2014 Reading Challenge: Book 5 - Necessary Lies

Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a touching story about newbie social worker Jane and two of the families that she works with. The story is set in the 1950's-60's in rural America. The story alternates between Jane and one of her young clients Ivy. I really enjoyed reading this from both sides of the story.

I thought that the book was well written and it was a heartwrenching story. I wasn't aware of the eugenics programme before reading this book and it is heartbreaking to know that this story was based on thousands of real life stories like this.

I would recommend this book to anyone to read, but be warned, I read the last three/four chapters in tears!

Jackie. x

2014 Reading Challenge: Book 4 - Not Dreaming of You

Not Dreaming of You by Nina Cordoba
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a sweet story about Argentinean Kiki, who is looking for her perfect man, who was described to her in a dream when she was a teenager.

I found the story followed the typical chick-lit pattern, so was a little predictable. However, I found the book an amusing and enjoyable read. This is a great read for any rom-com lovers.

Jackie. x

2014 Reading Challenge: Book 3 - Release Me

Release Me by J. Kenner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was a recommendation as I a fan of FSoG and Bared to You. I did enjoy the story, but was also quite disappointed in it. I don't know if it's just overkill, but I wanted something different to the typical 'damaged billionaire with major control issues'. If these books are anything to go by, I would be thinking that any super rich young, sexy billionaire has is a hugely damaged, controlling stalker when he finds a women he is interested in (who is also messed up in her own way). I'm going to be honest, I'm getting bored of this stereotype.

What I do like in this book is that Damien does show his softer side a bit more than the leading man in the other 2 books mentioned above. In fact, I would love to read a story of a nice, super sexy millionaire who is 'normal' and hot in bed, but hey ho, you can't always get what you want! I also like that on the whole, Nikki knows her own mind and isn't afraid (for the most part) to stand up for it. There were times when I felt that it was stupidly unrealistic, but then most of these types of books are.

The ending was pretty transparent and obvious. In fact, I would say the whole book is to be honest. On the whole though, it was a quick and easy read and there were enough good bits for me to like it, but I certainly don't love it.

Would I read the other 2 books of the trilogy? Probably. Will I go out and buy them straight away because I can't wait to carry it on? No.

Jackie. x

2014 Reading Challenge: Book 2 - The Chrysalids

The Chrysalids by John Wyndham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a book club read for me, so not something I would normally pick up. After reading the description, I didn't think that I would like this book, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. I really enjoyed reading this and found it easy to read.

The story was really interesting and a unique picture of how the world might be in the future. It was only after it was pointed out at book club the probable reason for why the country is the way it is in the book that I really understood and appreciated it.

I did find the ending a little disappointing. I'm not quite sure what I want for the ending, but I wasn't expecting it to end the way it did.

All in all though, it was an enjoyable read and if you enjoy books of this genre, then I would recommend it.

Jackie. x

2014 Reading Challenge: Book 1 - The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

After all of the hype around the film of this book, I eventually gave in and watched it. I wasn't quite sure what to make of the film, so I thought I would give the book a chance to see if it changed my opinion.

Firstly, I have to point out that it took me about a fortnight to read, which for a relevantly small book is quite a while. I found that I could only read the book in small doses at a time. I didn't hate the story, but I found it difficult to keep up with and unrealistic.

Jackie. x

New Year, New Challenge!

Good afternoon everyone and a big HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!

Last year I challenged myself to read 50 books throughout 2013.  Unfortunately, I failed epically in this and only managed to read a total of 21 books.

With this in mind, I have set myself a slightly more realistic challenge of reading 25 books throughout 2014.  You can see my progress on this in the little widget there to the left.  I am hoping that with three different book clubs and my love of book series, I will smash my target this year!

Firstly I must finish The Great Gatsby.  For a pretty small book, it is taking me quite a while to finish.

So, here's to our reading challenges for 2014, however big or small yours might be.  Let's have a great reading year!

Jackie. x