A very well written, interesting book, with a captivating story, I liked it a lot, BUT it is not exactly what I thought it would be. The series is cal A very well written, interesting book, with a captivating story, I liked it a lot, BUT it is not exactly what I thought it would be. The series is called Hannibal, I expected it to be a central character, to find out details about the strategies of the fight, his life, how he became such a respected general with historic results. If this is what you are looking for, you will be disappointed....more
Leaving us on yet another cliff-hanger, The Missing Sister delivered in more ways than one, and without a shadow of a doubt the anticipation of the fiLeaving us on yet another cliff-hanger, The Missing Sister delivered in more ways than one, and without a shadow of a doubt the anticipation of the final book in the series is motivation enough to read all 7 books again in the event some key clues have been missed. Summarily, I highly recommend The Missing Sister and simply cannot wait for what dramatic twists and romantic turns the 8th book has up its sleeve....more
The Sun Sister is another epic saga by Riley at just over 800 pages, but with a timely, astute, present tale and a fascinating, immersive, past tale tThe Sun Sister is another epic saga by Riley at just over 800 pages, but with a timely, astute, present tale and a fascinating, immersive, past tale the pages seem to turn themselves. It is truly hard to believe that this series is close to its end, and I think for every reader whether they’ve been a die-hard fan and read them all or merely a part-time connoisseur whose been swept away by only one or two the fact that there is only one more left to come is truly bittersweet....more
This is my favorite story so far! Anyone who knows me knows how much I prefer stories related to Scotland. The charm of this series is of course given This is my favorite story so far! Anyone who knows me knows how much I prefer stories related to Scotland. The charm of this series is of course given by the stories from the past, all full of history, culture and heritage. One of my favorite parts of this series is the cultural education I feel I am getting from each and every one of these books. This time around we go from the Scottish Highlands to the gypsy caves of Granada and then even into South America. I loved learning about the culture of the flamenco dancers and even the bit about the gypsy community. The book is set against the Spanish Civil War and WWII, and you feel the persecution that this community has felt and dealt with. It definitely has sparked an interest in me and now I want to read more about this culture…this is why I love reading historical fiction – it leads me to learn something new and wanting to read more about it.
Touches of magical realism and musical culture add to the gorgeous descriptions and historical details, which are accurate without extended exposition. The cast of characters is varied in motive and style, if not so much in voice, and the book leaves the reader wanting more....more
You know you need to set a significant chunk of time aside so that you can sit and read uninterrupted and soak up the brilliance of the story unfoldinYou know you need to set a significant chunk of time aside so that you can sit and read uninterrupted and soak up the brilliance of the story unfolding before your very eyes. Despite being over 600 pages long, the reader will find themselves rapidly turning the pages, wishing there were 600 more as you become so caught up in the story you never want it to end. Lucinda Riley with The Pearl Sister has once again written another masterpiece of a book that will not in any way disappoint. The weight of expectation grows with each book in this series but not once has she let her loyal readers down....more
Though again it’s not enough to detract from my overall cosy glow that I got when I read this, it was really easy to immerse myself in and I enjoyed iThough again it’s not enough to detract from my overall cosy glow that I got when I read this, it was really easy to immerse myself in and I enjoyed it immensely. Would recommend. Though you may not be as enthused if the setting and main character are less appealing to you than they are to me....more
Overall this was a very engaging read, with two great narratives. And again the amount of research that has gone into it is astounding.
Definitely a woOverall this was a very engaging read, with two great narratives. And again the amount of research that has gone into it is astounding.
Definitely a worthy follow-up, also giving us more insight into the D’Apliese family. And there’s another supposed Pa Salt sighting – is he really dead? I guess we’ll have to read on to find out what lies at the centre of this tangled web and who the mysterious Pa Salt really is....more
The book definitely has aspects of a romance, but more than that it’s a historical fiction, for which Lucinda Riley has done an astounding amount of rThe book definitely has aspects of a romance, but more than that it’s a historical fiction, for which Lucinda Riley has done an astounding amount of research – and it shows. Not only did she live for a month in Rio, next door to the granddaughter of the architect of Christ the Redeemer and read his personal letters and journals, she also did extensive research into both Paris and Rio in the time she was writing about and the historical characters involved...more
I couldn’t put this book down and Diane has such an easy to read style and expertly sets up cliff hangers at the end of each chapter, that I am just cI couldn’t put this book down and Diane has such an easy to read style and expertly sets up cliff hangers at the end of each chapter, that I am just compelled to keep reading into the wee hours of the night. Another book full of twists and turns, love, healing, friendship, and sisterhood. I highly recommend this book....more
What a journey! The Dream Daughter is about time, family, faith, persistence, overcoming adversity, sacrifice, tough choices, risks and most importantWhat a journey! The Dream Daughter is about time, family, faith, persistence, overcoming adversity, sacrifice, tough choices, risks and most importantly, a mother’s love. This alternative take on a mother’s love is very interesting and the concept that Diane Chamberlain floats around did require me to suspend a great deal of disbelief, which I did find taxing. I found myself questioning a few aspects of the novel, but I think in hindsight it is best to sit back, relax and let this book carry you away! Without a doubt, this story gives new meaning to the term "unconditional love" and what a mother is willing to do for her child. Her journey to try and save her child is captivating and unique. Recommend....more
Dune is a remarkable story written with a distinct style and depth. The characters are individual and intriguing. There is heartbreak, destruction, giDune is a remarkable story written with a distinct style and depth. The characters are individual and intriguing. There is heartbreak, destruction, giant worms, epic duels and a marauding terrifying baby. There are some fantastic quotes too. I am very much looking forward to the film....more
Among the various things I liked about Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less by Jeffrey Archer is the way the plot unfolds; the author gives the reader jAmong the various things I liked about Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less by Jeffrey Archer is the way the plot unfolds; the author gives the reader just a brief picture of the plans before each of the them are carried out. And when the plans actually unfold they are simply brilliant! It keeps the reader intrigued and in anticipation. The plans are so meticulous and perfectly timed that it seems like a scene from a thrilling movie!
The other thing I liked about the book is that all the characters in it are richly described. All the main characters have a background story to them and all of them seem very real and interesting. We also see how the Four come up with different plans; each with a plan suited to his character and ability. Overall the book is a very good read with a brilliant plot and rich and interesting characters, with a bit of humour and romance added in....more
Sean is my favorite of the young authors. I don't understand why he doesn't enjoy even greater success because the man really knows how. The characterSean is my favorite of the young authors. I don't understand why he doesn't enjoy even greater success because the man really knows how. The characters are realistically drawn, with qualities and defects, with real baggage and problems, with dramas. The main protagonist, Joe is a young man who, due to a mistake, had all his long-term plans shattered, it seems to me personally that the punishment was much too mild for what he did, but that is not important. Audrey is a fascinating woman, confident and charismatic, it is absolutely normal that when she appears to monopolize everyone's attention. The evolution of their relationship is not an ideal one, it is much closer to reality, with surprising moments, with actions that lead to disappointments, with hot scenes, with interesting dialogue. The end is a happy one, but not in the sense that most expect .... ...more
MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD describes how the British dealt with Russia during the days when East and West Berlin were divided by a wall, when Checkpoint MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD describes how the British dealt with Russia during the days when East and West Berlin were divided by a wall, when Checkpoint Charlie offered a gateway to western freedoms. The story in The Clifton Chronicles is told within a short timeframe in the 1960s, but across a wide panorama of conflicting ideologies. Labour vs. Conservative politics, gentry vs. commoners, and freedom vs. imprisonment all become important aspects of the novel, the themes of which are skillfully played out in the words penned here....more
Archer’s prose is straightforward with minimal description, and at times — at least in the first few chapters — it’s more telling than showing as he fArcher’s prose is straightforward with minimal description, and at times — at least in the first few chapters — it’s more telling than showing as he fast-forwards a bit in the characters’ lives. After that, the book speeds ahead, introducing and resolving one plot line at a time and leaving me breathless by the end. Archer really knows how to build tension and move the story forward. I’ve enjoyed seeing Harry evolve over time, and I love how Emma is a strong woman not afraid to show her intelligence, take an interest in the family company, and further her education at a time when women weren’t accepted in the boardroom. These are characters I enjoy spending time with, and I just don’t want the series to end.
Best Kept Secret is an exciting addition to the series that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. And even though I knew it was coming (based on the endings of the first two books), I was still shocked by the cliffhanger ending.........more
This book talks about so many different topics, but most of it all it is about regret and the paths we take in life. Matt Haig’s writing is raw and beThis book talks about so many different topics, but most of it all it is about regret and the paths we take in life. Matt Haig’s writing is raw and beautiful, whilst also conveying so many important messages in a brilliantly told story. Haig uses Nora to tell his story, Nora is dreadfully unhappy and suffering from depression, but from this darkness, Nora is given a choice. She is given the chance to look at all the paths she could have taken in life and see if she wants to settle in one of them. She can look at her very own book of regrets and can explore each avenue to see what would have happened if she’d have explored different angles in her life.
I doubt there is a person alive that lives with zero regrets, and if there is, I take my hat off to them. But the sheer relatability of this book means I think I’d recommend it to near enough anyone. Nora sees so many different lives she could have had, she is rich, poor, alone, married, has a child, has a cat, is famous, is working her dream job. This book lets the reader live out their own dreams through Nora and I love that about it. Nora is so real and just… well… human. She could be you or your friend or your neighbour. Haig has done a truly fantastic job at bringing his readers to life in the pages of these books, which makes this book read as something very special indeed.
Aside from the leading concept of this book, it also looks at our relationships with others, how we treat those we love, how we treat ourselves, our planet. At one point Nora works in climate change and we get an insight into the failings we as humans are offering to our planet. Matt Haig honestly does try to put a lot of issues into this book of humanity and he succeeds. This book is almost an anthem of literature for change, regret and living our lives how we want to live them. I really liked that this book certainly leaves you wanting to live your life to the full, but also that doesn’t have to be scuba diving and cliff diving, it can be enjoying the things you love and finding joy in them.
This book was such a simple concept that just dug so deep into its themes. I always think Matt Haig does a brilliant job of normalising talking about mental health and this book is no exception. He clearly writes from experience and with care. Reading this book may make you feel a little less alone, I would highly advise it....more