Although the whole book does have an overall sadness to it, Eleanor Moran still captures warmth and happiness, and portrays it with the correct balance between good and bad times. This book is based around two friends at university, the ups and downs of their relationship and the adventures they share together. Unfortunately they lose touch and now one of them has died. Throughout the book their friendship is slowly unravelled and snippets of their time together is revealed, understanding the dynamics of the relationship as the book progresses. There is also a love story developing, yet it is not predictable as to what will happen.
This is a book that grips you right from the start - you want to read on to understand and get to know the characters better. It portrays the intense friendship of the main characters very well, understanding how they view each other. A very cleverly written book.
Overall rating: 8/10 - straight from the beginning you want to read on. The characters friendship is complicated - yet I am sure we can all relate to having a friend like this. A heart-warming ending, although you do feel it is slightly morally wrong. Ideal for those who enjoy a book that the story slowly unravels and for those who like a good old romance. Maybe not the best for those looking for a really upbeat and happy holiday!
This book follows the story of a mum struggling to cope, stuck at home looking after two children. Sadie just wants to feel alive and to be loved again - to be more than just a housewife. It captures very well the thoughts and feelings of the main character and almost justifies her playing away and having an affair. A well written story as you should not agree with what she is doing, yet you can tell she is desperate and you feel sorry for her.
As the story develops, Sadie gets herself in caught up in the world of having fun and you see a personality shift to someone who is much happier and more confident. The ending brings around questions about morals, but she does make the right decision.
Overall rating: 7/10 - I was a little unsure about the lack of an exciting plot, yet with this book you get so caught up in the characters world, you do not miss a strong story. I would recommend to those who want an emotional book, one that's slightly different to the norm, and one that truly captures a mid-life crisis. Good for someone who feels they are also struggling with bringing up young children as it shows that no mum is perfect.
A lovely insight into the glamorous world of Hollywood! This book is based around the making of a blockbuster that was set in The Great War, so it definitely has more depth than the average holiday read. I found that both the modern day story and the snippets of the past were very gripping encouraging you to read on. As this book is based on a movie set, you feel you are there and you can really lose yourself in the setting.
As you continue to read you can feel a love story developing, however it is not obvious how it will end so you are constantly speculating. The main character Ella is a loveable, naïve make-up artist who is easily persuaded. You almost want to stand up and protect her as you really feel her vulnerability come through. A great ending, unpredictable and not too cheesy!
Overall rating: 7/10 - a slightly slow beginning, it took a few chapters to get stuck into it. Once the story got going you couldn't put it down! The twist with the War story (which is rather romantic in itself) brings an extra dimension which was needed in this book. Recommend for those interested in the glamorous lifestyle of Hollywood and what it's really like to be a famous movie star! Those holidaying in France may enjoy this too as it captures the heart of a French City and also those who like a book where 2 stories intertwine.
Having read Adele Parks' books before I had high expectations, and I am pleased that this book did not disappoint! A lovely story about adult life, making friends, coping through tough times and enjoying the good times. The characters in this book are very well defined, getting a real feel for each one. You really connect with the characters leaving you feeling sorry for a few of them - one suffering from Alzheimer's, one trying for a baby - and hope they get the happy ending they deserve. This book made me cry, smile and surprised me in places.
Chapters are set as months so a lot happens in this book over a year or two. You get a lot of insight into the main character Eloise's life and how kind and generous she is to her family and friends. The book is not set around one grand ending so it's hard to predict what will happen which makes it even more gripping.
Overall rating: 8/10 - A very well written, complex book. The characters stand out and emotion overcomes you. An unexpected ending and the way the book flows adds to the enjoyment of the read. I would recommend to those who like more depth to characters, with more emotions and a real insight into their lives. This book does have a happy ending, however, there is an on-going sadness throughout the book, so definitely not the traditional chick-lit. Someone who is on a boating holiday or on a country-side retreat will enjoy reading about similar scenery.
Straight from the first page you can tell this book will be a fun, girly, chick-lit with a lot of fashion talk! The story is about a personal shopper trying to balance motherhood with work, when a new challenge crops up. Each chapter starts off with a description of one of the characters outfits which gives this book the unique factor.
The main character Annie is lots of fun and full of energy and very loveable. The book is set in Ireland then New York, and Carmen Reid really captures the spirit of New York. It is a book that makes you want to read on, it gives you a good insight into the fashion world and how determination really does pay off! Not too predictable either, the book throws a few surprises along the way.
Overall rating: 8/10 - A more typical holiday read - gripping, fun, girly and thrilling. The plot is not too cheesy, a variety of characters makes it interesting and more exciting to read. I would recommend to fashion followers who love chick-lits and anyone who has been to New York or wants to go it really gets you excited about the city.
A lovely tale of three friends who get together and catch up whilst holidaying in France. A more mature story than the normal chick flick, however it still draws you in and makes you want to read on. A lot of the story is set on a farm which makes it different and you can really imagine the characters on holiday together enjoying themselves.
The lead character Hannah and her two friends are all going through issues you can relate to, so it's easy to follow this book. The situation is based around something that you may have come across in the past and it's interesting to see what path the story takes. A good but not too predictable ending which leaves you with an overall happiness.
Overall rating: 7/10 - A good plot, different to the average chick-lit. You want to read on to find out how the situation is dealt with how the story will end. I would recommend to those who like a more mature book (characters are mid-thirties with families) and nothing too cheesy. It would also appeal to those travelling to France, a country home or someone who likes a more chilled out book.
A very cleverly written book in the sense that you really want the main character Tess to end up with the right guy and not pick wrong one! The way it is written portrays one character as less endearing as the other, so you are rooting for the happy ending (which luckily does happen).
An easy read, however, it does not draw you in as much as other books I have read. For me personally it is based on an unrealistic storyline which always frustrates me in a book. A "wish" is granted and Tess' previous relationship is wiped away allowing her to start again. You almost can't relate to the book from the beginning due to this ridiculous plot.
Overall Rating: 6/10 - Ruined by the silly plot, but an easy read and nice romantic ending which is always heart-warming. I would recommend to those who like books that make you feel connected to the characters and happy endings. Would be a good book for anyone trying to get over an ex-boyfriend too!
