Dear readers,
First, as you may say like always, how are you? Hope you're exam went well or will be going well... :)
And then, chose promise, chose due! I didn't forget! (rire)...there you go, the short list...euh...did I just say the short list? well, I should then change the word "short" by "long" (lol!) list of books I have been reading since then because, believe you me, I quite read a lot and more or less, literally "eat" one book after another! I might be "crazy", but as you may already know, I absolutely love books and really love them! :) I can't stop myself! Since I've learn to read, well, I read! And, with long English evening (night at 16h30!), it helps too! :) But, that doesn't bother me!
So, let's begin, shall we? :)
North&South-Elizabeth Gaskell. After seeing one of the BBC adaptations, I quite wanted to read the novel. The plot? "Margaret Hale, young girl, leaving in the South, has to go and live in the North, in Milton (Manchester today), industrial city as her father decided to quit his work as minister of the church. There, she meets Mr. Thorton. Theirs exchanges are quite strong and alive. We quite have the impression to have Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, in front of us most of the time! Actually, we could say that it a "pride&prejudice" but a bit different, and between North&South. First, she rejects him but after many events, she will come to really like him." Recommended! :)
Bridget Jones's diary-Helen Fielding. "Eh oui, après avoir see again and again, the 2 movies, why not finally try, the first book? Well, it's quite follows movie, but it also has its differences, but don't worry, she's still with Mark Darcy in the end!" :)
Twelve days at Christmas- Trisha Ashley. New author that I didn't know, but quite nice to discover others and I really like the book, so... :): "Christmas is coming! As the festive season has always been a sad time young widow Holly Brown, she’s asked to look after a remote house on the Lancashire moors. It’s the perfect excuse for her, then, to forget about the festivities. The owner of the house, Jude Marland, is also avoiding Christmas since the last one he saw his brother run off with his fiancée. But forced to return home unexpectedly, Jude arrives to find that his family is running amok-with Holly seemingly at the centre of it. And the blizzard descends, no escape is possible. With nowhere to go, Holly and Jude get much more than they have bargained for and it soon looks like the twelve days of Christmas are going to be very interesting indeed!" It’s a really good book and quite funny, charming characters. You can’t get off this book. It’s impossible. Also recommended! J ;)
Also by Trisha Ashley: Chocolate Whishes: "Life is sweet for chocolate maker Chloe Lyon. In the picture perfect Lancashire village of Sticklepond , confectioner maker Chloe dispenses inspirational sweet treats containing a prediction for each customer. If only her own life was easy to forecast-perhaps Chloe would have foreseen being jilted at the altar…
But a few years later, when a new Vicar arrives in the village, something change, the rumor mill goes into overdrive. Not only is Raffy Sinclair the charismatic ex-front man of the rock-band ‘Mortal Ruin’, he’s also Chloe first love and the man who broke her heart. Try as she might be, Chloe can’t ignore this blast from her past. Could now be the time to her heart to make a wish-dare to believe it can come true?" A good book as well. Et qui vous donne l’eau à la bouche when the chocolate making is described. And lots of humoranf friendship. You want to know how it end! Enjoy!
Separate Beds- Elizabeth Buchan: "Annie and Tom’s marriage is in mid-life crisis. On the surface, they have everything- a lovely home, rewarding careers and three healthy grown-up children. But as you might have guess, all is not well. They have their problems and share painful secret guilt which ensures they sleep separates beds. One day, Tom comes home and drops a bombshell. Everything could change. As Annie and Tom’s family rally together for the first time in years, their home is filled with people, conversations, tears-and laughter. And little by little, during the novel, they each start to open up to one another about the painful truth they have lived with all these years. We then see them face them and growing-up, make peace and become closer than ever. Annie and Tom are offered a second chance at happiness. Will they take it?" A moving story which proves as always like friendship, that family is important and whatever happens she will be there for you. Highly recommended! J ;)
Ah! Another author, which since I discovered it, I really like her! Her stories get out of the ordinary and you never know what to expect and what’s going to happen. You simply want to know the end of the story, impossible to get out, you want to continue reading! Did you guess? It’s….? J
The book of tomorrow-Cecelia Ahern:" What’s about? This a story about how tomorrow can change what happens today…intriguing isn’t it? I was at first, as you might have seen the title…!? So…? Tamara Goodwin has everything she ever wanted and she never has to think about tomorrow. But suddenly everything changes and her world turned upside down and she has to leave her glamorous life for a new one in the countryside. However, Tamara is soon lonely and longing to return home. Then a travelling library arrives in the village, bringing with it a mysterious leather-bound book locked with a gold clasp and padlock. What is it? What Tamara discovers within its pages takes her breath away and everything starts to change around her, in the most unexpected of ways…"
I’ll let you discover the following and I’ll guarantee you that you won’t be able to stop reading it! Very recommended! J ;)
Also, by Cecelia Ahern…a first novel, the most…touching of all I think…well and simply written, P.s, I love you: "we follow the story of Holly and Gerry. They’re childhood sweethearts and shared everything. They got married and everyone, who know them and see them together, can say they’re perfect for each other. But, sadly and unexpectedly, Gerry past away. Holly is devastated and doesn’t how to move on at first as she had know him for quite a long time! Though as the month passed, a surprise is waiting Holly…Gerry, before dying, has had an idea…every month, during one year, (one letter per month, which makes 12 month). Holly will receive a letter from him with a dare, to do. And the letters are signed: ‘Ps, I love you’. As year pass, Holly is challenged and we see her, little by little, slowly move on supported by her family and really good friends. "A novel again that you can stop reading and you can’t resisting having a small tears, in the corner of your eyes, as you go along your reading. A film, as you might have also see, has been made. Quite good and a bit different from the book, as you have some changing details, but whatever they’re both good. But I’ve to confess, I’ve a preference for the book…J (hope you won’t mind) (rire)
And if you can’t stop reading Cecelia Ahern’s books, run and discover: “If you could see me now” “Thanks for the memories”, and “Where rainbows end”. Also really great books! J
Ah…quite unusual title for a book….! You will see it in a minute… (Laugh) : You’re the one that I don’t want-Alexandra Potter. "After, Me& Mr. Darcy, Alexandra Potter makes us follow the story of Lucy and Nate. They meet in Venice, aged 18. And she knows instantly that he’s THE ONE. Caught up in the moment and very much in love, they kiss under the Bridge of Sights at sunset. Which- according to legend-will tie them forever. But ten years later…, they’ve completely lost sight of each other. That is the case until Lucy moves to New York and the legends bring them together. And again, and again. And again…..it’s without an end… and Lucy asks herself: but what if Nate isn’t THE ONE? How is she going to get rid of him? What does she have to do? Because ‘forever’, can be a very long time…indeed! "So what’s going to happen? I’ll let you guess, as you might want to read it after all! A great book that you also want to know the end of the story, until the last pages! J
Hum…hum…a big smile appears on my face…another author….no you’re not dreaming, I still haven’t finish…I did warn you! (Laugh)!!!! J After, “What happens in London” written by the famous Julia Quinn, I couldn’t resist to discover and read other books she has written.
Splendid- Julia Quinn: You’re going to love it! "Emma Dunster, an American heiress, has always been fun-loving and independent with no wish to settle into marriage. She plans to enjoy her Season in London in more unconventional way than husband hunting. But this time Emma’s high jinks lead her into dangerous temptation…
Alexander Ridgely, the Duke of Ashbourne, is a notorious rake who carefully avoids the risk of love…until…he plants one reckless kiss on the sensuous lips of this high-spirit innocent. Soon sparks-and laughter- fly when these two terribly determined people cross path during one very splendid London spring Seasons!"
This book is full of laughter, misunderstanding (quickly resolute), friendship, and touching characters. You will want to know the end! (Again!). You have, in all her novel, Jane Austen who meets Bridget Jones! Really Splendid!
The Duke and I- Julia Quinn: In the family Bridgerton, there are 8 children! All named in alphabetical orders: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth! All are funny, touching and full of good sense of humor! J In this book, I’m asking for Daphne! She is number four of the Bridgerton tribu. "After two seasons in London, Daphne Bridgerton is no longer naïve enough to believe that she will be able to marry for love. But is it really too much to hope for a husband for whom she at least has some affection?
Her brother ‘s old school friend Simon Bassett-the new Duke of Hastings-has, you might have guess, no intention to marry soon. Not ever. However (always), when he returns to London, he find himself the target of the desperate mothers who absolutely wants to marry their daughters, as they only were thinking of that!(Ah lala…sometimes, I’m simply happy to in the 21st century, no to have to worry about marriage, even at 21 or 22…when you’re already considered as a ‘spinster’! So, I don’t want to imagine what it’s like to be 30 years old in the 19th century, not that I don’t like it. It’s also nice to see how they were leaving. ) To deflect their attention and make some diversion, the handsome hell-raiser proposes to Daphne that they pretend to form an attachment. In return, he’ll ensure she becomes the belle of London society and help her to find a husband. There’s just one problem…Daphne is in danger to falling for a man, who has no interest in marrying her…and make their charade therefore becoming true." Highly recommended! Full again, of laughter and people who learn about themselves, under the regularly cheerful notes in the newspaper, written by the mysterious Lady Whistledown. Who is she? No one knows but everyone loves reading her, as she seems to know a lot of things, even things that are personal. Hum…? What does Sherlock Holmes would say? “Elementaire, mon cher Watson! “
The Viscount who loved me-Julia Quinn: This time we are going to follow the adventure of Anthony, the eldest of the Bridgerton. "Anthony Bridgerton needs in a wife. Having spent his twenties in a rakish pursuit of pleasure (while taking care to ensure the financial security of his mother and seven younger siblings) he knows it’s time to settle down and ensured the Bridgerton line.
Edwina Sheffield is considered the most beautiful debutante of the current season. She is also sweet, innocent and eminently biddable-Anthony is sure she’ll make a perfectly acceptable wife and he vows to make her his. But…but…that won’t happen as easily as he thoughts! There is one problem is his way…: Kate Sheffield, Edwina’s older sister! Kate is determined to do all she can to allow her sister to marry for love rather than convenience. And the roguish viscount is beginning to think he may have met his match in Kate’s keen wit and sharp tongue. But…but…that’s only until he makes, of course, (Laugh), the mistakes of…kissing her…"let you guess what’s going to happen! Highly recommended…! The Bridgerton family is really touching, fun and always there for each other. And which sometimes make you want to have a big and loving family as they do.
An offer from a Gentleman- Julia Quinn: Again, we find again the Bridgerton (I began to grow fond of them). "And this book follows the number two but not only Benedict Bridgerton.
As the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Penwood, Sophie Beckett has never been accepted in polite society. And since her father’s untimely death, her step-mother has made her life doubly hard, forcing her to work as an unpaid servant. Sophie’s days are pure drudgery, until one night her fellow servants conspire to help her attend the Bridgerton masquerade ball.
There she meets her very own Prince Charming, handsome Benedict Bridgerton and falls head over heels in love. Benedict is equally smitten, but when the clock strike midnight Sophie is forced to flee the ballroom, leaving only her glove in his hand…"
An ‘air of déjà-vu’? Quite as there is some resemblance with one of the Disney classic and magic: Cinderella, in the 19th century! You’ll also love it! And again, I recommend it to you! J
Again! Will you say I’m sure! (Smile), I seem to can’t stop reading Julia Quinn’s books! Hum…! Never mind, she writes well and quite simply! J
This time I’ve read: Brighter than the Sun-Julia Quinn: the story? "Eleanor Lyndon was minding her own business when a lord of the realm fell-quite unexpectedly and literally-into her life. When Charles Wycombe, the dashing and incorrigible Earl of Billington, toppled out of a tree and landed at Ellie’s feet, neither suspected that such an inaususpicious meeting would lead to marriage. But Charles must find a bride before his thirtieth birthday or he’ll lose his fortune. And Ellie needs a husband or her father’s odious fiancée will choose for her. And so this unlikely pair agree to wed…"
You’ll also love it, like her other novel, full of laugher. J Enjoy!
A new book I’ve recently discover and didn’t regret it, it was a nice surprise! “From Notting Hill with Love Actually” (even the title is nice and makes you want to read the book!)- Ali McNamara. It’s her first novel and it’s really good and well-written. The plot? "Scarlett loves the movies. But does she love sensible fiancé David just as much? With a big white wedding in the horizon, Scarlett really should have decided by now…
When she has the chance to house-sit in Notting Hill-t he setting of one of her favorite movies-Scarlett jumps at the chance. But living life like a movie is trickier than it seems, especially when her new neighbour Sean is so irritating. And so irritatingly handsome, too.
Scarlett soon finds herself starring in a romantic comedy of her very own: but who will end up as the leading man?" To know the answer, read it and I’m sure you’ll love it! As I also did! J ;) Great book that I couldn’t stop reading until the end, until the last page! J ;) It's give you as well envy to se your classic again as may films are mentioned: 'Notting Hill', 'Pretty Woman', 'Four Wedding and a Funeral', 'When Harry met Sally'....etc...
Walking back to happiness- Lucy Dillon: After reading one of her book “lost dogs and lonely hearts” (quite good), I read this new book with as much delight as the first! This time, "Juliet has been hiding. From her family, from her broken life, but most of all from the fact that Ben’s not around anymore.
Her mother, Diane has run out of advice to help he r daughter. But then she insists on Juliet to look after her elderly Labrador and it becomes apparent that Coco the dog might actually be able to help her through this difficult period, and to rescue her daughter. Especially when it leads to her walking dogs for few other locals too, including a spaniel, Damson, who belongs to a very attractive man…
Before she knows it, Juliet realizes she has somehow become the town’s unofficial pet-sitter. A job which makes her privy to the lives and secret of everyone whose animals she’s caring for. "A nice moving story full of touching people. (And makes you want to have a dog!).
2 stories. All in relation with Christmas. The first one, we follow "a mother-to-be, Mary Jo Wyse, who has arrived to Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve, pregnant and alone. And there’s no room at the local inn but in this village, that’s not a problem, as they’ll soon welcome Mary Jo in their own house. They’re all willing to help her out. There’s more than enough faith, hope, and love to go around Christmas." “A Cedar Cove Christmas – Debbie Macomber
The second one: “Mrs. Miracle”- Debbie Macomber: "Emily Merkle (call her Mrs. Miracle!), is working in the toy department at Finley’s- a store that needs Christmas miracle to keep the business afloat. Fortunately, it’s Mrs. Miracle to the rescue. Next to making children happy, she likes nothing better than helping others-including just a bit of matchmaking! Indeed, Christmas isn’t without love…!" J Nice stories and easy to read, as you are intrigued by knowing what’s going to happen next!
Finally, for almost finishing the short list…euh…sorry, the long list of book I’ve been reading these past weeks, Sense & Sensibility-Jane Austen. She is never too far away! After her other novels, Pride& Prejudice, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, I wanted to discover this new story, after also seeing two of the several adaptations on TV or cinema. The plot? “Why the most irresistible men are always the most unsuitable? “ Hum... I wonder...?
"Sisters Marianne and Elinor Dashwood couldn’t be more different. Marianne is desperately romantic and longing to meet the man of her dreams, while Elinor takes a far more cautious approach to love.
When the two of them, move to the country with their family, miles away from London, there is little prospect of them finding anyone at all. But who isn’t Jane Austen to make the Dashwood’s sisters falling desperately in love?
But then, they meet their neighbours-including kind Edward Ferrars and the good-looking, dangerous Willoughby-and it seems happiness may be just round the corner after all.
Things aren’t always as they appear to be, though. Soon, both sisters will need to decide who trust in their search for love: their family, their new friends, their heads-or their hearts?" A really good book and as I had seen the movie and TV adaptations before, I was glad to finally read it. And couldn’t stop reading it wanted to know how it will end. There’s only one book left, “Mansfield Park” with another of Jane Austen’s heroine: Fanny Price. Next time, without doubt…! J ;)
The Nearly-Weds-Jane Costello: After, Bridesmaids and My single friend, I find myself enjoying reading this new story.. "What’s the worst thing that could happen to a blushing bride? To somebody warm, loving, and fun-like Zoe Moore? After Zoe is jilted by her fiancé Jason, she’s unable to face the pitying looks of her friends and family. She decides to go to America. She is then employed as a nanny by a moody difficult but devastatingly (décidement…lol), sexy single dad, Ryan.
Zoe quickly wins over the children, but their father is more of a challenge. Things aren’t helped of course, by her inadvertently displaying her knickers to his colleagues or nearly hospitalizing him with a toy bow and arrow. Thank God she’s got her colorful circle of friends to keep her sane: fun loving Trudie, hippy Amber and chilly, tight-lipped Felicity. And with time, Zoe and Ryan come to know each other better and their apparently ill-fated relationship takes on a new dimension. One problem, however, that Zoe soon discovers: the past isn’t always too far way…and not easy to escape, no matter how far away you go." Quite simple and refreshing story, with nice characters that you like to know better while you read the book’s pages! Again, very recommended! J
Last one of the list (for now), Recipe for disaster- Miriam Morrison: Miam! Affinez vos papilles et léchez vos Babine! Cupids cooking up trouble…. (Smile)
"Jake Goldman and Harry Hunter have been deadly rivals all through culinary school. Now at the top of their game, fate thrown them back together again, when they open their first restaurants in the small town of Easedale, just a few hundred metres from each other. Sharp knives and heavy pans at the ready, they start cooking up a storm to entice the locals their way.
Kate Walker has just lost her boyfriend and is about to lose her reputation at the local paper. Her only hope of salvaging her career is a down-and-dirty, tell-all about the seedy underbelly of the restaurant business. So, when one of Jake’s team deserts him to join the enemy (Harry’s side), Kate applies for the job, hoping that her undercover investigations will get her all she needs to sort out her dead-end job-and maybe even no-hope love life! Little does she know when she follows the alluring smells into Jake’s kitchen that she is in for a major surprise…?"
Interesting book and glad to have discovered it! J Nice surprise to find a book full of life, laughter, and among other things, friendship and lovely characters. ;) J
Book I read in this moment: “Mr. Cavendish, I presume? By Julia Quinn! And with all that and the good reading you’re going to have, I’m going to leave you, but don’t worry not for a long time, as I’ll try to come back soon. J But for now, my eyes want desperately to be close…and I don’t know whether I can put one word before another! (smile). So see you later and take care,xxx
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