Tuesday 29 October 2013

The Wish List by Jane Costello



The Blurb:
There are six months left of Emma Reiss's twenties...and she has some unfinished business. Emma and her friends are about to turn thirty, and for Emma it's a defining moment. Defined, that is, by her having achieved none of the things she'd imagined she would. Her career is all wrong, her love life is a desert and that penthouse apartment she pictured herself in simply never materialised. Moreover, she's never jumped out of a plane, hasn't met the man she's going to marry, has never slept under the stars, or snogged anyone famous - just some of the aspirations on a list she and her friends compiled fifteen years ago. As an endless round of birthday parties sees Emma hurtle towards her own thirtieth, she sets about addressing these issues. But, as she discovers with hilarious consequences, some of them are trickier to tick off than she'd thought…
 
My Review:
A book all about the concept of someone turning 30 and the things to do before their birthday - perfectly apt for me so thought I had to read it. The story took a while to get going, but once you got into the plot it developed quickly. There was an underlying love story which develops throughout the book. This to me made the book more exciting and interesting to see where it was going.
 
The ideas that the main character Emma had and achieved were not unrealistic. A story like this had the potential to go overboard with ideas but Jane Costello got the balance just right. It showed the struggle of trying to achieve a list like this, yet at the same time it showed how much fun something could be when you put your mind to it!
 
Overall rating: 7/10 - You kind of knew what was going to happen in this book based on the concept. However, it is still a fun-packed book with romance, tears and friendship. Definitely for those who (like me) will be turning a big milestone age - it made me think about what I would want to achieve before my 30th. Great for anyone wanting a light-hearted happy book. A fantastic read for a holiday with friends as it would inspire you to discuss your wish list with them and have a giggle about it! 

Thursday 10 October 2013

Jenna's Journey by Julie Ryan


The Blurb:
When Jenna decides on a whim to go to Greece, she's trying to escape her failing marriage. Will Greg let her go so easily though? Can she make a new future for herself and how did she get involved in an antiques smuggling ring? Is fellow holidaymaker Tom all he seems and will it be happy ever after with Nikos? It's not until twenty-five years later that some of the questions are finally answered.

My Review:
A rather interesting and action-packed story! A different concept of a book with an alternative ending just when you thought you had reached the end. Definitely full of twists and unexpected events, which makes it a great read. In places the high number of characters can make it confusing - but stick with it and you soon get back on track with what's happening.

The book is mainly set in Greece and it definitely captures the Greek way of living, pictures the scene well and makes you want to visit! Unlike many books, the Greek characters seem authentically Greek and you can really imagine such people exist! As so much happens in this book there is never a dull moment and its very unpredictable as to what will happen.

Overall rating: 7/10 - Parts can be confusing but if you concentrate it all makes sense in the end! A lot to take in - I found myself needing to flick back and double check to see what had happened in previous pages. It was though an action-packed read, never leaving you bored and made you want to read on. I would recommend to those who like a more complicated action based book which is quite unusually written. One who wants a book you can lose yourself in and imagine being in a place where you would love to visit. Great whilst on holiday in a real hot country or definitely one to read on a plane to a hot destination!