31 May 2012

The Wedding Planner - Melanie La'Brooy


The Wedding Planner


The wedding planner wasn't actually the book I was expecting to read when I picked it up, I think there's a different book of the same name. However it was enjoyable. It had humour in copious amounts and the plot had a level of depth to it you don't usually get in this genre. 


The main character Mimi has some animosity going on with her sister, basically they have a big misunderstanding and rub each other up the wrong way, but this front covers a deep bond which they both repeatedly do their best to ignore.


Mimi has a major crush on her future brother in law, and completely ignores his amazing lovely best friend who happens to actually like her. They get it together in the end.


This book definitely has  the feel-good factor going for it.


I'm linking up to Speed Date Night at The Book Swarm.


Rowen

27 May 2012

Jonah 4:6


'The Lord made a plant grow quickly up over Jonah, 
which gave him shade and helped him be more comfortable.
 Jonah was very pleased to have the plant'


Personally my favourite book of the bible. I once memorised the entire book for speaking and listening in English, we also performed a memorable version involving a sleeping bag whale at our Church youth camp one year, because I was in a group with boys who weren't too interested and let me boss them around and we's been swimming for the day. 


My boyfriend and I spent yesterday afternoon under the giant apple tree at the bottom of the garden for some heatwave respite, glorious day.


Linking up to Your Sunday Best @ A Rural Journal.


Have a good Sunday!


Rowen

26 May 2012

The Wise Man's Fear - Patrick Rothfuss



The Wise Man's Fear


The Wise Man's Fear lived up to my expectations. Which says a lot because they were high, what with The Name of the Wind being the best book I've ever read and all.

I loved the depth that was gone into with Kvothe and the way in which you really grow to know him and care for him, despite the fact that none of it is done blatantly. I love Kvothes character, the fact that he is studious, but almost reluctantly so, this aspect of him reminds me of myself, in that I like learning but not really putting in the effort. I love the fact that he's a little bit devious and incredibly charming, he reminds me of Kheldar, my favourite character in the Belgariad and Malloreon series by David Eddings.


I continue to be intrigued by the modern Kote who has somehow locked up some quite significant parts of himself, meaning he can no longer do some of the things he used to take for granted, which is a shame in many ways. I personally hope that Bast and Chronicler find a way to unlock him.


One thing I've come to notice, and it doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the story at all, is that although Kvothe's actions have in some way affected the wider world his story exists in a kind of narrow tunnel. I'd love to find out how he's affected the wider world, because there's a price on his head for it and I think it may be key to him returning to himself.

While I enjoy Kvothe in any setting I'm most comfortable with him in the university. While everywhere else seems to fit him like a glove, the university fits him like skin.


It was a brilliant book.


Go out; Buy it; Read it.


Rowen

25 May 2012

Book Beginnings: Man of Iron - Catherine George

Man Of Iron (Harlequin Romance 2924)'The office was very quiet, and smelt of leather and the dust dancing in a shaft of sunlight from the tall window.'

I think this speaks of a quiet and sedate romance to follow. At least that's what I'm hoping, I could do with a change from the usual full on style that you get nowadays. 

This book shouldn't take too long to read, another point in it's favour. 


Rowen

24 May 2012

Babies in Waiting - Rosie Fiore


Firstly I wanna say I love that cover. The silhouettes just do it for me. It's simple, classy.
Babies in WaitingThis book was a relatively easy but an addicting read. It had a simple plot-line, following the interwoven stories of three women through their pregnancies. The stories aren't all that similar which makes the story more interesting, but it also shows why at times they seem to have nothing in common, apart from their pregnancies they initially do have nothing in common. 
My favourite thing about the book was the growth of Gemma. She starts out as a bit of a spoilt brat, she manipulates others determined to get her own way. However she turns into someone much more mature, through her love for her child, and is amply rewarded for it at the end of the book. 
Your initial thoughts upon starting are that Louise has done something unforgivable but in the end you can empathise with her. And Toni who has the seemingly perfect life has problems aplenty, she just doesn't air them for the world to see. 
I thought that it was a good story and the characters were properly fleshed out.
I'm linking up to Speed Date Night at The Book Swarm.
Thanks for stopping by.
Rowen 

20 May 2012

Psalm 103:1


'My whole being, 
praise the Lord;
all my being,
praise his holy name'

Happy Sundays browsing the flowers in My Nan's Garden. Hoping you had a good day.

Rowen

19 May 2012

Prince of Thorns - Mark Lawrence

Prince of Thorns was unexpected. I didn't go looking for it. I had no books to read, I was at Uni and had read all the ones I had with me, and I always need a book to read. So I went to Waterstones and picked it up on impulse, the cover appealed to me. This is often the way to grab my attention I'm a sucker for a cover of epic standards. I barely glanced at the blurb, but it was enough so I bought it. 

 I'm glad I did. It was an epic read. It was so good I practically swallowed it whole and it was a wrench to put down. It was fascinating storytelling and it ended on a real cliffhanger, so I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel which comes out this august, unfortunately I'll have to as my budget doesn't stretch to hardbacks. 

Reading Prince of Thorns opened my eyes to something a little bit different than your everyday Epic Fantasy, although it certainly managed on that front. It appears to be set in a post-apocalyptic world as there are several references to people who still survive as the greats such as Plato, and more hidden references to our highly technological culture, such as the use of a nuclear bomb to blow up an entire mountain. 

The thing that makes this a little bit different is that the apocalypse happened in the distant past and the people of the story seem to be unaware of it, although it colours the undertones of the story. The world was built to such a scale that at first you simply assumed that it was set on an else, a fantasy planet, it takes a long time to realise what really happened. 

If you haven't read this yet do so. It's worth it.

Rowen

18 May 2012

Book Beginnings: The Wise Man's Fear - Patrick Rothfuss


The Wise Man's Fear (Kingkiller Chronicle, #2)

'Dawn was coming. The Waystone Inn lay in silence, and it was a silence of three parts.'


I've actually been reading this book for a few days now, and it's completely living up to my expectations.


This sentence echoes throughout both this book and the first one in the trilogy, The name of the Wind. Reading this beginning was like a confirmation of what I knew. Of what I expected, that the book was going to be of epic scale. 


It set my nerves on edge, heightened my anticipation, and fixed a smile firmly on my face; regardless that I was sitting in the town centre on a random street bench at the time. 


Read my review of 'The Name of the Wind' here.


Linking up to Book Beginnings @ Rose City Reader.


Rowen

17 May 2012

One Thing Led to Another - Katy Regan

One Thing Led to Another was a witty novel. It was at times hilarious but it had 2 brilliant factors. 


Firstly the main character, Tess, was actively trying to start a relationship with someone it was obvious to everyone but her was completely wrong for her when there was Jim, her best friend who she couldn't possibly be in love with because she felt comfortable just spending time with him. This was at times frustrating, especially when it became clear that Jim always knew he was hopelessly in love with Tess, but it made the ending all the more satisfying.


Secondly were the varied humorous glimpses of the pregnancies of perhaps 50 women which marked the start of each and every chapter.


If you're looking for a funny and satisfying read pick this up.


And Linking up to Speed Date with Mary at The Book Swarm.


Rowen

6 May 2012

Our Challenge: Books 4-14

I've been reading steadily for the reading challenge my friend and I set ourselves for this year. We're now nearly four months in and a third of the way through. I should now be on my 18th book, I'm on my 16th, and a week ago it seemed to be an impossible task. However bring on the brilliance that is waking early and reading short books and I find myself having read 5 books in a week, something I can't remember doing ever!


It seemed to be about time I summarised and collected the links for all these books into one place. If you're interested in seeing my full thoughts, my friends thoughts or donating some money to the charity we're raising for click on the links.


Book 4: Austerlitz- W.G.Sebald


This book was better than I'd been expecting but still wasn't to my taste. I didn't hate it, but nor could I truly unravel a plot from it. If asked whether someone should read it I think I'd probably say don't bother. 


Book 5: The Riddle of the Sands - Erskine Childers


This book has a very slow first hundred pages but it quickly picks up the pace after that. Once it got moving it was a good adventure story in the true 'for boys' style which predominantly dates from the 19 30's 40's and 50's. The worst thing belonging to this book was a heavy emphasis on sailing terms, something I found it hard to understand.


Book 6: Hideous Kinky - Esther Freud


This book was a quick and easy read. Largely without plot, although there's a vague thread of growing up too young. It was worth reading.

Book 7: The Blind Assassin - Margaret Atwood


This was a very good if very long book. I was captivated and would definitely recommend it. It's full of well developed characters with massive flaws. It develops gradually but reels you in from the very first line. 

Book 8: Tom Jones - Henry Fielding


Tom Jones is both long and dull. Not a book to undertake unless you have a lot of time on your hands and some serious self hatred. It talked in circles and drew out the tiniest plot points for a long as possible. 


Book 9: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency - Douglas Adams

This was funny. Hilarious in fact. If you've ever read any of Adam's other novels you'll know what you're heading for in advance. It was easy to read, a delight in fact.


Book 10: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey


A brutal look into the mental institutions of the 50's and 60's. It was a good novel well written and it evoked a true empathy for many of the characters. When one of the characters kills another, rather than feeling anger you feel the same sort of sympathy you feel for lenny and George in Of Mice and Men. Definitely deserving of the label modern Classic.


Book 11: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day - Winifred Watson


Once again a light-hearted book that ensnared your attention and demanded your respect. No real plot but a glimpse of surprise, wonderment and learning to live again.


Book 12: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime - Mark Haddon


This book is most probably unique in the world of Literature. I've never before read a book from the perspective of someone with any degree of autism, and not only did it offer a unique perspective it did it well. It easily demonstrates the trauma which can be induced when the natural order of things is changed about. Incidentally I love the cover, it's one of the best I've ever seen, although nothing like the ones I normally like.


Book 13: The End of the Affair - Graham Greene

This book was so well written I was heavily emotionally invested by the end, this may or may not be to your taste but I love it when an author can do that to me. I love to feel something for the characters. I love to feel they're my friends. This did this. By the end of the book, and it's not long, I knew certainly the main character reasonably well. It's worth whatever you're willing to spend on it.



Book 14: Disgrace - J.M.Coetzee


This book was well written but at the same time a bit disturbing. It made use of foreshadowing. The main character committed acts only slightly better than those which were acted against his daughter. It opens a gateway to a new place, but it isn't one I'd want to travel often.


Remember if you want to read my full reviews or any of my friends you need to click on the links to take you over to the relevant post. If you want to donate anything then head on over to our shared blog and there's a link which will take you to our donations page.


Rowen

3 May 2012

Anniversary Flowers

 Last Friday my boyfriend and I had been together for a full three years. This to me seems somewhat crazy, it's about a sixth of my life I've spent with him at this point.
 To celebrate he took me out for dinner at a local Italian restaurant. It was delicious!
 I had a long tomato pizza with rocket leaves and mozzarella on it. 
 He had a pork belly.
 Unfortunately I took no pictures of the food.
 However he did also get me this gorgeous bouquet of Roses.
 Which I may or may not have gone on photo overload for :P
  I absolutely love them and they're standing beside my bed. As I live with my parents this is the only space I have which is big enough for them.
 I'm not a brilliant Photographer, I'll admit it, it's just something I do every now and again when the feeling grabs me.
 All I did for these shots was to put on the foliage and macro settings my camera has built in.
 I didn't really do any set up except to put the flowers in front of our big patio doors so there was a lot of light.
I think my favorite shots are the ones of the single roses.
 Not only do they show all the beautiful details of the flowers.
 But they remind me of the last time my boyfriend gave me flowers.
 A single pink rose after we'd been together for one year.
 Aren't they gorgeous?
 And aren't I just the luckiest girl in the world?
 I'm linking up with Jaymi's blog for Tuesday Tips & Pics .

Live, Love, Travel


Rowen