Friday 29 February 2008

Angels by Marian Keyes

The Walshes starred in a previous Keyes novel, the delightful Rachel's Holiday; Maggie is Rachel's older sister, (one of five) and the only one who "never did any of that nasty sleeping around business". Instead she got married to her first boyfriend Paul Garvan and everything was fine, until they suffered a couple of "setbacks". Unable to face sorting out the difficulties, Maggie hightails it to Los Angeles to stay with her old pal Emily. Emily is a script writer, her short film A Perfect Day was a big hit in Ireland, but her working life is a little tougher in the land of sunshine and fat-free Pringles. The two girls, along with a supporting cast of wannabes, scary film studio folk and slacker next door neighbours, get on with sorting out their emotional issues in a stylishly witty, wonderfully warm fashion. Maggie's devilish ex-boyfriend and the commitment phobic Troy add in a delightful frisson of sexual tension.

I think this must be the second in the series about the lovable Walshes, so looks like I've read them in totally the wrong order but, anyway ....

This was a fabulous funny feast as is the norm with Ms Keyes what Maggie gets up to in LA is pretty much hilarious for someone who was so settled before she left her husband. And Maggie's family feature quite a lot here which is great I think they are one of the funniest families in bookland!

However, this also touches on the very sensitive subject of miscarriage and thought it was so well done, although I'm lucky to have never suffered such a fate I thought it was very well done and Marian always has the brilliant way of dealing with issues like this while injecting a little light-heartedness, albeit sensitively.

This is not my favourite book from the Walshes, Watermelon still remains my favourite but, this was fun and a definite for anyone who loves chick-lit!

Tuesday 26 February 2008

Changeling by Yasmine Galenorn

Meet the D'Artigo Sisters-three half human, half-Faerie, wild and sexy members of the OIA-the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. Camille, a witch, Delilah, a werecat, and Menolly, an acrobat extraordinaire turned vampire, are sent Earthside to keep them out of trouble by their superiors, but the girls find themselves smack in the middle of Demon-Central when Shadow Wing, the leader of the Subterranean Realms, decides to attempt a coup on both Earth and Otherworld. Now, with their erratic powers, the sisters must use their collective talents to prevent the demons from taking over and to save two worlds, one monster at a time.

Delilah:
"Someone’s been slaughtering the Weres of the Rainier Puma Pride, and my sisters and I have been enlisted to investigate by Zachary Lyonnesse, golden boy of the werepumas. Right away we smelled demon trouble, and we tracked it directly into the snare of the Hunters Moon Clan, sworn enemies of Puma Pride. But there’s more than Were rivalry at work. It’s that old demon Shadow Wing who’s setting a deadly snare for the pumas. We have to find out why, which means a visit one to of the Immortals. Unfortunately, for my sisters and me, our half-human blood is just enough to put us in mortal danger."

This is the second (of what I thought was three but, no apparently there is more) of the Sisters of the Moon series and Delilah ius a shapeshifter and to be honest I prefferred the character of the first book but, Deliliah was still very interesting!

So we have 3 sisters, which may sound similar to another well known series of 3 sisters, although they were all witches but, YG vehemently denies these have been influenced by any of those characters and if you read the books you will see that's true, the fact that there are 3 sisters and one is a witch is where the similarities end, and this is also classed as Paranormal Romance but, YG also vehemently makes another claim that this is Urban Fantasy which I would agree with it does not have some of the elements as PR which isn't a bad thing as I've read many excellent PR's.

As (what I thought was) the middle book this was good not fantastic but, a brilliant and addictive read, there are so many books of this type of genre out there at the moment and its easy to get overloaded and I'm sure I am missing out on some great series similar to this but, for now this one does for me, looking forward to reading Darkling!

Saturday 23 February 2008

Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands

This is the first in Lynsay Sands Argenau vampires series, although it can be a bit confusing as the website has book 3 listed as the first but, apparently this one is, but anyway ...

This is the story of Lucern Arganeau, from a family of vampires consisting (so far) of a mother, two sons and a daughter. Lucern is over 400 years old so has seen a lot and lived through many eras! Lucern is also a vampire firstly writing historical books and now onto Vampire romances.

Because of his books he meets Kate who is his book editor and she is trying to convince him to go to book signings etc which he is very reluctant to do and finally she gets him to agree to go to a book convention which is where the fun starts.

Of course at first he doesn't want to go but, is convinced to go not only by Kate but, also by his Mother and his family, they like Kate and think she will be perfect for Lucern. And so of course, Kate & Lucern nenture on a romance which isn't as easy as it seems. Lucern isn't exactly up on all the things of the 21st century.

The trouble starts when Kate discovers Lucern is a vampire, she doesn't know at first, he only told her he had problems with the sun (haw haw) and when she sees him taking some blood from her colleague Chris then he just has to own up!

This was a very funny feast! Every vampire series I think has to be compared to Anne Rice's vampires and you couldn't get further from lestat and his crew than these, it was so funny and I loved every minute!

I hope to read them all there are 9 so far I think!

Thursday 21 February 2008

Shopholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella

Becky's life is blooming! She's working at London's newest fashion store The Look, house-hunting with husband Luke (her secret wish is a Shoe Room)...and she's pregnant! She couldn't be more overjoyed - especially since discovering that shopping cures morning sickness.

Everything has got to be perfect for her baby: from the designer nursery...to the latest, coolest pram...to the celebrity, must-have obstetrician. But when the celebrity obstetrician turns out to be her husband Luke's glamorous, intellectual ex-girlfriend, Becky's perfect world starts to crumble. She's shopping for two...but are there three in her marriage!

I have to say I love Becky! I can identify with her on so many levels, probably a lot of us could, whilst I love a good old shop I'm nothing as bad as her but, anyway ... reading a few reviews about this book I wasn't expecting the greatest thing but, I think this is one of the best after Shopoholic & Sister!

As this is now book 5 some may think Sophie should put the Shopoholic world to bed but, no! I love these books and hearing what Becky gets up to next is hilarious its just like catching up with an old friend you haven't seen in ages!

If you haven't read this book ... STOP HERE!

I absolutely hated Venetia and could really have punched her, the horrible things she said about Becky but, the part in the hospital just before she goes into labour was so cute when Luke said all the fantastic things about her but, my favourite part was when she thinks Luke is having an affair with venetia and she writes him the letter and he appears at the house just as Vogue get there, aww that was soooooo sweet!

Anyway, loved it loved it loved it and hope Becky is back soon with her daughter for some more hilarious adventures!

Tuesday 19 February 2008

Heart of Stone by C E Murphy

'What secrets lie shrouded in darkness?
Okay, so jogging through Central Park after midnight wasn't a bright idea. But Margrit Knight never thought she'd encounter a dark new world filled with magical beings-not to mention a dying woman and a mysterious stranger with blood on his hands. Her logical, lawyer instincts told her it couldn't all be real-but she could hardly deny what she'd seen...and touched.

The mystery man, Alban, was a gargoyle. One of the fabled Old Races who had hidden their existence for centuries. Now he was a murder suspect, and he needed Margrit's help to take the heat off him and find the real killer. And as the dead pile up, it's a race against the sunrise to clear Alban's name and keep them both alive.

This is the first in a new series the Negotaiator Trilogy by C E Murphy and what a fantastic new world she has created! Margrit is a very interesting character and this book is told from both Margrits and Alban's point of view which puts an interesting view on things.

The world created here is drawn up quite slowly that said this is far from a slow book it was just a great way of getting you to understand the world that has been created. The beginning I felt Margrit seemed a little different to the character she turned into, not sure if that was intentional.

This being a trilogy of course the ending leaves you wanting more so can't wait for the nxt book out next month!

Friday 15 February 2008

If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Aherne

Everything in Elizabeth Egan's life has its place, from the espresso cups in her gleaming kitchen to the swatches and paint pots of her interior design business. Order and precision keep life under control - and Elizabeth's heart from the pain and hurt she has suffered in the past. The only cloud on the horizon is her sister Saoirse, a red-haired whirlwind always leaving behind pieces, which Elizabeth struggles to pick up - including her six-year-old son Luke.

Being a reluctant mother while trying to keep her business on track is a full-time job, one which leaves little room for error - or fun. Until, one day, a stranger unexpectedly comes into their lives. Ivan is carefree, spontaneous and always looking for adventure - everything that Elizabeth is not. In no time at all, he has crept under her skin and started to change her life in ways she could never have . She knows barely anything about Ivan - who he is and whether he is everything he seems. And, if there is a future for their blossoming relationship!

This book is slightly different to Cecelia's other books but, equally as addictive to read. At first Elizabeth thinks her nephew, Luke just has this imaginary friend until he becomes Elizabeth's friend too!

I think this is one of those books where you either love it or hate it because, Ivan isn't exactly real per se it could be quite hard for some people to like him but, I loved this book because it was different and you can in some way relate to him because I think pretty much most of us had an imaginary friend when we was small or at least what other people thought was an imaginary friend but, who knows?

Thursday 14 February 2008

The Wildwood by Charles De Lint

A young artist returns to her cabin in the deep woods of Canada to concentrate on her illustrations. But somehow, strange and beautiful creatures are slipping into her drawings and sketches. The world of Faerie is reaching out to her for help--and she may be its last chance for survival.

This is (I Think!) Charles De Lints first book and its a delightful read, based on Brian Froud's faerie drawings and is part of Brian Froud's faerieland series.

Eithne who is an artist who sees whats around her without seeing it, if that makes any kind of sense! One day when drawing a sketch she looks and sees magickal being coming from the branches and trees. But, it doesn't stop there these magickal beings seem to step out into her world and she sees them all around her.

Having read some reviews some do not rate this book too highly and maybe because it was Charles's first book it is not as good as some of his others, so yes compared to his other works this perhaps does not live up to those but, compared to other authors this book is simply excellence!

Charles de Lint is an author I would highly recommend especially if you have a love of the world of Faerie.

Monday 11 February 2008

Girl in the Shadows by Virginia Andrews

April Taylor isn't a little girl any more - but who is she really? The home she once shared with her parents and her older sister Brenda might have been filled with turmoil, but it was the only home she had ever known. Now, with nowhere to go in the wake of losing her mother and father, April has to grow up fast as she embarks on an odyssey of heartbreak and betrayal.

It is mere chance that leads her to the secluded home of a kindly elderly woman and her deaf teenage granddaughter, Echo. Here, April finds a refuge from her mixed-up life, and from the confusion that severed her relationship with Brenda, after an encounter with Brenda's girlfriend, Celia. But when a dangerous couple arrives with greedy intentions, April discovers they will take advantage of her very special friendship with Echo to get what they want. Now, April's survival depends on being true to the one person she's never fully accepted: herself.

Following on from April Shadows the central character once again being April Taylor, taken in by the kindly old lady and then there is Echo a deaf girl who is being tutored by Tyler, who at first seems quite un-friendly especially towards April and Echo takes a liking to him.

April still has quite a low opinion of herself in that she is overweight and that just adds to her problems, and that would seem the least of her problems when the elderly lady's daughter, Rhona arrives. Rhona, is also Echo's mother who left her daughter 10 years ago and has barely contacted her in all that time and arrives with her boyfriend, Skeeter in tow.

Overall a good read, as good as April Shadows I think and not as disturbing as the last series by VA I read.

Saturday 9 February 2008

You Make My Day

Rhinoa from http://rhinoasramblings.blogspot.com/ tagged me forthis award, which I thought was very sweet and flattered she thought of me, now I am supposed to tag 10 other bloggers but, as I said in my previous post I don't know that many bloggers so I have included a couple of people I know online too, hope thats OK!

The first would have to be my good friend Margo from http://bookisland.blogspot.com/. Margo is a very very dear friend of mine, we first met online two days bfore Christmas 2003 where she had her own faerie based forum, from the first moment she spoke to me I knew she was different to a lot of people I had come across online in that she was honest, genuine and seemed to have lots in common. Whilst we have both grown in many ways one thing that has never changed is our friendship she has helped me discover lots of things and I too for her she is an amazing woman and if you haven't come across her online please visit her blog she is a very friendly, genuine woman with a heart of gold!

Now onto someone who does not have a blog (that I know of!) her name is Michelle and she lives in Canada I met Michelle firstly on Margo's forum and we have remained friends since. Like me Michelle is Pagan and is a true animal spirit whenever I see any animal I immediately think of Michelle, whenever I feel down Michelle has this wonderful way of making you smile and feel so much better. One of my lifetime ambitions is to visit Polar Bear's in Canada in their natural environment, Michelle lives near to where this trip is and in winter is a very very cold part of the world and the things she tells me makes me more determined to visit, when I do finally make my dream a reality I will also be visiting Michelle which will be as special as meeting those precious bears too!

Another person who has no online blog is Sao again someone I met on Margo's forum, Sao is an absolutely wondrous person she helped me to discover Reiki and also attuned me on 2 levels of Reiki something I will be forever in her debt to, she truly is amazing for helping me discover this beautiful gift. She is a very kindly person who never judges but, listens and I am so glad to call her my friend.

Next Rhinoa who nominated me for this award, I met Rhinoa some years ago initially on a Witchcraft forum and discovered we shared a big passion - books! She has introduced me to many books, one series that sticks in my mind is Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, if you ned to know anything about this series Rhinoa is your gal!

Next I have to nominate Marg from http://readingadventures.blogspot.com/ I 1st came across Marg on Phillipa Gregory's forum before historicalfiction.org was born, if ever there is a book I want to find out more of I will often go to Marg's blog there aren't many books she hasn't read and she writes fantastic reviews!

Next is Kailana from http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/ pretty much for the same reasons as Marg. Kailana writes brilliant and informative reviews and first came across Kailana on the Historical Fiction forum, she hs many books that share the same taste with me and the some, I often look at Kailana's blogs for new recommendations.

Finally, Daphne from http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/ Daphne is one of my premier choices for Hitorical Fiction reviews, whilst I consider myself a fan of HF Daphne has read books I have never even heard of and consequently have found myself hunting down books she has reviewed, really honest and down to earth.

Sorry I did't get to 10 people but, as I said before I don't know that many bloggers, I really should get out more :-))

Book Meme 123

I was tagged by Margo from http://bookisland.blogspot.com/

The rules of this particular meme are:
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages)
2. Open the book to page 123
3. Find the fifth sentence
4. Post the next three sentences
5. Tag five people

OK, I just reached for the nearest book to me, which is, The Cipher by Diana Pharoah Francis:

dispatched him to greet their father and elder brother.

"Tell them to wash and change quickly" she ordered.
"And tell Soames we'll dine in half a glass".

and now I tag:

http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/
http://readingadventures.blogspot.com/
http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/
http://rhinoasramblings.blogspot.com/
http://bookisland.blogspot.com/ (not sure if I can tag someone who tagged me but, I don't have that many blogging friends :-(( )

Thursday 7 February 2008

Kitty & The Silver Bullet by Carrie Vaughn

Kittys radio show is a popular as it ever was she has written a book "Underneath Your Skin" which is just about to be released and a boyfriend to boot - Ben who is also Pack.

But, her Dad calls with news that her Mum has been diagnosed with breast cancer so she and Ben head straight back to Denver to be with her family.However, her old Pack headed by Karl & Meg is in Denver and Kitty's appearance in Denver is not taken too well by Karl. Not only that Kitty's friend Rick, a vampire is planning to take over the city from another vampire, Arturo.

This is the fourth book in what is one of my favourite Vamp/Were series and I was happy to discover that there at least another 3 books planned.

Kitty is a brilliant character and all the books, so far have been written in the first person so you get a real feel for Kitty, her boyfriend, ben is great but, I don't feel his character has been fully developed yet so will be good to see what happens to him in the future.

There are a lot of novels out there based on vampires/were's and its easy to get overloaded with them and think this series is just another jumping on the bandwagon but, it really isn't the whole radio show for the Supernatural is quite unique, or at least I haven't found another series like it and this series is just brilliant!