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Moving blogs...

So I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but after the response I’m getting from Wordpress I have decided to stop using this blog. I will keep it open however I will no longer be updating it.

Even if you don’t have Wordpress you can continue to follow my review on twitter: https://twitter.com/rosiesreviews

And you can even sign up for email alerts on my Wordpress blog: missrosiesreviews.wordpress.com

Thank you for all your support and I hope you continue to follow me.

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Uglies

by Scott Westerfeld

Started: 11th July 2014

Finished: 15th July 2014

I love Dystopian fiction, so when I came across Uglies a couple of years ago it sounded like the kind of book I'd love. I've finally found some time to read it and I must say... I was actually quite disappointed with the novel, it wasn't what I was hoping it to be.

All Tally Youngblood has ever wanted is to be like everyone else and turn pretty when she reaches sixteen. Especially after best friend Peris left Uglyville for New Pretty Town, leaving her behind until it's her turn. After sneaking into New Pretty Town to visit him, Tally meets Shay a girl who doesn't want to turn and knows more tricks than a lot of the other uglies in town. But when Shay runs away and. Tally is the only one who knows where she's gone, Tally is made an offer she feels she can't refuse... 

One of the first things that didn't particularly sit well with me were the very basic names that things and places are given. "Youngblood," "Uglyville," "New Pretty Town" and "tricks" to name a few. On the one hand it can show how much simpler these people have tried to make life for themselves, and show the clear divide to make everything fairer... But, to me it felt like not much effort had been put into it. I understand that's most likely not the case, but that's just how it feels to me. After reading other dystopian novels I was expecting something a little more clever. 

When it comes to the characters themselves, the only one I really liked was David, who doesn't make an appearance until nearly halfway through the novel. He seemed to be one of the only ones talking any sense, however I didn't understand his quick development of feelings towards Tally. As for Tally I found her rather annoying and not a particularly strong female protagonist that is usually found in his genre. There are moments towards the end of the novel when I found her more likeable but took nearly the whole novel for that to happen. I didn't like Shay, like Tally I found her rather annoying however she got worse towards the end rather than better. I also couldn't really understand the bond they formed rather quickly, as there's not many friendships to compare it to at the beginning I didn't really know how friendly people are with each other in these towns. Is a quick, strong friendship normal or not?

The plot has loads of potential and after reaching the halfway point it did become more interesting for me and more fun. The element of mystery surrounding the operation to become pretty was enough to keep me reading the book. Although, I'm currently unsure whether the ending is enough to make me want to read the next one. I think I will look more into it first and then make a decision - but I do hate leaving series unfinished. 

All in all I was disappointed with a lot of this novel, however the aspects of it that I liked make me want to pick up the next book in the series; just to see what happens and just to see if it gets better (as a few things did get better towards the end of this novel). 

Rating: 2/5

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The Longest Holiday

by Paige Toon

Started: 10th July 2014

Finished: 11th July 2014

Paige Toon is one of my favourite chick lit authors ever since I read Johnny Be Good. So when I was offered another free ebook by Galaxy and saw this as one of the options, I knew I just had to have it as she's never let me down in the past. 

Laura has married the love of her life, Matthew, but seven months into the marriage her world is torn apart. He slept with someone else on his stag do, a week before the wedding. And to make matters worse, he got her pregnant. Laura's best friend Marty and Bridget (Marty's good friend but only since university) whisk her away to Key West in Florida to get away from it all for two weeks. It was the break she needed... But she needs more and with handsome Leo showing signs of interest, she doesn't want the two weeks to ever end. 

I really liked Laura and the way she tried to deal with everything. I think if I were her I would have reacted in the same way, although there are times I would have been much more stubborn! Laura is really likeable and you root for her and her decisions throughout the whole novel - at least I did. I liked Marty for the most part but there were times when it didn't feel like she was considering Laura at all and what she wanted. The way Matthew fought for Laura was nice to see too, even though you couldn't help but dislike him for what he did to her. I loved Leo and his family and thought they added nice touches to the novel - they were very humorous at times.

Toon's writing seems to have stayed the same since I first discovered her, which is great because it's a nice style to read and very easy to get on with. The chapters are short for the most part which is great but so easy to keep saying to yourself 'just one more chapter' - when really you're meant to be going out or going to bed. 

The plot is great, there's a lot of fun and drama to keep you turning the pages (particularly when people from home started showing up more). I loved where the book was going and the shock you get towards the end. However, I didn't like the rather abrupt epilogue. Now, I can't say too much without giving things away but I didn't enjoy it. It did seem like the book was wrapped up too quickly and too easily. There are things we're told in the epilogue I would have liked to be shown instead. Personally, I feel that there is enough potential there for the novel to have finished without the epilogue and there to be a sequel. But I appreciate it's much easier to criticise and say this than actually do it. 

The Longest Holiday is pretty much a perfect holiday read and a must have for the hand luggage if you are indeed going away. It has reminded me of my love for Toon and eager to get more!

Rating: 4/5

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Shock Of The Fall

by Nathan Filer

Started: 9th July 2014

Finished: 10th July 2014

The blurb for this book is what caught me eye. It was so surprising and hardly gave anything away which drew med to it. 

The novel starts with nine-year-old Matthew on holiday win his family when a tragic accident kills his older brother Simon, who has Down Syndrome. From that point we experience the next ten years Matt goes through as he, and his parents, try to cope with the death. 

Shock of the Fall is told by Matt through his writing which is almost like a therapy for him. It jumps from his past to present as he tries to organise his thoughts paper. This can be quite confusing and disorientating. Personally, I found it enhanced the way I read the novel as it's more realistic reflection of how Matt's mind works.

I also liked the touch of the way the novel is formatted. On random pages there are crude drawings, or random words dotted around. You can tell when and where he is when the font changes to the typewriter or otherwise. It made the novel more aesthetically pleasing and fun to look at. However, if I had known about e way the novel was formatted then I would have bought the paperback copy rather than he ebook. Whilst the ebook edition is good, I feel it would look better in paperback. 

Filer had a wonderful way of writing and I loved Matt as a protagonist and narrator. The way he wrote him you could see his madness, in my head I could hear the distinct tone and way to read - ranging from calm to frantic, loud to quiet. Having first person narration really made me feel for Matt - at times I would be angry or appalled by something he done but generally I just wanted to reach out and help. Although he may be dead from the beginning, I loved Simon and my heart shattered when we're told the details of his death. I had to put the book down for a few moments to compose myself. They may not be in it much by I liked their parents and seeing their own struggles too. There are a couple of loose ends (only minor ones) that aren't tied up but because of the ending of the novel, it's easy to understand and accept why.

I absolutely loved this book, particularly Matt and his narration. When he repeats himself but realises; when he directly addressed the reader making you feel privileged that he's sharing his story win you. I was very surprised with this novel, it wasn't what I expected but it's one of the best I've read. 

Rating: 5/5

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About A Girl

by Lindsey Kelk

Started: 8th July 2014

Finished: 9th July 2014

It has been a while since I read anything by Lindsey Kelk. Her I Heart series (particularly Angela Clark) leaves me feeling conflicted. However with the sequel to About A Girl nearing publication I thought that it's about time I read it. 

After losing her job and sleeping with the wrong man, Tess Brookes' life is falling apart. So what can a girl do to fix it? Apparently pretend to be your super slag, Satan-like flatmate Vanessa and jet off to Hawaii. However it doesn't seem like such a good idea when Bertie Bennett (king of the fashion industry) doesn't want to take part in the interview or photo Tess (or rather Vanessa) has been sent to cover. And how does she feel over hot but bad boy Nick?

Unlike Angela Clark from the I Heart series I found Tess a very likeable protagonist. Sure, she makes some terrible decisions and you can't help but wonder why she thinks what she's about to do is a great idea... But I couldn't help but like her and I didn't find her frustrating as much as I do Angela. She knows what she's doing I'd wrong but when is there a good time to reveal it? Her best friend if forever, Amy, comes out with some funny lines and interesting insults. However sometimes she can be a bit much and a bit annoying. Although he's meant to be the bad boy of the novel, I really liked Nick's character and wanted to learn more about his past (hopefully in the sequel?). 

I found the plot of the novel to be well executed. Especially as the beginning of the novel starts with such chaos, then we're taken back to where it all started two weeks ago - causing the reader to be left with a mystery, encouraging them to carry on reading. I must admire the first couple of chapters left me unsure of whether I wanted to continue it but I'm glad I did. Kelk also has a distinct writing style for this genre that I missed. Easy going and lighthearted, with the personality of the characters (especially the female ones) clearly shining through. Even if the personalities can be a little grating. 

I really enjoyed About A Girl (more than I thought I would). If you have rad, and loved any of the I Heart books then you will definitely like this (and appreciate the little nods to the series). Even if you didn't enjoy the I Heart series, I seriously suggest you give this a try as I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I know I'll certainly be buying the sequel after being left with an ending like that!

Rating: 4/5

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The Night Rainbow

by Claire King

Started: 6th July 2014

Finished: 7th July 2014

This book has been sitting on my kindle for months. Finally, I've been able to dedicate some time to it, as I didn't went to give it any less than my full attention. Which is what it needed as I couldn't put it down.

The Night Rainbow is narrated by five-year-old Pea. Her and her four year old sister, Margot, go on adventures to the meadow and to Windy Valley, as their mamen is too sad to look after them, after losing a baby and their papa. Left alone and heavily pregnant, Pea's mamen can't cope and it's the girls challenge to make her happy again. One day they meet grownup Claude and his 'magic' dog Merlin and the rest of the villagers are wary of the friendship but they just don't see why...

Now, one if my favourite books is Room by Emma Donoghue and one of the reasons why is because it is narrated by the child; so I was thrilled to see that The Night Rainbow was narrated by Pea. Through a child's perspective you see the world in a completely new, exciting and innocent way. I loved seeing how the little girl would explain things to her younger sister - how she may misunderstand or simply think grownups complicate things with silly questions. From Pea's narration you see a strength, and loyalty; one may think a five-year-old couldn't possess. I just fell in love with Pea and her perspective on life. I also liked the lack of punctuation at times when it's just a stream of consciousness, as it makes the narration sounds like it is coming from a child. 

All of the characters were great and made even more interesting from Pea's perception of them. There is also a great deal of mystery surrounding he characters. Where this novel is from a child's point of view there are things she doesn't understand, therefore she conveys them in a way she thinks is true. Also where she is a child the adults keep things from her, leaving the reader eager to keep reading in the hope they discover the truth. I loved Pea's interactions with the people and he world around her. Her and her sister, Margot's. Sweet and innocent conversations were beautifully written. Their interactions with Claude were also fun to read, although they left me feeling uneasy at times. It was also interesting witnessing mamen's depression through Pea's eyes - which led to some of the most emotional scenes in the book. 

There are certain revelations in the novel that left me shocked and sad - a couple of which I saw coming, but there were also some I was completely in the dark about. There is a major twist in the book that I only figured out pages before we're told which broke my heart and stunned me. I also appreciated the fact by the end of the novel all the loose ends are tied up. 

I simply don't know what else to say. This novel took me by surprise and Pea and Margot have captured my heart. I urged everyone to read this novel, there are times where you may feel torn to pieces over these characters but equally there are times where they fill you with such a warmth you could smile for days. This has easily become one of my new favourite books and I can't wait to see what else asking has in store. I urge everyone to read this, you will not be disappointed.

Rating: 5/5

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A Day At The Office

by Matt Dunn

Started: 4th July 2014

Finished: 6th July 2014

I do love Galaxy chocolate, and I love it even more when you're able to get free ebooks. A Day At The Office caught my eye and I quickly downloaded it.

A Day At The Office is exactly what the title suggests. However to isn't an ordinary day, it's Valentine's Day and the perfect day to pursue an office romance. There's Sophie who's desperate to seduce Nathan. Nathan who has been organising the office's annual Anti-Valentine's event after an incident that has left him sour. After a drunken kiss at the office Christmas party, Mark and Julie don't know how to address it and Mark just can't get her off his mind. Then there's self-conscious Calum who's anxiously awaiting his first date in several years (if ever).

As I mentioned this novel spans just one day, and the pacing of the novel is perfect for me. It isn't too fast and it didn't seem as though there's a lull or a pause in the story. With all the different characters there is constantly something going on, but it isn't too busy or confusing. Each chapter is separated into smaller pasta which focuses on each character at that part of the day. This made the chapters feel shorter and quicker to read.

There wasn't a single segment that I didn't enjoy reading. As there are only a handful of characters, you're really able to build up a relationship with them and you just want it all to work outfit them. Each part had equal attention given to them and each one isn't totally separate from the other. As it's a small office all the character appear in other segments that focuses on others - which is great as it feels more realistic and you don't forget about anyone.

There's a certain charm about the characters, and it's always a great feeling when you like all the characters in a book. After hearing what happened to Nathan I really felt for him, as it is a horrible thing to have to experience. I loved the friendships between Sophie and Julie and Nathan and Mark - they seemed real. Especially their conversations about trying to understand opposite sex. One character that I ended up liking more than I expected was Calum. I was worried he would be a little dull, but his nervousness over his first date (who he met online) was adorable. 

I was surprised with a few aspects of this book. Especially with the ending as it wasn't as obvious as I assumed it would be, which I liked. It was nice to have something unexpected. The humour in the novel is fun too and mostly left me with a big smile on my face. However sometimes it can feel a little forced. 

Overall it's a great book, full of miscommunication and romance. I can't wait to read something else by Dunn.

Rating: 4/5

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The Last Dance and Other Stories

by Victoria Hislop

Started: 3rd July 2014

Finished: 4th July 2014

After reading Hislop’s The Island I wanted to read something else by her. This caught my eye on several trips into bookshop and I eventually tried it. 

In this collection are ten short stories, none of them link together but they all take place on Greek Islands or the Greek part of Cyprus. The stories are also similar in theme with love, family, growth and heartbreak. 

Each short story is wonderfully written and I admire the way Hislop crafted each one. Within just a few pages you’re given a fairly detailed snapshot of that point in the characters life. The characters themselves are also likeable and convincingly human.

There wasn’t a single story or character that I didn’t like or enjoy. I did like some stories more than others, such as: The Kafenion, Aflame in Athens, The Lesson and The Last Dance. For me these stories held the most interesting plot and their endings will stay with me for longer than the others. The other stories didn’t really stand out to me. Although I enjoyed them whilst reading them, I dot really remember them after moving onto another short story. 

While I liked these short stories I did enjoy Hislop’s longer, single, novel The Island a lot more. I love the details in Hislop’s writing and prefer them when they can be explored in a longer novel. The connection is a nice short holiday read (easy to digest too) especially if you’re holiday setting is one she writes about (as mine was). However in future I think I’ll stick to her longer novels. 

Rating: 3/5

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Wordpress!

You can now find me on Wordpress (https://missrosiesreviews.wordpress.com)! For the moment I'll be posting on both and see which I prefer using. I don't know whether I'll completely move over there or not but we'll see :) Go and take a look! Although it is a bit bare at the minute!

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The Professor

by Charlotte Bronte

Started: 2nd July 2014

Finished: 3rd July 2014

I read and studied Jane Eyre and I really enjoyed it. The Professor was mentioned in passing in class and I just had to look it up. It sounded interesting so I decided to try it.

The novel focuses on William Crimsworth trying to figure out what to do with his life after cutting his uncles off. After failing as a tradesman he decides to go to Belgium where he gets the position of a teacher. Whilst there he falls for one of his 19-year-old students. 

While he basic plot of the novel is good, it doesn't really feel as though anything really happens. It's because of this I found myself racing through it to finish it rather than because I was enjoying it. Although there was the occasional scene that I liked.

William was an interesting character but there was nothing really about him that made him memorable. I quite liked Frances however I felt I couldn't connect with her relationship with William or even enjoy it. There are many times throughout the novel where they speak to each other, and other characters in French. Where no translation is offered these interactions were lost on me as I've never really studied the language. When there is a reply in English you can piece things together but not much. 

The pacing was fairly slow and I continued with the novel in the hope I would come across something interesting in the plot. However I did like seeing William beginning to teach and how Bronte writes a male lead. 

I would probably only read this novel again if I was studying it I think. I'm quite disappointed with this when I compare it to Jane Eyre. But perhaps, I'm not in the right frame of mind to enjoy it right now.

Rating: 2/5

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How To Fall In Love

by Cecelia Ahern

Started: 1st July 2014

Finished: 1st July 2014

I first read a Cecelia Ahern novel a few years ago with The Book Of Tomorrow and loved it. It hasn't been a conscious decision to not read another for so long, it just never came up. This novel caught my eye not long after I read Jojo Moye's Me Before You and I knew I just had to read it.

The novel starts with the protagonist Christine witnessing a man shooting himself. This, as you'd expect, changes her life. However unfortunately this isn't her last dealing with a suicidal man. She meets Adam and this time he gives life a chance - he gives Christine a deadline of his 35th birthday (two weeks) to get him to change his mind and love his life. But with her own personal life to deal with (such as her bitter ex-husband Barry) can she manage it?

With a book with a subject like this it's vital to have good and likeable characters. Christine works in recruitment but acts as a kind of therapist to her clients - especially Oscar (which I thought was a great scene to introduce yet in her working environment). She strives to help people and as you carry on reading, you learn about her past which explains why she has this need. However she has an unhealthy obsession with self-help guides. I absolutely adored Adam and his dry sense of humour. I also loved hearing about fun stories from his relationship to Maria. Even though I didn't like Barry, I found myself curious as to what voicemail he'd leave next or what he'd do next in general. 

The plot itself was really interesting and I couldn't stop reading it. I was just as interested in hearing about Christine's life as Adam's. There were some things that weren't tied up which bugged me a little bit. Such as Amelia's storyline. Also Sean never came up in person and if he was supposed to be Adam's best friend, I thought he would make an appearance rather than just be mentioned. 

As I said this subject can be difficult to approach. As it's fiction I can understand how it may appear to be quite simple the way Christine is dealing with Adam. However Ahern still portrays the struggles as well as which I liked. In addition to this I liked the repetition of the fact that Christine isn't a therapist and that Adam should seek professional help. Despite the heavy subject there are many light-hearted and sweet moments. 

Overall I did really enjoy the novel and the ending is never really certain. I am going to look more into Cecelia Ahern books in the future. 

Rating: 4/5

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Because It Is My Blood

by Gabrielle Zevin

Started: 28th June 2014

Finished: 1st July 2014

I think by now it's known that I adore Gabrielle Zevin's writing (after All These Things I've Done and Elsewhere). I have wanted to read the sequel to the first in the Birthright trilogy since I'd put the first installment down. Finally, I have been able to sit and read it.

Because It Is My Blood picks up where All These Things I've Done left off. Anya is nearing the end of her time at Liberty, but much has changed in a few months. Throughout the novel we see Anya battling with herself over her father's business. She doesn't know what to do and she certainly doesn't know who to trust. But what she does know is that chocolate is in her blood. 

Although it's been quite a while (2012) since I read the beginning of the series, I had no trouble getting back into the storyline. To me this shows how memorable this trilogy is and how engaging it is. Within the first chapter everything came back to me and it felt like I'd only finished the first book yesterday. It also helps that Zevin adds brief and relevant asides/authors notes to help the reader. They were written from Anya's perspective and not patronising in the slightest. 

Being a sequel there are characters that we are already acquainted with. Well, there are some characters that we only think we know. There are also a couple of new characters introduced; I loved these new characters especially Theo Marques. His personality and interactions with Anya made me smile and brought a welcome gentle humour to the novel. There are some characters that I would have loved to have seen more of, as I loved them so much (although I can't name names without giving some things away)!

Zevin really knows how to pace and develop plot. The beginning is an introduction and a bit of a recap then there are twists and turns - some bigger than others - but not too many to bombard or confuse the reader. There were many that left me in shock and excited to carry on reading. I hated when I had to put it down. I hate the fact that I've finished it and haven't got the conclusion of the trilogy with me. 

I don't want to give too much away about this novel, as it's a much better experience if you go in only which information from he first novel. I have fallen in love with the Birthright trilogy and Zevin's writing. She really knows and understands her characters which makes you cart got them - even if they're just being mentioned (like Leo).

I cannot wait to get stuck into the final installment of the Birthright trilogy. I just hope it's sooner rather than later. 

Rating: 5/5

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Reviews are coming!

I've been away and the wifi I had wasn't good enough to use Tumblr. I'm going to start typing the reviews up and they shall be put on a queue, so you won't all be bombarded by reviews. I hope you guys are having a nice summer!

[rosiesreviewsblog]

You're The One That I Don't Want

by Alexandra Potter

Started: 21st June 2014

Finished: 22nd June 2014

I first discovered Alexandra Potter a couple of years ago with Me and Mr Darcy. The book was fun but not without some problems. I didn't let it put me off though and I thought that I'd give this novel a try instead.

Here we have Lucy Hemmingway who is still in love with her ex (who she believes is The One) for ten years. After ten years of pining, Nate is suddenly back in Lucy's life but it's not at all what she expected. Throughout the rest of the novel she spends her time trying to break up and avoid him. All because of the Legend of the Bridge of Sighs that they tried all those years ago...

The premise of the novel intrigued me. In chick-lit it always seems to be the heroine searching for Mr. Right, rather than trying to run away from him. I enjoyed Lucy discovering how much Nate has changed since they last met. I also liked how they kept bumping into each other at random and inconvenient moments. However after a while it did start to become repetitive and boring (not to mention slightly cringey as Lucy becomes more desperate to avoid him - particularly the karaoke). As the novel went on I found the predicament to be ridiculous. The ending, although romantic, wasn't convincing for me either and felt like a bit of an easy way out. However it was the basic ending I predicted/wanted.

Lucy was a fun protagonist for the most part. She could stick up for herself and I liked her stubbornness - especially where Nate is concerned. Although he wasn't the best of characters (personality wise) I did like Nate and how blunt he was - his anger and annoyance felt real (although this could be because I was sometimes experiencing it as well). However one character I just couldn't get on with was Robyn. I found her personality irritating and quite pathetic at times (especially with the whole 'Harold' situation). I would have preferred to see more of Kate (Lucy's sister) and her husband Jeff instead.

Despite the problems I have with this novel it was an easy read, and even quite funny at times. I'm left unsure whether to pursue another Potter book or to leave them. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Rating: 3/5

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Elsewhere

by Gabrielle Zevin

Started: 21st June 2014

Finished: 21st June 2014

After reading, and loving, All These Things I've Done I knew I just had to read more of Zevin's work. I found Elsewhere in a library book sale and wasted no time in buying it.

Elsewhere begins with the death of Liz Hall, as narrated to us by her pug Lucy. We then take a trip on the S.S Nile eventually ending up at our 'final' destination, Elsewhere. Here we learn that everyone that dies ages backwards until they're ready to be 'released' and reborn again on Earth. The reader is shown how Liz struggles to cope with her own death and tries to begin a new 'life' there. Despite the novel revolving around death, it isn't as morbid as you might think!

Sometimes I struggle to get into a novel with a teenage girl protagonist. I often find the author makes them whiny, which in turn makes them insufferable to me. But I loved Liz. I loved how Zevin portrayed her and how she struggled to cope with her death. Liz's reactions and behaviour for her first year in Elsewhere felt so genuine and human. It was as though it was taking place right in front of you rather than reading a fiction novel. Seeing how she progressed and developed through the novel was wonderful.

I also enjoy it when a novel doesn't have that many characters. For a novel that is just under 300 pages, it contained the right amount of characters that you're able to develop a bond with. I loved all the minor characters and learning about their lives before they died. There wasn't a character that I didn't like!

The book is neatly spread over three parts with chapters that are fairly consistent, that is until we begin to reach the end (where they become a lot shorter). This made the book a breeze to read and simply impossible to put down. Zevin's writing is entrancing and completely captivates you. I just didn't want the novel to end.

Although you know pretty early on how the book is going to end, you still can't help but get emotional. The final part of the novel took me by surprise with the way the characters interacted with each other, particularly Liz. The ending is sad yet comforting. The succinct epilogue left a smile on my face.

When I bought the novel, it wasn't what I was expecting but now that I have read it... I wouldn't have wanted it to be anything else. I feel this is a book everyone should read, it's a fascinating take on the afterlife. I cannot wait to read more of Zevin's novels. Because It Is My Blood will be coming up in the near future!

Rating: 5/5

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My Year Two Modules!

Recently I was able to choose my modules for next year and I'm really looking forward to them!

Semester One:

Contemporary Literature: Sex and Gender

Constructing the Self

Romantic Literature

The 20th/21st Century American Novel

Semester Two:

Contemporary Literature: Post-Colonial Fiction

Radical Subjectivities

Modernism

Detective Fiction

I've seen a provisional reading list for each of them and there are some books on there that I can't wait to start.

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A French Affair

by Katie Fforde

Started: 18th June 2014

Finished: 18th June 2014

It has been a while since I sat and read a Katie Fforde. I came across A French Affair when doing my weekly shop and couldn't resist buying it! I'm happy I did as it was a pleasant, light-hearted break from what I have been reading.

A French Affair focuses on Gina Makepiece and how her life changes when her eccentric aunt leaves a request in her will. Gina, and her sister Sally, have to get involved in The French House antiques that she grew to love so much. The usually sensible and safe Gina throws herself into the venture (more so than her sister) after her freelance PR work isn't as busy as she'd like it to be. This is the fresh start away from London (and ex Egan) she needed. However she gets more than she bargained for with the broody and pessimistic Matthew Ballinger.

Before I started the novel I had an idea on how it was going to end. Fforde follows a structure that she works wonderfully; I also like that I know exactly what I'm going to get when I see the name Katie Fforde on a beautiful cover. I must admit when I saw the premise centred on antiques I was slightly wary as I didn't think I would be able to get into it. However I was surprised that despite this I couldn't put the book down.

I greatly enjoyed the balance of personality between Gina and Matthew. Some of their interactions were humorous and had me smiling. It was nice to see the character development of them both (especially Matthew) as the novel continued. I wasn't too crazy about the sister Sally, there were moments when I really couldn't stand her. However I felt the sisterly relationship between her and Gina was well written. A minor character that I loved, on the other hand, was Nicholas and I would have loved to have seen more of him. Another character I would have liked to have seen more of (even though I hated her) was Yvette. She was mentioned a lot and her presence was felt, however I just would have liked to have seen her interact more with the other characters.

Despite reading this in one day I can't quite remember if the loose ends with Egan and the money were tied up. I was so wrapped up with the ending that I forgot what happened with that particular storyline. Events towards the end of the novel felt a little rushed, however that also added to the tense feeling of time running out.

Like with other Katie Fforde books I wasn't disappointed. I would certainly recommend this book, however Love Letters still remains my favourite Fforde!

Rating: 4/5