The Wish List by Jane Costello

The Blurb:

There are six months left of Emma Reiss's twenties...and she has some unfinished business. Emma and her friends are about to turn thirty, and for Emma it's a defining moment. Defined, that is, by her having achieved none of the things she'd imagined she would. Her career is all wrong, her love life is a desert and that penthouse apartment she pictured herself in simply never materialised. Moreover, she's never jumped out of a plane, hasn't met the man she's going to marry, has never slept under the stars, or snogged anyone famous - just some of the aspirations on a list she and her friends compiled fifteen years ago. As an endless round of birthday parties sees Emma hurtle towards her own thirtieth, she sets about addressing these issues. But, as she discovers with hilarious consequences, some of them are trickier to tick off than she'd thought…

 

My Review:

A book all about the concept of someone turning 30 and the things to do before their birthday - perfectly apt for me so thought I had to read it. The story took a while to get going, but once you got into the plot it developed quickly. There was an underlying love story which develops throughout the book. This to me made the book more exciting and interesting to see where it was going.

 

The ideas that the main character Emma had and achieved were not unrealistic. A story like this had the potential to go overboard with ideas but Jane Costello got the balance just right. It showed the struggle of trying to achieve a list like this, yet at the same time it showed how much fun something could be when you put your mind to it!

 

Overall rating: 7/10 - You kind of knew what was going to happen in this book based on the concept. However, it is still a fun-packed book with romance, tears and friendship. Definitely for those who (like me) will be turning a big milestone age - it made me think about what I would want to achieve before my 30th. Great for anyone wanting a light-hearted happy book. A fantastic read for a holiday with friends as it would inspire you to discuss your wish list with them and have a giggle about it! 

Jenna's Journey by Julie Ryan

The Blurb:
When Jenna decides on a whim to go to Greece, she's trying to escape her failing marriage. Will Greg let her go so easily though? Can she make a new future for herself and how did she get involved in an antiques smuggling ring? Is fellow holidaymaker Tom all he seems and will it be happy ever after with Nikos? It's not until twenty-five years later that some of the questions are finally answered.

My Review:
A rather interesting and action-packed story! A different concept of a book with an alternative ending just when you thought you had reached the end. Definitely full of twists and unexpected events, which makes it a great read. In places the high number of characters can make it confusing - but stick with it and you soon get back on track with what's happening.

The book is mainly set in Greece and it definitely captures the Greek way of living, pictures the scene well and makes you want to visit! Unlike many books, the Greek characters seem authentically Greek and you can really imagine such people exist! As so much happens in this book there is never a dull moment and its very unpredictable as to what will happen.

Overall rating: 7/10 - Parts can be confusing but if you concentrate it all makes sense in the end! A lot to take in - I found myself needing to flick back and double check to see what had happened in previous pages. It was though an action-packed read, never leaving you bored and made you want to read on. I would recommend to those who like a more complicated action based book which is quite unusually written. One who wants a book you can lose yourself in and imagine being in a place where you would love to visit. Great whilst on holiday in a real hot country or definitely one to read on a plane to a hot destination!

The Rose Petal Beach by Dorothy Koomson

A chick lit with more to it than the normal traditional read. A story about family life, how it can go wrong and how different personalities cope. Additionally to this there is the added suspense of a murder and guessing which characters to trust and who is telling the truth. The book is written in the view of 5 main characters so you get to know each one well. A complex plot, but well written so you get to really understand each persons view point. One of the most fascinating things about this book is seeing how each character copes with the situation and how different personalities behave differently in difficult circumstances. 

Throughout the book the story deepens as you learn more about what has happened and it definitely contains some unexpected twists. There is a lot of emotion in the book and you really feel for the main character Tamia who has been stuck in the middle of the situation. She comes across as a vulnerable character making you warm to her. Not all characters in the book are pleasant which I always find adds to the enjoyment of a book, making it more realistic almost.

Overall rating: 8/10 - I personally enjoyed the excitement of trying to work out who to believe and what the outcome of the murder investigation was going to be. The book was not all about the murder which was a good thing - a lot of in-depth character insight was the main aspect of this book. Having been a fan of Dorothy's previous books, this didn't disappoint and it was possibly my favourite Dorothy Koomson's book so far! I would recommend to those that like a book that keeps you guessing, one which sees a story from different viewpoints and one that you can take your time reading. Definitely a book that makes you think and great for a more chilled holiday, where you have time to concentrate and speculate over a book! It would also be a fantastic book for a long journey where you want something to take your mind off your travelling and make it go quickly!

The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan

A book all about chocolate - what more could you ask for? Such a lovely story which makes you feel both happy and sad! Two stories intertwined - a story from the past features alongside modern day, with both following a similar path. Set in Paris you get to know the city and get a glimpse of what relocating to a new place feels like. A real insight into the emotions that it brings and the challenges you face. Main character Anna is lovable and interesting and you can't help but want her to succeed. 

This book shows you how precious life is and how memories are sometimes what keeps you going. The ending is emotional, yet it is also a happy ending too. There is a lot of love, fun, heartache and chocolate in this book. Very well written and it really captures the ups and downs of life.

Overall rating: 8/10 - I would recommend to those who love complex emotional books. Anyone who has a fond memory of a place and knows how important those memories are. Ideal for those who would love to know more about chocolate or Paris.  All in all a classic romance novel. 

The Power Trip by Jackie Collins

The front of the book describes it as "A sexy sun-drenched thriller" and this exactly what it was! A book based on a holiday - whereby 6 couples all powerful, famous and interesting - embark on a paradise holiday together. You get to understand each character really well and they all lead very interesting lives - one a footballer, one a movie star and one a politician.

There definitely is a raunchy side to the book but it did add something. It made it more realistic almost and helped with defining the characters personalities. The story was easy to follow and did draw you in with lots happening every chapter. There were so many aspects of the story with all the characters intertwining it worked well. There was an exciting build-up to the end which led to a dramatic ending. A love story also developed throughout the book too.

Overall rating: 9/10 - different from my usual choice, had a fantastic story where a lot happens. It helps that it is set in a lovely hot place, you can really imagine the beautiful scenery. Fantastically written and not too over the top on the raciness. You really get to know each character and you want to be on holiday with them! I would recommend to those who want a real escapism book - one that takes you to a real nice setting and that you can lose yourself in! Set in a tropical destination, great for a relaxing holiday read. Definitely one with a deeper storyline, exploring each character one by one. It also gives you a real insight into what it would be like to be famous! All in all a fantastic, unmissable great holiday read! 

The Last Time I Saw You by Eleanor Moran

Although the whole book does have an overall sadness to it, Eleanor Moran still captures warmth and happiness, and portrays it with the correct balance between good and bad times. This book is based around two friends at university, the ups and downs of their relationship and the adventures they share together. Unfortunately they lose touch and now one of them has died. Throughout the book their friendship is slowly unravelled and snippets of their time together is revealed, understanding the dynamics of the relationship as the book progresses. There is also a love story developing, yet it is not predictable as to what will happen.

This is a book that grips you right from the start - you want to read on to understand and get to know the characters better. It portrays the intense friendship of the main characters very well, understanding how they view each other. A very cleverly written book.

Overall rating: 8/10 - straight from the beginning you want to read on. The characters friendship is complicated - yet I am sure we can all relate to having a friend like this. A heart-warming ending, although you do feel it is slightly morally wrong. Ideal for those who enjoy a book that the story slowly unravels and for those who like a good old romance. Maybe not the best for those looking for a really upbeat and happy holiday!

Any Way You Want Me by Lucy Diamond

This book follows the story of a mum struggling to cope, stuck at home looking after two children. Sadie just wants to feel alive and to be loved again - to be more than just a housewife. It captures very well the thoughts and feelings of the main character and almost justifies her playing away and having an affair. A well written story as you should not agree with what she is doing, yet you can tell she is desperate and you feel sorry for her.

As the story develops, Sadie gets herself in caught up in the world of having fun and you see a personality shift to someone who is much happier and more confident. The ending brings around questions about morals, but she does make the right decision.

Overall rating: 7/10 - I was a little unsure about the lack of an exciting plot, yet with this book you get so caught up in the characters world, you do not miss a strong story. I would recommend to those who want an emotional book, one that's slightly different to the norm, and one that truly captures a mid-life crisis. Good for someone who feels they are also struggling with bringing up young children as it shows that no mum is perfect.