LUCY SULLIVAN IS GETTING MARRIED by MARIAN KEYES

LUCY SULLIVAN IS GETTING MARRIED

BY MARIAN KEYES

THE BLURB:-

...Or is she? Lucy doesn't even have a boyfriend (to be honest, Lucy isn't that lucky in love). But Mrs. Nolan has read her tarot cards and predicted that Lucy will be walking up the aisle within the year.

Lucy's flatmates are appalled at the news. If Lucy leaves it could disrupt their lovely lifestyle of eating takeaways, drinking too much wine, bringing men home and never hoovering. But Lucy reassures them that she's far too bust arguing with her mother and taking care of her irresponsible father to even think about getting married.

And then there's the small matter of no boyfriend. But then Lucy meets Gus, gorgeous unreliable Gus, and she starts to wonder- could he be the future Mr. Lucy Sullivan? Or could it be Chuck, the handsome American? Or Daniel, the world's biggest flirt? Or even cute Jed, the new boy at work?

Will Lucy find her soulmate? Read this book if you want to laugh, cry and do no work for a week.

THE REALITY:-

I picked this book up in a charity shop, purely because I remember the TV series from the late 1990s/ early 2000s. It was on late at night and I thought it was charming. It starred Letitia Dean, at the time one of my favourite actresses from Eastenders and Sarah Stockbridge, model and muse of the best fashion designer in the world, Vivienne Westwood.

I should have known better than to bother reading the book. It's “chick lit”... yuk, yuk, yuk, BIG yuk.

This is really not my genre. I have never been a girls' girl and have always been a bit of a geezerbird. I cannot stand the cliquey, girly, gossipy, bitchy “all girls together” mentality, and I find it extremely hard to tolerate female insecurities, jealousy and bitchiness.  Okay, I'm not perfect myself, and have been known to behave like these unlikeable cows from time to time.  But if you lay down with dogs then you get fleas.  I have never lived with a gaggle of women (heaven forbid) and don't get obsessed with dating, dieting and shopping. I've never really dated (more “hooked up”) refuse to diet as I'm an ex-bulimic and know where that can lead, and hate shopping with a passion.

There is nothing wrong with this book- Marian Keyes is an acclaimed author, and I can see why. At 740 pages long, I did speed read some sections, but also found some parts endearing. I found the chapters dealing with Lucy's dad really moving, and they hit a raw nerve as I was brought up with alcoholism in the family. And I'm so glad Lucy found her balls and stood up the the user that was Gus and her bully of a flatmate, Karen.

This is a well-written book if you like this sort of thing- unfortunately, I don't.

MY BEST FRIEND'S GIRL by DOROTHY KOOMSON

MY BEST FRIEND'S GIRL

BY DOROTHY KOOMSON

THE BLURB:-

Best friends Kamryn Matika and Adele Brannon thought nothing could come between them- until Adele did the unthinkable and slept with Kamryn's fiancé Nate. Worse still, she got pregnant and had his child. When Kamryn discovered the truth about their betrayal she vowed never to see any of them ever again.

Years later, Kamryn receives a letter from Adele asking her to visit her in hospital. Adele is dying and asks Adele to adopt her daughter Tegan. With a great job and a hectic social life, the last thing Kamryn needs is a five-year-old to disrupt things. Especially not one who reminds her of Nate. But with no one else to take care of Tegan and Adele fading fast, does she have any other choice? So begins a difficult journey that leads Kamryn towards forgiveness, love, responsibility and, ultimately, a better understanding of herself.

THE REALITY:-

This will have you crying intermittently throughout. We've all been hurt and betrayed- and sometimes that action comes as a complete and utter shock, as it does to our Kamryn. But there is more to it than meets the eye, and this novel deals with the reasons behind the infidelity as much as the infidelity itself. The emotions Kamryn has to deal with regarding Adele- her once-best-friend, who is dying, come across in a blur of pain. This character should probably have got to the bottom of her issues with her fiancé, Nate, and Adele a long time ago, for her own sanity.

There are some very real characters in this book, the most awful being Adele's father and stepmother. It makes you question how their abuse towards both Adele and Tegan could go unnoticed in this day and age. It's quite fun watching Kamryn transcend from being a party girl to a mummy, and also a career woman to someone whose work plays second fiddle to her daughter, and it's also interesting looking at her difficult relationship with her new boss, how she deals with it, and how things develop between them.

The fact that Kamryn is a black woman who is trying to adopt a white child is not dealt with in depth, and that's good- I wouldn't have wanted racial differences to become an important part of this book as they don't seem highly relevant to me, whereas Kamryn's love for Tegan is. The story moves towards its conclusion with Nate and Kamryn having the talk that should have occurred WAY back, and dealing with the fall-out. And you are made to face up to facts- that some things can't be repaired, and perhaps weren't meant to be.

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL...

I like my bling!  Very much so, and I always have.  So (as requested by some) I thought I'd share a couple of my favourites with you.

  This is Charlie the Chocolate Magic Monkey modelling.  In the absence of one of those head thigummybobs you get in clothing and accessory shops, I decided to utilise him.  I didn't go as far as to pierce his ears though- I don't want the RSPCSA (Royal Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Stuffed Animals) arresting me.

This lovely necklace cost me £1.50 in a junk shop in Bognor Regis.  Seriously, people have no idea what they're throwing/ giving away.  The man who ran the place could probably have fetched ten times that had he taken it down to an antiques fair.

I think the earrings I bought to go with it were £4.50 in the Debenhams sale.  They're by Matthew Williamson.

This stunning, ecclesiastical piece did come from an antiques fair, at Alexandra Palace, and was a present (but he let slip that it cost him £15!)  I've had it for years and it always receives compliments.  

This one is from a charity shop.  The central stone fell out and got lost, so I simply gouged a contrasting pink stone from an old, unused piece of jewellery, applied the Araldite and voila!

The necklace was a charity shop present, and when I saw these earrings in the New Look sale, for only £1.50, I had to have them as they go with it nicely (if not perfectly).

This necklace and earring set is my current favourite (I am wearing it on my blog photo).  The set cost me £7 reduced from either £25 or £28 in the Debenhams sale, and was some find! It has already lost one strand of diamanté, but for that price, I can live with it.

My friend has suggested that I show stuff like this in "real time" and display current bargains, so that everyone who reads my blog can take advantage of them.  A kind of SuperSavvy Me. 

 You know, I might just start doing that!!!!  

A WEEK IN PARIS by RACHEL HORE...

A WEEK IN PARIS

BY RACHEL HORE

THE BLURB:-

The streets of Paris hide a dark past...

September, 1937. Kitty Travers enrols at the Conservatoire on the banks of the Seine to pursue her dream of becoming a concert pianist. But then war breaks out and the city of light falls into shadow.

Nearly twenty-five years later, Fay Knox, a talented young violinist, visits Paris on tour with her orchestra. She barely knows the city, so why does it feel so familiar? Soon touches of memory become something stronger, and she realises her connection with these streets runs deeper than she ever expected.

As Fay traces the past, with only an address in an old rucksack to help her, she discovers dark secrets hidden years ago, secrets that question who she is and where she belongs...

THE REALITY:-

It's really hard to find fault with this novel, as it drew me in and kept me there until the very end, eager to turn the pages as it reached its conclusion. And that's exactly what a story should do. This was not the first Rachel Hore book I've read, and whilst not as personally appealing as A Place of Secrets, this one certainly worked for me.

World War II was a harrowing time for so many millions of people, and it's the tales of individual strife that interest me the most- we all know and understand the basics, but it's the personal stories that matter supremely. There were so many layers to lives during wartime. Kitty's life in Paris under German occupation, her husband's work and death, her subsequent arrest and transportation to Vittel and harrowing mission to be reunited with her little girl were moving in the extreme. You rooted for her all the way! This was all brought to life by interesting perspectives from characters such as Natalie/ Therese (you feel for her whilst wanting to wallop her, all at the same time!) the other Parisian nuns, Serge and likeable, tragic figures like Mr. Zipper. The writer has certainly done her WW II research.

Rachel Hore uses a career within an orchestra as a backdrop for both Kitty and her daughter Fay. She did this in The Glass Painter's Daughter, so it makes me wonder if she has personal experience in this field herself? I did question whether it was believable that Fay would simply not be able to recall the first four years of her life, as happens here. I know childhood memories are fragmented at that age, but to remember NOTHING? But then maybe trauma does strange things to some people.

I loved the spooky deja vu from Fay that opened the novel and made me want to read more. Compelling reading!

ALL THAT GLITTERS ALSO DRAWS BLOOD...

These shoes were too gorgeous for words, and at £9.50 from Ebay, they just had to be mine.  I do think they're probably more pink than purple, although that's not immediately obvious from these photos (light can do strange things to colours in photography), or at least fuchsia.  They have ripped my big toe apart!  Had to peel a bright red plaster off my foot on Saturday night, but hopefully they're broken in now.

These red sparkly sandals were £6 from Ebay and are also painful, so will have to wear them around the house for a while, unless I want crucified feet.

I bought them to replace the red sequin Dorothy shoes (which are falling to pieces) below.  The Wizard of Oz was my favourite film as a child and I just couldn't resist them.  They cost me a  fiver, a few years back and came from a "here today, gone tomorrow" shop in Ilford.

I got the box home to realise that they had sold me two left feet, though!  I didn't need to wear them that night, so saw the funny side, and thankfully the shop existed long enough for me to go back and swap the rogue shoe!

BEAUTIFUL FAKE FUR COAT...

Bought this lovely cuddly coat from Quiz Clothing recently.  I already own a white and a leopard print fake fur but they are short, so this will keep me warmer.  The cut is fantastic, nicely shaped and it skims my curves without being clingy.  This is important as faux fur can make you look a bit of a fat buffer (mind you, I am that already, much that I care).





I would offer my services to Quiz Clothing as a designer as they are my favourite brand:- sexy, feminine, unsubtle and blingy!  But I believe that their head office is in Scotland, and that's a bit too long a commute for me!

THE FRAUD by BARBARA EWING

THE FRAUD

BY BARBARA EWING

THE BLURB:-

1763. As candles flicker in the falling dust along Pall Mall, Filipo de Vecellio, fêted portrait painter from Florence, and his beautiful wife Angelica entertain the cream of London's art world in their fashionable home, with Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough among the guests, and William Hogarth a disapproving observer.

Little is known of Filipo's past or his family- except in the shadows sits his sister, Francesca, who watches, and listens, and waits.

For beneath the opulence and success, the house conceals a swarm of dangerous secrets, corruption and lies. Filipo's ambition has meant numerous, terrible sacrifices for Francesca but he is not the only painter, nor the only one capable of fraud. And as the great wild city of trade and business expands its grasping, avid tentacles, a climax erupts involving love and passion- and the quiet sister who has waited so long...

THE REALITY:-

Art- tick- I studied art before studying fashion, and still hold a very big interest. London- tick- the city of my birth and residence, and the place I feel truly at home. History- tick- I always wished I had continued studying history after the third year at school as I love it, but the teacher I had at the time, in his mismatched outfits, bored me to death going over the Reformation time and time again, so I dropped it. Mystique, lies and corruption- tick- this book sounded like it ticked most of my boxes!

It didn't, however, do that much for me. It was so put-down-able that I actually managed to read another novel half way through this book, and then come back to it! Although I was able to pick up the thread very easily, I frequently speed-read parts, skimming through page after page, like an errant student, in the places where the story dragged (there were a lot of them). And I guess that was the problem- the book was just too damn long winded.

The characters and setting were believable, the style of writing original and enchanting and the writer has certainly done her art and history homework. I loved the parts where Grace/ Francesca spoke in the first person, and the fact that a change of font differentiated between her words and the main body of the story. I also felt emotionally connected to her, liked her immorality, felt for her frustration, and sometimes wanted to get into the novel and shake her, to try and force her to stand up for herself. But I suppose her slyness was the whole basis for the story, and I'm glad she kind of got a happy ending. I would certainly give this author another go, but perhaps with trepidation.

SPARKLY EMERALD SANDALS...

These cost me £13 from Ebay.  They are ex-display shoes from a fancy dress shop.

Fancy dress?  My dress is always fancy!!!!

The brand is called Funtasma- not a make I've ever heard of before- and they're very comfortable too.

DELIGHTS FROM THE DUSTBIN...

DELIGHTS FROM THE DUSTBIN!

Whilst putting the rubbish out the other day, I found this twinkly purple jewelled basked dumped by the bins.

Originally a hanging basket, I ripped the wire handle off, gave it a good scrub and now use it to stow my nail varnishes and body sparkles (I do live on the Essex bordeline darling, so have an obligation to try to fit in!) all for the princely sum of nought pence!

I'm not proud and free is the magic number!

BONES OF THE LOST, BY KATHY REICHS

BONES OF THE LOST

BY KATHY REICHS

THE BLURB:-

A teenage girl is found dead beside a desolate highway on the outskirts of Charlotte. Inside her purse is the ID card of a local businessman who died in a fire five months earlier.

But who is the girl, and was she murdered?

Dr. Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist, must work fast to reach the answers. Convinced that the girl's death was no accident, she soon uncovers a conspiracy that extends from South America to Afghanistan.

But to find justice for the dead, Tempe must be more courageous- and take more extreme action- than ever before.

THE REALITY:-

I have read every one of Kathy Reichs' Temperance Brennan novels; since that moment circa 1998 when my then-boyfriend found a copy of her first novel, Deja Dead, abandoned in a local betting shop! Although none of her other novels have been as good as her first, all of them (with the exception of Cross Bones, which I didn't manage to finish) have been highly readable.

Erudite in the extreme, each novel is a lesson in itself in the type of work Reichs carries out on a day to day basis. She also tackles everyday, newsworthy issues- in this case the war in Afghanistan- with glittering, first-hand experience.

With the correct amount of tension and the usual crescendo to a highly violent finish, this novel was certainly a page turner. I always find, however, that it is the study of Temperance Brennan as a woman that draws me in more, especially her on/off relationship with Detective Andrew Ryan (I so want them to sort it out and get together properly and permanently, although that would possibly make for a less interesting continuation of the series than the other option!)

This novel was bought from Sainsbury's, and also carried an “exclusive” short Temperance Brennan story as an addition, which was nice.

A great read but a word of warning- avoid the Virals series. The one book I read seemed too far fetched for me, although I suppose that's probably because they're aimed at a younger audience.

EBAY DELIGHTS...AND NIGHTMARES...

Bought these excellent condition (unworn) beauties off ebay.  They only cost £7 (including postage) and are by LoveLabel.  Bit fecking tight around the front though- as I'm writing this I'm wearing them, trying to break them in!!!!

Also, recently bought this lovely silk Next top.  The post said it was a size 16, and as I'm a 14-16, depending on the style or brand, it seemed a perfectly decent bet.  But when it came, it was a size 14, and a small 14 at that- more like a 10.  This was easily rectified by adding a plain, contrast satin panel at the back, then elasticating it to fit perfectly (easy when you possess the skills that I do!)

But why, oh why, can't ebay sellers read labels and list their items correctly?  I once successfully bid on a pair of size 6 shoes, only to find they were a (clearly marked) 8 when they arrived.  The seller was okay about it and gave me a full refund, but c'mon, it's not frigging rocket science, is it?!

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER

I recently went to the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at the Barbican, London.  At £14.50, the tickets are rather pricey but, thanks to certain contacts, I managed to get in for £6!

The Barbican (below) is a weird place- it's an oasis in the middle of the City of London.  It's surrounded by the financial district and I love it.  It's like a metropolis village in its own right and, when I'm a rich and famous writer (which will happen, one day) I am going to keep an apartment there.

Jean Paul Gaultier is a truly inspirational and innovative designer who, like all the great fashion leaders, does things his way.  My favourite dress from the exhibition was the can-can "legs" dress, and I also loved Madonna's Blonde Ambition corset (both below). 

 This was when Madonna was at her best, and before she got too involved with the ridiculous "sex" thing.  The Justify My Love single and video and The Blonde Ambition tour were raunchy enough, without the need for her to continue the theme with that stupid Hanky Panky song, the laughable film Body Of Evidence, the predictable In Bed With Madonna or the truly sad Sex book.  And whilst I liked the single Erotica, by the time it was released, I think we had all had enough of her.

I liked the wall showing paintings of Jean Paul Gaultier's icons, and also the boudoir section, where various versions of his gorgeous perfume bottles were displayed.  I own the bottle with the lace corset (below) and the adore the fragrance.  If I'm not mistaken, though, the bottle idea is not original- I believe surrealist fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli did it first.

As a designer, people often ask me who my favourite designer is.  Well, that's a hard question to answer.  There are lots of designers I admire for different reasons- Anna Sui for her quirkiness, Matthew Willamson for his prints and fluidity and Julien Macdonald for his sexy clothing (although I hear the man himself is a bit of a tit).  Also, fashion is cyclical- you might like a certain designer's offering this season, but hate what he does the next.
But the one designer who, for me, stands head and shoulders above the rest is Vivienne Westwood; the Grande Dame of the catwalk.  She refuses to conform, always bucks the trend and does thing her way.  Which is often the best way.  I especially love that she designs for curvy women and adore the Cocotte Dress.  This is one version of it.

When I can afford it, I will treat myself to one of these!

A SENSE OF DUTY by SHEELAGH KELLY.

A SENSE OF DUTY

BY SHEELAGH KELLY

THE BLURB:-

Flamboyant and fun-loving Kit Kilmaster rebels against the constraints of Victorian society and pursues her dream. But, as Kit is to learn, there is a high price to pay for her happiness...

While her brothers and sisters resign themselves to a life of drudgery, the voluptuous Katherine Kilmaster yearns for better things. Though her kin try and instil in her a sense of duty, Kit's craving for the good things in life is too strong. And when her generous heart tempts her into dangerous situations with young men above her station, the family are scandalized by Kit's brazen attitude- although that doesn't prevent them accepting a share in the material rewards. For a time Kit revels in the life of a courtesan, launching herself upon London society, until an unexpected consequence of her free-and-easy lifestyle stops her in her tracks.

Thrust back into claustrophobic village life, Kit falls prey to malicious gossip, and then to tragedy. Overwhelmed by events, she finally heeds the advice of her family, and is almost destroyed in the process. But then a chance encounter promises to deliver the husband and children she has always wanted- provided her shameful secret is not revealed...

THE REALITY:-

After buying this, I read the small print on the cover. It said, “A wonderful new saga for lovers of Catherine Cookson.” My immediate thought was, “Oh no!” Whilst it cannot be denied that Cookson was a brilliant writer, I always found her work very grim and depressing. The one novel of hers I tried to read, I ended up abandoning a short way in, before I slashed my wrists.

This novel, however, was nothing like that! A tome and-a-half, yes, this book has some grim and gritty realities, but it is the wonderful character of Katherine that brings the book to life. The characters are all very real and easy to relate to, and it's great that Kit (Katherine) is a feisty young lady who doesn't fit the mould, and who defies convention. It's also super that she's motivated by a kind and loving heart, and not simply the act of rebellion. Good that Monty thoroughly respects family values and has a heart. He's not one to turn an unmarried mother out onto the street, and this is during the 1880s- I know some that weren't so liberal-minded in the 1980s, and SHAME on them.

I found this hard to put down and very absorbing, and am so glad that Kit got her happy ending with the simple things in life. I would certainly read books by this author again.

THE CHARM BRACELET by MELISSA HILL

THE CHARM BRACELET

BY MELISSA HILL

THE BLURB:-

Many years ago she was sent one with just a single charm attached. The charms have been appearing ever since, often at challenging times, as if her mysterious benefactor knows exactly when she need a little magic in her life.

As a result, Holly's bracelet is her most prized possession. So when she finds someone else's charm bracelet, she feel she has to try to reunite it with its owner. Even if the only clues she has to follow are the charms themselves.

On a search that will take her all over New York City at Christmas, Holly becomes ever more determined to piece together the details of the other charmed life. But what she doesn't know is that her quest may also lead her somewhere she never, ever expected...

THE REALITY:-

Another delight from the pen of “light, bright and trite”. This book is definitely charming but it's also very predictable. I worked out who the owner of the charm bracelet was long before the story told me, ditto the mysterious giver of charms as presents for Holly, to add to her bracelet. And it was obvious how Greg's relationship with Karen would turn out, as it was very simple to see what that lady really wanted out of life.

Having said all that, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! Set in New York City- a wonderful place I have been to, and can relate to- Holly works in a vintage clothing store. As a lover of clothes, especially those not mainstream, it was a fantastic backdrop for a fashionista like myself! The characters were likeable and believable and often funny (lothario Gennaro's ways had me laughing out loud, as did Karen's ridiculous pretentiousness.)

Although it was quite obvious how the story was going to pan out, there was a lovely twist with regard to Greg's mother's health (you are led to believe one thing, then find out all is not exactly good, but not as bad as you first think) and how her involvement and interference shapes the final outcome. The nicest bits for me, though, were the stories behind the charms of the lost bracelet- they added a lovely, romantic flavour to the tale.

Definitely recommended.

I LOVE SHOES (PART 54, SUBSECTION 3, VERSE 11....)

The shoes above are from Kurt Geiger and are currently £39, reduced from £100.

And the shoes on the right are from Dorothy Perkins and are currently £13.50, reduced from £27.

I think you can probably guess which pair I bought.  

(I'm aware that I'm sounding a bit like an Aldi or Lidl advertisement- I can't remember which!)

I'm always one for checking out high-end brands then waiting for their lowlier sisters to bring out their rip-offs.  After all, as a mass market fashion designer, it was part of my job to do just that.

Apparently, some women have toes removed so that they can fit into Jimmy Choos.
Well, Jimmy Choos fit me just fine, but high-end brands in general need to make their shoes wider at the front.

I couldn't fit my feet into the Kurt Geiger shoes, and have also had issues with Hobbs and Office (with the latter being absolutely RIDICULOUSLY narrow.)

Designers and technicians, please take note!

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.

THE REJECT'S CLUB...

I am going to be blogging and reviewing less and concentrating on my next novel now.  It has the working title of "Lydia Darling" and is in its preliminary stages.  If you get bored, you can always read my first novel...

Product Description

Middlingham- or “Middle-of-nowhere” as Caroline Vallely nicknames it- is a town in Norfolk, home to teenage Caroline and her closest friends, Elizabeth and Hayley. The story begins in the late 1980’s as all three girls find themselves rejected, to varying degrees, by the people who are supposed to love them the most- their parents.

Caroline has always had a difficult relationship with her mother and father, and takes cynical pride in being the black sheep of the family. Elizabeth refuses to follow the choice of profession that’s been laid out for her and Hayley goes for the oldest story in the book- she gets herself pregnant. ‘We should call ourselves “The Reject’s Club.” Three unwanted darlings together,’ Caroline flutters her eyelashes theatrically and raises her glass. And so the girls own little private coterie is born.

As they grow into adults, the trio all strive for a happier life, but nothing can ever be straightforward. For romantic Hayley, who’s dreamt of nothing more than love and motherhood, she discovers that marriage can be a very unhappy state of being. Elizabeth is surprised find the fashion industry she so desperately wants to be a part of a rather stupid place and sets about finding her own lodestar. And workaholic Caroline wants to thumb her nose at all the people who have ever put her down in her life by becoming successful, rich and famous. And she achieves it through her writing career. But the route she takes is often the seediest way, as she desperately tries to shore up her destroyed sense of self-esteem.

Eventuality the three women all achieve some level of contentment. But the past has already happened, and one of the girls is shocked to discover a devastating family secret that links her with someone so close. And Caroline, after years of estrangement, must go back to confront her parents about why they treated her so disdainfully, before she leaves the country for a new life...

You can buy The Reject's Club from Amazon, via this link:-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Rejects-Club-Elaine-Rockett-ebook/dp/B00DQDBMZ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394198298&sr=8-1&keywords=rejects+club