Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Bookgroup: The Help


Summary: Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.
Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.
Minny, Aibileen’s best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody’s business, but she can’t mind her tongue, so she’s lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.
Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

What I thought: I loved it! Sure it was stereotypical but it was a beautiful book. Highly recommend.  

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Book: Goodnight Beautiful




Summary: Nova Kumalisi would do anything for her closest friend, Mal Wacken. She owes him her life. So, when he asked her to be the surrogate mother for him and his wife, in spite of her fears about how it would alter their friendship, Nova agreed. Eight years later, Nova is bringing up their son alone, and she and Mal don't speak. Months into the pregnancy, Mal's wife changed her mind about the surrogacy agreement. Already suspicious of how close Nova and Mal were, Stephanie realised her strained marriage was in serious trouble when she found a text from her husband to Nova, saying, 'Goodnight, Beautiful'. She asked Mal to cut all ties with his closest friend and unborn child. Now, seven-year-old Leo is critically ill and Nova, despite her anger and hurt, wants Mal to have the chance to know his son before it's too late. Will it take a tragedy to remind them how much they mean to each other?

What I thought: Brilliant yet so sad ( I was bawling)! Such a fantastic writer - highly recommend her.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Book: Rocking Horse Hill

Summary: Ever since she was a little girl, Emily Wallace-Jones has loved Rocking Horse Hill. The beautiful family property is steeped in history. Everything important in Em’s life has happened there. And even though Em’s brother Digby has inherited the property, he has promised Em it will be her home for as long as she wishes.
When Digby falls in love with sweet Felicity Townsend, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, Em worries about the future. But she is determined not to treat Felicity with the same teenage snobbery that tore apart her relationship with her first love, Josh Sinclair. A man who has now sauntered sexily back into Em’s life and given her a chance for redemption.
But as Felicity settles in, the once tightly knitted Wallace-Jones family begins to fray. Suspicions are raised, Josh voices his distrust, and even Em’s closest friends question where Felicity’s motives lie. Conflicted but determined to make up for the damage caused by her past prejudices, Em sides with her brother and his fiancĂ©e until a near tragedy sets in motion a chain of events that will change the family forever.

What I thought: A lovely easy read. Still cant decide if I like how the Felicity story ended though...

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Book: Animal Farm





Summary: It is about a group of animals who rebel against the humans from the farm they live on and run it themselves with hopes of being equal, free, and happy. In the end, however, the new rule becomes a cruel tyranny of its own led by the pigs.

What I thought: Bloody brilliant! I loved it but not for the political (Stalin) story behind it just for the story itself. 

Friday, May 09, 2014

Book: Handle with Care


Summary: Charlotte and Sean O'Keefe's daughter, Willow, was born with brittle bone disease, a condition that requires Charlotte to act as full-time caregiver and has strained their emotional and financial limits. Willow's teenaged half-sister, Amelia, suffers as well, overshadowed by Willow's needs and lost in her own adolescent turmoil. When Charlotte decides to sue for wrongful birth in order to obtain a settlement to ensure Willow's future, the already strained family begins to implode. Not only is the defendant Charlotte's longtime friend, but the case requires Charlotte and Sean to claim that had they known of Willow's condition, they would have terminated the pregnancy, a statement that strikes at the core of their faith and family.

What I Thought: I was hooked from the beginning. Loved it (though not the ending). 

Book: Ride with the Wind


Summary: Joanna Kingsford is passionate about horses. The scent of leather, sweat and hay, the clatter of hooves – this is the world she shares with her father, the champion trainer Charlie Kingsford.  Jo couldn't be less like Nina, her socialite mother. Nina wants Joanna to pursue more ladylike interests, like modelling and finishing school; Jo can't think of anything more unlikely, or more dull. But a tragic accident changes everything and Nina sees to it that Jo is kept away from the horses that she loves. Heartbroken, Jo is determined to prove she has what it takes to succeed as a champion trainer. In England, amid the winter frosts and the northern skies, her career blossoms and she soon finds love. But what of Jo's long-held dream of following in her father's footsteps back in Australia? Can the land and skies of home be so easily forgotten?

What I Thought: Loved it. It was a little slow at times but still a great read.

Thursday, May 01, 2014

Book: Girl in the Yellow Vest





Summary: Emily Woods counts cracks for a living. Concrete cracks. So when her long-term boyfriend dumps her, she decides it's time for a change of scenery. Her best friend, Will, suggests joining his construction team in Queensland. Working next door to the Great Barrier Reef seems like just the sort of adventure she needs to reboot her life…until she realises that Will is not the person she thought he was.

Charlotte Templeton is frustrated with the lack of respect FIFO workers have for her seaside resort. But picking a fight with their tyrannical project manager, Mark Crawford, seems to lead to more complications than resolutions. The man is too pompous, too rude, and too damned good looking.

As both women strive to protect their dreams and achieve their goals, they discover that secrets will come out, loyalty often hurts, and sometimes the perfect man is the wrong one.

What I Thought: Enjoyed this one. Not my favourite rural romance author but still good :) 

Bookgroup: Catcher in the Rye






Summary: The first-person narrative follows Holden's experiences in New York City in the days following his expulsion from Pencey Prep, a fictional college preparatory school in Pennsylvania.



What I Thought: Loved it and loathed it. Sometimes just wanted to slap him but it also touched on some great teenage angst moments.

Book: Time Will Tell

Summary: Emily Oliphant has made some major changes in her life. After leaving an abusive husband, moving house and starting her own business, things are looking up. And when she receives an offer to purchase the property she's renting, Emily feels herself taking another step in the right direction. She's unsure where the money will come from, but the offer is too good to refuse. Unbeknown to her, the button jar – a gift from her late Granny Mayfair – could contain the solution to all her problems ...
But just when things are finally beginning to go Emily's way, everything takes a turn and Emily must draw on her inner strength to overcome once again.

What I Thought: Brilliant sequel - love it. Can't wait for the final book in the series. Rural romance rocks!

Book: Pieces of Blue





Summary: At the age of six, Kerry McGinnis loses her mother. Her father, left with four young children to raise, gathers up his family and leaves the city to go doving. For the next fifteen years, the McGinnis clan travels the continent, droving, horse breaking and living off the land. Kerry grows up in the harsh outback, and the animals that inhabit the land are her closest friends.With the memory of her absent mother ever present, Kerry begins her difficult journey into young womanhood.

What I Thought: An amazing story which was set in rather recent times really. Boy I have an easy life! Looking forward to reading the follow up eventually.

Friday, April 04, 2014

Bookgroup: My family and other animals






Summary: The book is an autobiographical account of five years in the childhood of naturalist Gerald Durrell, age 10 at the start of the saga, of his family, pets and life during a sojourn on the island of Corfu. The book is divided into three sections, marking the three villas where the family lived on the island. Gerald is the youngest in a family consisting of their widowed mother, the eldest son Larry, the gun-mad Leslie, and diet-obsessed sister Margo together with Roger the dog. They are fiercely protected by their taxi-driver friend Spiro (Spiros "Americano" Halikiopoulos) and mentored by the polymath Dr. Theodore Stephanides who provides Gerald with his education in natural history. Other human characters, chiefly eccentric, include Gerald's private tutors, the artistic and literary visitors Larry invites to stay, and the local peasants who befriend the family.

What I thought: It was ok. Some funny moments but not really my thing. I won't be rushing off to read anymore of his Corfu books. 

Friday, March 28, 2014

Book: Around the World in 80 dates





Summary: As head of PR and spokesperson for Lonely Planet travel guides, Jennifer Cox has explored the most remote regions, toured the most exotic terrains, and bonded with people the world over. So how come finding her soul mate in London turns out to be a virtual dead end? Certain that the man of her dreams is out there somewhere, Jennifer sets out on the trip of a lifetime, dating her way around the globe—across 18 countries in 6 months—to find The One. From the Skate Date in Paris to the High Roller in Vegas, from the Love Professor in Sweden to the Dead Date in Italy, Jennifer tests her chemistry with a bevy of potential partners, assisted by her loyal Date Wranglers. But as she continues to flit from country to country, her adventure takes on a life of its own. If Mr. Right is out there, somewhere, is he worth giving up the trip of a lifetime?

What I thought: The first half was pretty slow going but I did enjoy the second half. An ok read and a great concept! 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Book: Ocean Pearl

Summary: The pressure builds for Kia, Georgie, Micki and Ace in the sequel to J.C. Burke's acclaimed novel Starfish Sisters. Starfish who surf together stick together ...'  It was Ace who wrote that in Kia, Georgie and Micki's blue booklets on the last day of camp. Yet it's Ace who's ended up ruining everything - ending the Starfish Sisters before they've even begun. The Starfish Sisters should be happy that they're on track to make the Australian Junior Female Surfing Team. But will lies, secrets, fighting - and love - keep them apart?

What I thought: A great sequel. Unfortunately there isn't another one on the way. 

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Book: Right as Rain

Summary: Mackenna Birch thinks she's met the man of her dreams while on holiday in New Zealand. Adam Walker seems funny, kind and loving...until - to Mack's disbelief - he walks out on her. Nursing a broken heart, Mack returns to the family farm in Australia to find her beloved father unwell and her scheming younger brother home from the city, showing a great interest in taking over the business. Also in her absence, a new worker has been hired, and Mack's unsure of his motives. Mack longs to make big changes to the farm - changes her father has approved. But with her dad's ailing health, all her plans have been put on hold. Soon Mack finds herself turning to Hugh - her old friend and neighbour - as her confidant. As they support each other through family pressures, their friendship strengthens, leading them to question their true feelings for each other. Then, out of the blue, Adam turns up from New Zealand, adding to the melting pot of emotions. Soon Mack's juggling some tough decisions and trying to make those around her happy. But can she find the balance and have her own ever-after?

What I thought: A great read but not as good as her first book. It lacked something... But still a nice rural romance.

Book: Kissing Season

Summary: Every family has a black sheep...and Hannah Elliot is it. It's no surprise to anyone when Hannah Elliot makes the spontaneous decision to marry a stranger in Las Vegas. But when she finds herself pregnant and her new husband files for an annulment, she dreads having to tell her family.

Returning to her Australian hometown of Wildwood Point, Hannah is determined to become a devoted mum and put her baby's needs ahead of her own. She's also set to prove to her family she can actually be responsible. This means putting her wild past behind her and accepting a job back in the family business...while keeping her pregnancy a secret! Except, when gorgeous Italian Matteo Della-Bosca walks through the shop door, Hannah finds her resolve slipping fast...

What I thought: A cute little novella but a bit Mills and Boon like.

Book: Starfish Sisters

Summary: Georgie, Kia, Micki and Ace are thrown together at an elite girls' surfing camp. They're not friends straight away – there's jealousy, insecurity, secrets and lies to deal with first. Yet they soon realise that they need to stick together, because their friendship brings out the best in each of them. But will they all make the grade?

What I thought: Loved it!  A great teen novel with some deep issues.



Tuesday, February 04, 2014

Book: Piper's Son





Summary: Thomas Mackee wants oblivion. Wants to forget parents who leave and friends he used to care about and a string of one-night stands, and favourite uncles being blown to smithereens on their way to work on the other side of the world. But when his flatmates turn him out of the house, Tom moves in with his single, pregnant aunt, Georgie. And starts working at the Union pub with his former friends. And winds up living with his grieving father again. And remembers how he abandoned Tara Finke two years ago, after his uncle's death. And in a year when everything's broken, Tom realises that his family and friends need him to help put the pieces back together as much as he needs them.

What I thought: I did enjoy this but not as much as her previous work. Still a great YA read though.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Book: Darkening Skies


Summary: Investigative journalist Jenn Barrett never intended to return to Dungirri, the small town she escaped as a teenager. But startling revelations about local man Mark Strelitz have reopened the investigation into the accident that killed Jenn's cousin, Paula, and she is determined to find out what really happened.
For eighteen years, a gap in Mark's memory has concealed the facts - that he was driving when Paula died and a corrupt police investiation sent an innocent man to prison. Mark has finally learnt enough of the truth to know he has to set the record straight. As Jenn and Mark start to ask questions, evidence is destroyed and witnesses murdered. Someone wants the past to remain buried and anyone probing into it to be stopped - permanently. Mark and Jenn's discovery will shock the whole town, but only if they live long enough to reveal it.

What I thought: I really enjoyed this. Story was very far fetched (how many incidents can occur in 3 days) but still it was a page turner :)

Friday, January 24, 2014

Bookgroup: The Rosie Project


Summary: Don Tillman is getting married. He just doesn’t know who to yet. But he has designed the Wife Project, using a sixteen-page questionnaire to help him find the perfect partner. She will most definitely not be a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver. Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also fiery and intelligent and beautiful. And on a quest of her own to find her biological father—a search that Don, a professor of genetics, might just be able to help her with. The Wife Project teaches Don some unexpected things. Why earlobe length is an inadequate predictor of sexual attraction. Why quick-dry clothes aren’t appropriate attire in New York. Why he’s never been on a second date. And why, despite your best scientific efforts, you don’t find love: love finds you.

What I thought: LOVED IT! So cute and quirky and just a little bit different. Highly recommend!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Bookgroup: Piano Lessons


Summary: In this remarkable memoir, Anna Goldsworthy recalls her first steps towards a life in music, from childhood piano lessons with a local jazz muso to international success as a concert pianist. As she discovers passion and ambition, and confronts doubt and disappointment, she learns about much more than tone and technique. This is a story of the getting of wisdom, tender and bittersweet. With wit and affection, Goldsworthy captures the hopes and uncertainties of youth, the fear and exhilaration of performing, and the complex bonds between teacher and student. An unforgettable cast of characters joins her: her family; her friends and rivals; and her teacher, Mrs Sivan, who inspires and challenges her in equal measure, and who transforms what seems an impossible dream into something real and sustaining.

What I thought: A beautiful book... I have wanted to read this for a while as I heard Anna speaking in Clunes a few years ago. Mrs Sivan - gorgeous! Wish I was more musical now. LOL