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.