SKELETONS by JANE FALLON

SKELETONS

BY JANE FALLON

THE BLURB:-

Jen has discovered a secret. It's not hers to share, but is it hers to keep?

If she tells her husband Jason, he might get over the shock, but will he forgive her for telling the truth? She might drive a wedge through their marriage.

If she tells someone else in Jason's family- the family she's come to love more than her own- she'd not only tear them apart but could also find herself on the outside: she's never really been one of them, after all.

But is she keeps this dirty little secret to herself, how long can she pretend nothing is wrong? How long can she live a lie?

Jen knows the truth- but is she ready for the consequences?

THE REALITY:-

As someone who didn't come from a large, or close-knit, family, I can really empathise with the character of Jen, latching on to her “perfect” in-laws. As a child, I used to love hanging out with large families and enjoyed the hustle and bustle as three (or more!) generations got together and had some fun. Sometimes, I even used to fantasize that I was one of them, until a sharp or misplaced comment brought me thundering back to reality. Sad, I know, but there were only three of us in my family, and some of us had......issues.

When Jen discovers that all is not as rosy as it would appear, she is faced with a huge dilemma, and a period of self-discovery. I cannot help but like Jen. She is someone who really does seem to do her best, even in a difficult situation.

The Mastersons? I would like to kick them all in the collective cunt; from lascivious Charles, to doormat Amelia, attention-seeking Jessie, turncoat Poppy (who trashes her friendship with Jen, like it's nothing) and pathetic Jason (who trashes his marriage to Jen, like it's nothing). They are a hypocritical bunch, seemingly behaving like blood and blood ties are the only thing that matter, then cold-shouldering Cass, who is understandably put out at having had to settle for second best all of her life.

Good for Jen, for blowing the lid on this pathetic bunch. And good for Cass for likewise doing the same. Such a shame that Jason's too spineless to think for himself, and can only operate as part of a family firm. Jen is better off without a man who doesn't love her enough to at least even try to save a twenty-two year relationship.

This book is worth a read (as you can see, it evoked some strong feelings within me!) Written with a sometimes tongue-in-cheek humour, it is funny in places, with some well described, brilliant characters.

The appearance of Betty at the end was a nice touch (that shows how reality sometimes has a way of sneaking into life!) And I'm glad Jen worked things out with her new man, her mother, her father and with life in general.

Buy it- you will not be disappointed!

THE REJECT'S CLUB (PAPERBACK).

My first novel is now available to buy in paperback.

Enjoy!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rejects-Club-Elaine-Rockett/dp/1500563366/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1406469543&sr=8-1&keywords=the+rejects+club

ME BEFORE YOU by JOJO MOYES

ME BEFORE YOU

BY JOJO MOYES

THE BLURB:-

Lou Clark knows lots of things.

She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou Doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorbike accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now, and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his life in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change each other for all time.

THE REALITY:-

This is a real tearjerker. Girls, do not read this if a) you are feeling a bit down or b) you have PMT, as you will end up crying buckets.

This is one of those romantic stories that makes you stop and think, and you get an immensely strong feel for the sheer hopelessness of the situation. It does make you question whether some people would be better off dead, as their quality of life is so poor- and if so, should they be allowed to end their lives with dignity?

The writer has not shirked away from the realities of life for someone who is quadriplegic; how even the most basic tasks are impossible to complete unaided, the daily medications, the constant problems with severe pain, muscle spasms and the ongoing threat of infection. You learn very quickly that being in this severely reduced state is not just about sitting in a wheelchair with no feeling in the body. She also describes how super-active Will was before his accident and how bloody unfair life can be.

Set against a lovely castle backdrop, there is a big social contrast between well-off Will and his family and (former) friends and working class Lou. Lou, who is a riot of colour, and her family really cheer the novel up, otherwise it might have become just too depressing.

Brutal in its honesty, this is a very unusual romantic tale that everyone should read.  And those of us that are in good health should be so grateful that we are so blessed.

MY LAST DUCHESS by DAISY GOODWIN

MY LAST DUCHESS

BY DAISY GOODWIN

THE BLURB:-

Cora Cash, possibly the wealthiest heiress in 1890s America, has been raised to believe that money will open every door to her.

But when her mother whisks her to England to secure her an aristocratic match, Cora is dismayed by the welcome she at first receives. The great houses in which she is entertained are frosty and forbidding, dogged with intrigue above stairs, and gossip below. And it is only when she loses her heart- to a man she barely knows- that Cora realises the game she is playing is one she does not fully understand, and that her own happiness could be the prize.

THE REALITY:-

Okay, I know I said I wouldn't be doing as much reading or reviewing, but I'm not in a position to be a full time writer yet (although that day will come) and need something to read on the bus/ train to work!

Fans of Downton Abbey will love this one. In fact, if the book hadn't been published in 2010- the same time as Downton's first appearance on our screens- I would say that it was inspired by it (even our heroine is called Cora!) Set in 1893, it flits between Rhode Island, London and a beautiful country estate in Dorset.

This is a great upstairs/ downstairs comparison between the upper and lower classes and also highlights the differences between American (new money) etiquette and English (old money) ways. We also get to see how a mixed race relationship would be treated in the nineteenth century- badly in the USA, where slavery was, no doubt, fresh in people's minds, and with a bit less prejudice in England.

It's great to see our heroine marry for love, after she and her duke meet in a quite romantic way, and interesting to note that, despite holding a warm place in his heart, she cannot control him. Women did not rule the roost in that day and age. The sheer ridiculousness of some of society's expectations, and also some of the characters made me laugh out loud- especially Cora's mother and her mother-in-law, the “Double Duchess”.

There is a good “secret” thread running throughout the storyline, but my one criticism would be that the strange and possibly kinky relationship between Charlotte and her odious husband was not explored enough. Now that would have been really interesting...

Nothing to set the literary world alight, but a good read, nonetheless.