A lovely insight into the glamorous world of Hollywood! This book is based around the making of a blockbuster that was set in The Great War, so it definitely has more depth than the average holiday read. I found that both the modern day story and the snippets of the past were very gripping encouraging you to read on. As this book is based on a movie set, you feel you are there and you can really lose yourself in the setting.
As you continue to read you can feel a love story developing, however it is not obvious how it will end so you are constantly speculating. The main character Ella is a loveable, naïve make-up artist who is easily persuaded. You almost want to stand up and protect her as you really feel her vulnerability come through. A great ending, unpredictable and not too cheesy!
Overall rating: 7/10 - a slightly slow beginning, it took a few chapters to get stuck into it. Once the story got going you couldn't put it down! The twist with the War story (which is rather romantic in itself) brings an extra dimension which was needed in this book. Recommend for those interested in the glamorous lifestyle of Hollywood and what it's really like to be a famous movie star! Those holidaying in France may enjoy this too as it captures the heart of a French City and also those who like a book where 2 stories intertwine.
Having read Adele Parks' books before I had high expectations, and I am pleased that this book did not disappoint! A lovely story about adult life, making friends, coping through tough times and enjoying the good times. The characters in this book are very well defined, getting a real feel for each one. You really connect with the characters leaving you feeling sorry for a few of them - one suffering from Alzheimer's, one trying for a baby - and hope they get the happy ending they deserve. This book made me cry, smile and surprised me in places.
Chapters are set as months so a lot happens in this book over a year or two. You get a lot of insight into the main character Eloise's life and how kind and generous she is to her family and friends. The book is not set around one grand ending so it's hard to predict what will happen which makes it even more gripping.
Overall rating: 8/10 - A very well written, complex book. The characters stand out and emotion overcomes you. An unexpected ending and the way the book flows adds to the enjoyment of the read. I would recommend to those who like more depth to characters, with more emotions and a real insight into their lives. This book does have a happy ending, however, there is an on-going sadness throughout the book, so definitely not the traditional chick-lit. Someone who is on a boating holiday or on a country-side retreat will enjoy reading about similar scenery.
Straight from the first page you can tell this book will be a fun, girly, chick-lit with a lot of fashion talk! The story is about a personal shopper trying to balance motherhood with work, when a new challenge crops up. Each chapter starts off with a description of one of the characters outfits which gives this book the unique factor.
The main character Annie is lots of fun and full of energy and very loveable. The book is set in Ireland then New York, and Carmen Reid really captures the spirit of New York. It is a book that makes you want to read on, it gives you a good insight into the fashion world and how determination really does pay off! Not too predictable either, the book throws a few surprises along the way.
Overall rating: 8/10 - A more typical holiday read - gripping, fun, girly and thrilling. The plot is not too cheesy, a variety of characters makes it interesting and more exciting to read. I would recommend to fashion followers who love chick-lits and anyone who has been to New York or wants to go it really gets you excited about the city.
A lovely tale of three friends who get together and catch up whilst holidaying in France. A more mature story than the normal chick flick, however it still draws you in and makes you want to read on. A lot of the story is set on a farm which makes it different and you can really imagine the characters on holiday together enjoying themselves.
The lead character Hannah and her two friends are all going through issues you can relate to, so it's easy to follow this book. The situation is based around something that you may have come across in the past and it's interesting to see what path the story takes. A good but not too predictable ending which leaves you with an overall happiness.
Overall rating: 7/10 - A good plot, different to the average chick-lit. You want to read on to find out how the situation is dealt with how the story will end. I would recommend to those who like a more mature book (characters are mid-thirties with families) and nothing too cheesy. It would also appeal to those travelling to France, a country home or someone who likes a more chilled out book.
A very cleverly written book in the sense that you really want the main character Tess to end up with the right guy and not pick wrong one! The way it is written portrays one character as less endearing as the other, so you are rooting for the happy ending (which luckily does happen).
An easy read, however, it does not draw you in as much as other books I have read. For me personally it is based on an unrealistic storyline which always frustrates me in a book. A "wish" is granted and Tess' previous relationship is wiped away allowing her to start again. You almost can't relate to the book from the beginning due to this ridiculous plot.
Overall Rating: 6/10 - Ruined by the silly plot, but an easy read and nice romantic ending which is always heart-warming. I would recommend to those who like books that make you feel connected to the characters and happy endings. Would be a good book for anyone trying to get over an ex-boyfriend too!
A different type of book to my normal choice and I am not entirely sure that I enjoyed it! The storyline was a little ridiculous and to me it was too far-fetched to be enjoyable. The book had a mixed bunch of characters a lot of whom were unlovable and just in there to make it more humorous. However, this book didn't really make me chuckle - maybe I was missing the point of the book? If anything I found it quite a disturbing book in the sense that it reinforced how people break down in difficult times.
Throughout the book I found it hard to predict what was going to happen (which isn't always a bad thing) but I felt the ending was a slight let down, I was expecting more. It was however, an easy read and it did make you think about situations in life and how you would deal with them. It also emphasises the fact that judging people is wrong.
Overall rating: 4/10 - A bit pointless and couldn't relate to many of the characters as they had strange personalities. If anything I felt the book had an overall sadness. When you are on holiday you want to be reading a more uplifting book rather than one that makes you think. I would recommend to those who like an easy read, it is a book that makes you want to keep reading. Also this book makes you think so ideal for those who like more of a life lesson read.
Wow, wow and wow! It took a while to decide whether I was going to read The Hunger Games, the plot seemed a bit far fetched for me and I was not sure i could stomach a book involving a lots of fighting. But oh my gosh, this has to be one of my all time favourite books. The story is written in such a way that you need to keep reading with most chapters ending on a cliff edge! There is a lot to take in and imagine, but it is written so well you can really picture the scenes and somehow it does not seem unrealistic.
As the plot develops the games begin and you really feel for the main character Katniss and you want her to win. Then you wonder at the end of the first book how on earth can they make 2 more books out of this? Well Suzanne did it and both the next 2 books had the same effect on me. I had to pace myself and read another book in between as I was just so obsessed with finding out what was next!
To me the real storyline was the love interest. As a romantic myself it was so lovely to see the relationship survive even though it was tested so much throughout the books. All 3 books were as good as each other and surprisingly for me a book i could never get bored of reading over and over again.
Overall rating: 10/10 - You have to read to see what all the fuss is about! Be sure to take all 3 books on holiday with you or you will regret! I would recommend to anyone who wants a break from the traditional chick flick and who likes a book that you can feel that you are there involved in the action. It would also appeal to those hopeless romantics like me too!
