At last...feels like this week has lasted forever!
Waiting in the Wings by Donna Hay
Another enjoyable read. Not come across this author before and will look up their other books. Pleasant chick-lit - thought the ghost in the theatre idea could have been developed further as could the supporting characters, but got the feeling that maybe it was edited down considerably and some of the sub plots were reduced?!
The Cupid Effect by Dorothy Koomson
Gave me flashbacks of being a student in Leeds so it was nice to be nostalgic about my youth! Enjoyed it and the "cupid" effect of the main character could have been an awful idea but was actually well handled and written with humour and a light touch. I haven't read anything else by the same author, but ceratinly would now.
Friday, 30 January 2009
Monday, 26 January 2009
where does the time go?
So after looking for interesting pics of Hugh, i have managed to get some reading done...honestly!
Happy Birthday by Christina Jones
A follow on from Heaven Sent, which I really liked to. A fluffy, no commitment book which is entertaining and good fun. A pleasant and enjoyable read, not particularly thought provoking, but a good way to pass an afternoon.
Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham by MC Beaton
Still reading all the Aggies! Why is she wasting her time with Charles? He's a complete waste of space and I find myself getting really irritated by him! Have some self respect, Agatha! Usual stuff and yet again done quickly in 250 pages. The traumatic end to all her visits to the hairdressers did make me smile and I wonder where it'll go now with James as they both seem determined to avoid each other. Also feel better with the books now coming slightly more up to date and using mobile phones etc., although I do find the characters, especially Roy, strangely old fashioned.
Happy Birthday by Christina Jones
A follow on from Heaven Sent, which I really liked to. A fluffy, no commitment book which is entertaining and good fun. A pleasant and enjoyable read, not particularly thought provoking, but a good way to pass an afternoon.
Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham by MC Beaton
Still reading all the Aggies! Why is she wasting her time with Charles? He's a complete waste of space and I find myself getting really irritated by him! Have some self respect, Agatha! Usual stuff and yet again done quickly in 250 pages. The traumatic end to all her visits to the hairdressers did make me smile and I wonder where it'll go now with James as they both seem determined to avoid each other. Also feel better with the books now coming slightly more up to date and using mobile phones etc., although I do find the characters, especially Roy, strangely old fashioned.
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
another week...
Cafe Tropicana by Belinda Jones
Good fun! I do enjoy this author - it's well written chick-lit with likeable, not too perect main characters and attractive love interest. This one is set in Puerto Rico and the setting is lovingly described...okay, so you know where it's going, but that's the whole point of romantic fiction as long as the chracters are well formed, a couple of twists and a happy ending.
Okay, now I'm going off track but...Hugh Jackman! OMG!
Finally got to see Australia last night and I'm in total awe...
Good fun! I do enjoy this author - it's well written chick-lit with likeable, not too perect main characters and attractive love interest. This one is set in Puerto Rico and the setting is lovingly described...okay, so you know where it's going, but that's the whole point of romantic fiction as long as the chracters are well formed, a couple of twists and a happy ending.
Okay, now I'm going off track but...Hugh Jackman! OMG!
Finally got to see Australia last night and I'm in total awe...
Sunday, 18 January 2009
later in the weekend...
So, I've now found goodreads...I can see another addiction on the horizon! I haven't put everything on yet, but slowly intend to to help keep track of all my books.
Reading through a lot of chicklit at the moment, partly because I share these with friends and I like to make sure I pass books around regularly, but now I'm back at work and mainly reading late in the evening, I find I don't get into the slightly more serious stuff unless I have a concentrated length of reading time (if only!)
Where is that lottery win? Beach...book...drink? Nice to dream?!!
Trying to pull the next few Agatha Raisin books to keep up with the series and can't find swaps so have gone back to Amazon and bought them...nice to know I'm keeping them going in these times of credit crunch!!
Who's that girl? by Alexandra Potter
I've read other things from the same author and I was hoping that her books would have developed a bit by now. This book was predictable...time slips (or however it happened, which wasn't properly explained either) are fashionable and she did similar with the Mr Darcy book. I actually found the sloany Beatrice more interesting than the dull Charlotte and would have liked to know more about her! The younger version - Lottie was equally mediocre. Okay book and I've read far worse, but overall disappointing.
Reading through a lot of chicklit at the moment, partly because I share these with friends and I like to make sure I pass books around regularly, but now I'm back at work and mainly reading late in the evening, I find I don't get into the slightly more serious stuff unless I have a concentrated length of reading time (if only!)
Where is that lottery win? Beach...book...drink? Nice to dream?!!
Trying to pull the next few Agatha Raisin books to keep up with the series and can't find swaps so have gone back to Amazon and bought them...nice to know I'm keeping them going in these times of credit crunch!!
Who's that girl? by Alexandra Potter
I've read other things from the same author and I was hoping that her books would have developed a bit by now. This book was predictable...time slips (or however it happened, which wasn't properly explained either) are fashionable and she did similar with the Mr Darcy book. I actually found the sloany Beatrice more interesting than the dull Charlotte and would have liked to know more about her! The younger version - Lottie was equally mediocre. Okay book and I've read far worse, but overall disappointing.
Saturday, 17 January 2009
start of the weekend...
Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death by MC Beaton
Agatha's back on form after I was a little disappointed with the last book. James is still being very cool, although they do finally work together to solve the murders. Usual froth and antagonism from Agatha and a new man in her life, too!
RiSi update...
I've now done 17 swaps! How mad is that is less than 3 weeks? had some excellent swaps and looking forward toreading them all. Only problem is I'm addicted to swapping but have far too much to read now and am running out of books to swap! What a trauma...
Agatha's back on form after I was a little disappointed with the last book. James is still being very cool, although they do finally work together to solve the murders. Usual froth and antagonism from Agatha and a new man in her life, too!
RiSi update...
I've now done 17 swaps! How mad is that is less than 3 weeks? had some excellent swaps and looking forward toreading them all. Only problem is I'm addicted to swapping but have far too much to read now and am running out of books to swap! What a trauma...
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
updating...
Heaven Sent by Christina Jones
A bit slow to start and I was slightly confused by all the names of her friends, and then I realised that some of the friends had appeared in earlier books and so it all clicked into place!
I have read some of Christina Jones earlier books in the dim distant past and seem to rember them as being pretty good. I really enjoyed this - it's fun, the characters are well written and having a character like YaYa didn't spoil it...(the token wacky character for effect can be a pain in less well thought out books!) It also makes a change for there to be no steamy scenes and although the reason why Guy and Clemmie "fall out" was weak, I could live with it!
I have already bought "Happy Birthday" which is the story of Phoebe (Clemmie's hairdresser friend) and I'm looking forward to it.
A bit slow to start and I was slightly confused by all the names of her friends, and then I realised that some of the friends had appeared in earlier books and so it all clicked into place!
I have read some of Christina Jones earlier books in the dim distant past and seem to rember them as being pretty good. I really enjoyed this - it's fun, the characters are well written and having a character like YaYa didn't spoil it...(the token wacky character for effect can be a pain in less well thought out books!) It also makes a change for there to be no steamy scenes and although the reason why Guy and Clemmie "fall out" was weak, I could live with it!
I have already bought "Happy Birthday" which is the story of Phoebe (Clemmie's hairdresser friend) and I'm looking forward to it.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Read it Swap it...
Not another book...I do have to work as well as read and I must say it's most inconvenient the way it interferes with my leisure time!
Totally, utterly, completely addicted to RISI...checking emails all the time at home...even consider swaps with books I'm not really bothered about, but I am trying the rein that urge in at the moment!
So far it's been really good, just one slow swap, but otherwise it's great and I love the thrill of getting home and having a jiffy bag waiting for me! I'm so easily pleased!
Totally, utterly, completely addicted to RISI...checking emails all the time at home...even consider swaps with books I'm not really bothered about, but I am trying the rein that urge in at the moment!
So far it's been really good, just one slow swap, but otherwise it's great and I love the thrill of getting home and having a jiffy bag waiting for me! I'm so easily pleased!
Sunday, 11 January 2009
and another...
Agatha Raisin and the Terrible Tourist by MC Beaton
Still am a big fan of Agatha and up until 2/3 of the way through this one was really enjoying the change of scenery - it's set in Northern Cyprus. Then I started to find Charles tiresome and the unexplained coincidence of him being at the same resort and hotel didn't work for me. James becomes even more remote and Agatha more needy...I think she misses the calming influence of Mrs Bloxby!
I thought this the weakest of the series so far and hope it's just a blip.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
So, it's not changed my life!
Bought this years ago after reading an article somewhere which raved about this book and the other works of Coehlo. It's one of those that sat on the shelf, making me feel guilty whilst I read lots of trash and nothing worthy...so I finally got to it and...I don't really know what to say, but I'll try!
It's a fable - a gentle meander through a shepherd's journey to find treasure and what he learns on the way. Okay, so you must learn to listen to your heart, follow the omens and follow your dream...easier said than done, but maybe I'm not spirtitual enough! Not my usual type of book and I'm not searching for meaning in my life, like most people I'm reasonably satisfied with life and this hasn't changed the way I look at things. I'm sure this book has helped many people, but it's not my way of reaching enlightenment, although it was a pleasant way to pass an afternoon.
Still am a big fan of Agatha and up until 2/3 of the way through this one was really enjoying the change of scenery - it's set in Northern Cyprus. Then I started to find Charles tiresome and the unexplained coincidence of him being at the same resort and hotel didn't work for me. James becomes even more remote and Agatha more needy...I think she misses the calming influence of Mrs Bloxby!
I thought this the weakest of the series so far and hope it's just a blip.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
So, it's not changed my life!
Bought this years ago after reading an article somewhere which raved about this book and the other works of Coehlo. It's one of those that sat on the shelf, making me feel guilty whilst I read lots of trash and nothing worthy...so I finally got to it and...I don't really know what to say, but I'll try!
It's a fable - a gentle meander through a shepherd's journey to find treasure and what he learns on the way. Okay, so you must learn to listen to your heart, follow the omens and follow your dream...easier said than done, but maybe I'm not spirtitual enough! Not my usual type of book and I'm not searching for meaning in my life, like most people I'm reasonably satisfied with life and this hasn't changed the way I look at things. I'm sure this book has helped many people, but it's not my way of reaching enlightenment, although it was a pleasant way to pass an afternoon.
Saturday, 10 January 2009
and again...
Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage by MC Beaton
Yes, I'm ploughing my way through the series as I can get hold of them! I actually ended up buying this and the next one from amazon as I couldn't manage to get a swap...by number 7 should be on it's way very soon in the post...hurray!!
Enjoyed this - it's a quick read and the character of Agatha is now coming through much more sympathetically. James is less so, butI'm assuming there is a reason why he's so cold that will come out later and the unresolved affair is needed to produce tension and worry in Agatha's life! Village life has never been so dangerous and her past life comesback to bite her, but it's all sorted and she's on her way to Cyprus...
I'm straight onto the next one now - so I'll let you know x
Yes, I'm ploughing my way through the series as I can get hold of them! I actually ended up buying this and the next one from amazon as I couldn't manage to get a swap...by number 7 should be on it's way very soon in the post...hurray!!
Enjoyed this - it's a quick read and the character of Agatha is now coming through much more sympathetically. James is less so, butI'm assuming there is a reason why he's so cold that will come out later and the unresolved affair is needed to produce tension and worry in Agatha's life! Village life has never been so dangerous and her past life comesback to bite her, but it's all sorted and she's on her way to Cyprus...
I'm straight onto the next one now - so I'll let you know x
update...
Sowing Secrets by Trisha Ashley
Really enjoyed this! Read another one by the same author last year and thought it was good too, so I need to look for more by the same person.
Yes it's light and fluffy, but well written, with quirky, sympathetic characters who you actually care about. Very much in the same vein as the Alan Titchmarsh stuff I've read before, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Really enjoyed this! Read another one by the same author last year and thought it was good too, so I need to look for more by the same person.
Yes it's light and fluffy, but well written, with quirky, sympathetic characters who you actually care about. Very much in the same vein as the Alan Titchmarsh stuff I've read before, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
another one...
Hippy Chick by
As I seem to have been a bit disappointed by the last couple of reads I thought I'd go for a bright, happy cover and leave my brain at the door. In doing so, I really enjoyed this - yes it's just fluff, but it was well written, made me interested in Ibiza (a place I've never been to and it had never appealed before this) and the characters were strong enough to make me bother about them. Okay spelling Edouard the french way was ever so slightly pretentious, Honeybee was even worse - but all is forgiven as it was light and fun and certainly better than the past few reads.
As I seem to have been a bit disappointed by the last couple of reads I thought I'd go for a bright, happy cover and leave my brain at the door. In doing so, I really enjoyed this - yes it's just fluff, but it was well written, made me interested in Ibiza (a place I've never been to and it had never appealed before this) and the characters were strong enough to make me bother about them. Okay spelling Edouard the french way was ever so slightly pretentious, Honeybee was even worse - but all is forgiven as it was light and fun and certainly better than the past few reads.
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
January update...
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Only bought this because Amazon threw it out as a recommendation and I liked the look of the cover...shame really as it's a teenage "goth thriller". Had potential and an interesting idea, but the characterisation was limited. The descriptive passages slowed the pace down and i was left with a "so what?" by the end. This is the first of a series, but I'm quite happy to leave it there and not bother...I don't care enough about Gemma to see what happens. Nuff said.
Only bought this because Amazon threw it out as a recommendation and I liked the look of the cover...shame really as it's a teenage "goth thriller". Had potential and an interesting idea, but the characterisation was limited. The descriptive passages slowed the pace down and i was left with a "so what?" by the end. This is the first of a series, but I'm quite happy to leave it there and not bother...I don't care enough about Gemma to see what happens. Nuff said.
Sunday, 4 January 2009
Okay - starting properly now...January 2009
I love being off work - whole days to do nothing but sit, read, drink wine and eat nachos...I could easily become used to this life...who cares about the dust, ironing and other work building up?
So what have I managed in the early days of 2009?
Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley by MC Beaton
Did what it said on the tin...I do like Agatha, she's such a "normal" person. The murder is quickly dealt with, but her ongoing crush on her neighbour is finally rewarded. Good fun and a quick read.
One Glass is Never Enough by Jane Wenham-Jones
Took a while to get into it as the three main female characters blended into one at first and I couldn't remember who was what! saying that the characteristation of Sarah and Claire was pretty weak and made little impact through the book. Fairly pleasant meander through the usual events. Cross dressing husband thrown in for interest (sussed it when he got excited by the sari!) and careful edging around mental illness and depression.
Ordinary Miracles by Grace Wynne-Jones
Definitely ordinary! Okay, I knew it was "older-chick-lit" when I bought it, but very predictable (more so than I usually accept from the genre) and it took 200 pages to go where you knew it was going. The main character of Jasmin wasn't particularly appealing and the way she acquired her name was possibly the most interesting thing about her. Charlie had potential, but disappeared part way through whilst jasmin tried to find herself. Throw in the pig called Rosie, lesbian daughter, stroppy single friend who is secretly needy and that's about it. Lacked humour and has all been done before. Disappointing.
I haven't checked but strongly suspect that these two authors are the same person?!!
So what have I managed in the early days of 2009?
Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley by MC Beaton
Did what it said on the tin...I do like Agatha, she's such a "normal" person. The murder is quickly dealt with, but her ongoing crush on her neighbour is finally rewarded. Good fun and a quick read.
One Glass is Never Enough by Jane Wenham-Jones
Took a while to get into it as the three main female characters blended into one at first and I couldn't remember who was what! saying that the characteristation of Sarah and Claire was pretty weak and made little impact through the book. Fairly pleasant meander through the usual events. Cross dressing husband thrown in for interest (sussed it when he got excited by the sari!) and careful edging around mental illness and depression.
Ordinary Miracles by Grace Wynne-Jones
Definitely ordinary! Okay, I knew it was "older-chick-lit" when I bought it, but very predictable (more so than I usually accept from the genre) and it took 200 pages to go where you knew it was going. The main character of Jasmin wasn't particularly appealing and the way she acquired her name was possibly the most interesting thing about her. Charlie had potential, but disappeared part way through whilst jasmin tried to find herself. Throw in the pig called Rosie, lesbian daughter, stroppy single friend who is secretly needy and that's about it. Lacked humour and has all been done before. Disappointing.
I haven't checked but strongly suspect that these two authors are the same person?!!
slight cheat...
Yes, I know I said I'd start from this year, but over the Christmas holidays I've read lots, so I'm going to start with those and then pick up from January in the next...it's my blog so I can do what I want?!!
Chrismas holiday reads...
Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
Breaking Dawn
Yes, I'm far too old for this series...by at least twenty years...so, there's really no excuse! But, I loved it! The writing isn't great and would benefit from stronger editing and the author not so obviously living through her main character , but I totally bought into the forbidden love and thought Edward was fabulous, although Bella is annoying at times, particularly through most of the second book. Gorgeous, sensitive vampires, particularly Carlilse and Edward! Jake the werewolf was mainly irritating and what was Bella thinking?! Edward became too self-sacrificing as the series developed and you wanted to tell him to get a grip and get rid of Jacob. The imprinting thing got slightly weird too, but I can still forgive most of that.
Twilight is my favourite and thought New Moon was the weakest of the four, just not enough Edward! Eclipse was fine and I liked the back stories of the Cullen's. The final book did bring it to a satisfactory conclusion, although it all seemed a bit easy for Bella, everyone else seemed to go through great pains to protect her and yet it all just worked out for her with her special powers. Cynical, moi?
Not great literature and I'm clearly not the target market, but I treated it like a huge box of Thornton's...I totally indulged and gorged on the books until I finished the lot, thoroughly loved it at the time and now feel a little bit guilty for enjoying them so much!
Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener
I love Agatha Raisin and wish I'd found them earlier...basic murder, usual crush and happy ending...what else?
Chrismas holiday reads...
Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
Breaking Dawn
Yes, I'm far too old for this series...by at least twenty years...so, there's really no excuse! But, I loved it! The writing isn't great and would benefit from stronger editing and the author not so obviously living through her main character , but I totally bought into the forbidden love and thought Edward was fabulous, although Bella is annoying at times, particularly through most of the second book. Gorgeous, sensitive vampires, particularly Carlilse and Edward! Jake the werewolf was mainly irritating and what was Bella thinking?! Edward became too self-sacrificing as the series developed and you wanted to tell him to get a grip and get rid of Jacob. The imprinting thing got slightly weird too, but I can still forgive most of that.
Twilight is my favourite and thought New Moon was the weakest of the four, just not enough Edward! Eclipse was fine and I liked the back stories of the Cullen's. The final book did bring it to a satisfactory conclusion, although it all seemed a bit easy for Bella, everyone else seemed to go through great pains to protect her and yet it all just worked out for her with her special powers. Cynical, moi?
Not great literature and I'm clearly not the target market, but I treated it like a huge box of Thornton's...I totally indulged and gorged on the books until I finished the lot, thoroughly loved it at the time and now feel a little bit guilty for enjoying them so much!
Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener
I love Agatha Raisin and wish I'd found them earlier...basic murder, usual crush and happy ending...what else?
Welcome...
Hi, I'm jooley.
Bookaholic with several other obsessions that I'm sure will crop up as I go along!
I truly don't believe anyone will ever look at this except me, but if you're here - hi! Please add comments as you feel the need!
I've decided to keep a record of the books I read through the year, give a brief overview etc, so I can see at the end of the year, just how much fabulous, amazingly good and mediocre I've wasted hours of my life reading!!
Also have a new addiction to the read it swap it website...we'll see how it goes...
Bookaholic with several other obsessions that I'm sure will crop up as I go along!
I truly don't believe anyone will ever look at this except me, but if you're here - hi! Please add comments as you feel the need!
I've decided to keep a record of the books I read through the year, give a brief overview etc, so I can see at the end of the year, just how much fabulous, amazingly good and mediocre I've wasted hours of my life reading!!
Also have a new addiction to the read it swap it website...we'll see how it goes...
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