Thursday, 30 June 2011

Pride and Premiership ~ Michelle Gayle

http://www.newbooksmag.com/ have kindly asked me to review this newly released YA book .....




My rating: 4 of 5 stars
jaffa's rating 4paws

Remy and her sister Malibu have one goal: to be the wife or girlfriend of a premiership footballer.

In order to pursue this goal they frequent bars and nightclubs where famous and not so famous footballers go to relax after a hard game. Both Remy and Malibu are attractive young women, and even though Remy doesn’t feel she is attractive enough, they both manage to snare their men, what then follows, runs true to the old adage - “be careful what you wish for....”

The novel is written in the form of Remy’s diary, with short and snappy dialogue. She is an engaging narrator and there are some genuinely funny moments, with revealing insights into her relationships with her family and friends. The book is aimed primarily at the young adult market but contains some adult content which may well appeal to the older teenager, and the clever use of Quick Response bar codes dotted throughout the narrative, reveals extra content which is not included in the text.

It is clear that the author, Michelle Gayle, once married to a footballer, has used her insider knowledge to positive effect, and the exploration of what life is like as a WAG is convincing without being over sensationalised. Overall, I thought the book was particularly well done, and will have definite appeal to its young target audience, but it also has the unique ability to cross over into the adult market, and would appeal to an audience who enjoy celebrity culture. I read it in one sitting and enjoyed it – it’s going to appeal to girls rather than boys, but I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to my friends with teenage daughters.





Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Review round up...

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
jaffa's rating 4paws



Just imagine, a summer’s day, a cool white wine and this huge blockbuster of a novel taking you on a roller coaster of a journey through the lives of the rich and famous. Part murder / mystery, and part celebrity gossip, this novel just oozes appeal, and opens a fascinating dialogue between the bored rich, and the undeniably famous, and the lawyers who attempt to defend them from public censure. From the super famous who get down and dirty, to the heartbreak of a family caught up in the murder of a loved one, this story capture the imagination from the opening page. The characters are finely drawn, and whilst not always likeable, they add a kaleidoscope of colour to a rich and varied story. This is my first real taste of a Tasmina Perry novel, and from the enjoyable experience of this book, I’m sure I will now go on to read more from this talented author.

I read and reviewed this book for http://www.realreaders.co.uk/




My rating: 5 of 5 stars
jaffa's rating 5paws - he loves spy novels !!


Spanning the Cold War years from the Sixties to the Eighties, this sweeping novel, told from a Soviet spy's viewpoint, accurately and chillingly conveys the deep mistrust and brutality of Russia's ruling Communist Party. Written in a clinical, cold, hard style to accurately portray the harsh environment and living conditions, the leading character's life is expertly told in gripping language. From poverty stricken Moscow slums, to fashionably emerging New York, then to war torn backwater Afghanistan under Russian invaders, the story envelops the reader in its realistically woven tale of faceless State versus individual feelings and longings. All the characters emerge believably, and the storyline sweeps the reader along at an ever-increasing pace to its conclusion. An excellent read, full of emotion,adventure and intrigue. Recommended to all interested in spy/adventure novels.





Saturday, 25 June 2011

Jaffa's book shelf grows and grows.....


Jaffa is just as excited when new books pop through the door for him...



So far on his book shelf he has......




Kittens by Rachel Hale
The Wisdom of Kittens - Franchesca Ho Sang
One Hundred ways for a cat to train its human by Celia Haddon
One Hundred ways to live with a cat addict by Ronald Payne
If Cats could talk -the meaning of meow- a M&S book written by Michael P. Fertig
Feline friends A Cat lovers treasury published by Quercus
Cat Watching by Desmond Morris
When Cats turn bad -Kitty Litter
Dewey, the Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron
Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper
Kaspar Prince of Cats - Michael Morpurgo
The Cats on Hutton Roof by Marilyn Edwards


If anyone can think of any other books that Jaffa would like - please leave him a comment - cat books only please.

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

How does my garden grow...on this first day of summer.



I always thought 21June was midsummers day but Google tells me it's the first day of summer....



I was just thinking about the nursery rhyme -



"Mary,Mary quite contrary
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle shells
And pretty maids all in a row "



This was one of my favourite nursery rhymes when I was a child, but did you know that it's origin is steeped in the history of "Bloody Mary". Mary Tudor , daughter of Henry VIII, was determined to make England a Catholic country again.
The garden refers to the ever increasing graveyards, as she persecuted those who continued to maintain their Protestant faith.
Silver bells and cockle shells were instruments of torture, often used on the Catholic prisoners.
Pretty Maids allude to the means of dispatch.....

Maybe it's not such a pretty rhyme.


Monday, 20 June 2011

Reviews on the go....




My Review books this week are :


I've been lucky to have be given early release copies of two very different books:



Private Lives is the latest book by Tasmina Perry, best selling author of Daddy's Girls.

Private Lives is due for publication August 4th 2011 by Headline Review
Reviewed for Realreaders http://www.realreaders.co.uk/





Agent6 is the latest from Tom Rob Smith, the best selling author of Child44 and The Secret Speech.

Agent 6 is due for publication July 1st 2011 by Simon and Schuster Ltd.
Reviewed for Realreaders http://www.realreaders.co.uk/


Sunday, 19 June 2011

Here's one in action....



Just to show they do work perfectly !!

My Little Book Bag....



I've been knitting these quirky little book bags for quite a while now, and give them out as gifts to family and friends. Two have recently crossed the Atlantic to America.

They are just the right size to hold an average size paperback or Kindle and keep your reads safe and warm.!

This is a new knitting design I've been trying out, and I think it works quite well.....am now busy thinking of new colour combinations to try out.

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think .....

Incidentally - the flowers were picked this morning from my garden.