If your looking for a family drama that’s going to pull on the heartstrings look no further. Please Take My Baby is a compelling drama that deals withIf your looking for a family drama that’s going to pull on the heartstrings look no further. Please Take My Baby is a compelling drama that deals with subjects that some readers may find upsetting. Although Emma Robinson tackles these uncomfortable subjects with genuine empathy. But ultimately it’s an uplifting tale about the sacrifices mothers make for their children.
I’ve read a lot of historical fiction books set around World War II, but I can’t think of one book I’ve read whose focus is the plight of woman JapaneI’ve read a lot of historical fiction books set around World War II, but I can’t think of one book I’ve read whose focus is the plight of woman Japanese prisoners of war. Based on true events, Sisters Under The Rising Sun is an astonishing story of sisterhood, bravery, friendship, and survival that will captivate readers. After the fall of Singapore to the Japanese, the ship that holds refugees and nurses of the Australian army is bombed and sinks, with few survivors. Norah, a musician, and Nesta are two of the captured prisoners. This is their story.
Morris does a fabulous job in allowing the reader to feel the character’s emotions. As the reader, you sense their fear, despair, grief, and their hate for their captors. My heart ached for the horrific conditions the prisoners faced. Fear of starvation, the heat, with such chronic overcrowding, poor sanitation was the norm, and dysentery and typhus flourished. They subjected the women to constant brutality from their captors. Despite the terrible conditions, the women showed great courage, resourcefulness, and determination.. This book is based on personal stories of real people, which makes it all the more emotive.
Reading the biographies of some of the main characters at the end made for an emotional read. Sisters Under The Rising Sun is beautifully written, with the most amazing characters. Despite the horrors within its pages, this is ultimately a story that’s about courage and resilience of women and their ferocious will to survive against the odds.
There are those rare authors whose writing is beautifully descriptive. You feel connected to the characters, and it's like you're living their story. There are those rare authors whose writing is beautifully descriptive. You feel connected to the characters, and it's like you're living their story. Awais Khan's portrayal of Pakistan's oppressive patriarchy and feudal values, where women are viewed as possessions and abuse, is widespread, is chillingly realistic. This may be a fictional book, but unfortunately for many women, it’s their reality which makes Someone Like Her a book that evokes many emotions in the reader.
Ayesha a young Pakistani woman, is the victim of an unthinkable act of vengeance. When she defies tradition, she faces seemingly insurmountable challenges and danger when she attempts to rebuild a new life in London. It’s here she meets Kamil, an emotionally damaged man who has demons of his own. They embark on a friendship that could mean salvation for both of them, but danger stalks Ayesha. She is forced to make a decision that could change her and everyone she loves forever.
Khan has created the most incredible characters. Ayesha and Kamil will always have a place in my heart. Their journey is a heartbreaking one. Two broken souls who have suffered so much trauma, pain, and abuse, and yet their resilience and courage are to be applauded. I also loved Kamil’s mother, Jamila with her words of wisdom, banter and good humour. It’s these snippets that add light moments to this dark and troubling tale.
The violence, misogyny, convention and corruption that the characters face will shock you. I was angry at the events the author described, even more so when you realise these are harsh facts rather than an author’s vivid imagination. Someone Like Her Is an incredible read, it’s hard-hitting, and haunting and yet it offers hope and a better understanding of a culture that I’m ashamed to admit I knew very little about. One of the best and original books I’ve read this year, highly recommended.
The Freedom of the Soul (The Penbrook Diaries Book 2) by Tracey Bateman swipe photo for book description
The Freedom Of The Soul is the second book inThe Freedom of the Soul (The Penbrook Diaries Book 2) by Tracey Bateman swipe photo for book description
The Freedom Of The Soul is the second book in the Penbrook Diaries. I read both books in the series in two days which is unheard of! Both stories are filled with characters you will love and characters you will abhor. The Freedom Of The Soul includes the evil institution of slavery, racism, and the rise of the Klan. As you can imagine some scenes are heartbreaking, others offer hope but it’s still a beautiful historical tale.
The story moves flawlessly between the 1840's and 1940's and back again, showing that true love can endure. Tracey Bateman’s style of writing is fantastic and the blend between the past and present work's well. You soon become drawn into the story and really care about the characters. Once again I felt so many emotions whilst reading this book.
I highly recommend this book, but would urge you to read The Color of the Soul first. They are both incredible books.
I have been on a binge reading marathon as I can’t get enough of Page Toon’s writing...well, until now! The book had a sweet premise, but once I startI have been on a binge reading marathon as I can’t get enough of Page Toon’s writing...well, until now! The book had a sweet premise, but once I started reading I took an instant dislike to Amber the main character. Like any dutiful daughter, she rushes to the other side of the world (Australia) when her dad has a life-threatening stroke. She seemed far more interested in going out, clubbing, getting drunk and seducing her childhood best friend! than helping with her dad’s rehab. Did I mention she has a husband, Ned back in London? Who she conveniently forgets about at every given opportunity!
The first time she cheats on Ned is during a bush fire. Most people would run fearing for their lives, but not Amber. She decides it’s the perfect opportunity to have sex with Ethan. Amber’s petulant, a hypocrite and irritating. Rather than help her stepmother, she takes every opportunity to be rude and obnoxious and throw strops. Her behaviour could be forgiven if she was a teenager rather than a 30-year-old woman. As for Ethan the less said the better.
I think one of the strengths of this author's writing is her ability to create characters you care about. But the characters in The Sun In Her Eyes lacked warmth, compassion and empathy. There was no connection on my part, so I didn’t care one way or another what happened to them. I think this book lacked the authors usual gut wrenching, heartfelt plots that I have come to adore. Definitely not my favourite book by the author by any means, but it hasn’t put me off moving on to my next Page Toon binge marathon read.
No disrespect intended, but romantic fiction isn’t really my ‘thing’ I don’t have anything against it. I just prefer blood, gore and serial killers! INo disrespect intended, but romantic fiction isn’t really my ‘thing’ I don’t have anything against it. I just prefer blood, gore and serial killers! I picked Only Love Can Hurt Like This as I have read some really intriguing reviews for this book. Firstly, I must confess this is the first book I have read by Paige Toon! Secondly I thought this would be a run of the mill ‘girl meets boy, and they lived happily ever after’ kind of story but boy was I WRONG on so many levels!
Only Love Can Hurt Like This is an emotional love story. When I say EMOTIONAL I mean the type of book that leaves you a snotty, blubbering mess! I absolutely adored every page of this emotive novel, and yes, I shed a tear or two! Paige Toon is a natural born storyteller. It was easy to get caught up in wren and Anders story from the very first page. They are adorable characters who have experienced significant loss and pain. The supporting characters of Jonas (Anders brother) and Bailey (Wren’s sister) are both likeable and add much to the storyline.
Set against a simmering backdrop of a Southern Indiana summer, this beautifully told story has many emotional and thought-provoking themes running through it besides the all important love factor. There’s the complicated dynamics of family, obligations, grief, depression, expectations, and moving on. Despite the tears, this was a heartwarming story with heart and soul that’s beautifully written. I really enjoyed Only Love Can Hurt Like This and read it in one sitting (despite there not being a serial killer in sight!).
I seem to have a love hate with this authors books. I either love them or find them a mediocre read. I had high hopes for this book after reading the I seem to have a love hate with this authors books. I either love them or find them a mediocre read. I had high hopes for this book after reading the book description. Although I enjoyed it I thought it lacked depth and character have devoured all her books.
The whole story is about Emma and the difficult choice she has to make, will she choose her fiancè or her long lost husband? If I’m honest I thought Emma deserved to loose both, she’s a bit of a wet blanket, indecisive, and her character lacks depth so come the end you don’t really care who she chooses! Although I enjoyed the read I think the ending was to cut and dry. It was predictable and lacked the depth and emotion I expected. ...more
If you are looking for a feel good book, one that helps you to forget your troubles for a few hours then I would happily recommend After I Do. The conIf you are looking for a feel good book, one that helps you to forget your troubles for a few hours then I would happily recommend After I Do. The concept of this book was incredibly simple but important. It highlights so many things around marriage. The importance of communication and not taking each other for granted.
After I Do tells the story of Lauren and Ryan. When their marriage reaches breaking point, they come up with an unconventional plan. They decide to take a year off in the hopes of finding a way to fall in love again. One year apart, and only one rule: they cannot contact each other. Aside from that, anything goes.
I loved the way Reid explores the complexities of marriage and reminds the reader that “the grass isn’t always greener”. Marriage takes a lot of hard work, and commitment. I felt the couple’s decisions weren’t necessarily ones I would make faced with a similar situation. But never the less I loved the story and the outcome. The perfect book for a quick, escape all your troubles kind of read. .
THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO surpassed my expectations. I absolutely loved every page of this book! The story spans several decades, and it’s setTHE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO surpassed my expectations. I absolutely loved every page of this book! The story spans several decades, and it’s set against the backdrop of the glittery Hollywood film industry. But all that glitters is not gold! Recluse Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, we learn more about her seven husbands along the way! The burning question and one everyone wants the answer to is, ‘who was the love of her life?’ Evelyn Hugo insists that Monique a journalist, will be the one to write her tell-all biography, but why? And what connects the two?
Most of the narrative is from Evelyn POV as she reminisces about her past and chapters interspersed with the present, where we learn more about Monique. The narrative and the characters are second to none. TJR captures the very essence of her characters. I convinced myself that this was a real life Hollywood star! Evelyn is flawed, ruthless, she’s manipulative and very selfish, but I loved her! She frustrated me; she made me angry, my heart broke for her, but she is unforgettable! And as each husband comes and goes, you love her a little more.
The real reason for Evelyn picking Monique is intriguing, and kept me guessing all the way to the dramatic revelation. There are so many characters that made this book a joy to read. Some will worm their way into your heart, others will leave you cold, but each one adds a depth to the story that made this book such a joy to read. I adored reading Evelyn’s rag to riches story, the glitz and glamour, the scandals, the heartbreak and her incredible forbidden love story. Highly recommended.
Taylor Jenkins Reid has a way of weaving fictional stories about the world of the rich and famous that captivates the reader. She is doesn’t just showTaylor Jenkins Reid has a way of weaving fictional stories about the world of the rich and famous that captivates the reader. She is doesn’t just showcase the glittery facade but also explores the dark and seedier side of fame. This is a story about the dysfunctional Riva family, Nina, brothers Jay & Hud and youngest sister Kit. The story follows the lead up to the “party of the year” at Nina's Malibu home and reveals each character's story.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Malibu, the story moves seamlessly from the past to the present day. I enjoyed reading the story of the four siblings and their mother June, who were abandoned by their pop star husband/father Mick. What made me enjoy this book so much was the Riva family. They are the very heart of the story. I adored the relationship and love between the Riva siblings. Their grief at losing their mother, their individual struggles and having an absent looser of a father made them stronger and protective of each other.
I had a couple of small niggles. It was the chapters about the party. There were too many new characters added to the mix, and they added little to the overall story. We learn early on how Malibu Rising is going to end, but it’s how the Riva family ends up at this point that adds to the intrigue. I was slightly disappointed with the ending. Everything points to there be a dramatic climax. Although it wasn’t the ending I was expecting, I thought it fitted well with the storyline. I came to love the Riva family, and I think it’s one of the main reasons I enjoyed this book so much.
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