Our resident book reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has been quite quiet for some time now. However, she has come up trumps again with a new offering. Obviously, she has been doing more interesting things with her time (although, what could be more interesting than reading, we wonder?). Whatever the cause, we are grateful for Becky's new contribution and looking forward to more. We hope you enjoy her latest review just as much.

"Savage Blood" by Alex Chance

"Pray you don’t reach paradise" - Savage Island. An island where anyone unlucky to land on it never returns back to the mainland alive. A small tribe of cannibals, willing to kill anyone who steps foot on their land, inhabits it. Three strangers lives are going to be changed when they get to experience the island for themselves.

Dr Charlie Cortex treats a patient with a strange disease. Unable to save her, he later learns he may be infected with the same disease as his patient. He has to discover the source. Delving into his patients past, he discovers she spent time on the mysterious savage island and thinks maybe there he will find the cure…
Kelly Maelzel is blackmailed into helping with a mysterious project located on Savage Island. Someone wants to open up Savage Island to the world and needs Kelly’s help to control the natives…
Dr. Reeta Kapoor’s brother has gone off to Savage Island to stop the plans to colonize the natives; Reeta decides to go after him before he gets himself hurt…

The start of this book is gripping, the detailed descriptions of Savage Island and the natives themselves only adds to the mystery that surrounds them and makes you want to read more. The three individual stories are also interesting but it gets better when they merge at the end. However, the one problem I have with the three stories is the large amount of characters, at times I found there were too many characters to keep track of. I would therefore recommend you read this book in one go because if you leave too long a gap between reads, you can easily forgot which characters are linked to which other character’s story. Apart from that one negative, it is a really good read; it contains everything a good book needs, believable characters, a good story fueled by plenty of drama, suspense and mystery that will keep you interested.

ISBN: 978-0-434-01936-6

Ulovebooks.com would like to wish all their customers and friends a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

We hope you all had a wonderful festive period.

If the media are to be believed, it seems that e-book readers were high up on people's Christmas present lists this year. It is an interesting phenomenon in many respects and opinions are very divided amongst people we speak to as to whether or not e-books are good, bad or indifferent. What is for sure is that they are changing the book market for good at a frightening speed. We would love to hear your views on the whole e-book subject so, why not post your comments on our forum?

Here at Ulovebooks.com, things remain calm and unaffected by the e-book storm. We like “real” books and will continue to sell them to those who also like them!

Winter is definitely with us in the good old United Kingdom. Temperatures are dropping, the skies are grey and overall, probably the best hobby currently is curling up in front of the fire and reading your book!! Resident reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has been taking this advice and has come up with another review (thank you, Becky). This time, she has returned to one of her favourite authors, Nicholas Sparks. So, did she like his latest offering?

"Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks

Erin hates her life. She is stuck in a marriage to a man she no longer loves and he is someone who has slowly taken control over her whole life. After many months of saving what little money she is allowed, she takes a massive risk and runs away from her life. She ends up in Southport  where, to start with, she makes a point of avoiding making any relationships with the locals; she is scared and believes her husband will find her. As the weeks begin to pass by, Erin (who has now renamed herself Katie) gradually lowers her barriers towards other people. She starts getting friendly with Alex, a widower who runs the local shop. As Katie begins to fall in love with Alex, no matter how hard she tries, she can’t let go of her fears from her past. Then, when her husband finds her, life becomes extremely complicated.

I am a really big fan of Nicholas Sparks’s books. After finishing "Safe Haven" I have decided that it has to be one of my favourites. You can really connect with the main character of this book and experience her many emotions - from her pain to her happiness. At the beginning you feel really sorry for her but by the end, you want her relationship with Alex to work. I liked the fact that for the reader, the story didn't only focus on Erin's story. Some of the chapters also gave you an insight into her husband Kevin and how Erin’s disappearance had affected his life. Although this book can be labelled a romance, there is plenty of suspense and action, making this a very good book and one that I would recommend to anyone with a free afternoon. You wont be disappointed.

ISBN: 978-0-7515-4299-8
Paperback edition published in 2011 by Sphere

Its "back to the classics" for Becky Cleaver. We do like her regular choice of quality, classic books. Whilst it's always nice to explore new reading territory, it is just as good to get back to the classics (well, that's our opinion). So, what did she think of her latest piece of literature?

"Bleak House" by Charles Dickens

Esther Summerson has little knowledge of her parents. Brought up as an orphan, her life is changed when a stranger called John Jarndyce becomes her guardian. She moves into his house where she soon becomes Mr Jarndyce’s housekeeper. Also within the house are 2 wards in chancery, Ada and Richard, the three soon become close friends. Bleak House is a complex story with many unexpected twists and turns, which is what makes the book so good to read. The narrator of Bleak House is Esther. You get an insight into her life, the friends she makes, the love she feels for the doctor Mr Woodcourt and the intense feelings of Mr Guppy towards Esther. Esther is Mr Guppy’s whole world and he nicknames her ‘his angel’. You also get an insight into the life of sir Leicester Dedlock, Lady Dedlock and their lawyer Mr Tulkinghorn. Lady Dedlock has a well-kept secret from her past, which Mr Tulkinghorn is keen to discover. Later on in the book, we as readers discover the secret behind Esther’s birth and how her life is connected to that of Lady Dedlock.

Bleak House's complex story keeps you interested as a reader throughout its many pages; it is a very long book. However it’s many twists and turns with many different characters being introduced keeps you completely engrossed. Dickens introduces the many different levels of society, comparing the lives of Lady Dedlock and Joe the poor crossing boy when they meet halfway through the book. Dickens also introduces numerous emotions that you as the reader experience. You enjoy the relationship that develops between Ada and Esther, the further into the book you get; you see how much they come to rely on each other. You feel sorry for Joe, Dickens portrays his suffering throughout most of the book and you are really moved when the boy becomes ill and later on dies. This has to be one of my favourite books by Charles Dickens; the intricate story with its many characters makes the book very hard to put down and altogether makes Bleak House a really very good read.

Never let it be said that Becky Cleaver, Ulovebooks resident reviewer, doesn't vary her reading material. Her book experiences cover so many genres and time periods - obviously, she just simply loves reading! Well done Becky, keep up the good work. Her latest review covers a best-seller that has also been made into a very successful film:

"The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" by John Boyne

Bruno knows that his father is a very important man with a very important job. When his father is assigned to a new job, Bruno and his family have to relocate out of Berlin into the countryside. Whilst exploring one day, Bruno discovers a fence and a small person. The small person is a Jew called Shmuel. Over the weeks, a friendship develops between them. Bruno is curious about where Shmuel lives and is also interested in Shmuel’s clothing. Everybody inside the fence has a number, and Bruno believes Shmuel is part of a communal game. When Shmuel’s father goes missing, Bruno decides to go under the wire fence that has always kept them apart for so long, to help his friend.

The book touches shows the horrors of the holocaust and shows the awful conditions that the Jews had to face due to the Nazi’s during WW2 from a different perspective than normal. Although it is only a small book, it tells a very moving story with a very sad ending. The friendship between Bruno and Shmuel was enjoyable to read about in that, even in the worst possible times, the meeting of two people who should be enemies has the outcome of an innocent childhood friendship forming. I would recommend this book to read, it will make you feel many emotions the further into the book you get, happiness at Bruno and Shmuel’s friendship, anger towards the nazi’s and sympathy towards Shmuel’s suffering. A story that once read is not easy to forgotten.


ISBN: 978-0-552-77380-5
Black swan edition published in 2007

Well, Ulovebooks resident reviewer, Becky Cleaver has been busy reading again....this time, a recommendation from us. Its a book we really enjoyed - somewhat in the vein of Stephen King's "The Stand" and of a similar size. We thought it was a cracking good post-apocalyptic read but, what did Becky make of it ?

"The Passage" by Justin Cronin

This large book (over 900 pages) is clearly split into two parts. The first part of the book is based in 2017 and tells you the story of six-year-old Amy. Amy is chosen for an experiment to try out a virus that could benefit human kind. FBI Agent Brad Wolgast has to transport Amy to the base where she will take part in the experiment; he is against it from the beginning, based on the fact that she is only a child. When the experiment goes wrong, Amy becomes very important, as she is the only one who will be able to stop what is coming.

The second half of the story jumps 90 years into the future. A small colony of survivors cling to survival against the ‘Virals’, virals being people who no longer have a soul and are willing to kill any living thing. The defences used against the virals are slowly failing and the people are losing hope. The appearance of a small child called Amy is seen as a miracle. Many people have problems trusting her due to the fact that she has survived alone for so long against the deadly virals. A small group of colonists start the long journey to take Amy home as they believe she is the key to ending the Viral problem forever.

Firstly when reading this book, the character of the Virals is never really explained. Although we know how the virals are formed, we learn little about what they actually are or how they are affected ie. Whether or not they still have any human instincts left after being changed by the Virus. This is the only bad thing I could find about the book. The passage has a very gripping and eventful story with many twists and unexpected events that will keep you engrossed till the last page. Although "The Passage" is a very long book, it contains plenty enough of a story to keep you reading. The book has everything. Themes of hardship and the desperate struggle for survival. The inportance of friendship and family are stressed many times within the book and there is plenty of action and fights between human and virals. Altogether, this book is amazing. Don’t be put off by the size of it, you will not be disappointed and will more than likely find it very hard to put down once you have started. I personally can't wait for the next book to be published.


ISBN: 978-0-7528-8330-4
Published by Orion in 2011

Well, Becky Cleaver, the resident Ulovebooks reviewer, really does like to read books that have been turned into films. It is becoming quite a habit! Here's her latest read:

"Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Imagine witnessing something as a child, which you don’t really understand. Atonement tells the story of Briony who, one day, not only witnesses a commotion between her sister Cecelia and their gardener Robbie by the family fountain but later catches them together in the library. By the end of that night, all three lives will be changed forever based on Briony’s actions.

In the second half of the book, WW2 has hit Britain. Robbie, given the choice to stay in prison or defend his country, is sent to France where he witnesses the horror of war. We follow his desperate struggle to get to the coast, where the rumour is that there are boats waiting to transport the soldiers home. Cecelia, since that unforgettable night, has severed all contact with her family and we learn that she has trained as a nurse. And Briony? She has always regretted her decision to frame Robbie. We follow her story as she trains to be a nurse and witness the problems that nurses had to deal with. When Briony confronts Robbie and Cecelia at their flat, we see how sorry Briony is. But is it too late to make amends for the mistakes she made so many years ago…?

After this book was recommended to me, I thought I would enjoy it. I had already seen the film version but like always, I wanted to see if the book was better than the film. There were some good and bad bits to this book and also a surprise. Firstly, the surprise being the ending of the book. It was totally different from the film ending and wasn’t what I was expecting at all. Although I enjoyed the book ending, I actually preferred the way the film ended. The good points about this book were that you got a lot more detailed insight into the relationship between Robbie and Cecelia compared to the film. I also liked how the book was split into different character sections, so you got to read the whole character’s story in one go, which made them easier to follow. The one bad thing about the book was within Robbie’s chapters. Although it was interesting to read how his life had changed since he left prison, after a while his constant struggle to get to the coast became a little bit repetitive. I also found at times that there was too much detail in some chapters, which put me off slightly as sometimes it felt like the amount of description included wasn’t really necessary.

ISBN: 978-0099429791
Publisher: Vintage; New edition (2 May 2002)

The latest book review from Becky Cleaver goes back into bestseller territory. This time she has chosen "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown - a smash hit both in book and film form. So, what did she make of it?

“The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown

When Robert Langdon is called to Paris for an emergency, the last thing he expects is to end up prime suspect for the murder of the curator of the Louvre museum. Beside the dead body is a set of clues that will send Langdon down the path to discovering one of history’s most well known mysteries, the secret location of the Holy Grail itself. Sophie Neveu, the granddaughter of the murdered curator, aids Langdon. Between them and the Holy Grail, are many riddles and clues that have to be answered or the location of the grail may be lost forever. Not everyone wants the location of the grail to be revealed, however, as it’s finding would contradict teachings made by the church. Langdon and Sophie begin a desperate race against time to discover the final resting place of the Holy Grail.

Like with many of books I have read, after finishing the book, I decided that it was a lot better than the film, mainly because it was so much more detailed. Dan Brown has written it in such a way that the many interweaving story-lines of the characters are all easy to follow and enjoy. The suspense created after one code is unlocked and the next clue has yet to be cracked made the book interesting to read. The one downside to this book was that although it made it seem like Robert was essential to solving the clues to the Holy Grail, the amount of near-death experiences the two main characters faced was a bit over the top at times.
Overall, the book is a good read with its many clues and puzzles that will keep you guessing and wanting to read more to find out if they do locate the Holy Grail however at times, I found the book a little bit fanciful.

ISBN: 978-0-552-15401-7
Corgi edition published in 2004

Ulovebooks.com resident reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has been away on holiday. That did not, of course, stop her from reading. Apparently, she bought the subject of her latest review whilst she was away. So, did it add something to her holiday? Read on to find out!

“Stones of Fire” by C.M. Palov.

“Find the Ark of the Covenant or Die, let the Hunt begin.” This was a book that from the cover advertising alone sounded amazing, however after I had finished reading the book, it left me very disappointed!

800 years ago, a crusader came across a gold box, which he transported back to England and hid from the world. The only way of finding the Box’s hiding place would be by unlocking the secrets written within 16 cryptic lines.
In the present day, Edie Miller has just witnessed a gruesome murder and the theft of the Stones of Fire, an ancient breastplate that would protect you from the powerful force contained within the Ark of the Covenant. Edie’s life is now in terrible danger. Only with the help of Caedmon Aisquith, does Edie have any chance of staying alive while also trying to solve the riddle of the 16 cryptic lines to try and discover the location of the Ark of the Covenant before its too late. The safety of the world depends on Edie finding the box first. Let the Hunt begin…

At times, the story itself seemed ridiculous and totally unrealistic. The fact that two people can survive so many attempts to kill them by professional ex-soldiers didn’t seem possible. When reading this book, it seemed similar to the Da Vinci Code with its many codes/clues to follow and with the main characters always in dangerous situations, however this book could never be as good as the Da Vinci Code. Lastly, the ending was poor and again, seems very unrealistic. Overall, this wasn’t as good a book as I expected and a few times I almost gave up on it, only continuing because I thought it might improve. Unfortunately it didn’t!


ISBN: 978-0-141-04123-0
Published in 2009 by Penguin Books

Not that long ago, we reviewed "Under the Dome" by Stephen King - a book we thoroughly enjoyed. At the time, we thought we might pass the book on to resident reviewer, Becky Cleaver as we thought she might enjoy it as well. So, we did. Becky has just finished this considerable tome and here's what she thought of it:

"Under the Dome" by Stephen King

The town Chester Mill, Maine is changed forever when one day a dome seals them off from the outside world. No one trapped inside knows where the dome originates from and the people located outside are unable to break through it. Within 24 hours, things within the dome start to fall apart. After a few days, the police try to keep the peace with many new young recruits, which causes even more trouble in the town. Panic and riots soon come about and people start choosing sides. One side contains the town’s police; the other a small group of town’s people believing the local authority is just making things worse. This small group of people decide between themselves to try and find the cause of the Dome before society within the Dome breaks down completely.
"Under the Dome" is the first Stephen King I have ever read and it did not disappoint. There were many times when reading this book where I was sad to have to put it down. Stephen King uses a large number of characters and you get an insight into all their lives and also get to see how the Dome is affecting them individually. The book also includes many cliffhangers, which makes the book even more addictive to read. The only thing I would recommend with this book is try and read it over a few days and don’t leave it weeks before you carry on reading it. I would say this only because, as there are so many characters with their own individual stories, if you do leave too long a gap between readings, it can be hard to remember all of the different characters.


First published in Great Britain in 2009 by Hodder and Stoughton, paperback edition published in 2010.
ISBN: 978-0-340-99258-6

Well, it seems that our resident book reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has moved on from single books!! Her latest review is her second trilogy in a row. Does she have too much time on her hands? Hopefully, she will continue in the same vein.....as we do like reading her reviews! Here is her latest offering:

"Wolf of the Plains" by Conn Iggulden

"Wolf of the Plains" tells the life of the man who will become Genghis Khan. Temujin is the second eldest son to the Khan of the Wolf tribe. When his father dies in an ambush, Temujin and his family are banished from the tribe in the middle of winter. With his mother, 4 brothers and baby sister, the start of their banishment is hard. With no shelter and little food to hunt, Temujin and his brothers must pull together to make sure their family survives the harsh winter. Temujin wants revenge on the Wolf tribe and its new leader. On the plains, where his family are now forced to live, there are many small and isolated tribes with many different customs and leaders. In the "Wolf of the Plains", Temujin unites many of these isolated tribes to form a new nation. It is in this struggle to become powerful that Temujin becomes Genghis Khan. This first book really sets the story for the books to follow. The vivid descriptions of not only the camps of the tribes but also in the battles made the book such a good read and after finishing the first one, I couldn’t wait to start the next one.












"Lords of the Bow" by Conn Iggulden

Genghis Khan has managed to unite the tribes of the plains. They have now turned their attention to the Chinese Kingdom in the East. Genghis once again engages himself and his warriors in many battles, though now many of his successful tactics in war have to be changed as the defences of the Chinese are much more advanced to the defences Genghis had to face in the "Wolf of the Plains". The descriptions of these battles are just as good as the first book and when reading them, the amount of description makes the battles very easy to imagine. Many of the main characters continued to have major parts within this book but I also liked the fact that this book wasn’t solely based on Genghis and his developments, you got to see more of Genghis brother’s personalities and see how their characters develop when set against the new challenges they have to face. Like the first, this book did not disappoint.
         




"Bones of the Hills" by Conn Iggulden

With the successful campaigns against the Chinese empire completed, "Bones of the Hills" presents Genghis with his biggest challenge yet. The Indian empire in the west has started an uprising against Genghis, killing his ambassadors and challenging any emissaries sent. Genghis and his army must now travel to the West to face their biggest challenge in battle; it will either lead to Genghis’ biggest victory or will end in the Khan’s defeat. As well as this threat, Genghis also faces trouble within the tribes. His eldest sons have now grown to become generals within his army. I think this is what I enjoyed about this book, the first books focused more on the battles and victories that Genghis won while this book also focused on his family. The two eldest sons both want to inherit the role of Khan after Genghis is gone, it is the hardest choice that Genghis will have to make as he believes both may lead to the downfall of everything he has worked to achieve. Like the first two books, I really enjoyed reading this book and found it very hard to put down. This trilogy of books will definitely not leave you disappointed.













Wolf of the Plains ISBN: 978-0-00-720174-7, Published 2007
Lord of the Bow ISBN: 978-0-00-7201761, Published 2008
Bones of the Hills ISBN: 978-0-00-720178-5, Published 2008

 Here at Ulovebooks.com, we genuinely love to help people who self-publish and those who are just starting out on a literary career. So when we discovered that a friend of ours, Sally Wootton, had taken the "we've all got at least one book inside us" saying literally, we were only too delighted to be able to pass on the good news to the wider reading public. We at Ulovebooks aren't overly adventurous mainly for financial reasons (sob, poor book sellers!!). Our holidays normally revolve around the Mediterranean where a cheap and cheerful package holiday will give just about enough "R & R" to let us face the next 12 months!! Having read some of Sally's tales of adventure we don't think our holidays would suit her too well. Though, one does get the feeling that she probably sometimes needs a holiday to get over her holiday if you see what we mean.

Sally's book begins like this: ‘Mum, can I go to Greenland?’ I was just seventeen years old when I first got the travelling bug. I was at school, in the first year of my A-levels and had no real idea what I wanted to do with my life. I’d never been further than the South of France on holiday with my parents and that was quite exotic considering the years of caravaning on the Isle of Wight and Cornwall. Then one day as I sat looking out onto the rest of the school and listening to another boring assembly, something caught my attention. The British Schools Exploring Society was running expeditions to remote locations of the world and inviting young people aged sixteen to twenty-three to join. It would be for seven weeks in the summer holidays, you raised the money yourself through sponsorship and hard work and got to travel and see the world. I felt that little spark of excitement in the pit of my stomach, started imagining all the fantastic opportunities, already started planning how I could raise the cash and for the first time in my life I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to travel." And travel she did!

"Same same, but different" is a wonderfully personal account of Sally's travels. As she says "This book isn’t intended as a travel guide, or novel, but is a way of sharing my amazing travel experiences in Greenland, Australia, Southeast Asia, New Zealand and Colombia with others – those who have travelled and those who have yet to. But also to inspire those who’ve ever heard themselves say, ‘I’d love to travel’, but never thought they’d be able to, to realise that it is possible, if you really want it enough." Now that is inspirational!!

If you need something a little bit different to read and need a bit of inspiration, "Same same, but different" is definitely for you. You can currently purchase the book from pneumasprings.co.uk and we may offer it for sale on Ulovebooks.com in the near future. To quote Sally again "There is a beautiful world out there...what are you waiting for?"

Well, its our firm favourite here at Ulovebooks.com so, we were really pleased when our resident reviewer, Becky Cleaver, finally decided to "take the plunge" and give the series a go. Our apologies to Becky as she sent this review a week or so ago and we just haven't had time to upload it before now.......Sorry, Becky! We enjoyed "The Lord of the Rings" enough to have read it at least 3 times but, what did Becky make of it all? (and, yes, she has seen the film version)...............

"The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R.Tolkien

The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, wasn’t expecting to find a ring granting him long life and the power to disappear when on one of his many adventures. Many years after finding the ring, reluctantly on the advice of his friend Gandalf the Grey, he leaves the ring to his nephew Frodo before setting out on his next journey.
"The Fellowship of the Ring" starts with Frodo getting Bilbo’s ring. Unknown to him, is that the ring is the ring of lord Sauron, forged hundreds of years ago, a ring that would bring them all into darkness. Unable to keep the ring in the shire, Frodo is forced to take the ring to the elves, a dangerous adventure for little hobbits. Making it to Rivendale, it is here that the fellowship of the ring is created. Man, dwarf, hobbit and elf all swear to protect Frodo on his quest to Mordor, to destroy the one ring. Throughout this book, Frodo and his companions are faced with many challenges from once trusted allies and Sauron’s armies. The end of "The Fellowship of the Ring" shows the fellowship broken, Frodo and Sam have continued onto Mordor alone. This book is always going to be my favourite; it sets the scene for what is to come in the other books. I also think its my favourite because from the first pages, you are introduced and drawn into the magical world of hobbits. Out of all the characters from all the books, I believe that hobbits will always be my favourite. They may be small but they are brave and stand up to many bigger enemies for what is most important to them.

"The Two Towers" starts with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli chasing Uruk-hai, which have taken Merry and Pipen. Along the way they met the riders of Rohan and the White rider (Gandalf the grey who has been reborn after being lost in the first book). In this book we see the battle of Helm’s deep and the fight of the resistance against the armies of Saruman. The second half of this book is the tale of Frodo and Sam’s quest. Here the character of Gollum/ Smeagol is introduced as their guide through the dead marshes and up the secret stairs into Mordor itself. Again Frodo is faced with many difficult options - one of them being should he trust Gollum who would do anything to regain the one ring? What I liked about this book was that it was split into the 2 different stories of Frodo and Aragorn instead of interlinking them, which made it easier to read.

"The Return of the King" tells us that Aragorn, the ranger from the north is actually the rightful king of Gondor. In this last book, the main companions must now deal with the armies of Mordor. The battle of middle earth has begun. Here Aragorn must fulfil the allegiance with the men of the mountains, sworn to protect the king of Gondor and with the help of Gandalf prevent the city of Gondor from falling to Sauron. For Frodo and Sam, they are in the last part of their journey; they have to cross the land of Shadow to reach Mount Doom. With the ring finally destroyed, Sauron defeated and the armies of Mordor dead, peace is restored to Middle earth and the fellowship of the ring is broken completely as the companions break company to return to their homes. Like the second book, I liked the fact that the book was again split into the 2 different stories of Frodo and Aragorn.

Before starting these books, I had only ever seen the films of the Lord of the Rings. Although I think that the films are very good, I now can say that the books are so much better. Many scenes and characters within the books are not included within the films, which is why if you enjoy watching the films, you should definitely give these books a go.

Published as a Collins modern classic in 2001
The fellowship of the ring ISBN: 0-00-712970-x
The two towers ISBN: 0-00-712971-8
The return of the king ISBN: 0-00-712972-6

We couldn't agree with you more, Becky!! For anyone who has seen the films and liked them but hasn't read the books, give them a go. We are sure you will enjoy them.

So, books are dead are they ? Here at Ulovebooks.com, books are very much alive and will continue to be ! It seem that the net is full of predictions of doom for the published book and we're glad that at least one person has seen the importance of maintaining a record of the written word that isn't in digital format. It isn't all plain sailing for the "E-Book", either. Apparently spam is clogging up Amazon's Kindle store - Oh, dear...who would have believed that might happen??
Another fascinating "innovation" on the E-Book theme is the apparent ability for authors to "digitally sign" their E-Books. Really ? How does that work ? What exactly is the value of this feature ? We can't see any - apart from its "value" as yet another gimmick.
Do you get the feeling that we view E-Books and their associated gadgets as a complete triumph of marketing over good taste and common sense ? You would be correct !! That's not to say we won't be selling E-Books in the future but, we are currently considering starting the "Campaign for Real Books" (CARBS). Anyone wish to join as fellow founder members ?

Ulovebooks' resident reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has again been raiding the book shelves of her relatives in search of her latest read ! Clearly the college work is abating and she's got a bit more time on her hands. Good for her relaxation levels and great for us as she has more time to review her literary conquests. Keep up the good work, Becky !


"A Prisoner of Birth" by Jeffrey Archer

Danny Cartwright is jailed for 22 years after false testimony was given against him. Separated from his fiancé, he is sent to jail for killing his best friend Bernie. In fact, Bernie was stabbed to death by Spencer Craig who, backed by his friends, manages to get Danny sent to prison by giving false evidence against him. While in prison, Danny educates himself - motivated by his cellmates. After 2 years of being locked up, Danny is as determined as ever to exact revenge against Spencer and his friends. When Nick, one of Danny’s cellmates is found dead just weeks before being released, Danny assumes Nick's identity. With similar looks and accent, he is the first prisoner to escape the highest security jail in the land. The very first thing Danny wants to do is to make the men who put him in jail suffer for the years that he lost out on and seek revenge on Bernie’s behalf for his unnecessary death.

The thing I liked most when reading this book was the amount of detail that Jeffery Archer went into when describing Danny’s prison life, you get a real insight to what it would be like. The court-room scenes are exactly the same. The way they are so easily written, when you're reading them you can easily imagine yourself in the dock. The ending for me was totally unexpected, Spencer and his friends seemed firm on their decision to lie so, for one of them to change their minds at the end was totally unexpected but a nice way to finish the book. As it was recommended to me, I was unsure, but it was a book that I found very hard to put down once I had started it, I would recommend it to anyone interested in a good read, you won’t find it a disappointment.


ISBN: 978-0-330-46406-2
Published in 2008 by Pan Books

“Under The Dome” by Stephen King

Every now and again, I get the “need” to read a Stephen King book. I don't particularly know why. Maybe it is something akin to getting food cravings! When it comes to some well written escapism, I honestly feel that King takes some beating. As often happens, I was given “Under The Dome” as a present and had left it to one side in order that I could read it when I had time and when the mood took me. At 880 pages in paperback form, “Under The Dome” is one of King's larger projects and having read and enjoyed “The Stand” many years ago (which is a similar length), I was keen to read it.

“Under The Dome” was quite simply a “page turner”. In his normal style, King had me reading way past my bed time as I entered small-town Maine yet again. Strong characters, rather “different” plot, suspense, gore and some romance - “Under The Dome” had it all. I love the way King experiments with ordinary characters in extra-ordinary situations and “Under The Dome” did not disappoint. In many ways it is a “mature” book for King but, it is no less exciting for that. If you want pure escapism and a book that will insist that you read it at every available opportunity, “Under The Dome” is for you.

I think I may pass the book on to Becky Cleaver so that she can offer her opinion as well!

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
ISBN: 978 0 340 99258 6

Our latest book review by our veteran reviewer, Becky Cleaver, looks at a volume that was given away as part of "World Book Night" earlier in the year. We thought that it may be the sort of read that fired up Becky's imagination. So, were we right? Here's what she thought:

"Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Florentino Arizo is in love with Fermina Daza. Since their first meeting when he delivered a telegraph to her father, Fermina and Florentino constantly send letters to each other. When her father finds out about their secret relationship, he separates the young lovers. Many months pass and when Fermina is allowed home, she is a changed woman. She no longer cares for Florentino and ends their relationship. Heartbroken and alone, Florentino dedicates himself to his work and after many years becomes head of his uncle’s company. He never forgets the love he felt for Fermina who has since married Juvenal Urbino, a respected doctor. Many years pass and although they are brought together for many occasions, Fermina still believes she made the right choice. 50 years pass by and in a tragic accident Fermina loses her husband. Florentino believes fate has offered him another chance. Once again he offers Fermina his undying love from 50 years before. At first, still as stubborn as ever, Fermina is unable to accept such affection but over time realises that her life is no longer worthwhile unless Florentino is a part of it. Both are over 80 when they finally come together, they cherish what little time they have left together.

Overall, I didn’t think that this book was a good read. There were bits of the book that kept me interested but more than once I felt like giving up on it. The most interesting parts were the moments shared between Florentino and Fermina and how, after 50 years, they continue where they left off. They show that love has no age limit. The dedication and devotion felt by Florentino is amazing and constantly felt by the reader, he is loyal to her even when he discovers she has moved on. You have to feel a bit sorry for him, he spends his whole life pining for someone, his future is never certain and so he only lives for the day when he can be with her again.
However, I felt at times that this book was very repetitive and quite boring to read. Doomed to never have Fermina, Florentino starts many relationships with other women to try and comfort him. However, no matter how many relationships he starts, he loves none but her. So to end one relationship because she isn’t Fermina, it is then a bit boring to read about him continuing with other women in the same pointless relationships, you know they aren’t going to work out. Also, the ending is very sudden and for me didn’t end the story. It is a bit of a cliff-hanger - you want to know if their relationship continued and what became of them, did they actually remain together?

Love in the time of Cholera was an "ok" read if you are interested in reading about a tragic love story with a happy ending but for me, it isn’t a book that I would want to read again.

Published by Penguin books in 2007
ISBN: 978-0-0324-9

I thought it was about time one of the Ulovebooks staff wrote another review - we do read books, after all!!

I received a copy of “Alone in Berlin” by Hans Fallada from a relative last Christmas and just haven't had time to read it until recently. Whilst I am not really sure what I was expecting from the book (as I haven't read anything by Fallada before), I have to say that this was an extremely powerful read.
The story is based on a real case and tells the story of a married couple who undertake their own form of resistance against the Nazi regime in wartime Berlin. Against a back-drop of awful tension and constantly subject to suspicion by everybody, the Otto and Anna Quangel embark on a campaign of dropping postcards with anti-Nazi slogans in random places. These “small acts of defiance” they hope will encourage others to undertake similar measures in an attempt to bring down the regime. The book follows their progress and that of the investigation of their activities by Gestapo Inspector Escherich.
The book is certainly not a “feel good” read but, for those like me who are interested in the history of Nazi Germany and particularly in what it must have been like to live through those times, I can't help but feel that the book is about as accurate as it gets. The portrayal of the stifled atmosphere of fear and paranoia (most of which was quite justified) is impressive. The constant threat of betrayal by workmates, neighbours, and even family and friends is truly terrifying – particularly when one realizes that the result of such betrayal would have meant detention in a concentration camp or execution.
The author, Hans Fallada, lived through the Nazi regime and experienced his own suffering as a result. He died in 1947. The edition I read was published by Penguin Classics and contains some interesting biographical information on the author as well as a brief overview of the case upon which the book is based. I would certainly recommend “Alone in Berlin” as a really good read.....but, don't expect it to be a particularly happy one!!

Publisher: Penguin Classics.
ISBN: 978-0-141-18938-3

Review by "AB". Ulovebooks.com

Today, we welcome another review by Becky Cleaver. Its great to hear from her and just as great to hear that she is still reading (when she has time!). We believe that Becky has been raiding her father's book shelves again. In which case, she must have been reading a thriller, we feel. Here are her thoughts on it:

The Confession by John Grisham

In 1998, a local schoolgirl Nicole Pike is abducted, her body can’t be found. Police arrest Donte Drumm for the abduction; a local football star that many believed was having a relationship with Nicole. After hours of questioning, Donte Drumm confesses to her murder. He is charged and sent to death row. Many believe that he is guilty however Donte Drumm is an innocent man. The real murderer is Travis Boycotte. In 1998, he was the person who abducted Nicole, murdered her and hid her in a place where no one would ever find her.

Nine years pass and Donte Drumm has only four days left until his execution. Travis has had to live with his secret for nine years while he watched an innocent man get sent to prison in his place. Travis has a choice to make. He is already suffering from an inoperable brain tumour and so has little time to live. Travis is now willing to come forward and confess to the murder of Nicole, but with only four days to go, time is running out...

Firstly, I found this book very hard to put down. It’s an unusual storyline but one that will not disappoint you. You get a constant feeling of time running out as Donte’s execution creeps closer and it feels like Travis won’t succeed in time. I liked the fact that the book wasn’t told from just Travis’s point of view, one minute you are reading his story, then it easily switches to the stories of Donte’s lawyer, Donte, Nicole’s mother – you get an insight into all of their lives and how the execution is affected all their lives. An excellent read, you won’t be disappointed.

ISBN: 978-1-8460-5715-1
First published in Great Britain in 2010 by Century

Sometime book reviewer, "H" has been busy again. This time, she's been reading the book of a favourite film. Always a slightly dangerous hobby ! One never quite knows which version one is going to like best.....in our experience, it is often the book that is better than the film (but, not always). So, what did she think of this one...

“P.S. I Love You” by Cecelia Ahern

The film version of “P.S. I Love You”, starring Gerard Butler and Hilary Swank, is one of my very favourite 'chick flicks'. So, I could hardly wait to get stuck into the book.

Holly and Gerry are Irish childhood sweethearts. When Gerry passes away suddenly, as a result of a brain tumour, Holly is devastated. She cannot face the outside world and retreats into her “shell”,avoiding everyone including her family and friends. One day, Holly collects a package from her mother, it contains ten letters that Gerry wrote to her before his death. His accompanying guide requires her to read one a month. Each letter contains instructions of something that she should do. These are things the normally subdued Holly would never have done if Gerry were alive, including singing at a karaoke night. But, Holly abides by her beloved husbands wishes. As a result, Holly meets new people and finds a job. She also parties with friends and goes on holiday with 'the girls'. Holly also ends up meeting another man. All this in spite of the fact that her conscience struggles with a new romance.

Holly wants to stay true to her husband, but his message is clear - live an independent life and be happy - with his blessing.

If you are going to read this book, read it before you watch the film as I was slightly disappointed – I enjoyed the film more !

If classic detective novels are your thing, then P. D. James novels must be on your reading list. "H" has kindly sent us this book review after having read "Devices and Desires" yet again (apparently, its a favourite!!).

“Devices and Desires” by P. D. James

Commander Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard inherits a Mill from an Aunt in Larksoken, a remote headland on the Norfolk coast. Dalgleish, a published poet, has recently finished his latest book. Dalgliesh is a solitary man and welcomes the opportunity to visit the Mill and sort out his inheritance. Dalgliesh is, of course, unaware that there is a serial killer at large - known locally as 'The Whistler'. The killer targets women at night on the lonely coast and the entire community is living in fear.

DI Rickard's, a former colleague, is aware of Dalgliesh's visit to the area and asks him for advice and guidance on the case. Not wanting to interfere with the case, he acts as a interested onlooker. Dalgliesh finds it difficult, though, to isolate himself from the affairs of the locals and then finds a body - that of Hillary Robarts, acting administrator at the local power station. Hillary is unpopular throughout the book, most of the characters having strong reasons to dislike her. Hillary's murderer, it transpires, cannot be 'The Whistler'. It has to be a copy cat killer.

There are numerous characters in this book but all of them are introduced by James in a clear way, and each is very well defined. There are many twists and turns to the plot and the book will keep you reading well past your bedtime........you have been warned !!!

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Our intrepid young book reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has returned to the classics....and what a classic!! Something of a monster of a book that was translated into a major movie starring Charlton Heston, Becky has ploughed her way through "Ben Hur". A book that we have never read ourselves, we wonder what she made of it !?! Find out here:

"Ben Hur" by Lew Wallace

I had only ever watched the film of Ben Hur so had no idea how good this book would be. After finishing it, even though I enjoyed the film, I believe the book is so much better. I would therefore recommend to anyone who has watched the film and enjoyed it, to give the book a go, you will be rewarded with a remarkably detailed story interlinking the story of Ben Hur with the story of Christ.

The book begins by telling us of the journey of the three wise men present at the birth of Jesus. Their stories of following the star from the East to finally being able to worship the Messiah. Throughout the following chapters, you then get snippets told of Jesus as he grows up and the kind of miracles he starts to perform.

Ben Hur, a Jewish Prince who in just one day, loses his family, his home and his life, condemned by Messala, a Roman who was once Ben Hur’s childhood friend. Banished for life to work in the galleys he is rewarded for his hard work after three years by a Roman general. When their boat is overturned in battle, Ben Hur saves the General's life who rewards Ben Hur by adopting him as his only son and heir. Ben Hur’s his only thought now is of getting revenge on his old friend Messala. When both are entered for a chariot race, Ben Hur wins triumphant at Messala’s ruination. Returning to Jerusalem to find his family, he returns to his family home to discover nobody knows what happened to his mother and sister. Three years earlier, they had been arrested and put in prison for life sentence. Whilst in prison, they had become infected with leprosy and were later banished from the city. Ben Hur’s only hope now is to help the man the people called the Messiah, a man with God’s powers. Ben Hur had already witnessed some of the miracles the messiah performed. When two lepers are found by the side of the road, the Messiah cures them helped by their faith in God. The two lepers are Ben Hur’s lost family members and are restored to him healthy and happy to be alive. The story ends when Ben Hur and Jesus’s stories collide again for the last time in Christ’s crucifixion. Ben Hur sees Christ nailed to the cross and witnesses his last moments on Earth.

Ben Hur is a remarkable book, one that I am glad that I have had a chance to read. The interweaving stories of Ben Hur and Jesus make this one of the best books I have ever read. The sense of determination of one man, seeking revenge on old enemies whilst supporting the work of the saviour in the hope of one day finding his family, makes Ben Hur’s story unforgettable. I would recommend this book for all ages, a timeless classic of a story that once read, is not easily forgotten. 

First published in 1880. This copy published in 1998 by the Reader’s Digest Associated Limited.

Today, we are pleased to publish a review by someone new to book reviewing. It is always a bit daunting when doing this sort of thing for the first time so, thank you to "H" who wishes to remain anonymous for reasons that will become obvious!! Thank you for taking the time to write.

"The Story of my Father" by Sue Miller

 Sue Miller, a talented author, usually of fiction, tells the story of her beloved fathers Alzheimer's disease. From the first day he ended up in a police cell, confused and lost - to the end, her fathers inevitable death. Miller writes about how she and her family (her fathers primary carers) had to watch him deteriorate.  She tells how she helped him renovate his house during his illness, which turned into a complete disaster.  He never lived there due to his deterioration. She and her family finally decide to institutionalise her father.  She set out to find a place for him to come and go as he pleased.  This proved to be a mistake, when he went to the symphony and decided to leave before it finished.  This was the first of many nights she and her husband spent searching the streets of Boston for her demented father. He moved to another level of care, then another, soon becoming unable to do anything for himself.

Miller writes in a way that explains how, apart from a few exceptions, how people treated him in a dehumanising way, such as speaking about him as if he wasn't in the room or within listening range. Millers father was a former Minister and his previous behaviour is discussed long before his diagnosis.  Miller explains her father had been a patient man with a quiet demeanour - she viewed her father as a kind, non judgemental man. However, she wonders if the etiology of these traits were the beginning of the disease.

Miller wrote this book to explain Alzheimer's and what its like for a family member to deal with the disease, and sadly inevitable death. You read, how caring for her father, visiting him almost every day until the end, even though he no longer recognised her takes its toll on Miller and her family. The author is one of the very few people, in my experience, who coped very well with the illness.  Many patients are not visited for years, as their family and friends  pre-Alzheimer's are unable to accept or cope with the disease.

This book was of particular relevance to me as I work in with those who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease. When my patients have visitors, no matter how advanced the disease, I can see an inner peace, if not a slight sign of recognition. I imagine in some ways it is like working with anybody with a terminal illness.You laugh, you sing, you dance, you cry, you bond, you love, but if there is a difference, it is that you also have to accept the violence and the total lack of your patients understanding of basic human needs and functions.

I can have the most wonderful conversation with a patient and seconds later I am a total stranger to them, looked at with distrust and distaste, becoming the object of their often violent outbursts. When my patients arrive, they usually come with very little possessions, usually a few items of clothing, maybe a few unnamed old photographs.  Sometimes, if they're lucky, they even have their own personal wash bag! Oddly though, they very often have a small mirror (I've still not quite figured out why.....yet). All I know about my patients when they are admitted normally comes from Medical Records, Social Workers or Police reports.....if they are lucky enough to have any friends or family left, i sometimes get a brief history of their lives. I, and all of my colleagues work tirelessly to understand and recognise each individuals needs, but we don't know the person Pre Alzheimer's.  This is a further step in their lives, a step into the unknown, the dark depressing world of a very cruel illness.

Whilst "enjoy" might not be the right description of my feelings whilst reading "The Story of my Father", I have recommended the book as a must read to my colleagues as part of their ongoing training. It is also an extremely interesting book for anyone who has a relative suffering from the condition.

Our book-worm reviewer, Becky Cleaver has been reading different material again.....and she does get through a book a quite a pace!! We thought we were avid readers but, Becky beats us hands down. So, thank you, Becky for your enthusiastic appreciation of books and for your dedicated review writing. Here's what Becky thought of her latest read:

“When Will There be Good News” by Kate Atkinson.

When Joanna is six years old, she witnesses her mother, sister and brother being murdered. Thirty years pass and she has finally come to terms with her past, moved on and started a family of her own. However, the man responsible for her family’s murder has just been released from prison. Reggie is sixteen and is the nanny of Joanna’s baby. Reggie doesn’t know about Joanna’s past but soon becomes worried when Joanna disappears without a trace with her baby. Yet it seems that Reggie is the only one truly worried about what might have happened to her. “When will there be good news” tells the story of Reggie, facing up to the ghosts of her past and facing up to the future, trying to find the two people she cares about most.

When reading this book, you get a constant feeling of the unexpected with its many twists in the story. That make it very hard to predict what would occur in the next chapter. I also liked that each chapter is told from another character’s view whether it be Joanna, Reggie or the chief inspector in charge of Joanna’s missing person report. You get an insight into the different backgrounds these people come from. My favourite character is Reggie, she is someone who you immediately feel sorry for when reading about her. She hasn’t had the best of lives but she is trying to make the best of what she has. I also like the way that she interacts with Joanna, it’s the perfect mother-daughter relationship that Reggie deserved but seems was never allowed before in her early life. The only problem with this book is because each chapter talks about a different character, many characters overall are introduced within this book. With each character having their own story, which sometimes overlaps with other character’s stories, the book is at times confusing to read. I found that I was sometimes mistaking one character for another. A good book overall, but can be quite confusing at times.

ISBN: 978-0-552-77245-7
First published in Great Britain in 2008 by Doubleday

One of the rather peculiar features of dealing in books is the volume of unsaleable volumes one ends up with. Whilst book dealers with retail premises can obviously have a "50p shelf" or a box for giving away books that are surplus to requirements, dealing online means disposing of surplus titles can be a bit of a problem !
In the past, we have tried giving books to charity shops but, in our experience, they seem to have some quite strange and arbitrary policies relating to the type of stock they will take. This has meant that we have often not been able to give them to the shops we have approached - weird but true !
Simply throwing books out or taking them to the tip goes completely against the grain - presumably this is something in a book lover's genes ?
So, time and again, we have puzzled over what to do with these unfortunate tomes that are really too good to pulp but, not worth the time, effort and postal costs to list on the internet.
Well, we think we may have come up with a local solution. Having come across the rather interesting Bookcrossing website, we are now "setting free" our surplus books at Clarke's Farm Shop, Willand. Yes, that's right, you can pick up FREE books along with your fruit and veg !!
So, if you would like some free reading material (though we cannot guarantee what is on offer at any particular time), pop in to Clarke's. If yu want to rate the book afterwards or you would like to track its "travels", just use the unique reference number on Bookcrossing.
Happy reading !!!

We are under the impression that our book reviewer Becky Cleaver has probably enjoyed her latest read - she certainly read it quickly!! A recommendation by us, it was a bit different to her recent reading material so, we couldn't be sure what the reaction would be. Here's her verdict:

"Prisoners of Santo Tomas" by Celia Lucas

People nowadays know just how badly the Japanese treated their prisoners of war during World War 2. This book reinforces this knowledge. It tells the true and detailed story of Isla Corfield and her daughter Gill, prisoners of war who were forced to spend four years within the Santo Tomas camp. It is here that Isla begins to keep a diary, to remember her time and memories within camp but what would have cost Isla her life if the book were ever found.

Through the diary, you get an insight into the hardships Isla, her daughter and her friends must have faced. With rationed food, no medicine or money, you can’t even begin to imagine how hard life must have been for them. In 1944, Isla and her friends are offered new hope in the form of Los Banos, a camp where conditions are meant to be ten times better than those of Santo Tomas. However, conditions there are worse and it is here that you see the desperation of Isla, trying to keep herself and Gill from starving to death. When reading this book, you realise the everyday little things that we take for granted now like food, medicine, even soap, how desperate they were then for these things. As you progress through this account, you feel pity and sorrow for all those innocent people who must have suffered at the hands of the Japanese. This is truly an amazing story of how one woman tried to save those she cared about from going mad from lack of food, protecting the small amount of possessions they collect over the years and the hope that one day they would be released and the war would be over. An emotionally moving yet fascinating read that grip you until the end

ISBN: 0 85052 166 1
First published in Great Britain in 1975

Our resident book reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has been quite busy since the New Year so, hasn't been reading as much as she normally does. We understand that such annoyances as college course work and earning money have had to take priority. So, after a short break, here is Becky's first review of 2011. We will, of course, look forward to more throughout the year.

"Lost Innocence" by Susan Lewis

Alicia Carlyle has everything, a loving husband, two children and an expanding business in London. Yet everything changes when Alicia discovers that Craig has been having an affair with her brother’s wife Sabrina. Hoping to put the past behind them, Alicia and Craig soon begin to move on. When everything seems back on track, Alicia’s heart breaks again as Craig dies suddenly. No longer being able to support her family in London, Alicia and her children must move to Alicia’s hometown Holly Wood, to start a new life. The only problem, Holly Wood is the town in which her brother and Sabrina live. Once again, the two families are locked together with the memories of the past always overhanging them.

For me, there were some good and bad points about this book. Starting with the positive, I liked the fact that this book isn’t written from just the main character’s point of view, you get an insight into all the characters present feelings and emotions. I also liked the continual flashbacks into the past looking at how the characters developed after the affair. Lastly, I enjoyed the fact that Susan Lewis gets you so involved with the character's stories because the story is believable. She takes everyday problems and showings how everyone can be deeply affected by them. However, I did find that there were some problems with this book. Firstly, I found that parts of the story were rather drawn out and at times I found myself losing interest in the book. Also, I found the story was a bit predictable and boring, Sabrina’s and Alicia’s relationship was the main problem, after a few meetings which always ended in disaster, their repetitive ongoing battle got a bit boring to read about after a while.

ISBN: 978-0-099-52566-0
First published in Great Britain in 2009

We would like to take the opportunity to wish all our customers, visitors, family and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New year. Thank you all for your continued and valued support. We look forward to providing you with excellent products and service throughout 2011.

In her most recent book review, Becky Cleaver returns to one of her more familiar themes in terms of reading - relationships and the meaning of life. Not that it's a problem - we're sure everyone is searching for the meaning of life!!

"Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert.

After surviving a messy divorce and ending a rebound relationship, Elizabeth’s can’t feel any worse. She is determined to improve her life, mend her broken heart and recover from the past two years. So begins her journey to rediscover herself. Starting in Italy, she is in the pursuit of finding pleasure, through making friends, learning a new language and plenty of Italian food. In India, she is in pursuit of devotion, purifying herself through prayer. Lastly, in Indonesia she finds the true meaning of balance to her life and it is here, she learns she is ready to love again.

The fact that this book is a true story based on the author’s own experience of divorce and how she deals with it makes this book an incredible read. How far one woman is prepared to go in search of happiness? I enjoyed the fact that this book dealt with many realistic issues: divorce, relationships, creating friendships and love but also self discovery, things that everyone has to go through at some time in their life. There are three sections within the book, one section each dedicated to Italy, India or Indonesia, making each country distinct and unique in Elizabeth’s journey. However I found that India and Indonesia were more enjoyable to read than Italy. Only because, in my opinion, Italy were based more on the countries and the sights, while India and Indonesia, were based more on Elizabeth and her journey to achieving true happiness. A book containing everything a good read should contain, sorrow, pain, honesty, humour, love, happiness. This book will take you on an emotional journey, by the end, you feel as though you have personally joined Elizabeth on this incredible journey for happiness.

ISBN: 978-1-4088-0936-5.

Paperback edition published in Great Britain by Bloomsbury publishing in 2010.

Our resident book reviewer, Becky Cleaver recently asked us to provide some "fresh" reading material for her. Apparently, she had exhausted her Dad's supply of thrillers and was looking for something a bit "different". Obviously we obliged but, what did she make of our autobiographical suggestion? Read on to find out......

"Not just a Berkshire Farmer" by Bert Houghton

Don’t get put off reading this book by just taking in the title, it is a book that contains so much more than just farming. This book tells the life of Bert Houghton, trying to make it as a farmer, the only thing he had always wanted to be after growing up under his successful father, also a farmer, Bert wanted to carry on this family tradition. This book covers Bert’s childhood years to old age, describing how he learnt unbeaten ways of farming from his father. Bert's story also includes his time spent fighting in WW2 in the home guard to service with the Royal Air Force, to then come home and deal with the struggles of starting his own farm, getting married and starting a family. Bert continually highlights the fact of how far farming has developed from the early 1920’s when the only thing available for power was shire horses as well as how modernised farming has become today. Lastly, the book describes many farming experiences from cattle markets to hay making and rick building, but each of these experiences are described in such a simple way so that even someone who hasn’t a clue about farming can understand them. A book describing the real life problems and triumphs of one man, trying against everything, to follow his dreams of becoming a successful farmer. Give this book a go; you won’t be disappointed by it.

ISBN: 0 9514193 0 7

Published in 1998.

Our reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has been busy as always. But, not too busy to take in another good book. That is, we hope its was a good book!! We got the distinct impression that Becky didn't much like the last book she read. So, what did she think of this one?

"The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd

In terms of recent books, this has been one of my favourite to read. It tells the story of 14-year-old Lily Owens, who will always carry with her the fact that she accidentally killed her mother 10 years before. Lily has very few memories of her mother and so has become completely dependant on T.Ray Owens, her unloving father. The theme of racism is continually connected with Lily’s story, firstly when she must release her coloured carer Rosaleen from prison. Unable to survive any longer with her father, Lily decides she will follow the one clue her mother left her, a small picture of a black Madonna, to discover more about her. What she discovers are 3 sisters, May, June and August Boatwright. Again the theme of racism is introduced as some believe Lily is lowering her standards in accepting the charity of a bed, food and a job, offered by these 3 coloured sisters. It is here that Lily learns the truth about her mother but also finds love and acceptance, something she has never really known before, from the 3 sisters.

This book tackles many problems - racism, child abuse, mental health issues and emotions, yet they don’t take over the story. Instead, they make it better as most of the problems raised can be classed as everyday problems. I think maybe at times the story may have been a little too perfect. Bad things only occur outside the little world Lily has created at the Boatwright’s house. However this is the only thing I could find wrong with this book. It was an enjoyable book to read. The story is both emotional and moving with some historical context. Overall, a very good book.

ISBN: 978-0-7472-6683-9

Published 3^rd March 2003 by Headline Review

In amongst her studying our reviewe,r Becky Cleaver, has found time to get stuck into some good old detective fiction. So, what did she make of one of the Rex Stout "classics" ?

"The Mountain Cat Murders" by Rex Stout

Delia Brand and her sister have never been very lucky, within two years they have lost both parents, their father murdered, their mother a suicide. Now Delia has been framed for the murder of her father’s business partner Dan Jackson, killed with her gun and ammunition bought only that morning. To clear her name, Delia has to discover the clues left from after her father’s unexplained death to solve the murder of Dan Jackson. Though Delia may not like what she finds, for the person who is responsible for everything is someone very close to her

There are some good but also bad points about this book. The good point being the deeply felt emotions portrayed by the characters, the loyalty between the two sisters, the love between Delia and Ty, her lawyer. Also the fact that it interlinked Delia’s past and present and the way she, as a character, had to deal with the unknown facts behind her parents deaths, made it slightly more interesting to read. However, I think that there are some bad points to the book as well. Apart from the few main characters, the amount of extra inspectors and police characters dealing with the murder, at times confused me when trying to remember who was who. Secondly, I felt that some of the chapters themselves were either too drawn out, I lost interest in some of them but also that parts of them where not even that relevant to the story. Lastly the ending, although not predictable, wasn’t that good for me . Throughout the book, you get the feeling everything will be revealed in the last few pages and this feeling of suspense is building in every chapter, bu then disappears in the last few chapters leading to a boring ending. For me, it’s the kind of book where you feel as your reading it, it may improve and so you continue with it. Unfortunately, as it turns out, it doesn’t get that much better by the end.

ISBN: 0-553-25879-6
Bantam reissue edition - 1993

Our reviewer, Becky Cleaver seems to have been raiding someone else's bookshelf again !! Her latest review certainly isn't "chic-lit", modern or classic. Still, she seems to have quite enjoyed it......

"Pacific Vortex" by Clive Cussler

‘Do not search for us, it can only end in vain’.
This is the last diary entry of the captain of the Starbuck, a nuclear submarine being tested in the Pacific Ocean. Only problem is that the Starbuck has vanished, leaving no distress signals, no survivors, no wreckage. A total mystery. When Dirk Pitt finds the diary with this message and the last co-ordinates of its set course Dirk sets out to find out the truth of the disappearance.
What Pitt doesn’t realise is the more that he is drawn into this mystery, the more danger he puts himself in. Using the co-ordinates left by the captain, Pitt soon stumbles across a bank of dense mist as far as the eye can see. The mist covers the dark secret of the pacific, a graveyard of all kinds of ships, new and old, all sunk for no apparent reason. Yet, the reason soon becomes clear to Pitt, when his ship is boarded by the mystery that makes up the Pacific Vortex.

To find out that this was the first book that Clive Cussler wrote about Dirk Pitt interested me enough in wanting to read it, I have enjoyed many of Dirk Pitt’s adventures but wanted to know how he started off. This book is far from disappointing. It is packed full of action, including many scenes that will have Pitt fighting for his life yet he always finds time to play the hero. Dirk Pitt is a character who will always surprise me, an everyday person who enjoys his job, someone who is fiercely loyal to those who work around him but most importantly, someone who always seems to make it out of the most impossible situations alive. The only let down with this book would have to be the last few chapters, they didn’t seem as gripping as the rest of the book to me, yet overall, definately a book to read.

ISBN: 978-0-7515-0503-0
First published in Great Britain by Sphere Books 1983.

In spite of a heavy study schedule and work commitments our book reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has come up with some new reading material. Her latest review follows:

"The Waitress" by Melissa Nathan

Katie Simmonds doesn’t know what she wants out of life. Does she want to be a teacher? A psychologist? An actress? In reality she is a waitress, something she doesn’t really enjoy but, it pays the rent. With a boss from hell and the same old customers every day, Katie feels she is getting nowhere in life.
At a friend’s engagement party she thinks she meets the man of her dreams, yet, that is before she gets to know him. Luckily for her, it was a one off meeting. That is, until her boss decides he is going to sell up, to the last man on earth Katie wishes to see again. Now, not only is she stuck seeing Dan every day, he is also her boss. Day 1, the disagreements begin and Katie knows her life can’t get much worse.

Reading the book, you definitely relate to many of the problems in life that Katie must face; an overwhelming family, friends who are loving and always there for you but also the everyday problems of work, relationships and disappointments. Although, from the very beginning, the ending is very predictable (the girl gets the man of her dreams), this book will keep you guessing and hoping for that outcome until the very end which was something I really enjoyed. I also enjoyed the fact that there are many sub-stories involving Katie’s friends and her boss so you get an insight into the lives of the people most important to Katie. Overall, an amazing and comedy filled read, a book that will have you laughing at all the little disasters Katie encounters before finally getting the ending she deserves. Comparing it to other Melissa Nathan’s books, this is by far my favourite. You won’t be disappointed.

ISBN: 0-09-942798-2
Published by Arrow in 2004

ULoveBooks.com has just heard that "Book and Magazine Collector" is to cease publication with the next issue published on November 18th. Although, we have been unable to confirm this as yet, the information comes from a reliable source.
No doubt this news will disappoint a lot of people - including ourselves. Published by Warner Group Publications, the magazine has provided a steady stream of fascinating articles, coverage of book auctions, lively letters and much more for many years.
If the news is indeed correct, the loss of this magazine will be widely felt by book collectors and dealers alike.

In spite of a busy schedule, our book reviewer Becky Cleaver has still managed to find time for some reading for pleasure. Her latest review features a favourite author of hers.

"A Gathering Light" by Jennifer Donnelly

Mattie Gokey has never had an easy life. With her mother dying when she is still young, Mattie promises her that she will never abandon her sisters and father and takes on the responsibility of looking after her family. Yet Mattie has a dream, she wishes to go to New York and make something of herself as a writer. Sadly, her dream can never become reality. She must learn the bitter disappointment of being let down in life, for she knows she can’t break her promise to her mother. Things change, however, when a young woman is found to have drowned in the local lake. Mattie learns through the dead woman’s letters, of the hard life she led and that the woman’s life isn’t that different from her own. Now Mattie has an important decision to make, one involving her past, her present and most importantly, her future.

This book was the Carnegie Medal winner for 2003 and it is rightly deserved. A Gathering Light is a moving and very emotional read while also containing historical truth. By including the true story of Grace Brown’s murder and constantly comparing it to the life of Mattie Gokey made the book an even more interesting book to read. When reading A Gathering Light, my favourite character is Mattie. Being raised from a poor family, she has such big dreams for herself and yet she is willing to put them aside, to compromise her future, to keep the promise to her dead mother of looking after her younger sisters and overworked father. Throughout the whole book, you get to know the true meaning of promises being made and broken, heartache, dreams and first love but most importantly, being loyal to yourself and to those closest to you. A book that I ended up enjoying greatly and did not want to end. A definite recommended read.

ISBN: 0-7475-7063-9
First published in Great Britain in 2003 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC. This edition published in 2004.

Whilst time is still at a real premium for our book reviewer, Becky Cleaver, she has still found a small amount of spare time to devote to her favourite hobby. Here are her thoughts on the latest novel:

"Fortune’s Rocks" by Anita Shreve

Olympia Biddeford is fifteen when her father brings her to Fortune’s Rocks for the summer. It is in this summer that she will grow up and fall in love. For when the famous writer John Haskell comes to stay with his family, none of them predict the consequences. Olympia and John fall in love and yet society would see this as crazy as she is not old enough to know love, while John is already married with children. Yet through the summer, a passionate affair begins between them and when it becomes known to both families, the after-effects are devastating for everyone.

Starting out, I thought this would be a book that I would really enjoy however in the last few chapters my opinion changed. Although many moments in the book kept me interested, the intense story that had been building at the start of the book had sort of disappeared by the end. Olympia and John’s love for one another is the kind of love all couples want, yet theirs will result in all sorts of problems, age and society being the main two, while they are still willing to fight for their love. However, after the scandal of their relationship had been told, I felt there wasn’t much left to the book. The fight for Olympia’s child (which took up a large chunk of the book), winning the court case and then freely give back the child to its adoptive parents. Although, in the book, Olympia thought it was the right thing to do for me it just was pointless to go into the affair in such depth if that was the outcome. The one good thing about the book is that, when reading it, the portrayed emotions that are always present give a real insight into Olympia and I enjoyed seeing her develop in herself and her feelings change from those of a child into those of a responsible adult.

ISBN: 0-349-11276-2
First published in 2000 Abacus, this edition published in 2001

In spite of an increased college workload, our resident young book reviewer, Becky Cleaver, manages to read a few pages on her bus journey each day. A true book lover !! The subject matter this time is a relatively recent best seller which has already spawned several sequels and a major film. Here's what Becky thought about it:

"Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding

Stop smoking. Form functional relationship. Lose weight. Improve career. These are the new years resolutions of Bridget Jones. Bridget has never been lucky in life, but she believes this year will be different. She believes she will stick to her new years resolutions and get her life back on track. But when she is cheated on by her boyfriend and resigns from her job, her life couldn’t get much worse until she finds out her parents have, for a time, split up. With only her friends for comfort, Bridget knows this year is going to be tough. Will she ever find a man who she can spend the rest of her life with, can she finally give up smoking. Can she stick to her new years resolutions or will this year be the same as all the others?

To any woman who has ever had problems in relationships, their jobs or their family, I would recommend you read this book! It portrays perfectly, the struggles of a single yet optimistic woman, who only wants to improve her life. From the first page, this book will have you hooked; you will be unable to put it down. Throughout the book, I found I was unable to stop myself laughing at all the disasters that Bridget experiences and yet I also sympathised with her. She is only trying to improve her life but goes about it all the wrong way. Because of the fact that it is written in a way that each new day is a new diary entry you get a real feeling for Bridget’s day-to-day struggles. As I had only ever seen the film version, I wasn’t sure whether the book would be any good, I was wrong, Although the film is funny, the book is so much better which is why I would recommend you give it a go. Experience Bridget Jones’s highs and lows, and be glad for her when she finally finds her perfect man.

ISBN: 0-330-33277-5
This edition published 1997 by Picador

Well, our reviewer Becky Cleaver has decided to dip her toes into the ocean of non-fiction. Maybe bored with romance? Maybe tired of the Classics? We're not sure quite what the reason is but, more importantly, what did she think of it?

"Last Man Down" by Richard Picciotto

9/11 is something that will never be forgotten. Emergency services trying to save as many people as possible with no thought to their own safety or even their lives.
Richard was one of the fire fighters on duty when the first tower was hit. He was put to work in the North Tower, to reach floor 26 where 60 civilians were trapped. Whilst trying to complete the rescue, a sound like ‘ a thousand runaway trains, the thunder of a rock slide, or even thousands of wild beasts’, a sound that was hard to describe but what felt like was coming right towards them, filling all of them with fear. The ‘Sound’ was the South Tower collapsing and when this information becomes known to the fire fighters, they realise that the North Tower could collapse as well.

Richard knew he had to get his fire-fighters out of there and so he ordered another evacuation to all emergency services from the North tower. However, his fears became reality when the North Tower collapsed above them, killing hundreds and trapping many people. When reading this book you get a real insight into just how bad the situation really was. Richard realises now, how close he came to dying that day. When reading this book your heart goes out to all the families who lost someone that day.

What I think I enjoyed most about this book was the fact that is was written by someone who was there, in the heart of it so you got a first hand account of every emotion and thought that was felt and every action that was carried out. This book is dedicated to the 343 fire fighters that were willing to risk their lives to save others and who unfortunately never made it out alive. An exceptional read.

This edition published in 2002 by BCA

After a brief romantic interlude, it was "back to the classics" for our book reviewer, Becky Cleaver. Just returned from the wilds of Wales, here's what Becky thought of her latest book choice.

"Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen

When their father dies, the Dashwoods are forced to move from their home to a small cottage in Devonshire. Elinor’s heart is set on Mr Edward Ferrars, while the charming Mr Willoughby soon captivates Marianne’s heart, even though he is totally unsuitable for her. Yet both sister’s learn the true meaning of losing their loved ones, for they live within a society where status in society makes the rules of love. Will Elinor get her deserved happy ending? Does Marianne truly love Willoughby, or does her heart belong to Colonel Brandon, a friend made in Devonshire, who has loved her since their first meeting?

To me, Jane Austen has to be one of the better classical writers. She creates happiness, heartache, revenge and passion for all her characters, which at some stage, they have to experience. Sense and Sensibility includes all these emotions but also you get a strong feeling of family devotion and loyalty mainly between the two eldest sisters. Something I enjoy with Austen’s books is that no matter how much her characters suffer throughout her book, come the end, they always get what they rightly deserve, which is normally a happy ending to those who have suffered most. Although, I felt that the book had a bit of a slow start, once more of the main characters had been introduced, the book greatly improved.

ISBN: 978-0-141-43966-2
Published in Penguin Classics 1995

Here is Becky Cleaver's latest book choice reviewed for you:

"The Rescue" by Nicholas Sparks

Taylor Mcaden, a fire fighter from North Carolina is someone who is willing to risk everything he has to save people. Yet Taylor himself also needs to be saved, he is unable to fall in love and be truly happy.
In 1999, one of the worst storms ever-recorded hits North Carolina. When out on the job, he finds a car that has skidded off the road during the storm and inside is Denise Hilton, travelling with her four-year-old son, Kyle. Denise is removed from the car to find that her son is missing. Taylor manages to find Kyle and through this small step, it sets him on the path to happiness. Can Denise truly rescue Taylor from his past and help him to learn to love?

The only bad thing I would have to say about this book is, like a lot of Nicholas Sparks’s books, the ending is very predictable. It was easy to guess how things would turn out but I was still pleased to find that the book contained the ending I wanted. It’s always nice to have a happy ending after so much heartache felt by the main characters. However, there are also many good things about this book, which make it an exceptional read. Firstly, the relationship between Kyle and Taylor. Taylor’s patience and dedication are highlighted when dealing with Kyle and together they form their own relationship. Also, Denise and Taylor’s relationship develops steadily and she teaches Taylor the lesson of love. Nicholas Sparks’ message being the many problems that people face throughout life can only be solved when people work together.

ISBN: 978-0-7515-3890-8
This paperback edition published in 2006 by Time Warner Books

Becky Cleaver, our resident book reviewer, is currently on holiday somewhere in the UK. We don't think she is taking a holiday from reading, though. In fact, we would hazard a guess that she is reading more than ever. However, she has seemingly taken a break from reading "classics" and gone for something a bit more contemporary this time.

"The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks

After spending three years not talking to her dad, the last thing Ronnie wants to do is to spend her whole summer with him and her 10-year-old brother, Jonah. When Ronnie arrives, she is angry and isolated and knows she does not belong here. Ronnie’s father is desperate to make amends with her before it is too late and to spend one last memorable summer with his kids.
As Ronnie becomes more settled into her dad’s way of life, their relationship slowly starts to heal. Ronnie learns to forgive her father and she also learns to fall in love. She realises at the end that being apart from the people she loves isn’t always a bad thing, as only when they are apart does she discover how much she loves and needs them.

This book tells the remarkable story of a broken family who only discover when they are brought together, how much they really do need each other. It is a story of first love, second chances and mainly, learning to forgive one another. My favourite character has to be the father Steve, he is so patient with his daughter and desperately wants their relationship to improve before it is too late. The ending was especially emotional and moving to read but was also totally unexpected. Nicholas Sparks highlights in this book, how important and precious life really is but also how important families are. A very much recommended read, it will not disappoint.
   
ISBN: 978-0-7515-4326-1
First published in Great Britain in 2009 by Sphere, republished in 2010.

Our latest book review courtesy Becky Cleaver is a fact-based historical novel. Rather a different path to take in term of her recent reading material but interesting subject matter non-the-less. We do like Becky's range of reading - it always keeps us guessing as to what will appear on our reviews next !!

"The Tudor Wife" by Emily Purdy

King Henry VIII is well known for having six wives. This book tells the story of the first five, from the quiet but loving Catherine of Aragon to the young and carefree Catherine Howard. Lady Jane Parker, a lady in waiting to Catherine, tells the story. Jane’s heart is set on marrying George Boleyn and she is overjoyed when her dream comes true, only to be disappointed in her marriage when she meets Anne Boleyn, her new sister in law. She watches Anne’s rise to power to become the second queen of England and the jealousy felt towards her begins to grow. When Anne fails to deliver a living male heir, Jane Parker helps in removing Anne from power. Afterwards, Jane watches Henry take three more wives and she must now live forever in regret for what she has done.

The emotions of the characters, Jealousy, Love, Trust and Betrayal felt so real throughout this book, it made the characters come alive in your imagination. Including not only the lives of the most important of Henry’s wives but also the historical detail made the book even more enjoyable to read. It gives you a good insight into the lives people led from the king down to the ladies in waiting. It also explains how people expected so much from each other and if they failed to complete a task they had been set, they would be rejected from their own family.


ISBN: 978-1-84756-194-7
Published by Avon, London, this paperback edition published in 2010.

Well, our reviewer, Becky Cleaver, appears to be "hooked on classics" !!! Her latest read has been a consistent favourite since it was first published, has been the subject of numerous adatations, been turned into plays, musicals and films. So, what did Becky make of this true classic?

"Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens.

Oliver Twist is an Orphan who, escaping the workhouse in which he grew up, finds himself in London with no money and nowhere to live. He finds a friend in the Artful Dodger and in Fagin, an old criminal who leads a group of young pickpockets. Now with a job and a place to stay, Oliver’s life seems to be improving with his new friends although the threat of Bill Sikes is enough to make Oliver despair. Out on a pickpocket job, his life is changed for the better when he encounters an upper class gentleman who looks after him when Oliver falls ill. But just when things in Oliver’s life seem changed forever, his past of living with criminals comes back to haunt him and spoils any chance of a happy future.

Dickens uses many ways to keep the reader constantly interested in the book. Firstly, the vast use of description, not only relating to the places that Oliver visits but also when describing the characters themselves, makes the story almost come alive. As you read, you can easily picture yourself amongst the characters and their lives in London. Secondly, the chapters are not always telling Oliver’s. They vary - and also include a look into the lives of Bill Sikes, Nancy, and Fagin and in contrast to them, some upper class people of society, Rose and Mr Brownlow. When reading Dickens, you get to see in depth, the difference in living standards and livelihoods between the two opposing ends of society.

I enjoyed reading this classic because although the story of Oliver Twist is a long one, there were many unexpected complications that kept me interested. It is also a very moving read. Oliver never seems to have much luck in his life. However, I also felt that some of the chapters were, at times, slightly drawn-out and also some were very similar. For example when Oliver gets taken in by Mr Brownlow and then later by Rose, I felt that some of these chapters contained very much the same content which wasn’t as interesting to read. 

ISBN: 978-0-00-735088-9.
Collins Classics, this edition published in 2010.

With each new generation, the "classics" of fiction are re-discovered and either enjoyed or not, as the case may be !! Our young reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has just been reading one of the "classics". A new area of literary delight for her, we thought she should give it a go.......and we really hope she wasn't disappointed. Having suggested a couple of authors for her to "have a go at", Becky decided she would give "Little Women" a try. So, what did she think of it?

“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott.

Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy are the four March sisters whose life stories are told within this book. The sisters are Meg, the eldest, dreams of finding a loving husband and of having a family of her own. Jo, the wild child, whose greatest dream is to become a writer (and only achieves this by setting off into the world and experiencing things she hadn’t anticipated, enjoying the change from home). Beth, the quiet child who enjoys the peaceful life found at home with their loving mother and who also enjoys her music. And Amy, the youngest, a talented artist who discovers herself when she is taken abroad by their Great Aunt. Holding the family together is their loving mother, who helps her children through the many problems of life uncovered as the sisters grow from children into young women.

I discovered when reading “Little Women” that it can only be described as a timeless classic. It is a book that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, though I think it probably appeals more to women as it is based on their way of looking at life. One of the things I liked most is the sense of determination that is evident in the four girls. They are all willing to grow up and succeed in life but when faced with problems, they don’t turn from them but are willing to learn from their mistakes and their problems and try and make themselves better people. The other thing I liked when reading it, was the sense of appreciation the women felt towards their family members, each of them are grateful for the little they have because they know they are loved by their family and that is enough for them. I would recommend you read this book in one go because as the sister’s stories develop, you become committed to the story. You truly want to know whether or not the sisters achieve their dreams. A top read.

ISBN: 0-19-283434-7
First issued as World’s Classics paperback 1994

ULoveBooks.com reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has been busy reading new material during her holiday break. Hopefully, she liked it rather better than the last book she read !!!

"The Memory Keeper’s Daughter" by Kim Edwards.

Everyone has secrets. David’s secret will lead to devastating consequences if ever it is revealed. When Dr David Henry delivers his wife’s twins, his life afterwards is forever changed. His daughter is born with Down’s syndrome. Believing he is doing the best thing, his wife is told that their daughter died and a good friend raises their daughter.
Norah, his wife, is distraught about her lost child. Although she has her son to comfort her, she is unable to let go of “what could have been” if their daughter had lived. The loss slowly causes a rift in David’s family as neither can be truly comforted and over time they grow apart. Their marriage becomes broken beyond repair.
Alongside David’s story is that of his daughter. How she grows up and how she is accepted into the world.
Everyone has secrets. But they can’t be kept forever. David’s secret is about to be told and affect everyone involved……

The main message that becomes clear throughout this book is the potential consequences of secrets and how by keeping them from certain people, even if you think it is best, this does not always produce the best option. David is my favourite character - he is willing to sacrifice his daughter to minimise the amount of grief felt by the family and is forever trying to protect them. He protects Norah from the grief and loss she feels over losing a child and his remaining son Paul from the problems of growing up. Although he always believes he is doing what is best, he is slowly losing control and only magnifies the misery. Something I liked about this book is that because it is set in the 1960’s, you get a sense of how people with Down’s syndrome were treated then, compared with today. Overall, the book can only be described as a captivating read. It not only keeps you guessing but, draws you into the story. It draws you into the complicated lives of two families and truly describes the suffering that occurs when secrets are kept from loved ones. 

ISBN: 978-0-141-03014-2
First published in Great Britain by Penguin books in 2007

Well, it is a welcome return to reading books and writing reviews for our resident reviewer, Becky Cleaver. Enjoying her holidays at the moment, she has been investigating some new fiction. What did she think of her latest literary adventure? Read on.....

"The Dream House" by Rachel Hore.

Kate is happily married with two children. Living in London, with a job she enjoys, she still feels like something is missing for her. Kate decides she wants the family to move to the country to raise the two children. When they all move down to Suffolk to stay temporarily with Simon’s mother, she believes her idea of a dream house in the country is finally coming true.

Months pass and, although no dream house has been found, Kate is finally settling into a more laid back and peaceful life. But what starts out as perfect is soon put under pressure. Simon is still working in London and seems unable to give up his work there and fully commit to the countryside and when she finds out he is having an affair, their marriage hits rock bottom. Agnes, an elderly neighbour, is there to comfort Kate and she soon comes to realise that the troubles of Agnes’s past echo the troubles in her own life. There is also a realisation that following your dreams can lead to unwanted consequences.

For me, there were good and bad points about this book. The good points were that it was a very emotional read. You see the struggle of one woman trying to find a better life for herself and her family. The many problems that Kate endures from marriage to divorce and from happiness to bitterness are all very recognisable in our everyday lives. Lastly, the fact that you get an insight into Agnes’s past which you soon come to realise is similar to Kate’s in many ways. However, for me there were a few problems with the book as well. Firstly this book is 466 pages long and yet when I finished it, I felt like there was not enough of a story to it. Although you had flashbacks of Agnes’s life and you have Kate and her family’s story, not enough happened to leave me fully satisfied. Finally, although there were a few twists that were totally unexpected, about halfway through the book, the ending was getting easier and easier to predict.

ISBN: 1-4165-1099-0
First published in Great Britain by Pocket Books UK, 2006

Well, since the Vampires "flew the nest", we've been waiting to see what sort of book might appeal to our reviewer, Becky Cleaver next. Romance was the subject of the last outing but now, it seems, Becky is back to Crime Fiction and the first in the of the "Rebus" series by Ian Rankin. Do we "detect" a new trend in Becky's reading choice? Here's what she thought:

"Knots and Crosses" by Ian Rankin.

Knots and Crosses introduces Detective Sergeant John Rebus. Before joining the police in Edinburgh, John’s past is very much a mystery. Although him being in the Army is common knowledge, the reason he left remains a well-kept secret.
Edinburgh is believed by its residents to be a safe city with little violence. So when three girls are abducted and later found dead, people look to the police to solve the crime. Rebus is one of the police officers involved in hunting the killer but, with no clues and no suspects, the outcome is looking hopeless. When the case becomes personal and Rebus’s daughter is abducted, John realises he is going to have to step back into his past to solve the future. To help him are four anonymous letters, each containing a critical statement and either a knotted thread or a matchstick cross as clues.

One thing Ian Rankin makes clear in this book is something that I liked because, simply, it’s true. That is that your past actions create the person you are and that these previous actions or events affect you future life. The mystery of Rebus’s past is one of the main themes in this book and this was partly what kept me interested because I wanted to know what had been so terrible for him. The constant feeling of dread and frustration, not only as more girls disappear but as the case goes on unsolved keeps you glued to the page. As the case becomes more complex you do get drawn into it and feel like you need to know the final outcome and the identity of the murderer. The only downside is that, although the book contains three different stories (all interlinked), when you consider the size of the book, I didn’t think there was enough to keep you fully interested. So if you are into crime and punishment books, give this book a go, if not, maybe this isn’t the best book to read.

ISBN: 0-75287-718-6
Published in paperback in 1998 by Orion Books Ltd.

Apparently, Becky Cleaver's latest read is definately "one for the ladies". Becky assures us that she is reading books at a rate of knots at the moment so, we are anticipating that the reviews will be coming through with even more frequency for the next couple of months. Great news if you need some inspiration for a holiday read!!

"The Watchman’s Daughter" by Alexandra Connor

Kate Shaw’s life has never been easy. Although she lives in one of Preston’s poorest streets, she feels lucky to have such a loving family, from her disabled brother to her loving parents. It is only as Kate starts to grow up that she sees the cracks in her perfect life.
Her father, the nightwatchman for the Albert Edward docks, is a struggling alcoholic and on more than one occasion, Kate must do his shift for him without being discovered to save her father from being sacked. Her uncle is embroiled in a long-lasting feud with Robin Wells, a cruel cheating businessman who will stop at nothing to ruin the Shaw’s as a family. When Kate falls in love with Andrew, an upper class man who many believe is too good for Kate, she believes her unsettled life will be replaced for a happy one. With plans to marry, it is only too soon before tragedy strikes and Kate becomes separated from the man she loves and must now find a way to get back to him.

I loved this book. I have read a few of Alexandra Connor’s books, but this one has to be one of the best. It shows the determination of one person, who is so set on saving her family, the patience with her brother, the love for her family and Andrew and pity for her father. And that is why Kate is my favourite character. She is willing to sacrifice everything, her future and her reputation to save her much-loved family. Another key aspect in this book are the different levels in society and how the upper and lower classes rarely seem to mix as one seems to believe they are better than the others. That is until Kate and Andrew fall in love. The plot has many unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy complicated love stories. It will probably appeal mainly to women as the main character is female and it relates more to the problems women face in life. I think it may put off some male readers. Passion, secrets, heartbreak and sacrifice, 4 words that summarise this book, which I found was a fantastic read.

ISBN: 978-0-7553-2376-0
First published in paperback in 2008 by HEADLINE PUBLISHING GROUP.

Well, the vampires have flown away for the moment and book worm, Becky Cleaver, is on to "pastures new". This time, its a welcome return to Romance......we're sure she is a complete romantic! Her passion for books is equally strong, though, and she is reading at a rate that we can barely keep up with!! Here's what she thought of the latest book:

"Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks

In the two weeks that John and Savannah share, they fall in love. Savannah is a Christian from a horse ranch from Lenoir. John is from Wilmington, a schoolboy rebel who tries to better himself by entering the army. When Savannah comes to Wilmington on a volunteer project, John learns the true meaning of love.

When John has to return to Army duty, he believes his relationship with Savannah will hold strong and in 2 years, they will be able to get married and spend the rest of their lived together. What neither of them expected was the 9/11 attacks, which causes John to stay in the army for at least another 4 years. The separation puts a strain on their relationship and over time, it starts to fall about. Only when Savannah writes to him saying she has met someone else does John realise how much she means to him. But, he has left it too late.

This has got to be one of the best books I have read in a long time. When I started reading this book, I found it very hard to put down. It truly moves you as you read more and more. There are so many different emotions portrayed by the characters and they really draw you in and keep you gripped until the last page. You realise how hopeless the relationship between the characters is, you see the struggles that John has not just with the army but also with his dad and how Savannah changes him, as a character. “Torn apart by fate, bound together by love.” – That is one of the first statements that you read on the cover of the book and it is the perfect summary. To really appreciate this book, I would recommend reading it in one go.

Give this book a try as once you have read it, I don’t think you will forget it.

ISBN: 978-0-7515-4188-5
First published in Great Britain in 2006 by Sphere, reprinted again in 2010.

Well, it looks as though the vampire books are coming to an end (for the moment!). Our reviewer, Becky Cleaver, seems to have had mixed feelings about the series and we hope she hasn't developed a taste for blood as a result of reading these books!! So, what did she think of this episode?

"Burned" by P.C and Kristen Cast

After being defeated by Kalona in "Tempted", Zoey’s soul was shattered into the "otherworld", a place between the living and the dead. The longer Zoey remains separated from her soul, the less of a chance there is in restoring her back into her body.
Her newly pledged warrior, Stark, must now cross into the Otherworld and restore Zoey’s soul. But to achieve this, Zoey must let go of her memories of Heath, her now dead human boyfriend, which is something she is unwilling to do.
Stevie Rae has now taken Zoey’s place as high priestess back in the living world and never realised how many problems come attached to the job. She has decided to keep her enemies even closer to her than her friends, by bonding with the Raven Mocker who she saved in the last book. When there is a chance that her fledglings will find out, serious complications arise.

Throughout the rest of the series, it has been quite clear that Zoey is the main character as it is telling the story of how her life has changed. However, in this book, each of the other main characters (Stark, Stevie Rae, Zoey, Aphrodite) are of equal importantance. Each one has their own individual story that gets woven into the main storyline. This book highlights that it is the decisions and the choices made by the group as a whole, that allows them to succeed. Again, like the others, it contains a large amount of action and emotions felt by the characters. One of the good things about this book was the fact that it now gave you a chance to read from the point of the ‘bad guy’, Kalona, as well as all the ‘good guys’. I still have to slightly agree with previous comments I have made about these books - that the idea of good always triumphing over evil, is kind of getting a little bit repetitive and boring. As there are going to be at least 4 other books to this series, I don’t know how much further this story can be developed.

ISBN: 978-0-905654-81-9
First published in Great Britain in 2010 by ATOM.



We may be wrong but, we think its probably time for Becky to move on from "blood-sucking" fiction!!!!

The insatiable appetite of our reviewer, Becky Cleaver, for the vampire series "House of Night" continues!! Here's what she had to say about the latest instalment:

"Tempted" by P.C and Kristen Cast

The last thing Zoey needs is her best friend, Stevie Rae keeping secrets from her. Stevie Rae believes she is doing the best thing when it comes to the red fledglings like her but when some decide that they don’t want turn away from Darkness; it has serious repurcussions for Stevie Rae and those connected to her. Stevie Rae has also saved a raven mocker, the son of Kalona and someone who is a direct enemy to all vampires and who is now in her debt for saving his life.
Zoey has her own problems, too. Although she banished Kalona and Neferet from Tulsa, they have gone to Italy to seek council with the Vampire High Council, while Aphrodite has a vision of a fiery hell if Kalona succeeds in winning the council onto his side. Zoey must now face her biggest challenge so far; fly to Italy and use her past connections with Kalona to try and stop him forever.

The ending of this book really moved me, as it wasn’t the normal happy ending that is present in the other books. The one thing about these books that I enjoy is that the ending normally leaves you with so many unsolved problems and questions that you feel like you have to read the next one to find out the answers. Tempted includes many unanswered questions and one major problem which I am sure is going to be the main theme for the next book. Tempted is different from the other book so far, as it not on gives you a perspective on Zoey but also offers you Stevie Rae’s, Stark's and bad guy Rephaim's. I enjoyed this as it gave you many people’s views on the same issues.

ISBN: 978-1-905654-58-1
First published in Great Britain in 2009 by ATOM

Well, the Vampire "fest" continues. Our reviewer, Becky Cleaver has been busy catching up with the rest of the "House of Night" series and her reviews will be published here over the next few days. Apparently, the appeal of the vampire genre is lessening so, after this series of reviews, we anticipate some very different reading material.

"Hunted" by P.C and Kristen Cast

Zoey’s week couldn’t get any worse. The evil fallen angel Kalona and high priestess Neferet are out to fight a war against humanity. First they take over the House of Night and then Kalona turns his attention to going after Zoey, which only angers Neferet further as she believes Kalona is hers. Kalona believes Zoey is a reincarnation of a maiden he once loved but in the end trapped him for over a thousand years,
Naturally, Zoey is once again suffering from guy trouble. A chance for her to make up with old boyfriend Erik seems like a good idea at the time, until Stark, a fledgling vampire who died in her arms is reincarnated for Neferet’s uses. Only Zoey can make him see the truth behind Neferet and save him from the Darkness, while also trying to save the world.

In this book Zoey not only just escapes death but also has to face her greatest fears with only her faith in her friends and her Goddess to guide her. You truly get an insight into the meaning of friendship and how Zoey and her friend’s relationships are ultimately put to the test. As with most books, truth and goodness triumph over deceit and darkness. I think the only thing that I would have to say is starting to annoy me with this series, is the amount of guys that are interested in Zoey. It just seems that in every book, she needs to have at least three guys chasing her! For the first few books, it was ok but now it is kind of predictable and repetitive. However, they did manage to end this book better than some of the others, although Zoey’s enemies are still around, for now they are temporarily defeated and the world is safe.

First published in Great Britain in 2009 by ATOM
ISBN: 978-1-907410-15-4

Well, it certainly hasn't been a case of "once bitten, twice shy" for our reviewer, Becky Cleaver. Vampire books are definately her cup of tea!! Here, Becky reviews the fourth book in the "House of Night" series. So, was it better than the last book?

"Untamed" by P.C and Kristen Cast

A week ago, Zoey had a group of loyal friends and 3 boyfriends. Now, she has lost everyone. Once her enemy, Aphrodite is showing signs of becoming Zoey’s only friend through this troublesome time. It seems that only Aphrodite and best friend Stevie Rae, who died and was then reborn, are the only 2 people that still believe in Zoey and therefore remain loyal to her.
But now is not the time for Zoey to make herself isolated. 2 visions of her death come to light and if one of them comes true, there could be serious consequences. Zoey is the only one able to lead her friends in fighting the ultimate evil that is about to the released. This evil comes in the form of a fallen angel out for revenge, named Kalona and who has become the latest ally to Neferet (Zoey’s mentor and high priestess at the House of Night and so therefore thought by many as a good person). Friendships are about to be put the test, as the battle of good verses evil is about to begin.

The story and plot reall start to darken in this book and things become more mysterious. Zoey as a character develops a lot through the book. At the beginning she is alone and you realise how vulnerable she is to the evil all around her and then you feel sorry for her as she tries to mend her broken friendships and still face everyday problems. The fact that the evil is only released at the very end of the book keeps you interested. I found I really wanted to know how Zoey was going to deal with yet another problem. Another good aspect of this book is that it ends with so many unanswered questions; you feel that you have to go on and read the following book to find out the answers. I believe that this book is a real improvement on the previous one and that once you have read it, you will definately want to read more.

First published in Great Britain in 2009 by Atom.
ISBN: 978-1-907410-14-7

Our latest review covers the third in the "House of Night" series. So far our reviewer, Becky Cleaver, seems to be enjoying her foray into the "dark side". You could say she has been bitten by the vampire bug! Ha. ha. So, what did Becky think of the latest instalment?

"Chosen" By P.C. and Kristen Cast

Things are not going well for Zoey. Not only must she lie about her best friend being dead but also her first birthday celebrated at the House of Night is one that she would prefer not to remember. She also still has the problem with her three boyfriends, as she is still unable to decide which one is best for her.
As it happens her best friend Stevie Rae isn’t dead. After her body rejected the change to becoming a vampire, her soul died with her. Yet her body was saved and now Stevie Rae has been brought back as an undead and disturbed vampire/creature who is struggling to hold on to whatever little humanity she has left. Only Zoey can save her, but to do this she must regain the trust of her friends, which is easier said than done.

After reading the first two books, I was expecting something more than what "Chosen" has to offer. Again, like the other books, it is an original take on how vampires could live. This book contains a much darker story than the other two, with more than one death taking place and more mystery as it seems that only Zoey can truly see the problems linked with the House of Night. Although it answered some of the questions from the end of the last book, for me it didn’t contain enough of a story to keep me interested, compared to the other books. One of the good things about this book though, would have to be the ending, it shows you how isolated Zoey has become and what she must now do to try and win her friends back.

First published by Atom in Great Britain in 2009.
ISBN: 978-0-907410-13-0

Becky Cleaver has been visiting the "House of Night" series for the second time. We're not sure why books about vampires are so popular at the moment (although they have never entirely dropped out of fashion) but we are interested to see what Becky thought of the second book in the series. A review of the third volume in the series will be posted in the next couple of days too.

"Betrayed" by P.C. and Kristen Cast

Zoey has now been at the House of Night for a month, she has a loyal group of friends and she is finally coming to terms with the powers that her Goddess has granted her. Her biggest problem now would be her 3 boyfriends, all offering her different attributes.
When human teenagers start to go missing, not only are they people that Zoey knew from her previous life but also when the bodies are discovered all evidence of murder point to a vampire attack. Zoey experiences ’Feelings’ regarding each disappearance. She knows that the bodies are going to be discovered but her feelings tell her that the person will be dead. When her feelings become true, Zoey know that she has to put a stop to whatever is killing these people. With her powers to help her, she believes she can finally end this. Only when she discovers the identity of the murderer, does she believe that she may have been wrong and that she has placed herself in serious danger.

Again, like "Marked", this book is captivating and really draws you in to the story. The emotions felt within "Marked" are deepened, as friendships and loyalties are put to the test and a complex love triangle begins. "Betrayed" contains a complicated story with many twists that will keep you entertained until the last pages. Although, "Betrayed" doesn’t end on a cliffhanger like the first book, it leaves you with many unanswered questions about the future of Zoey and her group of friends that will leave you wanting to read more. Another excellent read.

ISBN: 978-1-907410-12-3
First published in Great Britain in 2009 by Atom

It's back to the blood-sucking vampires for our reviewer, Becky Cleaver. We have no doubt that reading the "House of Night" series is far more entertaining than swotting for exams!! What did Becky think of the first book in the series?

"Marked" by P.C and Kristen Cast

The House of Night is known for one thing, taking in marked children and teaching them to become full-grown adults. When 16-year-old Zoey gets marked she has a choice, she can accept that her old life must now be replaced with a life at the House of Night, or she can reject the change and her body will slowly die. She accepts her best option; she must now leave her friends and her family and start her new life.
Zoey finds settling into a new school easy, with a new group of friends to help her; she starts to enjoy her new life. But things aren’t what they seem within the school and it seems that the Goddess that Zoey now has to worship has special plans for her. But there is a problem, if she fails, she may die.

The House of Night wasn’t what I was expecting. When I started the book, I wasn’t sure whether or not I would enjoy it. But in my opinion, you have to give this book a chance. After the first couple of chapters, the story starts to really develop and becomes captivating. The descriptions not only of the vampires, but also the school and the rituals that take place are such that they kept me wanting to read me. The emotions felt by Zoey, from feeling betrayed by her mum to finally feeling acceptance for what she is makes you feel sorry for this character and makes you feel like you want her to succeed. For me, I think this book would make a excellent read for younger adults and teenagers, the characters involved are teenagers themselves so teenage readers may be able to relate better to some of the problems that Zoey has to face to finally become excepted.

First published in Great Britain in 2009 by Atom
ISBN: 978-0-7088-6625-2

Our intrepid bookworm, Becky Cleaver has found some time in between revising for exams to produce another review. This time, she has returned to the historical romance genre to gain inspiration. So, how was her latest read?

"A Time Like No Other" by Audrey Howard

Lally Fraser is only 20 years old when she becomes a widow. With two sons to support and large debts from her husband, she finds herself struggling. When an old friend of her husband, Roly Sinclair, a Yorkshire mill owner offers her the attention she has been deprived of, she gratefully turns to him for comfort. But when Roly leaves for America on business, she discovers she is pregnant and with no one else to turn to, she goes to Roly’s older brother Harry, who has always been secretly in love with her. Harry marries she to save her reputation and hopes that in the future she will come to love him as he loves her. When Harry becomes injured, Lally must do everything she can to protect her husband’s mills. But when Roly returns from America and discovers the truth about his child, the life that Lally has come to love is threatened once more by the scandal that Roly is willing to share with the world.

This story had so many unexpected twists to the plot that this alone kept me gripped to the very end. It is a story of so many contrasting feelings of hope and betrayal, love and hate. The best character for me had to be Lally. She has lost so much at the start of the book, but further in you realise how loyal she is to her husband and that she is full of determination not to be beaten by her brother in law. A book I would recommend you make time to read in one go as you may feel, like me, that once you start you are unable to stop!

ISBN: 978-1-444-70075-6
First published in Great Britain in 2007

Top Bestsellers of 2010

With summer just around the corner, many peoples thoughts are turning towards their holiday reading material. If you have a passion for reading, are facing a long flight or (especially in light of the sporadic volcanic ash interruptions) possible long delays, or if you just want something to chill out and read on the beach, then you will want to know the Top Bestsellers of 2010.

Crime Fiction

"The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets` Nest", "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "The Girl Who Played with Fire"

Perhaps this would not normally be any particular readers first choice of category, but it is hard to ignore Stieg Larsson`s trilogy of crime novels that have taken the literary world by storm. "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets` Nest", "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "The Girl Who Played with Fire" are fast paced books which focus on the character of Lisbeth Salander, a sociopathic computer hacker and investigator. The series has been hailed as the `most original` ever and the heroine is "likable and realistic". The only regret people seem to have had when reading these books, is finishing them, as sadly the author has passed away.

Diet and Food Books

"The Dukan Diet"

French women are effortlessly elegant and enviously skinny and this books tells you how you can be too. Regarded as the hub that started the `protein Thursdays` Thursday craze in France, (whereby on Thursdays you eat virtually nothing bar meat) this diet book will talk you through a 4-step programme to fight fat. The book is easy to read and written in an informal tone. The book has become an international best seller and has even been hailed by some as the possible solution to the world obesity crisis.

Jamie Does...

Jamie Oliver is back with a book that accompanies his current TV series. Journey with Jamie through six different countries, celebrating their local cuisine Oliver style! Branch out in the kitchen and try dishes with a Moroccan, Greek or Swedish twist, all illustrated with beautiful photographs.

Science Fiction & Fantasy

"Breaking Dawn" (Twilight Saga)

Largely regarded as teen fiction, this sexy vampire book has hooked a whole load of adult fans along the way. Following a highly success movie adaptation the Twilight Saga franchise is growing from strength to strength. Written by Stephenie Meyer, delve into the world of tortured lovers Bella and Edward, daubed the `Romeo & Juliet` of `Vampires and Werewolves`.

E-Books

If you love books but want to read them on the go, then get yourself one of these handy laptops and get reading! Popular e-books come in all shapes, sizes and categories (but thankfully will all adjust to your screen size!). Choose form popular titles such as Burn The Fat - A Complete Fat Burning System Based on The Secret Techniques of The World`s Best Bodybuilders and Fitness Models, or learn Fat Loss Secrets with Dr Suzanne Gudakunst. Explore your Personal Path to Pregnancy, learn Make Women Laugh or read The Earthbound Series – there really is something for everyone.

Well, it looks as though our ace young book reviewer, Becky Cleaver is having to temporarily suspend reading books purely for pleasure. Coursework and revision are taking an increasing toll and something has to give!! We wish Becky all the very best with her forthcoming exams. We are quite sure she will get out of them what she wants to.
Becky has sent us a final review. This time it is a book that we have reviewed before on ULoveBooks.com. So, what did she think of it? Find out now:

"No Time For Goodbye" by Linwood Barclay.

After having an argument with your parents the night before, to discover the next morning that your whole family has disappeared without a trace, is enough to confuse anyone yet this is exactly what happens to Cynthia. So what happened to them, are they still alive? If so, why haven’t they got in touch?

Cynthia has had to live with these unanswered questions since that unforgettable night and she now wants some answers. After some prank calls, she begins to give up hope until an anonymous letter shows up at her house, telling her that her family forgives her. Cynthia is desperate to know the truth about why her family choose to abandon her, yet as her marriage is put under strain and people connected with her past are conveniently murdered, before any well kept secrets can be revealed, Cynthia starts to wonder whether stirring up the past was really the best decision.

One of things I liked most about this book was the fact that apart from the first chapter, which is told from Cynthia’s point of view, the rest of the book is told by Terry, her husband, which was good because it gives you someone else’s emotions and a different perspective on things. Linwood Barclay achieves the genuine conveyance of real feelings of desperation and in, Cynthia’s case, moments of insanity. He makes you feel sorry for her because of her past and in my case it made me want to complete the book. A complex story, complete with an unexpected ending that will keep you gripped to the last page.

ISBN: 978-0-7528-9368-6
Published in 2008 by Orion Books Ltd.

It seems the inhabitants of Devon are a literary lot! We have been in touch with Peter Chapman, another Devon based author about his book "The 65th".
If you like your books to be a bit "different", this unusual volume appears to be hard to categorise. Set in the "near future", the action takes place in "The Badlands", a lawless rural backwater on the coast of North Devon. We haven't had a chance to read the book yet but, we like the sound of it!!

If you would like to find out more ahead of our review (it will hopefully follow in the near future), you can read the first few pages and buy a copy online on the author's website. Should you read it before us, please let us know what you think of it (or submit a review).

Just a couple of "blog posts" ago, we mentioned the debut novel by Devon author, Lee Austin, called "Fortune's Child". Lee was good enough to provide ULoveBooks.com with a review copy and our super-keen reviewer, Becky Cleaver has already read it. Whilst Becky initially didn't seem overly keen on the fact that it was a science fiction novel, ultimately, she seemed to really enjoy it.
You can order "Fortune's Child" from ULoveBooks.com now - see our "Paperback Fiction" page.
Anyway, here are Becky's thoughts:

"Fortune’s Child" by Lee Austin

“Fortune’s Child” tells the story of a group of friends, and as the story develops it shows the true meaning of friendship and how people rely on each other through the good and the bad. One of the things I liked most about this book was the fact that it is based in Devon. When reading it, I was easily able to relate to the places mentioned.

Lucas Fortune is abandoned as a child to Peregrine house, a children’s home run by Mrs Fisher. He doesn’t know anything about his past, his parents or why he was left here. When Lucas and his friends all start to experience the same bizarre dream, they realise that their lives are going to be affected in some way. When each of them starts demonstrating strange powers, Lucas and his friends know that they are no longer be safe at Peregrine House and that they have been given these powers for a reason. To find the solution, they have to listen to the strange voice that calls to Lucas, for it may be that this strange voice can be the only one that can give them the safety they are desperately seeking.

Fortune’s Child was a strange yet very gripping book. It captures the attention of the reader and makes you want to find out the ending. Whether or not Lucas and his friends find what they are looking for. It’s strange in a good way and it’s different from other books, which is why I think I found it so good. I would definitely recommend that you give this book a chance. Once you start reading it, you may find you aren’t able to stop.

Published in 2010 in Great Britain by Lulu.com
ISBN: 978-1-4452-6168-3

If you are keen on the age of steam and also a reader of books, we have news of a brand new title that may be of interest. "The Tiverton Museum Railway Collection" by Amyas Crump is an extremely interesting volume. Published to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the "Tivvy Bumper" locomotive - a full size former GWR locomotive that once operated on the now defunct branch lines to the Mid-Devon town of Tiverton.
Mr Crump's book contains plans, photographs and documents from the Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life and private collections along with excellent commentary by Crump. Of particular interest are the excerpts from the notebook used by the engineer responsible for the building of the Exe Valley Railway. The notebook is, along with the "Tivvy Bumper" itself, an exhibit in the museum but examination of it in this detail has never before been an option for railway enthusiasts. We would highly recommend the books to anyone interested in railway or local history. Priced at £10.00, the book is published by Kevin Robertson under the Noodle Books imprint and is available from Tiverton Museum and selected booksellers.
We understand that all proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated by Mr Crump to the Tiverton Museum - a worthy cause and well worth a visit if you are ever in Mid Devon. ULoveBooks.com will be offering a signed copy of the book soon - so look out for the listing!!

Well, our intrepid book reviewer, Becky Cleaver, ran out of books to read this week !! Tempted to return to her father's stash of Clive Cussler thrillers, she decided that she had read enough of them and went in search of new material. What did she find? Here is her latest review:

"Freedom’s Land" by Anna Jacobs.

Norah’s life hasn’t been easy. After her husband dies in WW1, she loses her job and struggles to support herself and her daughter. Andrew’s wife has died and he wants to start a new life with his two sons.

The Australian government are offering a free piece of land to farm to all ex-servicemen. However, this scheme is only being offered to families, so for Andrew to move to Australia, he must first find himself a wife. Brought together by a friend, Andrew and Norah decide to marry even though they barely know each other and the children are wary of each other. For Janie has never had to share Norah before, so she sees Andrew and his boys as a threat.
Australia offers them little of what they were promised, they are given land which first they must clear and prepare themselves. Norah and Andrew have to learn to rely on each other facing these new challenges and when nature threatens to take everything away from them, it is only then that they realise how lucky they are to have found each other.

Freedom’s Land is an remarkable tale of disappointment, struggles and determination. The strong use of emotions felt from many of the characters quickly draws you into the story and captivates you, making you want to read more. My favourite character has to be Norah because as her character develops, she shows how determined a woman can be. To try and make a better life for her and her daughter by giving up everything she knows, to move across the world with a man she hardly knows, starting her new life with a marriage of convenience, she continually amazes me. This book is an amazing and somewhat addictive read and one that I would recommend.


ISBN: 978-1-444-70575-1
First published in paperback in 2009.

Young fans of Science Fiction will, no doubt, be pleased to hear that local Devon author, Lee Austin, has just published a novel called "Fortune's Child". Inspired by his own love of the genre and the fact that he remembers a distinct lack of Sci-Fi aimed at young readers during his youth, Lee decided to write his own novel.
We understand that the book is set locally in Exeter and on Dartmoor so, Lee hopes that it will particularly appeal to readers in the South West of England. The plot centres around Lucas Fortune, a 12-year-old orphan who tries to unravel the mystery surrounding his parents. Lucas himself possesses unique powers and is spoken to by a strange voice via his dreams. We have been in touch with Lee and are hoping to bring further news of the book and, maybe, a review at some stage in the near future. If you would like to know more in the meantime, you will find Lee's website of interest.
Happy reading!

So, when you read a book that has also hit the "silver screen" as a film, do you normally prefer the book or the film version? Most of us appear to have an opinion on this subject. Indeed, we have seen some pretty fierce arguments over which is prefered. Our intrepid book reviewer, Becky Cleaver has just finished a book that has also been made into a film - what were her thoughts on this popular work? Find out now:

"Chocolat" by Joanne Harris.

Lansquenet, a small village in France. A village, that takes religion and the idea of Lent very seriously. When strangers, Vianne Rocher and her daughter Anouk come to Lansquenet, Father Reynaud sees them as an immediate threat.
Tension between Vianne and Reynaud escalates into a war as lent begins and Vianne opens a chocolate shop. Reynaud does everything in his power to ‘protect his congregation’ from the danger of giving in to chocolate and breaking Lent traditions.
Vianne offers the people of Lansquenet a place to come to share problems, make friends and achieve your most secret dreams. Reynaud sees her as someone who will corrupt the people of Lansquenet with her weird ways and believes he is the only one who can stop her.

Joanne Harris gives the reader an insight to the life of a small French town, the humour and the challenges met by individual people going about their everyday lives. One good thing about this book is the way that alternative chapters are told by both Vianne and Reynaud which gives the different prospective of the two different sides. However, in my opinion, Chocolat wasn’t what I would call a gripping book. Although it contained large amounts of humour, for me it didn’t contain enough of a storyline to keep the reader interested. Also, the book didn’t end in the way I imagined.  The book contained many small different storylines within the book and when it ended, I felt like some of these weren’t completed.

ISBN: 0-552-99893-1
This edition published by Black Swan in 2000. Originally published by Doubleday in 1999.

Guess she didn't like it as much as the film, then?

We at ULoveBooks.com really appreciate feedback. It isn't that we only want positive comments, rather that we welcome any feedback from the purchases of our books. Feedback helps us to provide the titles and service that our will keep our customers coming back. Unfortunately, you book lovers seem to be a reserved bunch (no offence intended) and we very rarely receive comments on transactions. It is, therefore, rather nice to have received an e-mail in the last couple of days from one of our recent book buyers. We publish it here in it's entirety:


"The book I ordered (Crafts of the Countryside) arrived today. It is fantastic. I'm currently curator of the museum in Market Lavington where the author E. J. Stowe lived and worked (he was headmaster of the village school). It seemed to me that this was a book we should have in the collection and I already spot various mentions of local craftsmen. Thanks very much for the efficient, prompt and courteous way in which you have operated.

Best wishes

R. F."

After a brief exchange of e-mails. R. F. was kind enough to add the following comments as well:

"I really was pleased with the service and book. I might add that your copy worked out much cheaper than either of two others I found on line and it seemed to me your description of condition sounded honest - you didn't puff it up as being pristine."

We would like to thank R. F. very much for allowing us to use the comments on our website. If any readers are interested in museums, the Market Lavington Museum website is well worth a look (as we are sure the museum itself is too!!).

Apologies for "blowing our own trumpet" - but, if we don't, we doubt anyone else will! Please keep sending us feedback - positive or negative. Your opinions are always welcome.

Romance......it seems to be quite relevant for the new "spring" season (though we wish the weather was rather more spring-like!!). Our keen young reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has obviously been inspired to read another romance. Was this book to her liking? Find out here:

"Tomorrow’s Memories" by Audrey Howard.

Sally Grimshaw has only ever known how to be the landlady of the Grimshaw Arms, a respectable Inn that she has lived in her entire life. When her brother gambles away the inn to Richard Keene, she now can either serve Keene or turn away from her pub and start a new life.
Sally starts to rely upon a friend, Adam Cooper. On arriving at his home with the idea of becoming his housekeeper, she is shocked when she discovers that what he really wants is for her to be his wife.

Through his proposal, Sally learns to be loved by someone who comes to realise too late how much he really needs her. For when a person from Adam’s past threatens the happiness of his new life with Sally, only then does Sally learn the true meaning of lost love and betrayal.
Sally’s happy life is shattered and is replaced with misery and despair. But she soon realises what she has lost and that she must fight for the life that she lost and the people that she loves.

This book is a typical romantic novel, including a complicated love story with many unexpected twists. I loved this book. I found that once I had started I wasn’t able to stop myself as the vast amount of description and emotions kept my attention until the last page.
The one thing I would have to say was bad about it was the beginning. For me, it included too much description about the inn itself and how it was run. It was only when more of the main characters were introduced that the story started to improve.

Our prolific reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has been raiding her father's bookshelves for thrillers again! What did she think of this one? Read on........

"Vixen 03" by Clive Cussler.

In January 1954 Major Vylander and his team are assigned a top-secret mission over the South Pacific. When none of the crew or transport plane Vixen 3 can be found, it is believed that they were lost at sea. However, Vixen 3 mission was classified as top secret because the plane was carrying a lethal substance, a quick death virus, capable of wiping out millions of lives.
In 1988, this lost substance comes back to haunt the world and there is only one man who can stop it. Dirk Pitt.  Someone who has to overcome the many problems involved with stopping this deadly substance. Because he knows the consequences, was he to fail.
The book flips between two very different stories, Dirk’s being the dominant one but the second is on a civil war that is brewing in South Africa

For me, Vixen 3 was an ok book compared to other books written by Clive Cussler.  Throughout the book, I didn’t feel that there was enough of a storyline to keep the reader fully entertained and also that there were too many characters, it made me confused sometimes. The best part for me had to be the ending as it was probably the only part of the book that includes a lot action and suspense, which would keep the reader interested.

ISBN: 978-0-7515-0589-4
First published in Great Britain in 1978. Republished three times in 2009.

Our intrepid book reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has been sampling thrillers again. So what did she think of this slightly "different" thriller?

"The Cleaner" by Brett Battles.

Jonathan Quinn is ‘The Cleaner’.  Someone who disposes of bodies or unwanted evidence. But his latest job will change everything for him as secrets from his past will come back to haunt him.

One simple job. To investigate a mysterious death. But when some of his colleagues from ‘The Office’ get assassinated, Quinn knows he has got himself into something a lot more complicated. Quinn now has only two people he can rely on, his assistant Nate and Orlando, someone from his past who isn’t as willing to assist Quinn to crack the case. Somehow, Quinn has to find out why someone wants him killed and whether it is linked to something bigger, a case that is about to take place in Berlin and threatens a large group of people.

Brett Battles’s book contains everything a good thriller should include. Secrecy, betrayal, revenge, car chases and a story that will keep you entertained throughout the whole book.
The one bad thing I would have to say about this book is that although the story is good, I was expecting it to have a brilliant ending. For me, the cleaner doesn’t have this. Throughout the book, the storyline becomes more dramatic and you expect an ending that is of the same quality. In my opinion, the last few chapters should complete a story but for me, the cleaner doesn’t do this.

ISBN: 978-1-84809-007-1
First published in the UK by Preface Publishing in 2008.

Becky Cleaver, our avid young reviewer, has been busy once again. This time, she has been reading a book that we lent her and have read ourselves; "ODD THOMAS" by Dean Koontz. We thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it absolutely riveting. A great read that was really different and very captivating - what you might call a "page-turner". What did Becky think of it ? Read on to find out:

"Odd Thomas" by Dean Koontz.

How do you go about solving a murder in just one day?

When Odd Thomas is given this task, many problems stand in his way. He discovers the main suspect dead in his flat and realises this case is far more complicated than he first thought. Odd is nervous. He wants to protect his town, his girlfriend and everyone he knows from something he doesn’t even know if he can stop from happening.
Odd, though, has a secret. He has a ‘sixth sense’, which lets him see people who have died and he believes that this might just be the help he needs to solve the murder. He knows that time is working against him. The book starts on August 14th. The murder is set for August 15th. Odd has less than 24 hours to solve the case.

For the entire book to be based around just one day makes it an unusual but gripping read. Unexpected events continually appear throughout the whole book, which is what made me feel that once I started reading it, I wasn’t able to put it down. After finishing it, I believe it is one of the best crime/murder books I have ever read. It is different from your normal murder/crime novels, which is why I think that it is one book everyone should read.

Well, our superb young reviewer, Becky Cleaver, is back amongst the romances again. We feel there may be an emerging theme here!! Though we are sure Becky will put us right. The latest offering is:

"Ferney" by James Long.

Ferney contains a love story that evades time itself, a love affair like no other.
This book contains a very complex and to start with, confusing story but after a couple of chapters you find you are not able to put it down as you want to unlock the secrets behind this love story, A very appealing read.

Mike and Gally are a typical happily married couple. Yet Gally is restless. She wishes to move away from the city to somewhere deep within the countryside. When they find the ideal little cottage deep in Somerset, they believe they now have everything they could ever want.

Everything is perfect in their new house, until the meet Ferney, an old man who seems to know the entire history of Gally’s new house. As she gets to know him, Gally soon realises that there is a connection between them, though they have only just met. Haven’t they?

Ferney has a secret, something he has had to live with for over fifty years. Gally is at the heart of this secret which Ferney has to make her understand before he dies. He has to make her understand their relationship, something that has been tested against time and even death itself…

ISBN: 978-0-7515-3885-4
First published in 1998 by HarperCollins Publishers, this edition published in 2008 by Sphere.

Becky Cleaver, our avid young reader and reviewer has been busy once again. This time she has been reading:

"Before I Die" by Jenny Downham.

This book really highlights the good points of being alive and making the most out of your life. It shows you a mixture of emotions, the fear of dying to the happiness of being alive. It’s a truly moving novel, one that I believe you shouldn’t miss reading.

Tessa is only sixteen when she is told that she has only a few more months to live. She’s dying from cancer and so when she is told this news, she wants to make the most of the time she has left.

She makes a list, ten things she wants to do with her best friend. But getting the things you want most in life isn’t always easy and can sometimes end in trouble. Unexpected events can sometimes become the most important. Ten things. Tessa wants them all done before she feels ready enough to die. Learn to drive, Get her parents back together, fall in love, But the clock is working against her and Tessa soon has to make the most important decision of all…

ISBN: 978-1-862-30487-1
First published in Great Britain by David Fickling Books in 2007.

We wouldn't wish to make anyone part with their book collection. In fact, we hope most people keep adding to theirs!! However, there comes a time in most people's collection when the volume of books just becomes too difficult to cope with and something has to give. Or maybe a new collecting or reading subject becomes the order of the day. So how do you dispose of those titles that are now surplus to requirements? There are lots of choices. Sell to a book dealer like us, give them to charity shops or friends and relatives, recycle them, swap them, sell them via the internet or the classifieds. Most of us plump for a mixture of solutions. If you want your surplus books to help both charity and the environment and you live in either the Exeter or Brighton areas, you should be getting in touch with Book-Cycle. We love this idea and the philosophy behind it. New, innovative and deserving of your support........well, we believe so anyway! We wish the project the best of luck for the future.

Our keen young reviewer, Becky Cleaver, obviously liked her first taste of Clive Cussler as she has been reading another of his thrillers. You can read her review below. Becky tells us that she has had enough of reading thrillers and crime fiction now so who knows what she will be reviewing next !! Here are her thoughts on "Plague Ship":

"Plague Ship" by Clive Cussler with Jack Du Brul.

The Oregon is a ship like no other. The outside appearance is that of a rundown ship while inside it is fitted out with the latest technology that helps it complete the many missions the Oregon and its crew are sent on.

After completing its latest mission the captain, Cabrillo, is set on taking it easy. His plans change when they come across, what looks to be a deserted cruise ship. On further inspection, Cabrillo discovers that the ship isn’t deserted. Dead bodies are found covering the deck and there are many more inside the ship. Only one person has survived and Cabrillo risks his own life to see that this person is saved.

Cabrillo then sets his team the task of finding out the truth behind the mystery. It takes him to many countries to discover what he is up against. A rivalry group with deadly plans that they believe can save the human race. But can Cabrillo stop them? Time is running out…

A gripping book filled with action and suspense. It’s the kind of book that keeps you engrossed until the very last page. I would recommend you to read it, when you do, you may find you won’t be able to stop.

Published in 2008 by BCA, An imprint of penguin books.

Our prolific young reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has been reading another thriller. All of a sudden, her dad's book shelves seem to be providing plenty of new material !! No doubt it makes a change from having her nose buried in textbooks. What did she think of her latest read ? Find out now:

"Tunnel Rats" by Stephen Leather.

How can you solve a crime when you must first face your biggest fear? Nick Wright is a detective stuck in this impossible situation.

Two deaths. One on Bangkok the other in London. The only thing linking these two murders is a simple playing card, the ace of spades.
Nick Wright is one of the officers trying to crack this unusual double killing. Any suspects linked to this case mysteriously seem to die before they can be of any help. Nick has to travel Vietnam to find the answers he desperately is looking for. He must discover the history of the Tunnel Rats, the people who fought the most dangerous war against the Vietcong down in the Vietnam tunnels. But when the murder count starts to rise, his discoveries put him in grave danger, as the killer is willing to protect the secrets of the past at whatever cost…

I believe "Tunnel Rats" contained everything a thriller book should contain, secrets, deceit and revenge. Stephen Leather’s many descriptions of the conditions in the Vietnam tunnels captures the imagination of the reader and helps you to picture in your mind, what they may have been like for the soldiers who used them.
The only downside to this book for me was that I felt that there were too many characters, mainly policemen involved. It made it hard for me to remember the differences between each of them.

First published in Great Britain in 1997. This edition published in 2005 by Hodder and Stoughton.
ISBN:0-340-68954-4

Becky Cleaver's exams are over and, true to form, she's back reading fiction again !! Here is her latest review (not an author she would normally choose it has to be said):

"The Chase" by Clive Cussler

In April 1950, a rusting steam engine is brought to the surface of the Montana Lake. Inside, there are the remains of four bodies who died 45 years ago. The Chase tells the story of how this event came about.

Its 1906 and the Butcher Bandit is at large, robbing banks and taking the lives of many people who could be used as witnesses against him. He does this, without showing any kind of regret or remorse and after each robbery, he simply vanishes into thin air.
Isaac Bell, a detective that never fails in completing any case is brought in to deal with the Butcher Bandit. But he has never had this much of a challenge before. For not only is there any evidence left to follow, but time is working against Bell because he knows soon the Bandit can and will strike again. Bell’s journey takes him from one side of America to the other, only to find that he has been outwitted yet again. Yet, through each failure, Bell learns a little more about how the bandit thinks and believes he may just be able to catch him. But, soon the tables are turned. Now Bell must use all of his skill to stay alive as the Bandit becomes increasingly dangerous as Bell becomes the Bandit’s next target.

As this is the first book I have ever read by Clive Cussler, I was doubtful whether I would actually enjoy it because I normally don’t really read crime novels. However, I surprised myself by enjoying it. It is the kind of book that will keep you engrossed until the very last pages…

This edition was published in 2007 by BCA by arrangement with Penguin Group.

A very Happy New Year to all our customers and friends!!

Becky Cleaver has sent ULoveBooks.com her first book review of 2010. Another example of Becky's varied taste:

"The Elephant Whisperer" by Lawrence Anthony with Graham Spence.

Lawrence Anthony is the owner of game reserve called Thula Thula, situated in South Africa. When he was asked to adopt a herd of elephants, in his mind he wanted to refuse. However, Lawrence was the herd’s only chance for survival, if he turned them down, they would be killed. Before they were moved, the elephants escaped from their old home and the matriarch and her baby were shot. When the rest of the herd arrived in Thula Thula, they were in shock and were angry.

This true story tells you about one man trying to make a difference. Lawrence believed that if he could get the herd to bond with just one person, he believed he would be able to save them from being killed by poachers or park rangers. This book shows you the aim of one man who wasn’t going to give up and throughout his struggle to succeed in what he believed in, he learnt valuable lessons about loyalty and freedom from the elephants themselves.

For me, this book was a very moving read and you learn from it the harsh reality of life, that bad things can really happen even when you are trying your hardest to do the right thing. I think this book would appeal to anyone, as it is a truly inspiring and unforgettable read.

ULoveBooks.com would like to wish all their customers a Very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We hope to continue providing you with the books you want at prices you are pleased to pay.
 

Our young reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has just sent us her final review of 2009. We would like to say a very big THANK YOU to Becky for her superb reviews. Taking the time to share her thoughts on whatever she reads is quite a commitment.
Please don't forget that ULoveBooks welcomes reviews from anyone - and regarding books on any subject. Why not share your latest reading experience? Simply submit your review together with a Jpeg photograph of the front cover to mail@ulovebooks.com. We look forward to publishing your review !
Anyway, back to Becky's latest read. This time it is a classic:

"Persuasion" by Jane Austen

Persuasion is the last finished novel by Jane Austen. My favourite quote from the book is ‘There could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison’. It truly shows the amount of emotion, especially love that can be felt between two people.

I can’t really tell you a lot about this book without giving away the whole story. It’s about two people Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth and how, at a young age, they fall in love and get engaged. When a friend persuades Anne that this is a bad match, she breaks off the engagement and breaks the young man’s heart. Eight years later, they meet again but Frederick still feels resentment towards Anne. Both have received attention from other people and it is only after so many years, they realise how much love they felt for each other. But has too much time passed? Have their characters changed too greatly? And is happiness about to escape them again…

The book shows how people can regret the actions that they may take. It also shows how people truly view each other and how opinions can change depending on the decisions they take.

I really enjoyed this book. More than I thought I would. And I would recommend it anyone. If you give this book a chance, it can really capture your imagination and make you want to find out how the love story ends.

Our thanks to Becky Cleaver for yet another book review. She really is a star !! Her latest review is here:

"The Adoption" by Dave Hill

The Adoption tells the story of one family and the changes that have to be made when a new family member joins them. This is a moving story that gives you a good idea of how much of a struggle parenthood can really be at times. A novel that makes one message very clear, the type of childhood and family people have, make them the kind of person they are in later life.

Jane is a happily married woman with three children. After longing for a child that nature fails to give her, Jane and her husband decide to adopt. But Jody isn’t what they were expecting. When Jody first arrives into their household, quiet and withdrawn into her own world, not only do Jane and Darren have to balance looking after their own three children but now have to make Jody will feel excepted as one of the family. But looking after Jody isn’t as simple as it should be, Jane soon realises that Jody’s past is something of a mystery. How can she care for someone that has been abandoned and now doesn’t want to enjoy life?

I wasn’t sure whether I would enjoy this book when I first started reading it. After a few chapters, however, it captured my attention. It really did demonstrate the range of emotions that can be felt by one person very well. And it was this which made me want to finish the book to find out how it ended.

First published in 2006 by HEADLINE BOOK PUBLISHING.
ISBN: 0-7553-2632-6

Becky Cleaver's latest review:

"Rose Alley" by Audrey Howard.

‘Rich or Poor, you can’t escape your destiny’

Rose Alley is one of Liverpool’s worst slums and living within it, a dodgy neighbourhood. This is where Queenie is trying to raise her child Gillyflower. Queenie only wants the best for Gilly but without a good education, society can be cruel. Queenie dreams that one day Gilly will make her proud, go to a good school, run her own shop and marry her sweetheart Jem.

But dreams don’t always become reality. Fate interferes with Gilly’s life and changes her destiny. When the charm’s of one of the richest young men catches Gilly’s eye, Jem now must fight for the woman he loves. An enemy from Gilly’s past is determined to ruin her future and everything she is trying to achieve. Gilly must now decide what path in life she is going to take and accept the consequences that comes with it…

Rose Alley tells the story of a complicated love triangle but also a story of loss, hatred and acceptance. As I had never read Audrey Howard before this, I found I really enjoyed the way she wrote and found this book really gripping to read, as each chapter is different in revealing the unexpected.

First published in Great Britain in 2006 by Hodder and Stoughton.
ISBN: 978-0-340-92137-1

"The Butterfly Box" by Santa Montefiore.

This moving book tells the story of one girl whose life is turned upside down when her father leaves. The story captures your imagination from the contrast of the hot country of Chile to the cold edges of England.

Federica Campione loves her father more than anyone else. Although Ramon is a traveller, each time he returns, her attention turns to only him. One day, he presents her with the butterfly box, something that will stay with her throughout the entire story.
When Ramon and Helen’s marriage breaks down, Frederica and her brother Hal are forced to move away from their home in Chile and move back to Helen’s home in Cornwall. The only link Frederica has with her father is the butterfly box and the memories it contains. In Cornwall, she meets the Appleby family and soon becomes friends with Molly and Hester. But she also begins to fall in love with Sam, the Appleby’s oldest son.
As the years go by, Federica feels alone and insecure. She marries the controlling Torquil Jenson and takes her years of being unhappily married to escape the prison that is now her life. Sam realises the one person he actually has ever loved may be lost to him forever and Federica finally learns the true lesson held within the butterfly box…

A story of an old fashioned romance that you can really enjoy within the depths of this book’s pages. A very enjoyable read.

Young reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has been busy again. Two reviews from Becky this time. First is a recommendation from us and second is a contrasting choice by Becky herself:

"Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman

Richard Mayhew has everything he needs, a job, a home and a fiancé. After one simple act of kindness, he gets the opportunity to experience what lies beneath the streets of London Above, a parallel city like no other. For here is a place for the people who have fallen through the cracks. A city dominated by monsters, murderers, angels and saints.

Richard Mayhew must help his companion, Door, to unlock the mystery that led to her family being murdered. But there are many obstacles standing in their way. A mysterious employer sends Mr Croup and Mr Vandemar, both murderers and evil beings, on the trail of Door and Richard. The Marquis of Carabas and the Angel Islington, are they beings that Richard and Door can truly trust? Only after all the secrets have been discovered, is there any chance that Richard can return to London Above and the life that he once took for granted…

Neverwhere transports the reader to another world. By naming two of the characters, Angel Islington and Old Bailey after places located within London, is something that I liked about the book, as it made sure that the book always had some link to London itself. Neil Gaiman uses a wide range of description, which captures the reader’s imagination and keeps you entertained until the very last page. A top read.

First published in Great Britain in 1996 by BBC Books. First published in paperback in Great Britain in 2000.
ISBN: 978-0-7553-2280-0

Young book reviewer Becky Cleaver has been busy once again. This time, she has been engrossed in a volume by the author of "The Horse Whisperer":

"The Divide" by Nicholas Evans.

Nobody can change the past. Nobody can change past decisions. Nobody can change the consequences…

Ben and Sarah were a happily married couple, with two children. When Ben decides to leave his family for another women, all four people realise that nothing will ever be as it once was. Nobody believed that anything else could destroy them as much as Ben’s decision to leave.

So when Abbie’s life is turned upside down again for being wanted for a murder and acts of terrorism that she didn’t commit, not only must she now leave her broken family but also the life she once enjoyed living. Ben and Sarah must now put aside their differences to help their child.
When Abbie’s body is discovered in the ice of a remote mountain creek, their lives once again are changed, as their devastation for their loss is indescribable. All they want to know now is how Abbie died and what events took place before her death to lead her so dreadfully astray…

The divide takes you on a journey of emotions, from betrayal to forgiveness, from love to loss. This book takes you from the busy streets of New York to the green spacious lands of the West.
It tells an unforgettable story of how much pain we can inflict on our loved ones even if we think we are doing the right thing and how after making one wrong decision, how the people left behind can suffer for a very long time afterwards.
I would recommend this book as I found it an amazing read.

First published in Great Britain in 2005 by Bantam Press.
This paperback edition published in 2006 by Time Warner Books.
ISBN: 0-7515-3934-1

Becky has been busy again (between studies, of course!). Here is her latest review:

"City of the Beasts" by Isabel Allande.

Alex Cold doesn’t think his life could get any worse. When his mother has to go into hospital, Alex is sent to stay with grandmother Kate, an old reporter who only enjoys drinking and smoking to pass the time.

When Kate is sent on the trail of a story into the depths of the Amazon rainforest, instead of changing her plans, she decides to take Alex along with her. Joining Kate on her expedition, are two photographers, a scientist, two translators, Nadia a translator’s daughter, six soldiers and a doctor. Once in the Amazon, it’s not long before strange events start to take place. Stories start to reach the small party of local Indians nicknamed The People of the Mist, believed to be very dangerous and able to control beasts that that can kill you before you even see them.

As these beasts kill some of the soldiers, Alex and Nadia try to find out the truth. Not only are they kidnapped by the People of the Mist, they also come face to face with these legendary beasts. Alex and Nadia soon realise that the stories told about these creatures aren’t completely true, only told to help protect the People of the Mist. For they are the ones in real danger and Alex and Nadia must complete two tasks to try and save them before its too late…

City of the Beasts tells a story of an adventure like no other. Although, the story could be interesting at times and also included an ending that I wasn’t expecting, I felt that sometimes, it didn’t feel like much was happening. With the book containing over 400 pages, I felt that the book should have included a more gripping storyline to keep the reader fully interested.

On a rather less light-hearted subject, this review looks at a non-fiction volume recording events just prior to the outbreak of the Second World War:


"Voyage of the Damned" by Gordon Thomas and Max Morgan-Witts.


Truth is often stranger than fiction and this book really does make you wonder! The book tells the harrowing story of 937 Jews who left Hamburg harbour on 13th May, 1939 aboard the luxury liner St Louis. The ship was one of the last to leave Nazi Germany prior to the outbreak of World War Two. Some of the Jewish passengers had already been in concentration camps and they all believed that they had bought valid visas to enter Cuba. "Voyage of the Damned" charts the journey of the ship as it became a pawn of the Nazi propaganda machine and the victim of cold-blooded corruption.

Not a cheery subject possibly but it certainly is interesting. Much of the material for the book was from first hand accounts of those who were on the ship. It provides a rather unique perspective of the almost unbelievable experiences people went through during the Second World War, experiences that modern generations in Western Europe would be unable to endure I suspect. Read it only when you are feeling good about life - but, do read it!


"Voyage of the Damned" first published by Hodder & Stoughton in 1974.
Our copy published in paperback by Coronet Books in 1976.

Time for one of our own reviews!

"Duma Key" by Stephen King.

A psychological horror by the king of the genre (no pun intended), "Duma Key" was a recent holiday read. Having read quite a few of King's books in the past ("The Stand" still being one of my favourites) but, not quite being a seasoned fan I was recommended "Duma Key" by my brother. The book tells the story of Edgar Freemantle, self-made construction company owner. Freemantle is badly injured in a freak accident and suffers physically and mentally as a result. He decides to rent a beach house on Duma Key, Florida to recuperate. Reviving an old hobby of sketching to aid his recovery, quickly becomes almost an obsession - an obsession with dark overtones in his new location.

What struck me about the book was the major development as King as a writer. The book was less "raw" than older novels, the characters more developed and the shocks less gory (though no less effective for it at all). King has always produced horror that is difficult to put down and this book was no different. I managed to read it in just three days even though it is quite large. Quite how King keeps uncovering subjects that pick at everyone's deepest fears, I don't know but, I guess that is why he is a successful author of horror fiction and I am not!!! I would certainly recommend "Duma Key" to anyone.

Here is Becky Cleaver's second review for today - we hope you find it interesting:


"The Icemark Chronicles" by Stuart Hill

The Cry of the Icemark starts with the story of fourteen-year-old Thirrin Lindenshield. After her father, the king, is killed in battle, the role of defending her country now falls to her. Her small country is about to be invaded by one of the largest armies her country has ever faced, led by a fearsome general from the south. The only way she can survive this war is by making allies with vampires, Wolf-folk and giant snow leopards. However, her most important ally and friend is Oskan, someone who she soon realises she can’t live without. After a ferocious battle, Thirrin leads her army to victory and the Icemark lives in peace.

Blade of Fire is based 20 years after the Icemark defeated the general from the south. He is out for revenge and once again, marches on the Icemark. Thirrin, Oskan and their five determined children now once again, march to war. But not all of the royal children are ready. Medea, has inherited her fathers gift of sight but instead of following in her father’s footsteps and using it to help, she meddles with the darkness of it and starts poisoning the family. Sharley, the youngest and child can’t take part in the war and so is exiled with the civilians to the far south of the country. But it is foretold that he will return to the Icemark with a blade of fire. Can Sharley really live up to this prophecy?

Last Battle of the Icemark tells the story of Medea. After her father banishes her to the spirit world, Medea is out for revenge and wants to punish the people that were once her family. She allies herself with the leader of the spirit world and together they create an army of restless souls and demons, with only one purpose, to destroy. This time the Icemark and its allies must once again march to war to cleanse the land of the creations from the darkness. But it is in this final book that Oskan plays the main part, as it is only him that can destroy Medea once and for all. But does he have it in him to kill the daughter that he once loved?

The first two books tell a remarkable story of how powerful the true meaning of friendship can be. The wide use of description captures the reader’s attention as you can visualize the allies and large battle scenes. Although the last book completes any unfinished storylines, I didn’t really enjoy it as much. It mainly just contained the problem of war that I felt had already been done in enough detail in the first two books so was hoping for a different story in the last one to really bring the chronicles to an end.
 
Cry of the Icemark ISBN: 1-904442-60-9,
First published in Great Britain in 2005
Blade of Fire ISBN: 1-904442-88-9
First published in Great Britain in 2006
Last battle of the Icemark ISBN: 978-0-905294-70-1
First published in Great Britain in 2008

The first of two book reviews being posted today from our young reviewer, Becky Cleaver. It sounds as though Becky has been reading even more quickly than usual in anticipation of an imminent return to college and some slightly less appealing reading material. Hope all goes well, Becky.

Here's Becky's first review:

"Connections" by Sheila O’Flanagan

White Sands is a holiday resort located in the Caribbean. With plenty of sun, sea and sand, many find this a place to go to relax and forget their troubles.
Corinne is a thriller-writer. After coming to White Sands with writers block, so soon realises that the people staying within the hotel have given her plenty of storylines for next book. Jennifer has come to the resort to get married, the weather is gorgeous and she has the man of her dreams. Only when an unexpected guest turns up does she realise that her wedding day could go from perfect to disastrous. Aidan is celebrating his anniversary with his wife but after being married for twenty-five years, he begins to wonder if his marriage is worth really saving. Rudy arrives for a rare holiday with his son, but his ex-wife isn’t very happy with him when she finds out where he has gone. Isobel has never been lucky with love. After walking away from her wedding day and a Spanish relationship, she comes to the Caribbean to forget her troubles. Its only when her past catches up with her, does she realise that the man she once loved, may have moved on with his life.

Connections is a very comical but touching read, as for each chapter you don’t know what to expect next. Through the interweaving stories you get an experience of the different situations within one holiday resort and how people’s lives are changed by the different choices that they may have to make.

First published in 2007 by Headline Review.
ISBN: 978-0-7553-2345-6

Our intrepid young reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has had a slight change of direction with her latest read. Delving into non-fiction for the first time (in terms of reviews at least). This is a book that we have also read and enjoyed:

"The Map that changed the World" by Simon Winchester.

"The Map that changed the World" tells the true story of William Smith, someone who was never rich or well connected but who had a love for fossils, rocks and geology in general.

His love for geology took him all over the country and it is after much studying that he decided to map the geology that makes up Britain as a country. His creation made him one of the most important people during the nineteenth century and his finds in geology were remarkable.

However, the years leading up to this creation being completed are hard and William suffered greatly. People that once supported his findings by donating large amounts of money became jealous and started to steal his earlier work, passing it off as theirs. His wife slowly turned mad and William found himself struggling for money, which later led him to the debtor’s prison.

Simon Winchester tells the story of William Smith through findings in history and through parts of Williams’s diary. It shows the struggles that can be faced by one man for over twenty years, the history of geology itself and the different levels of English society during the nineteenth century.

More importantly it shows how one man achieved his aim that was nearly taken from him due to so many problems and how William Smith produced the map that changed the way people viewed Britain forever.

ISBN: 0-140-28039-1
First published by Viking in 2001, also published by Penguin in 2002.

Our prolific reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has been to the library again......and, as usual, has found the time to provide us with a synopsis of her latest read;

"The Story of Stone" by N.M.Browne

A book that tells two stories that interlink through one stone.
Nela’s father is a findsman, someone who dedicates their life to unlocking the secrets of the past. When he finds an unusual black stone, he thinks that the discovery made is very important but it is just a stone. However, when Nela touches it, memories are revealed of another life that occurred many years before.
This life contains Jerret, a chief’s son who strives to make his father proud. His family are the most important people to him, so when one of his brothers becomes ill, he changes the future by kidnapping a dark daughter of the night, someone who contains the power to heal any illness. Jerret kidnaps this person even though he is unaware that she is the owner of the black stone and it is her memories that are what Nela can feel.
Nela soon begins to realise that the feelings of power and love that are contained within the stone, can be linked to her life in many ways and makes her think that is was maybe fate that brought her and the stone together.

The story of stone tells the struggles and problems that all people are faced with throughout life and how lives can be affected from the choices those people make.

It is an unusual and gripping fantasy based story and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

ISBN: 0-7475-7702-1
Published in Great Britain in 2005 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

As many people in the UK will already know (but a lot of people outside the UK won't), the Royal Mail is currently the subject of National strike action. So far, this does not seem to have had too much effect on the service we provide to our customers........but, that may change. With this in mind, we would appreciate it if customers could let us know when ordering (or preferably before) if their order is time sensitive. That will allow us to investigate alternative postal services or make other arrangements.

The latest book review from Becky Cleaver looks at "ALIS" by Naomi Rich. Seems that Becky is finding plenty of time to read on the bus (and we're very grateful).


"ALIS" by Naomi Rich.

‘Is love worth fighting for?’

Alis is just 15 when her parents come to her and tell her she is going to be married. Her new husband is their local minister and is over 40 years old. She is terrified about the marriage and whether it should even be allowed to take place.
She escapes her past by running away, firstly to another village where she meets Luke, a person who helps her to find the freedom that she has always wanted.  But when problems start to occur, once again Alis must flee, going to the city to find refuge with her lost brother. The city is dangerous and full of suffering and only memories of Luke can ease Alis’s pain.
So when news reaches her that Luke has died, Alis must make a decision. But will the decision she chooses be the right one, or does it have fatal consequences for everyone she has ever loved.

ALIS tells the story of trust and betrayal, the distress of a girl who has to choose between obedience and the freedom that she longs for. Naomi Rich emotionally draws the reader into the book and moves you deeply as you realise the amount of suffering that is faced by one girl.

ISBN: 978-1-84270-693-0
First printed in 2007 by Anderson Press Limited.

Apparently our avid young reader, Becky Cleaver, is now ploughing her way through the 'Teenage' and 'Horror' sections of Exeter Public Library!! At the rate she devours books, we can't help feeling that isn't going to take long. Anyway, here is her latest review:
 
"The Fearful" by Keith Gray.

‘For those who want to believe, no proof is needed. But for those who can’t believe, no evidence is enough’.

The legend of Moutonby town is that in 1699, William Milmullen and five of his pupils visited Lake Mou. William claimed that on that day, a creature rose out of the water and devoured the boys. A group of people at the time believed him and called themselves the Fearful.
Ever since the tragedy, the Milmullen family has protected the town. Tim is next in line to become the Mourner, the person who leads the Fearful and who can apparently keep this creature at peace. Tim wishes he knew whether or not the creature really existed or whether the creature is just a myth. However, if the creature is real, then according to legend, Tim is the only one who can stop the creature from killing again. But will Tim accept the job that has been laid out for him? Or does he wish that he could just make his own way in life…

The Fearful tells an unsettling and mysterious fantasy of old legends and terrifying creatures. It can be quite disturbing at times and includes an ending you might be expecting. However, if you enjoy dark and unexplained stories, I would recommend this book.

ISBN: 978-0-099-45656-8
Published in Great Britain by the Bodley Head in 2005, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books.

Our ace reviewer, Becky Cleaver, has been busy reading again. Thistime, a chiller that will keep you turning the pages.....

"The Vanished" by Celia Rees

‘Don’t go down into the woods today’. A warning told to every child, as mysterious things happen within the woods that can never be explained.
Fraser, Cassie and Jake run the school newspaper and gather together wierd stories from friends and teachers about unexpected incidents. All mention disturbing stories of children going missing and seven hidden steps that lead to a decaying underworld. Most stories also include information about a child called Billy, yet nobody knows where he lives or what he has to do with the incidents. All these stories are connected by the warnings of the wood. But many believe they are just that, stories, created as something to scare each other. This is until Jake’s sister goes missing…

A gripping storyline with a frightening atmosphere that is present throughout the whole book. A book with many unexpected twists and a very interesting read overall.

ISBN: 978-1-407110-60-8
First published in the UK by Scholastic Ltd in 1997.
Republished by Marion Lloyd Books in 2009.

In spite of having plenty of college work to be getting on with, our young reviewer, Becky Cleaver has managed to provide some words on her latest read:

"Eve and her Sisters" by Rita Bradshaw

Three sisters, Eve, Nell and Mary live in comfort knowing that they are part of a loving family. When a mining accident kills the only family they have left, the three sisters realise that now all they have are each other. A kind neighbour takes them in. However, they soon have to leave after his affections for Mary become clear. After trying to find work and failing, it looks like Nell and Mary are destined for the workhouse. This is before a young innkeeper called Caleb Travis takes pity on them.
Eve is forever grateful towards Caleb for employing them and soon starts to fall in love with him. However, Caleb only has eyes for Mary and soon Eve feels she has to leave before it gets too painful for her. Only once she has gone does Caleb realise that the person he has always loved has left him, maybe for good. But will he able to win Eve back before its too late?

Eve and her Sisters tells the story of love and betrayal, hope and regret. It shows how one life can be changed by so many emotions and how hard you have to try to achieve what you want. A love story with many twists throughout.

First published in 2008 by BCA by arrangement with HEADLINE PUBLISHING.
ISBN: NOT LISTED.

Becky Cleaver has been busy reading once again. Here, she shares her opinion on "The Other Hand" by Chris Cleave.

"The Other Hand" by Chris Cleave

Two women. One happily married with a little boy, the other a refugee from Nigeria. On a sunny day on a beach in Nigeria, both are brought together and they lives will never be the same again. This day haunts them both for two years, filling them both with regret and remorse. The story starts two years after this day where both women meet again. The story provides flash backs to tell you how they first meet and how one of them had to make a terrible choice. It tells you the story of how these two women have to get to know each other and how they both realise that they have become dependant on the support from the other person.

The Other Hand tells the story of trust and betrayal, life and death and shows how people can struggle to survive after terrible choices that they have had to make. Although the story was exciting and unpredictable, the story has two narrators, which sometimes made it confusing about who was speaking. Though once you have read this book, you won’t forget the powerful story that this book contains.

First published in Great Britain in 2008 by spectre. Published in paperback in 2009.
ISBN: 978-0-340-96342-5

Yes, young reader Becky Cleaver has completed another volume:

"Marley and Me" by John Grogan

"Marley and Me" tells the story of a young married couple, John and Jenny Grogan. They decide to buy an adorable puppy to complete their happy lifestyle but what they got was Marley, an excitable and hyperactive puppy. They soon realise that the energetic Marley has invaded the peaceful lifestyle they once shared. Banished from obedience school, he soon deserves the title of world’s worst dog.

Yet, when the Grogan family continues to grow, Marley quickly adapts to many of the changes made. His family quickly come to realise that devotion comes in many different forms and that their bond with Marley will never be broken, even when they are at their wits end with his behaviour.

First published in Great Britain in 2006 by Hodder and Stoughton in paperback.

Young reader, Becky Cleaver has been busy again. This time she has had her nose buried in a classic that we think every young person should read:

"The Diary Of A Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Anne Frank and her family went into hiding in July 1942 when the Jews started to become targeted by the Nazi’s. Whilst in hiding, Anne kept a diary and wrote many letters to Kitty, an imaginary friend who she could always confess her greatest fears and hopes to. "The Diary of a Young Girl" contains the letters that Anne Frank wrote for the two years that she was confined in the Secret Annexe. They describe the food shortages, the frustrations of living in a confined space and the fear of being discovered.

Anne’s diary became the most important thing in her life, as when she was older, she wanted to become a writer. The last letter is dated Tuesday 1^st August 1994. Three days later, her family were discovered and she was separated from her parents and taken to Bergen–Belson concentration camp, where she died in March 1945.

This book tells the moving story of eight people and how their lives were forever changed by the Holocaust. Although Anne was just a teenager when she died, she achieved her dream of becoming a famous writer though the contents of her diary. I would recommend this book because it tells the true-life story of the emotions felt by an extraordinary teenage girl.

First published in Great Britain in 1997 by Viking but republished in 2002 by Puffin Books.

ISBN:-0-14-131518-0

Prolific young reader, Becky Cleaver, has come up trumps again with another book review to keep you reading. Becky says that her reading for pleasure will soon be slowing down a bit as she will be studying at College. Still, in the meantime, you can enjoy her latest offering (and a big thank you to Becky for continuing to submit reviews).

"The Riddles of Epsilon" by Christine Morton – Shaw.

The story starts with Jess, moving with her parents to the remote island of Lume. It is here that she finds an abandoned cottage in which she feels another presence. While exploring the cottage, she finds three locked boxes containing a mystery. The presence she feels is Epsilon, her guide who will help her understand the secrets contained within the boxes. But what she can’t work out is whether Epsilon is a guide who is actually helping her or whether he is using her to get what he needs. After finding a message that she has to translate, she realises that the past is repeating itself and that someone before her has already tried to resolve the mystery and failed. And as Jess is put under pressure, can she work it out in time?

Although the Riddles of Epsilon captures the reader’s attention with its dark and mysterious story, I felt that the book could get quite confusing at times and that you had to really concentrate to appreciate it completely.

Published in Great Britain by HarperCollins Children’s Books in 2005.

ISBN: 0-00-719982-1

Becky Cleaver has been busy reading again. Here's her latest review:

"Getting Personal" by Chris Manby

"Getting Personal" tells the story of three friends Ruby, Lou and Martin. They each have something in common, they are all lacking relationships for the upcoming summer. After a friend of theirs gets married after finding her husband in a personal ad, they decide that they will place ads for each other to find their friend’s perfect match. However, things don’t go to plan and after many disastrous dates, they all soon start to worry that they are getting old and that they will never find the person that is just right for them. When they all are about to give up and admit defeat on finding their ideal person, someone special comes along for each of them and Ruby, Lou and Martin begin to realise that being single isn’t always the best thing.

Getting personal is a light hearted and comical read and is perfect for anyone either worrying about being single or not finding the perfect person. Easily filling hours with disasters and achievements, I found it a comical and enjoyable read. J

ISBN: 0-340-81897-2

First published in Great Britain in 2002 by Hodder and Stoughton, Hodder Headlines.

Well, we're always trying to scale new heights in looking for quality books for our customers ! Actually, this climbing wall was one of the attractions to be found at the Debra Raymond Military Figures Open Day that we had a stand at on August 15th. It was an extremely interesting and enjoyable day where we met a number of new book lovers. The theme was quite obviously mainly military so, our stand was made up almost exclusively of books dealing with military themes. Also present were the Army Cadet Recruiting Team (who provided the climbing wall) and a number of people who were exhibiting military and war era vehicles and other world war two ephemera. An extremely interesting day all round. Debra Raymond Military Figures offer a comprehensive range of regimental ornaments and souvenirs as well as some of the best military model painting we have seen. Their website is well worth a visit if you are looking for regimental items and they are also easy to visit in person if you happen to be in the South West of England (their premise are literally 2 minutes from junction 28 of the M5 motorway).
Below are a few more pictures from the day.

The "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer has been incredibly popular in recent times, capturing the imagination of readers the world over. One of her local fans, Sarah Clayton, has written a review for ULoveBooks.com that shares her passion for the series:

The "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer.

Stephenie Meyer is the well known author of the best selling novel "Twilight" with three other accompanying books "New Moon", "Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn" with a possible sequel coming soon! The genres of her books is fantasy meets reality in her compelling love story between two teenagers.

Twilight starts with an ordinary girl called Bella Swan who is leaving sunny Phoenix and her mother behind to go and live with her dad in a rainy little town called Forks. Bella believes that this town has nothing to offer until one day at school she is struck by the pure beauty of her fellow class mates, the Cullens. They are the adopted children of the local doctor Carlisle Cullen and his wife Esme. They keep to themselves in the school, never daring to talk to anyone else as they are all paired off into couples except for one. That one is Edward Cullen. Something the town of Forks does not know is that these people are Vampires.

Edward has a special gift, which allows him to read other people’s minds and is taken aback when he cannot hear the thoughts of Bella Swan. The book is a love story between the lion and the lamb and follows them as they battle for their love against the not so good vampires who disrupt the gentle calm that Forks has to offer by feeding off the local resistance.

In the continuing stories, we see more of the people of La Push who are known from the old legends as Quileutes. As Bella’s world collapses when the love of her life Edward Cullen leaves her, she later leans on Jacob Black for support finding a strong relationship in the dark mist. However, in the unusual circumstances, Edward re-enters her life again thus making her feel like she must choose between him and Jacob Black while they both risk their lives to save her.

The story continues in Breaking Dawn as the consequences of her choice unravel, putting Bella’s life and the others in danger once more.

Stephenie Meyer really engages the reader by captivating you in this compelling love story making it compulsive late night reading as you fall madly in love with the characters.

Published in Great Britain in 2007 by Atom.

ISBN Twilight – 978-1-905654-37-6

ISBN New Moon – 978-1-904233-88-6

ISBN Eclipse – 978-1-904233-91-6

ISBN Breaking Dawn – 978-1-905654-28-4

Thank you to Sarah for taking the time to write this review. We hope it inspires you to give the "Twilight" series a go.

Our young book fanatic, Becky Cleaver has been busy reading yet another volume - and here is her verdict:

"The House at Midnight" by Lucie Whitehouse.

"The House at Midnight" tells the story of Jo and her group of friends. When her best friend Lucas inherits Stoneborough Manor after his uncle’s sudden death, he and his friends spend many weekends there, escaping from their busy lives in London.

However, Jo is the only one who is uncomfortable about staying there. She feels like she is constantly being watched and that an atmosphere is building within the house. Lucas can’t seem to accept his uncle’s death and friendships are put to the test when secrets are revealed from their past. They all soon begin to realise that their lives have been changed forever by staying within the manor.

The House at Midnight is a gripping story about well kept secrets and changing friendships. The emotional and dramatic story draws the reader in and keeps you entertained until the last page. J

ISBN Number: 978-0-7475-9625-7.

Publisher: Paperback copy printed in 2009 by Bloomsbury publishing plc.

The first review comes from our young book reviewer, Becky Cleaver:

"The Smoke Jumper" by Nicholas Evans.

Based in America, it tells the story of two smoke jumpers, Connor Ford a photographer and Ed Tully a musician, who are best friends and believe that nothing will ever come between them. This is before Ed meets Julia. She changes the way that both men view the world and wins the love of not only Ed but also Connor. After a terrible fire involving all three characters, their lives are changed forever, as Ju