PS I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

(503 pages)



Cecelia Ahern's debut novel, PS, I Love You, follows the engaging, witty and occasionally sappy reawakening of Holly, a young Irish widow who must put her life back together after she loses her husband Gerry to a brain tumour. Ahern, the twentysomething daughter of Ireland's Prime Minister, has discovered a clever and original twist to the Moving On After Death concept made famous by novelists and screenwriters alike--Gerry has left Holly a series of letters designed to help her face the year ahead and carry on with her life. As the novel takes readers through the seasons (and through Gerry's monthly directives), we watch as Holly finds a new job, takes a holiday to Spain with her girlfriends, and sorts through her beloved husband's belongings. Accompanying Holly throughout the healing process is a cast of friends and family members who add as much to the novel's success as Holly's own tale of survival. In fact, it is these supporting characters' mini-dramas that make PS, I Love You more than just another superficial tearjerker with the obligatory episode at a karaoke bar. Ahern shows real talent for capturing the essence of an interaction between friends and foes alike; even if Holly's circle of friends does resemble the gang from Bridget Jones a bit too neatly to ignore (her best friend is even called Sharon).

I really thoroughly enjoyed this. I felt that the style of writing made the awkward storyline of a young widow much easier to become involved with. The cast of characters was wonderful and fun (I wish I had friends like that!). Holly was adorable and going through her first year without her jusband with her was a really emotional and at times hysterical ride. I was convinced about halfway through that I knew how it was going to end, but I am pleased to say that I WAS WRONG!!!!! I just couldnt put this book down... I had to know what Gerry's next challenge was going to be... although I must admit that the Karaoke was a classic ;o)

House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III

(365 pages)



Andre Dubus III wastes no time in capturing the dark side of the immigrant experience in America at the end of the 20th century. "House of Sand and Fog" opens with a highway crew comprising several nationalities picking up litter on a hot California summer day. Massoud Amir Behrani, a former colonel in the Iranian military under the Shah, reflects on his job-search efforts since arriving in the US four years before: "I have spent hundreds of dollars copying my credentials; I have worn my French suits and my Italian shoes to hand-deliver my qualifications; I have waited and then called back after the correct waiting time; but there is nothing". A father of two, Behrani has spent most of the money he brought with him from Iran on an apartment and furnishings that are too expensive, desperately trying to keep up appearances in order to enhance his daughter's chances of making a good marriage. Now the daughter is married, he sinks his remaining funds into a house he buys at auction, thus unwittingly putting himself and his family on a trajectory with disaster. The house, it seems, once belonged to Kathy Nicolo, a self-destructive alcoholic who wants it back. What starts out as a legal tussle soon escalates into a personal confrontation--with dire results.

This was a truly fascinating and gripping story that was well told from the viewpoints of the two main characters. As I was reading it I felt as though I was on both sides and couldn't decide how I wanted it to end. However the ending that transpired was totally unexpected and emotional. It just goes to show how thiongs can spiral out of control.

The Deep End Of The Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard

(447 pages)



The horror of losing a child is somehow made worse when the case goes unsolved for nearly a decade, reports Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel columnist Jacquelyn Mitchard in this searing first novel. In it, 3-year-old Ben Cappadora is kidnapped from a hotel lobby where his mother is checking into her 15th high school reunion. His disappearance tears the family apart and invokes separate experiences of anguish, denial, and self-blame. Marital problems and delinquency in Ben's older brother (in charge of him the day of his kidnapping) ensue. Mitchard depicts the family's friction and torment--along with many gritty realities of family life--with the candor of a journalist and compassion of someone who has seemingly been there. International publishing and movie rights sold fast on this one: It's a blockbuster.

I was gripped by this book from the very first chapter. I was amazed by how much a family's life could be changed just by a single moment.
This was a real page turner that I would recommend to everyone!!!

Midnight In Death by JD Robb

(90 pages)



Lieutenant Eve Dallas must postpone her first Christmas with her new husband, Roarke, to hunt for an escaped serial killer.

this was a great little book. All the classic Dallas & Roarke goings on rolled up into under 100 pages. Just what i needed at the moment!!

Jane Millionaire by Janice Lynn

(356 pages)



On the set of Wolf TV's new reality show Jane Millionaire, Jill, a.k.a. Jane, finds herself totally turned off by the contestants and totally turned on by the show's producer, Rob Lancaster.

Jill Davidson is the sensible older sister, far too sensible to take part in reality TV. She is a respectable Police Officer for goodness sake! But… when her younger sister Jessie gets the leading role on Jane Millionaire, then falls in love and gets engaged to her own Prince Charming before filming begins, Jessie persuades Jill to bail her out and become Jane. The problem is Jill is not a Millionaire nor is she a Princess and she has no idea what Jessie has said to get the part!
When she arrives at the mansion to begin the show, sparks begin to fly, although they are not flying between her and one of the dozen eligible bachelors she is supposed to be pairing up with. Instead it is Rob Lancaster, one of the producers that is succeeding in getting ‘Jane’ hot under the collar. The problem is the feeling is mutual.
Rob thinks Jill is Jessie playing Jane. Jill desperately wants Rob but knows it is not allowed. Between one-on-one (literally) basketball games and fumbles in the grounds things begin to get trickier and trickier. As the couple’s attraction grows they try harder and harder not to act upon it. They both know that no good will come from it. If Rob gives in to his attraction his entire future could be in jeopardy, Jill is more than conscious of the twenty million viewers that could be watching her and voting for the bachelor they want to see he with and she doesn’t want to be exposed as a fraud. Neither of them are entirely aware of the hidden motives playing out far behind the scenes of the show, but something is about to happen…
Jane Millionaire makes a really fun and enjoyable read, getting you involved with the characters and the happenings of the show. The idea of setting this budding romance with a reality TV show as the backdrop is pure genius. It provides a fascinating and fun supporting cast whilst managing to increase the intrigue regarding the leading couple.
Although from the beginning, you a fairly clear idea of how the story will end, you certainly have lots of fun getting there! A great debut and I look forward to reading more books by Janice Lynn.