The Book of Lost and Found by Lucy Foley

*****

A gorgeous book, (both in writing and presentation) I loved it!  

After the death of her beloved mother and grandmother, Kate is alone and bereft but has the opportunity find her unknown family through a  sketch of a beautiful woman who closely resembles her mother, but was clearly from an earlier time.  Travelling to Corsica, Paris and New York she uncovers the dramatic love story of Tom and Alice and the consequences of decisions made in difficult times, where happy endings are elusive.   

It’s a sweeping romance that moves backwards and forwards in time, beginning with the carefree, halcyon days of the roaring twenties, through occupied Paris and beyond. Beautifully written I was totally drawn into the story and couldn't put it down.  I can't say enough about this book, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone...so all I shall say is it's a fabulous first novel from Lucy Foley that you must read! 

Due to be published 15th January 2015.  Thank you to lovereading and Harper for my review copy.  

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters

*****
Amelia Peabody is Victorian spinster who suddenly comes into wealth and independence on her father's death.  Although her father was rather distant he gave her an excellent classical education, the ability to speak several languages and an urge to see the world.  Bemused by the sudden interest shown in her somewhat limited charms by the men around her, she sets off on her travels with her forthright nature and a sturdy parasol. When the grand tour reaches Rome, she encounters Evelyn, a lady in reduced and compromised circumstances.  As Amelia is tired of being let down by her feeble companion and annoying maid, she decides that Evelyn will make a very suitable companion on her further travels into Egypt.  Amelia finds her spiritual home in Egypt and becomes a keen student of archaeology with a particular penchant for pyramids.  During their stay in Cairo they meet the Emerson brothers, the mannered Walter, who immediately charms Evelyn, and the older, irascible Radcliffe.  Evelyn's past catches up with her through her faithless lover Alberto and her cousin Lucas who wants to marry her to restore her good name and wealth after the death of her estranged grandfather the Earl of Ellesmere.  To avoid these distractions they take off on a dahabeeyah to journey down the Nile where they stop off at Armana, home of the heretic king, Akhenaten.  Here they find the Emersons' dig, but Radcliffe is seriously ill with a fever.  Amelia takes charge and nurses him back to health but they are disturbed by the wanderings of a nocturnal mummy.  The ghostly mummy spreads terror amongst the local workers, but despite strenuous efforts to catch it, the mummy appears invincible.  The atmosphere becomes threatening and tensions rise further when Lucas arrives and unsettles the early romance between Evelyn and Walter. Amelia finds the antagonistic relationship between herself and Emerson a source of frustration and something else.  Why does it appear that the mummy is after Evelyn and who will get the upper hand between Amelia and Emerson?

I have read all the Amelia Peabody books numerous times and although I've always meant to review them, I just never got around to it.  After re-visiting the whole series a couple of times a few years ago on audiobook (by the amazing Barbara Rosenblatt) I've started it all over again and might even manage to get them on my blog!  I tried a few years ago to do this but never managed to complete reviews on the first few of the series.

I found Amelia completely by accident in a London Waterstone's about fifteen years ago and was totally converted!  I love the series, they are all keepers, and even though some are  better than others and I have a few absolute favourites...I will probably rate them all as 5 star!  Every now and then I revisit and wallow in the exciting lives of the Emersons...I'm just sooo jealous, as it's a life I would love to be in!

The book is written as Amelia's journal, so it's all in first person.  Her humour and strong views are immediately apparent, it also allows for her to digress into rants about the failings of men, social climbers and other irritants.  This first outing for Amelia does take a while to get going as there's a fair bit of necessary explanation and scene setting.  She's an aged spinster (32 years old!) who describes herself as black haired, steely eyed and well endowed where it isn't fashionable.  She's a no nonsense, straight speaking busybody who pushes her way in where she isn't necessarily wanted, usually with her parasol and I think she's fab! Resigned to spinsterhood, her questioning of Evelyn is typical and sums up her attitude completely.  She contrasts with the soft, sweet natured and fairly naive Evelyn, who has been badly used by her Italian lover.  Although she could come across as wet, she isn't too saccharine and is a good foil to Amelia's less engaging personality traits.
Emerson is a huge character in all ways!  With his caustic, rather bullying manner he has the potential to be a rather unlikable character, but once in Armana with the ongoing sparring between him and Amelia he shows a more considerate side.  Obviously he's meant to be hugely attractive, all bluff but with a kind heart and the fact that he sees through Amelia's rather spiky persona also makes him more agreeable.  Walter is fairly thinly characterised and through the series doesn't seem to get much stronger...although his declaration of love is really sweet! The more bookish and even tempered brother he is the complete opposite of Emerson.

Peters rich detail and accurate portrayal of Egyptian antiquities and archaeological methodology demonstrate her expertise in this area and make it a joy. 

This series have become my perfect comfort read ...a pleasurable wallow into romance, mystery and Egypt when I need a bit of escapism.  Probably not for everyone, but I love them!

The Haunting by Alan Titchmarsh

***
I've quite enjoyed the few Alan Titchmarsh novels I've acquired (usually from my mum!) and thought his last, Folly was really rather good!  In hopes of something similar I tracked down a cheapish, second hand copy of this one and settled for a more subdued read, after the explicit contents of the Fifty Shades series!

Harry is a sadly disillusioned History teacher in his early forties, although he seems much older in his manner and lifestyle!  Still getting over his brief but disastrous marriage he's resigned from his job and decides to buy a quaint but neglected cottage by the river.  He is quickly enamoured by Alex, his new neighbour who lives alone with her daughter, Anne.  New love distracts him from his search for his ancestors but through his new home and an unexpected find from his best friend Rick, history finds him.  Running alongside and eventually coinciding with the modern story is the tale of Anne Flint, a fifteen year old housemaid with aspirations who finds excitement isn't all it's cracked up to be when her adventure quickly leads to tragedy.
It was pretty much as I expected - a gentle paced, easy read.  I enjoyed it, but felt there was a much "bigger" story to be made of the idea.  The whole "haunting" element was a bit of a red herring and the decline of his old headteacher is quickly forgotten; it all felt a bit rushed and skimmed over as if a more extended and in depth book had been hacked about.  Due to this, none of the characters were really memorable and I thought the modern day Anne had so much potential.  Shame really as I liked what was there but just wanted more.

Fifty Shades Trilogy

*** for the whole trilogy
So I gave into all the hype and was pressurised by Elaine at work and bought this series.  I've decided to do the whole trilogy in one post...mainly as I don't feel I have awful lot to say about them, so here goes!  Apologies to all who love the series, but this is only my opinion.

Fifty Shades of Grey
***

Firstly, I feel that I ought to make it clear that I am pretty unshockable, there is nothing in here that I hadn't already heard of, but it's just not my usual reading fare.  However, my work colleague (Elaine, you know who you are!!) had pushed it as a "love story with interesting add-ons".  She has talked endlessly about the series as it has now filled the gap left by Twilight (which she found very, very late!) and had her eyes opened very wide by having to visit the Ann Summer's website to find out what the items in Christian's playroom were for!  I decided to give it a go, partly to stop her nagging me and so I could contribute to her monologue of how wonderful Christian is!
To be blunt, this book irritated me, it was sooooooo repetitive and as it's a pretty chunky book, that's an awful lot of repetition to have to wade through!  It's written in an over simplistic way from Ana's overly naive view.  (How has that girl managed to survive life to this point?)  Constant biting lips, rolling eyes, descriptions of long, expert fingers and the whole inner goddess thing?!! Argh!  Ana is a woefully weak character, Christian (and yes, I get that he's damaged) has no redeeming features apart from being "gorgeous" and having his own helicopter.  As a minor aside, I also felt that Christian was too young considering the huge wealth he's amassed and the power imbalance in all his relationships, to me his whole demeanour (and not just his playroom antics) would have worked better with someone in their mid to late thirties. When I reflect, not a lot actually happens in this book and although I can't say I didn't find some of it enjoyable, I finished it finding the whole thing slightly distasteful.
As an example of how my view differed with Elaine:
Elaine said, "Ooh, when he did that with the tie and then wore it, I knew just how she must have felt!"
I said, "There's no way that tie would be fit to wear to a graduation ceremony after that, even with dry cleaning!"

Fifty Shades Darker
****
Elaine was horrified that I didn't love the first book and tried to convince me that the second was better and the third was "lovely".  As it was two books for £7, I threw them into the shopping trolley and gave up a large part of my weekend. Surprisingly, I am still talking to Elaine, but not for book recommendations!

I actually thought this one was a bit better, I even liked some bits of it (the masked ball), there was a more romantic feel and even some humour.  We finally get to find out the true extent of Christian's tortured past and how it's made him what he is and tries to explain his neediness and control, but what's Ana's excuse then?  What I don't like is the acceptance that his stalkerish and beyond obsessive behaviour is an aspect of his deep love for Ana...no, it's just scary and wrong, imo!  But what bothered me even more is the huge Ana fan club, why is every male in these books instantly attracted to her when she is so sappy and self-obsessed?

Fifty Shade Freed
***
I'm so glad they've changed this cover from a set of handcuffs to a key - I just couldn't take that cover seriously.
I just thought this was boring.  There are only some many ways a girl can be restrained and I'd had enough, I yawned or flicked through the sex scenes which became increasingly repetitive and dull...even Ana was desperate for a bit more variety by this time!  My main problem is that Ana is no more endearing and the whole "don't be angry/ mad at me" was disconcerting in what is supposed to have developed into a loving marriage.
Elaine got her happy ending and the epilogue was sweet, but the Fifty Shades pov section didn't add anything new.

So, to sum up - and I'm rolling my eyes at this point...I can't see how it's going to change your life (except my house is considerably less clean as I read all weekend rather than doing the housework) - although I believe it's worked for a lot of American mommies and made their husbands very happy!
Anyone who has followed my reviews, I am known for loving my "flawed" heroes!  I'm a complete Phantom of the Opera fan, so I get the whole idea of damaged personalities.  For heaven's sake I adore (as does my inner goddess) my brooding, obsessive heroes, but Fifty Shades just doesn't do it for me!  I'm no book snob and appreciate that there's lots of people out there lovin' it.
Well done to the author for tapping into the moment and making the most of the shrewd marketing, it's obviously doing something for a lot of women, but my inner goddess is looking elsewhere.

Dancing on Thorns by Rebecca Horsfall

*****
Jean-Baptiste St Michel, known simply as Michel (thank goodness) was tempted away from England and his mother by his famous choreographer father to learn ballet in Paris.  Abandoned by his absent father and disillusioned in his dancing abilities,  Michel is plucked from obscurity by ballerina Nadia Petrovna to become an apprentice in the small but striving Islington Ballet.  Director Charles Crown is less impressed, but Michel's determination and persistence pay off as he becomes a formidable talent.
Jonni is an aspiring actress new to London who becomes entangled in the exciting and close knit group that revolve around Michel's flat.  Despite their immediate attraction, Michel's only true commitment is to dance and their relationship falters as Jonni wants more than Michel is able to give.

So did I mention that I'm on a ballet obsession at the moment? (oh, sorry, I must have!) and it's still going strong, much to Amazon's delight and pain to my credit card!!
There's actually far more to this book than I can give in a brief synopsis; there's 730 pages and never a dull moment!  It's a theatrical, passionate saga with a huge range of varied characters and sub-plots and I don't want to give anything away.  I loved Michel, despite him being a self-obsessed egotist for much of the book, he's perfect! (and yes, I do love my flawed heroes, I know!) Primo is fabulous, Jonni is mildly irritating and wet and I adored the behind the scenes details and the creation of new ballets.
Just in case I'm not enthusing enough, even though it's not completely perfect, I lurved this book!  It's totally indulgent, Jilly Cooper-esque in both size and sweeping breadth, but who cares?!  It did what these huge chunksters are supposed to do, whisked me off to another life and I couldn't put it down! Unlucky for me that I chose to start it during the first week back at work after Christmas hols, as it meant I stayed up extra late as I was desperate to see how it all ended!  Brilliant!

The Love Goddess' Cooking School by Melissa Senate

*****
This came as an Amazon recommendation, which I know can be a bit hit and miss, but I do give some of them a go and I'm so pleased I did as I'd never have found this book by myself and I loved it!  With similarities to Nicky Pellegrino and Adriana Trigiani it charts a young women's journey in finding herself through food...what's not to love?!
Holly's Italian grandmother ran a cookery class on Blue Crab Island, Maine, where she combined her culinary genius with her fortune telling skills and ability to weave magical wishes into her dishes.  She became known as the "Love Goddess" and despite some antagonism to her good looks and mysterious knowledge she carved out a thriving business with Camilla's Cucinotta.
Holly has meandered through life following her romantic inclinations rather than making her own way.  A prediction from her grandmother on her sixteenth birthday that her true love will like sa cordula (an extremely unappetising old Italian dish) gives her some hope, but she's not found her man yet and the final break up with (the rather unpleasant) John, on whom she'd pinned all her hopes makes Holly pack up and go to Blue Crab island to lick her wounds.
Inheriting her grandmother's house and business is an unexpected development and Holly decides to give it a go, but she needs to learn how to cook, especially as she has a course for four new students to teach.  Each student has a reason to join the class, but will the Love Goddesses magic still work and will they be able to find the recipe for their own happiness?
Firstly, although I have given this book five stars, I must make it clear that I give the ratings out to books I love, not because they're perfect!  Maybe it also helped reading a lovely gentle book about food when I was particularly mellow between Christmas and New Year!  But the combination of food, pretty setting with a bit of wish fulfilment was brilliant; there's also recipes included (which has become an increasing feature in many books similar to this, I never try them, so can't comment!)
The story is told by weaving Holly's present tale with diary extracts from Camilla, where her grandmother's experiences and wisdom enlighten current events and relationships.
The island contains the usual small town enemies and nastiness but the main characters despite their problems are a pretty upbeat lot, except Juliet, an old friend from Holly's past who has to deal with her grief and find a way of moving on.  Holly develops through the book from a bit of a wet whinger who has no idea who or what she is and only exists for the man she is currently trying to get to marry her, through to a self-doubting but more determined character to someone who is able to take control of her own destiny...but gets the perfect man!  My favourite character was twelve year old Mia who was probably the only person who who knew what she wanted from the start and takes strong action to get it.  It's even Mia that manages to sort out the happy ending!
Love interest Liam seem a bit thinly drawn for me and I got annoyed with some of his behaviour when his ex reappears, but as in all good chic-lit, everything is resolved and forgiven!
So, to sum up, it's not a book that will change your life, but a cosy, happy read that'll make you feel hungry throughout...there's only so much pasta and tiramisu you can stand reading about without delving into the fridge...and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Prima Donna by Karen Swan

****
Pia Soto, Chicago Ballet's amazing ballerina with an even bigger ego has climbed her way from poverty in Brazil to being the most feted dancer in the world, her ambition is to gain the illustrious title of Ballerina Assoluta.  Will Silk, financial whizz has Pia in his sights, but she's not impressed with his showy largesse until a disastrous accident which puts her career on the line means she has to give in and accept his help during her recovery.  To encourage her return to form Silk sets up a "dance-off" between Pia and her only rival, Ava,  to show she's back in business, but Pia isn't sure she's willing to give him all he wants as a pay off for his support.
Tanner oversees Silk's polo horses, but decides he's had enough of his high handed behaviour.  Living next door to Silk's estate, he comes across Pia on several occasions and witnesses her diva-ish behaviour at close quarters, she and Silk are perfect for each other!
Sophie has been running away from herself for years and by being Pia's personal assistant for a few years she's been able to bury herself in work, but she is dismissed without reason after Pia's accident.  She returns to Chicago where her artistic talents are finally recognised and she becomes their resident artist to promote their centenary and the appointment of Ava as their new lead dancer.  A betrayal makes Sophie return home to Ireland where she has to face her ghosts and meets the talented Tony.

So it's Jilly Cooper in tutus (and there's still some horses!) and that's not a bad thing!  I've not really read many of the bonkbuster type chick-lit in the past few years as I started to find them a bit same-y and had moved onto other reads.  However, as I'm still very much wallowing in all things ballet (blame seeing two different versions of The Nutcracker, Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty all in a month!) so I enjoyed the indulgence!  The contrast between the grind of everyday life for dancers and the thrill of performance was well done.  All the strands come together and although it wasn't a great surprise in how everything was resolved, it was all very satisfying when the baddies get their comeuppance, Sophie gets her life sorted and despite her prima donna behaviour you are actually rooting for Pia to succeed.

It's fast paced and an ideal holiday/ chill out book, which is exactly what I expected.

The Secret of Happy Ever After by Lucy Dillon

****
The third book of Dillon's set in Longhampton, where the local people are unusually accommodating of dogs and romance is generally in the air! It's also good to have flashes of Longhampton's other residents who have featured in previous novels, it's comforting to know they're doing okay after their own happy ending!
I love Lucy Dillon's books and had purposely saved this to read over Christmas, expecting a well written but cosy, heart-warming story to delve into, and as the beautiful cover (they always are good!) predicts, that's just what you get.
Anna is struggling to be a good step-mum to husband Phil's three daughters and manic dalmatian, Pongo.  Anna has recently lost her job in the local library and relies on her love of books and the fictional comfort they provide whilst she juggles the dancing classes, Britain's got talent auditions, GSCE and A-level revision by always putting herself and her broodiness last.  Her high powered friend, Michelle has sold her flashy car, left her controlling husband Harvey and set up the "Home Sweet Home" shop in the high street to provide lifestyle goodies to the yummy mummies of Longhampton.  Although she gives little of herself away and has no personal life, business is booming and she wishes to expand into the sadly, neglected bookstore next door, but a local solicitor, Rory, soon informs her that the condition of becoming the new tenant is that the shop is maintained as a bookstore for at least twelve months.  Never one to miss an opportunity, Michelle offers Anna the chance to manage the bookshop and plans to slowly shift her home stock into store as book related extras, to prove that book selling isn't a viable option long term.  Unfortunately, she doesn't let Anna know of this plan!
Anna pours her unfilled love for her own baby into the bookshop and it becomes a focal point for the community.  Throw in a couple of unexpected pregnancies, a needy and much-aged dog and the mix is complete.
What I loved about this book, and it shouldn't come as a great surprise with my massive reading habit, is the genuineness of Anna's affection for literature, particularly children's classics.  The author interview at the end and aspects of Anna's childhood did more than strike a chord - I was that child too!  I still go back to my childhood favourites for comfort and pure nostalgia; and I do so using my job as a major excuse if anyone is looking!  Although I never was a fan of 101 Dalmatians, I loved all the others and maybe will do a blog on those another time. 
The trials and upset of being a new step-mum is believable and well written, Anna's sense of isolation and frustration is real.  I actually liked Chloe at her most horrendous and extreme drama-queendom but didn't really see the point of Phil, he was a bit of a non-event and I never really saw what attracted Anna to him in the first place.
Although I really enjoyed this book, what made it lose the star (and I'm really sorry) was the character of Michelle.  I just couldn't warm to her; I thought she was pretty horrible and so undeserving of Anna's time and understanding that I didn't actually feel she needed her "happy ending".  I get that she was control-freaky to protect herself, I got that Harvey was horrible and I still hated her mother, even after she finally saw the light...but what I couldn't get was how the grim events at her boarding school could be held over her for so long and be used by Harvey to manipulate her.  I understand that what happened would be horrific for any woman and that the trauma would effect her ability to move on but just didn't feel her responses not only to Harvey, but to her family and future friendships were particularly realistic, or maybe I had just created an even worse possibility as I went through the book?  Maybe I'm just being harsh and hate people with perfect houses?!!  So sadly, that made it a slightly less than perfect read for me, but I always look forward to Lucy Dillon's books and can't wait for the next one.

The Magic of Christmas by Trisha Ashley

*****                                                                                                                 
Lizzy, founder member of the Christmas Pudding Circle lives in Middlemoss, a Lancashire village with the usual cast of odd-bods, soap stars, broodingly handsome Nick and the new Vicar. She manages to get by through self sufficiency and writing homely books about her cooking and gardening, with her son Jasper and her love rat husband. Saved from leaving her marriage by his sudden demise she continues to throw herself into village life, including the Boxing Day Mystery Play, but who will play Adam to her Eve?

Well, it's no secret that I love Trisha Ashley, she does "older" chit-lit with a light touch and a quirky sense of fun.  This is in her usual vein, based "Sweet Nothings" an oldie of hers that is terribly difficult to get hold of.  Lizzy is another engaging heroine and although the exaggerated and cosy village vibe is a bit "Vicar of Dibley" it's a cheerful, fluffy Christmas read, which is just what I needed and it's got me in the festive mood.

Now all I need is a glass of mulled wine, but I'm not sure about the mashed potato fudge!

An Autumn Crush by Milly Johnson

****
Juliet has recently split from her husband after he had an affair with her best friend, rather than being down and depressed, she has a gorgeous new flat and a lovely new flat mate, Floz, to share the mortgage.  With a lovely family, including handsome and brooding twin brother Guy, and best friend Coco to support her, life is pretty good and not even internet dates from hell seem to put her off her stride.  Surprisingly, an antagonistic relationship with Guy's best friend Steve, the wrestler, develops into something else and she has to rethink her plans for the future.  Guy has had a troubled past and is definitely focusing on his career as a chef, the arrival of Floz puts him into turmoil as he's unable to show how attracted he is to her.  Floz is ready for a fresh start after the messy breakdown of her marriage, but an unexpected email reopens old wounds and makes her vulnerable and sad.  Can Guy make things better?
It's no secret that I love Milly Johnson! Her books are always light, witty fun and the fact she's a South Yorkshire girl who always manages to get a trip to Meadowhall in, just appeals to me.  It's nice that some old characters make tiny cameo appearances too.  It's also no secret that despite the trials and tribulations and a couple of laugh out loud moments, that everyone will get their happy ending.
I did enjoy this one, but have given it a slightly lower rating simply due to me not being convinced by Floz, if I explain why, it'll give the plot away...but I thought her a bit weak and waaaaay too naive to be likable.  Good stuff, but I liked "Here Come the Girls" a bit more!

The Secrets Between Us by Louise Douglas

*****

I'm part of the Transworld Book Group! This book was read and reviewed as part of the Transworld Book Challenge.

I was sooo pleased to get this book, as am a huge fan of Louise and loved her previous two novels.  This one is a bit different and certainly darker, but even better than I expected.

Sarah takes some time out in Sicily with her understanding sister and brother-in-law to try and make sense of her life.  The infidelity of her partner after the devastating loss of her baby son has left Sarah feeling rootless.  During her holiday she meets the charismatic Alexander and his charming young son Jamie.  She discovers that Alexander's beautiful and talented wife, Genevieve has recently left him and her need to be loved and to nurture leads her to the make the snap decision to move from Manchester to live with Alex and Jamie in Somerset as their housekeeper.
However, the move from city to rural life has it difficulties, not least the questions raised by the locals about Genevieve's sudden disappearance.  Is Alexander all he appears and what isn't he telling her?

In her acknowledgements, Louise Douglas mentions the impact of several classics as inspiration for this novel and it shows; it's brilliantly written and has a modern slant on the Gothic theme. It's very reminiscent of Rebecca in terms of the theme of previous wife and the secrets around her, and how the character that we never meet in the book can completely dominate. 

It's very atmospheric with a brooding, claustrophobic tension that gradually builds.  I read the whole thing in a day and stayed up late reading (despite it being the night before the start of the new school year) as I couldn't leave it without reaching the conclusion.   It's really difficult to review this book as I don't want to give the ending away, but it's a fantastic read, I can't praise it enough!

The House by the Sea by Santa Montefiore

****
Ten year old Floriana, an Italian urchin, abandoned by her mother and left to care for her alcoholic father, falls in love with the gardens of the Villa La Magdalena and the owner's son, Dante.  Convinced it's her destiny to marry Dante and to live happily ever after in the beautiful villa, she ignores the difficulties of money, class and Dante's dangerous father.
Forty years later, Marina and her husband Grey run a luxury hotel on the coast of Devon, but face financial and familial difficulties. Marina is relying on finding a resident artist to boost their income, but this seems unlikely until the charismatic, Argentine Rafa Santoro appears.  He sweeps in and makes everything appear better, but is he all he appears?

I have a bit of strange relationship with Santa Montefiore's books...some are fabulous, I sobbed at the end of "Forget-me-not Sonata" and I loved "The French Gardener", but a couple of the others have been disappointing, i.e. "The Affair" and some other suspects.  I keep buying hoping each new one will live up to my expectations...and this one, nearly did!
The dual stories of Floriana in Tuscany, forty years ago and the present day tribulations of Marina in Devon eventually weave together.  Maybe I read too many books along similar lines or am just familiar with the recurring themes in Montefiore's books, but I knew straight away where it was going and how Rafa fitted in.  I thought far too many clues were dropped when he first arrives at the hotel and so I dropped a star for being predictable!  However, it is beautifully written, particularly the Italian setting and I did want to go along with the ride.
The Italian story was interesting and I got a bit frustrated when it was stopped by the modern day, whinging Clemetine. Floriana's combination of toughness and idealism was understandable and engaging;  I thought Dante a bit two-dimensional, but his weaknesses drives the plot.
Marina is mysterious and contradictory, which is necessary.  Her relationship with everyone in the hotel, including her husband seems to be too needy and she lacked the spark that she must have had when younger.  Rafa is almost a "fairy-godfather" character!   He's too good to be true, but not in a bad way, I still loved him...gorgeous, wise, genuine...he comes in and spreads his fairy dust on everything and everyone, even the self-centred and spoilt Clementine.  Now this was a bit of a problem for me!!  I truly disliked Clementine, all the way through, even when she tried to redeem herself!  I get that Rafa is such a complete and special person that he could see through the "pain and damage" she'd done to herself in maintaining her hatred for Marina, but I couldn't see any redeeming characteristics underneath.  Clementine is spoilt, spiteful and allowed to get away with it and for no good reason - she should have got over it and grown up years ago.  It may be simplistic but I like characters to "earn" their happy ending and Clementine (for me!) came nowhere near!!
There's a lot of supporting characters that I didn't feel were really necessary.  I wanted to know more about Rafa's childhood and how he developed his ability with people, simply having good parenting didn't explain it all.  The whole Raffles/ Baffles plot was a red herring and I thought other parts of the book could have been further developed if it had been dropped.
However, even with my minor grumbles, it's a really pleasant wallow that takes you to another place (good holiday book) and I did enjoy it, so although not one (only in my opinion) of her greatest, certainly worth looking at.

Promises, Promises by Erica James

****         Maggie is the put upon wife of "Mr Blobby", aka Dave. She cleans other peoples' houses all day only to return home for more of the same for her unappreciative husband and son. The highlight of her week is the stolen afternoon reading romantic novels in the library. She dreams of a better life but her inability to stand up for herself means she probably faces only further drudgery and the occasional night at the bingo with her mum's cronies, unless she can change. An unexpected windfall and meeting the handsome Daryl, nephew of her elderly neighbour's new gentleman friend, might spur her into doing just that.

Ella is recovering from the end of a traumatic relationship with a widower and his hateful daughter. She's still angry by Lawrence's weakness and Alexia's machinations but her success as a specialist painter means she is commisioned by Ethan and his bitchy wife, Francine. Ethan's business is suffering in the recession but it's his home circumstances that are making him even more miserable. He sees Ella as a glimmer of hope and wants to get to know her better, but things are further complicated by Lawrence's sudden suggestion (with Alexia's blessing) that he and Ella try again.

Unhappy relationships and new beginnings for everyone in this novel!

I really like Erica James and have given her several 5 stars in the past! (Tell it to the Skies being one of my all time favourites!)  You pretty much know what you're going to get and again she's delivered a really good read.  It didn't quite make it to the full Monty for me, maybe because it was a bit "more domesticated" than some of her other books.  In retrospect, at times it read more as a Milly Johnson style story - which isn't a criticism (as I love Milly Johnson, too!) but just unexpected.

As usual, it's extremely well written and the character of Ella is particularly strong, the whole set up with Lawrence and Alexia was convincing and well written.  I think  Erica James comes into her own when writing about uncomfortable circumstances and the tension between the characters is really well done.  Ella is likable and a good heroine without being too perfect,  I too dance to Viva la Vida!  I couldn't see the attraction to Lawrence, who is a bit of a numpty all the way through and his only redeeming features seemed to be he looked a bit like Colin Firth and provided excellent wine!  Ethan is interesting, but not your usual romantic hero.  The back story of his childhood explained some of his situation, but at times he just seemed indecisive and weak.  I wasn't overly convinced that Ella was enough to make him change his sordid behaviour in the past either, but as it's romantic fiction, I'll just have to trust she was.

The Maggie plot wasn't as strong for me and this is the main reason why I've given the book 4 stars overall.  The whole domestic drudge to sex goddess didn't convince, even though I got that she was unhappy and taken for granted, I thought the stereotyped, nasty grasping family was overplayed and not necessary, although I did laugh at the barbecue debacle!  Is it likely that a thirty something could be such a drudge and have no friends of her own at all and have to rely on her tarty and downright horrible mother for what constitutes as a social life?  If Daryl was sooo amazing, why her? And why when she was married?  It all came too easily and tidily for her and I actually didn't want her to get her magical happy ending, I wanted her to become her own person by herself.

There's a huge cast of supporting characters and maybe due to this they are drawn as polarised love or hate types.  There's a lot of ground is covered in the book, it's well paced and I wanted to read on.

So, to sum up - it's a good, enjoyable read, just not quite up there with my favourites from this particular author.

Nothing but Trouble by Rachel Gibson

***

I'm part of the Transworld Book Group! This book was read and reviewed as part of the Transworld Book Challenge.

Chelsea Ross is a struggling actress who agrees to become carer/assistant (with a $10,000 sweetener, to stick with the job for three months!) to the famous ice hockey player Mark Bressler.  Bressler was injured in a serious car accident, six months previously and despite being rich and gorgeous, has a reputation for being extremely difficult.  He has fired several previous carers and has no intention of letting Chelsea interfere with his life, he determines to be as difficult as possible to push her out.  However, Chelsea is no pushover, she's had to struggle as personal assistant to a tranche of D-listers to fund her limited acting opportunities in dodgy slasher flicks.  She's determined to get the cash and so the two of them clash with interesting results.

I've never read anything by Rachel Gibson before, although her books have occasionally cropped up on my Amazon recommendations - so with the Book Challenge it seemed a good opportunity to have a go!  As I started to read, I had a few reservations, firstly it's an American "chick-lit" and I have read some pretty dire examples in the past; secondly it's the fifth in the "Chinook" series and I can be pretty anal about having to read series in order (sad, but true!) and I was worried that characterisation would be affected by assuming some prior knowledge.  Finally, it's about an ice hockey team, which I know nothing about and have no desire to further my understanding!  Not a promising start, but thankfully, none of this really mattered, although it's clear that some of the characters and incidents have been covered in earlier books, it didn't affect the main plot and I never felt I'd missed anything important.  However, as a minor grumble, some of the US brand names and acronyms baffled me at times!

I can't be unfair and criticise this book - it does exactly what it says on the tin!  The two main characters, although both initially irritating do allow you to warm to them.  The supporting cast are fairly thinly written, but I forgave this as I assume some come through more strongly in the series when it becomes their turn to take the lead.  It's a quick, light, totally predictable chick-lit read.  It's very straightforward and there are no complicated situations or alternatives provided to create distractions from the two main characters.  It was never a case of "will they-won't they", right from the start it's simply a matter of when and where. Unfortunately, as I'm at least ten years older than the target audience and very well versed in this genre, I prefer a bit more before my happy ending.
I've given it 3 stars as it just didn't do much for me, but if it's your bag, you'll enjoy it it!

Calling Romeo by Alexandra Potter

**1/2

Juliet lives with her boyfriend Will and over time things have become a bit dull.  After Will left his well paid job, flashy car and designer suits to set up a garden design business with his friend, he has gradually settled into a smelly, bobbly fleece and nights in with a chicken jalfrzi, dozing in front of the telly. The final straw for Juliet is when he forgets a long planned Valentine Day's meal and leaves her alone and mud splattered on Oxford Street.  Her chance meeting with Sykes; gorgeous, half Italian ad man puts romance back into her life and reminds her of what she's been missing.  Despite the warnings of her brash American friend, Trudy, Juliet can't stop herself being drawn in by a loved up weekend in Verona with her new admirer.

Okay, it's chick-lit, but in my opinion, not the best but to be fair, it was published nine years ago, and it suffers slightly due to this.  It seems really cliched at times and has everything thrown in it, including bitchy female boss, brutally honest BF, down to earth northern family, masked ball, unexpected pregnancy...need I go on? But, I've read a few of Alexandra Potter's more recent books and although I enjoyed them a little more, I always finish them feeling a bit disappointed.
I think my main issue with this particular book is that I didn't like Juliet (at all, ever!) she's whiny and self-absorbed and I personally believe in light fluffy books as this is, your heroine should be more honest than Juliet is and not start an affair whilst still in a relationship.  Skyes wasn't convincing as either romantic lead or love-rat and Will is far too one dimensional to be remotely interesting.  Even Verona got a duff deal and was made to sound uninteresting.
To sum up - this was passed on by a friend and if I'd read it when first published, I might have enjoyed it more, but don't bother now - read something more current.

Roses by Leila Meacham

****
A huge family epic, which starts when our heroine is ill, aged and sitting in her lawyers office! It sooo reminded me of the Barbara Taylor Bradford et al TV mini series my mum was addicted to years ago!!  Funnily enough, I've never managed to get beyond page 40 of any BTB novel, but I flounced through this in just over a day.
It tells the story of the three founding families of Howbutker in Texas; the Tolivers are cotton farmers, the DuMonts are upmarket shop owners and the Warwicks are timber merchants.  They have a long standing pact which involves sending red and white roses to seek and give forgiveness. (It's a major theme through the book, obviously with the title, but I never really thought it was necessary!) Anyway, in 1916, pretty but headstrong, sixteen year old Mary Toliver inherits Somerset from her father over her mother and elder brother.  Her family are understandably miffed and it goes downhill from there.  Mary gives her life and happiness to save the plantation and her decisions impact on future generations. 
Scaling several wars, many deaths and love affairs it is a fabulous holiday read, suspend your disbelief and just wallow in the whole saga and you'll love it! 
On a more picky note, I actually found myself disliking virtually every female character, (except Sassie) and saved my special vitriol for Rachel (boo, hiss!!) even when the author tried to redeem her! I thought the male protagonists where far more sympathetic, particularly Percy and I would have liked stronger characterisation of Ollie to avoid him simply being a plot device. It doesn't deserve the comparisons to Gone with the Wind that are used on the cover, either.
However, I still think it's a great beach read, even if the 600+ pages will be heavy in your suitcase!

Here Come the Girls by Milly Johnson

*****
This is Milly Johnson doing what she does best - a fabulously entertaining holiday read!  I've read all her previous books, but have never managed to write one up on here, so I'm putting that straight, right now!
It's not deep and it won't change your life (unless it encourages you to be a cruise convert!) but it's well written and engaging and whilst I'm having a heavy time at work, this was brilliant light relief.
Roz, Olive, Ven and Frankie were best friends at secondary school in Barnsley, dreaming of brilliant careers, huge salaries, big families and a fancy cruise for their fortieth birthday.  Unfortunately, twenty five years later, real life hasn't turned out that way.  Ven loses her job and her husband rips off half her inheritance.  Olive is an unpaid skivvy for her scrounging husband and useless family.  Roz has become bitter and unable to trust people after being let down by her unfaithful husband and had a huge falling out with Frankie, who on the surface seems to be the only one doing alright.  Just before her fortieth birthday, Ven wins a fabulous all expenses paid cruise and drags her friends along...can a luxury cruise fix all their problems?  Is this top class chick-lit?  Of course, it will!
There's not a lot else to add.  Okay, there were no surprises and like all readers I sussed the "issues" and exactly where it was all going, but that doesn't detract from an enjoyable, escapist read!

Recipe for Scandal by Debby Holt

**
Life is gently plodding along for Alberta Granger; living in Bath with her partner, Tony and son, Jacob. The catering business keeps her busy, and the only cloud is the general lack of contact by her high achieving daughter, Hannah.

But Bertie’s world is shattered by the death of her father, the well-known politician, Lord Trussler, in scandalous circumstances. Revelations about her mother, also hit the press and it causes her to question how well she knew the men in her life.

I’ve ready a couple of other books by this author and found them to be easy, light reads. There’s nothing wrong with this one but my main frustration is that nothing happened in the first hundred pages and so I didn’t care when the plot started to move. Generally, the characterisation wasn’t strong enough to make me interested; Alberta is one of the most dull and least self-aware characters I’ve come across for a while and I couldn’t see why she was so interesting to so many people. The tribulations of Hannah’s life were dull and Jacob had the most potential but was quickly shunted off to France (why?!).

The scandal and subsequent “outings” weren’t particularly shocking and although would, understandably create a family crisis, I didn’t find it particularly believable.

Encore Valentine by Adriana Trigiani

***
After her grandma's marriage and move to Italy,Valentine Roncalli becomes joint owner of Angelini's Shoes with her brother, Alfred.  Although not a partnership made in heaven, the determination to expand the business takes her to Buenos Aires to meet a long lost division of the family.  Gianluca, her Italian leather tanner and part time love interest is on and off the scene, but her friends and families marriages are under strain too and will this affect the choices she makes?
I've read most of Adriana Trigiani's books and loved most of them..."Lucia, Lucia" is a particular favourite! This one is the follow up from Very Valentine, which I read about 18 months ago and really liked.  The world of couture shoe making was interesting and the typically Trigiani over the top family was great entertainment.  Unfortunately, this one didn't quite hot the spot and I was a bit disappointed.
Firstly, I don't remember Valentine being such a wet whinge in the first book!  I found her increasingly irritating, mainly due to the fact that she has everything going for her (business, supportive family and friends and gorgeous Italian bloke panting for her!) and yet she dithers around feeling unsure or just moaning.  As a slightly more mature chick-lit heroine (35 years old) I wanted her to get a grip!  The shoe aspect of the book is less important in this novel, but the whole Buenos Aires section seemed a bit of a red herring and didn't really lead anywhere - unless there's a further book planned??!  Gianluca is gorgeous, but totally two-dimensional by being too perfect; okay, I know I like my flawed heroes and so maybe he's not my type (novelly speaking), but he's a paragon of patience as well as being far too well dressed and charming!  Quite honestly I wouldn't have blamed him for going off with Carlotta the Mink lady.  The two redeeming characters are June and Gabriel and even they fall into chick-lit stereotyping at times.
So to sum up - it's okay, inoffense and a light read but Trigiani has done soooo much better and am a bit "meh!" about this one.

Walking Back to Happiness by Lucy Dillon

****1/2
Newly widowed Juliet has nothing left in her life since the death of Ben except their dog, Minton and daytime TV.  Despite her family's best efforts it is only when she is forced into looking after her parents ageing Labrador, Coco, that she begins to face the world. She finds that dogs are easier to cope with than people, but through the doggie network she finds herself in great demand for her dog-walking, pet sitting skills.  An attractive spaniel leads to her meeting her gorgeous, freshly divorced owner too.
With her fledgling career, Juliet and Minton are still rattling around a tatty semi with the loudest neighbours ever.  Despite her reluctance to become involved in the Kelly's raucous rock 'n' roll lifestyle, their lodger Lorcan, becomes a trusted friend as he gradually helps refurbish the "forever house" in her own way and gently helps to become more sociable.
As she moves past the first year alone, Juliet realises that she needs people around her and she has to rebuild not just her own life but the relationships within her family.

I was looking forward to this as I loved "Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts" and this has the same type of pretty, twinkly cover!  It revisits the town of Longhampton and gives brief references to the dog rescue centre and a few characters from the previous book.  It's definitely a dog-lovers book and Minton is a complete star!
I did enjoy it, but not quite as much as "Lost Dogs", mainly as it seemed to take a while to get going.  Juliet's grief is (obviously) the major point of the narrative, but that also means that she doesn't do or say a lot whilst in the throes of despair.  Juliet is a pleasant enough character and her actions are totally believable, but she's a bit dull.  Her mother, the nicely interfering Diane, is realistic and well meaning, but I didn't really get to like the high-powered sister, Louise.  Post-baby crisis didn't excuse her behaviour or attitude for me, I just found her a spoilt brat, type.  The Michael and Lorcan set up was no contest for me...give me a handyman anytime!  The Kelly family next door were light relief and added much needed humour at times.
It's a gentle, cosy, heartwarming read and handles a bittersweet theme very well.  I will definitely buy her next book, it just didn't quite hit the mark as much as her earlier one with me.