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ClareR (5571 KP) rated The Burning Chambers (The Burning Chambers #1) in Books
Jan 26, 2021
This book is an immersive experience! I found myself drawn in to the world of 16th Century France - and to be fair, it was all pretty exciting stuff! Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, one of my ‘go-to’s’, and this did not disappoint one bit. It’s a story of religion, conflict, ambition, with a bit of a love story thrown in for good measure.
It’s all history that I know little about - my history education being that of the carefully selected English type. I’ve always tried to find out more about European history (ahem, German degree) and further afield if I can, and historical fiction makes it a bit more interesting than a dry history book. This book taught me a lot about the tensions between the catholic majority, and the Huguenot minority.
Minou is the 19 year old daughter of a bookseller, and lives in Carcassonne with her family. She meets Piet, a Huguenot convert, and helps him to escape from the town. Later, in Toulouse, they meet again in far more dangerous circumstances. They become trapped in a city at war - Catholic against Huguenot - and someone that Piet believes is a friend is very far from that. In Puivert, the chatelaine of the castle has a secret that she wants to keep hidden, and the only way to do that is for her to find Minou.
First, the most obvious thing: this is one big book. It’s the kind of book that I would buy on my kindle, because at 600+ pages, it definitely won’t fit in my handbag! The Pigeonhole is great for these circumstances!
Secondly, although this book is a serious whopper, it didn’t feel that way when I was reading it. It’s an exciting, fast-paced, delight of a read. It has it all: action, history, romance. Everything that makes for a compulsive read! The heroes and heroines are good, and the villains are thoroughly bad, and I loved them all!
It’s all history that I know little about - my history education being that of the carefully selected English type. I’ve always tried to find out more about European history (ahem, German degree) and further afield if I can, and historical fiction makes it a bit more interesting than a dry history book. This book taught me a lot about the tensions between the catholic majority, and the Huguenot minority.
Minou is the 19 year old daughter of a bookseller, and lives in Carcassonne with her family. She meets Piet, a Huguenot convert, and helps him to escape from the town. Later, in Toulouse, they meet again in far more dangerous circumstances. They become trapped in a city at war - Catholic against Huguenot - and someone that Piet believes is a friend is very far from that. In Puivert, the chatelaine of the castle has a secret that she wants to keep hidden, and the only way to do that is for her to find Minou.
First, the most obvious thing: this is one big book. It’s the kind of book that I would buy on my kindle, because at 600+ pages, it definitely won’t fit in my handbag! The Pigeonhole is great for these circumstances!
Secondly, although this book is a serious whopper, it didn’t feel that way when I was reading it. It’s an exciting, fast-paced, delight of a read. It has it all: action, history, romance. Everything that makes for a compulsive read! The heroes and heroines are good, and the villains are thoroughly bad, and I loved them all!
Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Höstsonaten (Autumn Sonata) (1978) in Movies
Jan 28, 2021
I have been familiar with Bergman for a long time, having seen Summer With Monika, Wild Strawberries and The Seventh Seal at a young age. They were more or less my first experience of foreign language art cinema that I sort of understood and liked. Something about the practical and economical way conversations happen in Bergman appeals to me. They tend to lack melodrama and romance, but are intellectually satisfying and often dramatically devastating. None more so than this mindbendingly sad tale of a mother and daughter in conflict. Bergman’s regular muses Ingmar Bergman and Liv Ullmann go head to head in a masterclass of acting that left me in utter awe. It reminded me of the first time I saw Gena Rowlands in A Woman Under the Influence – such soul-wrenching honest of emotion, it is almost unbearable. In a good way.
The fact that something is bleak has never put me off, and Bergman too is completely unafraid of leaving you entirely depressed. In fact, I wish Hollywood wasn’t so afraid of it. Very few films with personal conflicts this strong spring to mind – perhaps Blue Valentine is as close as it gets. But on the scale of rhetorical blows to the emotional solar plexus, that would be a 4 and Autumn Sonata would be a 9. Truthfully, I have seen few things so brutal and painful played out in film form. Guilt, blame, regret, denial, shame and loss cut to the bone, making the key scenes at the crescendo very hard to watch, but also brilliant because of it. Visually it is warm and cosy enough, but quite static, like a stage play, but of course Bergman was aware of this. He wants us to focus on the people, and so we do. A blindingly strong work of art all round. Just not something you want to revisit too often.
The fact that something is bleak has never put me off, and Bergman too is completely unafraid of leaving you entirely depressed. In fact, I wish Hollywood wasn’t so afraid of it. Very few films with personal conflicts this strong spring to mind – perhaps Blue Valentine is as close as it gets. But on the scale of rhetorical blows to the emotional solar plexus, that would be a 4 and Autumn Sonata would be a 9. Truthfully, I have seen few things so brutal and painful played out in film form. Guilt, blame, regret, denial, shame and loss cut to the bone, making the key scenes at the crescendo very hard to watch, but also brilliant because of it. Visually it is warm and cosy enough, but quite static, like a stage play, but of course Bergman was aware of this. He wants us to focus on the people, and so we do. A blindingly strong work of art all round. Just not something you want to revisit too often.
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated The Dig (2021) in Movies
Jan 31, 2021
Acting from Fiennes and Mulligan - top notch (1 more)
Cinematography is gorgeous
Why make it so "man heavy" when history was otherwise? (1 more)
Found the asynchronous editing irritating
Archaeology with no fedora required
It’s 1939, and as World War 2 approaches, widower Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan) hires rough and ready excavator Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes) to dig into one of the ancient earth mounds on her property at the site that will become famous as Sutton Hoo in Suffolk. Requesting the help of her cousin Rory Lomax (Johnny Flynn) to photograph the effort, the site slowly gives up its Anglo-Saxon treasures attracting the attention of first the Ipswich museum and then the pompous Charles Phillips (Ken Stott) of the British Museum. A battle is on for both the control of the site and the resting place for the treasures found.
Against this backdrop there is a critical illness emerging, a son (Archie Barnes) and his attachment to the father figure of Brown and a potential romance between Rory and archaeologist Peggy Piggott, trapped in a loveless marriage.
Talent:
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Johnny Flynn, Lily James, Archie Barnes, Ken Stott, Monica Donlan.
Directed by: Simon Stone.
Written by: Moira Buffini (from the novel by John Preston).
Bullet points of my thoughts:
+ Superb acting by Mulligan and Fiennes – Oscar noms for both?
+ Young Archie Barnes impresses as the son Robert
+ Cinematography by Mike Eley shows the open Suffolk skies at their best
+ Based on fact, a fascinating historical record of the real excitement of uncovering the past
o The script deftly melds the archeology with the love story subplot: but was the latter really necessary?
– Curious “man heavy” script, replacing some of the historical female characters with men and making Peggy Piggott (Lily James) a bit of a klutz
– Asynchronous editing decision I found to be distracting and unnecessary.
For my full review, please see the video at https://youtu.be/m8Ad8B8dkSY .
Against this backdrop there is a critical illness emerging, a son (Archie Barnes) and his attachment to the father figure of Brown and a potential romance between Rory and archaeologist Peggy Piggott, trapped in a loveless marriage.
Talent:
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Johnny Flynn, Lily James, Archie Barnes, Ken Stott, Monica Donlan.
Directed by: Simon Stone.
Written by: Moira Buffini (from the novel by John Preston).
Bullet points of my thoughts:
+ Superb acting by Mulligan and Fiennes – Oscar noms for both?
+ Young Archie Barnes impresses as the son Robert
+ Cinematography by Mike Eley shows the open Suffolk skies at their best
+ Based on fact, a fascinating historical record of the real excitement of uncovering the past
o The script deftly melds the archeology with the love story subplot: but was the latter really necessary?
– Curious “man heavy” script, replacing some of the historical female characters with men and making Peggy Piggott (Lily James) a bit of a klutz
– Asynchronous editing decision I found to be distracting and unnecessary.
For my full review, please see the video at https://youtu.be/m8Ad8B8dkSY .
First off... WTF?!?!
I did NOT want to put this book down! Unfortunately, the body cannot function without sleep and I'd denied mine too much in the days leading up to starting Verity. I know better than to begin a new book at night because I'm always convincing myself of one more chapter. But, I mean, it's Colleen Hoover, how could I deny myself the simple pleasure of just one... or eleven chapters before I lay my head down at night?
I finished the book as soon as I got up the next day, all in one sitting, my eyes refusing to be torn away from the pages. With each chapter, I grew more and more concerned. I was freaked out more often than not. There was still that oddly recognizable voice that belonged to Colleen in most areas, but there were moments when I had to remind myself who the author really was. At one particular point, I could literally describe myself as numb. I had to set my book down and stare vacantly at my wall for a solid five minutes, my eyes not even in focus, as I absorbed the insanity of what I was reading. With each word read from Verity's manuscript, I kept telling myself it couldn't get worse, but somehow it did. Then I reached the epilogue and thought, surely, it would focus on a happily ever after to cleanse my mind of the atrocious events leading up to it. But no. Colleen knew better than to do that. Instead, the epilogue ended on a twist so disturbing, so crazy, I'm still not sure what to believe!
For the last few months, before I heard about Verity's release and the genre Colleen was thinking about stepping her foot in, I'd been finding myself leaning more toward thriller mysteries instead of the romance I've always read. And now I know why. I was unknowingly preparing myself for Verity, putting myself in the right mindset and headspace. And Colleen still blew me away.
I did NOT want to put this book down! Unfortunately, the body cannot function without sleep and I'd denied mine too much in the days leading up to starting Verity. I know better than to begin a new book at night because I'm always convincing myself of one more chapter. But, I mean, it's Colleen Hoover, how could I deny myself the simple pleasure of just one... or eleven chapters before I lay my head down at night?
I finished the book as soon as I got up the next day, all in one sitting, my eyes refusing to be torn away from the pages. With each chapter, I grew more and more concerned. I was freaked out more often than not. There was still that oddly recognizable voice that belonged to Colleen in most areas, but there were moments when I had to remind myself who the author really was. At one particular point, I could literally describe myself as numb. I had to set my book down and stare vacantly at my wall for a solid five minutes, my eyes not even in focus, as I absorbed the insanity of what I was reading. With each word read from Verity's manuscript, I kept telling myself it couldn't get worse, but somehow it did. Then I reached the epilogue and thought, surely, it would focus on a happily ever after to cleanse my mind of the atrocious events leading up to it. But no. Colleen knew better than to do that. Instead, the epilogue ended on a twist so disturbing, so crazy, I'm still not sure what to believe!
For the last few months, before I heard about Verity's release and the genre Colleen was thinking about stepping her foot in, I'd been finding myself leaning more toward thriller mysteries instead of the romance I've always read. And now I know why. I was unknowingly preparing myself for Verity, putting myself in the right mindset and headspace. And Colleen still blew me away.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated The Elite (The Selection, #2) in Books
Jun 24, 2019
The Elite is the second book in the Selection series by Kiera Cass. It follows the progress of the Selection's participant America Singer, and her struggles within the palace.
First of all, I'd like to say that this book was actually a lot better than I had originally expected it to be. I'm not much into romances, and the main plot of this is relatively predictable, but there are definitely some unique aspects. Honestly, the situation with Marlee was just... awful. But in a good way. I mean, it was written wonderfully, and it made me really angry. But Maxon managed to bring it around so well, in a way that I really wasn't expecting (and neither was America!).
As for the king's reaction... I really wasn't expecting that either. I think it really brings some depth to Maxon's character, and some suspense to America's fight within the contest.
One thing I'm not so sure about is the way America just decides to accept the way Maxon flirts with the other girls. I understand that he has to have a back-up in case things don't work out with his first choice, but I would not be as calm as her about it. She does get a little upset by it, but I just feel like Maxon's just that bit shallower thanks to his relationships with the other girls.
America continues to be a strong character, and as defiant as ever. But something about her was missing in this sequel. I'm not sure, perhaps she seemed a little less passionate in this book or something. Something with her just didn't seem quite right.
Anyway, I did enjoy this book. There's a decent amount of action with the rebel attacks, and a fair amount of romance (if you're into that kinda thing). Some parts were a bit rushed in my opinion, but there were multiple unexpected, unique parts too. I think The Elite just about deserves 4 stars.
First of all, I'd like to say that this book was actually a lot better than I had originally expected it to be. I'm not much into romances, and the main plot of this is relatively predictable, but there are definitely some unique aspects. Honestly, the situation with Marlee was just... awful. But in a good way. I mean, it was written wonderfully, and it made me really angry. But Maxon managed to bring it around so well, in a way that I really wasn't expecting (and neither was America!).
As for the king's reaction... I really wasn't expecting that either. I think it really brings some depth to Maxon's character, and some suspense to America's fight within the contest.
One thing I'm not so sure about is the way America just decides to accept the way Maxon flirts with the other girls. I understand that he has to have a back-up in case things don't work out with his first choice, but I would not be as calm as her about it. She does get a little upset by it, but I just feel like Maxon's just that bit shallower thanks to his relationships with the other girls.
America continues to be a strong character, and as defiant as ever. But something about her was missing in this sequel. I'm not sure, perhaps she seemed a little less passionate in this book or something. Something with her just didn't seem quite right.
Anyway, I did enjoy this book. There's a decent amount of action with the rebel attacks, and a fair amount of romance (if you're into that kinda thing). Some parts were a bit rushed in my opinion, but there were multiple unexpected, unique parts too. I think The Elite just about deserves 4 stars.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Fire Colour One in Books
Jun 24, 2019
This is one of those books that you see displayed in the library and just think, "What the heck? I'll give it a go."
This is YA book, as most of the books I read are. It's named after a painting, which ends up as quite a significant aspect in this novel.
Iris lives with her mother Hannah and step-father Lowell. She doesn't remember her real father. Hannah has always told her that he didn't want her, that he didn't care. She blamed him for their debts, their problems.
Thurston is Iris's best friend, her only friend. He means everything to her. He's always been there for her, until she has to move away to England without any means of telling him where she's gone.
Iris herself is a pretty troubled girl. Family life isn't great - Hannah and Lowell want her to be more like them, more conscious of her appearance and wealth. But all Iris really cares about is fire. There's nothing like the soothing flicker of a flame.
When she meets her father Ernest, Iris soon realises that everything she's been told by her mother has been a lie. He didn't leave her; Hannah took her, changed her name and hid. Ernest had been searching for her for years. But now it was too late.
The book actually begins with Ernest's funeral, and sort of goes backwards a few times. There's memories written throughout, clips from the past. We slowly learn more and more about Iris's personality, and we watch her re-develop her relationship with her father.
It's actually a pretty great book. It's so realistic, and unique. It isn't a fantasy, it isn't a cheesy romance, it isn't even really a book with a typical happy ending.
Although I wouldn't have searched this book out in particular, I am happy I read it. I'm not sure it quite gets 4 stars from me, so I'll give it 3.5.
This is YA book, as most of the books I read are. It's named after a painting, which ends up as quite a significant aspect in this novel.
Iris lives with her mother Hannah and step-father Lowell. She doesn't remember her real father. Hannah has always told her that he didn't want her, that he didn't care. She blamed him for their debts, their problems.
Thurston is Iris's best friend, her only friend. He means everything to her. He's always been there for her, until she has to move away to England without any means of telling him where she's gone.
Iris herself is a pretty troubled girl. Family life isn't great - Hannah and Lowell want her to be more like them, more conscious of her appearance and wealth. But all Iris really cares about is fire. There's nothing like the soothing flicker of a flame.
When she meets her father Ernest, Iris soon realises that everything she's been told by her mother has been a lie. He didn't leave her; Hannah took her, changed her name and hid. Ernest had been searching for her for years. But now it was too late.
The book actually begins with Ernest's funeral, and sort of goes backwards a few times. There's memories written throughout, clips from the past. We slowly learn more and more about Iris's personality, and we watch her re-develop her relationship with her father.
It's actually a pretty great book. It's so realistic, and unique. It isn't a fantasy, it isn't a cheesy romance, it isn't even really a book with a typical happy ending.
Although I wouldn't have searched this book out in particular, I am happy I read it. I'm not sure it quite gets 4 stars from me, so I'll give it 3.5.
Kelly Knows (95 KP) rated Ready Player One (2018) in Movies
Jun 27, 2019
Press Start to Join The Rebellion
A truly excellent movie for the whole family to enjoy. Ready Player One has all of the elements required for a movie to truly excel in the telling of its story. The action is epic, the heroes are cool, and oh boy the fun and laughs you'll have along the way. The voice acting cast was well handled, but is probably the main reason I did not give this one full points. The studio could have gotten higher level actors to sell the more emotional plot points. Olivia Cooke and Tye Sheridan still do a masterful job with their roles, but some lines were delivered with a Spy Kids level of corniness. In truth, you have to hunt for flaws in this movie as if they were easter eggs themselves. Parzival, and the rest of the hunters on the quest, weave a beautiful tapestry of tropes that blends modern gaming escapism with social revolution. Not all the characters are super deep, nor do they have to be. You will find yourself cheering for the good guys, and jeering the bad. That's the beauty of this movie. It is a perfect chance to enjoy a thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and world domination, without having to buckle in for an Oscar level drama. The best of this movie however, and the reason I would ultimately recommend it to just about anyone is the sheer beauty and power of the visual effects, and the warm nostalgia that permeates every aspect of the plot. Pop culture references that are sure to make you grin are peppered throughout as the story unfolds. Any gamer, movie buff, rebel at heart, or really just about anyone who has ever had any kind of electronic fun since the 60s will find a note in the proverbial song meant just for them. Get your game face on, this is a good one.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Grease (1978) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Good girl Sandy and greaser Danny fell in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they're now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance?
If anyone asks me then I would always say that I've seen Grease... and I have. I can sing you all the songs, name you all the characters and relive some of the iconic clothing and scenery. But, as it turns out... I actually haven't. Not all the way through at least.
I sat there as the film started rolling and realised that, specifically, I've not seen the first half. I've seen the scenes with the songs in, probably on YouTube or the like, and I've definitely seen the end. I would imagine because I was flicking channels and seen it was on so I've watched it. I've never seen the cartoon opening, Danny and Sandy on the beach, or Sandy's appearance at Rydale High. Not from the original at least. I saw Grease Live, which while not quite the same was still enjoyable.
It would be almost impossible to sit through this one and not sing along, tap your toes, or have a smile creep onto your face. The screen was packed out, mainly with women, but it was nice to see quite a few guys along for the ride, some of their own accord and not dragged along by anyone. I could hear lots of low level singing, and out of the corner of my eye, some Grease Lightning arm dancing. Everyone truly enjoyed themselves.
One gentleman, who I know from Unlimited showings, told me how his mum brought him to see it when he was six and he's loved it ever since. It was such a lovely story. And I'm sure that many other people there had their own tales about seeing it when they were growing up.
I'm just always overjoyed by the dancing. But then you know me and a musical!
If anyone asks me then I would always say that I've seen Grease... and I have. I can sing you all the songs, name you all the characters and relive some of the iconic clothing and scenery. But, as it turns out... I actually haven't. Not all the way through at least.
I sat there as the film started rolling and realised that, specifically, I've not seen the first half. I've seen the scenes with the songs in, probably on YouTube or the like, and I've definitely seen the end. I would imagine because I was flicking channels and seen it was on so I've watched it. I've never seen the cartoon opening, Danny and Sandy on the beach, or Sandy's appearance at Rydale High. Not from the original at least. I saw Grease Live, which while not quite the same was still enjoyable.
It would be almost impossible to sit through this one and not sing along, tap your toes, or have a smile creep onto your face. The screen was packed out, mainly with women, but it was nice to see quite a few guys along for the ride, some of their own accord and not dragged along by anyone. I could hear lots of low level singing, and out of the corner of my eye, some Grease Lightning arm dancing. Everyone truly enjoyed themselves.
One gentleman, who I know from Unlimited showings, told me how his mum brought him to see it when he was six and he's loved it ever since. It was such a lovely story. And I'm sure that many other people there had their own tales about seeing it when they were growing up.
I'm just always overjoyed by the dancing. But then you know me and a musical!
James P. Sumner (65 KP) rated Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) in Movies
Jul 10, 2019
The MCU delivers again!
Tom Holland reprises his role as the friendly neighbourhood Spiderman in this enjoyable final entry in the MCU's third phase.
Picking up where Avengers: Endgame left off, the world is slowly getting back on its feet after Thanos' handiwork was reversed. Peter Parker is on a school trip across Europe when huge Elemental enemies attack. He's unprepared, but the day is saved by Mysterio - a superhero from an alternate universe.
So far, so Marvel.
Twists and turns follow, with plenty of action throughout. The storyline reminded me of Iron Man 3 in some ways, in terms of it's structure and style. The visuals were impressive as always. The acting was spot-on, with Happy returning in a comic relief/mentor role that worked really well alongside the hero.
The great thing about all the Marvel movies is how they distinguish themselves from each other. Aside from being just comic book movies, each individual series has its own themes and genre. Guardians of the Galaxy is sci-fi/action/comedy, Captain America is more political/action, Thor is fantasy, etc... Spiderman fills the gap for a teen drama, appealing to the younger audience by giving them the angst and romance they crave and relate to. The relationship between Peter and MJ is explored in greater detail here, and their on-screen awkward is fun to watch, but also believable - largely, I suspect, due to the pair's off-screen friendship. Their chemistry is brilliant and really adds to the movie.
As with all Marvel movies, it ain't over 'til it's over. The mid-credits scene does a truly fantastic job of setting up the third movie in the series, while the post-credits scene teases at the future of the wider MCU.
Marvel has had numerous hits with only a small handful of near-misses. Spiderman: Far From Home is a resounding hit and not to be missed!
Picking up where Avengers: Endgame left off, the world is slowly getting back on its feet after Thanos' handiwork was reversed. Peter Parker is on a school trip across Europe when huge Elemental enemies attack. He's unprepared, but the day is saved by Mysterio - a superhero from an alternate universe.
So far, so Marvel.
Twists and turns follow, with plenty of action throughout. The storyline reminded me of Iron Man 3 in some ways, in terms of it's structure and style. The visuals were impressive as always. The acting was spot-on, with Happy returning in a comic relief/mentor role that worked really well alongside the hero.
The great thing about all the Marvel movies is how they distinguish themselves from each other. Aside from being just comic book movies, each individual series has its own themes and genre. Guardians of the Galaxy is sci-fi/action/comedy, Captain America is more political/action, Thor is fantasy, etc... Spiderman fills the gap for a teen drama, appealing to the younger audience by giving them the angst and romance they crave and relate to. The relationship between Peter and MJ is explored in greater detail here, and their on-screen awkward is fun to watch, but also believable - largely, I suspect, due to the pair's off-screen friendship. Their chemistry is brilliant and really adds to the movie.
As with all Marvel movies, it ain't over 'til it's over. The mid-credits scene does a truly fantastic job of setting up the third movie in the series, while the post-credits scene teases at the future of the wider MCU.
Marvel has had numerous hits with only a small handful of near-misses. Spiderman: Far From Home is a resounding hit and not to be missed!
ClareR (5571 KP) rated The Flatshare in Books
Sep 1, 2019
A great feel-good story - and who knew I liked romance?!
In The Flatshare, Tiffy and Leon share a flat and a bed, and yet they’re never in the flat or bed at the same time. This is the only way for Tiffy to be able to afford to live in Central London, and Leon has his own financial reasons for sharing his flat.
Tiffy has recently split up with her rich boyfriend, and she has to leave his flat. Her friends offer her their sofa, but Tiffy realises that she needs her independence (and a decent bed!) - even if it is a bit of an odd arrangement. Actually, when I was reading about it in the book, it didn’t seem at all unreasonable!
Tiffy is a great character. She’s an assistant editor for a publisher specialising in Arts and Crafts, and she’s a real individual - in both her dress and her attitude towards life. She’s also discovering that her ex-boyfriend may not have been as lovely as she thought.
Leon wants someone to share his flat so that he can pay the legal fees for his brothers court appeal. He works the permanent night shift at a local hospice as a nurse (the pay is better for this shift), and he’s a man of few words. He loves his job and he’s very caring towards his patients. And he’s a lovely man.
I really enjoyed this. It’s not your typical rom-com. I would say that there’s a serious side to it as well. I did laugh a lot, but I also worried along with Leon about his younger brother, and joined Tiffy’s friends in their dislike of her decidedly dodgy ex.
So if you’re not usually in to rom-coms, this might just be the book for you too. It was a really very pleasant surprise!
Many thanks to a Readers First for my copy of this book.
Tiffy has recently split up with her rich boyfriend, and she has to leave his flat. Her friends offer her their sofa, but Tiffy realises that she needs her independence (and a decent bed!) - even if it is a bit of an odd arrangement. Actually, when I was reading about it in the book, it didn’t seem at all unreasonable!
Tiffy is a great character. She’s an assistant editor for a publisher specialising in Arts and Crafts, and she’s a real individual - in both her dress and her attitude towards life. She’s also discovering that her ex-boyfriend may not have been as lovely as she thought.
Leon wants someone to share his flat so that he can pay the legal fees for his brothers court appeal. He works the permanent night shift at a local hospice as a nurse (the pay is better for this shift), and he’s a man of few words. He loves his job and he’s very caring towards his patients. And he’s a lovely man.
I really enjoyed this. It’s not your typical rom-com. I would say that there’s a serious side to it as well. I did laugh a lot, but I also worried along with Leon about his younger brother, and joined Tiffy’s friends in their dislike of her decidedly dodgy ex.
So if you’re not usually in to rom-coms, this might just be the book for you too. It was a really very pleasant surprise!
Many thanks to a Readers First for my copy of this book.
