Giveaway!

I have just reviewed 'The Truth about Celia Frost by Paula Rawsthorne' which is due to be released on 1st August 2011.  I am giving you a chance to get your hands on a proof copy of this book before it is released in August!

There are 3 possible routes of entry: the first is mandatory, the second and third are available for bonus entries:

1. Leave me a comment on this post telling me what book you're most looking forward to reading this summer, what you're looking forward to doing this summer, anything you like.   Please ensure you leave me your twitter username or email address, so that I can contact you in the event you are the winner.

2. For an bonus entry, please tweet the following "I'm entering @kirstylou29 's blog competition to win a proof copy of The Truth about Celia Frost. Enter here: http://tinyurl.com/67utjgu"

3. For a second bonus entry, simply follow this blog using Google Friend Connect on the right hand side.

Terms & Conditions:
One entry per person (plus two possible bonus entries)
Competition ends at 11.59pm on 22nd July 2011.  Entries after this time/date will not be counted.
Winners will be chosen at random after the competition closes.
Winners names will be posted on the blog. 
While I will endeavour to contact all winners, if winners have not responded within 5 days I reserve the right to redraw.
There is one prize, consisting of a proof copy of The Truth about Celia Frost by Paula Rawsthorne (Cover and text may not be identical to the published version available from 1st August 2011)
Prizes are not transferable or exchangeable.
UK only.
To enter the competition all participants must comply with the basic entry requirements stated or the entry will not be counted.
 Multiple or third party entries will not be counted.

The Truth About Celia Frost by Paula Rawsthorne

** SYNOPSIS **

Celia Frost is a freak. At least that’s what everyone thinks. Her life is ruled by a rare disorder that means she could bleed to death from the slightest cut, confining her to a gloomy bubble of safety. No friends. No fun. No life. But when a knife attack on Celia has unexpected consequences, her mum reacts strangely. Suddenly they’re on the run. Why is her mum so scared? Someone out there knows and when they find Celia, she’s going to wish the truth was a lie... A buried secret; a gripping manhunt; a dangerous deceit: what is the truth about Celia Frost? A page-turning thriller that’s impossible to put down.

** WHAT I THOUGHT **

Another debut novel, and another book I managed to read in one sitting.  This is a book aimed at young adults, and, it does make a unique and intriguing read.  It was certainly nice to read a YA book which didn’t have any vampires, werewolves or wizards anywhere in sight.  The characters are well portrayed and their interactions are dealt with extremely well.

Just as I was wondering whether this book was going to be completely different and not involve some sort of love interest – BANG! Meet Sol.  There is clearly some sort of tension between Celia and Sol, but throughout the book they do remain best friends.  This was a refreshing change, and I really liked Sol and his family. 

The storyline kept me wondering for a while, and it is intriguing but it became clear to me the moment the character appeared in the book who it was who was searching for Celia.  However, I have to say, at no point did I guess the reason for the search and so I was kept guessing until the moment it was revealed.

The book also faces up to some serious ethical issues, which are really quite thought-provoking.  For me, it brought back memories of studying ethics at school and in particular of Utilitarianism (i.e. that the right thing to do is the thing that brings about the greater good and benefits society as opposed to the individual, no matter what that thing is).  It also touches on the delicate subject of a daughter’s relationship with her mother, (and in this case, it is one which is particularly strained), as well as dealing with the gangs and violence which come as part of the grim Bluebell Estate that Celia moves to.

Paula is one of the winners of the Undiscovered Voice of 2010 competition, and seems to be set to become a bright star in the young adult fiction genre.  For me, it was an easy and enjoyable read, but I wasn’t as gripped as I imagine slightly younger readers would be! Saying that, I’ll certainly keep an eye out for Paula’s future works to see what else is on the horizon.

** A thank you goes to Usborne Publishing's Twitter Page for sending out this book for review **

Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James

I won this book from Global Cool @booksinpublic on twitter.  I was impressed when Postie delivered it wrapped in beautiful brown paper with black dots; it looked beautiful.  Thank you for introducing me to such a wonderful author!

**********************

I only read the back of the book before I started this book which simply states:

A devastating secret

A life torn apart

A new friend to help you forget

But what is she isn’t who she seems?

There is a more detailed synopsis on the inside of the front cover, which I didn’t notice until I’d finished reading the book, and for this I am grateful. I think that synopsis gives more information than it should.  Personally I think it would make you start looking for answers before you get too far into the book.  I liked the simplicity and very open four sentences on the back of the book.

********************** 

My mother always said to me that she could always tell within the first few lines of a book whether she was going to enjoy it, and frustratingly, the saying ‘mother knows best’ seems once more to be appropriate here.  From my experience, every book I have ever picked up, I have known instantly how I will feel about the book.  This was no exception; there is a brief prologue which begins “I didn’t go to Alice’s funeral.  I was pregnant at the time, crazy and wild with grief.  But it wasn’t Alice I grieved for.  No, I hated Alice by then and was glad she was dead.  It was Alice who had ruined my life, taken the best thing I’d ever had and smashed it into a million unfixable pieces.  I wasn’t crying for Alice but because of her.”  I was intrigued, and drawn in instantly.

As you begin to read, there are instant hints at some dark secret lurking deep within Katherine’s past and this information is released bit by bit as the novel is told from three different points in time.  The majority of the book is told when Katherine is 17, as she tries to move on and deal with the devastating tragedy of her sister’s death and this is when she meets Alice.  There are brief interludes which go back in time to when Rachel was alive, which is how we discover what exactly happened to Rachel, and forward in time to life after Alice when Katherine has a little girl, Sarah.  The shifting chapters aren’t in the slightest disrupting to the storyline, and work exceptionally well at drawing you in and providing you with little nuggets of information just as the time is right.  The pace is perfect right to the very end.

Katherine is a loveable character; she appears insecure and dreams of being the person she feels inside and we soon discover that she feels she can’t be this person anymore due to a sense of guilt that she shouldn’t be happy when her sister has been deprived of her life.  I was instantly suspicious of Alice, she keeps referring to secrets that Katherine might have and she clearly has a hidden agenda from the start.  As her character is developed, I did start to wonder whether she was just totally unaware of how self-obsessed and bitchy she is, or whether she was being purposely deceptive.  Rebecca James does a wonderful job in portraying these characters, even the secondary characters. 

As a psychological thriller, it isn’t scary in a terrifying way but more of a creepy way.  There were moments when my heart was thumping harder than usual, and I had a strong desire to know more – a consequence of some really excellent writing.  All in all, I found it quite gripping and in fact did read it in one sitting.  I have to admit, I guessed the major twist quite early on, but this isn’t because it’s obvious (I think it may well have been a fluke, or perhaps too many TV detective shows leaving me constantly looking for something sinister and connections).  Saying this, it didn’t actually take anything away from the book as even though I thought I knew, this wasn’t confirmed until the very end (at just the right moment) and honestly, any other twist could have been possible.  There are lots of other twists along the way, which will keep you guessing right until the very end. 

********************** 

Having finished the book, I took to google to find out a bit more about Rebecca James.  I learnt that this was her debut novel, and was astonished.  I am incredibly impressed that her debut novel is put together so perfectly; the switching chapters setting a perfect pace, the writing style, the wonderfully drawn characters and the way they interact with each other to produce such a chilling story.

It would appear the rest of the world has taken to this book just as I have, and it is said to have become a publishing phenomenon.  If you take a look at Rebecca James’ blog you will see the differing covers for different international versions.  I have to say, I love the UK’s version; it is simple yet effective with the silver elegant writing surrounded by barbed wire on a striking red background.  It is perfectly illustrative of Alice who can be equally charming as she can be chilling.

I see that James’ second novel is on its way, in fact the second draft is with the UK agent as I write.  James has set herself up to be a huge author of the future and has already been compared with the likes of JK Rowling and Stephanie Meyer (Twilight series author).  For once, the hype of a “publishing phenomenon” with “international appeal” seems to be entirely justified.  I look forward to James’ second novel with eager anticipation and strongly recommend this debut novel to all readers!

Starting Over by Sue Moorcroft

I was sent this book to review by Choc Lit, along with a lovely bar of chocolate to nibble on whilst I read along.  My first taste of Choc Lit, and it was delightful!

** WHAT THE BACK OF THE BOOK SAYS **

New home, new friends, new love. Can starting over be that simple?

Tess Riddell reckons her beloved Freelander is more reliable than any man - especially her ex-fiancé, Olly Gray. She's moving on from her old life and into the perfect cottage in the country.

Miles Rattenbury's passions? Old cars and new women! Romance? He's into fun rather than commitment.

When Tess crashes the Freelander into his breakdown truck, they find that they're nearly neighbours yet worlds apart. Despite her overprotective parents and a suddenly attentive Olly, she discovers the joys of village life and even forms an unlikely friendship with Miles. Then, just as their relationship develops into something deeper, an old flame comes looking for him ... Is their love strong enough to overcome the past? Or will it take more than either of them is prepared to give?

** WHAT I THOUGHT **

Quite simply, this is chick-lit at its best!  It’s understandable how it has reached number 3 in The Small Publishers Top 20 Fiction List and why it is one of Choc Lit’s top 10 bestsellers. 

I’ve not read any of Sue Moorcroft’s books before, but I absolutely adore her style of writing.  I felt an instant warmth to the characters.  The way of village life was put across very well, and I found the book very visual; I actually think it would make a wonderful film!

When I first started reading the book, it struck me that it was going to one of those predictable storylines.  After all, it begins with Tess accidentally driving her car into the back of Ratty's breakdown truck.  After an initial thorny meeting, it is clear that these two strong characters are going to end up together at some point.  Yes, it is relatively predictable: they have their ups and downs, but there are a couple of twists along the way which aren’t at all forced to keep your interest. The book is paced exceptionally well, and most importantly the ending is one that is satisfying so that you can close the book with a smile on your face (and not one of those, “but what actually happened!?!?” moments that leave me extremely frustrated!).  In fact, I smiled a lot throughout the book - mostly brought about by Ratty!! Who wouldn't want a man like him in your life to chase you across fields, and pull you into a strong embrace!  Choc Lit's slogan of "Where heroes are like chocolate - irresistible" certainly works exceptionally well for this book!

This isn't just a love story, there are heart-warming moments centered around village life, friendship and family life (Angel's children, in particular the way Jenna calls Tess 'Teth' and Toby calls Ratty 'Watty' melted my heart every time!).  It also explores the parent-adult child relationship extremely well, and is something I think most of us can relate to.


I see from Sue’s blog that she is about one-third of the way through the first draft of her latest book, Dream a Little Dream.  This is also set in Middledip (the village that ‘Starting Over’ and ‘All That Mullarkey’ are set in).  I look forward to the release of this book, and in the meantime will get my hands on a copy of All That Mullarky.  You can keep up to date with Sue at her blog here and Choc Lit here.

Pearl by Deidre Purcell

WHAT IT IS ABOUT:

In 1920s’ rural Ireland, Pearl Somers lives happily with her parents, her sisters Opal and Ruby, and her little brother Willie, in the gate lodge of Kilnashone Castle, where her father is chauffeur to Lord and Lady Areton. But one dreadful night, a series of dramatic events unfold and the lives of all – elite and ordinary – are changed forever. Over 40 years later, Pearl has become a successful writer. Yet there is one story she has never told, until her young cousin Catherine confesses a secret of her own that opens a door to Pearl’s past – one she thought had been firmly sealed forever. When Catherine discovers Pearl’s story of heartbreak and yearning, she determines to do her best to reconcile past and present. But is it too late for Pearl to find her own happy ending?

WHAT I THOUGHT:

This is another author that I had never encountered before.  The cover is elegantly beautiful and fits with the book perfectly.  The book is set in Ireland, and having Irish roots myself, this alone is enough to get me hooked! There is even a mention of my grandparents’ home harbour-town, Courtown in County Wexford!

I must admit it took me a few chapters to get into, but I think that is because the previous couple of books I’d read had been aimed at younger readers.  Once I’d adjusted, I really enjoyed the book.  It’s tragic, yet enchanting.  A totally different kind of love story; not clichéd or predictable but unique and beautiful.

Purcell finds inspiration from her own family history in the making of this novel: her grandparents lived in the gate lodge of Durrow Castle where her grandfather was a chauffeur for the Flower family who, like Pearl’s own father, ended up leaving Ireland to work for the family when they returned to England.  Also like Pearl and Opal, Purcell’s mother and aunt came to Dublin as young girls to work in a café.  I felt this connection in the authenticity of the book and I think it really helps bring the book to life.

This unique storyline is told from alternating points of view of three women within the family (two sisters, and a younger cousin from a different generation) and from alternating points in time (children, young women, and older women).  Purcell’s writing style is fluent, and it works perfectly to bring the story together and to life.  Gems of information are released at just the right time to keep you reading on.  I have to say, my least favourite chapters were those told by Opal as I found her particularly difficult to engage with.  However, her chapters are the fewest in number, and do work to bring the novel together.

This isn’t just an ordinary chick-lit novel, but an enchanting love story from a wonderful Irish author!

The most beautiful illustration that you will never forget your first love…..!

Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon

** WHAT IT’S ABOUT? **

'Will you marry me?'

I think of you, then. I think of you every day. But usually in the quietest part of the morning, or the darkest part of the night. Not when my boyfriend of two years has just proposed. I look up at Richard with his hopeful eyes.

'Lily?' he prompts.

It's been ten years, but it feels like only yesterday that you left. How can I say yes to Richard with all my heart when most of it has always belonged to you? I take a deep breath and will myself to speak...

Ten years ago when Lily was just sixteen, she fell in love with someone she really shouldn't have fallen in love with. Now, living in Sydney and engaged to another man, she can't forget the one that got away. Then her past comes back to haunt her, and she has to make a decision that will break her heart - and the heart of at least one of the men who love her. 

** WHAT I THOUGHT **

I have just finished this book and I am sat here with tears streaming down my face! I am a HUGE die-hard romantic and so this was the perfect book for me!

I’ve previously read Paige Toon’s ‘Chasing Daisy’ and so had high expectations for this book.  Having read the back of the book, I was already hooked – the combination of that with Paige Toon’s name to it was all I needed to know to know this was going to a brilliant chick lit book that would keep me page turning for hours. Did it disappoint? The answer is a resounding NO!

The first 12 chapters are set 10 years ago when Lily first moves to Australia at the age of fifteen.  Ever since a small child my favourite animal has been the Koala (and in fact my first ever stuffed animal was a Koala who still sits on my bed today!), and so I adored the first part of the book just for the heart-warming descriptions Lily gives of the Koalas and Kangaroos.  These early years also deal with Lily learning to drive (something we can all relate to) and Paige captures perfectly the typical first crush.  For me the line “I know I’ll relive this moment over and over again” is one that rings true from my own life.

As I read the book I could literally feel her heartbreak – I think that partly comes from being such a sucker for romance but also from the way it is written; every detail is perfect.  All in all, these beginning chapters totally and utterly capture falling in love and heartbreak.

The remaining chapters of the book are based on her life 10 years on.  Her heart has not forgotten her first love, and this is affecting her new life as she has never been able to give herself fully to anything else again.  The part of the book where she is thinking about life without her boyfriend are extremely well written.  From personal experience, Paige perfectly captures the pain that you feel about losing someone you love but just don’t love with all your heart.  Yes, the book is predictable but this doesn’t take anything away from it and I constantly had to refrain myself from checking the last page as I was afraid there would be a twist resulting in an ending different from the one I wanted.

If you’re a helpless romantic, this book is perfect.  It kept my heart racing as I lived Lily’s life with her!

Theodore Boone by John Grisham

The back of the book says:

“In the small city of Strattenburg, there are many lawyers, and though he's only thirteen years old, Theo Boone thinks he's one of them. Theo knows every judge, policeman, court clerk - and a lot about the law. He dreams of being a great trial lawyer, of a life in the courtroom.

But Theo finds himself in court much sooner than he expected. Because he knows so much - maybe too much - he is suddenly dragged into the middle of a sensational murder trial. A cold-blooded killer is about to go free, and only Theo knows the truth.

The stakes are high, but Theo won't stop until justice is served.”

When choosing this book, the synopsis of this book intrigued me.  I’m a law student, and although I haven’t read any of John Grisham’s other novels, I certainly recognised the name and thought this would be a good choice!  However, I’m sorry to say, this was another disappointing read for me! Initially I didn’t realise that the book was aimed at younger readers, however the large writing and the plot itself very much gives this away.  That in itself wasn’t a problem; I quite like easy-to-read books but for me, it wasn’t gripping and it didn’t keep me turning the pages as I’d imagined it would.

It is a very accessible read, and I got through it in just a few hours, however to me it felt like half a book.  There is no cliff-hanger ending implying that there will be a sequel to follow up the story, yet so much is left unanswered (and not in a “leave it to the readers imagination” kind of way).  For example, throughout the book, which focuses on a murder trial, there is reference to a man called Omar Chepee.  This man works for the defendant (accused of murder) and gives menacing looks, follows people etc. and therefore you are constantly waiting for him to do something, yet the book ends and there is absolutely no mention of him.  I must admit, I usually hate it when books (and especially films) leave a lot of the ending to the readers imagination yet this was even worse as it just didn’t seem to come to a natural conclusion. 

If you take the book for what it is (i.e. teen fiction), then it is an OK read and I didn’t hate it but, as an adult reader, I found the whole plot line disappointing.  The Sunday Express had this to say about the book: ‘For any young readers tired of wizards, vampires and Greek gods, there’s now a new kid on the young fiction block, and this one really does have serious powers: Theodore Boone, half-boy, half-lawyer... fans will be pleased to know there will be more of Theo’s adventures to come.’  Unfortunately, I have to whole-heartedly disagree; this book is absolutely no match for the likes of Harry Potter or Twilight!  It’s a shame really as John Grisham has the reputation of Number One International Bestseller and actually the plot has a lot of potential which just isn’t realised. 

Having said that, I haven’t actually read any John Grisham books before, and as a law student, I will be picking up one of his adult books in the near future to see if they fare any better.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

** No Spoiler Included **

It is likely that most people now know what this book is about, due to the film released in 2008.  Even if you haven’t seen the film, you’re likely to have come across the trailers.  Initially, they wanted you to start reading the book without knowing the subject matter (the original synopsis of John Boyne’s book was:

"The story of "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" is very difficult to describe. Usually we give some clues about the book on the cover, but in this case we think that would spoil the reading of the book. We think it is important that you start to read without knowing what it is about. If you do start to read this book, you will go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy called Bruno. (Though this isn't a book for nine-year-olds.) And sooner or later you will arrive with Bruno at a fence. We hope you never have to cross such a fence.") 

However, this has now been taken away due to the prevalence of the film.  Therefore, the newest edition of the book features a slightly more detailed synopsis.  However, I am not going to go into detail about the plot of this book.

John Boyne is an Irish author, and although this is his fifth novel, it is his first book written for children.  My initial reaction to this was that given the subject matter, I didn’t think it was particularly appropriate for children.  However, given that the back of the original book states “this isn’t a book for nine-year olds”, I take some comfort from it being written for slightly older children.  Indeed, when I think back to my school days, we were taught about the Holocaust from a relatively young age in secondary school.  John Boyne himself addresses this concern by saying that ‘I do feel that young readers can approach serious subjects like this if the stories are told in the right way and I tried to tell it in the right way’ .  I do agree with this, the story is told from Bruno’s point of view, who at nine years old, is relatively naïve and innocent.  Therefore, although the story is tragic, it is not told in a particularly graphic way that would scar you for life.

It is certainly accessible to younger readers, but because the story is told by a child who doesn’t understand the full extent (if at all) of what is happening around him, I think a prior knowledge of the Holocaust would be needed to really appreciate this book.  Therefore, I’m not entirely convinced that the premise of this book being for younger readers isn’t flawed.  For example, Bruno mistakes Auschwitz for “Out-With” and refers to Hitler as “The Fury”, instead of the Führer.  None of these mistakes are explicitly corrected in the book, and the reader is presumed to be able to work it out themselves.

The book is 216 pages long, and printed in large text.  For me, it was easily readable in one sitting.  It certainly is young-person-friendly.  The narrative is certainly in keeping with being written from a nine year olds perspective, but at points I did find it slightly forced.  In particular, the repetition; I understand this is meant to add to the believability of the story being told by a chid but for me it felt a bit like the author had sat down and thought “now, how do I think like a nine year old”.  I wanted it to flow a little more.

I haven’t seen the film, but did see the trailers which certainly made me realise the film (and book) would be a heart-breaking story.  However, I am disappointed to say that the book didn’t quite live up to expectations for me.  Perhaps because I expected to be a bit more in depth and harrowing, and actually in comparison to these expectations, the book was quite light reading until the last few pages.  (Saying that, I am certainly not making light of the subject).  In my opinion, nothing much really happens throughout the majority of the story (although it wasn’t boring), until the last two chapters – which delivers a pretty strongly impacting twist which did make me gasp! 

However, the book isn’t realistic.  It is totally unfeasible that the son of the Commandant at Auschwitz, having lived at Auschwitz for a year, would never have heard the word Jew.  Bruno doesn’t grasp what is happening in the concentration camp at all, despite his bedroom window overlooking the camp.  Certainly, in reality, a boy of his age growing up in Germany in 1943 would know something about these things; he would certainly be taught to worship Hitler and to have strong negative feelings about Jews.

It certainly isn’t realistic, it has some quite major flaws and it isn’t historically accurate, and therefore if this sort of thing offends you then it’s probably best you give it a miss.  But if you can take it for what it is (and you've avoided the spoilers), it is worth a read if you have a spare couple of hours (even if for those last two chapters alone).  I presume the film is set heavily on the book, and so if you’ve seen the film, I imagine the book doesn’t really add anything!!

A fabulous second novel by Rosamund Lupton!

I managed to get through 2010 missing Rosamund Lupton’s highly acclaimed debut novel ‘Sister’.  However, when Postie bought me her second novel ‘Afterwards’, courtesy of Best Magazine to review (I signed up to Best Book Club through their facebook page), I took to Google to learn more about her.  I soon discovered how successful her first novel had been, selling nearly 200,000 copies in just ten weeks and spending 14 weeks on the Sunday Times bestseller list. Impressed, I settled down on the sun lounger in my back garden to see what all the fuss was about....!

Having not read ‘Sister’, I can only imagine how the success of this second novel will compare. However, I have to say it is a fantastic read! It is an absolutey fantastic page-turner; it only took a few lines for me to be totally engrossed.  Rosamund Lupton draws you in very quickly, and I felt an instant connection with the characters. 

I found this book to be an absolutely incredible portrayal of the lengths family will go to for one another; and communicated from a very interesting and different perspective – It is told by the mother of the family from the point of view of an out of body experience whilst her physical body is in the hospital in a coma.  An extremely moving story, but with enough twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing. 

If you’ve read and liked ‘If I stay’ by Gayle Forman (reviewed below), you’ll absolutely love this!  I will absolutely be investing in a copy of ‘Sister’ and will definitely be keeping my eye out for Rosamund Lupton's future works!

** Rosamund's second novel, Afterwards, is published on June 9th 2011 **

New Reading Challenge!

In addition to my 2011 Reading challenge....I am signing up to Book Chick City's Mystery & Suspense Reading Challenge 2011 to read at least 12 mystery and suspense novels!!

I have a few already waiting on my bookshelf to be read....so even though it's already June, I think I should be able to get through 12 by 31st December!

I'll keep you updated....!