every relationship in the book is painful and strained. It's beautifully written and evocatively imagined, which is probably why, by the ending, I felt utterly drained.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Be Mine by Laura Kasischke

Posted by Keris on March 26, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 25, 2008 7:31 PM

BOOK NEWS: No Good Girls by Jean Marie Pierson

No Good Girls is the debut novel of Jean Marie Pierson. It started life as a screenplay (Pierson has a degree in film and video production) and focuses on four best friends in New York.

I'm not in love with the cover, but the book trailer is fantastic. Take a look here, I promise you won't regret it.

Related posts: Book Trailerpark | Book Video Awards 2008

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 25, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 24, 2008 10:17 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: When You Eat At the Refrigerator, Pull Up A Chair by Geneen Roth

I know, I know, I'm always reviewing non-diet books, but they're such a revelation to me after years of reading actual diet books (okay, WeightWatchers magazine). Geneen Roth's When You Eat at the Refrigerator, Pull Up a Chair is a classic, given credibility in my eyes by having a foreword by Anne Lamott (who I love).

When You Eat... consists of 50 very short chapters (some are only a couple of pages in length) with titles like "Carry a chunk of chocolate everywhere" and "Remind yourself that it's already broken." Weirdly, the word that came to mind when I was typing that was "Californian" so I checked the About the Author page and discovered that Roth does indeed live in Northern California - what was my point? Oh yes, if you're not comfortable with self-development, if, like Beth Lisick, it's way outside your comfort zone and you're smirking now, I'd say read the book anyway.

I found it reassuring, funny, inspiring and frequently more down to earth than the chapter headings (and that "Californian" business) would have you believe. The subtitle is "50 ways to feel thin, gorgeous, and happy (when you feel anything but)" and that's not to be sniffed (or smirked) at, surely?

I kept it on my bedside table and read one short chapter each day. Now that I've finished it, I've turned back to the beginning to read it again until I get the chance to read another of Roth's books.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The 4-Day Win by Martha Beck

Posted by Aigua Media on March 24, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 19, 2008 1:33 PM

BOOK NEWS: Don't Hex with Texas

I loved Enchanted Inc, the first book in Shanna Swendson's Katie Chandler series, so why it's taken me two years (two years!) to read any more I don't know. But I have indeed ordered the second in the series, Once Upon Stilettos, and it will be with me in time to read over the Easter weekend (which I did plan to spend with family and friends, but will now be spending with my chicken pocked child - all the more reading time for me!)

Anyway, as I was ordering the second book, I noticed that a fourth will be out in April. It's called Don't Hex with Texas and features Katie returning to Texas for a family visit, but finding things have become a lot more magical there since she left.

Related posts: Shanna Swendson guest blog | Enchanted Inc movie news

Posted by Keris on March 19, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Series, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 17, 2008 5:29 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

I loved Elizabeth Scott's Bloom and, following my review, Trashi reader Little Willow commented that Perfect You is even better so I could barely wait to read it. I didn't actually prefer Perfect You to Bloom, but I loved it almost as much and that saying a lot (because I really loved Bloom!).

Kate's father has given up his job to sell Perfect You vitamins in the mall. While it may be his dream job, it's not going at all well. So badly, in fact, that the family is in danger of losing their home. Kate's older brother living on the sofa and failing to find a job isn't helping either.

Kate's not thrilled to be working for her dad on a failing mall stall, but since her best friend Anna lost a load of weight, dyed her hair and started hanging around with the popular crowd - dropping Kate like a sandbag - it's not like she's got anything better to do.

Until, that is, Will starts meeting her in the supply closet to make out. It can't be more than that, because she can't stand Will and there's no way he's interested in her. Is he?

I sympathised with Kate throughout because everyone around her was so irritating. (Irritating in a good way, I mean - realistically irritating, rather than irritatingly written!) Her grandmother is condescending and rude. Her father, inconsiderate and unrealistic. Her former friend, Anna, well, I wanted to wring her neck. I loved Will and I loved the banter Kate had with him, but he wasn't quite as sexy as Bloom's Evan.

I found Kate's mother - trying to stay positive and support her husband, while simultaneously wanting the best for her family - the most poignant character (possibly because this is a YA book and, depressingly, I'm closer in age to her than to Kate).

But really I just loved Perfect You. And I'm so thrilled to have discovered Elizabeth Scott's books.

Rating: 4/5 (I would like to give it 4.5, but I can't)

Like this? Try Bloom by Elizabeth Scott

Posted by Keris on March 17, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

More Heather Wells

Meg Cabot has revealed that there will be a further two Heather Wells mysteries in her series about the New York dormitory-manager and amateur sleuth.

There are no titles, as yet, but the books should be out next year, bringing the series total to five. The fourth will take place soon after the events in Big Boned, during the summer break. Meg says it will be about "Tania Trace Rock Camp", while the fifth will be "about Heather and Cooper's you know what."

Related posts: Heather Wells optioned for TV | Review: Size 12 Is Not Fat

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 17, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Crime / Mystery | Permalink | Comments (0)

MORE ON MONDAY: Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Scott Westerfield has taken our modern-day obsession with physical beauty and followed it to the logical end. In his future world, an operation is carried out on every child on their sixteenth birthday, turning them from an 'Ugly' into a 'Pretty'.

As well as bestowing physical perfection, the operation seems to lead to a life of parties and fun.

Tally Youngblood is a typical teenager. She lives in a dormitory-style school, separated from her parents (Uglies and Pretties are not permitted to mix), and eagerly awaits her operation.

Then, Tally meets Shay. Shay is also fifteen, but she has a very different view of the operation. She opens Tally's eyes to a different path - a path that leads to a secret community of renegade Uglies, living in the Rusty Ruins.

Tally cannot make the leap of faith - to sacrifice everything she has dreamed of, in order to join an uncertain and less attractive future. She returns home, only to find that the State knows about her friendship with Shay and has a mission for her: infiltrate the community and then report back on its location.

However, once back with the Uglies, Tally discovers that there is a lot more to the 'turning' operation than becoming beautiful...

This book is a real thrill-ride and the world utterly convincing - and frightening. I raced through it book and couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequels (there are three: Pretties, Specials and Extras).

As well as an adventure story (with an active female protagonist - yay!), it also has lots to say about freedom of thought, individuality and the pursuit of physical ideals. Excellent reading matter, in other words, for any teenage girls you may know...

Rating: 4/5

Like this (identity issues handled in original way)? Try: Split By A Kiss by Luisa Plaja

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 17, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 4/5, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 14, 2008 10:16 AM

More on My Sister's Keeper movie

Jason Patric (The Lost Boys, Sleepers) has joined the cast of My Sister's Keeper. He will play the girls' firefighter father.

Hollywood Reporter also tells us that Thomas Dekker (Heroes) is to play "the older sister's boyfriend and fellow cancer survivor." I don't remember that character in the book (although it is a long time since I read it). Does anyone else?

Related posts: Movie Magic: My Sister's Keeper | More My Sister's Keeper News

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 14, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (3)

March 13, 2008 6:41 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Daisy's Back In Town

When Daisy Lee Monroe walked out of Lovett, Texas fifteen years ago, she was a frightened eighteen-year-old with a secret.

Now she's back in town, forcing herself to confront the bad boy she left behind - Jackson Parrish.

Unfortunately, her sister is  acting even crazier than usual, her mum can still talk the hind legs off a donkey and Jackson still makes her stomach flip with one glance.

Jackson is (understandably) very upset with Daisy and wants nothing to do with her. She was his friend and lover, and when she left Lovett it was with his best friend, Stephen.

What Jackson doesn't know is that Daisy's betrayal was even worse than that; she was also pregmant with his child  and has waited until now to tell him.

All credit to Rachel Gibson for managing to make me care for a protagonist who has acted so badly. Although I couldn't help but like Daisy Lee, I did feel it was very out-of-character that she had waited fifteen years to tell Jack about his son.

Daisy has to chase Jackson all over town to try and deliver her news. To complicate things further, the lusty attraction that Jack and Daisy felt as teenagers is still alive and kicking.

The Texan setting is lots of fun - a real escapist treat for a Brit like me - and Jack is a very sexy, very alpha hero. Daisy's Back In Town is a raunchy romance from an accomplished writer. 

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try: The Men's Guide to the Women's Bathroom by Jo Barrett

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 13, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 3/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Grace Metalious

Born in 1924, Grace is most famous for writing Peyton Place (1956). The book sold millions worldwide and remained on the New York Times bestseller list. It was also made into a successful film starring Lana Turner and Lee Philips.

Peyton Place explores the dark secrets of the residents of a small New England town, and was denounced by critics as 'trash'.

She went on to write a further three novels, although none (unsuprisingly) enjoyed the same level of success.

Grace was criticised in the day for writing a racy, popular book - sound at all familar? In reply, she famously said, "If I'm a lousy writer, then an awful lot of people have lousy taste."

Grace was born in New Hampshire into a poor family with an absent father, but began writing at a young age. She married in her teens and became a housewife and mother, but despite financial hardship, never stopped writing.

Sadly, she died of alcholism in 1964.

Bibliography:

 

Peyton Place
Return to Peyton Place
The Tight White Collar
No Adam in Eden

Related posts: Thursday Trailblazer archive

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 13, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 12, 2008 9:49 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Helping Me Help Myself by Beth Lisick

I am a self-confessed self-help junkie, so I was really looking forward to reading Beth Lisick's second book, particularly since I'd heard great things about her first, Everybody into the Pool.

Unlike me, Beth is a self-help skeptic, but following the realisation that, at age 37, she was sleeping in a room with plastic sheeting covering a damp patch on the wall, doing a job for which she had to dress up as a banana, and too unfit to keep up with her four-year-old son, she decides self-help can't, well, hurt and so undertakes to examine (and hopefully improve) one area of her life each month for a year.

From Jack Canfield's book The Success Principles to a Richard Simmons weightloss cruise, via (Men are From Mars author) John Gray, The Artists' Way and a parenting book entitled 1-2-3 Magic!, Lisick repeatedly steps out (way out) of her comfort zone.

I approached Helping Me Help Myself expecting to find Lisick disagreeing with or mocking every self-help method she tries, but she really doesn't. She genuinely seems to approach them all (okay, almost all) with a totally open mind. She's charming, funny, enthusiastic and self-deprecating and (and I know I always say this) by the end I felt like we were friends. So much so that I kept thinking of books to recommend to her before remembering that I don't actually know her at all.

Plus it genuinely contains good self-help information while, at the same time, cheerfully (and without malice) exposing the money-making opportunities inherent in the self-help industry. I loved it.

Self-help addict or self-help skeptic, there's something here for everyone. Oh and it'll make you look at Richard Simmons in a totally different way...

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Give it Up! by Mary Carlomagno

Posted by Keris on March 12, 2008 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Self development | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 10, 2008 2:02 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Strawberry Picker by Monica Feth

Reviewed by Colin Mulhern

A killer seeking the perfect partner. All he wants is beauty and innocence. But when he gets close he notices imperfections, the image is shattered and the papers report another murder.

Caro is his latest victim, and at her funeral, Jemma - Caro's flatmate - swears revenge and decides to track down the killer, but in making her very public oath, she attracts the attention of a hansom, mysterious strawberry picker.

It all sounds pretty good - certainly the makings of a good thriller, but the point of thrillers is, by definition, to thrill - to involve the reader by invoking emotions, to convince them that the characters are so real that they believe and care. You can only really do that if you allow the reader to see what is happening as it is happening. The Strawberry Picker is way too passive in its delivery, telling the reader what people have said or done or doing rather than showing these things in real time. The only thing the characters do actively is make espresso - in so many scenes that you wonder if this is something the author has only just discovered.

The result of this passive, wishy-washy hold-my-hand style is that by the half way mark the characters are as lifeless as they were on page one, the scenes are painfully dull and any aspect of a mystery has withered and died before we even reach the moment where Jenna swears revenge. This, incidentally, is well past the halfway point, and to be honest, by the time I'd got there, I really couldn't care whether she fell in love with the killer, helped her mother edit another successful crime thriller (writers writing about writing - yawn) or make another bloody espresso.

There are too many other things you can spend £5.99 on. Don't buy this.

Rating: 1/5

Like this? Try Be Mine by Laura Kasischke (an adult book)

Posted by Keris on March 10, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, More On Monday, Rating: 1/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 7, 2008 11:09 AM

PREVIEW REVIEW: Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

You know how much I love Maureen Johnson - I've raved about her often enough - so I'm sure you appreciate how much I was looking forward to reading Suite Scarlett. So much that I was almost afraid to open it in case it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. I needn't have worried.

15-year-old Scarlett Martin lives, with her family, in New York's Hopewell Hotel. The hotel has been in the Martin family for generations, but things aren't going quite so well. Due to money worries, all of the staff has been let go and so it's down to Scarlett, her sister Lola, brother Spencer and their parents to do everything: from manning the reception desk to cooking, cleaning and looking after guests. The Martins' youngest child, Marlene, doesn't have to do anything - a brush with cancer has left her with a bratty sense of entitlement.

Martin family tradition states that at age 15 each family member is given their own suite, complete with guest, to look after. The jewel in the Hopewell's crown, the Empire Suite, is now Scarlett's responsibility ... as is its latest guest, who plans to stay for the entire summer, Mrs Amy Amberson.

With Lola trying to maintain a relationship with her boyfriend, Chip, in the face of his rich friends' distain; Marlene keeping engagements with the "Powerkids", a group of fellow childhood cancer sufferers; and Spencer getting his last chance at becoming a professional actor before having to give it all up for catering college ... oh and the fact that all of Scarlett's friends are off doing improving activities for the summer ... Scarlett's feeling rather alone.

Luckily (or perhaps not) the formidable Mrs Amberson takes a shine to Scarlett and Scarlett soon finds herself working as her assistant, which involves taking the notes on Mrs Amberson's life story and, um, setting up a fake audition to get revenge on one of her former rivals.

And then there's Eric, who's working with Spencer on an off- (far, far off-) Broadway production of Hamlet and who might just be the most amazing boy Scarlett has ever met.

There's so much more, but my fingers are getting tired and I don't want to spoil anything anyway. Suffice it to say that I absolutely loved Suite Scarlett. The characters are so real, charming and funny. The setting (of course) is wonderful and evocative. I didn't want it to end, but I couldn't stop reading it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson

Posted by Keris on March 7, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 5, 2008 4:16 PM

BOOK COVER: Jennifer Colt

I'd never heard of Jennifer Colt until recently and I still haven't read any of her books, but I do love the covers. The books above are part of the "McAfee Twins" series, which will apparently appeal to fans of Janet Evanovich. So that's me, then.

I just read that the twins, Kerry and Terry, ride a pink Harley. I like 'em already.

Anyone read any?

Related posts: Janet Evanovich interview | Crime/mystery archives

Posted by Keris on March 5, 2008 in American Authors, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (0)

Stephanie Plum news and stuff!

Although the cover isn't available yet, the name for the next Stephanie Plum novel has been released on Janet Evanovich's website... It's Fearless Fourteen and release day is 17 June.

If you need a little something to cheer you up during the wait, why not treat yourself to a Rangeman t-shirt or baseball cap (only available in black, naturally)? I quite fancy the 'cupcake' t-shirt, myself. It's got a v-neck and some neat little embroidery... No sign of a free Morelli to go with it, though.

Related posts: Jenny Crusie merchandise | Spotlight: Janet Evanovich

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 5, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Bookish products, Crime / Mystery | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 4, 2008 7:25 PM

BOOK NEWS: Fear and Yoga in New Jersey

Okay, I admit I hadn't heard of Debra Galant, but the cover of her new novel really jumped out at me, so I did a little digging... Fear and Yoga in New Jersey is Debra's second novel (the first is called Rattled), and she was a freelance writer before publishing fiction. 

The star of Fear and Yoga is Nina Gelleman-Summer,  a stressed-out yoga teacher, which is something of an oxymoron.

Instead of calmly helping her students relax and connect their mind and bodies, she is worrying about litigious students, a hurricane that is heading for her parents' home, and her husband's job.

To complicate matters, her son Adam is showing a sudden interest in having a Bar Mitzvah, and Nina long ago put her faith into crystals rather than her Jewish heritage.

If that intrigues, you here's a link to the first chapter. Don't say I'm not good to you...

Related posts: Book News archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 4, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 3, 2008 3:27 PM

BOOK COVER: Change Of Heart

When we interviewed Jodi Picoult, she told us about her latest book (at the time she had just finished writing it). Well, it's called Change Of Heart and is out in the US this month, April in the UK.

I just saw the UK cover and I find it utterly haunting. I love the blue eggs, but the way they are all broken at the child's feet... I'm guessing that's the way it's supposed to make me feel. Good job.

And, for once I prefer it to the US cover. Carry on over the cut to see if you agree.

Here's the US version. It's certainly in keeping with Picoult's previous covers, but it lacks the atmosphere and impact of the UK one.

Related posts: Book Covers archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 3, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 29, 2008 4:27 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Shakespeare In Love

It is a windy and wet February 29th and I'm feeling a little blue... What better way to cheer myself up than with a filmic favourite? An incredibly romantic, well-acted filmic favourite, that's what!

Shakespeare In Love came out at the end of the nineties and enjoyed huge success. Gwyneth Paltrow wowed audiences and critics with her performance as the beautiful Viola De Lesseps (managing to shine despite the show-stealing turn from Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth).

Shakespeare In Love has a fabulous screenplay by Oscar-winning writers Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard. It manages to be self-referentially funny, clever, and genuinely touching all at the same time.

The cast is star-studded with Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, Simon Callow, Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, and Ben Affleck, ably directed by John Madden (Mrs Brown).

Shakespeare In Love isn't just for English Literature students. It's a sunny smile of a film, filled with exuberant performances and good cheer.   

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 29, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 26, 2008 3:55 PM

TELEVISION NEWS: The Tenth Circle

Wow, Jodi Picoult's work is certainly adaptation-friendly. In addition to a TV movie of Plain Truth and the Hollywood version of My Sister's Keeper, Lifetime has made a movie of The Tenth Circle.

It stars Kelly Preston, Ron Eldard and Brittany Robertson and it airs on television in June this year. Jodi has put a couple of photos from the set here.

Related posts: Author Interview: Jodi Picoult | Jodi Picoult spotlight

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 26, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lani Diane Rich reads to you

You know I told you about Lani Diane Rich's new book, A Little Ray Of Sunshine, and how fabulous it sounded?

Well, the book is out now, but there's more... Lani has made a recording of herself reading the first chapter and it's available for download on her website. Thanks Lani!

Related posts: Lani Diane Rich interview | Jennifer Crusie, Lani Diane Rich and Anne Stewart podcast

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 26, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Good Vibrations by Ayn Carrillo

Ayn Carrillo's Good Vibrations has been on my shelf for a little while, but I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it. First there's the title. Then the subtitle - "One good girl's hilarious exploration of all things bad..." Funnily enough, I spotted the US version which is titled Pornology and has a much more sophisticated cover (see it over the cut). The US is often accused of dumbing down (the title of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone being changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone springs immediately to mind), but they're certainly winning in the chick lit cover wars!

Anyway, back to Good Vibrations. When Carrillo's boyfriend accused her of being "pornophobic" she made a list - she really loves making lists - a "Porn to do list" in fact. On the list were items like "meet a porn star", "visit a strip club", "test vibrators", "check out a brothel" and more. Here's a tip: if the previous sentence offended you, you're not going to enjoy this book.

I'm not easily offended and I enjoyed this book. Carrillo has a chatty and easy writing style, in particular she's good at writing about pretty full-on stuff in a lighthearted and informative way. Having said that, even though I'm no prude and am pretty open-minded about most things, there was one bit of the book that quite literally turned my stomach. Chapter 8. Not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach.

As is often the case with memoir, I didn't believe bits of the book, usually bits that were meant to be funny. There's also a relationship with a man Carrillo met in a sex shop running through the book and that didn't ring true either (although, judging by the acknowledgments, the man exists, at least!). Mostly Good Vibrations is an entertaining and informative addition to the sex memoirs that have flooded the market lately. (Ew. Now I've reminded myself of Chapter 8.)

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler

Posted by Keris on February 26, 2008 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 25, 2008 10:14 PM

Book News: Where Demons Dare

This news is especially for one of our regular reviewers, Angela Richardson: the sixth instalment in Kim Harrison's urban fantasy series about a bounty-hunting witch is due out in April.

Angela chose Rachel Morgan as her favourite heroine, and Where Demons Dare (published as The Outlaw Demon Wails in the US) certainly sounds like an exciting read. The bounty-hunter becomes the hunted, with no less than three hellions on her tail...

I must admit, I haven't read a great deal of supernatural chick lit, but considering how much I adore Buffy perhaps it's time I started...

However, the cover of Where Demons Dare isn't doing much for me. It looks a wee bit scary for my tastes. Stop shouting 'wimp' at the screen; I can't hear you.

Related posts: Supernatural archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 25, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers, Series, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Dangerous Admissions by Jane O'Connor

Jane O'Connor has written a raft of books for children, but Dangerous Admissions is her first adult book. It's classic chick lit mystery with a gutsy heroine - single mother Rannie Bookman - a fantastic Manhattan setting and lots of romance and thrills.

Rannie is a freelance copy editor and part-time tour guide for the exclusive Upper West Side private school her  son Nate attends (courtesy of her rich WASP ex-mother-in-law).

When the Director of College Admissions is found dead at his desk - and Nate is a suspect, Rannie turns amateur sleuth.

Unlike most chick lit suspense I've read, Dangerous Admissions is written in third person. As well as Rannie's point of view, we get insight into Nate's life and thoughts.

I also really liked the character of Olivia, Nate's friend and fellow Chapel School student. She has an older brother who is a recovering drug addict and another suspect for the murder.

Jane O'Connor's characterisation is truly excellent; the teenagers had distinctive, believable voices, and I really bonded with Rannie.

The plot is suspenseful, with lots of twists and turns, and there is  a dash of romance, too.

A fabulous new sleuth on the chick lit mystery scene.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try: Size Doesn't Matter by Meg Cabot

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 25, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 22, 2008 2:39 PM

BOOK NEWS: Helping Me Help Myself

Similar in scope to The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, Beth Lisick's Helping Me Help Myself is about the year she spent following the advice of different self-help gurus.

It's just come out in hardback (Rubin might be a little gutted, as her book isn't out until 2009), and  Beth has made some promotional book trailers. Hop over here to see them.

Related posts: The Joy Diet | Career Helium

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 22, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, New Releases, Non Fiction, Self development | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 21, 2008 1:14 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Smart Vs Pretty by Valerie Frankel

Two sisters - one labelled the smart one (Frank) and the other pretty (Amanda) - are left running a Brooklyn coffee bar after the sad demise of their parents.

Unfortunately, a chain coffee house has opened next door and the cafe's finances are in dire straits. Enter Clarissa, a business studies student who offers to take on the coffee house (for free) as a project.

Not even the smart sister is suspicious, and Frank and Amanda start vying for Clarissa's friendship, while giving her free reign over their business.

Then, about a third of the way in, what had seemed to be a book about sibling rivalry and a 'Mr Coffee' of the week competition, abruptly transforms into a murder mystery.

Although sharply written, with plenty of great descriptions of the characters and the setting, this novel is just too uneven. Now, I love chick lit mystery, but this is one of those books that reminds you just how damn hard it is to get the balance right.

Characters and plot twists come thick and fast, but, unfortunately, these are so convenient as to appear farcical. Plus, the sisters are frequently TDTL (Too Dumb To Live). 

Ultimately, Smart Vs Pretty is a missed opportunity. With a scaled-down plot and more attention given, instead, to the character development of the sisters, this would have been a far more enjoyable read.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try: One For The Money by Janet Evanovich

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 21, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 20, 2008 8:48 PM

MOVIE MAGIC: The Yiddish Policeman's Union

Michael Chabon (The Wonder Boys) and the Coen brothers in the same sentence? Yep, it's my dream come true. Well, one of my dreams. There's the one with Clooney and Depp and Cusack, but we'll gloss over that...

The Coen brothers are going to adapt Chabon's The Yiddish Policeman's Union. It's a tale set in an alternate-reality Alaska, with an alcoholic cop investigating the death of a heroin-addicted chess prodigy who may or may not be the Messiah. Can't wait.

Related posts: Movie Magic archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 20, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Movie Magic, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: The Starter Wife by Gigi Levangie

I've wanted to read Gigi Levangie's The Starter Wife since I read an interview with the author in the Guardian and just thought she sounded fascinating. Plus then, of course, there was the TV adaptation of the book starring the wonderful Debra Messing. Well, I finally got around to reading it and it was worth the wait.

Gracie Pollock is married to studio head, Kenny. She's a Hollywood wife, with a Hollywood house, Hollywood friends and a Hollywood beauty maintenance programme. She's not happy, but even so she's shocked when Kenny summarily dumps her just before their tenth wedding anniversary, i.e. he "Cruised" her - ended the marriage before the date at which he'd have to pay maintenance.

At first Gracie is devastated. She hasn't just lost her husband, she's lost her entire lifestyle, because no-one in Hollywood is interested in a former "Wife of...", but thanks to the generosity of one of her "real" friends, she and her daughter are able to move, temporarily, to Malibu and start to rebuild their lives.

I really enjoyed this book. I could quite happily have read it in one sitting, so it would be a perfect plane or holiday book. It's got problems - the fact that the lead character is called Gracie and she has a gay friend named Will (and I was already picturing Gracie as Debra Messing), pulled me up every now and then. Also Britney Spears plays quite a major role in the book, which is unfortunate given her recent problems.

Some aspects of the plot (particularly Gracie's love interest) are also pretty unrealistic. But none of that really troubled me, because The Starter Wife is well-written, funny, and packed with Hollywood gossip (all the more credible because Gigi Levangie is married to Hollywood heavyweight Brian Grazer (producer of The Da Vinci Code, 24, and one of Time Magazine's 's 100 Most Influential People in The World).

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try You'll Never Nanny In This Town Again by Suzanne Hansen

Posted by Keris on February 20, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK NEWS: Mrs Perfect

No sooner are we telling you that Jane Porter's Flirting With Forty is being made into a movie, but we've got some more Jane-related news...

Her latest book, Mrs Perfect, is out 5 May . It's about a control-freak wife and mother who loses the good life she has built so carefully. Take a sneak peek at the beginning on Jane's website.

Related: Trashionista Recommends: The5Spot

 

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 20, 2008 in American Authors, Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 19, 2008 2:01 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Waiting for Birdy by Catherine Newman

Have you ever fallen in love with a book? So in love that you just couldn't stop reading it. Or, if you had to stop, you'd be thinking about it and rushing to get things done so you could get back to it? That was me with Catherine Newman's Waiting for Birdy last weekend. (In fact, my husband was getting annoyed that I was talking more about Catherine's son, Ben, than our own son!)

Taken from Catherine's Babycentre blog, it's the story of gorgeous 3-year-old Ben and Catherine's mixed feelings about being pregnant with her second child, Birdy (don't worry, they didn't christen her that). Nothing dramatic or tragic (thankfully) happens, it's just the story of a family or, as the cover puts it "a year of frantic tedium, neurotic angst, and the wild magic of growing a family".

It's just a gorgeous book. It made me cry (repeatedly). It made me laugh (a lot). And sometimes it made me laugh until I cried.

Later that evening, we were all in the car together and a Cole Porter song came on. After we told him that it was called " 'S Wonderful" and that it was Ella Fitzgerald singing, Ben was silent for a while. "Like at the zoo?" he finally ventured, and Michael shot me a questioning look. "Like what?" I asked. "Like at the zoo. Like Elephants Gerald?"

Catherine articulates every single thing I've ever felt about motherhood. How joyful it is. How painful it is. How everything - everything - is bittersweet.

And the best thing is that, now I've finished the book, I've still got years' worth of blog posts to read! Highly, highly, recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Mama Lama Ding Dong by Ayun Halliday

Posted by Keris on February 19, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 18, 2008 5:35 PM

BOOK COVER: If Andy Warhol Had A Girlfriend

While we wait for more news on Alison Pace's fourth book (provisionally titled City Dog, due out September), her publisher has kindly distracted us with a new cover for the reissue of her debut If Andy Warhol Had A Girlfriend.

I think it's brilliant - do you agree? I've put the old cover over the cut if you want to compare them...

Here you go!

Related posts: Book covers archive | Alison Pace's books of the year

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 18, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (2)

MORE ON MONDAY: For One More Day by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom wrote Tuesdays With Morrie and The Five People You Meet In Heaven. For One More Day is the story of Charley 'Chick' Benetto a baseball player who spent six-weeks at the World Series and the next twenty years trying to relive the glory days.

He ends up drinking too much, alienating his family, and eventually trying to kill himself. On this darkest of days, something miraculous happens to Charley - he gets one more day with his mother (who died eight years previously). It's the fantasy of anyone who has lost a loved one; Charley  gets to say the things he regretted not saying and just, well, spend one more day...

Like Alexander McCall Smith and Anne Tyler, Mitch Albom has the gift of keen observation coupled with beautiful storytelling. These writers know that the essential truths of human existence are too damn big; we need to view them through the small details of ordinary people and ordinary lives.

In the capable hands of Albom, Charley's story is told with a simplicity that borders on poetry and a kindness that can make you weep. I read it in one tearful sitting and I urge you to do the same.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: Digging To America by Anne Tyler

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 18, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Gingerbread by Rachel Cohn

I wasn't actually too excited to read Gingerbread, since a while ago I read the next book in the series and didn't enjoy it as much as I expected too, but Gingerbread was thrust upon me and I was urged to read it, so I did. And I was glad I did, because I loved it.

I was a bit worried as I started reading because Gingerbread reminded me so much of Weetzie Bat and I found myself worrying about who (if anyone) had ripped off who(m), but this only lasted a couple of chapters and then Gingerbread became a totally different book.

The heroine of Gingerbread is (fabulously) named Cyd Charisse. She lives in San Francisco with her parents, Sid and Nancy, and her younger half-siblings. Her real dad lives in New York, but she hasn't seen him for years. In fact, not since he gave her the doll, Gingerbread, who remains her best friend (even though she's really too old for a doll).

Following an ill-fated relationship with a boy at boarding school (and, frankly, an ill-fated relationship with boarding school itself), Cyd Charisse is home, dating surfer boy Shrimp and nurturing a secret crush on his brother. Her relationship with her parents seems to be irrevocably damaged by Cyd Charisse's behaviour, but she is seemingly undaunted, even planning to sue them for legal emancipation. Instead, her parents decide to send her to New York to get to know her father.

I describe Cyd Charisse as "seemingly undaunted" because she is much more damaged than she at first seems and this is what I loved about the book. Cyd Charisse at first comes across as tough and streetwise (do young people still say streetwise? I'm so old...), but by the end of the book she's a different person. I really liked her and found her very true to life (from what I remember of being a teenager...).

In fact, I loved it so much I'm going to go back and re-read the sequel.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Sloppy Firsts by Meg McCafferty

Posted by Keris on February 18, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (4)

February 15, 2008 2:07 PM

Jennifer Crusie, Lani Diane Rich and Anne Stewart podcast

We've recommended the Will Write For Wine podcast before, but this week's episode deserves a special mention.

Lani Diane Rich, Jenny Crusie and Anne Stewart get together at Jenny's house in Ohio and talk about collaboration (and wine, of course). Since Jenny and Anne worked together on The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes (with Eileen Dreyer) and they are all currently working on Dogs & Goddesses, they've got a lot to say...

What are you waiting for? Go listen!

Related posts: Podcasts archive | Crusie/Mayer writing workshop

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 15, 2008 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Podcasts | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 13, 2008 11:31 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Vampires Are Forever by Lynsay Sands

Reviewed by Angela Richardson

Vampires Are Forever is the sequel to The Accidental Vampire - one of the Argeneau vampire novels by Lynsay Sands. This book is the latest in her series and provides just as much entertainment as her last one.

Inez Urso has worked hard to get to the top of her profession, but her social life has suffered as a consequence. When she is called out to baby-sit Thomas Argeneau she begins to have doubts about her whole career. After all the whole Argeneau family that she is employed by seem to have an allergic reaction to the sun, excellent night vision, and not much appetite for food. Plus Thomas has just tried to bite her neck… but maybe that was just a sign of passion.

Thomas on the other hand, has been waiting forever for a woman like Inez… well, if not forever, at least two hundred years. She’s the most beautiful woman he’s seen in centuries. He couldn’t resist the temptation of just one little bite. Now Thomas will do anything to convince her that only an immortal like him can make her happy.

Yet again this is a great romantic comedy with a large dash of fantasy. The mystery of the missing grandmother that they have to solve adds a lot more depth and tension to this book than her previous novels and as a result this was very gripping. However, Sands never loses the humour in her stories, which makes this book an irresistible combination.

She has also ended this book on a bit of a cliffhanger that is apparently the main plot of the next in the series (although I’ve only read the sneak preview at the end of the book). I’m afraid if you start reading the Argeneau series you’ll be addicted, but it’ll pass many a rainy afternoon, as there are quite a few books for you to catch up on. Plus unlike many it doesn’t really matter what order you read them in.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands

Posted by Keris on February 13, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Series, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 12, 2008 12:04 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Midori By Moonlight by Wendy Nelson Tokunaga

I know I'm shallow, but I was mainly attracted to Midori By Moonlight because of the cover: moonlight, cupcakes and a cute outfit on the illustration! Also I love the title and the book is set in San Francisco, one of my favourite cities.

Fortunately, the book is just as cute as its cover. Midori moves from Japan to marry Kevin, an American she met out there. Unfortunately, Kevin reignites an old flame at his and Midori's engagement party, leaving Midori both heart-broken and stuck in San Francisco without a visa.

Desperate not to return to Japan - obsessed with US culture, Midori had planned to stay in San Francisco forever - Midori calls a Japanese friend of Kevin's, Shinji/Sean, who, as luck would have it, needs a room-mate.

Midori still has the problem of finding a job without a visa. She wants to be a pastry chef, but soon resorts to working in a "hostess bar". And of course she can't tell her parents - not about the lack of a wedding, the living with a strange man, and certainly not her job - they never wanted her to go to the US in the first place (although they did want her to get married and had been in the process of arranging a marriage for her when she met Kevin).

I loved this book. More like a fairy story than a realistic portrayal of the illegal immigrant experience (I doubt many illegal immigrants have it as easy as Midori), it's charming, sweet, funny and gripping and Midori is lovely and I was rooting for her from page one. Plus there's San Francisco, cupcakes and moonlight. I can't wait to read Wendy Nelson Tokunaga's next book.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12 by Robin Gold

Posted by Keris on February 12, 2008 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 11, 2008 5:22 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Seeing Me Naked by Liza Palmer

I've already mentioned how much I love the US cover (shown) of Liza Palmer's Seeing Me Naked, so you can imagine how excited I was to receive the US version for review (it's not out in the UK until 20 March).

Elisabeth Page lives in the shadow of her legendary novelist father, Ben Page, and hip literary adonis brother, Rascal.

Trying desperately to avoid comparisons with her stellar family, she carves her own successful career as a head pastry chef at a top LA restaurant. Naturally, this isn't up to her father's exacting standards, and even Elisabeth has started to wonder what happened to her five-year-plan to start her own patisserie.

Elisabeth feels both trapped and safe in a life that she orders with military precision. Still, there isn't enough routine in the world to protect Elisabeth from herself and she finds that fearing her father and craving his approval is a hangover from childhood that just won't go away.

Then, she meets Daniel Sullivan. A beer-drinking basketball coach who, most certainly, will not meet her family's expectations. Can she let herself fall for this kind, loving man? Can she drop the smart-talking, hyper-critical Elisabeth and let Daniel know - and love - the real her?

Sharp, witty and with a convincing, captivating, cast of characters, Seeing Me Naked is a fantastic read. I hope Liza Palmer is a workaholic like Elisabeth, as I can't wait to read her next book...

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: Heartburn by Nora Ephron

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 11, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

MORE ON MONDAY: Dirty Martini by JA Konrath

I've heard great things about JA Konrath, but fewer than 50 pages in I had to stop reading. There were poisoned nails set as booby traps ... fear, carnage ... *shudder* ... I had to stop reading. So I gave it to my husband to review...

Reviewed by David Stainton

Forgive me, but when I inevitably discovered that 'J A' stood for Joseph Andrew, meaning the sexy, kick-ass Lieutenant Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels was created by a nerdy-looking forty something bloke, it put me off the book before I'd even given it a chance. Irrational I know, but I can't put it out of my head. It's probably what Victorian readers of Middlemarch felt when they discovered George Elliot wasn't a forty-Woodbine-and-ten-pints-of-ale-a-day fella.

That apart, I was left feeling unsatisfied as a whole at the end of the book. Putting aside my wavering suspension of disbelief about the whole plot, which revolves around a mad sociopath poisoning half of Chicago, and Daniels apparently having to solve the whole case by herself, it just wasn't thrilling enough for a thriller, suspenseful enough for a mystery, or funny enough for a comedy.

The writing is sharp enough, and if Konrath had concentrated on the investigation, without throwing in cliched hokum around ex-partners, both professional and personal then I could have cared more about the outcome. Unfortunately I didn't care enough to overlook the fact that once more than a dozen people had died horribly then the city would have been shut down till the murderer was caught.

As it is, Daniels lurches from one near-fatal encounter with her nemesis to the next, leaving a trail of dead cops and civilians in her wake. And the fact that she didn't see the blindingly obvious link to the killer which is revealed in order to lead her to the final showdown offends me as a fellow member of the law enforcement community. Sorry, but Jack Daniels left a funny taste in my mouth...

Rating: 2/5

Like this? Try One For the Money by Janet Evanovich

Posted by Keris on February 11, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 2/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 10, 2008 9:28 AM

TV & MOVIE NEWS: I Was a Teenage Popsicle