One Last Summer at Hideaway Bay - Zoe Cook

The Blurb

Secrets lie waiting beneath the Cornish waves in this moving and unforgettable love story. Perfect for fans of Nicholas Sparks, Kelly Rimmer and Jojo Moyes.

Lucy, hi. It’s Tom. How are you? It’s been a while. I’ve been meaning to get in touch but it’s hard to know how to after so much time. I hear you’re doing really well up there. I knew you would be.
You should come here, you know, back to Hideaway bay. Come and see everyone, see how little it’s all changed. Feel the sand between your toes, the Cornish sea breeze on your face. When the sun hits the surf in that way it does, it’s as magical as ever.

That’s why I’m writing to you, actually. I want to get the gang back together again, one last time before…well…just one last time. You should come too. The four of us, a summer on the beach, like old times. We all want you here for it. I want you here for it. It’s been so long since I saw you.

I still think about you.

Tom

The Review

I read this book as part of the Harper Impulse #SummerImpulse readathon and was very keen to get stuck in.  Bloggers and reviewers have been speaking highly of this debut novel from Zoe Cook and I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype.

The story starts with Lucy living the high life in London.  Outwardly, it looks like she's got the lot - a glamorous job, a party lifestyle, and a group of friends who share her recreational drug use habit - but as she reflects on life following contact from her childhood sweetheart Tom, she realises that maybe it's all a façade.  As Lucy heads home to Cornwall's Hideaway Bay, she's unprepared for the life-changing summer that lies ahead...

The first section of the novel set the scene and gave an overview of Lucy's chaotic London lifestyle, which contrasted well with the quieter pace of Cornwall life depicted later in the book.  Personally, I felt the London section could have been slightly shorter and still amply given the juxtaposition between the two settings. I think I was ready to be whisked to Cornwall earlier in the story given the summery cover and blurb.

Lucy is not always a likeable protagonist, but that didn't detract from the empathy I felt towards her. If anything it made her seem a rounded, 'human' character and more believable.  Tom was definitely the easier to warm to of the two main characters.  I liked the periphery characters too, and would love to find out more about their backstories in sister novels.

I'd heard other readers say they'd sobbed at the ending and I'd prepared myself to crumble as I reached the final pages, but although moved by the end of the book, I didn't actually shed a tear.  I think maybe I'd prepared myself for a devastating tear-jerker ending and had steeled myself up before reaching the end!

This book may appeal to fans of David Nicholls and Jojo Moyes and is a well-crafted debut novel from Zoe Cook.

With thanks to Harper Impulse for providing me with a galley copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Just One Day - Gayle Forman

The Blurb

Allyson Healey's life is exactly like her suitcase—packed, planned, ordered. Then on the last day of her three-week post-graduation European tour, she meets Willem. A free-spirited, roving actor, Willem is everything she’s not, and when he invites her to abandon her plans and come to Paris with him, Allyson says yes. This uncharacteristic decision leads to a day of risk and romance, liberation and intimacy: 24 hours that will transform Allyson’s life.

A book about love, heartbreak, travel, identity, and the “accidents” of fate, Just One Day shows us how sometimes in order to get found, you first have to get lost. . . and how often the people we are seeking are much closer than we know.

The first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon!

The Review

I bought this book from the incredible Books of Wonder in New York City on the recommendation of my friend Anne.  Anne's a librarian who loves YA, so being let lose in a children's bookshop with her was a dangerous but amazing experience.  It was like having my own personal shopper.

What sold the book to me was the contemporary romance element - in my opinion there's just not enough modern YA out there that focuses primarily on the connection between two people.  But the connection between American Allyson, who's on an organised tour of Europe before heading off to study medicine at university and Dutch Willem, who's part of an unconventional group of Shakespearean actors, literally sizzles from the start.  As the pair head off on an impromptu twenty-four hour visit to Paris, the ultimate city of love, Allyson discovers that maybe no one is ever just one person...including herself.

There's more to Just One Day than love or lust, although that element of the novel was written in a way that evokes so much emotion that it wouldn't have mattered to me if it was 300+ pages of purely love-riddled angst.  There's travel, the absolute beauty of exploring new places for the first time with both fear and wonder.  There's self-discovery, and the realisation that as humans it's in our very nature to change and develop and grow.  There's friendship, both old and new, and how those relationships can either blossom into something special or wither away. 

I suppose, in its more simple terms, Just One Day is a coming of age novel.  But with some of the most beautiful cities in the world as a backdrop, Forman's beautiful storytelling and a love story that had me in bits, for me that sells it short.

I'm sure that come December this will be in my reads of the year and can barely wait to get my hands on Willem's story in the second book in the series, Just One Year.

Just One Day is out now, published in the UK by Definitions.

The 2015 Catch Up - Part Two!

Last week I blogged about some of the books I'd read in 2015 and not yet reviewed.  Today I'm back for more of the same!  It's certainly taught me a lesson about keeping on top of reviews, that's for sure...

Backlash - Sarah Darer Littman

 

 

I read this book in one sitting on a plane journey and was immediately thrown into the worlds of the two pairs of siblings who told the story.  Lara and Syd and their neighbours Liam and Bree have  friends for most of their lives.  Even their parents are friends.  But when Lara starts messaging Christian, a gorgeous boy from a school a few towns away, everything spirals out of control.  At first she's flattered by the attention, but when Christian suddenly turns on her, telling her the world would be a better place without Lara in it, everything changes. This story explores how the behaviour of one family member can impact on others, the power of peer pressure and reminds the reader of the importance of being vigilant online.

This book had an immersive writing style which had me hooked from the off, and although I bought this on a whim, I'm so glad I did.  The four voices gave an insight into the story as a whole which took Backlash to another level, making me as a reader feel almost voyeuristic. 

A gripping YA read.

Favourite character - Liam

Goodbye Stranger - Rebecca Stead

 

 

 

Goodbye Stranger wasn't a book I'd heard of until YA author Keris Stainton posted a photo of its cover in her favourite books of 2015 photo on instagram.

 

I bought this book blindly, on that recommendation alone, and in doing so stumbled on a book which is difficult to categorise.  It's contemporary, set in New York and has multiple narrators - Bridge, who's life has been impacted by an accident, Sherm who's experiencing feelings of love for the first time and a mysterious high school student struggling with Valentine's Day.  Beyond that it's a lot about feeling and emotion, finding yourself and being who you were born to be.

 

Whilst I did enjoy Goodbye Stranger and thought it tackled relevant subjects such as sexting, divorce and identity, I'm unsure who the target readership is.  In fact, I noticed it was shelved in both MG and YA when I was in America (personally, I think some of the themes are too mature for many MG readers). 

 

It's a well written book, but it lacked something for me - I think I'd have preferred the story to have been told through the voices of Bridge and her immediate friendship group rather than the chosen narrators. 

 

Favourite character - Bridge



 

I'm going to have to do at least one more of these posts before I get back to normal reviews and start on my 2016 books - this is definitely the down side of going on holiday!!!

Della says OMG! - Keris Stainton

The Blurb

Della's over the moon when she kisses her long-standing crush at a party - but then she discovers her diary has disappeared...

When scans of embarrassing pages are sent to her mobile and appear on Facebook, Della's distraught - how can she enjoy her first proper romance when someone, somewhere, knows all her deepest, darkest secrets?

The Review

I'm a bit late to the Keris Stainton love-in, but I'm making up for a slow start by binge-reading all her books now! 

Della says OMG! was Keris' debut novel and was first released in 2010, and that does show in some of the pop culture references (although as a McFly fan, I don't know how ANYONE could think having It's All About You as a ringtone would be embarrassing!).  I loved the plot - as a diarist during my teen years I'd have been mortified at the thought of someone taking my diary - and with the continual rise in the use of (and bullying over) social media, the themes are powerful and believable. 

Della's relationship with her friend Maddy and love-interest Dan were the highlights of this book for me, and Stainton conveys the intense emotions of teen relationships perfectly and the sexual energy as Della and Dan's relationship progresses was both highly charged and realistic for the target audience. 

I devoured this book and although I preferred Keris Stainton's latest YA release Counting Stars, Della says OMG! is a young adult novel with plenty of oomph.  It's got romance, mystery and a wonderful cast of characters (Della's parents - fabulous!) and I can see why this book is still gaining new readers almost six years after first hitting the shelves.

I'd love to know what happened next for these characters, especially the likeable Della!

Della says OMG! is out now, published by Orchard Books.

We Were Liars- E. Lockhart

The Blurb

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

The Review

This time last year EVERYONE seemed to be reading this book.  I bought We Were Liars even though I knew nothing about it- because there was such a massive buzz all over my twitter timeline I felt I needed a copy.  And now I've finally read it I'm excited to share my thoughts.

Cadence, Johnny, Mirren and Gat are the four 'liars' of the title, family members that meet up each summer on Grandpa Sinclair's island.  They are exceptionally tightknit despite their mothers (who are siblings) squabbling over who'll get the family wealth.  Whilst the adults are bickering, the liars are enjoying teen life, running amok in their blissfully protected world.

However, when Cadence sustains a head injury during 'Summer 15' (the year the liars are 15 years old) and loses her memory everything changes.  Suddenly she's surrounded by secrets with no idea why, despite her pleas, everyone is hiding the truth.  I found Cadence an interesting character and wanted to dig deeper into her troubled mind.  Although she's the narrator, I still didn't feel I knew her that well by the end of the book and I wish I could have.  In some ways we learn more about Johnny, Mirren and Gat than we do about Cadence.

Much has been made of the 'twist', but I'd managed to avoid details of it before reading.  Whilst I didn't see it coming I wasn't surprised...and that's all I'm going to say because I don't do spoilers!

The biggest strength of this book was the gorgeous writing.  I absolutely loved E. Lockhart's writing style.  It was brisk, it was brusque and it was beautiful, and during the gentle lulls in the plot that's what kept me reading. 

If this is an indication of her other works I'm excited to read more!

We Were Liars is out now, published by Hot Key Books.

Suite Scarlett- Maureen Johnson HOT KEY BOOKS WEEK

The Blurb

If living in a famous art deco hotel minutes away from Central Park sounds like your idea of a pretty sweet deal - you should talk to Scarlett Martin. Having a hotel for a home really isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when you've got no guests, no money and no prospects for any fun thanks to your parents putting you to work all summer. Luckily for Scarlett, the Hopewell is about to be shaken to its foundations with the arrival of Mrs Amberson, a glamorous travelling socialite who's planning on putting down some roots for a while - and hiring Scarlett as her assistant. With a new job, new friends, and (maybe) a new boyfriend on the horizon, Scarlett's summer is beginning to look a lot more interesting...

The Review

Birthday girl Scarlett Martin is a fifteen year old girl like any other- except that her and her family own a hotel in the centre of Manhattan.  As the business is flailing the siblings are expected to pull their weight and contribute to the running of the hotel, and alongside her paltry birthday presents she's handed responsibility for the swankiest suite in the hotel.

When the glamorous yet ditzy Mrs Amberson turns up looking to live in the hotel for an extended period the Martin's seize the opportunity.  An income!  And as she's staying in Scarlett's suite, Scarlett is expected to fulfil her every desire which has some outlandish consequences.

However, I feel the family relationships were the most interesting aspect of this book.  As I only have one sibling who's 11 years older than me, I'm always drawn to books about larger sibling groups.  In Suite Scarlett there's Spencer (budding thespian, and at some points it feels like this book revolves around this subplot), Lola (who has a rich boyfriend Spencer hates) and Marlene (the baby of the family who gets away with murder because she's been ill).  Then of course there's Scarlett, and although they all rub each other up the wrong way there's an obvious bond between them all deep down. 

Overall this book is fun with a cute (yet not quite believable) romance for Scarlett in her brother Spencer's new acting buddy Eric, some madcap scenes where Mrs Amberson takes matters into her own hands and a realistic portrayal of the issues between families, but I'd say Suite Scarlett has less crossover appeal than some other YA books out there.  If I'd read this in my mid-teens I'd probably have liked it a lot more, but I'm only able to give this a middling review as it didn't blow me away, and I'm unsure as to whether I'll realistically read the rest of the series.

Suite Scarlett is out now, published by Hot Key Books.

With thanks to Hot Key Books for providing me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion. 

Forever- Judy Blume

The cover I remember from my youth

 

When YA author Keris Stainton mentioned a Judy Blume readalong, I knew I'd be jumping onto that bandwagon.  I've been a fan of Judy's for over twenty five years, and it's been a while since I've reread her books.  I recently pledged to reread it when I was interviewed for Jaffa Reads Too.  You could say it was perfect timing!

Forever is one of those books people talk about.  It's a book about sex for starters, and that always gets tongues wagging.  And a YA book about sex, that was first published in 1975?  That's pretty groundbreaking by anyone's standards.

The plot is simple.  Girl (Katherine) meets boy (Michael).  They fall in love.  They have sex.  They promise each other forever.  Life changes.  Suddenly forever seems a very long time...

I remembered so much of the book as I reread it- Jamie embroidering mushrooms onto jeans, the fondue party, Sharon and Ike smoking weed, Katherine's grandma sending her 'the package'... and of course, Ralph.  It was all so clear in my mind. I could even remember certain phrases word for word.  I don't think I could do that with some of the books I read in the last few weeks, but Forever, which I read over and over as a teen- it's somehow engrained in my mind.

The first time I read it I was thirteen, and an inexperienced thirteen at that.  I hadn't been kissed, let alone anything else, although I did know people in my year at school and the year above who were having sex.  I don't remember being shocked by the content though, even then- especially as Katherine and Michael are seventeen.  There was definitely an element of titillation though, and a wonder as to whether the sex scenes were accurate.  Reading this book as an adult is completely different to reading it as a teenager.

Things that struck me as I reread Forever-



The cover of the copy I now own

-I don't like Michael. I never did as a teen particularly, either.  I always felt he pressured Katherine and guilt tripped her when she didn't want to be intimate.  I still felt like that reading it now, but it made me more cross as an adult than it ever did in my teen years that as her boyfriend he felt he had the right to pressure her in that way.

-The sentences are generally short and simple, and the reading age is a lot younger than the content.  It's accessible, and can be read very quickly.  There's a lot of dialogue, but never much conversation.

-The fringe characters are really interesting, in many ways far more appealing than the protagonists.  They deserve their own books, Sybil and Artie in particular. I'd love to know what happened in their lives.

-It's about so much more than sex.  There's drugs, and teen pregnancy, and bereavement, and mental health issues.  For a book that's 178 pages, that's a lot to cover. 

-Judy Blume is so straightforward and to the point!  She's honest.  She also manages to educate through aspects of her plot (e.g. birth control) without coming across as preachy.

Do I think Forever would appeal to young people today as much as it did ten, twenty, thirty or forty years ago?  Possibly not.  The YA spectrum is so much more diverse now than it ever was then, and when you compare Blume's simplistic writing style to that of some of today's best-sellers such as John Green- it's world's apart. 

But there's still a place for Judy Blume, both on YA bookshelves and in my heart, because she tells stories that leave an impact and stay with you long after closing the book. 

And that will never, ever go out of style.

With thanks to Pan Macmillan, who sent me a new copy of Forever when I was appealing for anyone who may have my original copy to come forward.  If you happen to have the Pan Horizons issue shown above, with 'Kate loves Howard' written in the front, I would love to swap it for a new edition!


***

You're not too late to join in the Judy Blume readathon!  Find out more by visiting Keris Stainton's blog or following the hashtag #readalongralph.  The next book we're reading is Are You There God?  It's me, Margaret.

Judy Blume week is coming to Books with Bunny starting July 20th.

Caroline Storer, author of The Roman, talking about her hero... HARPER IMPULSE FORTNIGHT

Caroline Storer is today's guest on Books with Bunny as part of Harper Impulse fortnight!  She's talking about her hero and her book The Roman...



Caroline Storer

Firstly, thank you Kate for having me on your Blog.  I thought I would give a little background into how I came to choose the hero for my debut book – “The Roman”.   

 

I’ve always been fascinated by Roman history, which has been with me since childhood when we learnt all about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire at primary school.  Watching films such as Quo Vardis, Spartacus, The Ten Commandments and Ben Hur as a teenager cemented that love of all things “Roman”.  In recent years the mini-series Rome and Spartacus re-ignited that love. 

 

But if I have to pick one film that made an impact, then it would have to be The Gladiator; or more specifically General Maximus Decimus Meridius – a.k.a Russell Crowe in The Gladiator.  I’ve watched this film about 10 tens now and I’m still bowled over by his gorgeousness!  He is the typical alpha male Roman hero IMHO.  And it was Russell Crowe’s magnificent performance in that film that inspired my hero Marsallas in my debut book “The Roman”.  When I was writing Marsallas’s story I had a picture of Russell Crowe taped to the side of my PC.  A quick glance every now and again was all I needed to get back into Marsallas’s skin and write his story.  A tortured hero – lovely!

 

A bit about me:  I live on the beautiful (if slightly windy) island of Anglesey in North Wales.  I’m happily married to my own Alpha Hero, Colin, and have one step-son and grandson.  By day I’m an Environmental Health Officer for the local Council.  My work can be quite challenging to say the least, and no one day is the same.  I find escaping into a good book (either reading or writing one) a great way of relaxing once I’ve finished work. 

The Roman – Famous charioteer, Aulus Epidius Marsallas wants revenge against Justina Philipus - the only woman he’s ever loved, but who’d betrayed him by becoming his uncle’s mistress.  Forced to meet Marsallas for the first time in six years, Justina is shocked at the changes she sees in him.  Gone is the carefree youth she once loved, now replaced by a hard muscular stranger.  But there is no denying the attraction that still flows between them, and when his uncle dies, Marsallas offers sculptress Justina a challenge – a bronze stature of himself, and his four horse chariot, to be displayed at the Circus Maximus.  Justina knows that this commission is just what she needs to make a name for herself, and give her the freedom she covets, so she accepts Marsallas’s challenge.  However, Justina is unprepared when Marsallas states one further condition – she must become his mistress.  But Justina has a secret, she’s still a virgin, she just hasn’t told Marsallas yet...

Book Links

On Amazon.com - http://ow.ly/tPGTX 

On Amazon.co.uk - http://ow.ly/tPHfJ

On Barnes and Noble - http://ow.ly/tPHvY

On Kobo - http://ow.ly/tPI1N

Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Caroline_Storer_The_Roman_HarperImpulse_Historical?id=aR-hAgAAQBAJ

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/roman-harperimpulse-historical/id804712321?mt=11

 

You can also find me on my blog at - http://carolinestorer.blogspot.co.uk/

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/caroline.storer.50?ref=tn_tnmn

Twitter = https://twitter.com/CarolineStorer6

Thanks again, Kate for having me.  It’s been a blast!  Caroline x

 

Black Eyed Boy- Laura Huntley

The Blurb

Emily is fifteen. She feels like a ghost in her own home as her parents seem increasingly lost in their own worlds, and only has her best friend, Billy, for company.

Then Emily meets Dylan, the mysterious and gorgeous new stranger in town. With his unusual eyes and irresistible charm, she is soon smitten. But with Billy’s growing jealousy and a series of devastating family tragedies, can they last? Should they?

Dylan is hiding a powerful secret; a secret that could change Emily’s life forever.

The Review

I bought this book because I know the author- Laura runs my writing group (you can read more about that here ) and as I'm familiar with her writing style I knew this would be a good read.  I was less sure about whether the plot would appeal to me as although I knew it was a romance, Laura does love her dark twists and turns.  However, although Black Eyed Boy has a distinct gothic air and a feel of foreboding, the romantic in me was pleasantly surprised by just how driven by love the plot actually was.

It's a coming of age tale of that all consuming first love, and reading Emily's feelings towards Dylan took my right back to being a teen again.  However, this book definitely has a crossover appeal and isn't just for the young adult audience-it's fresh and original. 

Emily is fifteen and when she spots traveller Dylan she (along with all the other girls in town) is under his spell.  He's different and mysterious and before long Emily is choosing to spend time with Dylan rather than with her oldest friend Billy or even her terminally ill mother.  She is completely smitten with Dylan and nothing else seems significant.  Except for the raven who sits on her window ledge each evening...

Beautiful historic Whitby makes a dramatic backdrop for this love story with a difference and the exquisite descriptions of the town transported me straight to one of my favourite UK destinations.  In fact, I'd go as far as to say the seaside setting is as much a 'character' as typical teen Emily and gypsy Dylan. 

The difficult theme of bereavement is tackled bravely and with an honest sensitivity. I ran the full gauntlet of emotions reading Black Eyed Boy- it had a bit of everything, and a true Yorkshire flavour to boot.

A final note must be reserved for Emily's caring and insightful neighbour Mrs Bishop.  I loved her so much!  What a wonderful, warm periphery character and a reminder to all readers and writers of the importance of a varied cast to add depth to a novel. 

I'm so happy there's going to be more from these characters as a sequel is in the pipeline- please don't let it be too long a wait!

Black Eyed Boy is out now in ebook format, published by Crooked Cat.

So Much Closer- Susane Colasanti

The Blurb

Another contemporary thought-provoking romance from Susane Colasanti!

When Brooke discovers that the love of her life, Scott Abrams, is moving from their New Jersey suburb to New York City for senior year, she decides to follow him there. Living with her estranged father and adjusting to a whole new school are challenging--and things get even worse when she finds out that Scott already has a girlfriend. But as she learns to navigate the big city, she starts to discover a whole new side of herself, and realizes that sometimes love can find you even when you're not looking for it.

The Review

I remember seeing this title pop up on my Goodreads title and immediately falling in love with the cover- the New York theme resonated with me and I just had to find out more. The blurb appealed to the romantic in me and as a fan of Young Adult fiction I knew this was a book I had to read. 

As it's quite slender I thought I'd whizz through it, and for the first fifty pages or so I did.  Although the story requires an open mind (would it really be as simple for Brooke to follow Scott to New Jersey?  Probably not, even with the convenience of her father living there) I found the opening chapters engaging and enjoyed getting to know the characters.

However, after Brooke's initial arrival in New Jersey and the first scenes where she's reunited with Scott, I found there was a bit of a lull.  In fact, this lull was enough to cause me to put the book down and I started reading something else instead. It took me a while to pick it back up, and when I did it took a while to get interesting. I'll even admit I skimread a few sections, something I hate doing.

The character that interested me most was John, the pupil Brooke is assigned to help coach academically, and it was him that saved the book for me.  He's humorous and lively and vibrant- essentially everything I'd hoped this book would be. 

So Much Closer was a nice enough book, but the bar for YA fiction has been raised so high in recent years that I was left feeling a little bit flat, despite the promise it held.  I'd probably read another book by Susane Colasanti, but my expectations may not be as high after this.

Secrets, Schemes and Sewing Machines- Katy Cannon BLOG TOUR

I am absolutely delighted to be today's stop on Katy Cannon's blog tour for her new release Secrets, Schemes and Sewing Machines.  This was a lovely read, a fun romance aimed at the teen market, and I'm thrilled to be able to share my review today.

The Blurb

Secrets, Schemes and Sewing Machines is the companion novel to Katy Cannon's delicious teen read, Love, Lies and Lemon Pies. Grace had a plan for this year - and it didn't involve learning to sew. But when her world is turned upside down by a family secret, everything changes. Grace's family is in need of patching up and she's trying to focus on what really matters. But when new boy Connor appears on the scene, it doesn't make things any easier. She's desperate to prove to him that she's not a drama queen - but why is what Connor thinks so important?

Katy Cannon is a hot new voice in Young Adult fiction, writing contemporary romance that is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Louise Rennison.

The Review

Firstly, although Secrets, Schemes and Sewing Machines is marketed as a 'companion novel' and it's obvious throughout the book that events in Katy Cannon's previous release are being alluded to, it can definitely be enjoyed as a stand alone.  I'd not read Love, Lies and Lemon Pies (but I definitely will be!) and I didn't feel remotely short-changed or as though I was missing out on anything I needed to know to appreciate the story.

And the story- it was so sweet!  Katy Cannon has created a humorous, romantic story much like the ones I enjoyed as a teenager.  That's not to say it's in any way dated- it's fresh, contemporary and believable- but it is more a 'will they/won't they', with tensions and fall outs between the characters than some of the other releases out there right now.

Drama-mad protagonist Grace is having a tough time adjusting to changes at home.  She hasn't got the drive to work hard at anything at the moment, not even turning up at the auditions for the school production of Much Ado About Nothing.  But she wants that lead role and in a bid to win over her drama teacher, Grace offers to be the wardrobe manager for the production.  There's just one problem- she can't really sew. 

Grace sets about learning the skills she needs to pull this off, but infuriating-yet-gorgeous Connor is a distraction...plus, he knows she's doing this for her own gain not the good of the drama club.  What follows is a typical love/hate relationship, although I have to admit I was rooting for Grace and Connor from the start. Grace is stubborn and a bit of a princess at times, Connor can be a know-all and thinks he is better than everyone else. I liked that they had these minor flaws.  Neither of them are perfect and they can both be argumentative and at times unpleasant, but as the story progresses it becomes apparent that both characters are finding it hard to adapt to changes within their respective families.  They have more in common than they'd like to think...

This book brought back many happy memories of school drama productions and all the shenanigans that went with them.  I'm not the target audience by any means, but I found myself turning the pages and wanting to know what happened next with their families, the production and of course Grace and Connor's relationship. 

And as a bonus for anyone inspired to become a little bit more crafty (in the best possible way) there are sewing projects throughout the book.  From simple hearts to t-shirt dresses and aprons, if you have an inclination towards the creative, you will be in your element.

I'm sure Secrets, Schemes and Sewing Machines will appeal to readers in their early teens, especially fans of romance.  It is available now, just in time for Valentine's Day.

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

You can join in the fun on twitter using the hashtag #Grace4Connor

The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes- Anna McPartlin

The Blurb

Here is a truth that can’t be escaped: for Mia ‘Rabbit’ Hayes, life is coming to an end . . .

Rabbit Hayes loves her life, ordinary as it is, and the extraordinary people in it.

She loves her spirited daughter, Juliet; her colourful, unruly family; the only man in her big heart, Johnny Faye.

But it turns out the world has other plans for Rabbit, and she’s OK with that. Because she has plans for the world too, and only a handful of days left to make them happen.

Here is a truth that won’t be forgotten: this is a story about laughing through life’s surprises and finding the joy in every moment.  

The Review

I've not read any of Anna McPartlin's previous novels before, but have heard really positive things from other bloggers. However, The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes seems to have really catapulted Anna McPartlin to the next level- the novel has been selected as a Richard and Judy Bookclub choice, which has thrust this book to centre stage.  And I can see why.  It's perfect book group fodder with its delicate subject matter.

I must admit I was a bit worried before reading this one.  A book about a mother dying of cancer didn't sound the most uplifting, and as someone who lost a parent at a young age I wondered if Rabbit's daughter Juliet's story might hit a bit too close to home.  I needn't have worried.  I'm not going to say it wasn't touching, and emotive, and downright painful to read in places.  But Anna McPartlin walks the delicate line between humour and heartfelt like a tightrope walker carefully balancing on a high wire.  Just when it starts to get a bit maudlin there's a one liner which will bring a smile to your face, and as you think you're enjoying the romantic elements of the story or getting to know the characters in more depth- WHAM- you're thrown back into turmoil.  It's a cliché much used, but this is a rollercoaster ride of a tale.

One of the major themes in The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes is motherhood.  Rabbit doesn't want to die leaving her adolescent daughter.  She's angry about all the milestones she'll miss out on seeing.  And she worries about who'll be the best guardian for her only child when she's gone.  On the other hand we're shown motherhood through the eyes of Rabbit's own mother, a feisty, determined, potty-mouthed woman who refuses to believe there is no cure for her daughter.  It is a reminder that motherhood is a lifelong journey, one for which we cannot truly prepare.  This aspect of the book is probably the one which will stay with me the most, especially the out and out desperation and helplessness felt by both the mothers.

The flashbacks to Rabbit's happy youth helping out with sound engineering for her brother's band were welcome relief from the terminal illness story in the present day, and also serve to  give the reader a deeper insight into the characters and their backstory.  The young romance is tender and true, believable and relatable.

It had me hooked from the get-go.  Highly recommended.
With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a galley copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes is out now in paperback, published by Transworld.

In Bloom- Matthew Crow

I was sent a review copy of In Bloom a long time ago.  Probably over a year ago, in fact.  And although many bloggers who have similar taste in fiction to myself said they'd really loved Matthew Crow's novel, it had remained languishing on my bookcase waiting to be read.  Over the Christmas period I started boxing up my books ready to move house, and In Bloom caught my eye.  I started skimming the first few pages and before I knew it I'd finished the whole book!

So here are my thoughts on In Bloom...

The Blurb

A poignant and unexpectedly funny novel about Francis - one of the best and bravest teenage boy narrators since Adrian Mole. This is an emotionally honest story about wanting the very best from life, even when life shows you how very bad things can be.

Francis Wootton's first memory is of Kurt Cobain's death, and there have been other hardships closer to home since then. At fifteen years old he already knows all about loss and rejection - and to top it all off he has a permanently broke big brother, a grandma with selective memory (and very selective social graces) and a mum who's at best an acquired taste. Would-be poet, possible intellectual and definitely wasted in Tyne and Wear, Francis has grown used to figuring life out on his own.Lower Fifth is supposed to be his time, the start of an endless horizon towards whatever-comes-next. But when he is diagnosed with leukaemia that wide-open future suddenly narrows, and a whole new world of worry presents itself.There's the horror of being held back a year at school, the threat of imminent baldness, having to locate his best shirt in case a visiting princess or pop-star fancies him for a photo-op . . . But he hadn't reckoned on meeting Amber - fierce, tough, one-of-a-kind Amber - and finding a reason to tackle it all - the good, the bad and everything in between - head on. 

In Bloom is a bright, funny, painful and refreshing novel about wanting the very best from life, even when life shows you how very bad it can be. It is a novel about how to live.  

The Review

When I first heard about In Bloom, I was attracted to it's title.  I'm in my thirties (however much I try to deny it, I really am) and I loved Nirvana as a teen.  They were part of the soundtrack of my not-so-misspent youth.  On a personal level, I had an affinity to this one right away because it took me back to that fragile adolescent period.  Weirdly, I love books that remind me of the pain and trauma of puberty.  They remind me I can survive ANYTHING.

Plus the edition I have has the most sumptuous black, silver and blue cover.  Honestly, it's divine.

Francis, the protagonist, is dealing with everything all teenagers have to cope with- love, lust, self-confidence (or lack of)- but also has a diagnosis of leukaemia.  In Bloom follows Francis as he undergoes treatment.

There's a lot of potential for this sort of plot to be depressing, because let's face it, life-threatening illnesses aren't exactly cheery reading.  So it says a lot about the author (and their writing ability) when they manage to get the balance between humour, sensitivity and storytelling bang on.  Matthew Crow wasn't an author I was familiar with before-I'd never read anything else by him and wasn't sure what to expect- but he portrays the mother/son and sibling relationships in the most exquisite way.  As a mother myself, there were moments where the thumping pain deep within my chest threatened to break right through in empathy for both Francis and Amber's Mums.

And that's another thing.  The relationship between Francis and Amber will break your heart.  Just so you know.

There have been comparisons between this and John Green's The Fault in our Stars, and having read both I can see why.   But to bundle all books which share a genre together would be wrong, and if people are put off reading this by the cancer/teen romance aspect similarities then they're missing out on some wonderfully intuitive and touching British fiction.

By the time I reached the final page, I felt like I'd been through a mangle, but kind of in a good way.  If you read it, you'll know what I mean.

Tip Top Teen Reads- Ten Things we Shouldn't Have Done and Geek Girl

 

Ten Things We Shouldn't Have Done- Sarah Mlynowski

The Blurb
I was about to live a sixteen-year-old's dream.
House on the beach.
No parents.
Parties whenever we wanted.
Boys wherever we wanted.

April and her best friend, Vi, are living by themselves. Of course, April's parents don't know that. They think she's living with Vi and Vi's mum. But it's not April's fault that her dad decided to move away in the middle of high school. So who could blame her for a little white lie? Or the other nine things that April (probably) shouldn't have done that year...

The Review
I saw this book in Waterstone's and was immediately drawn in by the eye catching cover- simple, yet bold.  And when I read the blurb, I knew this would be a book I'd enjoy.

There is typical teen melodrama when April realises her family doesn't revolve just around her, and after a few well-told untruths she moves in with her best friend Vi.  They end up in a lot of scrapes- a hot tub, the obligatory teen parties, gaining a kitten being just some- and April realises that life as a grown up is not always all it's cracked up to be.  Throw in some boys just to make things that bit more messy and voila!  You'vre got Ten Things we Shouldn't Have Done.

This is a fun book with some serious messages, and reading it has definitely made me keen to seek out more by this author.  It's a YA book with enough bite for the haters who say 'but they're for teenagers!' when I tell them I'm reading this genre, and it is chock full of action and drama.  I read it over two days and loved every second of it.

The perfect read to drag me out of my reading slump- thanks Ms Mlynowski!



Geek Girl-Holly Smale

The Blurb
“My name is Harriet Manners, and I am a geek.”

Harriet Manners knows that a cat has 32 muscles in each ear, a “jiffy” lasts 1/100th of a second, and the average person laughs 15 times per day. She knows that bats always turn left when exiting a cave and that peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite.

But she doesn’t know why nobody at school seems to like her.

So when Harriet is spotted by a top model agent, she grabs the chance to reinvent herself. Even if it means stealing her best friend's dream, incurring the wrath of her arch enemy Alexa, and repeatedly humiliating herself in front of impossibly handsome model Nick. Even if it means lying to the people she loves.

Veering from one couture disaster to the next with the help of her overly enthusiastic father and her uber-geeky stalker, Toby, Harriet begins to realise that the world of fashion doesn't seem to like her any more than the real world did.

As her old life starts to fall apart, will Harriet be able to transform herself before she ruins everything?

The Review
Oh, I loved it.  I loved it, I loved it, I loved it.  Harriet as the most unlikely model, Nat as the disgruntled but ever supportive best friend, Toby as the out and out weirdo and of course Nick, the ultimate in hot boy... This was a perfect teen read.

I'd actually bought Geek Girl a while ago and put it to one side, now I am wondering why on earth I did that as I am desperate to move straight on to the second book in the series!  It is just so much FUN.  I loved the scene where Harriet is 'discovered' and her first photoshoot had me laughing out loud (I wouldn't be able to stand in ridiculously high heels, I can tell you that now.  And with snow in the mix too, I'd be on my way to A and E).

It's a bit like a Louise Rennison book in style, which is only a good thing if you're a teen book, right? And you certainly don't have to be a cool kid to relate to the characters, because they are just typical teenagers wandering around with insults graffitied on their bags, trying to fit in (or at least, not stand out).

If these books had been around when I was younger I'd have read them back to back over and over again.  Actually, who am I kidding?  I'll probably still do that now.  After all, books are for enjoying, and whilst I'm not the target market, I can honestly say I'm a fan of Holly Smale's after reading Geek Girl.

Upside Down- Lia Riley

Upside Down is a new adult novel by up and coming author Lia Riley.  I was grabbed by the promise of an all encompassing romance, and couldn't wait to devote an afternoon of reading to it.

I must admit that the opening didn't immediately grab me.  As with all novels there was all the character development, and it focussed on Talia's insecurities, her OCD and how she was coping with the death of her seemingly perfect older sister Pippa.  It all seemed a bit more serious than I'd been expecting.

However, that changes when Talia runs away to Australia and meets Bran Lockhart, a mysterious hunk with a playboy reputation.  They might not appear to be a match, but they open up to each other, sharing their thoughts and their fears.  Bran's perceptive nature counteracts Talia's insecurities and before long they are dependant on each other. 

It isn't all plain sailing.  There are bumps in the road, particularly when it transpires that maybe Bran hasn't been entirely honest when sharing his life story.  But I took this couple into my heart, and after the turmoil they experienced, they deserved it.

I fell a little bit in love with surferboy Bran.  He's not perfect, not by a long chalk, but there is something about him which lured me in.  He's the playboy every woman believes she can tame.  And yes, he can be a total idiot at times, and thoughtless, and self-obsessed, but he truly cares for Talia.  He sees her for what she is, and loves her as she is.  And that is why this works.  The characters are not airbrushed to perfection, they have the flaws and quirks that are within us all, which gives them relatability (is that a word?  If not it should be).

Lia Riley has written a corker of a debut here, and fans of the genre will be lapping this up.  Humorous and heartfelt, Upside Down is a winner in my book.

Upside Down is out now.

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a galley copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Eleanor and Park- Rainbow Rowell RAINBOW ROWELL WEEK

I reviewed Eleanor and Park for the blog last year (read my review here) but I wanted to write a post talking about exactly why this book is so amazing.

It is all about

 

 

and romance, and the power of the mix tape.



Because it is set in the

 

 

 these mixtapes contain the musical magic of bands like

 

 

which let's face it is pretty darn amazing.

 

There's a great big dollop of

 

 

 

and amazing quotes like this...

 



 

 

and this...

 

 

and this...

 

 

which will make you laugh, and cry, and FEEL.

 

Totally adorable, right?

 

By the end of it you'll be like-

 

 

 

and

 

 

You'll love Eleanor and Park as much as they love each other.  And THAT is why it is one of my most favourite books in the whole wide world.

 

 

Don't let the YA audience keep this one for themselves.  Because love is timeless, and love stories as beautiful as this don't come around that often.

The Fault in Our Stars- John Green

 

I am about a year behind the majority of book bloggers.  Everyone else read John Green's book way back when, long before the film brought the additional hype to The Fault in our Stars.  I bought this book late last year, but was scared that I wouldn't be emotionally strong enough to cope with the harrowing storyline.  For anyone who has been living under a rock, The Fault in Our Stars is a book about cancer.  And as if that didn't have the potential to be upsetting enough, it is about cancer in teenagers.  Sounds like a depressing read, right?

Well actually, wrong.  It is uplifting, and tender, and thought provoking.  It is heart felt, and honest, and unashamedly geeky.  It is insightful, and genuine, and humorous.  And most of all, it is romantic.  Boy, is it romantic.  Hazel and Augustus have such a mature, intense relationship, probably because of their experiences of cancer, yet they are defined by so much more than that.  Their love transcends all that is horrific about cancer and as a reader I was swept away by them as individuals and their potential as a couple.  That their relationship was ultimately a ticking time bomb waiting to explode was neither here nor there- they were just two ordinary teenagers utterly smitten with each other.  It is beautiful to read.

Although Hazel and Augustus are the protagonists, there is a wealth of peripheral characters adding to the depth of the novel.  Hazel's father almost broke my heart on a number of occasions with his thoughtful actions. 

There are elements of this book that are similar to other popular culture success stories- the overbearing first love of Love Story, the teen angst of The Perks of Being A Wallflower , the introspective navel-gazing of Dawson's Creek.  Yet there is undeniable beauty in The Fault in Our Stars.  It is painful, and beautiful, and worthy of all the acclaim.

There are also some terrifically quotable lines in this book, my own personal favourite being 'it would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you'.  How Morrissey-esque is that?  And I love Morrissey.

If you haven't read this book yet, do yourself a favour and read it now.  You can thank me later.  Through your tears.

The Fault in our Stars is out now.

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares- Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

 

Dash is browsing in his favourite book shop when he finds a red Moleskine notebook nestled in amongst the Salingers.  As he opens the book he is faced with challenges and questions, and here starts a relationship which is part penpal / part confidante.  Lily, the elusive owner of the notebook, fills Dash's thoughts and he can't help but wonder if they would be friends (or more) were they to actually meet.

As a dual narrative text with both Dash and Lily taking the lead in equal measure.  This allows the reader to gain an overview, an almost voyeuristic overview, of events. 

Set over ten December days in New York City, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares has a festive, wintery feel, but don't let that put you off reading it at another time of year.  Although the plot is quirky and interesting, I felt it was very much a character driven story.  I loved that Dash and Lily were both a bit kooky, unashamedly 'bookish' and that even the minor characters were an eclectic mix of eccentrics, 'outcasts' and non-conformists. 

The city of New York is almost a third protagonist, vividly painted in all its majestic glory.  As Dash and Lily visit an array of tourist attractions it gave me pangs, filling me with a longing to return to the Big Apple. 

The only disappointment for me was the abrupt ending.  I was still hooked and then....it was over.  I didn't feel there was a complete resolution, and whilst it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book, I would have been happier for a more concrete conclusion.

I had read some of David Levithan's work before, but never anything by Rachel Cohn.  I'll definitely be reading more by both these authors.  They have a voice which reaches out to the reader, and I imagine it would particularly resonate with the target teen market.

7.5/10 (would have been more but for the disappointing end!)

The Duff- Kody Keplinger

 

The Duff was recommended to me by my friend Anne.  She is a YA librarian in New York City and I know I can trust her judgment.  She said that The Duff would be something I'd enjoy, and because I value her opinion I bought it without knowing anything about it.  I read it in one greedy sitting, becoming totally immersed in it.

 

Bianca is The Duff- Designated Ugly Fat Friend- in her friendship group.  At least, that is what Wesley says.  She's already been hurt by her ex boyfriend and her crush on Toby, the political activist, is unrequited.   When her family face a crisis Bianca seeks solace in the most unexpected place...Can she overcome her feelings of worthlessness? And will she ever find a boy she can trust who believes she is special and not just the Duff?

 

When I read the blurb I was worried it might be a bit too close to home for me.  I have always felt inadequate, always been overweight, never been happy with my appearance.  The angst of those feelings during my teens is something I would rather forget than relive, so I wasn't sure if The Duff would be for me.  But Anne had recommended it, so I settled down to read a chapter or two...and then the next thing I knew I had finished it!

 

I could completely relate to Bianca.  She never seems sure of what she wants, doubts her own choices and wants to be a little bit selfish yet worries about how she will be perceived by others.  As a character she is 'real'-she has flaws, she knows she doesn't always make the right choices, but mostly she is just a girl trying to find her way in life.

 

Wesley and Toby were total opposites-it is like comparing Arnie in Terminator with Colin Firth at his most bumbling.  Yet as characters they were really well developed, sometime leaning towards the stereotypes of the playboy and geek respectively, but there are definitely boys like these in every school the world over. 

 

I don't want to give the plot away, but there were times I laughed, times where I wanted to cry and one moment where I almost punched the air in delight!  Whilst this is a YA book, it appealed to me as a thirty-something woman, and I am sure that there are many people within my age bracket that would enjoy The Duff.

 

As a complete aside, that Kody Keplinger wrote this at age 17- I am envious and in awe in equal measure.  I will definitely be looking out for her other books.

 

8.5/10