Books à la Mode | a book, beauty, and fashion blog: British

Showing posts with label British. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Author: Lilian Carmine Interview and Giveaway!

I'd like to welcome Lilian Carmine to the blog today to celebrate the publication of her novel, The Lost Boys from Random House UK. I'll be reviewing this book soon, but for now, be sure to stick around to learn about this debut author. We have an INTERNATIONAL giveaway for you at the end!

Welcome to Books à la Mode, Lilian! Let's get this interview started.

Will you please share a brief bio with us?

Lilian Carmine is the author of the popular Lost Boys novels and Bacharel of Visual Arts.

The Lost Boys Trilogy will be published by Ebury Press (Random House UK), the first book of which with over 33 million reads online at Wattpad.

Lilian is currently working as a freelance artist on illustrated children’s books, animation, and artistic creation—as well as the next book in her Lost Boys series.

Readers, here's a bit about the book, which drops tomorrow!

An intensely addictive romance novel about girls, ghosts, and forbidden love, ideal for fans of Stephenie Meyer

Fate has brought them together. But will it also keep them apart? Having moved to a strange town, 17-year-old Joey Gray is feeling a little lost, until she meets a cute, mysterious boy near her new home. But there’s a very good reason why Tristan Halloway is always to be found roaming in the local graveyard.

Perfect for fans of Stephenie Meyer and Lauren Kate, The Lost Boys is a magical, romantic tale of girl meets ghost.

Describe The Lost Boys in six words.

Love
Friendship
Music
Courage
Magic
Perseverance

How did you arrive at writing paranormal romance?

I think paranormal fiction gives me a lot of freedom; I can create new worlds, new universes, magical beings, entities with powers... anything is possible and that is what I like the most about the genre.

Supernatural fiction and fantasy are my most favorite genres to read (and write) because of all the possibilities they allow for creativity.

What's the first line of The Lost Boys. Could you give us a brief commentary on it?

“I really was lost.”

That is the exact first line of book.

I think it was a very significant way to start the story, since the main character Joe Gray starts as literally "lost," but then ends up being officially a member and part of the “Lost” Boys, a group of rocking friends and musicians and in the end, the Lost Boys will help Joe to find the way to be herself again and to live a life full of possibilities.

How do you react to negative or harsh reviews of your writing?

I think all feedback is valid, may they be positive or negative.

I try to listen to what everyone has to say and take in the things I agree and discard the things that don’t make sense to me, simple as that.

People are entitled to have their opinion, but you don’t have to agree with everything everyone says.

You also can’t let it affect you, and that goes both ways. People are often concerned about the bad critics, but the high praises can’t be as bad for you, if you don’t know how to deal with them.

Don’t let all the praises go up to your head; but don’t let the harsh criticism bring you down either. Stay centered and true to yourself and you won’t have problems with any kind of feedback you receive. That’s the advice I try to follow myself here.

That's fabulous advice. Authors need to be wary of the negative aspects of positive criticism.

Click "Read more" to find out what kind of kid Lilian was in high school, who her celebrity crush is, and the message she wants readers to take away from her novel. We're also hosting a giveaway for TWO print copies at the end, so you don't want to miss that either!

7 Heart Review: The Facebook Diet by Gemini Adams

The Facebook Diet (Unplug)
Gemini Adams

Page Count: 146
Release Date: May 24th 2013
Publisher: Live Consciously Publishing
Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Live Consciously!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

A tongue-in-cheek look at our love of social media through 50 hilarious cartoons that complete the question, "You Know You're a Facebook Addict When...?"

Award-winning author and artist, Gemini Adams, offers a hilarious look at the most idiotic, embarrassing and cringe-worthy behaviors of our social media excess.

 With over 1 billion people now on Facebook (that's 1 in every 7 of us) and over 30% checking their account before brushing their teeth or hair in the mornings, it seems most can confess to an addictive Facebook habit; whether it's stalking an ex, faking bathroom breaks to read news, checking-in wherever they go, or art-directing photo's for the perfect profile pic. 

Packed with funny digital detox tips that gently 'poke' at readers to examine the health of their high-tech habits and unplug once in a while, this laugh-out-loud gift book is guaranteed to bring a smile of recognition to Facebook junkies everywhere!

Review

Such an overly wired world like ours needs the occasional humorous reflection to prevent us from getting completely lost within the techosphere, and a simple solution is the Facebook Diet: a Facebook detox every once in a while. This may seem completely impossible for some (and if that's the case, you need this book NOW!!), while completely irrelevant to others, but regardless of the number of messages in your inbox, the urgency of your unread notifications, or how many friend requests you have pending, Gemini Adams's fully illustrated cartoon-style book is bound to entertain Facebook users of every kind.

Some of the "symptoms" of Facebook addiction will totally have you thinking That is so me, while others are just plain silly, but this variety and balance is what makes The Facebook Diet such a lighthearted, ironic read.

What I love is how Gemini Adams isn't just about being funny; she genuinely has a purpose with this book: to reveal to social media addicts (like yours truly) how much technology is taking over our lives. While this obviously isn't anything ground-breaking or extremely eye-opening, it's a comical, refreshing reminder of what matters and what really doesn't in life.

Pros

Accessible format; easy to skim and enjoy the "You know you're a Facebook addict when..." list // Relevant in today's tech-filled community // Great as a gag gift and for Facebook geeks

Cons

Chuckle-worthy, but not actually hysterical... // Illustrations aren't that cute

Love

Here's a sneak peek of what the book entails:

Verdict

Mostly amusing, a little vulgar, and completely modern, The Facebook Diet is a socially pertinent and yet still entertaining collection that will not only help you diagnose and cure your Facebook addiction, but also bring a smile to your face. I don't think this is exactly laugh-at-loud-worthy, but it's still a cute anecdote for our internet-dependent culture

7 hearts: Not perfect, but overall enjoyable; borrow, don't buy! (x)

Monday, September 23, 2013

7 Heart Review: Tremble by Tobsha Learner and Giveaway!

Tremble: Erotic Tales of the Mystical and Sinister
Tobsha Learner

Page Count: 400
Release Date: 27 August 2013
Publisher: Plume (Penguin)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher, via tour publicist, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Penguin and TLC Book Tours!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

From Tobsha Learner, the boundary-pushing erotica author of the international bestseller Quiver, comes Tremble: Erotic Tales of the Mystical and Sinister.

In Learner’s steamy collection, she explores the full spectrum of sexuality peppered with elements of the supernatural. Tremble blurs the line between fantasy and reality, depicting the pleasures of new and rediscovered love, lust, and obsession in a world where passion and magic are interwoven—and where boundaries are pushed beyond expectation.

In a Welsh village, a young woman’s sensuality is awakened by an outrageous inheritance; a drought-stricken Oklahoma town is offered salvation by a travelling rainmaker; a Sydney record producer struggles to satisfy his wife and his mistress—until one of them takes matters into her own hands...

The short stories span the eras, from an eighteenth-century biographer who discovers a magic, erotic ritual to a Sydney record producer struggling to satisfy his wife and mistress. Intelligent and highly imaginative, Learner’s brand of erotica will appeal to both first-time and more seasoned readers of the genre.

Review

In her second collection of short erotic pieces that span eras—each set in unique, vividly fashioned times and locations—Learner displays her powerful ability to spin stories with strange, somber twists and a highly erotic flair.

This brand of erotica has no boundaries; Learner writes about the bizarre, the taboo, and just the plain WEIRD. But I don't mean that in a bad way at all. Some of the super strange stories are actually quite amusing, and I just love how even though each one is only about 30-40 pages, there are actual plots in them. This typically isn't easy to do with the page limitation but Learner builds her worlds and characters expertly.

In terms of style, her grip of the pen is firm; the stories are well-seasoned and each one is so different from the other, that it doesn't at all feel like you're just reading the same account with different scenarios. Every story is individual in its own kind, so you get nine opportunities to delight in these disturbing but carnal stories. Although some of the stories are set in contemporary times, everything Learner writes reads like a folktale. The voice is rather distant, but that makes each tale more clandestine, more mysterious, and more oddly charming.

Tremble covers a vast range of scenarios, whether it be a supernatural object that disrupts the lives of an individual, or a hex that plagues an entire village. In particular, I loved The Root, a darkly comical tale about a root that comes to—ahem—life, and the implications of a cursed bloodline, as well as Virgin, a lust-ridden story about a nun gone bad, and her path to sexually charged redemption. There are allusions to previous stories in succeeding ones, which I loved; it connected the anthology beautifully and the recurring topics brought a smile to my face.

One thing I noticed is that most of the protagonists are middle-aged; no new adult nonsense here. Normally I'd find this strange because it's harder to get excited by the thought of quadragenarians engaging in lustful activity (honestly, that's a visual I don't need sometimes) but the stories overall feel old-fashioned, so I didn't have that much of a problem with it.

Pros

Folktake-like stories // Well-formed plots and characters, so each story is a different experience entirely // Entertaining voice // Gets heavy at times, but overall very readable // Very untraditional form of erotica; you will be squirming in arousal, but you'll feel weird about it because the stories are so bizarre!

Cons

A few duds I found neither erotic nor enjoyable (specifically The Snore and Hair Shirt) // Sometimes gets a bit weird... but I guess that's the magic of this collection

Verdict

Tremble is an eccentric anthology that bends the rules of erotic fiction; as familiar as I am with the genre, I can't say I've read anything like this before. Each story is colorful and elaborate, and overall the collection feels very traditional—very earthy with an outlandish but indulgent sexuality coursing through it. If you're up for a new experience with short erotica, definitely check this one out

Giveaway!

One lucky reader will win a newly formatted finished copy of Quiver, Tobsha Learner's first erotic collection, as well as a print copy of Tremble. For anyone who's intrigued by this class of short erotic fiction! Leave a comment on my review for the chance to win. Be sure to leave your email address so I know who to contact when I choose a winner! Only meaningful comments will go into the drawing, which means irrelevant comments consisting of only "Thanks for the giveaway" will not count as an entry!!!

Don't forget the entry eligibility terms and conditions!

Sponsored wholly by the publisher and tour publicist—a huge thank you to Penguin and TLC Book Tours!
Giveaway ends October 7th at 11.59 PM (your time).

Open to US/CAN readers only. Sorry, everyone else! Check out my sidebar where you'll find a list of giveaways that currently are running internationally—there are plenty to choose from!
Void where prohibited.

Winners have 48 hours to claim their prize once they are chosen, or else their winnings will be forfeited.
Although I do randomly select winners, I am in no way responsible for prizes, nor for shipping and handling.

As a reminder, you do not have to follow my blog to enter, though it is always very much appreciated ❤

Good luck!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Author: Jenny T. Colgan Interview and Giveaway!

I'd like to welcome Jenny T. Colgan to the blog today to celebrate her newest book, Doctor Who: Dark Horizons from BBC Books, a division of Random House UK. Be sure to stick around until the end to get the chance to win one of two copies!

Welcome to Books à la Mode, Jenny! Let's get this interview started.

Will you please share a brief bio with us?

Jenny T. Colgan has written 13 bestselling novels as Jenny Colgan, which have sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. In May 2013 she was awarded Romantic Novel of the Year, the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) highest accolade, for Welcome to Rosie Hopkins's Sweetshop of Dreams (published by Sphere).

A lifelong Doctor Who fan, at the age of 11 she won a UK fan competition to meet the Doctor and was mistaken for a boy by Peter Davison. Her favorite episodes are "Silence in the Library" and "Warriors' Gate." She currently resides in France with her young family.

So glad to have you here with us today! Readers, here's a little bit about Doctor Who: Dark Horizons, which is based off the hit British series...

“Now, you may or may not have noticed, but we appear to be on fire...”
On a windswept northern shore, at the very tip of what will one day become Scotland, the islanders believe the worst they have to fear is a Viking attack. Then the burning comes. They cannot run from it. Water will not stop it. It consumes everything in its path – yet the burned still speak.

The Doctor is just looking for a game on the famous Lewis chess set. Instead he encounters a people under attack from a power they cannot possibly understand. They have no weapons, no strategy and no protection against a fire sent to engulf them all.

Add in some marauding Vikings with very bad timing, a kidnapped princess with a secret of her own and a TARDIS that seems to have developed an inexplicable fear of water, and they all have a battle on their hands. The islanders must take on a ruthless alien force in a world without technology; without communications; without tea that isn’t made out of bark. Still at least they have the Doctor on their side... Don’t they?

A thrilling new adventure starring the Doctor, as played by Matt Smith in the acclaimed Doctor Who series from BBC Television.

Describe Dark Horizons in six words.

Vikings, fire, frights, laughs, thrills, and VIKINGS AGAIN :)

Are you a Whovian yourself? What attracted you to this project?

Of course! I started with classic Who at the tail end of the 70s, so Tom Baker was my Doctor, really. New Who was such a thrill for me, and getting to write a Who novel was a dream come true, seriously. The first time I typed "The Doctor opened the TARDIS doors" I genuinely couldn't believe they were letting me do that.

It sure does sound like a fun book considering you're such a big fan! Readers, click "Read more" to find out what writing based off a hit TV show was like for Jenny, her alter-ego author identity (writer of chick-lit!), and her best advice for aspiring novelists. Stick around until the very end because there's a very special giveaway lined up for you guys!

9 Heart Review: Bordeaux Housewives by Daisy Waugh

Bordeaux Housewives
Daisy Waugh

Page Count: 420
Release Date: 1 August 2006
Publisher: Harper (Harper Collins UK)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by TripFiction in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Tina!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Who hasn't dreamed of running away from it all?

The Haunt family have gone and done it. On an impulse, Maude, her husband Horatio and their two small children have left their tiny London terrace for the sunflower fields and the vie rustique of Southern France.

Up the road, the scruffy Hotel Marronnier is about to change hands again. Daffy Fielding has fallen in love with the place and has dragged her husband to France to persuade him to buy it. Which he does—before heading straight back home to his mistress. Can timid Daffy make a life for herself alone?

Watching over all the new arrivals is the glamorous, predatory, eternally bored Lady Emma Rankin. From her exquisite château nearby, she pulls strings to bring the new wives together. But is it Horatio, rather than Maude, who she really wants to sip Sancerre with? Or is her eye on the gorgeous local builder, the only one of them all who is party to the Haunt family's explosive secret?

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Kobo

Review

Voiced in a playful, darkly comical tone, Bordeaux Housewives lives up to the words in its title in that it's airy and exquisite—Bordeaux—and at the same time, fierce and dangerously thrilling—housewives. While I will be the first to acknowledge there isn't anything highly substantial or literarily tasteful about this book, it's a hell of a fun, flirty read, and it's one that should be accompanied by a glass of champagne and a sunny day—if only for pure entertainment.

The secrets and dreams and fears of Maude, Daffy, and Emma, our delightful housewives—and I say delightful in the broadest sense because once you see the ruthlessness, paranoia, and human inadequacy in them yourself, you may start thinking differently—are not only hysterical to keep up with, but also inanely human, which is why I loved the characters so much. Waugh introduces a unique, vivid cast of charming characters who are so easy to relate to and even easier to fall in love with. They're rather two-dimensional, tending to have the shallowest of weaknesses, and their rightful happily ever afters are a little saccharine, yes, but I adored them so much, I feel they deserve their happy (or not so happy) endings. They make poor decisions solely in the name of creating drama and can be annoyingly flimsy, but they are, if anything, memorable. They weren't written to give lessons or teach morals, so I don't hold anything against them; I think the characterization is, while only developed on the surface, one of the strongest aspects of the novel.

The Haunts run an undercover business beneath their sickeningly perfect cloak of domesticity—down to the sun-kissed children and house in the south of France—and get into all sorts of senseless trouble. Maude is starkly plain, and yet she's one of my favorite characters because of the reckless way her mind works. Horatio wins the "most clueless husband" award for sure, but he's equally funny and just delightful.

Daffy's life is a little bleaker. Stranded Bordeaux alone due to her pig of a husband's demands, she's the passive, obtuse character I expected to hate, but ended up cheering for, by the end of the book. She's ridiculously helpless and even a little pathetic, but she's so frail, so comically flawed, that even she hits a nerve.

And then there's Emma. Shameless thing, but a delight of a character to read about. She's unscrupulous and immensely dislikable, but that's her charm; she's toxic, but she's delicious. I loved her even though I wasn't supposed to!

The setting, I also am enchanted by. Reminiscent of the French countryside, from the fresh vegetables, the yummy men, the warm atmosphere, Bordeaux sounds homey, endearing, and even a little magical, which provides a marvelous escape. For those of you who've always wanted to run off to France: live vicariously through Bordeaux Housewives!

Pros

Hilarious // Charming // Makes me want to live in Bordeaux! // Each and every character captivated me in their own way // Pace is slow but the pages turn quickly! I finished this one before I knew it // The perfect breezy read

Cons

Slow start // Characters aren't could-be-your-best-friend realistic // Rather unexciting and absent plot

Love

It was the single piece of advice [her husband] gave to her: watch out, Daphne, [the French] all hate you. Because we won the Battle of Britain, or something, he said (she'd watched his raspberry lips moving). The Battle of something-something and something else. Lots of battles. We'd also won the Olympic bid, the war in Iraq, and there was something about a C.A.P. or S.C.A.R.F.E. or a pair of S.U.N.G.L.A.S.S.E.S. (her joke).

Verdict

While the story of Daisy Waugh's British chick-lit novel itself is nothing groundbreaking—it's mildly amusing, at most—the twisted situations three seemingly discordant families get themselves into—as well as the twisted way in which they are all connected—are brilliant. The plot thickens as words said and unsaid meddle with their lives, and the ensuing chaos is an absolute hoot. With charming characters, tongue-in-cheek humor, and a carefree, casual style akin to that of Sophie Kinsella, Bordeaux Housewives relays the juicily constructive—and of course, mistakingly destructive—power of gossip, as well as the appreciation for free will, justice, and of course, true love

9 hearts: Loved it! This book has a spot on my favorites shelf (x)

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Little White Lies by Erin Lawless Excerpt and Giveaway!

The Indie/Self-Published Author Event, hosted by the lovely ladies over at Say It with Books, is a month-long blog event that features all independently and self-published authors and their brilliant, but under-recognized works. Follow us throughout June to discover your next favorite book!

I'm so excited to this fun British New Adult novel with you guys today!

Little White Lies by Erin Lawless

Beware false friends and the smiles of certain boys.

Miles and Nicky are getting married. Unfortunately, their wedding party is a tangle of ex-housemates, ex-friends and ex-lovers.

Leigha, Sukie and Harriet used to be the best of friends. Unfortunately, there are some things you just can’t forgive.

Johnny thought that Leigha was the love of his life. Unfortunately, he still thinks that; even more unfortunately, she never loved him at all.

Adam and Harriet might have been something, once. Unfortunately, now Adam isn’t even sure if he’s going to be able to look her in the face.

So this wedding isn’t just a wedding, it’s a reunion. Can anything be salvaged from the past? And what really happened between them all, back at university?

With a playful but firm grasp of the zeitgeist, Little White Lies moves back and forth between 2007 and 2012 and seven characters to build up a rich and compelling story, in turns funny and sad, but always honest, about friendship in all its forms and the practicality of second chances.

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Sony eStore | Kobo | Smashwords

Click "Read more" for an exclusive excerpt and to enter an awesome giveaway!!!

8 Heart Review: Sleeping Arrangements by Madeleine Wickham

Sleeping Arrangements
Madeleine Wickham

Page Count: 304
Release Date: 14 October 2010 (reissue)
Publisher: Black Swan (Random House)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by TripFiction in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Chloe needs a holiday. She's sick of making wedding dresses, her partner Philip has troubles at work, the whole family wants a break. Her wealthy friend Gerard has offered the loan of his luxury villa in Spain—perfect.

Hugh is not a happy man. His immaculate wife Amanda seems more interested in her new kitchen than in him, and he works so hard to pay for it, he barely has time for his children. Maybe he'll have a chance to bond with them on holiday. His old friend Gerard has lent them a luxury villa in Spain—perfect.

Both families arrive at the villa and realise the awful truth—Gerard has double-booked. An uneasy week of sharing begins, and tensions soon mount in the soaring heat. But there's also a secret history between the families—and as tempers fray, an old passion begins to resurface...

Review

I absolutely love Sophie Kinsella and this is the first book I've tried of her chick-lit line featuring less romance and more grounded issues—through her real name, Madeleine Wickham. Sleeping Arrangements is light, refreshing, and has a bit of a implausible—but still charmingly British—storyline; I enjoyed it immensely, but don't think it's something from which I took much away.

The hidden past surrounding Chloe and Hugh is slowly unraveled through flashbacks. From their first encounter at Gerard's villa, there's an explosive recognition—boom. From there on, readers slowly learn what exactly it is that's between them, and how exactly they'll react. Without giving too much away, I will say the plot itself was highly extractable and far-fetched, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Wickham's characters aren't particularly deep. For the most part, they're static and unrelateable, but she pens them with such grace and endearment, that I can't help but like them all. Even the ones that are portrayed negatively, such as Hugh's ridiculously anal wife, Amanda, are pleasing and entertaining to follow.

The highlight of this novel would definitely be its execution. The plot and characters themselves are mediocre and unremarkable, but the writing flows easily, and Wickham's style is smooth, often subtly hilarious, and blithe. I breezed through this novel; Sleeping Arrangements is a quick, lighthearted story set to the backdrop of a gorgeous Spanish town; a great read for a sunny day!

Pros

Charmingly clever // Witty and perceptive // Linear storyline // Light, breezy read // Masterful, yet brief description of Spanish countryside

Cons

Shallow, two-dimensional characters // Nothing deep or profound // Unmemorable

Verdict

Cute and fluffy, Sleeping Arrangements isn't particularly complex or profound, but it's a damn entertaining read. The characters are fun to get to know and the story unravels by itself; this is effortless, feel-good chick-lit with stormy twists and turns and a penchant for family values. Madeleine Wickham weaves a funny, breezy, and tender story with her usual British magnetism and sprightliness of touch

8 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended (x)

Sunday, March 3, 2013

10 Heart Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Page Count: 240 (Bloomsbury British 2nd edition)
Release Date: 29 July 2008 (1st edition)
Publisher: Dial Press (Random House)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by TripFiction in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

“I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.”

January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton can't think what to write next. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met—a native of the island of Guernsey—who has, by chance, come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb...

When Juliet's new correspondent reveals that he is a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Juliet's curiosity is piqued and it's not long before she begins to hear from other members.

As letters fly back and forth with stories of life in Guernsey under the German Occupation, Juliet soon realizes that the society is every bit as extraordinary as its name.

Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

Review

If this review and the promise of exquisite scenery, intelligent conversation, wry flirtations, and heartening nostalgia found within the pages of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society won't convince you to give the book a try, I don't know what will.

Told completely in descriptive letters, amusing telegrams, and exclusive marginal notes, this modern British classic details the lives and events of post-World War II civilians, particularly in bomb-raided London and the recently liberated Channel Islands. The backdrop is extraordinarily well set, with eye-opening and little-known flashes of war terror mingled with depressing, but rich details of Guernsey's isolation under the prolonged German occupation during the war (which lasted until 1945). Both the tempestuous German reign and the brief evocations of the Belsen concentration camps are horrific, but they contrast magnificently with the gorgeous portraits of post-war Guernsey.

Dawsey Adams finds the name and address of budding war commentator and novelist, Juliet Ashton, in a book he's acquired secondhand, and seeing that the particular title—a Charles Lamb classic—is well worn, he decides to write her expressing his admiration for the author and complimenting her taste. He doesn't expect Juliet to respond—she doesn't know who he is, after all—but with her spirit and partiality towards literature, she does—enthusiastically. And thus they embark on an exciting, sparkling correspondence.

Shaffer has breathed life into her delightful, vivid cast of characters. Dawsey, Sidney, Isola, Susan, the late Elizabeth, and young Kit—I fell in love with all of them! They're simply enchanting... such a diverse, memorable group. I want to see more like them in fiction, and frankly, more like them in real life!

Juliet is so my favorite. Rebellious, lovable, and charismatic, she marches to her own drum and has a satirical approach to everything. She's the perfect blend of compassion, angst, and irony, and I absolutely loved her as well. She may, from the viewpoints of her elders, have misplaced priorities and be rather reckless with her actions, but she is fiercely stubborn—fiercely passionate—and that's what makes her such a sensational person.

When introduced to a magical literary community, Juliet is able to free her inhibitions and revel in what she knows best and devotes to the most: books. She brings out the book lover in all of us, and her engagement with the Society poignantly demonstrates the marvelous escapism of books. Guided by the wisdom of literary heros like Austen and Lamb, her and the other members' lives, once crossed, will be changed forever. This book is perfect for those who love and are awed by the power of the written word—the power it has to bring people together.

I desperately clung on to every word; stylistically and structurally, not one sentence is out of place. With smooth narration and keen insight, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a delightful escape with luscious facets of history and immaculate observations that will immerses readers completely. A modern adaptation of a time-revered romance, it has the witticisms and hopeful predictability that is universally reminiscent in any era and any upbringing.

Here is a book to read again and again, and to cherish for a long time to come. It isn't just about the wonder of reading and friendship; it's about finding light in wartime, finding peace in destruction. It's about true love—true identity—and it delivers a quintessential message about humanity that we all ought to keep in mind: that in love, sometimes pride is a far, far bigger crime than prejudice.

Pros

Highly evocative in setting // Bright, endearing characters that I want to take home with me // Beautifully written, from multiple vibrant perspectives // Quaint British tone—my favorite! // Humorous // Memorable // Starry and stunningly romantic // Will appeal even to those who don't like historical novels; buoyant and chronicled, rather than dense and dull // Shrewd in emotional bearing // Heart-warming; a 100% feel-good read

Cons

The first few pages are a bit difficult to follow because you don't know who's who, but gradual character descriptions clear this up immediately // It ended!!!!

Love

We clung to books and to our friends; they reminded us that we had another part to us.

Verdict

The miraculous effect of arts and culture, and the appreciation of literature and storytelling—and they way they both shape us humans—is luminously presented in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Expressive, magical, and utterly remarkable, this epistolary narrative is, in one breath, charming with sharp penetration and irresistible perspective. In between the suppression of grief-struck war memories and slow recuperation, is a beautifully refreshing, dazzling, and hopeful reminder that in stories—on paper and in pen—people live and love on. In Juliet's own words:

The war is now the story of our lives, and there's no denying it.

So too with this novel

10 hearts: I'm speechless; this book is an extraordinarily amazingly wonderfully fantastically marvelous masterpiece (x)

Friday, January 11, 2013

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: Blood Faerie by India Drummond and Giveaway!

Blood Faerie (Caledonia Fae #1)
India Drummond

Page Count: 254
Release Date: 1 June 2011
Publisher: Trindlemoss Publishing (self-published)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)

When magic crosses the boundaries...

Unjustly sentenced to death, Eilidh ran—away from the faerie lands, to the streets of Perth, Scotland. Just as she has grown accustomed to exile, local police discover a mutilated body outside the abandoned church where she lives.

Recognizing the murder as the work of one of her own kind, Eilidh must choose: flee, or learn to tap into the forbidden magic that cost her everything.

Review

Eilidh possesses skills of the Path, a high form of dark magic, which bestows her with great power that is unpredictable and even deadly. She was born with it, but she is still unjustly exiled from Caledonia; her crime is not casting the forbidden Azure... it is her ability to.

She now lives in hiding in the human world, staying low to go unnoticed, until a series of gruesome murders in which the victims get their hearts torn out, crosses her path. She senses immediately with her regular fae powers, the Ways of Earth, that this is a blood faerie—an evil faerie's—doing. Even though she is prohibited from entering the faerie world and cannot risk getting involved with anything that involves the fae, her morals and instincts draw her to the crimes inflicted upon the humans.

Quinton Munro, a Perth officer, by fate, is also tangled up in this fantastical mess, even though he has no relations whatsoever to the fae. The blood faerie seems to be targeting a group of people in order to fulfill a dark ritual, but Quinton's entirely human—he can't be a part of the plan. Or can he?

I really loved Quinton as a character. His confusion and reaction upon being introduced to fae is very relatable, and further, his willingness to help Eilidh and risk his life to stop the evil that isn't even within his own world, is noble and admirable. Eilidh is also likable. She's clumsy with human customs, but sharp and quick with fae knowledge, showing that she indeed is an intelligent character. Since being shunned to the human world, she has been infected by humanity, which she only realizes when faeries of her past suddenly come back into her life and disdainfully point the change out. But humanity is not a curse, she has slowly and surely learned; being human, even with flaws and error, is one of the best things one can be.

Eilidh's evolution in ethics that comes with her growing sympathy for and understanding of the human race makes her learn being "acceptable" sometimes isn't worth the cost. The fae race is ruled by power and mirth that surpasses that of humans, but also by shallowness and vanity; they have no ethics, no openness, no emotions, and no individuality like us unstable, imperfect humans do. The blood faerie's serial killing spree plunges Eilidh into a struggle between staying faithful to the race that betrayed her, or an unfamiliar and even more frightening world she is only beginning to become accustomed to. In the end, she learns that no matter what the race and what the circumstance, there are some values—regarding friendship, loyalty, and love—that are universal to anyone.

I love Drummond's writing style. It can get kind of flat at times (for example, during long stories from wise fae Eilidh seeks out for advice), but for the most part, it is lush, well-composed, and well-structured. Eilidh and Quinton's relationship is sensual in the most thrilling way; not explicitly sexual or romantic, but the chemistry is definitely there, and the author's lyrical diction brightens it up even more.

Pros

Writing quality: vivid diction with great flow // Riveting action // Fascinating, gory details // Sensual undertone // Perfect amount of romance // Well-strategized mystery plot // World of Fae is magical and intriguing // Realistic contemporary Scottish setting

Cons

Starts off very slow // Sometimes writing turns bland // Not enough background on the villain, the blood faerie // While I am looking forward to the next book, the ending isn't a cliffhanger so I'm not dying to know what happens next

Verdict

The importance of an open mind and open heart are illuminated in India Drummond's magical, spirited Blood Faerie. Add a dangerous murderer to a faerie world, crush in a few cubes of romance and stir in a little bit of adventure—oh yes, and don't forget to top it off with an intense bloodbath of a fight!—and you've got the recipe for this fabulous urban fantasy read.

8 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Giveaway!

India has been generous enough to offer an eBook copy of Blood Faerie to one lucky Books à la Mode reader! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules and Disclosure:
Stop giveaway ends January 26th at 11.59 PM (your time).

Open internationally! Woohoo!
Winners have 48 hours to claim their prize once they are chosen, or else their prizes will be forfeited.

Although I do choose winners, I am in no way responsible for the prizes, nor for delivery and handling.

As a reminder, you do not have to follow my blog to enter, though it is always very much appreciated ❤ Plus you get extra entries ;)

Good luck!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: The Younger Man by Sarah Tucker

The English really do do it better. I discovered the delightful Sarah Tucker when I first picked up her novel, The Last Year of Being Single. It didn't seem like my type of story, but after reading the first page, I was eager to find out what would happen by the last. When I finished it, I felt sort of changed. I felt like I had to do something; I felt like it wouldn't be quite right for me to just close the book and put it place it on my bookshelf and forget about it forever. So I went online and bought two of her other books. When I was through with them, I contacted her, telling her what a fan I was, and how much I enjoyed her stories. I also asked if she would mind "autographing" the books for me. She doesn't live in the country, so bookplates seemed to be a good idea. She enthusiastically agreed to send me a few, thanking me for being a reader on the way. Two weeks later, I received something in my mailbox, but it wasn't an envelope of bookplates. Sarah had sent me two of her books, two I didn't have, and they were SIGNED! That very same day, I started and finished The Younger Man, and I am thrilled to be able to share my review. It makes me so happy how generous and loving to readers that authors can be these days. This one is for Sarah Tucker:

The Younger Man
Sarah Tucker

Page Count: 272
Release Date: 1 January, 2006
Publisher: Red Dress Ink (Harlequin)
Source: Gifted by author (thank you, darling!!!) in no way expecting a review, let alone a positive one

Does life really begin at forty?

Successful, divorced lawyer Hazel Chamberlayne is sexy, independent and about to hit forty. Hazel also has a group of friends she loves and trusts, who love and trust her... and she doesn't need a man.

Not, that is, until the intelligent, engaging and ten years younger Joe Ryan becomes a new partner in the law firm. It's one thing to spice things up with the occasional passionate indulgence, but in a job where the path of true love runs straight into the divorce courts, Hazel isn't sure she can believe in her own happy ever after.

Though, just like a bikini wax, isn't love supposed to be less painful the second time around?

The first idea you get when you read the blurb is "cougartown". It's an idea that seems to be overrated these days, called hot by tabloids like E!News and People magazine. I personally find it annoying because of how "cool" it's made out to be. Why should age differences in relationships be cool? After reading The Younger Man however, I could tell why.

Hazel Chamberlayne is me. I'm not Hazel Chamberlayne, but she's me, she's you, she's every girl who has ever gotten her heart broken. Her love life has been through hell and high water, so at forty, she knows what she wants in life, and it's definitely not a new husband. She's got a beautiful daughter going off to college soon, a tight-knit circle of friends that you and I would both die to have, and is a successful, confident woman with a fantastic high-salary job. She already has a happily-ever-after life, one that began when her marriage ended, so who the hell is Joe Ryan, showing up at her firm like nobody's business? Who the hell is he to make her forget all of that, and to make her want to start over again?

Well, for starters, he's eye candy. Major eye candy. Jaw-dropping, eye-popping, saliva-inducing eye candy. And you know what? This bastard is nice too! And dare I say it—funny! (collective gasp!!).

Before she can tell herself not to fall for this guy, she finds herself falling for him anyway. It's bad enough that's he's so darned perfect; why must he be ten years younger?

I winced, I smiled, I teared up, and I damn near fell out of my set laughing, while reading The Younger Man. Tucker's charming, goofy British style is sure to make you as well. I have to warn you though, there was some pretty funny English lingo that I didn't quite understand, but it wasn't awful; I could figure out most of it by context. I love Sarah/Hazel's voice, though. British people are so suave and cynically hilarious. I enjoyed this one a lot. I also now love them Brits!

Radical Rating: 9 hearts: Loved it! This book has a spot on my favorites shelf. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥