Book Review: Giovanna Fletcher - Billy and Me

Blurb:

Sophie May has a secret.

One that she’s successfully kept for years. It’s meant that she’s had to give up her dreams of going to university and travelling the world to stay in her little village, living with her mum and working in the local teashop.

But then she meets the gorgeous Billy – an actor with ambitions to make it to the top. And when they fall in love, Sophie is whisked away from the comfort of her life into Billy’s glamorous – but ruthless – world.

Their relationship throws Sophie right into the spotlight after years of shying away from attention. Can she handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with Billy? And most of all, is she ready for her secret heartbreak to be discovered and shared with the nation?

My thoughts:

There is so much I want to say about this book but, if I did that, I’d ruin the secret so here’s what I can tell you… It’s an emotional rollercoaster and it’s a bloody superb debut novel from Giovanna Fletcher.

Unlike most other chick-lit stories, you know pretty soon that Sophie May and Billy are an item… The question is; will they stay that way? Y’know when you watch a movie and you’re so utterly engrossed in the storyline that you’d rather risk your bladder exploding than running to the toilet and missing something..? ‘Billy and Me’ is like that but in book form – I can easily see this becoming a movie. It got to the point that I was reading it and shouting at the book. Thankfully, I wasn’t in public or that could have been slightly awkward. I did, however, nearly cry on the DLR so be prepared!

Sophie May is a young lady who’s sacrificed certain things in her life and it all comes back to her past. Then along comes love, in the form of Billy. A love so strong and powerful that she starts to leave her comforts behind and face up to the things from her past (not necessarily through choice) that she’s kept hidden for far too long.

I always have my head in a book so, in my head, I’m bound to relate to some of them but none of them have touched me in the same way Sophie May does. There’s been no other story I’ve related to more than hers. Minus the actor boyfriend, of course. It’s more than just because of her past, it’s the way she’s been affected by it. That’s what makes the story so great – no matter what your story, you will, in some way, be able to relate to Sophie.

When I finished the book, I was in floods of tears. I was red, puffy, and snotty, but I was happy. I’d been touched by a book, I felt like I’d gone through everything with Sophie and that’s a testament to Giovanna’s writing ability. I’m a sucker for a book so they do make me shed the occasional tear here and there but this one had me sobbing.

For anyone who thinks that this is about Gi and Tom, I’d tell them to read the book and strip it to its core: it’s about a couple who have to adjust to a big change in their life that threatens to break down the foundation of their relationship. I don’t know about you but that sounds like most relationships to me, not just theirs.

When Giovanna did her book tour, she drew everyone a cupcake based on a word they used to describe the book so I’m going to do the same in the back of my book so that, should I ever lend anyone the book, they can see what I thought of it and maybe add their own cupcake to it too.

(It was supposed to represent all the layers and emotions of the book!)

This book is incredible. I didn't want to put it down and I think this could easily be a series so, with that being said, bring on the next book!

Available from Amazon here: BUY ME! for just £3.85! Bargain!

What would your #billyandme cupcake look like? Tweet me it, @thislittlemell!

Fiction Friday: 'The Fault in our Stars' by John Green

(Book and bed = perfect combo... Maybe not for photos though!)

Blurb:

“Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.”

My Thoughts:

I read ‘Looking for Alaska’ by John Green after I saw a quote from it all over Tumblr. I fell in love with John Green’s writing style immediately and it quickly became one of my favourite books. I’d been meaning to read more of his stuff for a while but didn’t – probably because I have the biggest ‘to-read’ pile you could imagine, but also because I’m quite cheap when it comes to buying book.

You can imagine how happy I was when I saw ‘The Fault in our Stars’ as part of Asda’s 2 for £7 deal In fact, the last book I reviewed – 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' by Rachel Joyce – was the book I bought alongside this as part of the deal.

Along with my already declared love for John Green’s writing style, I knew a lot of people were raving about this book and saying it had brought them to tears so I was fairly certain that, even if it didn’t make me cry, I was going to like it. I was wrong. I love it.

The story follows the relationship the builds between Augustus and Hazel after they meet at a support group for children who have, or have had, cancer. The relationship that blossoms is incredibly special and perfectly written, as is the friendships between Isaac, Hazel, and Augustus. It’s touching beyond belief.

It’s nice to see a book that touches on cancer in teens without leaving the reader depressed – there’s always an uplifting, positive emotion sweeping through, regardless of what tragedies might happen.

It’s a tragic love story but there’s much more depth to it than your typical ‘boy meets girl, they fall in love, they fall apart’ story. There’s real hurt in the words, there’s humour that makes you chuckle inside, there’s anger at the harsh reality of life but, there’s also the sense that life is there to be lived, not dwelled on.

The ending made me sob like a baby; not because it was hopelessly sad but because it was a beautiful truth.

What’s your favourite tragic love story?

Fiction Friday: 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' by Rachel Joyce

(note to self: learn to take better pictures!)

Blurb:

“When Harold Fry leaves home one morning to post a letter, with his wife hovering upstairs, he has no idea that he is about to walk from one end of the country to the other.

He has no hiking boots or map, let alone a compass, waterproof or mobile phone. All he knows is that he must keep walking. To save someone else’s life.”

My thoughts:

The first thing I’ll say about this is that if, like me, you think the book sounds like a thriller from the blurb, you’re wrong. It doesn’t matter though because, although it’s not a thriller, it doesn’t disappoint at all.

The Sunday Express reviewer claimed it made them laugh and sob and I couldn’t agree more; especially towards the end. The book follows Harold as he walks from his house to Berwick after he receives a letter from an old colleague of his. On the journey, Harold meets various people, discovers fame, and has time to think about his past and his relationship with his wife, Maureen.

I kept telling myself that the next chapter would be last but it got harder and harder to put the book down. Rachel writes in such a way that you can’t help but get drawn into Harold’s life; you laugh with him, sob with him, share the moments that give him elation as well as those that make him sad.

It shattered some illusions I had about elderly couples (whenever I saw elderly couples together before reading this book, I always assumed that they were happy and had been together for many years – this book proves that’s not always the case) but it gave me some kind of renewed hope about love and relationships. It also proved the kindness of strangers that, sadly, we sometimes forget exists.

The book focuses on more than just a hard walk from one end of the country to another… It focuses on the reality of some relationships and the affect grief can have. It looks at regret and grief but in a way that resolves in happiness.

‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ is dangerously easy to read but worth staying up for. Just make sure you have some tissues nearby… You’re more than likely going to need them!

What was the last book you read that made you cry?

Book Review: Claire King - The Night Rainbow

This novel follows the life of two sisters, Pea and Margot, as they cope with the fallout of the loss and devastation that struck their family a short while ago. Along the way, they make a new friend who, despite their own tragedy, slowly helps to make everything better.

The story is told through the eyes of Pea, aged 5 and a half. At times the narration felt as though it was coming from somebody much older than Pea is supposed to be. Instead of seeing that as a flaw, I'd like to think that's just the author's way of further proving that Pea had to grow up a lot quicker than any child should have, as a result of the misfortune her family suffered. Despite everything Pea has gone through, the narration perfectly encapsulates the optimism that many young children seem to possess. It is this optimism that keeps you turning the pages.

The novel focuses on very few characters, allowing you to learn a lot about each of them. It's this fact that helps to make it so captivating - it's like following the lives of people you know and care about. It also shows the various ways in which tragedy affects a person and how differently people cope with it; for that alone, it is a brilliant piece of literature.

One element of this novel became fairly obvious quite quickly. I'm not sure if that's an intentional act by the author but, either way, it didn't make the novel any less enjoyable to read. Early on in the story, a relationship develops that makes you wonder whether you should continue to read... All I can say is you'll regret it if you don't. This book touches on some of the darkest places a human can find themselves in but the ending shows that there's always hope.

There's something slightly magical about a story that contains so many negative emotions and situations yet can still portray positivity throughout. This novel manages that with ease. It's an absolute delight to read, even if it is slightly haunting at points. It's the kind of book you read and, thanks to the wonderful descriptive nature of Pea's narration, find yourself getting lost in her world.

The book is available at Waterstones for £10.39, from Amazon for £7.19, or on your Kindle for £1.39 (what a steal!!) 

Wicked Wednesday - Book Series'

Okay, I know I've been super bad at uploading new posts every day like I hoped I would but that's because I've been pretty busy recently. Worry not, I'm back with a vengence and I have a whole heap of blog post ideas to keep us in business for a while. 

So today's post is going to be about BOOK SERIES' because, quite frankly, I've ignited a love for them recently. 

It all started when I read The Hunger Games Trilogy last year some time. I whizzed through them - in fact, I read one a day. That's just how good they were (and a testament to how much spare time I had back then), I couldn't put them down. So, yes, I read them, I loved them. Hopefully I'll get round to doing a review some time or maybe a comparison between book and film, who knows? Either way, you should read them. Go on, treat yourself to them... They're available HERE from Amazon.

Last week, I started reading the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. I read the first one in two days (including being at work) and I started the second one yesterday. I'm loving them! I love that I can spend longer with some great characters and learn more about them instead of it all being over when the first book finishes. Does that make sense?

There are four books in this series - Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras - I'm yet to get my grubby mitts on the last one but all four are available HERE on Amazon.

What do you think... Do you prefer series or just one-off books? 

Do you have any series that you'd recommend?

Book Review: 'You're Next' by Gregg Hurwitz

Blurb:

“Every family has its secrets. His might get them killed.

‘I know you, don’t I?’ Five words – that’s all it takes to plunge Mike Wingate and his family into mortal danger. Mike doesn’t recognise the crippled stranger who approaches him at a party… but the stranger seems to know all about him.

What has Mike done? Do they have the wrong man? Overnight, the threats become attacks, and Mike, his wife and their young daughter learn they aren’t safe anywhere – especially not in their own home. But there’s no time for Mike to figure it out, because his enemies have killed before – and he’s next.”

My thoughts:

This book has been described as “outstanding” by Lee Child and, I have to say, I agree. I’ve read some thriller books that have been predictable and you can guess every ‘twist’ that occurs – that’s not the case with this book. It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions and the characters are written in such a way you actually grow to hate the bad guys and become almost attached to Mike’s family and friends.

Two characters stood out for me and they were Mike’s daughter, Kat, and his friend, Shep. There’s something about them, a certain strength, that I admire and envy. Aside from the basic thriller element, this novel manages to encapsulate the beauty of certain relationships.

There’s enough description for you to pictures certain scenes without it becoming too much (like they are in American Psycho). Unlike some thrillers, it’s not too complicated to follow. It’s written in such a way that it flips (occasionally) between ‘Then’ and ‘Now’, in order to build the story and strengthen the characters. This might sound a bit confusing but, I promise you, it’s not.

It was chosen to be part of Richard and Judy’s Book Club – I don’t know much about the other books read but, if this is anything to go by, they must be pretty great. I’d never heard of Gregg Hurwitz before I read this book but I’m determined to read more of his stuff.

What’s your favourite thriller?

Book Review: 'A Walk in the Park' by Jill Mansell

Blurb:

“It’s eighteen years since Lara Carson vanished into the night, leaving first love Flynn Erskine with lots of questions – and no answers. He’s stunned by her return to Bath and can’t deny the spark between them. But is there something she isn’t telling him?

Lara’s childhood best friend, Evie Beresford, is thrilled to welcome her back – especially as she’s about to walk down the aisle with her dream man, Joel. But life’s never that simple, is it? Things are about to change drastically for everyone involved. And it all starts on the morning of Evie’s wedding…”

My thoughts:

This is the second book I’ve read by Jill and it’s just as great, if not better, than the first. The way she captivates your attention throughout the entirety of the novel is incredible.  It’s the kind of book that you find yourself convincing that you’ll just read one more chapter before bed, and then another… Until eventually you admit you’re struggling to keep your eyes open.

The characters explored in this book are so enchanting, as are the relationships that are pursued throughout. You find yourself willing particular characters to stop being so silly, wishing you could sit them down and shake some sense into them. However, the way it’s written means that you’ll be delighted with the ending. I must admit, I shed a tear or two.

I read this to and from work on the tube and I had to stifle laughter on more than one occasion but, equally, there were moments where I found myself being touched by a book and having to hold it together on the crowed tube journey. I was utterly absorbed into this book.

The relationship between Lara and Evie, as well as Lara and her daughter are relationships that everybody should experience at least once in their laugh. It also provides optimism for people that feel they’ve lost the one person they’ve ever truly loved and connected with – but it does it in a way that proves love is no walk in the park, hence the name.

I can’t wait to get my teeth into another Jill Mansell novel.  

Book Review: 'The Associate' by John Grisham

Blurb:

“Kyle McAvoy is one of the outstanding legal students of his generation.  But he has secret in his past, a secret that threatens to destroy his fledgling career and, possibly, his entire life.

That secret has fallen into the hands of the wrong people, and the only way Kyle can protect it is to play their game. They want him to become an associate at the largest law firm in the world. With a big salary and great prospects, the job would be a dream come true for more ambitious young lawyers.

But for Kyle it’s a nightmare as, in addition to practising law, he must also lie, steal, and take part in a scheme that could send him to prison – if it doesn’t get him killed first…”

My thoughts:

Having never read a John Grisham novel before, I wasn’t exactly too sure what to expect. What I read proved to be gripping, nigh on impossible to put down, and just bloody brilliant!

The story follows Kyle as he tries first to come to terms with the blackmail he’s being faced with, then as he tries to formulate a plan to break away from it, and finally as he puts that plan into action. It’s written in such a style that makes it easy to follow and put yourself in Kyle’s shoes. It is perhaps this writing style that makes it so hard to put down.

I was slightly worried that, given Kyle’s a legal student, there might some legal mumbo-jumbo used that I wouldn’t understand but, thankfully, Grisham seems to have taken that into consideration and makes everything easy to understand.

As well as focusing on Kyle’s predicament, it also looks at the relationships that suffer as a result. Although he’s the main character, you also become drawn into the lives of some of his friends and family. You feel every emotion that Kyle feels but also the emotions that are shared by his acquaintances.

If this book is anything to go by, it’s easy to see why Grisham is such a successful author and I know that this will not be the last book by him I read.  

Book Review: 'Breakfast at Darcy's' by Ali McNamara

Blurb:

"When Darcy McCall loses her beloved Aunt Molly, she doesn't expect any sort of inheritance - let alone a small island! Located off the west coast of Ireland, Tara hasn't been lived on for years, but according to Molly's will Darcy must stay there for twelve months in order to fully inherit. It's a big shock. And she's even more shocked to hear she needs to persuade a village full of people to settle there too.

Darcy must leave behind her independent city life and swap stylish heels for muddy wellies. Between sorting everything from the plumbing to the pub, she meets confident, charming Conor and sensible, stubborn Dermot - but who will make her feel really at home?"

My thoughts:

I think most of us have, at some point in our lives, wished that we could escape to an island for a while and just clear our heads (I know I would love to do this right about now); however, when Darcy McCall finds herself inheriting a small island after the death of her Aunt, it seems like the last thing she wants to do. Of course, as with most things, there's a catch - in order to inherit her Aunt's estate, she must live on the island for at least a year, as well as finding a certain number of people to move there with her.

Thinking mostly about the money she'll inherit and all the beauty-orientated things she'll be able to buy with it and helped in part by various signs and the increasing guilt of not seeing her Aunt Molly more frequently, Darcy decides to take the plunge and move to Tara.

It's always wonderful to follow the lives of characters but it's even more rewarding when the character you're following blossoms into a strong, passionate young woman. "Breakfast at Darcy's" follows the life of Darcy, along with those chosen to live on the island with her. It shows her ups and downs but importantly her changing from an almost shallow, 'beauty is everything' woman into a sensitive, caring individual. She watches as those around her fall in love, as everybody seems to do on Tara, and hopes that it will happen to her - but does that come in the form of Conor or Dermot?

This book is incredibly well-written and easy to follow. It touches upon love, friendships, and the importance of being true to yourself. Although elements of the story-line are fairly obvious at times, it still makes for a wonderful read. The main characters are clear and well formed. They almost become like friends of yours.

This is the first book I've ever read by Ali McNamara and it certainly won't be the last!

Marian Keyes - The Brightest Star in the Sky

Blurb:

‘June the first, a bright summer’s evening, a Monday…’

And into the busy, bustling homes at 66 Star Street slips, unseen, a mysterious visitor. As the couples, flatmates and repentant singletons at No. 66 fall in and out of love, clutch at and drop secrets, laugh, cry and simply try to live, no one suspects the caller patiently waiting in the wings. For soon, really very soon, everything is going to change…

My thoughts:

This is the first book I’ve read by Marian Keyes and, based on this book, it will most certainly not be the last. There’s something about the way she tells the story that leaves you unable to put the book down and stop reading.

The story is set in Dublin and is based on the lives of everybody living at 66 Star Street. The way Keyes makes the lives intertwine is engaging and captivating. There are points where you think you know what’s going to happen and then you find out you’re wrong.

Throughout the story, there’s a small narrative from the mysterious visitor and it isn’t until you’re about halfway into the book that you work out just who that visitor may be. If you think then that you know how the book will end, you might just find you’re wrong.

The story touches upon love, pain, loss, and success, in such a way that you can’t help but keep turning the pages. This book is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and tug at your heartstrings at the same time. It’s brilliantly written and is one of the best books I’ve read this year.

The story counts down the days until the absolute revelation of the mysterious visitor and it’s that eagerness to find out just who it is that makes it slightly impossible to stop reading.

This book is incredibly heart-warming, funny, and just genuinely amazing. Give it a read, should you get the chance.

5/5

Book Review: Ben Elton - Dead Famous

Blurb:

One house, ten contestants, thirty cameras, forty microphones, one murder… and no evidence.

Dead Famous is a killer read from Ben Elton – Reality TV as you’ve never seen it before.

My thoughts:

I’ve not been a fan of Big Brother since I was about 12 years old so when I first read the blurb I thought it might be quite a tragic read, despite how many critics seemed to have loved it. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Yes, it’s quite heavily based on Big Brother but it has something that Big Brother’s been lacking for many a year now… The element of mystery plus the twists and turns we all love to watch that have been lost over the years.  

The writing style is laid-back and simple to read, making it easy to get through a hundred pages before realising you’ve spent a large chunk of time, sat in one position, reading. I will say straight away, if you don’t like the c-word, this book probably isn’t for you because one of the main characters, Geraldine, is quite the fan of it!

The story follows the murder of a housemate on ‘House Arrest’ a show that, like I’ve said before, is based almost entirely on Big Brother, with a few differences. One being that House Arrest is broadcast on the internet as opposed to television. It takes about 200 pages of the book before you find out which housemate was killed but Ben Elton writes in such a way that, whilst you’re dying to know who was killed, the suspense isn’t the kind that makes you get annoyed. It just spurs you on to read more.

Another clever thing Ben Elton does is to write about characters in such a way that you’re sure you know who killed it but, like the police in the story, you’re not so sure it wasn’t somebody else. The fact that there is no evidence for the police to work with further helps to draw the reader in the book. When you’re reading, every little decision you make about a character is based entirely on what you read, so what better than to read a book when the only way you can decide who the murderer is lays entirely on your ability to read between lines and work people out. It’s amazing.

The ending, and ultimate revelation of the mystery killer, is one of the most captivating I’ve read in a while. Chief Inspector Coleridge captivates the audience of the show but also the reader of the book in a speech that is full of twists and turns and smart ideas.

I know the book’s pretty old now; in fact, it was first published in 2001, I believe, but it’s a brilliant story and, given that so many people still rave about Big Brother, it’s clearly still relevant. It’s smart, it’s funny, it’s well-written, and it’s utterly captivating.

4/5