Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Wickham, who writes the Shopaholic series under Sophie Kinsella, tells the story of how one house affects the lives of those around it. Liz and Jonathan Chambers recently purchased a tutorial college outside London. This is great for them, except for the mortgage that comes with the purchase. In order to have enough money for the tutorial college’s mortgage, they need to sell their current home. Listed with Witherstone’s Real Estate Agency, the house shows no promise of selling, though Marcus Witherstone knows the perfect couple who are interested in renting a house, Ginny and Piers Prentice. Ginny and Piers move into the house; Liz and Jonathan’s teenage daughter Alice becomes entranced with the new tenants. And, Liz develops a crush on Marcus, which turns into a bit more than simple flirtations. As the novel progresses, these characters find themselves in sticky and irreversible situations that may cost them more than their self-respect.
I enjoyed this novel. Perfect for a vacation and beach read, the novel reads quickly and is a great diversion from every day life. Wickham creates characters that really do not appear likable – most of the characters have a secret agenda, dreaming that their lives change for the better, creating richer lifestyles or higher levels of fame. I personally feel sorry for Jonathan, whose family seems to really detest him, though he is arguably the least attention seeking amongst them and the other characters.
Those who enjoy the Shopaholic series should try this novel. If you like light, fluffy reads, check this out.
Reviewed by Jessica
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Murder at Mansfield Park by Lynn Shepherd
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Janeites beware: this is Mansfield Park, with a twist! In Shepherd’s novel, Fanny Price is a rich heiress with a very disagreeable character. Mary Crawford, on the other hand, is a charming young woman whose monetary situation brings her to stay with her sister in the area’s parsonage. When Fanny is found brutally murdered on Mansfield Park’s grounds, Mary and Charles Maddox, a thief-taker (private investigator, so to speak), work towards discovering the identity of the killer. Could it be Edmund Norris, Fanny’s fiancé and the man Mary adores? Or, could it be Mary’s brother, Henry Crawford, who is hiding some deep, dark secrets? Or, maybe it was one of Fanny’s cousins, sick and tired of Fanny’s attitude. The plot’s twists and turns will keep readers guessing up to the end.
I was not sure what to expect when I first started reading this novel. It seemed appalling that Fanny Price of Jane Austen’s mind could be turned into such a detested person in Shepherd’s novel, whereas Austen’s manipulative Mary Crawford becomes a very intelligent and warm person in this novel. But, this twist on the classic does work. Some Jane Austen fans will not like this: Shepherd takes the liberty of changing the characters’ information and background, besides Fanny and Mary, to fit the novel’s plot line. However, those who do not like Austen’s Fanny Price or Mansfield Park may enjoy this mystery novel just because it is not like the original. Shepherd also mirrors Austen’s writing style, which helps to set the tone of the novel. The mystery plot will appeal to historical mystery enthusiasts or those who enjoy reading mysteries set in the English countryside.
I have read several interpretations and adaptations of Austen novels, and this is one of the better ones.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Janeites beware: this is Mansfield Park, with a twist! In Shepherd’s novel, Fanny Price is a rich heiress with a very disagreeable character. Mary Crawford, on the other hand, is a charming young woman whose monetary situation brings her to stay with her sister in the area’s parsonage. When Fanny is found brutally murdered on Mansfield Park’s grounds, Mary and Charles Maddox, a thief-taker (private investigator, so to speak), work towards discovering the identity of the killer. Could it be Edmund Norris, Fanny’s fiancé and the man Mary adores? Or, could it be Mary’s brother, Henry Crawford, who is hiding some deep, dark secrets? Or, maybe it was one of Fanny’s cousins, sick and tired of Fanny’s attitude. The plot’s twists and turns will keep readers guessing up to the end.
I was not sure what to expect when I first started reading this novel. It seemed appalling that Fanny Price of Jane Austen’s mind could be turned into such a detested person in Shepherd’s novel, whereas Austen’s manipulative Mary Crawford becomes a very intelligent and warm person in this novel. But, this twist on the classic does work. Some Jane Austen fans will not like this: Shepherd takes the liberty of changing the characters’ information and background, besides Fanny and Mary, to fit the novel’s plot line. However, those who do not like Austen’s Fanny Price or Mansfield Park may enjoy this mystery novel just because it is not like the original. Shepherd also mirrors Austen’s writing style, which helps to set the tone of the novel. The mystery plot will appeal to historical mystery enthusiasts or those who enjoy reading mysteries set in the English countryside.
I have read several interpretations and adaptations of Austen novels, and this is one of the better ones.
Reviewed by Jessica
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Age Level: Teen
Format: Book
Sophie is the eldest of three daughters, which makes her the unluckiest and the one destined to remain at home working in her father's hat shop while her sisters seek their own fortune. One day, the Witch of the Waste enters the shop and turns Sophie into an old woman, thus making Sophie venture out to seek whatever fortune she can find. She decides to go to Wizard Howl for help, who doesn't exactly have the best reputation but may be the only one who can help her break the Witch's curse. Living with Howl and trying to figure out a way to break the spell gives Sophie the adventure of a lifetime.
I absolutely loved this book! There's humor, romance, a touch of the supernatural and plenty of action and fun. I enjoyed the wide range of characters and watching them develop as the story progressed. Those who enjoy the Harry Potter series may want to take a look at this - both have characters who seek their own identity, do a little magic and go on amazing adventures.
Howl's Moving Castle is the first in a series. Check it out today!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Sophie is the eldest of three daughters, which makes her the unluckiest and the one destined to remain at home working in her father's hat shop while her sisters seek their own fortune. One day, the Witch of the Waste enters the shop and turns Sophie into an old woman, thus making Sophie venture out to seek whatever fortune she can find. She decides to go to Wizard Howl for help, who doesn't exactly have the best reputation but may be the only one who can help her break the Witch's curse. Living with Howl and trying to figure out a way to break the spell gives Sophie the adventure of a lifetime.
I absolutely loved this book! There's humor, romance, a touch of the supernatural and plenty of action and fun. I enjoyed the wide range of characters and watching them develop as the story progressed. Those who enjoy the Harry Potter series may want to take a look at this - both have characters who seek their own identity, do a little magic and go on amazing adventures.
Howl's Moving Castle is the first in a series. Check it out today!
Reviewed by Jessica
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Set in 1929 Great Britain, this first in a mystery series follows private investigator Maisie Dobbs as she tracks down clues related to her first case. A concerned husband tells Maisie he is afraid his wife is having an affair. This investigation leads Maisie to confront her past, specifically tragic events that occurred during World War I.
Filled with fantastic characters, Maisie Dobbs is a great, well-written book! Winspear uses this book to build the character of Maisie Dobbs, introducing readers to a young Maisie with a desire for knowledge and taking readers through Maisie's development into a skilled observer and thinker. Though I have many titles in my to read pile, I am really anxious to read the second in the series, Birds of a Feather.
Readers interested in World War I era stories may want to take a look at this; mystery lovers should also try this book.
Since this is the 2010 Adams County Reads One Book, check your local library for programs taking place in September based on this book. There's lots happening!
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Set in 1929 Great Britain, this first in a mystery series follows private investigator Maisie Dobbs as she tracks down clues related to her first case. A concerned husband tells Maisie he is afraid his wife is having an affair. This investigation leads Maisie to confront her past, specifically tragic events that occurred during World War I.
Filled with fantastic characters, Maisie Dobbs is a great, well-written book! Winspear uses this book to build the character of Maisie Dobbs, introducing readers to a young Maisie with a desire for knowledge and taking readers through Maisie's development into a skilled observer and thinker. Though I have many titles in my to read pile, I am really anxious to read the second in the series, Birds of a Feather.
Readers interested in World War I era stories may want to take a look at this; mystery lovers should also try this book.
Since this is the 2010 Adams County Reads One Book, check your local library for programs taking place in September based on this book. There's lots happening!
Reviewed by Jessica
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The Red Siren by M.L. Tyndall
Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
Five years ago, Dajon Waite’s ship was seized by a woman pirate off the coast of England. Now stationed in Charles Towne in the Carolinas, he receives a request from Admiral Westcott to safeguard his three daughters while the admiral ventures to Europe on naval business. Dajon is reluctant to take the position, not only for personal reasons but also for the notorious behavior of the daughters. The eldest, Faith, seems extremely headstrong and independent. Faith happens to be a pirate, secretly sailing the seas and plundering merchant ships of their goods. As Dajon begins to fall in love with her, Faith must fight between her feelings for Dajon and her love of pirating. The Red Siren is the first in the Charles Towne Belles series.
I have read very little inspirational fiction, but I did enjoy this book. Taking place in the early 1700s in America, this has the perfect mix of romance and historical fiction with a strong Christian message. As I mentioned above, Faith Westcott is headstrong and independent; her sisters are not very different. The Westcott girls resemble rebellious teenagers of today, pouting when they do not get their way and defying direct orders that would keep them safe from harm. For me, that was a tad bit annoying. Though the plot line was predictable, like just about any romance novel, it was easy for me to get lost in the narrative and lose track of time. The ending of the book sets up perfectly for the second book in the series.
Reviewed by Jessica
Format: Book
Five years ago, Dajon Waite’s ship was seized by a woman pirate off the coast of England. Now stationed in Charles Towne in the Carolinas, he receives a request from Admiral Westcott to safeguard his three daughters while the admiral ventures to Europe on naval business. Dajon is reluctant to take the position, not only for personal reasons but also for the notorious behavior of the daughters. The eldest, Faith, seems extremely headstrong and independent. Faith happens to be a pirate, secretly sailing the seas and plundering merchant ships of their goods. As Dajon begins to fall in love with her, Faith must fight between her feelings for Dajon and her love of pirating. The Red Siren is the first in the Charles Towne Belles series.
I have read very little inspirational fiction, but I did enjoy this book. Taking place in the early 1700s in America, this has the perfect mix of romance and historical fiction with a strong Christian message. As I mentioned above, Faith Westcott is headstrong and independent; her sisters are not very different. The Westcott girls resemble rebellious teenagers of today, pouting when they do not get their way and defying direct orders that would keep them safe from harm. For me, that was a tad bit annoying. Though the plot line was predictable, like just about any romance novel, it was easy for me to get lost in the narrative and lose track of time. The ending of the book sets up perfectly for the second book in the series.
Reviewed by Jessica
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