Garden Spells- Sarah Addison Allen

Pages: 291
Published: July 24th 2008 by Hodder Paperback
Genre: Contemporary/ Fiction
Date Finished: 29th November 2011
Rating/Recommendation: 5 Stars *****


Synopsis:

In a garden surrounded by a tall fence, tucked away behind a small, quiet house in an even smaller town, is an apple tree that is rumored to bear a very special sort of fruit. In this luminous debut novel, Sarah Addison Allen tells the story of that enchanted tree, and the extraordinary people who tend it.

Good Reads Link : http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2599655-garden-spells

Review:

I love Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen so when I found she had published more books I had to get my hands on this one. I don’t know why I leave books sitting on my shelves for so long. This novel is one of the many reasons I read and let me tell you why I enjoyed it so much.

I have a love for novels with many characters and their each individual story that blends together to create something magical and magical is what Sarah has created, from the first few pages till the last I was captivated by the town of Bascom, North Carolina and the people who lives in it. From Claire Waverly the recluse, beautiful caterer, to the charming old man Lester who lives on a farm with his grandson Henry, everyone had their own little piece of magic inside themselves that when brought together just made for this decadent, raw and enthralling tale of love, lust, fear, forgiveness and the willingness to move on from the past that we have all experienced at one time in our lives and connect to.

I really warmed to so many of the characters and their wonderfully mastered traits; from Clair’s fears of abandonment to Sydney’s wild adventures they were so realistic and touching and even haunting at times, but I would have to say Bay, Sydney’s daughter, was one of my favorite characters. Not of course to forget the men- a ring a ding ding –sexy !!!

There were times in this novel when I wanted to cry, scream, laugh and when my heart swooned. So many emotions that changed with every page as the story progressed and I found the day disappearing into the night and the early morning sun arising – I lost track of time reading Garden Spells, it had me hooked. There were times when I had to put it down, when the story plot thickened and things hit a little close to home, but Sarah writes so beautifully that I couldn’t let it rest long and had to know what happened.

And the food, oh my let’s not forget the food. I have an obsession with books that center around food and this was no disappointment. Every time Clair stirred something together or was out in the garden tending to her family heritage, I just wanted to throw an apron on and head out to the nursery to set up my own little garden of paradise. The way she used flowers and herbs to create her dishes was not only imaginative, but very inspirational and I loved how Sarah added a little glossary at the back of the novel explaining some of the flowers and herbs used. This aspect of the novel spoke volumes to me.

While some people may be turned away by the few sex scenes in the book, fear not they are very tasteful and are wonderfully written. The passion is flavorsome and rather than being erotic they actually reveal a lot about the characters that can’t always be spoken through their worlds.

There were very few times during which I lost my way and many times when I wanted to kill certain people – ahem ahem Emma, for instance. But the way in which everything panned out made me love this book even more than possible. I have to mention of course the apple tree too which was a character in itself that added essence and spark to the novel and its characters.

If you haven’t read any of Sarah’s novels I urge you to pick this one up first. If you like drama and romance with a little sprinkle of enchantment then you are sure to fall in love with Garden Spells.

Lost In Time- Melissa De La Cruz - A Blue Bloods Novel #6

Pages: 342 Pages

Published: September 27th 2011 by Hyperion

Genre: Paranormal/ Y.A Fiction

Date Finished: 25^th November

Rating/ Recommendation: 4.5 Stars ****

No Spoilers

Synopsis:

After their beautiful yet brief bonding ceremony in Italy, Schuyler Van Alen and Jack Force are forced to separate. To fulfil the Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler travels to Alexandria to search for Catherine of Siena and the Gate of Promise. But Schuyler quickly discovers that everything she believed about the Gate to be wrong. Meanwhile, Jack makes the difficult decision to return to New York to face his twin and former bondmate, Mimi. But instead of a bitter reunion, he is faced with a choice for which there is no good option.

Mimi, with a most unexpected travel companion in Oliver Hazard-Perry, jets off to Egypt, too, to search for Kingsley Martin, her long lost love. With all roads leading to Hell, Mimi learns that not all love stories have happy endings. But she'll have to put her own feelings aside if she's going to save her crumbling Coven.

Packed with heartache, twists, and vampiric folklore, Lost in Time is sure to satisfy hungry fans' cravings for more Blue Bloods adventure.

Review:

I was so excited when this book came out, and I had to freaking wait for it. I was so hungry after reading Misguided Angels and the wait was well worth it. In hindsight I should have kept it in my TBR pile till next year, but hell how was I going to just let it sit there? I couldn’t.

Like always this will be a spoiler free review focusing on the few things I liked about the novel rather than the story in detail. There wasn’t really anything that stood out to me about this book that I disliked, so it should make it easy to review you would think, but I have mixed feelings about the way the story is going, though mostly in a good way.

This novel is full of romance and I loved it, not only do we get to see characters in the present time, we again journey through Allegra’s past and what ultimately created the future for the vampires, especially in the New York. Her tortured, beautiful love affair as well as many other characters in the novel just makes me swoon while at the same time the pain and pleasure and that line between them makes my heart yearn for a happy ending. The love isn’t instant love, it is one that grows throughout the series up until this book and it is raw and realistic which makes this book such a pleasure to read.

However it is not all about romance, it is about so much more than that. Betrayal, death, revenge, secrets and the countries and landscapes they travel to unravel the truth about the great Grates that is the only thing keeping them from all hell breaking loose [pun intended] .Not only do we get to see what’s happening above ground, but we get to cruise along with Mimi and Oliver into the depths and core of the earth and Hell’s many levels too. Oh they were some of my favourite chapters as the character growth and tension is amazing. I also loved the different perspectives in each chapter as it gave me a chance to break and take in each individual story.

I had to laugh so many times as Oliver travelled beyond the realms that a normal human is capable. For most of the novel to me he seemed like a masochist and at times I was like – Oh Oliver I want to slap you, wake up to yourself and realise where you are and who you are with. Then I understood the pain that unrequited love can entail and how he truly felt.

Melissa’s writing style as always was truly decadent and rich as she interwove each tapestry to bring me into the world she has created. I am going to be so sad when this series ends, because with every book I fall in love even deeper with it as a whole

While I did loved this book whole heartedly, it wasn’t my favourite of the series, but was definitely up there with the best of them. I cannot believe I have to wait two years until I can get my hands on the last book in the series. I almost cried when I learned this, but at least I will have my fix when Wolf Pact comes out in September of 2012

P.S I forgot to mention that the last 30 pages or so were a little rushed, and that was one thing that bugged me on reflection, but it didn’t burden the book as a whole.

No Plot, No Problem - Chris Baty

No Plot No Problem – Chris Baty

Pages: 176

Published: September 16th 2004 by Chronicle Books

Genre: Writing. Non-Fiction

Date Finished: 25^th Novemeber 2011

Rating/ Recommendation: Yes

Synopsis:

You've always wanted to write, but . . . just haven't gotten around to it. No Plot? No Problem! is the kick in the pants you've been waiting for.

Let Chris Baty, founder of the rockin' literary marathon National Novel Writing Month (a.k.a. NaNoWriMo), guide you through four exciting weeks of hard-core noveling. Baty's pep talks and essential survival strategies cover the initial momentum and energy of Week One, the critical "plot flashes" of Week Two, the "Can I quit now?" impulses of Week Three, and the champagne and roar of the crowd during Week Four. Whether you're a first-time novelist who just can't seem to get pen to paper or a results-oriented writer seeking a creative on-ramp into the world of publishing, this is the adventure for you.

So what are you waiting for? The No Plot? approach worked for the thousands of people who've signed up for NaNoWriMo, and it can work for you! Let No Plot? No Problem! help you get fired up and on the right track.

Review:

It’s Nanowriomo time again and for those of you who are participating, either it being your first time or your tenth time I urge you to go out and source No Plot, No Problem that comes in both a standalone book and a kit [depending on where you find i.t] This book is packed with hints, tips humour and exercises for planning, plotting, winging it and outlining before Nano itself. There are also four segregated chapters tackling each week during the month and what you can expect.

I love Chris Baty and his approach to writing and Nanowrimo. The only bad thing about this companion book is that it is addictive reading and I had to stop myself sneaking a peak at the next week’s chapter before the week was finished. I have learned so much about the drafting process from this book that I would recommend it for writers of any age, of any genre at any time of the year.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Nanowriomo check out the site. November is drawing to an end this year, but there is always next year and I look forward to hearing about the many novels written during Novemeber 2011.

Nanowrimo Websiste: http://www.nanowrimo.org

Monica McInerney - Interview

After reading Lola's Secret and Odd One Out, I was blessed enough to get the chance to interview one of my new favorite authors : Monica Mcinerney. From her home in Dublin all the way across the internet to my little country home here in victoria- Australia I welcome you all to pot of tea and some scones and a wonderful interviews with a lovely lady- Enjoy - Blair

I do not own any photographs features in my reviews.

Monica McInerney Q&A

1. What is your secret to keeping track of all the unique and intricate elements and details in your novels?

I have a good memory, luckily, so I find it easy to keep all the twists and turns and characters in my mind as I’m writing. I also immerse myself completely in each book, spending hours each day writing, editing and re-reading, so my fictional story starts to feel more real than my real life!

2. What inspires the Australian backdrops in your novels? What is your favourite place in Australia?

I was born and grew up in Australia and for the past 20 years have moved back and forth between Ireland (my husband’s home country) and Australia. They are the two countries I know best in the world and both feature strongly as settings in my novels. My favourite place in Australia is the Clare Valley, where I grew up. It’s not only beautiful, with its gentle hills and vineyards and lots of small towns, but it also holds many special family memories for me.

3. What is your favourite place in the world, and why?

Apart from the Clare Valley (and the city of Melbourne and the Phoenix Park in Dublin and the Hill of Tara in County Meath and dozens of other places around the world) my favourite place to be is with my husband, my mother, my three sisters, three brothers and our tribe of nieces and nephews.

4. What is your process of plotting and outlining?

I start with one main character, and slowly build a life around her, her family members, her life history, her work, asking myself question after question. What would happen if...? What would this person do if that person said that? What if her life suddenly changed…? Scene by scene and page by page, the story begins to unfold.

5. Do you read short stories or novels?

I read short stories, novels, poetry, newspapers, magazines, memoirs, history books, recipe books, children’s books – anything I can get my hands on.

6. What music inspires your stories – if any?

I listen to a lot of music while I’m writing. It can be a great help to get me into a particular mood necessary to the story. If I’m writing a fun scene, I’ll often play lots of joyous pop music just to lift my own spirits. The book I’m writing at the moment has a very sad backstory, so I’m listening to a lot of slow classical music, as well as Kate Bush’s new album 50 Words for Snow, which is so layered and full of atmosphere. I also listen to a lot of male singer-songwriters when I’m writing scenes from my male characters’ point of view – their songs remind me that men feel emotions as deeply as women.

7. What or who inspired your passion for writing?

I’m a writer because I’m a reader. I’ve loved books since I was a child, and I was lucky to have great parents and teachers who encouraged me and kept my supply of books flowing. I still read 2 or 3 books every week. It felt like the natural next step for me to try to write stories myself.

8. What ignited the idea and passion behind Lola’s Secret?

An unusual set of circumstances. I was in Australia in October 2010 on a book tour to promote At Home with the Templetons. Along the way, people seemed to keep mentioning my fourth novel The Alphabet Sisters, telling me that it had made them laugh and cry, and that they had loved the Irish grandmother character of Lola Quinlan in particular. I was very touched, because it has always been a special book to me. On the final week of the tour, a missed flight meant I had to spend an unexpected night in a motel in the Clare Valley, the setting for The Alphabet Sisters. I went to sleep thinking about that book, and Lola, and being back in my home town, and Christmas approaching and what that meant to me and how it was sometimes a difficult time for people…. I woke up at 5am with the entire plot of Lola’s Secret in my head.

9. Do you prefer once off stories or recurring character stories?

I enjoy both. I’ve written nine novels, and four of them feature the same characters – Spin the Bottle is the sequel to Upside Down Inside Out and Lola’s Secret is the sequel to The Alphabet Sisters. All the others are stand alone stories.

10. What is your idea of the perfect Christmas?

Being with friends and family, with snow outside if I’m in Ireland, a cool breeze outside if I’m in Australia, plenty of good food, wine, conversations and lots of laughing. Actually, I like all of those things even if it’s not Christmas!

Hot Stuff - Elaine Fox

Pages: 384

Published: March 30th 2004 by Avon (first published 2004)

Genre: Chick-lit/Fiction

Date Finished: 19^th November 2011

Rating/Recommendation: 4 Stars ****

Synopsis:

Love Is for Losers

Or so Laurel Kane believes. After wasting too many years looking for "the One," the attractive, level-headed journalist for the Washington tabloid DC Scene is convinced that mad, passionate, crazy love is an impossibility past thirty. A practical, sensible system's the only way to choose a spouse. And she's willing to argue her theory with anyone — including the criminally gorgeous coffee guy, Joe, who supplies her with her daily caffeine fix.

It turns out Joe has strong opinions of his own on the subject, and Laurel figures her readers might enjoy sharing their fiery exchanges of ideas. But once the coffee cart debates become the hottest thing in print, Laurel finds herself in hot water — because sexy Joe is suddenly determined to prove to her that head-spinning, knees-weakening love is possible. And in this particular battle of the sexes, the loser might actually win ...if she ends up losing her heart!

Review:

I picked this book up at the library, not really expecting an intense read and I must say despite not being an intense read at all, it certainly left me with a lot to think about. I did enjoy this novel though and it was exactly what I needed, something with drawn out romance, feisty characters and delicious sounding coffee.

Hot Stuff caused me to think a lot and question my own relationship and how I view relationships in general nearly every few pages. It really got stuck in my head. From marriage to lust, dating to chemistry each chapter left me with something new to think about while my thoughts on the characters changed constantly depending on their reactions. In the end I wasn’t sure where to stand and while it wasn’t the most phenomenal of plots it sure guided me towards connecting with what’s important and being true to myself. And I don’t know about you, but I love a book that can do that.

My only main pinch with this novel was the female main character Laurel. For the most part, while I didn’t agree on her choice of how to go about not ending up alone, I found her to be childish at times and most often when she was being portrayed at being mature and level headed. I saw a lot of some of my older friends in her as well, and even a touch of my own personality and while I know the author made her to be realistic, at times she was a little bit over the top.

Overall ladies and gentlefolk Hot Stuff was a fun read and one that I am sure most people could dig into in a weekend. It is easy to read, and the tension is paced wonderfully making the need to continue reading all that more tempting.