Trashionista

August 23, 2010 5:04 PM

RECENT RELEASE: All That Glitters

Samantha Carbon's debut novel is definitely one to look forward to! All That Glitters was released in June and focuses on Sophie, who is trying learn to trust men again after her divorce. But she always seems to fall for the wrong man...

 

Whilst her professional life may be rich and rewarding, Sophie Jones, a trader's assistant at a multi-national bank in the City of London, cannot bring herself to think about the depressing husk that is her social life. Following her divorce from her abusive husband, thirty-seven year old Sophie finds herself drinking heavily to escape her deep-seated loneliness, and partying to excess in a vain effort to fill her evenings and weekends. So when she meets Mitch, a very ordinary and somewhat clumsy American financier, she is ill-prepared for the warm feelings of affection that begin to overwhelm her.

 

But this early flush of love is brought into sharp focus when Sophie learns that Mitch has a difficult ex-girlfriend and a two year old son called Toby, both of whom are living in Germany. And despite his proud responsibilities as a father, Mitch also seems to have a penchant for one night stands and passion fuelled flings; he is no then the ideal romantic candidate for a vulnerable woman still nursing

a broken heart.

 

So when Sophie convinces herself to take a huge leap of faith and embark upon a relationship with Mitch, she is shattered when her worst fears are quickly realised and she discovers that he has been sleeping with an eighteen year Zambian girl called Katie. Their drunken encounters are too much for Sophie to bear, and having given Mitch one last chance, only to have it sabotaged by Katie, she decides to banish Mitch from her life forever and to try to move on without him. But little does Sophie realise that her life is now intrinsically linked to both Mitch and Katie's; all three have been cast off on an emotional journey of self-discovery in which Sophie at least may learn that in absence the heart really does grow fonder.

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on August 23, 2010 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 11, 2010 2:53 PM

COVER NEWS: I Heart New York

We're very fond of Lindsey Kelk's I Heart... series (including I Heart New York, I Heart Hollywood and more recently, I Heart Paris!) And now the first in the series about globe-trotting heroine Angela is being released in paperback in the States, with a whole new cover.

The book is due for release in the States on September 7th. We love the sophisticated American jacket, but what about you?

If you're not already familiar with Kelk's first novel, here's the synopsis:

When Angela catches her boyfriend with another woman at her best friend's wedding, she's heartbroken and desperate to run away. With little more than a crumpled bridesmaid dress, a pair of Louboutins, and her passport in hand, Angela decides to jump on a plane for . . . NYC!
Settling into a cute hotel and quickly bonding with benevolent concierge Jenny--a chatterbox Oprah wannabe with room for a new best friend--Angela heads out for a New York makeover, some serious retail therapy, and a whirlwind tour of the city. Before she knows it, she's dating two sexy guys and blogging about her Big Apple escapades for a real fashion magazine. But while it's one thing telling readers about your romantic dilemmas, it's another working them out for yourself. Angela has fallen head over heels for the city that never sleeps, but does she heart New York more than home?

To find out more, head on over to Lindsey Kelk's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on August 11, 2010 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 28, 2010 11:18 PM

UPCOMING RELEASE: The Girl Who Chased The Moon

Being a fan of magical tales, I personally cant wait to read Sarah Addison Allen's novel The Girl Who Chased the Moon (and the cover is stunning!). Released in early August, the book follows Emily, who arrives in North Carolina to find out about her mother. But there's plenty more in store! Here's the synopsis:

Emily Benedict came to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother's life. But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew, she realises that mysteries aren't solved in Mullaby, they're a way of life. Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. Unexplained lights skip across the yard at midnight. And a neighbour, Julia Winterson, bakes hope in the form of cakes, offering them to satisfy the town's sweet tooth - but also in the hope of rekindling a love she fears might be lost forever. Can a hummingbird cake really bring back a lost love? Is there really a ghost dancing in Emily's backyard? The answers are never what you expect. But in this town of lovable misfits, the unexpected fits right in.

To find out more about Sarah Addison Allen and her books, check out Sarah's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 28, 2010 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 13, 2010 7:34 PM

RECENT RELEASE: Beautiful Malice

Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James, released earlier this month, is one of the books that everyone seems to be talking about. And to be honest, I can't wait to read it either. A thriller aimed at young adults and older, Beautiful Malice tells the story of Katherine, who is desperate to forget her tragic past. Until Alice comes along...

So. Were you glad, deep down? Were you glad to be rid of her? Your perfect sister? Were you secretly glad when she was killed? Following a horrific tragedy that leaves her once perfect family devastated, Katherine Patterson moves to a new city, starts at a new school, and looks forward to a new life of quiet anonymity. But when Katherine meets the gregarious and beautiful Alice Parrie her resolution to live a solitary life becomes difficult. Katherine is unable to resist the flattering attention that Alice pays her and is so charmed by Alice's contagious enthusiasm that the two girls soon become firm friends. Alice's joie de vivre is transformative; it helps Katherine forget her painful past and slowly, tentatively, Katherine allows herself to start enjoying life again. But being friends with Alice is complicated - and as Katherine gets to know her better she discovers that although Alice can be charming and generous she can also be selfish and egocentric. Sometimes, even, Alice is cruel. And when Katherine starts to wonder if Alice is really the kind of person she wants as a friend, she discovers something else about Alice - she doesn't like being cast off. Shocking and utterly absorbing, Rebecca James's strong narrative will grip readers from the very first page. BEAUTIFUL MALICE has become a publishing phenomenon, sparking numerous auctions worldwide, selling to 27 countries, and launching a previously unknown writer into the centre of the international book market.

To find out more about Beautiful Malice and Rebecca James, check out Rebecca's website.

http://www.rebeccajamesbooks.com/

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 13, 2010 in New Releases, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 12, 2010 7:12 PM

RECENT RELEASE: Saints v Sinners

Here's yet another hot read for the summer reading list! Katie Agnew, who brought us Wives V Girlfriends, is back with Saints V Sinners is a glamorous tale set in Morocco, which was released in June. Read on for more info...

The LaFata family have it all - obscene wealth, talent, good fortune and beautiful genes. Or at least they used to...until the head of the family, Giancarlo 'Fatty' La Fata, vanishes over the side of his yacht one night and disappears into the dark Riviera night. His widow (and fourth wife) Jade, his son, Carlo Jr, and daughters, Francesca and Angelica, are left awash in a sea of heartbreak and confusion. Did Fatty fall, or was he pushed? But this question only leads to more - for around a strong man, are even stronger women. Mothers, daughters, lovers, wives and sisters - Fatty has left a web of women who all have their own secrets. When one of these women steps forward to clean up the mess Fatty left behind she will meet the drug dealers and illegal gamblers that lurk behind the glamour of the French Riviera, she will risk her heart as well as her life. Can she save the La Fata family from destruction? Or is it already too late?

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 12, 2010 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 20, 2010 12:34 PM

NEW RELEASE: Kissing Mr Wrong (plus, win a copy!)

Kissing Mr Wrong by Sarah Duncan (author of Adultery for Beginners and A Single to Rome) hit the shelves on May 13th and is set to be a great summer read. Here's the synopsis:

Lu Edwards believes in travelling light, not even a goldfish to tie her down. All she needs is a Mr Right to slip into her streamlined life. 

She knows what she wants: she's even made a list, and Marcus fits the bill to perfection - if only he wasn't moving to Minneapolis. Meanwhile Lu's grandmother has another man she wants to track down, a soldier from the First World War, but there's only a photograph to go on.

Lu turns for help to Nick, a WWI expert with more baggage than Heathrow, right down to the kids, ex-wife and hamster. He is, on paper, everything she doesn't want in a man. But as he helps Lu trace her family history, she finds herself falling for his chaotic charms and as she does, her life starts to unravel...Perhaps Nick's not the only one with baggage after all.
 Playing the wicked step-mother was never on the list, so why, when she should be looking for Mr Right, is she getting so hung up on Mr Couldn't-be-more-wrong?

To find out more about Sarah Duncan and her books, head on over to Sarah's website.

Trashionista has a copy of Kissing Mr Wrong to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, simply leave a comment, making sure you leave your email address in the email field so that we can contact you if you've won. Competition will close on June 1st. Good luck!

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 20, 2010 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (9)

March 29, 2010 7:29 PM

RECENT RELEASE: Stephanie Meyer, Queen of Twilight

With the increased fame of the Twilight saga, we knew it wouldn't be long before Stephanie Meyer's biography hit the shelves. And here it is. Whilst passing through a bookstore recently I couldn't help but notice the book cover featuring the phenomenon herself, Ms Meyer. Whereas I'm not personally a huge Twilight fan, this does look interesting. Here's a bit more about the bio:

On 2 June, 2003, Stephenie Meyer had a dream that would change her life forever. She dreamt of a young girl and her sparkling vampire lover lying in a field, and that dream became Twilight. Now, her vampire romance novels have become a publishing phenomenon, selling over 70 million books worldwide, and have been translated into 37 difference languages.

Click here to visit Stephanie's official site.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 29, 2010 in Book News, Book related, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 25, 2010 12:40 AM

BOOK NEWS: Rock Chicks

Here's a new release to look forward to (I'm really liking the look of this one!). Ronni Cooper's Rock Chicks will be hitting the shelves in June 2010. Read on for the synopsis...

The groupie

Coco LaBiba has the beauty, she has the money, but she just needs the sex, music and fame to get high. She won't give up her wild ways for anyone... except the one guy she can never have.

The wife

Marny Rammer - pretty, shy, devoted wife of the band's lead singer. But there's a price to pay when superstardom comes knocking on your husband's door and for Marny it comes in a dangerous pile of fine white powder.

The manager

Lori Wyatt is the girl from the sticks turned kick-ass band manager who can play any man their own game - business or pleasure. She will do anything to sky-rocket her boys to the top. Anything.

Three strong women. Three best friends. The rock chicks have joined the party.

Click here to visit Ronnie Cooper's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 25, 2010 in Book covers, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 24, 2010 12:25 AM

NEW RELEASES: Foursome, Mr Almost Right and Big Girl

It's almost the end of March, but the past couple of weeks have seen some fantastic new releases from well-known authors. Jane Fallon's Foursome, the latest novel following Got You Back, was released on March 4th. Eleanor Moran's Mr Almost Right also hit the shelves this week/fortnight, and Big Girl by renowned author Danielle Steel was published in hardback earlier this month. Want to know more about these titles? Then read on...

Foursome by Jane Fallon

Rebecca, Daniel, Alex and Isabel have been best friends since university. Rebecca married Daniel, Alex married Isabel and, for twenty years, they have been inseparable. But all that is about to change... When Alex walks out on Isabel, Rebecca thinks things can't get any worse. But then she finds out the reason why and she's left harbouring a secret she'd rather forget... And there's more upheaval to come in Rebecca's life as her emaciated, neurotic, self-obsessed colleague, Lorna - her arch nemesis at work - suddenly becomes a regular feature in her social life. Rebecca's once-happy foursome is now a distant memory and with hearts broken and friendships fractured, it seems that change is never a good thing. Or is it?

Mr Almost Right by Eleanor Moran

What happens when you meet Mr Right, then find out that someone's got there first? Do you: a) bury your feelings, convince yourself that nothing can ever happen between the two of you and try to move on? Or b) fail miserably to bury your feelings and repeatedly act like an incompetent fool in front of him? In Lulu's case, it's a bit of both. When she meets Charles, a handsome and sophisticated actor, he seems like the perfect catch - until she finds out about the wife and children. But when Lulu and Charles end up away on location together, sparks fly and suddenly everything gets complicated... Lulu tries to confide in Alice, her twin sister and best friend, but she's too distracted by her new relationship with gorgeous but rage-filled Richard. When will she learn that sexy bad boys do not make good boyfriends? And for Lulu, can love conquer all, or is she just a walk-on part in the oldest story in the book?

Big Girl by Danielle Steele

Two sisters, two very different lives - Victoria - a chubby little girl with blond hair, blue eyes and ordinary looks - has spent her whole life being second best to her perfect younger sister Gracie, being told that she is a disappointment to her parents, and unable to win their approval. While waging a ceaseless war against her weight, enduring her father's belittling comments about her appearance and seeing her academic achievements go unacknowledged, she knows that she has to get as far away from home as possible. Home is Los Angeles, where beauty and appearance are all. She moves to New York City, where she finds a job she loves - as a high school teacher - amongst the sleek and slinky of Manhattan. Her lifeline to her family is through Gracie - they couldn't be more different, but they love each other unconditionally. Victoria finds her own life in New York, while her battle with her weight continues. And then a chance encounter starts an incredible chain of events. But can Victoria really leave behind all the hurt, neglect and loss that she has tried to forget and step into a new and fulfilling future? And whatever the scales tell her, she is determined to cherish who she is.

Are there any new releases you've loved? Looking forward to any in particular? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 24, 2010 in Book related, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 5, 2010 8:07 PM

NEW RELEASE: Loves Me, Loves Me Not

With Valentines Day on its way, there are plenty of newly released (and upcoming!) love stories to choose from - one being the brand new short-story collection, Loves Me, Loves Me Not.

Loves Me, Loves Me Not was released today and contains 40 short stories from a variety of bestelling authors such as Carole Matthews and Adele Parks. Edited by Katie Fforde (author of Love Letters and Wedding Season), the book is set to be a fantastic ready for those who love short tales of romance! Here's some more info...

"Loves Me, Loves Me Not" will give you hours of outrageously indulgent reading pleasure. With over 40 stories to choose, this fabulous collection has something for everyone - from bittersweet holiday flings to emotional family weepies; from fun chick-lit tales to Regency romances . "Loves Me, Loves Me Not" is a true celebration of the very best in romantic fiction. Read all-new stories from the bestselling authors of today - including Joanna Trollope, Katie Flynn, Carole Matthews, Maureen Lee and Adele Parks - and discover the bestselling authors of tomorrow.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 5, 2010 in Book News, New Releases, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 25, 2010 8:54 PM

RECENT RELEASE: Shoo, Jimmy Choo!

It's coming to the end of January, which means that those of us who made resolutions ('what are those again?' some might say) will either be smiling with success, or have given up on their new year plights a couple of weeks ago. Even so, there's still time - and what with 'save more/spend less' being one of the top new year mantras, I thought I'd give you the heads-up on a rather interesting recent release...

Shoo, Jimmy Choo: The Modern Girl's Guide to Spending Less and Saving More is the new book from Catey Hill, money editor at the New York Daily News online. It promises to help you manage your finances and make way for a nice retirement. Whereas some of us have never owned a pair of Jimmy Choos (boo!) it might still make an interesting read...

Remember when Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw faced the brutal realization that she couldn't buy her apartment because she'd already spent her money on a closet full of Manolos? Well, if Carrie had met Catey first, she'd own her co-op and be on her way to a comfortable retirement!

Catey Hill is the online money expert for the Daily News Web site--and author of this humorous, practical "girlfriends guide" to personal finance for 20- and 30-something females. (The ones with the designer shoes...and maxed-out credit cards.) With a hip, "I've been there" voice along with worksheets and exercises, she helps women evaluate why they spend, get out of debt, and create a savings and retirement plan that even allows for the occasional splurge. Among the topics she covers: student loans, car payments, investing, saving for a home, and more.

To find out more about Catey Hill and Shoo, Jimmy Choo, check out Catey's website. 

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 25, 2010 in Book News, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 7, 2010 12:43 AM

COVER NEWS: The Seven Secrets of Happiness

The Seven Secrets of Happiness by Sharon Owens was released today in paperback. The book, originally released in August last year, has had a drastic cover change (the updated, paperback cover is on the right.)

What do you think?

Here's the book synopsis for The Seven Secrets of Happiness:

Once upon a time Ruby O'Neill lived in her very own ivory tower (a beautiful little cottage) with her very own fairytale prince (her handsome husband Jonathan). She had roses round her door and her friends were never far away - life in her fairytale land was perfect. But grown-up fairy stories don't last forever and one dark night Ruby's life is smashed into a million pieces. With her castle in the air destroyed and her heart broken, she swears she will never love again. Yet guardian angels hide in the strangest places and from Ruby's darkest night, six magical secrets slowly emerge to show her life is for living and that tomorrow is not too late for love. But who is the mysterious stranger who holds the seventh secret, the hardest one to find? And is he the person who holds the ultimate secret, the key to Ruby's frozen heart?

You can read more about Sharon Owens here, or visit her blog.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 7, 2010 in Book News, Book covers, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 4, 2010 2:12 AM

Coming up in 2010...

2010 is set to be a fantastic year for chick-lit, with new novels from Lindsay Kelk, Meg Cabot, Alexandra Potter and many more. Here's a (very!) small selection of some of this year's new releases. Which books are YOU looking forward to this year?
 
I Heart Hollywood by Lindsay Kelk (January)
Celebs, sunshine and beautiful boys!enough to lead a girl astray? Angela Clark can't believe her luck! she's an English girl living in New York with a dream job at hip magazine The Look and a sexy boyfriend. Her latest assignment takes her to Hollywood to interview hot actor and fellow Brit James Jacobs.Thrown in at the deep end she heads west with best friend Jenny dreaming of Rodeo Drive and Malibu beach. Soon Angela discovers that celebrity life in Hollywood is not all glamour, gloss and sunshine. Despite his lady-killer reputation, the only person who seems genuine is James. Then a paparazzi snaps them in an uncompromising position and suddenly Angela is thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons! Can she convince all those close to her -- especially her boss and her boyfriend -- not to believe everything they read? And will Hollywood ever win Angela's heart?

RSVP by Tara Moore (January)
When Ashling Morrison becomes engaged to the love of her life, Rossa Granville, she sets in motion a chain of events that will see two wealthy and powerful Irish families clash as never before.
Ashling: Despite her privileged upbringing, Ashling Morrison has spent her life wishing she could escape from the shadow of her beautiful, charismatic stepmother, Coppelia. Now, on the eve of her engagement party, she may finally get her wish. After all, her fiance Rossa is the perfect partner, and the Granvilles the perfect family...
Honoria: For Honoria Granville, her grandson's engagement to Ashling Morrison represents the culmination of years of plotting, manipulation and deceit. But now the trap has been set - all she must do is wait for her prey...
Carrick: As the natural heir to the Granville estate, Carrick has struggled to balance the demands of duty with freedom. But when Carrick realises that he is about to be disinherited in favour of his brother, Rossa, he decides to act...
Coppelia: Sexy, ruthless and avaricious, Coppelia Morrison always gets what she wants. But when she discovers that her stepdaughter, Ashling, has become engaged to the grandson of her life-long enemy, she knows she'll need to do everything within her power to stop the wedding...
 
Other People's Secrets by Louise Candlish (June)
When Ginny and Adam Trustlove arrive for a holiday in Italy they are torn apart by personal tragedy. A boathouse on peaceful Lake Orta is exactly the place to start piecing together their lives. A day later, the silence is broken by the arrival at the main house of the Sale family: wealthy, successful Martin and Bea and their privileged, confident offspring. It doesn't take long for Ginny and Adam to be drawn in, especially when the teenage Pippi introduces a new friend into the mix. For there is something about Zach that seems to loosen old secrets and create shocking new ones ...

Secrets and Sins by Jaishree Mishra (June)
Be careful what you wish for! Seven years ago, Riva Singh and Aman Khan had a passionate love affair. Despite their attraction, Riva rejected Aman for reliable Ben, the man who became her husband. Now, Riva is a bestselling London novelist, whilst Aman is a Bollywood superstar. Both have watched each other from afar but have stayed apart since their painful split. But Fate appears to have other plans for them as they are thrown together at the Cannes film festival. Aman is torn between his desire for Riva and his young family - not to mention the havoc an affair would have on his golden boy public image. Beset by guilt, Reva knows that their love could destroy everything that they hold dear. With so much at stake, will these star-crossed lovers follow their hearts - or their heads?

About Time by Niamh Shaw (April)
Unlucky-in-love Lara sure knows how to pick 'em - losers, that is. But who can blame her when she's never gotten over having her heart (and self-esteem) smashed to pieces by her one and only true love, the super-intelligent, super-geeky, and super-emotionally-inept Conn? Six years later, working alongside her ex on an energy-generating project in Dubai is the last thing Lara expected. It's not long before sparks are flying, but can Lara trust Conn with her heart again?

More 2010 releases:
Single in the City by Michele Gorman (June)
Marrying out of Money by Nicky Schmidt (March)
Insatiable by Meg Cabot (June)
You're the One That I Don't Want by Alexandra Potter (August)
Katy Carter Wants a Hero (April)
 

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 4, 2010 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 22, 2009 6:35 PM

NEW RELEASE: The Little Book of Twitter

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 22, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 21, 2009 6:39 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Gemma Burgess

Right now I'm reading your blog, Name That Bastard. What made you decide to set this up? 
Thanks! Naming, for me, is one of the most irritatingly difficult parts of writing. When naming the character who is now Rick in The Dating Detox, I sent an email titled 'Name That Bastard' to all my friends asking them for help. I got hilarious emails back from them and their sisters and friends and coworkers saying why I should pick a certain name. So I thought, for the second book, that I'd do it again - just on a bigger scale - so I started a blog on www.namethatbastard.com - I'm getting hilarious entries from all over the world and it's only been up a few weeks! And the strapline, 'Revenge is print', makes me laugh. 

Do you have any tips for readers who would like to become published authors? 

Hmmm - well I'm really no expert, but this advice would have helped me: Keep writing till you find a voice that you're comfortable with; one that feels real and is easy and just flows out of your fingers. Write a good cover letter when you send out your manuscript, saying what you want the book to be and why - the concept of the book. Ooh, and get on Twitter. There's a very supportive publishing community - I only started using it properly about a month ago and I wish I'd started earlier. I don't tweet much yet, I'm the girl in the corner of the Twitter party sipping her drink thoughtfully and watching everyone else have a good time, but I'm slowly getting more involved. You can find me on @gkateb.  

What are you currently reading? 
I'm the kind of person who will read a toothpaste tube if there's nothing else to read, so I tend to have a few books on the go at once as I'm constantly misplacing them. Right now my main book is The Group by Mary McCarthy. It's brilliant. I'm also dipping in and out of Rivals by Jilly Cooper because I wanted to look at that longing-love feeling between Rupert and Taggie. I started Super Freakonomics a few weeks ago and pick it up whenever I'm in the kitchen waiting for my coffee and porridge. It's easy to dive into and skim for a few minutes. 

Are you working on anything else at the moment, and if so, can you tell us?  

Yes! It's called The Late Starter (or The Dating Virgin - what do you think?). It's about a girl who, at 27, ends a seven year-relationship and has to learn the rules of singledom from scratch. She suffers stomach-churningly bad dating experiences until her new flatmate, a notorious lothario, teaches her how to date like a man, or more specifically, how to be a bastard. And then, well, you'll have to wait and see.... I'm having a lot of fun with it. 

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 21, 2009 in Interviews, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 25, 2009 1:52 PM

NEW RELEASE: Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts

Following her debut novel The Ballroom Class, Lucy Dillon is back with another new release, and we don't have long to wait! Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts is due out on November 26th (tomorrow!) by Hodder and looks like a promising read. Here's some more info...

When the abandoned strays from a local dogs' home are matched with brand new owners, it turns out it might not just be the dogs who need rescuing.

Rachel's aunt has left her a house, a Border Collie and, despite knowing nothing about dogs, a crowded kennels. But since her life has collapsed she's not sure she can deal with any more lost souls.

Zoe's ex-husband has given their children a puppy. The kids are in love, but she's the one stuck training Toffee the impossible Labrador. She's nearly at the end of her tether - until Toffee leads her to a handsome doctor...

Meanwhile Natalie and Johnny's marriage hasn't been easy since they started trying for a baby. But is a fridge-raiding, sofa-stealing Basset hound like Bertie really the child substitute they're looking for?

As the new owners' paths cross on the town's dog-walking circuits, their lives become interwoven. And they - and their dogs - learn some important lessons about loyalty, companionship and unconditional love...

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 25, 2009 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 17, 2009 9:55 PM

NEW RELEASE: The Disengagement Ring

Clodagh Murphy's The Disengagement Ring is another new release for November. The book was out on the 5th, and focuses on Kate O'Neill and her mother who, angered at Kate's choice of fiancee, hatches a plan to break up the engagement. Read on for more...

After a series of hopeless relationships, Kate O'Neill is ready to settle down, so when her New Age Shaman boyfriend Brian finally asks her to marry him, she accepts. Even though her clannish, close-knit family disapprove of him, Kate knows that deep down Brian loves her. But Kate's eccentric actress mother, Grace, is determined to prevent Kate from making the biggest mistake of her life. She hatches a plot to scupper the engagement, enlisting the help of the whole family, even roping in Will Sargent, manager of mega cool rock-band Walking Wounded, and unrequited love of Kate's life, in the hope that he can provide a change of direction for Kate's affections. Reluctantly enlisted, Will offers Kate a job cooking for Walking Wounded, while they are holed up in Tuscany working on their new album. As temperatures in the kitchen begin to heat up, will Kate realise her feelings for Will are stronger than ever, or does Grace's plan backfire and send Kate straight back to Brian?

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 17, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 9, 2009 6:32 PM

NEW RELEASE: 24 Hours London

Okay, so Trashionista usually focuses on female fiction, yes? But I had to mention this book. 24 Hours London, the new release by Marsha Moore, is a fabulous new guide to the city. Whether you're a tourist, a shopper or London resident, this book caters for everyone. Listing everything by hour, it covers everything from main tourist hotspots to even the most unusual things to do in London, so if you fancy a visit - this is the guidebook for you.

A little more about the book:

Every hour of every day, London is packed full of fantastic, unusual things to do. The trick is to know what's on, when. For the first time, this innovative and new guidebook gives a rundown of one of the greatest cities in the world, hour by hour, listing London's best kept secrets, plus an innovative spin on old favourites. This first edition includes all contact details, websites where applicable, and its chatty style makes it perfect for both visitors to the UK and locals who want to learn more about their home town.

To find out more about the book, checkout out the site of Prospera Publishing, where you can see Marsha Moore doing 24 hours in London and read the first few pages. You can also check out Marsha's blog and the 24 Hours: London blog.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 9, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 5, 2009 12:02 AM

November releases from Little Black Dress

November releases from Little Black Dress

Little Black Dress Books have two more new titles out this month - Janet Gover's The Bachelor And Spinster Ball, and The Hen Night Prophecies (the second novel in the Eastern Promise series) by Jessica Fox.

The Bachelor and Spinster Ball: Sexy Nick, feisty Bec and dreamy Hailey all grew up together in the tiny, one-horse town of Farwell Creek. In fact, Nick and Bec were the town's teen-dream couple, until Bec made a break for it and shook the small-town dust off her heels for the big-city lights. Now she's back - but Nick doesn't have romantic feelings for her any more... does he?

Sweet, idealistic Hailey is caught between her old friends, but has too many problems of her own to be able to worry about theirs. Devastated at the loss of her parents, who died in a crash a year earlier, she's too wrapped up in her own thoughts to even think about leaving town or finding love. It will take a devastating bush-fire, a black-tie ball under the stars, and a road-trip to help all three friends work out who and what they want - and what they need.

The Hen Night Prophecies: Priya's prophecy, 'In love, mother knows best...' does not fit her fiercely independent, successful world. She's fed up of her disapproving Hindu family's constant meddling in her love-life. Distrusful of men ever since her betrayal by boss and ex-boyfriend Vic, she throws herself into work. When her new assignment leads her to India to document an ashram high in the hills, Priya hopes to find some much-needed serenity. But with mystery and secrets at its heart, she's soon convinced something sinister is afoot. And with her feelings for attractive tour guide Noah complicating things further, Priya can't help but wonder: is Noah really interested in her, or is he trying to distract her from finding out the truth?

Head on over to the Little Black Dress website for more information, book news and extracts.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 5, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 3, 2009 6:34 PM

NEW RELEASE: The Espressologist

For YA fans, this new release seems like a whole lot of fun. Coffee lover? Then Kristina Springer's The Espressologist might be just for you. Here's some more info!

What's your drink of choice? Is it a small pumpkin spice latte? Then you're lots of fun and a bit sassy. Or a medium americano? You prefer simplicity in life. Or perhaps it's a small decaf soy sugar-free hazelnut caffe latte? Some might call you a yuppie. Seventeen-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. She scribbles it all down in a notebook and calls it Espressology. So it's not a totally crazy idea when Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their coffee orders. Like her best friend, Em, a medium hot chocolate, and Cam, a toffee nut latte. But when her boss, Derek, gets wind of Jane's Espressology, he makes it an in-store holiday promotion, promising customers their perfect matches for the price of their favorite coffee. Things are going better than Derek could ever have hoped, so why is Jane so freaked out? Does it have anything to do with Em dating Cam? She's the one who set them up! She should be happy for them, right?

Click here to visit Kristina's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 3, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 28, 2009 8:18 PM

NEW RELEASE: Deadly Little Lies

Deadly Little Lies, the next novel by Laurie Faria Stolarz, was released last week. The young adult book, the second in the Touch series (the first being Deadly Little Secret), focuses on teenager Camilla and her relationship with new boy Ben, who has some particularly special abilities. Here's the blurb...

Last fall, sixteen-year-old Camelia fell for Ben, the mysterious new boy at school who turned out to have a very mysterious gift--pyschometry, the ability to sense the future through touch.  But just as Camelia and Ben's romance began to heat up, he abruptly left town. Brokenhearted, Camelia has spent the last few months studying everything she can about psychometry, and experiencing her own strange brushes with premonition. Camelia wonders if Ben's abilities have somehow rubbed off on her. Can the power of psychometry be transferred? 

Even once Ben returns to school, Camelia can't get close enough to share her secret with him. Despite the romantic tension between them, Ben remains aloof, avoiding contact. Then when an unexpected kiss leads to a frightening argument, Camelia makes the painful decision to let Ben go and move on.  Adam, the hot new guy at work, seems good for her in ways Ben wasn't.  Adam is easygoing, and seems to really care about her.
But when Camelia and Adam start dating, a surprising love triangle results. A chilling sequence of events upturns secrets from Ben's past--and Adam's. Someone is lying, and it's up to Camelia to figure out who-before it's too late.

I can't wait to read this one. (The cover is beautiful, too!)

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 28, 2009 in New Releases, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 27, 2009 5:06 PM

NEW RELEASE: Audrey Hepburn: International Cover Girl

Audrey Hepburn fans will adore the latest title from Titan Books: Audrey Hepburn: International Cover Girl. Released this week, the book includes over six hundred pictures of the famous icon. Here's some more info:

Collecting more than 600 images from throughout her life and career, Audrey Hepburn: International Cover Girl is a stunning celebration of one of the biggest film and fashion icons ever to have lived. Audrey Hepburn's gamine, elfin appearance and widely recognized sense of chic are still admired and imitated today, with Breakfast at Tiffany's posters adorning the bedroom walls of teenage girls the world over. Now, International Cover Girl collects a treasure-trove of magazine covers spanning her adult life and career, many of which haven't been seen since their initial publication. The accompanying biographical text traces the evolution of Hepburn's image, style and influence with insights into her life on, and off, screen. This beautifully produced, collectible hardback volume assembles for the first time a sumptuous array of covers and other select material to offer a rare contemporary glimpse into the growth of an icon.

Click here to visit the Titan Books website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 27, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 21, 2009 8:04 PM

New cover for Do You Come Here Often?

Personally I rather like the newer, unique book jackets, but what about you? Do you prefer the new version of Do You Come Here Often, or the former? Leave a comment and let us know!

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 21, 2009 in Book covers, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 19, 2009 4:05 PM

NEW RELEASES: The Book of Tomorrow

The long-awaited latest novel from Cecelia Ahearn (PS I Love You, Where Rainbows End) is now available to buy. The Book of Tomorrow was released in early October and if you haven't got your hands on it already, then now's the time!

Here's a little bit of info about Cecelia's latest offering:

Tamara Goodwin has always got everything she's ever wanted. Born into a family of wealth, she grew up in a mansion with its own private beach, a wardrobe full of designer clothes and all that a girl could ever wish for. She's always lived in the here and now, never giving a second thought to tomorrow. But then suddenly her dad is gone and life for Tamara and her mother changes forever. Left with a mountain of debt, they have no choice but to sell everything they own and move to the country. Nestled next to Kilsaney Castle, their gatehouse is a world away from Tamara's childhood. With her mother shut away with grief, and her aunt busy tending to her, Tamara is lonely and bored and longs to return to Dublin. When a travelling library passes through Kilsaney Demesne, Tamara is intrigued. Her eyes rest on a mysterious large leather bound tome locked with a gold clasp and padlock. What she discovers within the pages takes her breath away and shakes her world to its' core.

For more news about Cecelia and her books, head on over to her website. 

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 19, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 8, 2009 2:58 PM

NEW RELEASE: The Ice Chorus

Sarah Stonich's new novel, The Ice Chorus, has recently been released by Alma Books of London.

Click here to check out the trailer!

Liselle never meant to fall in love. When she accompanied her archaeologist husband on a dig in Mexico, she didn't expect to meet Charlie - a talented, fiercely intelligent painter who sees her in a way that her husband never has. Liselle enters into a brief but intense affair with him that shocks her into living again. Liselle then travels to a remote village on the west coast of Ireland. She gradually becomes acquainted with some of the locals, whose wholehearted charm and colourful stories revive her spirits and inspire her to make a documentary about their interwoven tales of romance. While she explores her fascinating new surroundings, Liselle comes to confront her own tumultuous past and her feelings for Charlie, the Welsh painter who rekindled her passions in Mexico, realizing that to tell the stories of others, she must first reveal her own. Subtly and beautifully written, "The Ice Chorus" is a vivid and compassionate investigation of love and memory.

For more information about Sarah and to read excerpts from The Ice Chorus, visit Sarah's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 8, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 6, 2009 8:44 PM

COMPETITION: Win a copy of Pretty Monsters!

It's the run up to Halloween, and no better time to indulge in a good old-fashioned scary story (or spooky romance. It's your call!) Here at Trashionista we adore ghoulish tales, and have been lucky enough to get a review copy of brand new book Pretty Monsters.

 

Pretty Monsters is a collection of nine short stories by Kelly Link that's perfect for a dark night curled up under the covers.

 

Pretty Monsters is released on October 15^th, and Trashionista and publishers Canongate have three copies of this beautiful book to give away!

 

Here's some info about Pretty Monsters...

 

Blending fairytale, fantasy, horror, myth and mischief in a delicious cocktail, Kelly Link creates a world like no other, where ghosts of girlfriends past rub up against Scrabble-loving grandmothers with terrifying magic handbags, wizards sit alongside morbid babysitters, and we encounter a people-eating monster who claims to have a sense of humour. With more than a pinch of macabre humour, this is writing to come back from the dead for.

 

To be in with a chance of winning a copy, all you have to do is leave a comment  below. Names will be entered into a draw and winners will chosen after 15^th October. (Don't forget to leave your email address so that we can contact you!)

 

Apart from Pretty Monsters, Kelly Link is the author of two more short story collections: Magic for Beginners and Stranger Things Happen.

 

You can find out more about Kelly Link and her books by checking out Kelly's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 6, 2009 in Competition, New Releases, Short Story Collections, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (33)

New releases from Little Black Dress

Little Black Dress Books have some fantastic new releases for October, including Allie Spencer's debut Tug of Love, and ghoulish offering Trick or Treat from LBD
newcomer Sally Anne Morris. Want to know more? Then read on...

Trick or Treat by Sally Anne Morris

Ever thought you were hearing voices in your head? Welcome to Lucy Diamond's world... Nothing seems out of the ordinary about Lucy. Well, not until she starts hearing the voices of grumbling ghouls from beyond the grave. Hippie-mom Jasmine arranged for Lucy to develop the Gift and unlike the other presents of vegan cookbooks and tie-dye blouses, this one Lucy can't return to the store. The Dead aren't going anywhere until she sorts out their problems. But how can she be expected to deal with the lives of those in Limbo when she can't even manage her own?

Tug of Love by Allie Spencer

Unsurprisingly, divorce barrister Lucy Stone is a bit of a cynic when it comes to love. And working with egotistical weasel Hugo Spade doesn't help matters. Then Mark comes along, ticking all the boxes, and Lucy can't believe her luck. But when Lucy has to choose between the man of her dreams and the career opportunity of a lifetime, it seems there really is no justice in the world. And the re-appearance of sexy-ex Jonathan is the last thing she needs. Is Lucy about to be found guilty of making the biggest mistake of her life?

The Love Boat by Kate Lace

Working as a chef on a luxurious holiday yacht, Poppy's come a long way from her parents' pub in Cornwall and enjoys a tranquil existence sailing around the Greek islands. Until the Garvie family show up that is. When their boisterous behaviour forces Poppy to pay a visit to a super-yacht docked nearby, she meets handsome deckhand Charlie and everything gets a lot more exciting. She wouldn't mind getting cosy in her cabin with him! But why does Jake, the brooding skipper, keep rocking the boat? When it comes to falling in love, Poppy may be in danger of going overboard...

For more information about Little Black Dress books and authors, check out the website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 6, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 5, 2009 1:45 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Confessions of a Reluctant Recessionista by Amy Silver

As most of us can probably recall, the announcement of the recession was particularly tough. Cue fears of pay cuts and endless job-hunting, and swapping expensive takeaways for value noodles. Any victim of the recession can probably relate to tales of redundancy and the dreaded cutting back - and journalist Amy Silver's debut, Confessions of a Reluctant Recessionista, explores exactly this - in a fantastically funny way.

Cassie Cavanagh is perfectly content in her job as a PA at a large financial company. Sure, she's not a high-flying trader like her boyfriend Dan and best friend, but life is good. Having just been given the gift of a pair of new Louboutins out of the blue from Dan, Cassie feels lucky to have a nice flat, a decent job and a partner who doesn't stop showering her with presents. And ignoring warnings of a looming recession, she books that romantic weekend away. After all, the credit crunch won't hit everyone, right?

However, Cassie soon find herself in deep trouble when - lo and behold - she's made redundant. What's more, City boy Dan soon dumps her for an older, more glamorous woman.

What happens when you lose everything in a matter of days? Cassie's about to find out... 

 

Unable to stop her shopping addiction, Cassie continues to treat herself on a daily basis. But newly unemployed fashionista has yet to realise that the luxuries she became accustomed to in the past cost money that she now doesn't have. Giving up her spending is hard, but finding another job is even harder. And pretty soon she has to stop, before she's homeless as well as jobless...

Admittedly, I found Cassie to be particularly naive at times, especially when it came to Dan. But Amy's witty, fast-paced writing style makes this book an absolute must-read and I couldn't help but cheer for Cassie as she learnt a few serious life lessons!

With ex-friends and embrassing jobs abound, Cassie is certain that it can't get any worse. But can the serial shopper leanr to budget effectively and turn her life around?

Confessions of a Reluctant Recessionista is released on 22nd October.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 5, 2009 in New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 1, 2009 10:31 PM

NEW RELEASE: The Secret Shopper Unwrapped

Kate Harrison - author of six novels including The Self-Preservation Society and The Secret Shopper's Revenge - is back with her latest offering.

 

The Secret Shopper Unwrapped has hit the shelves with its festive cover, and as a fan of Kate's previous books, I can't wait to read it! For those who have also yet to get their hands on it, here's the blurb:

 

Christmas is coming, and while the bells are ringing, the tills aren't. But Sandie - the rising star of the retail spying world - is busier than ever, rooting out the best and worst in festive customer care through her company. The former Charlie's Shopping Angels are helping out, too. Glamorous widow Grazia is going undercover under the duvet at boutique hotels, in between dating a succession of toyboys and trying to remember which lie she's told about her age. Meanwhile, not-quite-yummy mummy Emily investigates the child-friendliness of the high street with the help of three-year-old Freddie, when she's not working flat out with her partner to save their fledging village shop from the un-festive credit crunch. The shoppers are back, but is the happiness they've worked so hard for, about to disappear faster than a Louis Vuitton handbag in the Harrod's sale?

The first chapter of The Secret Shopper Unwrapped is available on Kate Harrison's website, which is packed with information about Kate and her books. You can also read the opening chapters of Kate's other novels. Click here to check out Kate's blog.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 1, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 16, 2009 2:05 PM

NEW RELEASES: Purses and Poison

Purses and Poison, the sequel to Dorothy Howell's Handbags and Homicide, is now available from Little Black Dress (can't wait to read this one!)

Nobody wants to be an accessory to murder... including Haley Randolph. Her ideal murderous encounter is buying a pair of killer heels. But then the ex-girlfriend of her sort-of boyfriend Ty Cameron – the drop-dead gorgeous Claudia Gray – literally drops down dead. Even worse, Haley’s mother is prime suspect: Claudia was poisoned with food from her company. Haley’s heard of death by chocolate, but death by edible fruit bouquet? When the eye of suspicion also falls on Haley, she pursues the murderer (and a divine Judith Leiber evening bag) all over LA to clear the family name. Will she catch the killer? And will her relationship with Ty end up dead in the water?

Order your copy via Amazon, or check out Dorothy Howell's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 16, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 26, 2009 11:55 AM

Win a dream holiday with Platinum!

 Summer's here, and we all love a good beach read, yes? Platinum by Jo Rees is set to become this summer's hottest book, and to celebrate, one lucky winner and a friend could be off to St Lucia for a week-long dream holiday.

Here's more about the book:

Three sassy, but very different heroines: knock-out brunette Peaches Gold, LA's most influential madam, who in her late thirties is certainly fooling everyone that she's much younger than she looks; twenty-something blonde South African yacht stewardess Frankie Willis, and English socialite Lady Emma Harvey - in her prime at nearly fifty. The hooker, the maid, and the lady. They have every reason to distrust and despise each other, but their hatred for one man will unite them. Forever.

That man is Yuri Khordinsky. He's typical of the new-comers to the ranks of the world's super-rich - a handsome,ludicrously wealthy, utterly ruthless Russian with a murky past, desperate for acceptance in society. And he'll stop at nothing to get it.

So if you fancy jetting off to St Lucia, check out the Platinum website for more details of the book and the competition.

Also, Trashionista has ten copies of Platinum to give away. To win, simply email the editor (elle.symonds [at] gmail [dot] com) with 'Platinum' in the subject line. The first ten to email will be sent a copy.

Good luck!

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 26, 2009 in Competition, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 5, 2009 2:58 AM

Out this month: The World's Worst Wife

Polly Williams, author of A Good Girl Comes Undone and A Bad Bride's Tale, is back for another offering. The World's Worst Wife is set to hit the shelves on May 14th. Here's some info!

Don't try this at home ...Sadie Drew thinks she may actually be the world's worst wife. She only needs to walk into a room to make it untidy. There are always leeks liquefying in her fridge. And her three-year-old son is now the love of her life. Husband doesn't seem to mind so much, until he gets a big high-pressure job and things change. She suspects he's cheating. The marriage starts to fall apart and, as mother-in-law smugly points out, Sadie faces a stark choice: risk losing everything or up her game. Can she transform herself into the perfect wife? And ultimately is this a game worth winning?

To read more about Polly and her books, head over to her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 5, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 9, 2009 12:04 AM

April releases from Little Black Dress

Little Black Dress books have some great new releases for April. Susan Conley's The Fidelity Project, Leopard Rock by Tarras Wilding, and Smart Casual, the debut novel from Niamh Shaw.

Olivia Smith is stuck in a rut. Working nine-to-five in a dreary The Office-style company, her only hope is to scale the corporate ladder, and fast. Lucky this new employee who’s apparently starting soon, Luke Wylie, is coming along to help out, eh? Well, it would be, except that Olivia’s got it wrong (again) and Luke actually turns out to be her new boss. She’ll never forgive him. Ever. Except… he is completely gorgeous, and he does seem to be making a massive effort to win her over… Find out if Olivia’s made to be a lover or a hater in this gorgeous, fast and funny read!

To read more about these new releases, head on over to the Little Black Dress website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 9, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 1, 2009 6:50 PM

More releases from Little Black Dress

Little Black Dress Books have yet more titles to be released this month, including Rachel Gibson's See Jane Score.

Jane Alcott leads a secret double life. By day, she’s a serious reporter covering the raucous Seattle Chinook hockey team – and in particular their notorious, gorgeous goalie Luc Martineau. By night, she’s the uninhibited ‘Honey Pie’, creating scandalous adventures in an oh-so-sexy and hugely popular magazine serial. Well, a girl’s got to pay the bills somehow…

Luc has made his feelings about parasite reporters (and smart-mouthed, drably-dressed Jane in particular) perfectly clear. But Jane’s not about to let the likes of Luc get in the way of her ambitions - he’s about to discover that there’s a lot more to Jane than meets the eye...

For more info on LBD books to hit the shelves on March 5^th, check out the Little Black Dress website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 1, 2009 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 6, 2009 6:35 PM

Black Boxes Competition

The fantastically talented writer, Caroline Smailes, is launching a competition to celebrate the paperback version of Black Boxes. To enter you have to "spot" a copy of the book at any retailer and take a photograph. As Caroline says on her blog, The most creative photograph wins. Simple.

The competition is sponsored by Think Parents and there is some cool stuff to be won, like a WALL.E backpack! To enter check out her blog for more details.

Caroline has an extremely original voice with Black Boxes described as heartbreaking but impressive. The details are over the cut.

Meet Ana Lewis. She is 37 years old and lives with her two children, Pip and Davie. She has just taken an overdose of pills.

By the end of this book Ana will be dead.

Black Boxes follows the final hours of Ana’s life, recording her thoughts and memories. As the drugs start to kick in, we discover the awful sequence of events which have brought her to this moment.

We also get to read pages from the diary of Pip, her teenage daughter, which reveals another side to the story and, just perhaps, a small glimmer of hope.

The second novel from the acclaimed author of In Search of Adam is a heartbreaking but impressive work, from one of the most original voices in modern fiction.

Posted by Helen Redfern on February 6, 2009 in Book News, Competition, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 3, 2009 12:24 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Princess Diaries Ten Out of Ten

It has been a little while since we've heard from Princess Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo. In the ninth book we were left wondering as Michael had gone to Japan to work on a robotic arm, Mia and JP were getting together and Genovia was about to become a democracy - thanks to Mia. Oh, and Lilly wasn't speaking to her.

Ten Out of Ten (or Forever Princess in the US) is the final installment of Mia's life. She is just about to turn eighteen, leave school and start college. But which college should she go to? Michael is back from Japan who she absolutely has no feelings for whatsoever. Why is she and Lilly still not speaking? And why doesn't anyone want to publish her book, Ransom My Heart?

I love how Meg quickly gets us up to speed with what has been happening in Mia's life through modern means of communication such as their Blackberry's. It is like Mia has never been away and although she is a lot more grown up, she is still lacking in confidence and a little naive, which is why we like her so much.

It is always worrying for the reader (and the author too, I expect!) when you bring a series of books to an end. You can get it right, which I think JK Rowling did with Harry Potter (well I thought so anyway) or you could end up disappointing fans, which I believe Stephenie Meyer did for many with the final Twilight book.

Since meeting Meg Cabot last year (yes I did!) I found her gorgeous and lovely and developed a mini crush on her. I therefore believe she can do no wrong. However even if I didn't believe that I would still say that Ten Out of Ten (Forever Princess) is a fabulous book. I don't think I exhaled at all whilst reading it. She has definitely left the best one until last.

Now I can breathe normally again.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try any Meg Cabot book. There are so many to choose from!

Posted by Helen Redfern on February 3, 2009 in New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (13)

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 30, 2009 6:48 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Beautiful People by Wendy Holden

Trust me to make the first review after having my baby a book of nearly seven hundred pages long. It has taken me ages to read. I love a good, chunky novel, as long as the words, sentences and chapters are all gripping and don't have me skipping bits because I just want to get to the end. Which, by the way, is what I found with Filthy Rich, Wendy's last book. As Beautiful People was about 100 pages longer than Filthy Rich I didn't hold much hope.

However.

Beautiful People has a great bunch of characters. Some nice and a little naive like Darcy and Emma. Some not so nice, like Sam and some absolutely ghastly, like Belle.

Darcy is a Shakespearean actress, working for peanuts in London theatres. She is spotted by a Hollywood producer and her presence is demanded in LA for an audition. Belle is already a Hollywood actress, but one with a star that is starting to wane. To regain some good publicity she adopts an orphan, but alas, is not a natural mother. Cue Emma, the nanny. Their lives all come crashing together.

This was a great story. As I was supposed to, I disliked Belle, rooted for Darcy and Emma and couldn't care less about a few others. You know where the story is going to end up but how they bumble along getting there and interacting with each other was the fun of it all.

My only criticism I suppose would be the length. I got to the point where I didn't want to read the lovely descriptions of the Italian food, I just wanted to know what happens with Darcy and the rest of the plots. But if you like your stories about Hollywood divas, celebrities and some normal people thrown in, you'll love Beautiful People.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Holly Would Dream by Karen Quinn

Posted by Helen Redfern on January 30, 2009 in New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 23, 2009 12:28 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Who's That Girl? By Alexandra Potter

Having read Alexandra Potter's previous novels, Be Careful What You Wish For and Me & Mr Darcy (and loving both!) it was inevitable that her latest offering, Who's That Girl?, would be next on my list. (And trust me, when you're spending the weekend ill and resembling a really bad extra in a zombie flick, a Lemsip and a good chick-lit to get lost in is exactly what one needs.)

Anyway, Who's That Girl has proven to be, yet again, one of my favourites. Potter's heroine, Charlotte Merryweather, runs her own successful PR company with a fabulous assistant and great clients. Specialising in beauty, Charlotte's schedule is hectic with client meetings, calls to the press, and of course, time with her personal trainer. Despite Charlotte's numerous allergies and her tendency to worry just a little too much, her life is great. She's got a fantastic career, designer clothes, a seemingly wonderful boyfriend who is all set for them to buy a house together. Her dream life seems a world away from when she first moved to London as a twenty-one-year old with no money, no friends and very little fashion sense.

That is, until Charlotte heads home one day, convinced that she's seen her rusty old Beetle. THE rusty old Beetle that she drove at 21. And the girl who steps out of the familiar car is just as familiar. In fact, she's a bit TOO familiar. And after following the car back through London, Charlotte notices that the mysterious girl lives in the exact same street that she used to. In fact, the exact same house.

Which is far too much of a coincidence, right?

Obviously, Charlotte's worries and paranoia lead her to think she's suffering from some kind of mental disorder. However, after checking out the girl and her location some more, Charlotte becomes mightily certain that it's real. She is back in 1997, and the girl in her old VW is Lottie - the naive, wide-eyed, broke Charlotte from previous years who wore scrunch-dried hair and hideous PVC trousers.

Is she dreaming? Is it time-travel? Charlotte's yet to find out. But more importantly, she has some REAL work to do...

Thirtysomething Charlotte is adamant on stopping Lottie from making the same mistakes all over again. Which includes plucking eyebrows and NOT sleeping with cheating love-rat band member Billy Romani, however sexy he might look.

However, as Charlotte sets out on her quest to make her previous self see sense, she realises that maybe she doesn't have all of the answers, either. That sometimes, mistakes just have to be made...

This book is funny, sweet and not to mention addictive. For anyone who's looked at an old photo and thought, 'oh god, did I really do/wear/like that?' then after reading this, you might just think again.

You'll like this if you liked: Be Careful What you Wish For by Alexandra Potter, and Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 23, 2009 in New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

BOOK NEWS: Do Not Disturb

With a newborn in the house sometimes you need a bit of escapism, which is why I jumped on Do Not Disturb by Tilly Bagshawe when I saw it in the book shop yesterday. Passion, adultery and revenge - not something I have the energy or inclination for at the moment - so I'll look forward to reading about it instead.

What would you give for one night in the world's most luxurious hotel? Now imagine you own it. Honor is trying to save the family hotel that shares her name. Palmers, a beautiful old jewel of a building nestled on the coast of the Hamptons, used to be the most glamorous destination in the world. Now Honor wants to restore its reputation, its glitz and its guestlist. But there's a new boy in town with a different plan. Lucas Ruiz is manager of the new hotel on the block, and wants to bring modern boutique-chic to the States. As Honor and Lucas prepare to go head to head to get the rich and famous checking in, the locals are busy checking out the backstairs gossip. Blackmail, adultery and the dirtiest of dirty tricks are all in a day's work behind the scenes of the five-star facades.

Related posts: Adored Review | Yay or Nay Wednesday | Glamour by Louise Bagshawe

Posted by Helen Redfern on January 23, 2009 in Bonkbusters, Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 20, 2009 9:53 AM

BOOK NEWS: The Truth About Melody Browne

I mentioned yesterday that Lisa Jewell has a new book out in April this year, and here it is with a rather beautiful looking cover. It sounds intriguing. I can't wait.

When she was nine years old, Melody Browne's house burned down, taking every toy, every photograph, every item of clothing and old Christmas card with it. But not only did the fire destroy all her possessions, it took with it all her memories - Melody Browne can remember nothing before her ninth birthday. Now in her early thirties, Melody lives in a council flat in the middle of London with her seventeen-year-old son.

She hasn't seen her parents since she left home at fifteen, but Melody doesn't mind, she's better off on her own. She's made a good life for herself and her son and she likes it that way. Until one night something extraordinary happens. Whilst attending a hypnotist show with her first date in years she faints - and when she comes round she starts to remember. At first her memories mean nothing to her but then slowly, day by day, she begins to piece together the real story of her childhood. Her journey takes her to the seaside town of Broadstairs, to oddly familiar houses in London backstreets and to meetings with strangers who love her like their own. But with every mystery she solves another one materialises, with every question she answers another appears. And Melody begins to wonder if she'll ever know the truth about her past.

Posted by Helen Redfern on January 20, 2009 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 12, 2008 2:42 PM

BOOK REVIEW: My Favourite Poison by Anna Blundy

Keris loved Anna Blundy's 'Neat Vodka', so when the most recent release in the Faith Zanetti series made its way into my grubby paws, I was eager to see what the fuss was all about.

Like a more intellectual Stephanie Plum, Zanetti is the perfect heroine for this tale of murder, poison and politics. A far cry from the bubbly PR girls in so many women's novels, Zanetti is a chain-smoking news hack with emotional issues, frizzy hair and a knack for getting herself into trouble...

Events in this book take us from London to Cairo via Moscow, with both current and past murders remaining mysteriously unsolved (until Faith gets on the case). Though it's rooted firmly in fiction,  the main plot surrounds the poisoning of a Russian man, meaning it hits surprisingly close to home. The Sorokin / Litvinenko parallels are clear, which gives the novel greater resonance.

That said, it also manages to be funny, even during the more disturbing moments. Faith is a great character, flawed enough to be believable, but exaggerated enough to be entertaining, while the supporting cast (particularly her colleagues Don, Tamsin and co) provide light relief.

Fast-paced, well written and more intelligent than the genre it's up against, this is definitely a book I'd recommend if you're bored of boy-meets-girl chick lit.

My Favourite Poison by Anna Blundy, £5.59

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

Posted by Aigua Media on December 12, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 25, 2008 10:53 AM

BOOK NEWS: The Secret Shopper's Revenge

The Secret Shopper's Revenge by Kate Harrison which, incidently, I loved - is out in glittery paperback this week.

According to her blog, if you buy your copy from Asda you will also get extras with special material from my three secret shoppers – a guide to luxury on a budget from Grazia, advice from Emily on how NOT to be treated like dirt by shop assistants, and a shopper’s guide to spotting the best stores by Sandie.

You can read an extract here.

Related posts: Helen's Heroines: Emily Prince | Review: The Self Preservation Society | Spotlight: Kate Harrison

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 25, 2008 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 21, 2008 2:00 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Difference A Day Makes

Carole Matthews is one quick writer. Having just read and reviewed two of her books that were released this year (one admittedly in paperback) I've just noticed that she has another out early next year.

The Difference A Day Makes is about William and Amy Ashurst, who decide to make a go of it in the Yorkshire Moors. Kind of like The Good Life meets Wife In The North. Read more over the cut.

William and Amy Ashurst are typical townies, dedicated professionals at the top of their tree, with two adorable children and an au pair who cooks, cleans and cares for them all. Then one day Will collapses on his way into work and he decides he’s never going back. So it is that, three months later, Amy is standing outside Helmshill Grange, a sullen monstrosity of a house, deep in the Yorkshire moors, with their own land as far as the eye can see. It’s what William says he’s always wanted, which is slightly worrying as he couldn’t be bothered to do his own gardening in Notting Hill, and would rather pick up a book than a spade. Within days, Will’s traded in their brand new Audi for a clapped out Land Rover, and brought home chickens, goats, sheep, a serial-killer cat and a mad dog. Then tragedy strikes and Amy learns that it’s one thing living the dream, but when the dream’s not your own, how long can it last?

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 21, 2008 in New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 20, 2008 11:43 AM

BOOK NEWS: Going It Alone

I might be judging a book by it's cover (so to speak), but I've just seen the synopsis for Clare Dowling's new book and couldn't help but feel that a plot concerning a woman and her ticking biological clock is a little tired...

Millie's biological clock has been ticking for some time, and on the eve of her fortieth birthday the alarm bell starts ringing. She needs to have a baby and fast, but after months of fruitless trying, her husband Andrew is feeling like a walking sperm bank and their marriage is in crisis. Matters come to a head when Andrew's job relocates to London and Millie decides that if he won't stick around to get her pregnant, then she'll do it without him.

What do you think? Exciting plot or been there done that?

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 20, 2008 in Irish Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

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 16, 2008 12:17 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Strictly Love by Julia Williams

We are all about the dancing on Trashionista at the moment, which is why I was so delighted to get my hands on Julia Williams' latest novel, Strictly Love. It is a story of marriage, romance, dentistry (oh yes) and of course, dancing.

The four main characters, Emily, Katie, Mark and Rob meet at Isabella's dance evenings. They each decide not to bring into the classes who they really are, but instead they escape real life for a while in a whirl of Ballroom and Latin.

Emily is a lawyer who works for a media law firm, defending z-listers from their illegal and tasteless shenanigans. She is frustrated as she thought she'd be doing something a little more worthwhile, but the pay at the firm is good, she has her mother's debts and a large mortgage to pay. Her friend is Katie, married to Charlie and trying to create a perfect home, marriage and family.

Then we have Mark, a dentist and all round lovely bloke. He is divorced with two children (although he doesn't tell this to the women he meets at dance class) and has a z-lister as a patient, who is about to make his life hell. Mark's friend and flat-mate is Rob. A bit of a womanizer, he is actually hiding a terrible trauma.

Throw them all together with their secrets and what do you get? A real page turner of a story that's what.

Although at the beginning I was really confused because of the amount of people I was introduced to (but that may just be my fuzzied brain at the moment) once I had got going I couldn't put it down. Julia tells a great story with enough predictability (you've got to have some) but also lots of twists and turns in order to keep me guessing, making sure I didn't finish the story in my head before I'd reached the end of the book. There was one particular bit of the plot which I did not guess, at all, which I always like.

If I had to nit pick, it would be about Emily and the legal plot between her and Mark about half way through the book. It wasn't really credible to me. But, that is nit picking and it didn't matter once I got my head around it, as this particular issue carried the rest of the book forward.

So, if you are a fan of dancing, (and even if you aren't) and missing Anton's presence in Strictly Come Dancing (I know I am) this book is great to curl up with as the nights draw in. Lovely.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Ballroom Class by Lucy Dillon

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 16, 2008 in New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 13, 2008 10:27 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Boy In The Dress by David Walliams

This book is not, typically, the sort of book we review on Trashionista. After all it is a children's book (age 9+ it informs me on the back) and it is about a boy, so could be seen as a "boy's book". However. This book is written by David Walliams. One half of the comedy duo that is Little Britain and Little Britain USA. We have mentioned so many children's books written by celebrities recently but this one has been the only one I have wanted to read. Why? Well, take a look at the front cover.

Yes, one of the main reasons why I found this book so attractive is because of the illustrations by Quentin Blake. I have always been a fan of his (I myself can't draw for toffee) and in this book he doesn't disappoint. Even when you take the dust jacket off there are pictures on the actual hardback bit and the spine of the book. It is definitely one to treasure for that alone.

So what about the story? Well, it is about a boy called Dennis. He likes his football, in fact he is really good at it, he likes girls, but he also likes to read copies of Vogue to look at the dresses. He meets a girl called Lisa in detention, who is ridiculously into fashion and she encourages him to try one of her creations on, then dares him to wear it at school.

This is definitely a children's book with a difference about difference, but as David says in an interview on Amazon, he wanted to examine this idea to demonstrate that difference is something to be celebrated and embraced. Many people have assumed this book is autobiographical, after all, if you watch Little Britain you will see David does like to dress up as a lay-dee. He doesn't deny it, but also says he can identify with many of the characters in the book, in addition to Dennis.

Maybe because David Walliams is a writer as well as a performer, I found this book well written with the additional quality of hearing David's voice in it throughout. The book is different, endearing, challenging and quite emotional as well (Dennis's Dad is going through a tough time). It has some good jokes - they actually made me laugh out loud, particularly those referring to David's other job. I loved it and think boys and girls will adore it.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try well, um, I'm not so sure. You could always take a look at the other children's book we've reviewed, Allie Finkle's Rules For Girls by Meg Cabot.

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 13, 2008 in Celebrity Authors, More On Monday, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 2, 2008 10:31 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Heart & Soul by Maeve Binchy

I love Maeve Binchy. I know this is a cliche (or two), but her books are like a mug of hot chocolate, a roaring log fire, a favourite jumper, all enfolding you into a comforting embrace. Her last few books though have been a bit of a disappointment to me. Nights of Rain and Stars and Whitethorn Woods didn't have the same Maeve Magic as her earlier ones such as Tara Road, Circle of Friends and Quentins.

So, Heart and Soul. Disappointment, or a return to the Maeve I love?

Heart and Soul contains many characters. The story revolves around a specialist heart clinic in Dublin. Clara Casey is the senior cardiac specialist in charge of the clinic with two grown up daughters and an ex-husband. Declan is the doctor, a quiet unassuming man who still lives with his parents. Then there are the two nurses, Fiona and Barbara, Ania the polish girl, various patients and Father Brian Flynn. All of whom have their own little story that Maeve weaves together with such humour and warmth.

As I am writing this review I am thinking of what to say, but all I want to say is that I loved it and cannot say anything bad at all. The way Maeve brings the characters together, the way she writes as they talk, you feel right in the heart of the story like you are part of it all and not an outsider looking in.

The women are strong, independent types which I love and we are reintroduced to characters from some of her previous novels. Quentins the restaurant, of which there is a novel of the same name, appears. The main character from Evening Class is there. The caterers from Scarlett Feather. It is great to see these characters again, but if you haven't read any of her previous books you won't think you have missed out on anything.

Simply put Heart and Soul is a great story. (Do not be put off by the cover which makes it look a bit fuddy duddy.)

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try It Must Be Love by Sharon Owens

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 2, 2008 in Irish Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 26, 2008 12:18 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Stepmother's Diary

I went off Fay Weldon after studying her for my English A-level. No disrespect to Fay, but ever since then I associated her novels with exams and coursework. However, her latest book, just released in hardback, is described as "vintage Fay Weldon", "a fairytale for our times" and a "wickedly funny secret diary".

See over the cut for the synopsis.

The wicked stepmother is a classic figure of literature. From "Cinderella" to "Hamlet", she is portrayed as an evil manipulator out to do down her husband's children. Reality is all too often the reverse, with stepchildren using all their cunning to do down daddy's new wife in a no holds barred, down and dirty fight to the death. Being on the receiving end of that kind of attack is no fun at all, as Fay's heroine can tell you. And tell you she does in her only solace - her secret diary that is her lifeline.

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 26, 2008 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 12, 2008 8:19 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Class by Jane Beaton

We've written about it a couple of times now, so I'm guessing you know that Jane Beaton's debut novel, Class, is basically an updated Malory Towers for adults. And who wouldn't want an updated Malory Towers for adults?

Scottish teacher Maggie Adair is rather tired of her life - her job in an inner-city comprehensive, her boring boyfriend, Stan - so when she sees an advert for a private boarding school in a "beautiful setting" in Cornwall, she applies, never expecting to get an interview, let alone be offered the job.

But offered it she is and, to her - and Stan's - surprise, she accepts it. But it's not all walks on wind-swept hills, some of the students are as challenging as her previous charges (although in different ways: fewer ASBOs for one). There's scholarship girl Simone Kardashian who is painfully shy and just doesn't look like fitting in. And there's Fliss Prosser, who didn't want to go there in the first place and plans to do her best to be sent home (particularly after she's made an example of by Miss Adair).

And of course there are the other teachers, particularly Mr McDowell from the boys' school. He's nothing like Stan. But that's surely a good thing, isn't it?

As I expected, I really, really enjoyed Class. There's loads more that I haven't even touched upon above - as the title would suggest, there's a lot about class! - and I know there's plenty of potential for the six books Jane Beaton plans to write in this series. It's great fun and took me right back to reading Malory Towers books for the first time (and it made me want to reread them for the umpteenth).

I just have one quibble and that is that so many of the plotlines involving the students seemed incredibly familiar. I kept thinking that extremely similar things had happened in either Malory Towers or the St Clare's series and so I spent a lot of time trying to remember if that was the case and second guess the outcome of each "adventure". It could, of course, simply be that Beaton has created such a credible boarding school book that the adventures just *seemed* familiar, but it still pulled me out of the story on more than one occasion.

Anyway, if you loved Malory Towers/St Clare's, you'll definitely love Class. I can't wait to read the next one.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld

Posted by Keris on September 12, 2008 in British Authors, Competition, Debut Novels, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 10, 2008 10:35 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Between You and Me by Lorraine Kelly

Everyone loves Lorraine Kelly, don't they. Don't they? I've always thought she seemed like a lovely woman, but, I must admit, when this autobiography came out I did wonder what exciting revelations it may contain. I mean, as far as I was concerned, Lorraine worked as a journalist, got a job on GMTV and then... stayed there.

But the press release promised it would be "mischievous" and the book itself claimed it was "a little bit naughty" so I was expecting, well, some entertainment...

Let's look at the inside cover of the book:

"From growing up in one of Glasgow's toughest areas..."

Well, yes, she did, but she had a lovely, comfortable upbringing and the family wasn't there long.

"To her early career as a journalist during which she covered such heartbreaking tragedies as Lockerbie and Dunblane..."

Well, yes, she did. But she didn't really have anything interesting to add about either situation. In fact, she says that there are no words to describe them. Plus the Dunblane chapter in particular is a good example of something that drove me slightly mad about this book. Much like Lorraine's GMTV show, serious subjects are immediately followed by more frivolous issues. So the Dunblane chapter ends "I hope that the monster who killed them is suffering all the torments of hell" and the following chatper begins "I love radio... you can sit there in your tracksuit, dipping HobNobs into your tea and no one will ever know."

Lorraine also seems to have led a rather lovely life and at times she reminded me of that old Fast Show character, "which was nice". Everyone is lovely and friendly and warm. Even people with a bad reputation like Elton John. Yes, people say he's a diva, but he "couldn't have been nicer" to Lorraine and her family.

So is there any shocking showbiz gossip at all? Well, apparently Anthea Turner and Eamonn Holmes didn't get on (yawn), but they're fine now. And then there's George Clooney and Will Smith. Both lovely and professional.

In fact, the only thing that could be described as "naughty" or "mischievous" in this book is the very last line and that's such a hackneyed joke it actually made me grown in horror.

So, yes, Lorraine does seem like a lovely woman, but why someone has paid her money to write an autobiography - and why that autobiography is currently in the Top 5 of various book charts - is utterly beyond me.

Rating: 2/5

Like this? Try My Take by Gary Barlow

Posted by Keris on September 10, 2008 in British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 9, 2008 10:18 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Goodnight, Beautiful by Dorothy Koomson

Reviewed by Sharon Dempsey

When Nova agrees to be a surrogate mother for her best friend Mal and his wife Stephanie, she didn’t expect to be abandoned when they decide they no longer want the baby. Nova moves to Brighton and brings up Leo alone until she marries the steadfast Keith.

Tragedy strikes and Leo is lying in a coma on the brink of death. Nova invites Mal back into their lives to allow her son sometime with his real father.

The relationship between Nova and Mal goes back to their childhood. They love each other deeply but circumstance and misunderstandings render them incapable of taking their friendship to the next level. 

Mal’s love for his wife Stephanie is one of complexity, she relies on him in ways that only Mal can understand and so when faced with her need over his own needs to father Leo and support Nova, he has to make a choice...

The narrative moves between Nova and Stephanie so we are able to sympathise with Stephanie’s motives for forcing Mal to choose between them.

Dorothy Koomson has written a deeply poignant and heart rendering novel of friendship, love, loss and survival.

I can’t recommend it enough. A really satisfying read which will stay with you forever.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Marshmallows for Breakfast by Dorothy Koomson

Posted by Aigua Media on September 9, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

September 5, 2008 12:19 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Celeb Diaries

Look what has just arrived through my door! The Celeb Diaries by Mark Frith is out now and promises "sensational" insider gossip on celebrities (and behind the scenes of working on the phenomenon that is Heat magazine - which is why I want to read it, obviously). I've had a sneaky peak at the first few pages and this is what he has got to say,

Celebrities. I've been writing about them for eight years solid and I still don't understand them...There is no group of people on God's earth more infuriating, ego-driven, contradictory, pampered, spoilt and downright ridiculous than celebrities.

Quite. This threatens to be a very entertaining book. A review will be coming soon.

Related posts: The Celeb Diaries | Johnny Be Good by Paige Toon

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 5, 2008 in Book News, Celebrity Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: Feels Like Maybe by Claire Allan

Normally I wouldn't be thrilled to be stuck on a train for the best part of the day, but that's what happened earlier this week and I was absolutely fine because I had Claire Allan's Feels Like Maybe to read (and plenty of snacks to eat).

Feels Like Maybe is former Trashionista columnist Claire's second novel and, although I loved her first, Rainy Days and Tuesdays, I enjoyed this one even more.

It's the story of two friends - Beth and Aoife - who run an interior design business together. Dumped after telling her on-off rock star wannabe boyfriend, Jake, that she was pregnant, Aoife finds herself giving birth alone and looking forward to a life of single motherhood. Unbeknownst to Aoife, Beth (along with husband, Dan) has been trying for a baby for a while now and, although doctors can find nothing wrong, nothing's happening.

Hoping that Jake might come back and play happy families, Aoife put off telling her family about the impending arrival. But now baby Maggie has arrived and so she's got a bullet to bite. Understandably, they're not best pleased, particularly her mother and it seems like Aoife's family might fall apart.

Feels Like Maybe was a breeze and a joy to read. In fact, it's one of those books where you don't notice you're reading; when I think of it now, I feel like I watched it on TV. It addresses so many different relationships with warmth, wit and wisdom. At times, my heart hurt for both Aoife and Beth and at others I laughed out loud. Loved it.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Watermelon by Marian Keyes

Posted by Keris on September 5, 2008 in Irish Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 4, 2008 11:11 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Someone Special by Sheila O'Flanagan

Normally when I start to write a review I've already written it in my head and know exactly what rating to give it. But this one, Someone Special by Sheila O'Flanagan has put me in somewhat of a quandary. She is a great chick lit writer and I loved her previous book Yours, Faithfully but this one has left me shaking my head.

Our heroine is Romy, an Irish archaeologist living in Australia who is suddenly called home by her step brother, Darragh, because their mother is going to have a back operation. She has to leave her best friend Keith behind and then goes and confuses things by kissing him as she says goodbye to him at the airport.

Romy arrives back in Ireland and goes to look after her glamorous mother, Veronica. The two of them don't appear to get on and silences are loaded between them, issues are skirted around  and each one thinks the other doesn't like them.

We also meet Kathryn, Romy's step sister, who has a very successful career and marriage out in New York. Romy is irritated and upset as her family are dismissive of her own career and she always feels like an outsider. Her father is divorced from her mother and is now married again and it feels like it is just her, Romy. There are lots of family issues to be sorted out and many of them centre around the family business, which belonged to Darragh and Kathryn's deceased father, not Romy's.

As ever with a Sheila O'Flanagan novel, the scenes are well written and the characters are well described. I wrote some notes, however, whilst reading the book. The first one simply says "frustrated by Romy". Her step siblings think she has this chip on her shoulder and she does, but she doesn't do anything to help herself. She doesn't say what she feels, just wants to escape back to Australia. Eventually she does say what matters, but by then we are towards the end of the book and my frustration with her has been steadily building all the time to the point of not caring any more. Although the characters, including Romy, are well written, I didn't warm to any of them, except maybe Keith and he was barely in it.

Many of the chapters and paragraphs within the book are used to set the scene. Past history that has happened in the family. Whilst this was useful in order to understand what everyone was feeling, I was just itching to get on with the plot.

Once I had finished the book, I looked at it lying on the floor some ten minutes later and couldn't remember if I had finished it. I'm afraid that's the sort of impact it had.

Rating: 3/5 (I rounded up as I wanted to give it a 2.5)

Like this? Try How Will I Know? by Sheila O'Flanagan - she does write some great books.

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 4, 2008 in Irish Authors, New Releases, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 3, 2008 12:15 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Got You Back by Jane Fallon

Reviewed by Fionnuala Kearney

Reading Jane Fallon’s second novel, Got You Back, left me with two strong feelings. One, there *are* new ways to tell old stories and two, I want to go out and buy her first book, Getting Rid of Matthew.

The plot - husband leading a double life with a wife and mistress - is not exactly new, but Jane Fallon’s handling of it is gritty and edgy. With a clever mix of humour and insight, her characterisation of Stephanie, the wife, James the errant husband and Katie, the younger mistress, is spot on.

James’s life begins to unravel when unbeknown to him, his wife has discovered he has a secret mistress in the country, where he works for three days of every week. The two women meet and rather than come clean and challenge him, they decide to join revengeful forces. But will either know when enough is enough?

This is chick lit with a new edge. Jane Fallon writes about women for women and her strong characters carry the story along by being true to themselves.

This well-crafted novel covers love, betrayal, loss and self-discovery beautifully. I’m now a fan, waiting for book three and off to buy book one.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Yours, Faithfully by Sheila O'Flanagan

Posted by Aigua Media on September 3, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

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)

August 20, 2008 2:06 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Bright Side by Alex Coleman

Alex Coleman is the pseudonym of author Damien Owens (Dead Cat Bounce). I'm always a teensy bit suspicious when male authors write chick lit (and The Bright Side is definitely chick lit), particularly when they're writing from a female point of view, but if someone hadn't told me Alex Coleman was a man, it never would have occurred to me from the book. (Even as I was reading it, I kept thinking, "Are you sure?")

Anyway, The Bright Side is the story of Jackie, who has been married to Gerry for 22 years, following a teen pregnancy (which resulted in twins). But one day, Jackie comes home from work with a headache only to find Gerry having it away with the neighbour. Jackie is devastated. Sort of. What's more pressing is how the situation can be used to her benefit, to repair some of her other family relationships that have fallen apart in recent years. Of course, there's also the fact that Jackie's not entirely blameless herself...

I really enjoyed The Bright Side. It's a breeze of a read, with some very funny characters and situations. In fact, the scene in which Jackie catches Gerry "in flagrante" is hilarious.

The odd bit didn't entirely ring true - Jackie's best friend is less sympathetic than I would have liked - but I may be being extra strict, simply because I know the author is a man ("Pah. Women don't talk to each other like that!")

I'll be interested to read Alex Coleman's next book and I may even pick up Dead Cat Bounce (I've seen it around, but the title's put me off, unsurprisingly).

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Secrets of Married Women by Carol Mason

Posted by Keris on August 20, 2008 in Debut Novels, Irish Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

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 14, 2008 1:54 PM

BOOK NEWS: Country Pursuits

It seems the journalists at Heat magazine are a talented lot. Not only has Lucie Cave, their features editor, ghostwritten for Abi Titmuss and Jade Goody, but her colleagues are also writing books. Paige Toon has released Johnny Be Good and now Jo Carnegie, Heat's deputy editor, has released her debut novel, Country Pursuits. It is another of these modern day bonkbusters with scandal, sex and men. Fab.

I have to comment on the cover though. The woman looks like her head has been sliced off. At least in the paperback version (over the cut) you can see a whole woman.

The gorgeous women of Churchminster know exactly what they want - a constant flow of champagne (on tap at the local pub) and the love of a good man. But faced with the likes of braying, beer-guzzling farmer Angus, foul-tempered Lord Fraser and suave banker Sebastian (devoted only to himself), their attentions are increasingly drawn to more attractive possibilities ...Meanwhile, when a part of their beloved village comes under threat from a villainous property developer and his bulldozer, the community is united by a different kind of passion. Can they raise enough money to save Churchminster? Will Mick Jagger turn up to the charity ball? And can a person actually die from too much extra-marital sex?

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 14, 2008 in Bonkbusters, Book News, British Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 8, 2008 9:02 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Instructions for Living Someone Else's Life by Mil Millington

Mil Millington's Things My Girlfriend And I Have Argued About is one of the three funniest books I've ever read (the other two being Frank Skinner's autobiography and The Best a Man Can Get by John O'Farrell). Even though I was a bit disappointed with Millington's last two books, I still leapt on this one eagerly when I saw it on the shelf at Waterstone's.

But would you believe it's yet another time-travel(ish) book? You know, 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. Or, you know, the movie 13 Going on 30. In Instructions For Living Someone Else's Life, Chris Mortimer goes to bed aged 25 in 1988 and wakes up aged 43 in 2006.

The back cover blurb says the book is “for anyone who has ever felt like a 25-year-old stuck in a middle-aged body” and, boy, do I identify with that (even though I'm still “only” 37) so I thought I'd enjoy this book and I really did. I found Millington's style quite difficult to get into – his digressions have digressions and sometimes I found myself thinking, “Get to the point!” - but I haven't found another author who can make me laugh to the point of hysteria. You know when you're laughing so hard you're almost sobbing? Things My Girlfriend And I ... had that effect on me and so did Instructions For Living...

Like Things..., this book also contains a fair amount of wise commentary on the nature of friendship and, particularly, male/female relationships. Millington is equally disparaging about both men and women, but with an undercurrent of fondness and understanding that men and women are, you know, different. And that's okay.

Aside from being funny and wise, it's also inspiring in a 'it's never too late to be what you might have been' kind of a way, but realistically. Even though it has an arguably paranormal premise, it's far more down to earth than, say, Holly Would Dream.

Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Staying Alive by Matt Beaumont

Posted by Keris on August 8, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 6, 2008 10:31 AM

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 8:40 AM

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 9:57 AM

BOOK NEWS & COVER: Black Boxes

This must be one of the most stunning book covers I have seen in some time. Black Boxes by Caroline Smailes is out in hardback on 15 September. This is the extract from her blog,

Ana Lewis is a woman trapped and ruined by her own expectations. Her intense relationship with fellow student Alex cracks beyond repair when she falls pregnant, and his subsequent withdrawals, both emotional and sexual are hard for her to bear. Eventually, following the births of their children Pip and Davie, Alex leaves Ana to a life of question and blame.

Cocooned in her room on the brink of a fatal collapse, Ana Lewis is recollecting and questioning every aspect of her life. Oblivious to the needs of her young children she remains trapped in her spiral of depression, railing against the man she blames for everything.

As she tumbles towards oblivion her story is revealed, piece by piece, moment by moment, but does the real Ana ever appear?

Related posts: Guest Blog | In Search of Adam | Disraeli Avenue

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 30, 2008 in Book News, Book covers, British Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

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)

July 28, 2008 1:37 PM

BOOK NEWS: Over You

As we reported back in January Lucy Diamond's long awaited second novel is out on August 1. Below is the blurb - I can't wait to read the book.

Josie, Nell and Lisa go back a long way - they were flatmates, soulmates and best mates back in their twenties when life was one long party. Five years later, things are different. Josie is married with kids in deepest suburbia, free-spirit Nell has travelled the world, and Lisa is on the path to career glory (and the salary Premiership). A reunion weekend in London seems a great idea to Josie ...until she discovers something which will change the course of her life forever.

Related posts: Anyway you want me | Guest Blog | Lucy Diamond is getting married

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 28, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 24, 2008 3:52 PM

BOOK NEWS: Special Delivery

Fans of Zoe Barnes will be delighted to know she has a new book out next month. Special Delivery (yes it is to do with babies, I seem to have a baby theme going on today - sorry about that) is about Ally and her sister Miranda.

Ally is happily married to Luke, but she and her sister Miranda couldn't be more different. While Ally has four children and a cosy home life, Miranda is child-free, married to a millionaire and lives in a show home that wouldn't be out of place in the pages of House & Garden. Ally gave up trying to compete years ago. But she is shocked when Miranda asks her if she'll help provide the one thing that is missing from her perfect life: a baby. Ally has every sympathy for Miranda's infertility problems, but can she really have a baby and hand it over to someone else? Especially if that someone else is Miranda. 

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 24, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 23, 2008 1:59 PM

BOOK NEWS: Someone Special

I found Yours, Faithfully by Sheila O'Flanagan an engaging read (highlighting the subject of bigamy no less), so I am pleased to see that she has another book out at the beginning of August.

Romy Kilkenny loves her life in Australia. She has her dream job, lots of mates, and a best friend in Keith, who understands her better than anyone. Best of all, she couldn't be further from her family. But when her brother rings to say she's needed back in Ireland right away, Romy's world is turned upside down. Flying home to see her mother and her half-siblings, Romy doubts she'll fit in better now than she ever did, and she's still not ready to forgive her mother for her truly disgraceful behaviour a few years earlier. Romy also worries that the accidental half-kiss with Keith at the airport may have brought their easy friendship to a sudden end. Whatever lies ahead, it's not what Romy's expecting. Even the people we grow up with can surprise us, and if love is to be found, it will find a way.

Related posts: How Will I Know | Irish Authors

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 23, 2008 in Book News, Irish Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 21, 2008 12:37 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Other People's Husbands by Judy Astley

Some books, when you put them down, you physically itch to get back to and don't feel your life will be complete until you finish it. Others you'll look at but then you keep finding lots of other things to do before you return to it. Other People's Husbands was, for me, unfortunately the latter.

Sara is married to Conrad, an artist who is twenty five years older than her. Conrad has decided he would rather die than become seventy and Sara, a teacher at the local college, has plenty of male friends. Then she finds she is attracted to one of them.

Then there is Pandora and Cassandra, Conrad and Sara's twenty something children, Cassandra's baby and Sara's sister Lizzie with her son Jasper. There is a house full with lots going on.

This is, for want of a better description, a nice book. A book that doesn't tax you, an enjoyable one, but not one that leaves a lasting impression.  The relationships between the characters are played out well. Conrad is a bit "unusual", Sara seems to be having some kind of crisis of her own...but I don't feel I get to know the characters too deeply.

This is my first Judy Astley novel, so I don't know how it compares with her others, and it won't necessarily be my last. It's definitely one for when you just want a nice (there's that word again), light read.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Having a Lovely Time by Jenny Eclair

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 21, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

MORE ON MONDAY: My Booky Wook by Russell Brand

I'd been hearing such great things about this book for such a long time, that I planned to read it even though I'd never actually seen Russell Brand in action. Of course, I was aware of him - he's impossible to miss - but I'd never actually seen his stand up until a couple of weeks ago... and I thought he was hilarious so bought the book the very next time I was in a bookshop.

I started reading it on the train and was worried I would have to put it down because more than once I did those snorting laughs that cause people to turn around to see what you're reading (or consider moving seats).

In case you're unfamiliar with Mr Brand, he's a TV presenter, stand-up comedian and actor who used to be alcoholic and addicted to both heroin and sex. The book begins actually with his manager sending him to a clinic to recover from his sex addiction, but then we go back to childhood and the rest of the book is fairly chronological.

As you may guess from the title, My Booky Wook is written in an extremely conversational style, which feels as if Brand is talking to you (I generally read it in his voice, which was quite entertaining). It's extremely honest, often disgusting and frequently funny. I also found it inspirational since he originally set out wanting to be a comedian and actor, but kept sabotaging himself (he was sacked from practically every single job he ever got), but once he got clean he's managed to achieve those ambitions in a relatively short time. It just shows that however many mistakes you make, there's always the chance that you can pull your socks up (or, in Brand's case, your pants down) and get another chance.

Once I'd finished it, I searched my email so I could tell one of the people I thought had recommended it to me how much I enjoyed it. I found their email. It said, "Don't read Russell Brand's book, it'll make you feel dirty." And I'd taken that as a recommendation! And it did make me feel a tiny bit dirty, but it also made me happy and I was sorry to finish reading it.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Frank by Frank Skinner (THE best celebrity autobiography ever, in my opinion)

Posted by Keris on July 21, 2008 in British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

July 18, 2008 1:10 PM

KERIS & HELEN'S SUMMER READS 2008: Worldwide Adventures in Love by Louise Wener

I haven't read any of Louise Wener's previous books and I wasn't sure I was going to like this one, but I was sucked in pretty much from the first page.

Set in the seventies, it's the story of two sisters - Jessie and Margaret - who befriend Edith, an older local woman, and spend many a happy afternoon talking to her and investigating the treasures strewn around her house. But then Edith's house burns down and Edith is killed.

Around the same time as Edith's death, Jessie and Margaret's mother leaves home to live with her new man. The girls are confused and their father is utterly incapable of looking after them (he tries - he's just never had to do it before, and is completely lost).

Between the chapters about the girls are letters from Edith in the early part of the last century, during which she was an adventuress, travelling to Greenland, Africa, Italy.

I really loved this book. Written from Jessie's point of view, it's often unintentionally hilarious (unintentional on the part of the narrator, not the author!), reminding me more than once of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. There's also much fun to be had with late seventies nostalgia (if you're my age, anyway) and the Edith chapters are exciting, inspiring and, eventually, almost unbearably sad.

It's a beautifully written and wide-ranging book and, while not exactly a beach book, it's certainly a curl-up-with-a-glass-of-wine book.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Half Life of Stars by Louise Wener

Posted by Keris on July 18, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 16, 2008 11:06 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Holly's Inbox Scandal in the City by Holly Denham

I enjoyed the first Holly's Inbox book, but I found it just too silly to be a really great read. While Holly's Inbox Scandal in the City is just as entertaining and compelling as the first book, there is also more plot and depth and I absolutely loved it.

I finished it last week and each time I've seen the book since it's made me smile. Partly that's because of the fabulous cover - the "Holly's" part is actually pink glitter and it really leaps out (I know you shouldn't judge a book, etc., but it's just so fabulously girly I can't resist it), but also partly because the book's contents are just so sweet and happy.

I didn't remember much about the first book when I started the second, but I was soon back into the swing of things. Holly's still working on reception at the bank alongside her good friend Trisha. A promotion is in the offing, though, which Holly worries will damage their relationship.

Holly is living with Toby, who is also working at the bank, but he's working on such a big deal that she hardly ever sees him and starts to worry that things aren't going to work out between them after all.

Plus there are a couple of new staff members, who are determined to make Holly's life a misery (one of whom is so evil that I wanted to reach into the book and slap her around). (The book captures office politics brilliantly and makes me glad I no longer work in one.)

Luckily, Holly is still exchanging emails with friends Aisha and Jason and they're always good for laugh out loud moments.

Like the first book, Holly's Inbox Scandal in the City is a quick and easy read. Perfect for your summer holidays.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot

Posted by Aigua Media on July 16, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 11, 2008 12:52 PM

BOOK NEWS: Disraeli Avenue (Limited Edition)

Disraeli Avenue, the novella written by Caroline Smailes and previously available as an ebook is now going to be published later this year with a beautiful new cover. The novella contains 32 flashes from the houses on the street where Jude from In Search of Adam lived.

500 limited edition copies will be signed and numbered and available from 1 October (one month after the release of Caroline's second novel Black Boxes). As before all profits will go to One in Four. You can read more, including how to order, on Caroline's blog.

Related posts: Best of 2007 Guest Blog | Helen's best and worst of 2007 | Everything You Ever Wanted

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 11, 2008 in Book News, British Authors, New Releases | 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)

July 7, 2008 11:46 AM

BOOK NEWS: Everything You Ever Wanted

I came across this debut novel by Rosalind Wyllie on author Caroline Smailes' blog (Caroline was Rosalind's mentor).

I was a little worried at first that the book was going to be another sex memoir. The description was about Tiggy living a half life as a stripper at a Mayfair club, surviving on dope and vodka, whilst the stunningly beautiful Scarlett will do absolutely anything to get what she wants. Then I read in an interview with Rosalind that the tale is a "noir/thriller novel" and further down in the Amazon blurb it promises to be "smart and gritty". So I'm no longer worried and instead I'm very much looking forward to reading it.

Related posts: Helen's best and worst of 2007 | Best of 2007 Guest Blog | In Search of Adam

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 7, 2008 in Book News, Debut Novels, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret Shopper's Revenge by Kate Harrison

I have been looking forward to reading The Secret Shopper's Revenge by Kate Harrison ever since I saw the cover design where the dust jacket is actually the bag. So when it plopped onto my door mat on Saturday I got stuck in straight away. I had already read chapter one, so I went straight to chapter two and didn't really come up for air until Sunday afternoon when I finished it.

The story is about three women. Three strong women. Often when you read books from multiple characters' perspective you tend to get one woman who is a bit pathetic. With Emily, Sandie and Grazia there is none of that (bar a few blips before the other two remind them who they really are and what they can achieve). Although their lives are far from sorted, and in fact we meet them when their lives are at crisis points, we follow them on their journey as they slowly begin to sort themselves out and come into their own.

First of all we have Emily. Emily is a new mum and also a single mum. Her husband left her when their son was two months old. She is now trying to survive in London on her own and finds, amongst many other things, that shopping for clothes is not easy when you have a baby in a buggy, a post baby tummy and condescending shop assistants sneering at you.

Sandie is a manager of a department store. She loves her job, lives for her job, so when she is stitched up by an ambitious assistant she struggles to find someone who will employ her with the stigma of "no references".

Then we have Grazia. A former muse and now a widow of a successful artist she is finding that her husband made no financial provisions if either of them should die. She becomes a secret shopper and needs to find two recruits. Enter Emily and Sandie.

This isn't boy meets girl, although there is a smidgen of romance. This is about three women who develop a friendship, joined initially by the secret shopping but finding they will go out of their way to help each other.

I love Kate's style of writing. It doesn't tax you. You don't have to go back a few pages to remind yourself who's who, or think too much whilst you're reading it. You are just transported into the world of secret shopping and the lives of the three women. It is brilliant, well written and captivating entertainment. Definitely Kate's best book so far.

Rating: 5/5

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

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 7, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 4, 2008 9:49 AM

BOOK NEWS: Pop Babylon

Following Hotel Babylon, Air Babylon, Fashion Babylon and Beach Babylon comes Imogen Edwards-Jones and Anonymous fifth book in the series, Pop Babylon.

There is a brand new boyband on the scene. The book promises to spill confidential secrets, to shock us with the behaviour of the people in the industry and we see talent isn't always the highest on the list of priorities.

Sounds good and I would probably enjoy reading it, but am I the only one who feels a bit weary when it comes to the antics of pop stars, celebrities and their behaviour "behind the scenes". I really don't think I could be shocked by their antics anymore. (Is anyone shocked with the fact talent isn't required in the pop business?)

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 4, 2008 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 1, 2008 2:02 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Life & Soul of the Party

Fans of Mike Gayle will be pleased to hear he has another book out next month. The Life and Soul of the Party is his eighth novel (although his website is a little out of date so I could be wrong). This is the Amazon blurb:

Meet Melissa and Paul: Five years after they split up he's still looking for love in all the wrong places while she wants the one thing she can't have: Paul. Meet Chris and Vicky: They're so in tune they even brush their teeth in time with each other. So what is Chris doing risking it all for a meaningless affair? Meet Cooper and Laura: He wants to settle down, she wants to take a grown-up gap year but can their relationship really survive a year apart?Set across a year of leaving dos, birthday parties and anniversary celebrations The Life and Soul of the Party is a warm, funny and moving tale celebrating love, life and those special moments we've all spent in the kitchen at parties.

Related posts: Can men write romantic fiction? | Review: Mr Commitment

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 1, 2008 in Book News, British Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 30, 2008 11:37 AM

BOOK REVIEW: By the Time You Read This... by Lola Jaye

Lola Jaye's debut has certainly been eagerly anticipated by us here at Trashionista, since the author has been writing a monthly guest blog (and pre-publication diary) for us for ages (read the first here).

The premise of By the Time You Read This... is similar to that of Cecelia Ahern's PS I Love You - Lois's father died when she was a child, but then her Aunt gives her a book that her dad has written for her: The Manual.

The first rule of The Manual is that Lois must only read each new entry on her birthday from ages 12 to 30 and she's not allowed to read ahead. The book also contains sundry advice that she can read as and when she needs it.

And so, with The Manual for company, we follow Lois from age 12 to 30. We meet her friends, her family, her boyfriends. We follow her through changes of career, home and car.

I found it really interesting and entertaining to follow a single character through what are basically her formative years. Usually in chick lit you get a snapshot of someone's life, but By the Time You Read This... is more comprehensive and more involving for that. It's satisfying to witness Lois becoming a strong and independent woman.

I did sometimes find the advice in the manual too convenient and contrived - for Lois's father, Kevin, to have given the advice he did he'd had to be more than a good father, he'd have to have been a clairvoyant - but I didn't enjoy the book any the less for that.

I actually found Kevin's voice more convincing than Lois's and it is his voice that has stayed with me since reading the book. Having said that, I'd still love to read another book about Lois and find out how she's managing without The Manual...

All in all, an inventive and original book and a highly promising debut. Go, Lola!

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try PS I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

Posted by Aigua Media on June 30, 2008 in British Authors, Debut Novels, New Releases, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK NEWS: Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer by Jane Brocket

I am so excited about this book, I almost can't type fast enough. I know it isn't chick-lit and it isn't even a fictional book. But if you're like me and you like food and a bit of childhood nostalgia then you'll be excited too.

It is a recipe book of all the feel-good foods that feature so heavily in children's books. There is a recipe for Milly Molly Mandy's Treacle Tart, Famous Five Fruit Cake and St Clare's Eclairs amongst many others. The book, which is out on 10th July, is divided into High Tea Treats, Midnight Feasts and Seaside Picnics. For more information Jane has a gorgeous looking blog.

Related posts: The New Famous Five | Best Children's Books of all Time

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 30, 2008 in Book News, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 27, 2008 9:33 AM

BOOK NEWS: All You Need is Love

Carole Matthews' fourteenth book is out in hardback at the end of July. All You Need is Love is set in Liverpool (where else with a title like that?) with Sally Freeman, a single mum, looking for ways in which to improve, if not the world, at least the estate in which she lives in.

Penniless artist Johnny and city slicker, Spencer Knight who has a Porsche and everything are in love with her. Her rejuvenation project takes off and she enlists the help of locals. But will she choose the right man to love?

Not only does she have the hardback but the paperback of It's A Kind Of Magic is out at the beginning of July.

Related posts: Guest Blog | Product placement in books

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 27, 2008 in Book News, British Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 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 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 4, 2008 12:08 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Household Guide to Dying

I'm always interested in books that are a little off the beaten track as it were, and this one, with it's strong front cover, has caught my eye.

The Household Guide to Dying by Debra Adelaide is not, as the title may suggest, a misery lit book, but actually a moving and darkly comical novel about Delia. Delia is actually dying, but described as a "modern day Mrs. Beeton" she starts to prepare her family for the future by writing them a manual, so they are well equipped when she is no longer around. In order to do this however, she needs to confront her past.

The Household Guide to Dying is out this month.

Related posts: Book news archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 4, 2008 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 3, 2008 2:52 PM

BOOK NEWS: Perfect Match

Perfect Match, a book cover with, gasp, almost an entire woman pictured, is Jane Moore's latest offering, out later this month.

It is the story of Karen and Joe Eastman, a couple with a perfect marriage and a perfect family. Then their son, Ben, becomes ill and the only way they can save him is by having a designer baby to provide the perfect match transplant. The trouble is, a secret then becomes exposed which threatens both their marriage and Ben's future.

Related posts: The Second Wives Club review | Book News archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 3, 2008 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

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 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 16, 2008 10:57 AM

BOOK REVIEW: What the Lady Wants by Hester Browne

We loved the first two books in Hester Browne's Little Lady series, so I was very excited to read the third (and final book), What the Lady Wants.

Melissa Romney-Jones's fiance, Jonathan, is living and working in Paris. He's expecting Melissa to move out there with him, but she's not so sure. She loves her job - improving men - and she's not sure she's ready to leave her flat or her friends, particularly her flatmate, Nelson, either.

When Melissa's grandmother wants her to reform spoilt playboy, Prince Nicolas, Melissa's not sure. Jonathan has never supported Melissa's career - particularly when the best way to do it is to dress up as her alter ego, Honey Blennerhesket - but Jonathan's okay with it (since he thinks it will help Melissa make contacts for the business he wants her to help with in Paris), so Honey takes on Prince Nicolas. With, of course, entertaining results.

What the Lady Wants is my favourite in the Little Lady series. I love Melissa, but I absolutely adored Prince Nicolas. I found him hilarious and charming and loved his cheeky/flirty relationship  with Melissa (particularly since Melissa never got any of his double entendres!).

In my review of Little Lady, Big Apple, I complained about the way Jonathan spoke to Melissa, but thankfully, that's dealt with in this book and in a way that I found extremely satisfying.

I'll be sorry not to get to read any more about the lovely Melissa Romney-Jones, but it's Prince Nicolas that I'd really love to spend more time with. Any chance of him getting his own book, Hester?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne

N.B. What the Lady Wants was released as The Little Lady and the Prince in the US, but I don't think it's exactly the same book. Hester describes the difficulties of writing for the US and the UK here.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 16, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 12, 2008 12:18 PM

BOOK REVIEW: This Charming Man by Marian Keyes

Reviewed by Claire Allan

I doubt there has been such an eagerly awaited book as Marian Keyes' This Charming Man - how we have watched eagerly over the past two years as news of her latest book filtered out. There was going to be a character called Lola in it. It was going to deal with domestic violence. It was going to be very, very long (hurrah!).

My excitement reached a peak when I discovered a copy just in time for my holidays and as I stroked the gorgeous purple cover I was dying to dig in - because let's face it, you know what you're getting with Marian Keyes. She does funny. She does serious. She does perfect observation. She makes you want to turn the page. In terms of women's fiction she's like Ronseal - she does what she says on the tin.

This Charming Man has all her trademark qualities, but it is - it has to be said - very different from her previous books.

The action centres around politician Paddy de Courcy and the fall out from the day he announces his engagement. Four women, Lola - his girlfriend but not his fiancee - is devastated, Grace - a journalist - is intrigued, Marnie - his ex - spirals downwards and Alicia - his fiancee - finds herself caught up in a media whirlwind.

There aren't so many laugh out loud moments (in fact I'm not sure I did laugh out loud once) and the portrayal of domestic violence is at times graphic and disturbing.

Keyes' (or should we just call her Marian? We know her so well) portrayal of depression and alcoholism through the eyes of Marnie is keenly observed, deepy moving, at times frustrating and powerful all at once because you know that Keyes is writing from personal experience. There are lines which echo Marian's own story as revealed in Further Under the Duvet.

That's not to say the book doesn't have warmth and humour in it. We all know Keyes can write on a knife edge - bringing you almost to the depths of despair and hauling you back with a quick turn of phrase.

Lola's story - written in a diary style, has bucket loads of humour and intrigue. Okay, by 200,000 words you do start to miss the smaller words (book written in very chatty style. Small words not necessary for Lola. Dialogue sometimes reads clunky because of this - but realise book is huge and small words would have made it longer (ie heavier). Had baggage restrictions on plane - so fair enough).

But that shouldn't put you off (nor should reference to size 14 being fat in the Dublin set). This is Marian's finest book - in terms of content, message and contribution to the argument that chick lit is far from light weight fluffy nonsense. There is nothing - and I mean nothing - lightweight about this novel.

My heart will always belong to Rachel's Holiday (you never forget your first time) but This Charming Man is a triumph of a book of which Marian should be proud. Can't wait for the next one.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try More Than Love Letters by Rosy Thornton

Posted by Aigua Media on May 12, 2008 in Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (15)

MORE ON MONDAY: The Maeve Binchy Writers' Club

I have an abundance of how to writing books hidden under my bed. If I'm honest though and I mean really honest, I haven't actually read any of them. The ones I started to read, I didn't get past the first few pages, they just seemed so dull. When Maeve's book plopped onto my doormat however, I was excited. You see, Maeve is somewhat of a heroine of mine. I first discovered her when I was a teenager and I picked a book up on holiday that someone else had left behind. Since then I've been hooked. I have all of her books. Most of them in hardback. This woman can really tell a story. So I was interested in what she would have to say about the process of writing.

The book is composed of twenty letters written by Maeve. These letters were inspired by a course which ran for twenty weeks at the national College of Ireland. Every week Maeve would write the students a letter which included tips and advice for the students on the theme of the week. They also had guest lecturers from other authors, publishers and editors and ten of these also have contributions within the book including one by Marian Keyes.

The chapters cover themes such as how to maintain your motivation to write and deal with procrastination (this chapter really spoke to me), the road to success (hint: one percent inspiration ninety nine percent perspiration) and the writers journey.

The advice is a little obvious if you aren't a beginner, but this book is not giving you a magic formula of how to write. Instead every page of this book seemed to be telling me not to give up. It was telling me that I can do this. Because Maeve also struggled in the beginning, she used to write at 5:30 every morning before work and she used to visualise her first launch party in order to keep herself going, you feel that someone really understands everything you are going through and is willing you to succeed.

Just like her fictional work, this book is reassuring and comforting. But most of all it is encouraging and inspiring, filling me with self belief and enthusiasm for my own work in progress.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try: Wannabe a Writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 12, 2008 in Irish Authors, More On Monday, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

April 30, 2008 11:09 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Addition by Toni Jordan

Reviewed by Sarah Hague

We all have our little foibles; certain obsessions such as keeping an immaculate house, cleanliness, football, celebrities' private lives, rescuing cats. Sometimes these obsessions take over, but at what point do they become an OCD?

Grace Lisa Vandenburg is obsessed with numbers. She counts. Everything. Her whole life is regimented by a strict routine based around numbers, but her obsession is also part of her, an integral part. It's just that it has taken her over to the point where she can no longer function in the real world. She doesn't believe she has a problem though, because her hero Nikola Tesla was also obsessed with numbers and he was a genius. She keeps a photo of him next to her single bed.

When she meets Seamus, however, he encourages her to accept that she would be better off, and happier after going through treatment for her OCD. This includes taking powerful drugs and joining a therapy group of 'Germophobics'.

As we join Grace on her journey through her treatment, we discover that it's not that simple removing an integral part of oneself. Normality is a relative issue.

Addition is full of humour and charm. It takes a tender look at the way people suffer from OCDs but does not descend into whimsy. Grace is an intelligent former teacher with a sharp tongue. Her observations are witty, although the tragedy of her obsession at its height is also thought-provoking.

Love and regimented routines are rarely compatible. Will Grace succumb to the strictures of her OCD and lose Seamus forever?

A lovely read.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Miss Understanding by Stephanie Lessing

Posted by Aigua Media on April 30, 2008 in New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (19)

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)

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)

March 27, 2008 12:41 PM

Anne of Green Gables is 100

We all seem agree that the Famous Five update isn't a good idea, but what about  prequels to classic novels? How do you feel about those? And what if the prequels aren't written by the original author? Still in favour?

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Anne of Green Gables, Puffin has published Before Green Gables, written by Canadian author Budge Wilson, who was chosen from hundreds of writers.

[via The Puffin Blog]

Related: Five books

Posted by Aigua Media on March 27, 2008 in Classic Novels, New Releases, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 26, 2008 11:47 AM

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 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)

BOOK REVIEW: It Must Be Love by Sharon Owens

Reviewed by Claire Allan

Belfast writer Sharon Owen's fifth book It Must Be Love is shamelessly romantic and girlie. Focusing on budding romances, broken hearts and the kind of friendships best formed when people are down on their luck, It Must Be Love is a delightfully upbeat read.

The book tells the story of professional photographer Sarah Quinn who is all set to get married to the eligible Mackenzie Campbell on Christmas Eve. But as the wedding draws nearer she overhears a conversation which leaves her running away from her life to set up a new life for herself in the quaint seaside town of Redstone.

As she rebuilds her life, we are introduced to a host of new characters and their lives. We meet Miriam who is desperate for a baby, at it seems any cost. We also meet writer and journalist Gemma, who's daughter finds herself in a whole heap of trouble in New York. And we meet Aurora, the stylish owner of the local bookshop who is nursing a broken heart, as well as a bruised ego, herself.

What Sharon Owens does wonderfully is create a sense of place. The cottage where Sarah escapes to sounds like a dream place and as for the Miriam's pink kitchen - be still my beating heart!

But it is the warmth of the characters and the strength of their friendships - mixed with a healthy dose of Owens' trademark humour that makes this book a joyful read.

Yes, it touches on many serious issues - bereavement, addiction and infertility - but never in a way that drags the reader down. What comes across most strongly in the book is not the tragedy touching everyone's lives, but their strength of character.

Dare I say, Owens paints such a nice picture that I almost wish I had a Redstone, and a Rose Cottage, to run away to myself - not to mention the hunky love interest in the form of the delectable Ethan.

Where the book falls down is that you want to know more. It rattles along at a great pace but I would have liked the story to continue on just that little bit - to see how life pans out for all the characters who I got to know so well.

We leave them feeling as if they are on the brink of something great. However, it might just be the mark of a good book that when it is done you are longing to know more.

This book doesn't require a great deal of effort and would be best read in front of a roaring fire with a cup of tea in your hand. It's smart, funny and heartwarming and sure to win Owens an even bigger following.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Fortune Quilt by Lani Diane Rich

Posted by Keris on March 17, 2008 in Irish Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

March 14, 2008 11:03 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Bright Lights & Promises by Pauline McLynn

Reviewed by Fionnuala Kearney

When I realised the author of this book was accomplished actress Pauline McLynn of Father Ted fame (“Go wan, Go wan”), I have to admit I was surprised. Not only is she the author of this book but several others too – some people have all the talent eh?

Bright Lights and Promises is a lovely read introducing sassy main character Susie Vine, a deal making agent with successful London Theatrical agency Arland and Shaw. Susie’s already busy life is further complicated when her mother Valerie, recently separated from her father arrives in London – to stay. Her mother living with her, the demise of her love life, her teenage hormone fuelled son Milo, and the arrival of an old flame all add to a story that’s easy to read and introduces many interesting characters.

These range in age and gender from thirteen to eighty and each one is well drawn and immediately draws the reader in to the glitzy world Pauline McLynn has created. There’s John Forbes, the hunky successful star with a heart, his elderly father Reg, also an actor in his twilight years. I think though that she succeeds particularly with her main character. Just for a while, I thought I was Susie Vine. I lived her life, felt her love and pain, and yeah even cried her tears. No mean feat.

If I had to be picky, I think the book was a little too long and without offering spoilers, could perhaps have got to the love bits a little sooner – but that’s being picky! I really enjoyed the read and will definitely keep an eye out for some of her other books. Red this book – Go wan, go wan!

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes

Posted by Keris on March 14, 2008 in Irish Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 11, 2008 12:42 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Sisterhood by Emily Barr

Reviewed by Deborah Riccio

The Sisterhood surprised me in many ways. Not least the way in which teacher, Liz Greene's long-standing boyfriend leaves her and heralds the first shocker right at the start. Confused and incredibly hurt, she embarks on a one-night stand and finds herself pregnant. This, rather unexpectedly, doesn't tip her over the edge but makes her realise that it might be what she needs and so sets out to deal with it. On her own.

Meanwhile in a chateau in France, the privileged Helen discovers a secret her mother has been keeping from her - she has a sister she never knew existed and she lives in England. This, Helen believes, is the reason for the restlessness throughout her own life. If she brings her sister back, she is certain she will earn the love and pride she so desperately craves from her mother. So she leaves for England with nothing but her father's credit card.

Helen's search leads her to Liz and the story follows their lives as separate people becoming united by the strangest, measured means.

The twists are subtle, surprising and multi-faceted. Reading it makes you realise things are never entirely what they seem - that nobody's life is as straightforward as it appears or sounds and we only get to see what is portrayed to us by others. And the ending is as inspired as the beginning. A cracking good read that made me want to read more by Ms Barr.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try A Tale of Two Sisters by Anna Maxted

Posted by Keris on March 11, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | 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 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)

BOOK REVIEW: The Ballroom Class by Lucy Dillon

Reviewed by Helen Redfern

I was very excited when I received ‘The Ballroom Class’ by Lucy Dillon for two reasons. 1) I love Strictly Come Dancing (who doesn’t – even my Dad is a massive fan) 2) like the character Lauren in the book I too dragged my husband-to-be to dance lessons for our wedding (we learned the rumba to ‘I’ve had (the time of my life)’ – ahh).

This is a story about couples forming friendships and repairing relationships on and off the dance floor. Katie believes her husband Ross has become more like a brother to her. She is a working Mum and he a stay at home Dad. She can’t help working late – her boss demands it – so would it hurt him too much to put the Hoover around during the day?

Lauren, the bride to be, is having increasingly ambitious plans for her wedding day extravaganza, encouraged by her mother-in-law to be. Lauren’s mother, Bridget, is having sleepless nights over the sheer cost of it all. Angelica has returned to the town where she grew up, where her past is about to catch up with her. As an ex professional dancer (with fake tan, caked on make up – the lot) she decides to set up weekly dance lessons in the local dance hall.

Whilst learning rock ‘n’ roll, the foxtrot and the tango relationships start to unravel. Can the dancing eventually put them back together?

Sometimes when you are really excited by a new film or a new book you can end up disappointed. Not in the case of ‘The Ballroom Class’. The relationships are intense and real. There are no superficial characters out of a large cast. Ross and Katie’s relationship was one which I could completely empathise. As a fan of ballroom dancing I can imagine what they are doing on the dance floor but you don’t have to be a fan of dancing to enjoy this book. If you enjoy reading about relationships and all the complexities that go with it then this is for you. The Ballroom Dancing is the entertaining scenery.

About three quarters of the way through though I did feel the plot lost its pace which was a little frustrating. This is what is stopping me from giving this fine debut novel a five out of five. (But it is a high four.)

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Dancing With Mules by Morag Prunty

Posted by Keris on March 3, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 22, 2008 4:52 PM

PREVIEW REVIEW: Split By A Kiss by Luisa Plaja

Occasional Trashionista reviewer Luisa Plaja's first novel is out at the beginning of March (on the 6th, World Book Day, in fact). Luisa was my first crit partner a few years ago and while I'm still beavering away on the same book, Luisa's gone and got published. But I'm not bitter. No, I'm really not. Because Luisa is lovely and Split by a Kiss is wonderful.

It's the story of Jo who moves to America with her mum and soon finds herself kissing the school hunk during a session of Seven Minutes in Heaven. When Jo has mixed feelings about Jake's attentions - on the one hand he's hot and he seems to like her, on the other he's groping her and he barely knows her - she splits into two: Josie the Cool and Jo the Nerd.

The rest of the book alternates between Josie's and Jo's experiences. While Jo befriends school misfits, Rachel and David, Josie is sucked into the cool crowd, led by Chelsea, but the beauty of this book is that neither Josie nor Jo are stereotypes. Both of their paths show that there's no "right" way to be. Except for being yourself, that is.

But will Jo ever get to be herself again? You'll have to read it to find out. And, since Split by a Kiss is funny, inspiring, original, moving and sweet, you're in for a treat.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Me vs Me by Sarah Mlynowski

Posted by Keris on February 22, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

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 19, 2008 4:11 PM

BOOK NEWS: Mummy Said The F-Word

Fiona Gibson has a hugely successful career as a magazine journalist. She used to edit More and Just Seventeen, and has written for Marie Claire, The Observer, Red, New Woman and Eve, amongst many others.

In addition to a non-fiction book on parenting (The Fish Finger Years), Fiona has written four novels. The latest, Mummy Said The F-Word, is out in hardback this week.

Firmly planted in the Mum Lit camp, it features Cait, a chaotic single mother of three.

Cait finds work as an agony aunt for a glossy parenting magazine and tries to balance parenthood with keeping up with her polished colleagues. Then she starts to correspond with a mysterious single dad, who signs his emails with the letter 'R'.

Is 'R' simply a fan, or is there something more brewing?

Related posts: Thursday Three: Busy Single Mums | What comes after "mommy lit"?

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 19, 2008 in Book News, British Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 15, 2008 10:06 AM

BOOK REVIEW: An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell

As I've said before, when I was a bookseller Jill Mansell was the author most recommended to me by customers, but somehow I've managed to go years and years without reading any of her books. Finally - finally! - I read one, her latest, An Offer You Can't Refuse, and I'm happy to report that all those customers were right.

It's the story of Lola Malone who, at the age of 17, is offered £10,000 to break up with her boyfriend ... by his mother. Lola is horrified. She is in love with Dougie and believes they'll be together forever. But then she learns a family secret, which forces her to take the money, leaving just a letter for her boyfriend.

After being forced to dump Dougie, Lola moved to Spain, but now she's back, working in a London bookshop and happy with her job and her friends, but, inevitably, she soon bumps into her ex ... and, unsurprisingly really, he has neither forgiven nor forgotten. Lola hasn't forgotten him either - and he's even foxier now he's that bit more mature - but can Lola convince him to give her another chance?

Well, if anyone can, Lola can. I loved Lola. She's bright, spunky, funny, honest and she doesn't take no for an answer. I also loved the secondary characters: Lola's best friend, Gabe, and Dougie's sister, Sally, but my favourite character was EJ, with his fabulously dry sense of humour.

Some aspects of the plot weren't entirely convincing, but the characters and the exuberance of the writing more than made up for it.

I'll definitely be reading more Jill Mansell in the future. My customers used to recommend Maeve Binchy too. Maybe I should give her a go...

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Solo by Jill Mansell

Posted by Keris on February 15, 2008 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (7)

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)

February 6, 2008 12:19 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Earthly Pleasures by Karen Neches

Karen Neches' Earthly Pleasures begins in Heaven, where Skye Sebring is a hospitality greeter. She meets Ryan Blaine, who has a brush with death following a motorbike accident. Unbeknownst to him, Ryan is one of the stars of Heaven's soap opera, Earthly Pleasures, and, after meeting him, Skye is more than intrigued.

Is that not a completely brilliant idea? I love everything about it ... but there's more. When Skye starts training to return to earth, all of life's lessons are contained in the lyrics of Beatles songs. Fabulous, no? Oh yes, there's more...

Down on earth, Ryan is struggling with  his marriage. Following a near-fatal accident of her own, his wife Susan has changed almost beyond all recognition. He's not in love with her anymore, but how can he tell her?

Also on earth, care home resident Caroline gets a new roommate: Emily is in a coma she's never expected to recover from, but from which Caroline is determined to retrieve her.

I don't want to say much more because I'm scared of giving anything away. Not only is this book full of surprises (and some shocks), it's funny, moving, sad, thrilling and inspiring.

It would have been 5/5 but I was very slightly disappointed with the ending. If I could have given it 4.5/5 I would. I really, really loved it.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try If Only It Were True by Marc Levy, filmed as Just Like Heaven

Posted by Keris on February 6, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Romance, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 1, 2008 2:59 PM

BOOK NEWS: Screen Plays: How 25 Scripts Made It to a Theater Near You - for Better or Worse

Interested in how films are made? Polishing your own screenplay as we speak? David Cohen's new book describes the process of taking an idea for a film from the first concept, to the script and - finally - the screen.

Cohen interviews Hollywood screen writers and looks at the fortunes of 25 movies including Erin Brockovich, Lost in Translation and Monster's Ball.

Aimed at aspiring screen writers, the book is also packed with advice on how to sell your script - and how to protect it once you have. It's out in the US next week, but I haven't managed to find a UK release date yet...

Related posts: The Crusie/Mayer writing workshop | Screenwriters on strike!

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 1, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Movie Magic, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 31, 2008 2:59 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Tell No Lies by Julie Compton

Julie Compton was a trial attorney for the US Department of Justice. Now she's a writer and stay-at-home mother. Tell No Lies is her first novel and it employs her legal background to great effect. 

Jack Hilliard is a 35-year-old assistant DA who loves his wife, Claire, and enjoys his job. He gets on well with his boss and is never asked to trial cases which compromise his moral integrity.

Jack comes across as a stand-up guy, and it takes a skillful author to make the reader believe in his fall from grace. Luckily, Julie Compton is just such a writer.

Earl (Jack's boss) decides to leave and he asks Jack to run for office (to take his place as the DA). On the same day, a flirtation with his lawyer friend, Jenny, gets rather more serious.

Compton takes us through Jack's dilemma - he wants the promotion, but will never get it if he is publically honest about his views on the death penalty. He is against it - under any circumstances.

Jenny, with whom he is increasingly obsessed, convinces him to misprepresent his position to secure the top job. Then, just over half-way through the book, when I was beginning to think 'okay, how is this going to get spun out for another 200 pages?', Jenny is accused of murder.

This is an excellent psychological thriller and an extremely polished debut. I will watch Julie Compton's new career with interest...

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Posted by Sarah Painter on January 31, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 29, 2008 1:37 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Princess Diaries To the Nines by Meg Cabot

I opened the cover of To the Nines - the ninth (unsurprisingly) book in The Princess Diaries series - and read "Oh, and Michael, the love of [Mia's] life, has dumped her." Noooooooo! I was so devastated that I almost didn't want to read the book. Of course that feeling lasted all of five seconds and soon I was as engrossed in Mia's life as ever.

If you remember, at the end of After Eight, Michael headed off to Japan to work on a research project, leaving Mia devastated. The loss of her first love has sent Mia into a depression and matters aren't helped by the fact that her best friend (and Michael's sister) Lilly, isn't speaking to her. Mia's not stuck for friends, of course - she's got Tina Hakim Baba and, inexplicably, Lana Weingarten also wants to hang out with her. No Michael or Lilly? Hanging out with Lana? It's like Bizarro World!

On top of her personal struggles, Mia has to deal with the prospect of giving a Grandmere-mandated speech to a secretive and all-powerful women's group and deal with the cowboy (literally) therapist her father is making her visit. All this while she's missing Michael terribly. Of course, there's always JP (aka The Guy Who Hates It When They Put Corn In the Chilli) to make her feel a little better about everything...

I loved this book, of course. Mia is forced to address some issues about herself and her friends and to grow up a bit. I don't want her to grow up, because the sooner she does, the sooner this glorious series will come to an end (in fact, the next book is the last - nooooooo!), but Cabot handles all of Mia's challenges so brilliantly that you can't complain.

This book, with its focus on depression and, fabulously, the differences between a constitutional and absolute monarchy (which I didn't understand until reading this book - what did they teach me at school anyway?!), is the most mature and feminist Princess Diaries book so far.

Like the Harry Potter series, I can see how events in this book foreshadow what's going to happen in the last and I can't wait to read it (except that I don't want to since then there won't be any more ... it's a hard life, being a booklover...).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Boy Book by E Lockhart

Posted by Keris on January 29, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (13)

January 23, 2008 10:42 AM

BOOK REVIEW: This Is How It Happened by Jo Barrett

Sarah wrote about Jo Barrett's second novel, This Is How It Happened, earlier this month and featured the UK cover, but I read the US edition and I much prefer the US cover, so that's the one I've used here.

This enormously entertaining book begins with Madeline Piatro baking poisoned brownies, which she plans to give (anonymously) to her ex-fiancee, Carlton. Unfortunately, Maddy can't resist trying the brownies herself (well, who could?) and, rather than delivering them to the intended recipient, spends the rest of the day throwing up.

So why does Maddy want Carlton dead?

For many, many reasons which Barrett releases gradually throughout the book and, believe me, by halfway through you'll want to kill him too.

In fact, that was the only reason this book gets a 4 rather than a 5. Carlton was so awful, that I really felt Maddy - intelligent, independent, confident - should have worked out what an utter sleaze he was much, much sooner than she did. Having said that, his sleaziness is entertaining and frequently made me want to reach into the book and throttle him (and give Maddy a "wake up to yourself!" slap too!).

I haven't yet read Jo Barrett's debut, The Men's Guide to the Women's Bathroom, but I'll be rushing to read it now. (The movie rights to that book have been bought by Hugh Jackman and I can totally see this book as a film too. Definitely Matthew McConaughey for Carlton and, despite the fact that Maddy's Italian, I think it could be a good one for a repairing with Kate Hudson.)

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz

Posted by Keris on January 23, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 16, 2008 11:23 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Madonna and Me by Nikki Racklin

I wrote about Nikki Racklin's Madonna and Me back in November and I finally got a chance to read it ... and I loved it just as much as I thought I would.

I expected Nikki to be American, but only a couple of pages in I realised she's actually English and, funnily enough, it sort of changed my whole perception of the book.

I was anticipating a kind of "growth" memoir - how I grew up and realised that Madonna is Madonna and I'm me kind of a thing, but instead Madonna and Me is more of a snarky where did it all go wrong? what was I thinking? book.

Nikki began her music career at the same time as Madonna, but where Madonna's career quickly went stratospheric, Nikki's stalled ... for about twenty years. She wasn't unsuccessful - she toured, she made a record, she had a lot of fun - but she never got a record deal and she certainly didn't come close to Madonna's level of fame. Throughout the book, Nikki compares her career with Madonna's and always comes out second best, often with very funny results.

What I loved about this book was that Nikki is under no illusions as to why Madonna made it while she didn't - star quality, charisma, the X factor. Plus she (Nikki, I'm not sure about Madonna) can laugh at herself (since she performed on French TV wearing a man's vest and boxer shorts that she'd decorated herself, that's a good job) and she's very down to earth about her career.

In fact, she's a little bit too self-deprecating at times - she can't have been as poor as she says since she was sought out by more successful musicians and worked as a session singer (which I used to think I wanted to be - despite not being able to sing - and I can remember reading about how hard it is and how good you have to be).

Madonna and Me is much more about Nikki Racklin than it is about Madonna, but that's okay - there are thousands of books about Madonna already and I doubt very many of them are as entertaining as this one.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

Posted by Keris on January 16, 2008 in British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 9, 2008 11:07 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Bitter Chocolate by Lesley Lokko

Previous Trashionista editors Gemma and Jenni loved Lesley Lokko's first two books, Sundowners and Saffron Skies, so I was keen to read her third, Bitter Chocolate, although slightly concerned because it's over 500 pages long!

Spanning decades and continents, it's the story of three women: Ameline, Laure and Melanie. Laure and Ameline have grown up together in Haiti, while Melanie was raised in London, the financially spoiled but emotionally neglected daughter of an aging rock star.

Ameline was taken into Laure's family as a "reste avec" - literally "stay with" - a poor child kept by a rich family as a companion to their own child (i.e. Laure). Now the girls are grown up, Ameline is little better than a servant to Laure's grandmother, but she and Laure love each other like sisters. Laure's mother, Belle, is living in Chicago, apparently in disgrace after giving birth to the dark-skinned Laure (skin shade being important in the Haiti society to which they belong).

When Laure herself becomes pregnant she is sent to the US to her mother, where she finds that her fantasies of Belle (whom she barely remembers) are painfully and dramatically far from the reality...

Once Laure has gone, Ameline realises there's no reason for her to stay and gets a job in a crumbling hotel. There she meets British travel writer, Iain who is fascinated by this strong and plucky foreigner, who neither knows her age nor even her surname. When Haiti's social and political problems reach fever pitch, Iain passes Ameline off as his wife and takes her home to Malvern...

And Melanie? After trying to seduce her stepfather, she is banished to LA where she falls in love with a major league drug dealer. Clearly, that's never going to end well...

I don't want to say anything more about the plot because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but suffice to say the above is probably less than a quarter of the book. The women travel between England, the US, Haiti and Ghana, their paths crossing and their lives changing frequently and dramatically.

I loved all of the characters and found it incredibly difficult to put the book down. It was the kind of book that I couldn't stop reading, but didn't want to end. It's intelligent, moving, gripping, warm and brilliantly written. I know the characters - particular Laure and Ameline - will stay with me and I'm now desperate to read Lesley Lokko's other two books. (A great start to the year's reading!)

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Sundowners by Lesley Lokko

Posted by Keris on January 9, 2008 in New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

January 4, 2008 3:25 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Infinite Wisdom of Harriet Rose by Diana Janney

The Infinite Wisdom of Harriet Rose is a funny book. Not so much funny ha ha (although it is), but more funny peculiar. Written by supermodel-turned-philosopher (surely the *only* supermodel-turned-philosopher) Diana Janney, it's (apparently) an adult book that looks and sounds more like a young adult book.

Harriet Rose is a schoolgirl philosopher. Intelligent and precocious she takes herself - and the "Meditations" she writes - extremely seriously. When she tells her mother and Nana she doesn't want anything for her fourteenth birthday (requesting that they donate to charity instead) they present her with a published copy of her collected meditations and a plan to promote and publicise the book (of which they've had 1000 copies printed).

Before long, due both to her own, strangely fascinating, nature, and the efforts of her mother and Nana, Harriet's appearing in newspapers, magazines and on TV. Her schoolmates, not too enamoured with her at the best of times, are less than impressed. But Harriet doesn't care. Until she meets the wise and handsome (and French) Jean Claude and finds that, although he's interested in her, he also seems to be attracted to her petite, airhead schoolmate, Charlotte.

Harriet doesn't exactly try to win Jean Claude from Charlotte - instead she believes that if he's interested in a twerp like Charlotte, he can't be worthy of her ... but she's still fourteen after all...

...except she rarely sounds fourteen. The back of this book claims it's in the tradition of Adrian Mole or The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. It reminded me a lot of Adrian Mole, less of the Mark Haddon book. Like Adrian Mole, Harriet is unaware of her limitations and much of the book's humour is at her expense. Unlike Adrian Mole, I didn't find it laugh-out-loud funny, more gently amusing. Apart from a teenage protagonist, I didn't think it had anything in common with The Curious Incident... and I feel that was only mentioned to try and cash in on that book's crossover appeal.

Although she's irritating, I did like Harriet and some of her meditations (particularly those relating to her father's death) were surprisingly moving, but rather than having "cross generational appeal" as the press release suggests, I'm worried that The Infinite Wisdom of Harriet Rose will be too YA to appeal to adults and too adult to appeal to teens.

Still, it's definitely well-written and good fun, so I'll certainly be reading whatever Diana Janney writes next.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try My Fat, Mad Teenage Diary by Rae Earl

Posted by Keris on January 4, 2008 in British Authors, Debut Novels, New Releases, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 3, 2008 8:52 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Truffles By the Sea by Julie Carobini

Reviewed by Jill Hart

I liked Julie Carobini’s first novel, Chocolate Beach, but her sophomore release, Truffles By The Sea, greatly surpasses it. I thoroughly enjoyed Carobini’s second book and felt her writing was much stronger throughout. The characters are deeper and yet funnier – a great combination.

Readers met Gaby Flores, in Chocolate Beach, but she takes center stage this time around. The story begins as Gaby moves in to a new apartment (by the sea). She’s had a rough year. She’s lost her apartment in a fire, her business in floundering due to a thieving former employee and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Gaby isn’t sure how much more she can take.

The downward spiral that is Gaby’s life continues when Gaby is faced with a lawsuit. Top that with the aging of her mother and her new “helpful” neighbors and Gaby is ready to throw in the towel. Gaby is determined to make the best of what she has left, but how much will she have to lose before things turn around? Can she ever get her life back together or will she call it quits – in business and in love?

Truffles By The Sea will be released in February 2008. It’s a great read for a cold winter day – you can curl up with the book, a nice fire and pretend you’re the one by the sea.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Chocolate Beach!

Posted by Keris on January 3, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 11, 2007 4:01 PM

BOOK COVER: Pastures New

Pastures New is the debut novel of Julia Williams, and it follows Amy Nicolson and her young son as they swap London life for country living.

Now, it could be because I'm getting in the festive mood and the illustration looks very much like a Christmas card, but I rather like this cover.

Related posts: Does a book cover matter? | Musical book covers

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Posted by Sarah Painter on December 11, 2007 in Book covers, Book related, British Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 5, 2007 1:11 PM

BOOK NEWS: Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich

The roaringly successful (and Trashionista-favourite) series of Stephanie Plum novels are numbered for easy ordering.

However, Janet Evanovich also treats her fans to the occasional 'between the numbers' novella to keep us going between the main events...  We've had Visions of Sugar Plums and Plum Lovin' and now - Plum Lucky.

In Plum Lucky, Grandma Mazur has high-tailed it to Atlantic City with a winnebago and a bag of stolen money and Stephanie needs to get her back. It's out on 8 January 2008 and looks like a good way to chase away the post-New-Year-blues.

Related posts: One for the Money | Two for the Dough | Twelve Sharp

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 5, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Crime / Mystery, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 26, 2007 4:57 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Chalet Girl by Kate Lace

Perhaps it was because I loved the Chalet School series of books by Elinor Brent Dyer when I was a girl, or perhaps it was the cute cover, but my attention was caught by this forthcoming release from Little Black Dress.

Written by Kate Lace (who has published several romance books under the name Catherine Jones), The Chalet Girl follows Millie - a new, erm, chalet girl - as she meets classic bad boy, Luke, when he comes to stay in her chalet.

It's available from 13 December in all the usual places.

Related posts: Book News archive

Posted by Sarah Painter on November 26, 2007 in Book News, British Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 16, 2007 11:55 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Star Von Bunny, A Model Tale by Kym Canter

I have absolutely no idea what this book is all about. You can watch a little film about Star Von Bunny here, but don't expect it to help (although it's worth watching for the use of the word "inspirate").

Star is a toy rabbit who wants to be a model. This is her story. From moving to New York, to changing to an all-white diet (including marshmallows and vanilla ice-cream), to working out with Christy Turlington and eventually moving to LA to become a MAW (Model-Actress-Whatever), Star's journey is accompanied by numerous photographs and one illustration that made me laugh out loud. 

The book is written by Kym Canter, a former fashion and style reporter (she was Special Projects Editor at Elle), currently Creative Director for ultra-luxury fashion house J. Mendel. A portion of the profits is going to Doctors Without Borders.

I read it in about 10 minutes. That's not to say I didn't like it because I kind of did. I just don't really know who it's *for*. I guess it's one of those stocking fillers that you read on Christmas Day and then give to the charity shop. If you're in the fashion industry, perhaps you'll find it hilarious. I'm fashion-challenged, so I just found it cute and charming, if a little pointless, but it didn't make me want to punch people like a certain other charity fashion book.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try This Little Piggy Went To Prada by Amy Allen

Posted by Keris on November 16, 2007 in American Authors, Fashion-Lit, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 15, 2007 1:15 PM

Movie News: Brick Lane

The controversial film adaptation of Monica Ali's Brick Lane is out on general release tomorrow.

Despite a brouhaha during filming (residents of the real Brick Lane protested), the film has gone on to win two awards at the Dinard Film Festival in northern France and a screening at The London Film Festival.

So, will you be rushing to the cinema to watch it? I have to confess, I haven't actually read the book yet...

Related post: Yay or Nay Wednesday: film adaptations

Posted by Sarah Painter on November 15, 2007 in Book related, Movie News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Hungry by Allen Zadoff

As you know, I was attracted to this book because of the fabulous cover and, as it turns out, you can't judge a book by the cover, because Hungry isn't at all the book I was expecting. The back cover describes it as "laugh-out-loud funny" as do many of the reviews on Amazon US.

I found it sad, wise, inspiring and interesting, but not funny (I think I might have smiled once or twice...).

Allen Zadoff was overweight from a young age and was, quite literally, killing himself with food. At 350lbs and just before a McDonalds binge, he decided to get some help. Now this is not a diet book - Zadoff explains what worked for him (cutting out trigger foods, sticking rigidly to three meals a day and therapy), but you won't find eating plans or exercises.

What it is is a memoir of an addiction just as damaging as drug addiction or alcoholism, but not yet recognised as such by society. I'm making it sound quite dry, I know - and while it's certainly not hilarious, it is entertaining. Zadoff is a brutally honest and engaging writer and I flew through the book (stopping at one point to eat an Aero ... sigh).

Zadoff also says Hungry isn't a self-help book, but I imagine it could be of enormous help to someone with an eating disorder or even to a self-diagnosed "problem eater" like myself.

Rating: 4/5

Posted by Keris on November 15, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 13, 2007 11:11 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Slam by Nick Hornby

Slam is Nick Hornby's first book for young adults and he's made a great job of it. Closer to the populist style of High Fidelity, rather than his more literary (and, in my opinion, less successful) novels, like How To Be Good and A Long Way Down.

Every preview I've read of this book describes it as being about, Sam, 15, who talks to his poster of skateboarding hero, Tony Hawk ... and the poster talks back. But that's really not what it's about at all. When Sam meets Alicia, they become very serious very quickly. Alicia's parents don't think Sam's good enough (mainly due to the fact that his mum had him at 16) and Sam's mum thinks things are happening too fast. And then Alicia tells Sam she's late...

Sam's reaction isn't ideal, but it is natural - and that was the thing I loved most about this book. Sam makes loads of mistakes, but he's such a charming and believable character that you want things to work out for him.

The Tony Hawk thing is an interesting and entertaining device - Hawk doesn't really talk back, Sam just hears relevant (most of the time) soundbites from Hawk's autobiography, which Sam claims to have read thousands of times. Having had my own celebrity obsessions as a teen (I've no interest now, of course... *cough*), I appreciated how any pronouncement by the object of your obsession can take on an importance out of all proportion and I thought it worked brilliantly in this book.

Of course, being Hornby, it's very well-written and it's also very funny and incredibly touching. I found myself near to tears a lot of the time. I'd never really thought about how teenage pregnancy could affect the baby's father before (silly, I know) and this book was a great insight into the subject. Plus it's just a really good read.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Posted by Keris on November 13, 2007 in British Authors, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 7, 2007 11:18 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Froth on the Cappuccino by Maeve Haran

I love books like Maeve Haran's Froth on the Cappuccino. Subtitled "How small pleasures can save your life" it's one of those books about how all the joys of life are right there in front of us and how we so often take this for granted.

Things like the titular froth on the cappuccino ("Can there be anything more delicious than sprinkling fresh chocolate onto your cappucciino and eating the froth, slowly and sensuously, as befits its amazing wondrousness?"), freshly baked bread, a cool pillow, watching the dawn come up, painting your toenails and tons more.

Yes, it's basically just short thoughts on each topic, but I found it compulsive reading.

Granted, at times Haran's tone can be a bit twee and I found myself thinking "Yeah, yeah, baking with children is delightful, blah blah," but that's probably partly due to my own cynicism and partly because I read the book in great chunks rather than dipping in and out of it. Oh and the chapter on "Scrunchy hair ties" seemed a bit out of date. "So this humble yet irreplaceable device is destined for a long and happy future" - tell that to Carrie Bradshaw!

But they're very small complaints. As a book to keep by the bed (or the loo) and dip in and out of, it would be both charming and inspiring. It would also make a good Christmas gift for someone who's finding life a bit joyless.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Joy Diet by Martha Beck

Posted by Keris on November 7, 2007 in British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 6, 2007 10:43 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Carpool Confidential by Jessica Benson

From the moment I heard about Carpool Confidential I was dying to read it (for reasons that will become clear...). Also Meg Cabot highly recommended it on her blog recently and we always listen to Meg!

After 11 years of marriage, Cassie and Rick have an apparently idyllic life that includes two gorgeous kids, a Brooklyn apartment with breathtaking views of Manhattan and a holiday home in Nantucket. But then out of the blue, Rick announces that he's unhappy with the way his life has turned out and he's leaving Cassie to go and find himself ... and work on a Barry Manilow retrospective. I love Barry Manilow - and not even ironically - so this was right up my alley.

Cassie is flabbergasted since Rick has always been dependable, even a bit boring, and has never shown the slightest interest in any sort of Easy Listening music. But off Rick goes, without telling Cassie exactly where he's going, how long he'll be away or whether he's coming back. He doesn't even give her a contact number, saying instead that he'll get in touch with her.

At first Cassie's in total denial, but soon she realises she has to take care of herself, which is when she learns not only that Rick has been planning this escapade for quite some time, but also that he's left her and their sons financially insecure and may have been less than honest about a number of other aspects of his life.

Before giving it all up to have kids, Cassie was a journalist, and an old friend and contact suggests she blog about her experiences for a New York magazine. The blog becomes extremely popular very quickly, but while Cassie finds writing about what she's going through cathartic, she also has the additional worry that her fellow PTA moms will work out the real identity of the blog's author.

Cassie is witty and charming and I warmed to her immediately. Rick is an utter sleaze and I wanted to wring his neck. Plus the supporting characters - Cassie's friends, mother-in-law, niece and sons - are great fun and admirably avoid cliche. The other PTA moms *are* rather cliched, but all the more fun for that somehow.

Plus the chapter headings are Barry Manilow song titles. What's not to love?

There was one aspect of the plot that I absolutely didn't buy, but this is Jessica Benson's first chick lit novel* so I'll forgive her. I can't wait to see what she writes next. Highly recommended.

* Benson has previously written historical romances. I've never read any, but when I do I'll start with one of Benson's.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA by Ellen Meister

Posted by Keris on November 6, 2007 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Book News: Smart Girls Like Me

Remember the pre-Y2K madness? Remember Blooks?

Well, Diane Vadino's debut novel is not exactly a blog-to-book, but it is a book from a blogger (bunnyshop.org).  And, according to everything I've read, it brilliantly captures the flavour of the last few months of 1999.

The heroine, Betsy Nilssen, is twenty-four and working for an online fashion site. Her best friend is getting married and the trauma of 'losing' her soul mate makes Betsy realise it's time to grow up. Only she's not at all certain they are going to survive New Year...

Smart Girls Like Me has already garnered high praise and it's got a good cover, so I will have to check it out ASAP. Watch this space!

Related posts: And In Blook News | Shaggy Blog stories | Upcoming bloggy book

Posted by Sarah Painter on November 6, 2007 in Book News, Debut Novels, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 31, 2007 12:31 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Rex and the City by Lee Harrington

I've never owned a dog, but I do love reading about people who do, particularly if they write as well as Lee Harrington.

Rex and the City began as a column for The Bark magazine (which author Alison Pace has also written for) but it doesn't read like a series of columns, it's firmly a memoir and is as much about Harrington's relationship with her boyfriend, Ted, as it is about her relationship with her dog. Plus the "and the City" of the title isn't just an awful pun, New York - in particular Harrington's Lower East Side neighbourhood - is practially another character in the book.

Ted and Lee adopt Rex (who was, in reality, named Wallace) from a shelter primarily because of his beauty, but they soon believe they've taken on more they can chew. It's clear that Rex was badly mistreated, but the shelter won't give them any details. Rex is antisocial, frightened, untrusting and occasionally violent. But Lee and Ted decide not to give up on him and, eventually, he learns to trust them and they, in turn, learn to trust each other.

Like Marley & Me, Rex and the City is the story of a family being changed by a dog, but it's not as sweet as John Grogan's book. I suppose I'd describe it as less endearing and more "urban", which seems fair given the title. Harrington writes beautifully and the book is full of wisdom about relationships, both human and canine, but she never claims to have all the answers (in fact, I believe there's a second volume on the way, so she couldn't, could she).

I found Rex and the City totally engrossing and it made me both more determined to adopt a dog and more aware of the issues that involves.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Marley & Me by John Grogan

Posted by Keris on October 31, 2007 in American Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 16, 2007 2:35 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold

"When all is said and done, killing my mother came easily."

Nothing like an eye-popping opening line to draw a reader into a story, and man did that one draw me in! The Almost Moon is a very different book from Alice Sebold's last novel, The Lovely Bones, but I predict it will make as much of a stir. While Lovely Bones traded on our fears about child murder, abduction and paedophilia, The Almost Moon tackles the difficulties of aging, divorce, and parents with dementia. It's a more mature book, with a less sympathetic narrator, but it's no less compelling. When this was offered to me for review back in July, I didn't care that it wouldn't be out until October, I grabbed it and dug straight in.

The opening chapters were pacy, tense and very dramatic, with an almost palpable tension. But then... things tailed off a little as Helen, our narrator (and mother-killer) reflected on her past. The story slowed down and I was in danger of becoming bored. Thankfully, the pace picked up again, and I was drawn into this dark (yet somehow not depressing) story.

It's all set in a twenty-four hour period, but with flashbacks to Helen's childhood which explain her relationship with her mother, her father's death, and the strange life her mother has been leading for many years. We also start to realise that Helen's moment of madness when she kills her mother is not isolated: she's been slowly unravelling for some time. Although this isn't a murder mystery, there is a sense of mystery and uncertainty: what will happen to Helen, will she cope, will she maybe even get away with what she's done? She somehow becomes a sympathetic character and Sebold's writing about people's private motivations and strange thought processes is brilliantly evocative - a real class act. I am now convinced that Alice Sebold will be writing hit books for a long time to come.

However... the ending of the book still disappointed me a touch, as I felt the author pulled her punches. But maybe she's just more forgiving and humane than I am! Either way, this book is hard to forget.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver.

**PS: I've just seen what looks to be the final, UK cover - here.  Hmm. What do you think?**

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 16, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 10, 2007 12:34 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Don't Make a Scene by Valerie Block

Reviewed by Tvor of Corrieblog

Valerie Block's third novel focuses on the world of classic cinema and a love story that's less conventional than usual. I liked the book a lot. It has elements of politics, it has the escapism of the movies, it shows the ups and downs of living in New York, highlights how relationships evolve and change and finally, it's about finding your home. Keris has been looking forward to reading this book. I think she'll like it, too!

Diane Kurasik is nearly 40, never been married, and newly homeless. She runs a successful art theatre in New York City but her life seems to be at a standstill. In the process of renovating the theatre, she meets a good looking but surly architect called Vladimir Padrón, a Cuban expatriate who is still vehemently immersed in the politics of his former country.

Diane spends the next few months struggling to find a new home while camping out on the couches and beds of various friends, family, hotels and grubby sublets. She grapples with her relationship with the volatile Cuban who also happens to have a wife and a 17-year-old son, neither of whom he's seen in 12 years. Over a hot, sticky summer and into the fall we follow Diane's life but also the journey of Vladimir and his son Javier through one setback after another. We also see some scenes from their pasts and get to know a few of the people in their lives as the story weaves them all into the fabric of the book.

The story centres around a cinema that shows classic movies from around the world. Diane's whole world revolves around movies and every situation she finds herself in, every person she meets, every reaction, every observation is peppered with a comparison to a scene from a classic movie or with an anecdote from the life of one of the actors or directors from the silver screen. I kept thinking that this woman might be more successful finding a man or understanding why her life seems to be at a dead end if she stopped comparing everything to the all too perfect stories on screen or the larger than life personalities behind the moving images. We see her in a series of disastrous blind dates, both with men and appalling apartments.

It's clear that Vladimir is not the man for her and that she's "making do". It's clear that Vladimir is obsessed too, with poli