The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

The greatest love story is the one you least expect . . . Alice is stifled, bored, and misunderstood. So when she meets wealthy and handsome American, Bennett Van Cleve, she is quickly swept off her feet. Marrying him and moving to America seems like a great adventure - but life as a newlywed in stuffy Baileyville, Kentucky, is not at all what she hoped for. Until, that is, she responds to a call for volunteers to start a travelling library, surprising herself by saying yes, before her husband can say no . . . Led by feisty and rebellious Margery O\"Hare, this unlikely group of women travel far and wide on their mission to bring books and reading to those that need it, and Alice finally finds the freedom, friendship and love that she\"s been looking for. But not everyone approves of what they are doing, especially her new father-in-law. And when the town turns against them, will their belief in each other and their work be enough? The Giver of Stars is a mesmerising tale of female friendship, romance, and the wonder of books and reading, inspired by a remarkable true story.

REVIEW 

This book was chosen as a bookclub book. I have read a few of Jojo Moyes books before and enjoyed her writing so was looking forward to reading this one. I really enjoyed this book, the first of 2021! 

Most of the characters were really likeable, with their interesting lives. The main women characters, were feisty, we follow their meaningful journey in Baileyville, Kentucky. I really loved the way Jojo Moyes captured the scenery of the mountains, and the way life was at this time - I feel like if I had been transported to that time and place, the description would be accurate. Throughout these ladies journey on becoming the local library women, delivering books to remote residents throughout the mountain ridges, Jojo also captures the residents views, from their religious ones, views on men and women, whites and coloured, owners and workers, what is expected and what is not, well. I liked how she places a young women from a privileged English family, into this wild area without any comforts that she is used too. Even though her family back home aren’t the nicest, she could of still returned back to England but after a few ups and downs she decides to stay and build her own life within the mountains. You fall in love with the friends she makes a long the way, as she learns to make her way in this new world she finds herself living in. I also enjoyed the little snatches of poetry and quotes from other books throughout the story. 

I enjoyed this book, and I would recommend. 

2020 Books

Extremely loud and Incredibly close by Jonathan Safron foer

When All is Said by Anne Griffin

White Gold by Giles Milton

The Mozart Question by Michael Morpurgo

Transcription by Kate Atkinson 

Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

His Blue Moon Princess by Jenny Fox

The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller

On the Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin

Scrublands by Chris Hammer

The Lost Man by Jane Harper

The Other Half of Augusta Hope by Joanna Glen

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens  

2019 Books

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

The Bee Keepers Promise by Fiona Valpy

18 things (my so called afterlife) by Jamie Ayres 

Twelve years a slave by Solomon Northup

2018 Books

The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed out the window and disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

I am Malala - the girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taiban by Malala Yousafzai 

The Snowchild by Eowyn Ivey

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde 

2017 Books

Smokin’ seventeen by Janet Evariovich

The Mistake I made by Paula Daly

After you by Jojo Moyes 

2016 Books

Lost Girls by Angela Marsons 

Seven up by Janet Evariovich

Hard eight by Janet Evariovich

Visions of sugar plum by Janet Evariovich

To the nines by Janet Evariovich

Ten big ones by Janet Evariovich

Eleven on top by Janet Evariovich

Twelve sharp by Janet Evariovich

Plum lovin by Janet Evariovich

A Man called Ove by Fredrick Backman

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Me before you by Jojo Moyes

Lean mean thirteen by Janet Evariovich

Plum lucky by Janet Evariovich

Fearless fourteen by Janet Evariovich

Finger lickin fifteen by Janet Evariovich

Sizzling sixteen by Janet Evariovich

2015 Books

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

The House on Poultney Road by Stephanie Boddy

Cupcakes to Carringtons by Alexandra Brown

The Dogs of Littlefield by Suzanne Berne

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce 

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo

Eeny Meeny by M. J. Arlidge

Look again by Lisa Scottoline 

Four to score by Janet Evariovich

High five by Janet Evariovich

Hot six by Janet Evariovich

The Book Thief by Markus

2014 books continued...

One Last Summer by Catrin Collier

The Four Streets by Nadine Dorris

The Christmas Bake Off (short story) by Abby Clements

Three to get Deadly by Janet Evariovich

Soldiers Wives by Fiona Field

Books I’ve read!

Well I had good intentions some years ago to restart this blog to write reviews about books that I read but I didn’t!!! I have been thinking about it for ages again now and just think if I don’t start now I may never!!  So here goes....

I am going to write a list of past books I have read and then write the review when I have a chance. (Most I have already written notes for in my note book). 

I will review books as I read them - keep updated! The bookclub I used to run on the army barracks is no more as I moved off the barracks a few years ago and no one on the barracks was prepared to take over running it. I managed to find a new local bookclub which I joined last January 2020. 

Scaphoid ligament reconstruction surgery - Brunelli procedure UPDATE

How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran

'How to be a Woman' by Caitlin Moran

It's a good time to be a woman: we have the vote and the Pill, and we haven't been burnt as witches since 1727. However, a few nagging questions do remain...

Why are we supposed to get Brazilians? Should we use Botox? Do men secretly hate us? And why does everyone ask you when you're going to have a baby?

Part memoir, part rant, Caitlin answers the questions that every modern woman is asking.

REVIEW

One word comes to mind RUBBISH!! This is one of those books that I just cant believe I wasted any time reading it. I used to read all books I started even if I really didn't like them as I felt I should give it my best till the end, that was until I spoke to a friend who asked me why. She said for every book that I finished and really didn't like, then I was missing out on a book that was good. I read 1/4 of this book as it was my bookclub book and you know that 1/4 was so rubbish that I so regret even that much. This 1/4 was just about a teen girl learning all the fun things about her body and how she is so good at it!! (Without me spelling it out, I'm sure you can get the jist).

Will never recommend.

The Fault in our Stars by John Green

'The Fault in our Stars' by John Green

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.

REVIEW

I was recommended this book by a friend. When reading the blurb I really didn't think it was my kind of book but I read some reviews and thought I would give it a go. There has been so much hype about this book, (and now the movie) that I thought I would see what it was all about. This book is a teenager read but I do think it can be for anyone.

The story is about Hazel who is the main character and she has cancer. Her parents wrap her up in cotton wool keeping their lives on hold for years while helping Hazel who has been living with cancer for years. One of the other big characters is Augustus who is a cancer survivor. Together they both face their challenges, helping each other.

The story is well written and had me laughing and crying. It was a good story, the ending didn’t turn out as I thought it would. I know a lot of reviews have said it was a life changing read - it wasn't for me, it was just a good easy read and one that I would recommend.

Where there's smoke by Jodi Picoult

 

'Where there's smoke' by Jodi Picoult

Even as a child, Serenity Jones knew she possessed unusual psychic gifts. Now, decades later, she's an acclaimed medium and host of her own widely viewed TV show, where she delivers messages to the living from loved ones who have died. Lately, though, her efforts to boost ratings and garner fame have compromised her clairvoyant instincts.

When Serenity books a young war widow to appear as a guest, the episode quickly unravels, stirring up a troubling controversy. And as she tries to undo the damage - to both her reputation and her show - Serenity finds that pride comes at a high price.

REVIEW

I didn't know this was a short story (very short), I just downloaded on my Kindle as it was a free book. I was really getting into it and was really enjoying it then it ended!!! I was like 'What!!'. I even deleted it and then reloaded it again to see if it hadn't loaded right in the first place. I then checked on line to see how many pages the book was and that's when I found out it was only a short story, I was really disappointed, I wanted more!

A very enjoyable short story that leaves you wanting more. I have never read any of Jodi Picoult books but this short story has made me want to try.

If you want an easy hours read, would recommend.

No Turning Back by Susan Lewis

 

'No Turning Back' by Susan Lewis

 

Eva Montgomery is at the peak of her career when she is viciously attacked by a stalker. While still traumatised, she makes the biggest mistake of her life - one she can never turn back from.

Sixteen years later, Eva has managed to rebuild her life in a way that seemed impossible after the attack. Her home in Dorset, high on the cliffs overlooking the sea, is as elegant as she is, but bears none of the scars. To an outsider, her world seems perfect in every way.

Then the past invades the present - with shattering consequences.

Hurt, frightened and confused, Eva struggles desperately to put right the terrible mistake she made sixteen years ago and finally break free from a past that nearly destroyed her.

REVIEW

I did overall enjoy this book but I still felt that something was missing that would of made it a 5 star! I liked the way everything linked together but the ending lacked something. The storyline could of been out of some sort of women's magazine, the relationship between the sisters and husband could of actually happened and how the adopted son found his mother was believable too. But I think the storyline went off a little sometimes. And like I said the ending just lacked something. If this had happened to me I think I would of spent longer before I could forgive!

An ok read so would recommend if no other books on your read list first.



Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson

'Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas' by James Patterson

Katie Wilkinson has found the perfect man at last - but one day he disappears from her life, leaving behind only a diary for her to read.

The diary was written by a new mother, as a keepsake for her baby son. In it she touchingly recounts the initial romance between herself and the child's father, and the unparalleled joy that motherhood has brought her. As Katie reads this moving account, it becomes clear that the lover who has left her is the same man as the husband and father in the diary. She reads on, filled with terror and hope as she struggles to understand what has happened - and whether her new love has a prayer of surviving.

An unforgettable love story - at once heartbreaking and full of hope.

REVIEW

This book was an easy read. The storyline was predictable but I still enjoyed the story, nothing wrong with a picture perfect love story with a nice ending sometimes.

Would recommend if you fancy a nice love story  

The Accident by C. L. Taylor

'The Accident' by C. L. Taylor

Sue Jackson has the perfect family but when her teenage daughter Charlotte deliberately steps in front of a bus and ends up in a coma she is forced to face a very dark reality.

Retracing her daughter’s steps she finds a horrifying entry in Charlotte’s diary and is forced to head deep into Charlotte’s private world. In her hunt for evidence, Sue begins to mistrust everyone close to her daughter and she’s forced to look further, into the depths of her own past.

Sue will do anything to protect her daughter. But what if she is the reason that Charlotte is in danger?

REVIEW

The story finds us looking in the past at Sue's live when she was in an abusive relationship. She believes that this past may help her find the answer surrounding her daughter suicide attempt. I wasn't keen on Sue's husband who didn't believe her when she felt her world was coming down around her with the return of the past. The characters didn't jump out to me, not very likeable.

Just an ok read - read if there is nothing else on the bookshelf

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Steps to Heaven by Wendy Cartmell

'Steps to Heaven' by Wendy Cartmell

Meet Sergeant Major Crane.
A Special Investigations Branch Detective in the British Army, he is the soldier who polices other soldiers.
He thinks he has seen every crime known to both war and peace.
But nothing has prepared him for the case of Solomon.
An Afghanistan veteran he has murdered his wife and six year old son and then committed suicide.
Soon there are similar horrific murders around the country.
Crane knows there must be a connection.
But what?
Crane starts to investigate the local Church Solomon was attending.
But with the body count rising, events start to take a darker turn ... could the Church be the connection?
Is the Church offering salvation?
Or is it forcing people to take the first,untimely Steps to Heaven?

REVIEW

I enjoyed this debut book from Wendy Cartmell. I liked the fact it was set in the military setting and that the main characters investigate crimes within the military, they work for a special investigation branch. You have to like the main characters Sergeant Major Tom Crane and Billy one of his staff members. We get a look into their own lives as well as the investigation of a soldier who murders his wife and young son not long after returning from Afghanistan. Crane learns of several similar murders of soldiers and their families and believe they are linked by a local church.

Once I started reading I couldn't put this book down as I needed to know the truth! Will look up the next one in the series.

A good read, would recommend

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My Secret Sister by Helen Edwards & Jenny Lee Smith

'My Secret Sister' by Helen Edwards & Jenny Lee Smith

Helen grew up in a pit village in Tyneside in the post-war years, with her gran, aunties and uncles living nearby. She felt safe with them, but they could not protect her from her neglectful mother and violent father. Behind closed doors, she suffered years of abuse. Sometimes she talked to an imaginary sister, the only one who understood her pain. Jenny was adopted at six weeks and grew up in Newcastle. An only child, she knew she was loved, and with the support of her parents she went on to become a golfing champion, but still she felt that something was missing. . .

Neither woman knew of the other's existence until, in her fifties, Jenny went looking for her birth family and found her sister Helen. Together they searched for the truth about Jenny's birth - and uncovered a legacy of secrets that overturned everything Helen thought she knew about her family. Happily, they also discovered that they were not just sisters, they were twins. Inspirational and moving, this is the story of two women brave enough to confront their past, and strong enough to let love not bitterness define them.

REVIEW

This is a true story told simply with many twists and turns, you can't help but to feel sorry for the sisters. When you read the lies they were told, the truths which was never spoken, we learn about Helen with an upbringing of unhappiness and violence and Jenny who luckily had a nice family upbringing.

I am so glad they have a happy ending in the end but this could of happened years earlier if only family members had been honest. There are so many questions that are still unanswered, I don't think they will ever know 100% the truth. I feel the whole family have a lot to answer for!

I hope both the sister have found a level of peace and happiness now and enjoy what time they have left being sisters.

Would recommend for a nice true story

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A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

'A Breath of Snow and Ashes' by Diana Gabaldon

The year is 1772, and on the eve of the American Revolution, the long fuse of rebellion has already been lit. Men lie dead in the streets of Boston, and in the backwoods of North Carolina, isolated cabins burn in the forest.

With chaos brewing, the governor calls upon Jamie Fraser to unite the backcountry and safeguard the colony for King and Crown. But from his wife Jamie knows that three years hence the shot heard round the world will be fired, and the result will be independence — with those loyal to the King either dead or in exile. And there is also the matter of a tiny clipping from The Wilmington Gazette, dated 1776, which reports Jamie’s death, along with his kin. For once, he hopes, his time-traveling family may be wrong about the future.

REVIEW

First of all, I have to say - I Loved it!!

Jamie and Claire are living in North Carolina on Frazer Ridge with Roger, Brianna and wee Jem - I love his character. There are so many characters; Ian, Lizzie, the twins, Jocasta, Fergus, Marsail, Germain, Joseph, Malva, Alan, Tom, Lord John, Duncan, Stephen Bonnet.......it's all of them that make this story, they all have a part to play in the lives of Jamie and Claire. Some are not so good parts as others! The time is near the American Revolution (1772) and chaos is brewing. The governor calls on Jamie Fraser to bring the men of Frazer Ridge together and fight for king and crown. Jamie also lives with the knowledge of a newspaper clipping dated 1776 a few years a head, which reports the death of him and his family. He still hopes Claire has got it all wrong.

This book made me laugh out loud and cry - lots! It has everything, love, rape (cried lots here ((can't say who/when etc. as don't want to ruin it)) felt like I was screaming at the book 'NO'!), murder, stealing, death, births, lying, illness, fire, other travellers and revenge (yes I can just picture it now, Jamie and the sound of drums....). There is so much, it's so hard to not write things without spoiling bits from the story.

I loved it - I love that once again I was taken into the lives of Jamie and Claire, their ups and their downs and how their love for each other will overcome all.

Another fantastic read. Looking forward to starting the next one in the series.

Would highly recommend




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Son by Lois Lowry

'Son' by Lois Lowry

They called her Water Claire. When she washed up on their shore, no one knew that she came from a society where emotions and colors didn’t exist. That she had become a Vessel at age thirteen. That she had carried a Product at age fourteen. That it had been stolen from her body. Claire had a son. But what became of him she never knew. What was his name? Was he even alive? She was supposed to forget him, but that was impossible. Now Claire will stop at nothing to find her child, even if it means making an unimaginable sacrifice.

Son thrusts readers once again into the chilling world of the Newbery Medal winning book, The Giver,　as well as Gathering Blue and Messenger where a new hero emerges. In this thrilling series finale, the startling and long-awaited conclusion to Lois Lowry’s epic tale culminates in a final clash between good and evil.

REVIEW

This is the final book in 'The Giver' series and it wraps up the other three books. This book is a lot longer than the other three and is divided into three sections.

In this book we meet Claire who lived in the same community as Jonas from the first book. She was given the assignment as a birth mother but things go wrong and after the birth of her first child she is reassigned. She however cannot stop thinking about the child that she gave birth to and will stop at nothing to find him, this decision shaping the future of her life. We re-meet the trade master who is the devil - this is a story on overcoming evil; a story on re-uniting a mother and son; a story on love and relationship between mother and son.

A few things disappointed me - I thought Jonas and Gabe would of had a better relationship as Jonas had left everything, his family and community to save Gabe, I thought they would of stayed together in the new community but they didn't. I felt the last section in the book was very rushed. The ending came around so fast that's I thought I had missed something. I wanted to find out what had happened when Jonas left his community. Did they go back and help others in their old communities?

Once again just an ok read. I would only say read them if there are no other books on your shelf!!

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